cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the Use of a Pop-Off Valve Affect the Accuracy of Delivered Flow and Pressure in Heated High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in Pediatric Patients?

Background: The practice of managing work of breathing and oxygenation through the use of heated high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) therapy has continued to increase at our institution. Based on our bench study published in 2012, our HHFNC set-up does not include the use of an in-line pop-off valve (POV). With our organization9s recent transition to using the Optiflow Junior 2 nasal cannulas and the RT330 heated single-limb circuit, we performed an additional bench study to assess whether use of the POV in conjunction with the Optiflow Junior 2 cannulas and RT330 circuit may prevent the system from reaching the manufacture-listed maximum flows. Methods: A bench study was conducted comparing maximal flows and pressures in a HHFNC system with and without a POV in line. Flows for cannula sizes were set as follows: extra-small (ES) 8 L/min, small (S) 9 L/min, medium (M) 10 L/min, large (L) 23 L/min and extra-large (EL) 25 L/min. For this study, three cannulas of each size, along with three POV were used. For each set of three cannulas (for each size), three sets of data were collected for a total of 45 data sets. Data were collected at 37°C. FIO2 was 1.0. Measurements of flow and pressure were acquired using a Magnehelic pressure manometer and a TSI/Alnor 41403 Flow Meter. Between measurements of each set of three cannulas, the baseline flow was recalibrated using the TSI/Alnor 41403 flow meter. Results: The most significant pressure differences with the POV inline occurred in the L and EL cannulas (Table 1). The pressure within the circuit averaged 28.40 cm H2O when using the POV with the EL cannula and 27.9 with the L cannula, although the POV limit is stated as 40 cm H2O. There was a correlated difference observed in the measured flow with the POV inline for the L and EL cannulas. Respective flows of 20.3 and 21.6 L/min were observed, as compared with manufacturer listed maximum flows of 23 and 25 L/min respectively (Table 2). Though measured values for the M, S and ES cannulas (POV inline) resulted in P values of Conclusions: Our current practice for not utilizing the POV inline was validated in this study. The circuit pressures were not extreme. With the POV inline, the circuit pressures and cannula flows were reduced significantly below the manufacture listed maximum flow level in the L and EL cannulas, which could potentially impact the patient9s course of treatment.
Abstract B104: Combined inhibition of DDR1 and CDK4/6 induces synergistic effects in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations

Molecular alterations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway occur frequently in estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast tumors. Patients with ER-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-negative) advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are often treated with palbociclib, an FDA approved CDK4/6 inhibitor, in combination with endocrine therapy. In clinical studies (NCT01942135), the combination of fulvestrant plus palbociclib was associated with improved progression-free survival compared with fulvestrant plus placebo, irrespective of PIK3CA mutational status. The purpose of this study is to identify synthetic lethality partner that can be targeted in combination with palbociclib to improve its therapeutic response. We demonstrate that the in vitro efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitor is reduced in the presence of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations using ER-positive isogenic breast cancer cell lines. Utilizing a shRNA library screen targeting cancer related human kinases, we identified that genomic suppression of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a tyrosine kinase active in various cancers, is synthetic lethal with palbociclib. Performing sulforhodamine B (SRB) proliferation assay, DDR1 knockdown by shRNA significantly reduced growth of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutant as well as wild type ER-positive cell lines. In addition, DDR1 pharmacological inhibitor, 7rh benzamide, activated the P53/P21 pathway and enhanced the sensitivity of PIK3CA/AKT1 mutant cells to palbociclib. Likewise, we found that combined treatment of palbociclib and 7rh further induced cell cycle arrest through decreasing G2-M phase population and reducing FoxM1 and Rb phosphorylation in mutant cell lines. Our data indicate that DDR1 inhibition can augment cell cycle suppressive effect of palbociclib and could be an effective rational strategy approach for targeted therapy of ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer harboring PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations. Citation Format: Maryam Shariati, Christopher A Bristow, Alessandro Carugo, Tim Heffernan, Xiaofeng Zheng, Michael D Peoples, Debu Tripathy, Funda Meric-Bernstam. Combined inhibition of DDR1 and CDK4/6 induces synergistic effects in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer with PIK3CA/AKT1 mutations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B104. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-B104
Efficacy of Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is an IgM-producing lymphoproliferative disorder that remains incurable. Patients with high-risk disease have an overall survival (OS) of less than 3 years. Both autologous (AHCT) and allogeneic (allo-HCT) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are prescribed for treatment of WM despite a lack of randomized controlled studies. Materials and Methods We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed/Medline and EMBASE on September 10, 2019. Data on clinical outcomes related to benefits and harms was extracted independently by 3 authors. Fifteen studies (8 AHCT [n = 278 patients], 7 allo-HCT [n = 311 patients]) were included in this systematic review/meta-analysis. Results Pooled OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) rates post AHCT were 76% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65%-86%), 55% (95% CI, 42%-68%), and 4% (95% CI, 1%-7%), respectively. Pooled OS, PFS, and NRM rates post allografting were 57% (95% CI, 50%-65%), 49% (95% CI, 42%-56%), and 29% (95% CI, 23%-34%), respectively. OS and PFS rates were reported at 3 to 5 years, and NRM was reported at 1 year in most studies. Pooled ORR (at day 100) post AHCT and allo-HCT were 85% (95% CI, 72%-94%) and 81% (95% CI, 69%-91%), respectively. Pooled complete response rates post AHCT and allo-HCT were 22% (95% CI, 17%-28%) and 26% (95% CI, 7%-50%), respectively. Relapse rates post AHCT and allo-HCT were 42% (95% CI, 30%-55%) and 23% (95% CI, 18%-28%), respectively. Conclusions Our results show that both AHCT and allo-HCT are effective in the treatment of WM. A 2-fold lower relapse rate but a 7-fold higher NRM was noted for allo-HCT compared with AHCT. The role of transplant in WM needs to be addressed in the era of novel agents.
Socioeconomic Deprivation and Its Adverse Association with Adolescent Fracture Care Compliance.

Background Socioeconomic deprivation increases fracture incidence in adolescents, but its impact on fracture care is unknown. The area deprivation index (ADI), which incorporates 17 factors from the U.S. Census, measures socioeconomic deprivation in neighborhoods. This investigation aimed to determine the impact of socioeconomic deprivation and other socioeconomic factors on fracture care compliance in adolescents. Methods This study included patients who were 11 to 18 years of age and received fracture care at a single urban children's hospital system between 2015 and 2017. Demographic information (sex, race, caregiver status, insurance type) and clinical information (mechanism of injury, type of treatment) were obtained. The ADI, which has a mean score of 100 points and a standard deviation of 20 points, was used to quantify socioeconomic deprivation for each patient's neighborhood. The outcome variables related to compliance included the quantity of no-show visits at the orthopaedic clinic and delays in follow-up care of >1 week. Risk factors for suboptimal compliance were evaluated by bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Results The cohort included 457 adolescents; 75.9% of the patients were male, and the median age was 16.1 years. The median ADI was 101.5 points (interquartile range, 86.3 to 114.9 points). Bivariate analyses demonstrated that higher ADI, black race, single-parent caregiver status, Medicaid insurance, non-sports mechanisms of injury, and surgical management are associated with suboptimal fracture care compliance. Adolescents from the most socially deprived regions were significantly more likely to have delays in care (33.8% compared with 20.1%; p = 0.037) and miss scheduled orthopaedic visits (29.9% compared with 7.1%; p < 0.001) compared with adolescents from the least deprived regions. ADI, Medicaid insurance, and initial presentation to the emergency department were independent predictors of suboptimal care compliance, when controlling for other variables. Conclusions Socioeconomic deprivation is associated with an increased risk of suboptimal fracture care compliance in adolescents. Clinicians can utilize caregiver and insurance status to better understand the likelihood of fracture care compliance. These findings highlight the importance of understanding differences in each family's ability to adhere to the recommended follow-up and of implementing measures to enhance compliance.
Prolonged Brackish Water Exposure: A Case Report

Exposure to and consumption of brackish water are associated with an elevated risk of infection, hypernatremia, and hypothermia. Minimal data exist to support the diagnosis and treatment of patients with long-term brackish water exposure. We present a case of a patient who spent 5 to 10 d semisubmerged in the Elizabeth River in coastal Virginia. A 55-y-old male presented via ambulance after 5 to 10 d of being "stuck in the mud." He was hypernatremic, with a sodium of 176 mEq·L-1, hypothermic to 34.5°C (94.1°F), and hypotensive at 88/50 mm Hg, with a sodium concentration of 176 mEq·L-1 and an osmolality of 412 mosm·kg-1. He developed pneumonia, with respiratory cultures growing Vibrio parahemolyticus, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Shewanella algae. He had pustules, which grew Aeromonas hydrophilia and Aeromonas caviae. A nasogastric tube was placed. Using suction, 500 mL of coarse sand and gravel was removed from his stomach. Antibiotics and intravenous fluids were given. The patient fully recovered after 3 wk and was discharged to rehabilitation. Exposure to brackish water can present a unique set of infectious and metabolic complications. Initial care should include treatment of metabolic derangements, such as hypovolemia, hypernatremia, and hypothermia, and treatment of infections with antibiotics based on knowledge of the most likely causative organisms.
Method Comparison for Quantification of a Complex Mixture of Petroleum VOCs in a Biofiltration Unit

The effectiveness of biofilters in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in complex mixtures is often difficult to evaluate due to the presence of numerous unknown compounds. A study was undertaken to determine if a simple, accurate, and useful method could be developed for the quantification of complex mixtures of VOCs. The study compared results from an external standard calibration with several primary components, an internal standard calibration with deuterated ethylbenzene (EB-d10), and an external total hydrocarbon calibration. The EB-d10 internal standard calibration resulted in quantifications of both area sum and individual compounds in the VOC stream which were within 12% of the two external calibrations. This technique allows technicians to monitor the concentrations of all analytes individually and as a group without complicated calibration techniques or preparation of multi-component standards. Finally, this method has proved useful in the quantification of air VOC samples which were incorporated into a commercially available toxicity assay system.
Reinstating the Inherent Dignity of Marginalized Communities in Ghana.

When a representative democracy implicitly or explicitly undermines minority rights and prevents marginalized people from actively participating in a democratic process, it facilitates social exclusion. This paper focuses on how Ghana’s democracy, coupled with traditions, aggravate social exclusion. The research discusses the democratization process of Ghana and its role in the marginalization of minorities. Particularly, this paper looks at the class-based marginalization of women on the one hand and the sex-based marginalization of the LGBTQI+ community on the other, in Ghana. Finally, this paper explores how Soka Education, as a way of life, can support these marginalized communities in Ghana.
Pump-probe ultrashort pulse modulation in an AZO/ZnO metamaterial at the epsilon near zero spectral point

Ultrashort pulse propagation at the epsilon-near-zero spectral point is numerically investigated using the finite difference time-domain technique for the pump-probe experiment. Free carriers’ population dynamics in the conduction band for large intensities of the pump pulse and the transient response for rapidly varying pulses in two-level media are calculated. The auxiliary differential equation finite-difference time domain method was used to numerically investigate ultrashort probe pulse propagation in 300 nm of the AZO/ZnO metamaterial. Results show a dramatic change in shape for the probe pulse modulated using pump pulses of various duration (100-500 fs) and amplitude (106−1010 V/m).
Successful transcatheter treatment for very late migration of a transcatheter aortic valve into the left ventricular outflow tract

Although rare, embolization or migration of transcatheter aortic valves into the left ventricle has been described. We report a case of very late migration of an Edwards Sapien XT (Edwards Lifescience Corporation, Irvine, California) valve that was placed 4 years prior to the development of recurrent severe aortic stenosis with the transcatheter heart valve situated below the native stenotic aortic valve in the left ventricular outflow tract. The management options in this scenario, and outline how they successfully treated this challenging case with transfemoral TAV-in-TAV have also been discussed.
Difference between binomial proportions using Newcombe’s method with multiple imputation for incomplete data

The difference between two binomial proportions is commonly used in applied research. Since many studies encounter incomplete data, proper methods to analyze such data are needed. Here, we present ...
An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

While computers are excellent at performing computationally intensive tasks, the ability to match human intelligence and intuition with computer algorithms has always been an aspirational goal. Nevertheless, significant progress has been made on algorithms that can perform predictive tasks that would have been considered unimaginable a few decades back.
Child internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among maltreating and non-maltreating families: Examining the effects of family resources and the Reminiscing and Emotion Training intervention.

Abstract Background The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child functioning have been especially pronounced among low-income families. Protective factors, including sensitive reminiscing and sufficient family resources, may reduce the negative effects of the pandemic on child adjustment. Objective The current study investigated how family resources during the pandemic, race, maltreatment, and pre-pandemic involvement in an emotion socialization intervention (Myears ago = 4.37, SD = 1.36) were associated with child internalizing symptoms during the pandemic. Participants and setting The study utilized longitudinal data following 137 maltreating and low-income nonmaltreating mother–child dyads (Mage = 9.08, SD = 1.88; 54.7% Male). Methods Mother–child dyads engaged in a randomized controlled trial of the Reminiscing and Emotion Training (RET; Valentino et al., 2019) intervention prior to the pandemic. Dyads discussed shared, past emotional experiences, and during the pandemic, mothers reported on their family resources and their child's internalizing symptoms. A path analysis examined the effects of family resources, race, maltreatment, and the RET intervention on child internalizing symptoms. Results Family resources during the pandemic were significantly and inversely associated with child internalizing symptoms, b = −0.07, SE = 0.02, p Conclusions These findings suggest adequate family resources and sensitive maternal emotion socialization may be protective against child internalizing symptoms during the pandemic.
Elastic Collisions of Atoms and Molecules with Metal Surfaces

The preceding chapters have discussed the cases in which an atom or molecule making an inelastic collision with a surface either has a partial exchange of energy with the surface (thermal accommodation coefficient α greater than 0 but smaller than 1) or has a complete energy exchange in an absorption process (thermal accommodation coefficient equal to unity). The following is a brief discussion of the case of elastic collision in which the atom or molecule impinging on the surface immediately leaves without energy exchange (α = 0) including the case of specular reflection in which it leaves so that the incident and reflected beams make equal angles with the normal to the surface.
The expanding scope of EMS: decreasing emergency department overcrowding in the United States

The ageing population has been on the rise in the United States (US) and is expected to significantly increase over the next few decades. Additionally, with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) now in full effect, there's a significant increase in the amount of persons with health insurance. In turn, this is expected to cause an influx of patients seeking emergency care through our nation's emergency medical service (EMS) system and emergency departments (EDs), which is already overcrowded on a frequent basis in many areas. Experts believe this is going to significantly increase the amount of strain on an already burdened US EMS and ED system. To prevent detrimental effects from ensuing, we have to be proactive in combating this issue. Therefore, there are three options presented to overcome any adverse reactions: i) Increase the use of preventative measures in our existing EMS system; ii) Implementing the use of telemedicine into our existing EMS system; and iii) expanding the scope of practice in our EMS syste...
Introduction to Wireless Sensor Networking

This chapter introduces the topic of wireless sensor networks from the applications perspective. A wireless sensor network consists of a possibly large number of wireless devices able to take environmental measurements such as temperature, light, sound, and humidity. These sensor readings are transmitted over a wireless channel to a running application that makes decisions based on these sensor readings. Authors describe some examples of proposed wireless sensor applications, and consider the following two questions to motivate an application-based viewpoint. What aspects of wireless sensors make the implementation of applications more challenging, or at least different? One widely recognized issue is the limited power available to each wireless sensor node, but there are other challenges such as limited storage or processing. What services are required for a wireless sensor network application to achieve its intended purpose? A number of widely applicable services, such as time synchronization and location determination are briefly discussed in this chapter. Other services are needed to support database requirements, such as message routing, topology management, and data aggregation and storage. As most of these topics are covered in separate chapters, this chapter serves to provide a broad framework to enable the reader to see how these different topics tie together into a cohesive set of capabilities for building wireless sensor network applications.
Unenforceability: Research Report

This is a short version of the full paper available at http://http://ssrn.com/abstract=2167417.There has been no systematic attempt to determine whether the patent doctrine of inequitable conduct is or is not working as theorized. This study fills that gap. We find that patents held unenforceable have clear hallmarks of risky prosecution behavior, such as longer pendency and fewer disclosures of prior art as compared to other types of litigated patents. The results indicate that the doctrine is likely to be operating better than the conventional wisdom would suggest.
Isolation and Characterization of Mycoplasma conjunctivae sp. n. from Sheep and Goats with Keratoconjunctivitis

Fourteen conjunctival strains of mycoplasma were isolated from infected sheep and goats in two separate naturally occurring outbreaks of keratoconjunctivitis (pink-eye). The biological and serological properties and cell protein patterns of these strains are presented in this report. These strains were related to each other and were unrelated to 40 recognized Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma species and serotypes. We are proposing that this group of mycoplasmas be named M. conjunctivae. The role of M. conjunctivae in the etiology of keratoconjunctivitis in sheep and goats remains to be determined.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism in a patient with eight parathyroid glands.

The etiology of secondary hyperparathyroidism is multifactorial, and as many as 10% of patients will ultimately require surgical intervention. This condition is most commonly caused by four-gland hyperplasia. We describe a patient who presented with secondary hyperparathyroidism and symptoms of memory loss, pruritus, constipation, and bone and joint pain. These complaints could not be controlled with conventional therapy. Over a three-year period, the patient underwent three neck explorations, with complete and persistent relief of his symptoms following the last parathyroidectomy. A total of eight parathyroid glands were removed during these three procedures. Although recurrence of hyperparthyroidism can be caused by seeding at the time of operation, the glands removed during the second and third procedures were not the typical miliary seeding seen with this complication. These glands were solid and hypertrophied and were found in areas not previously explored. A discussion of the possible causes of this...
A Study of the Correlation Between the use of Incidental Stimuli to Facilitate Learning and Selected Personality Traits

(1966). A Study of the Correlation Between the use of Incidental Stimuli to Facilitate Learning and Selected Personality Traits. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 62, No. 1, pp. 11-14.
The velocity slip problem: Accurate solutions of the BGK model integral equation

The velocity slip problem (also known as the Kramers problem) in the kinetic theory has been solved by a variety of techniques, and some accurate numerical as well as general variational results are available for both simple gases and gas mixtures. For the model equations, reasonably accurate solutions (within about 1% of the exact results) have been obtained by solving the related integral equations, but such techniques have not previously been pushed far enough to explore the possibilities of obtaining benchmark solutions. Some of the reasons for not further pursuing these techniques were limitations on the efficiencies and accuracies of the computer routines that could be constructed for the needed Abramowitz functions and limitations in terms of computational resources with respect to available precision and storage capabilities. These limitations have now effectively been removed with modern advances in computer technology and the computational tools that have become available, and it is the purpose of the present paper to report on our explorations in this regard within the specific context of the velocity slip problem as based on the BGK model which we have approached using the singularity subtraction technique in conjunction with numerical quadratures.
A Hybrid Approach to Developing a Cyber Security Ontology

The process of developing an ontology cannot be fully automated at the current state-of-the-art. However, leaving the tedious, time-consuming and error-prone task of ontology development entirely to humans has problems of its own, including limited staff budgets and semantic disagreements between experts. Thus, a hybrid computer/expert approach is advocated. The research challenge is how to minimize and optimally organize the task of the expert(s) while maximally leveraging the power of the computer and of existing computer-readable documents. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First we present such a hybrid approach by describing a knowledge acquisition tool that we have developed. This tool makes use of an existing Bootstrap Ontology and proposes likely locations of concepts and semantic relationships, based on a text book, to a domain expert who can decide on them. The tool is attempting to minimize the number of interactions. Secondly we are proposing the notion of an augmented ontology specifically for pedagogical use. The application domain of this work is cyber-security education, but the ontology development methods are applicable to any educational topic.
Physicochemical properties of enhanced-fluidity liquid solvents

Enhanced fluidity (EF) liquid mixtures are advantageous as mobile phases for the separation of moderate to polar compounds in liquid chromatography (reversed-phase, normal, size exclusion, size exclusion, and chiral separations). The low viscosities and high diffusivities of EF mixtures allow highly efficient separations to be achieved in a small amount of time. The best use of enhanced-fluidity liquids is only possible when their physicochemical properties are known. Herein, the techniques used to measure the physicochemical properties (phase diagram, diffusivity, solvent strength and pH) of EF liquids are described. For each technique, the experiment design and the care necessary to insure the quality of the collected data are described. Finally, the impact of the measured physicochemical properties on the chromatography is also highlighted.
Evidence for Gelsolin as a Corneal Crystallin in Zebrafish

We have shown that gelsolin is one of the most prevalent water-soluble proteins in the transparent cornea of zebrafish. There are also significant amounts of actin. In contrast to actin, gelsolin is barely detectable in other eye tissues (iris, lens, and remaining eye) of the zebrafish. Gelsolin cDNA hybridized intensely in Northern blots to RNA from the cornea but not from the lens, brain, or headless body. The deduced zebrafish gelsolin is ∼60% identical to mammalian cytosolic gelsolin and has the characteristic six segmental repeats as well as the binding sites for actin, calcium, and phosphatidylinositides. In situhybridization tests showed that gelsolin mRNA is concentrated in the zebrafish corneal epithelium. The zebrafish corneal epithelium stains very weakly with rhodamine-phalloidin, indicating little F-actin in the cytoplasm. In contrast, the mouse corneal epithelium contains relatively little gelsolin and stains intensely with rhodamine-phalloidin, as does the zebrafish extraocular muscle. We propose, by analogy with the diverse crystallins of the eye lens and with the putative enzyme-crystallins (aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3 and other enzymes) of the mammalian cornea, that gelsolin and actin-gelsolin complexes act as water-soluble crystallins in the zebrafish cornea and contribute to its optical properties.
The clinical and pathologic spectrum of recurrent carotid stenosis

Background Hemodynamically significant (≥50%) carotid restenosis occurs in approximately 10% to 12% of individuals undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The underlying pathology is usually neointimal thickening within 3 years and recurrent atherosclerosis thereafter. Although a number of etiologic factors have been implicated in the development of restenosis, the etiology remains unclear and preventative measures relatively ineffective. Methods A review of the English literature was undertaken to determine the incidence, clinical presentation, and pathologic features of carotid restenosis. Conclusions Carotid restenosis is the major factor limiting long-term patency after carotid endarterectomy. Although drug therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing restenosis in animal models, the results of clinical human trials have been disappointing. Delineation of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of restenosis is essential if effective therapeutic interventions are to be developed.
Calcium and the fast and slow components of PIII of the electroretinogram of the isolated rat retina

Abstract In Ca 2+ -free media the amplitudes of the a -wave (photoreceptor potential) and slow PIII of the electroretinogram of the isolated rat retina are considerably enhanced compared to the peaks observed in control medium (2 mM Ca 2+ ). This enhancement requires glucose. In Ca 2+ -free media, the a -wave and slow PIII are relatively insensitive to changes of the Na + concentration (25–145 m.M), while anoxia reduces but does not abolish these potentials. In normal Ca 2+ media, the a -wave and slow PIII are insensitive to anoxia but are proportionally sensitive to reduction of the Na + concentration. In Ca 2+ -free media. the a-wave and slow PIII are less affected by increasing the K + concentration (5–50 mM) than in the presence of Ca 2+ . Removal of K + leads to a reduction in the amplitude of the a -wave and an apparent suppression of slow PIII. Deprivation of glucose in the presence or absence of Ca 2+ abolishes the potentials and they cannot be restored or inverted by changing the Na + concentration gradient. The possible mechanisms underlying these effects of Ca 2+ are discussed in terms of photoreceptor function.
Interactions between Ice-Albedo, Lapse-Rate and Cloud-Top Feedbacks: An Analysis of the Nonlinear Response of a GCM Climate Model

Abstract This paper examines the interactions between ice-albedo, lapse-rate and cloud-top feedbacks with the aid of GCM climate experiments published by Wetherald and Manabe (1975). First we establish that the long-wave modification effect (the so-called “greenhouse effect”) of clouds depends largely on the temperature difference Tsc between surface and cloud tops. If Tsc changes with a change in the surface temperature Ts, then the longwave modification effect of clouds would change which would result in a modification of the initial change in Ts. This feedback between the longwave modification effect of clouds and Ts, is referred to as the cloud top feedback in this paper. The sign of this feedback is considered positive (negative) when it amplifies (decreases) an initial change in Ts and it is shown that the sign is determined by the sign of dTsc/dTs. In the GCM climate experiments of Wetherald and Manabe (1975), dTsc/dTs 0 at high latitudes; consequently, cloud top...
Asking the Right Question: Understanding the Travel Needs of Older Women Who Do Not Drive

Most of those 65 and older are and will be women who have different travel patterns and resources to cope with mobility losses as they age. Older women make up the overwhelming percentage of all nondrivers, and a high proportion have limited incomes and household support with which to address their travel needs. Unpublished data from the 1995 Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey were analyzed to evaluate the differential impact of not having a license on otherwise comparable men and women. Women who do not drive face greater mobility problems than comparable men, and the mobility problems of older women are of two types: never having had the ability to drive and loss of the ability to drive. Current patterns suggest that mobility losses due to either type of nondriving will not fall evenly on men and women or among different groups of men and women.
COMPUTING AND NETWORKING SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: HOW DO COMMUNITY COLLEGES MEASURE UP?

This study examined the level of computing and networking services provided by colleges and universities for students with disabilities and the barriers faced by institutions in providing such services. A mail survey was distributed to every American post‐secondary institution with an enrollment of 1,000 or more. Responses of 2‐year and 4‐year schools were compared. Survey results suggested that, to comply with federal legislation, institutions must make greater efforts to ensure nondiscrimination with regard to computer and network access. Overall, 2‐year institutions provide a greater range of computing services and more types of adaptive devices than do 4‐year schools. More campus organizational units in 2‐year than in 4‐year institutions are involved in selecting, managing, and funding computing services for students with disabilities. More 2‐year than 4‐year institutions have employees assigned to these computing support positions and have at least one of these positions filled with a person who has ...
Prostaglandin e1 (pge1) suppression of adjuvant arthritis histopathology

Histopathologic studies of tibiotarsal joints from rats with adjuvant disease show complete suppression of arthritis in animals treated with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) from time of adjuvant injection. Established synovitis is improved by PGE1 treatment and progression of arthritis and cartilage destruction is halted.
An acute care surgery dilemma: emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients on aspirin therapy

Abstract Background The current literature regarding hemorrhagic complications in patients on long-term antiplatelet therapy undergoing emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy is limited. The aim of our study was to describe hemorrhagic complications in patients on prehospital aspirin (ASP) therapy undergoing emergent cholecystectomy. Methods We performed a 1-year retrospective analysis of our prospectively maintained acute care surgery database. The 2 groups (ASP group vs No ASP group) were matched in a 1:1 ratio for age, sex, previous abdominal surgeries, and comorbidities. Primary outcome measures were intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative anemia, need for blood transfusion, and conversion to open cholecystectomy. Intraoperative hemorrhage was defined as intraoperative blood loss of ≥100 mL; postoperative anemia was defined by ≥2 g/dL drop in hemoglobin. Results A total of 112 (ASP: 56, no ASP: 56) patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 65.9 ± 10 years, and 50% were male. There was no difference in age ( P = .9), sex ( P = .9), and comorbidities ( P = .7) between the 2 groups. There was no difference in intraoperative blood loss >100 mL ( P = .5), postoperative anemia ( P = .8), blood transfusion requirement ( P = .9), and conversion to open surgery ( P = .7) between patients on American Society of Anesthesiologists therapy and patients not on American Society of Anesthesiologists therapy. Conclusions Emergent laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure in patients on long-term ASP. Prehospital use of ASP as an independent factor should not be used to delay emergent cholecystectomy.
Getting America to take the shame

Film maker Michael Moore is to be thanked for holding up mirrors to the US healthcare system
Effects of the band offset on interfacial deep levels

The energy levels of antisite defects at a GaAs/Ge (110) interface are calculated and shown to be essentially unaltered with respect to the GaAs valence band maximum by different choices of the valence band offset.
Taking action to lose weight: toward an understanding of individual differences.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to understand differences in obese/overweight individuals who do and do not seek ongoing external assistance for weight loss. Help-seeking was examined as a dichotomous and as a continuous variable. Measures of body mass index, comorbid medical conditions, socioeconomic status, psychological distress, disordered eating behavior, body image, and obesity-related knowledge were administered to a community sample of 120 overweight women (age: 22–65 y, BMI: 25–63 kg/m 2 ). Fewer predictors of help-seeking were identified when measuring help-seeking as a dichotomy than when measuring it as a continuum. All predictors were from psychosocial domains, with obesity-related knowledge being the strongest, most consistent predictor. Help-seeking for weight control in a community sample of overweight and obese individuals appears to be motivated by psychological aspects of obesity, rather than obesity's physical or medical burden.
Mutant viral RNAs synthesized in vitro show altered aminoacylation and replicase template activities.

A remarkable feature of the genomic RNAs of several plant viruses is the presence at the 3′ end of a region that exhibits tRNA-like functions, including aminoacylation1–3. The three genomic and single subgenomic RNAs of brome mosaic virus (BMV) accept tyrosine in vitro4 and in vivo5, the smallest 3′ fragment that can be aminoacylated being about 135 nucleotides long6. The roles of the tRNA-like properties are incompletely understood, but an involvement in replication rather than translational functions is likely3,7,8. We have recently shown (J.J.B. et al., in preparation) that the features recognized by the BMV RNA-specific RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (replicase)9,10 for the use of BMV RNA for complementary strand synthesis also lie within the tRNA-like structure. To distinguish between the roles of BMV RNA as a substrate for tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase and BMV replicase, we have now produced BMV RNAs with mutations at two separate loci within the tRNA-like structure. This has been achieved by transcription in vitro from specifically mutagenized cDNA, an approach permitting the generation of targeted mutants without regard to their viability in vivo.
Generator of droplet tracers for holographic flow visualization in water tunnels

Design of a tracer-particle generator for use in holographic flow visualization of complex flow fields is discussed. Desired characteristics of the tracer particles, including a size range of 20 to 200 microns, a spherical shape to facilitate focusing of holograms, and a fluid density near that of ambient particles, are reviewed; a particle injection rate of 100 to 1000 per sec in water tunnels with flow velocities between one and 10 meters per sec is also desirable. The operation of the particle generator, which produces uniform droplets with the specified optical properties, is described.
A Multitrait-Multimethod examination of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales in a College Sample

This study assessed trait validity of the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales’ (RIAS) Verbal Index (VIX) and Nonverbal Index (NIX) scores in a group of college students. Using both observation of patterns and latent variable modeling of a multitrait—multimethod correlation/covariance matrix, the results indicate that the RIAS VIX scores behaved in a manner predicted from the theory behind their construction; namely, they related strongly to other measures of crystallized intelligence (Gc) and, together, they formed a salient Gc factor. The NIX scores, however, did not behave as predicted—showing as strong, or stronger, associations with measures of Gc than measures of fluid intelligence. Although more studies of this type are needed across different samples before making broad generalizations, the results from the present study support the use and interpretation of the RIAS VIX score, but not the NIX score.
Production of polyclonal antibodies against Pelargonium zonate spot virus coat protein expressed in Escherichia coli and application for immunodiagnosis

Pelargonium zonate spot virus (PZSV) is identified recently in tomato plants in the United States. To develop serological diagnostic tools for the detection of this virus, the production of good quality antibodies is a necessity. The coat protein (CP) gene of a California isolate of PZSV was cloned into a bacterial expression vector (pTriEX-4 Ek/LIC). The plasmid pTriEX-4-PZSV-CP was transformed into Escherichia coli Rosetta 2(DE3)pLacI and the recombinant PZSV-CP was expressed as a fusion protein containing N-terminal hexa-histidine and S tags. Expressed PZSV-CP was purified under denaturing conditions by affinity chromatography yielding 3 mg refolded protein per 200 mL of bacterial culture, and used as an antigen for raising PZSV-CP antiserum in rabbits. Specificity of the antiserum to PZSV was shown by Western blot and ELISA. When used in Western blot analysis, the antiserum was able to detect the recombinant protein, the PZSV coat protein and PZSV infected plant samples. The antiserum was successfully used in indirect-ELISA at dilutions of up to 1:16,000 to detect PZSV in infected leaf samples. Direct ELISA was successful only with denatured antigens. This is the first report on production of polyclonal antiserum against recombinant coat protein of PZSV and its use for detection and diagnosis of virus using serological methods.
Interval Partitions and Activities for the Greedoid Tutte Polynomial

The two variable greedoid Tutte polynomialf(G;t,z), which was introduced in previous work of the authors, is studied via external activities. Two different partitions of the Boolean lattice of subsets are derived and a feasible set expansion off(G) is developed. All three of these results generalize theorems for matroids. One interval partition yields a characterization of antimatroids among the class of all greedoids. As an application, we prove that whenGis the directed branching greedoid associated with a rooted digraphD, then the highest power of (z+1) which dividesf(G) equals the minimum number of edges which can be removed fromDto produce an acyclic digraph in which all vertices ofDare still accessible from the root. The unifying theme behind these results is the idea of a computation tree.
Raman Lidar Profiling of Tropospheric Water Vapor over Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

AbstractA new measurement capability has been implemented in the Arctic Lidar Technology (ARCLITE) system at the Sondrestrom upper-atmosphere research facility near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (67.0°N, 50.9°W), enabling estimates of atmospheric water vapor through the troposphere. A balloon campaign was simultaneously conducted to calibrate and validate the new lidar water vapor measurements. Initial results show that height-resolved profiles up to 10 km with better than 10% error are obtained with 30-min integration and 250-m height resolution. Comparison of the lidar observations with water vapor profiles retrieved by the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument on board the Aqua satellite agree within the error associated with each measurement. These new observations offer more routine measurements of water vapor in the Arctic to complement measurements related to the Arctic’s hydrologic cycle.
Clinical Applications Of New Echocardiographic Techniques

Standard M-mode echocardiography has been accepted for accuracy and safety proven in over twenty years of clinical use. However the special training needed to interpret echocardiographic tracings in this form has made the technique under-utilized by the general medical public. The extension of echocardiography into two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging permits non-invasive visualization of the heart with an anatomic format that makes the resulting information more comprehensible to the average cardiologist and cardiovascular surgeon. Theoretically, examining signals from all areas of the cardiac valve or chamber reduces the chance of sampling error and in fact provides a more solid base for interpretation of abnormalities. The two-dimensional echo (2DE) instruments provide M-mode information, as well as two-dimensional display, and have been shown to be accurate for quantitation of the size of cardiac valves, the presence of intracardiac masses, the volume of cardiac chambers, segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, complex congenital cardiac malformations, and the presence of pericardial fluid surrounding the heart. Several laboratories are carrying out exciting investigations on the effects of acute and chronic coronary artery disease on the motion pattern of ventricular walls as well as recognizing the main coronary vessels per se. Seeing the main coronary arteries allows attempted recognition of pathology within these vessels directly and serves as a basis for identifying the position of intracardiac and transcutaneous flow measuring devices. Also, 2DE can be used to identify the orientation and location of myocardial segments to be sampled for tissue signature analysis in attempts to non-invasively characterize the histology of the heart.
X-ray refractive index of silicon in the range 400 to 1100eV

Abstract Both the absorptive and dispersive parts of the silicon soft X-ray refractive index have been determined from grazing-incidence X-ray reflectivity measurements on bulk crystalline material using photons in the energy range 400–1100 eV. These values are in good agreement with semi-empirical values obtained from a self-consistent Kramers-Kronig approach applied to experimental data outside this energy range, and serve as a useful confirmation of the validity of these calculations within this important range of energies.
Flow cytometry in oceanography: Status and prospects

The technology of flow cytometry and cell sorting has existed for ∼20 years, and its potential applications to oceanography have been obvious to many for nearly as long. Its introduction into oceanography did not occur, however, until the early 1980s [Yentsch et al. 1983; Olson et al. 1983]. The introduction was made possible largely t hrough the funding of instruments dedicated to oceanographic applications by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and private institutions. In the last 5 years, interest in this new tool has grown significantly, and the number of flow cytometry facilities dedicated to applications in oceanography and limnology in the United States, Canada, and Europe has expanded to a surprising degree (Table 1).
The Histone Demethylase Jhdm1a Regulates Hepatic Gluconeogenesis

Hepatic gluconeogenesis is required for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis; yet, in diabetes mellitus, this process is unrestrained and is a major contributor to fasting hyperglycemia. To date, the impacts of chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin landscape on gluconeogenesis are poorly understood. Through catalyzing the removal of methyl groups from specific lysine residues in the histone tail, histone demethylases modulate chromatin structure and, hence, gene expression. Here we perform an RNA interference screen against the known histone demethylases and identify a histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) demethylase, Jhdm1a, as a key negative regulator of gluconeogenic gene expression. In vivo, silencing of Jhdm1a promotes liver glucose synthesis, while its exogenous expression reduces blood glucose level. Importantly, the regulation of gluconeogenesis by Jhdm1a requires its demethylation activity. Mechanistically, we find that Jhdm1a regulates the expression of a major gluconeogenic regulator, C/EBPα. This is achieved, at least in part, by its USF1-dependent association with the C/EBPα promoter and its subsequent demethylation of dimethylated H3K36 on the C/EBPα locus. Our work provides compelling evidence that links histone demethylation to transcriptional regulation of gluconeogenesis and has important implications for the treatment of diabetes.