cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The LIMIT clinical decision instrument reduces neuroimaging compared to unstructured clinician judgement in recurrent seizures

Abstract Introduction Given the many causes of seizures, emergency physicians often utilize brain computed tomography (CT) to evaluate for intracranial pathology. Previously, we have validated the LIMIT (Let's Image Malignancy, Intracranial Hemorrhage, and Trauma) clinical decision instrument (CDI) study to determine which patients with recurrent seizures require emergent neuroimaging. The LIMIT CDI had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.9%. Here, we seek to compare the LIMIT CDI to unstructured physician judgement. Methods This was an observational study of patients who presented with a complaint of seizure. A research assistant reviewed the electronic medical record (EMR) for each patient and applied the LIMIT CDI. Brain CT was used as a proxy for physician judgement. If no brain CT was ordered and the patient was discharged from the emergency department (ED), the EMR was searched to determine whether patient had any medical visits within one year of the index visit. If the patient had no new neurological findings on follow up or abnormalities on follow up neuroimaging, this was considered a patient who did not require a brain CT in the ED. Patients who did not have a CT on their ED visit and had no follow up visits were excluded. Results 1739 patients were screened and 1108 patients were in the final analysis. 24 patients who did not have a brain CT and no follow up visits were excluded. 10 patients (0.9%) had positive CTs. 9/10 of the patients were identified by the CDI resulting in a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 81.1% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.9%, and a negative likelihood ratio (LR) of 0.12. Clinician judgement identified all 10 patients with a positive brain CT for a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 67.8%, and a NPV and negative LR of 100% and 0, respectively. Using unstructured clinical judgement, EPs ordered 364 brain CTs while only 217 brain CTs would have been ordered using the CDI, a reduction of 13.3%. Discussion When compared to unstructured physician judgement, the LIMIT CDI would have reduced brain CT usage by more than 13%. Although the LIMIT CDI needs to be validated in a larger set of patients, it performed better than unstructured physician judgement for evaluating need for emergent neuroimaging after recurrent seizures.
Computer-correcting historical maps for archaeological use

Although historical maps contain much cultural data that is of potential value to archaeologists, many early maps exhibit planometric distortions that make them difficult to use directly. A regression analysis procedure is proposed that will both evaluate the accuracy of historical maps and also geo-correct the cultural data on these maps. Using this procedure the positions of the cultural features that are shown on historical maps can be recalculated and plotted on modern base maps. A test case involving a late 19th century county atlas demonstrates the utility of the computer program that was employed for this purpose.
XPS depth profiling and leakage properties of anodized titania dielectrics and their application in high-density capacitors

The chemical structure and electrical properties of anodized titania are investigated for their application as conformal ultra-thin dielectrics on high surface area titanium electrodes. The chemical structure is studied by XPS depth profiling for the first time along with the role of anodization conditions on dielectric thickness, leakage current, and capacitance densities. Different leakage current models were used to identify the defect mechanisms in the titania film formed at different voltages. EDS and structural SEM studies were performed to investigate the morphology and structure of the titania films. This research also demonstrates the fabrication and characterization of high-density capacitors using high surface area titanium metal electrodes, conformal high K, and thin-film dielectric of titania. High-permittivity and thin-film titania dielectric was grown on high surface area titanium anodes using anodization, while conducting polymer was used as the cathode. The fabricated capacitor showed 7.15 µF cm−2 at 100 kHz which corresponded to 7.5X enhancement in surface area compared to planar thin-film capacitors. This is the first demonstration of high-density capacitors using high surface area titanium anodes along with high-permittivity and thin-film titania as the dielectric.
An Investigation of Fin and Blue Whales in the NE Pacific Ocean using Data from Cascadia Initiative Ocean Bottom Seismometers

Abstract : The long-term goals of this project are to develop, evaluate and compare techniques to estimate fin and blue whale locations and densities from ocean bottom seismometer (OBS) data and thus enable the research community to better utilize the increasing number of OBS earthquake monitoring studies near continental margins to understand the distribution and behavior of baleen whales.
Genetic analysis of chemoresistance in primary murine lymphomas

Understanding the basis of chemoresistance is a principal goal of molecular oncology. We have exploited a murine lymphoma model and retroviral gene transfer to rapidly generate a series of spontaneous tumors differing only in a gene of interest, and subsequently studied the impact of the test gene on the treatment sensitivity of tumors at their natural site. We demonstrate that the Bcl-2 oncoprotein produces multi-drug resistance when assessed in primary lymphomas in vivo. In contrast, this effect was dramatically reduced when the primary lymphomas were subjected to long-term culture, and completely missed in the standard clonogenic survival assay. This model highlights the importance of physiological test systems to address the complexity of clinical drug resistance and provides a novel strategy to evaluate compounds targeting specific genetic lesions.
Apoptosis in the corneal epithelium.

Purpose. To determine the viability of corneal surface cells and to determine whether apoptosis is present in the corneal epithelium of the rabbit. Methods. The viability of epithelial surface cells and shed cells was examined using a calceinethidium assay. In this two-color fluorescence assay, viable cells fluoresce green, and the nuclei of nonviable cells fluoresce red. The number of nonviable cells on the normal corneal epithelial surface was quantified. Surface and shed cells also were examined from shearstressed corneas. The TUNEL technique (TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling) was used to detect DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptotic cells. Results. The calcein-ethidium viability assay revealed that the normal epithelial surface is composed mainly of viable cells, with nonviable cells making up a small percentage of the whole. There was an increase in the density of nonviable cells from the periphery of the epithelial surface to the center. In flatmounts of the cornea, TUNEL labeling demonstrated that a small percentage of surface cells exhibited DNA fragmentation, whereas cross-sections revealed that DNA-fragmented cells were found exclusively on the epithelial surface. Epithelial cells from shear-stressed corneas showed an increased number of apoptotic cells. Conclusions. The normal epithelial surface consists mainly of viable cells, with only a small percentage of nonviable cells and apoptotic cells. The results suggest that nonviable epithelial cells are shed after terminal differentiation, whereas viable cells can be shed by classical apoptosis with the formation of blebs. Thus, there appears to be more than one mechanism for removal of cells from the corneal surface. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1996; 37:1017-1025. It has long been known that the corneal epithelium constantly renews its cell population, with cells added through mitosis in the basal cell layer and lost by shedding from the surface. 1 ' 2 More recently, hypotheses have been proposed for the regulation of cell proliferation and loss, 3 ' 4 and the contribution of limbal stem cells to the corneal epithelium has been elucidated. 5 " 7 Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain loss of cells from the corneal epithelium. These include cellular necrosis and sloughing of cellular debris 8 and the formation of exfoliation holes. 9 Recent studies 10 have suggested that apoptotic processes may
How Safe Is Primary Knee Replacement Surgery? Perioperative Complication Rates in Northern Illinois, 1993–1999

Objective To describe inpatient complications for primary total knee replacement (TKR) in a period of rapidly growing orthopedic surgery capacity, declining length of stay, and more frequent discharge to rehabilitation facilities. Methods Complication incidence according to published coding algorithms was estimated for 35,531 primary TKR admissions of northern Illinois residents to 65 Illinois hospitals. Complication odds were estimated as a function of patients' clinical and sociodemographic status, hospital volume, residency training, TKR length of stay, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) coding intensity, and discharges to skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities. Results Primary TKR admissions increased 36% between 1993 and 1999, length of stay declined 43%, average ICD-9 code use increased 31%, and rehabilitation discharges increased 68%. Major complication rates declined 44% (12.4% to 6.9%; P < 0.0001) over this period, reflecting a 50% reduction in the adjusted odds of complication between 1993 and 1999. There was no association of procedure volume and outcome. Conclusion It is likely that the reduction in complications reflects true safety improvements as well as reduced length of stay.
The Determinants of Housing Price Dynamics: Securitization versus Investor Demand

This paper identifies and quantifies the effect of securitization on Chicago intracity housing prices. I employ a rich dataset of proprietary and hand collected data to exploit GSE building level guidelines which prohibit the securitization of "non-conforming" condominium and co-op mortgages that instead require bank portfolio loans. These properties exhibit price to rent ratio declines of between 1.29 to 2.26 during both pre and post-crisis periods and are financed with greater homeowner equity as well as more conservative rates. Then using condominium association rental restrictions as a proxy for investor demand, I find that during the recent housing recovery, rental property demand is estimated to have led to price increases equivalent to 2 years of rental income. The results suggest that the composition of housing demand has shifted which is also reflected in higher post-crisis loan quality due to stricter investor securitization rules. This has important policy implications as it shows that securitization can be a key driver of housing prices through not just the extensive but also intensive margin of credit supply and that more conservative GSE regulatory guidelines can positively influence credit allocation.
Disordered holographic systems: Functional renormalization

We study quenched disorder in strongly correlated systems via holography, focusing on the thermodynamic effects of mild electric disorder. Disorder is introduced through a random potential which is assumed to self-average on macroscopic scales. Studying the flow of this distribution with energy scale leads us to develop a holographic functional renormalization scheme. We test this scheme by computing thermodynamic quantities and confirming that the Harris criterion for relevance, irrelevance, or marginality of quenched disorder holds.
Complications of pregnancy with an intrauterine contraceptive device in situ

Abstract Thirty-one consecutive pregnant women with intrauterine contraceptive devices in situ were studied. The devices consisted of the coil, loop, or bow. The pregnancies showed a high incidence of abortion, ectopic pregnancy, premature labor, premature rupture of the membranes, sepsis, and hemorrhage. Associated with these maternal complications was a high incidence of fetal wastage. A recommendation is made for early interruption of the pregnancy.
Isolation and properties of the FSH and LH-releasing hormone.

Abstract LH-releasing hormone (LH-RH) was obtained in apparently a homogeneous state from extracts of pig hypothalami. The LH-RH preparation isolated has FSH-releasing hormone (FSH-RH) activity, which appears to be intrinsic to LH-RH. The amino acid composition of LH-RH/FSH-RH as determined on acid hydrolysates is: His 1, Arg 1, Ser 1, Glu 1, Pro 1, Gly 2, Leu 1 and Tyr 1. The hormone isolated stimulates the release of FSH and LH in vivo and in vitro in doses of a few nanograms. This polypeptide appears to represent the hypothalamic hormone which controls the secretion of both LH and FSH from the pituitary.
In vitro uptake of tritiated glucose, tyrosine and leucine by adult Alaria marcianae (La Rue) (trematoda).

Abstract 1. 1. Autoradiographic studies demonstrated the in vitro uptake of tritiated glucose, tyrosine and leucine by the tegument covering and lateral to the holdfast organ of adult Alaria marcianae (La Rue, 1917). 2. 2. The holdfast organ tegumental surface layer (“cuticle”) showed a regional difference in uptake for all three radiocompounds; the surface layer in the posterior two-thirds exhibited more absorption than that in the anterior one-third. 3. 3. In liquid scintillation counting, a positive correlation was found between the specific activity (dis/min per μg of protein) and the duration of exposure (min) of the flukes to the radiocompounds.
X-Ray Lattice Constant of Barium Oxide

Precision measurements of the x-ray lattice constant of pure BaO were made at temperatures between 8\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and 435\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K with a back reflection symmetrical focussing camera. Room temperature measurements of colored BaO indicate a contraction of the lattice associated with the presence of excess barium.
Comparative infectivity of knobless and knobby clones ofPlasmodium falciparum in splenectomized and intactAotus trivirgatus monkeys

In two experiments, two knobless (K−) and two knob-producing (K+) clone-cultures ofPlasmodium falciparum, FCR-3/Gambia strain, were injected into fourAotus trivirgatus monkeys. The parasitemia in the K−-infected splenectomized (S−) monkey rose to a peak of 2.1% on the 16th day, while it reached only 0.7% at the same time in the K+-infected S− animal. Passage from these animals (karyotype VI) into two intact (S+), naive monkeys of karotype III resulted in very light infections somewhat higher with K+ than with K−. This experiment was repeated with two different clones in two other S− monkeys of karyotype III. Again, the parasitemia of the K+ infected monkey was appreciably below that of the K− monkey. Transfer of parasites into S+ animals of karyotype II resulted in very light infection and, as before, the K+ did somewhat better. About 2 months after its initial infection, the K+-infected S− animal from the second experiment came down with a recurrent malaria infection. Electron-microscopic observations on blood from this monkey revealed that the previously K+ parasites had become knobless (K−). Transfer of this material into an S+, naive monkey, again, gave a barely detectable infection. After splenectomy a recrudescence occurred. The results strongly indicate that K− clones ofP. falciparum are more infectious to S−Aotus monkeys than K+ clones, whereas in S+ monkeys the situation is reversed.
The effects of taxol on cytoskeletal components in cultured fibroblasts and epithelial cells

Taxol promotes microtubule (MT) assembly in vitro and induces the reorganization of the cytoskeleton into unusual MT arrays in cultured cells. The possibility that taxol also has an indirect effect on intermediate filaments (IF) was investigated. In baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) and human skin (ENSON) fibroblasts treated with 1-10 microM taxol for 1-24 h, the drug induces changes which are similar to those produced by colchicine. These include a loss of major cellular extensions, a redistribution of organelles to a perinuclear location, and an inhibition of locomotion. Saltatory particle movements are not inhibited, however. Ruffling and filopod formation continue, indicating that cells are viable up to 24 h. Polarized light microscopy of living fibroblasts treated with taxol reveals the presence of perinuclear birefringent material which has been examined by immunofluorescence. In control cells, IF and MT radiate from a juxtanuclear region and extend to the cell periphery. In taxol-treated cells, MT and IF are excluded from cell margins, forming large central bundles. In the epithelial cell lines PtK2 and PAM, the keratin system of IF does not become redistributed; in PtK2, however, a second fibroblastlike system of IF does become redistributed to a perinuclear position during taxol treatment. Ultrastructural analyses show that taxol-treated fibroblasts contain parallel arrays of cross-bridged MT-IF as well as bundles of MT exclusive of IF. Epithelial cells contain a predominance of IF-free MT bundles which are organized into hexagonally packed arrays. In these bundles MT frequently exhibit hooks or other incomplete MT profiles and are linked by filamentous material.
Measuring Chemical Abundances in Extragalactic Metal-Rich HII Regions

The analysis of metal-rich HII regions has a profound impact on the calibration of abundance diagnostics widely used to measure the chemical content of star-forming galaxies, both locally and at high redshift. I review the main difficulties that affect direct abundance determinations from temperature-sensitive collisionally excited lines, and briefly discuss strong-line methods, in particular their empirical calibration. In the near future it will be possible to calibrate strong-line methods using metal recombination lines, providing abundances that are virtually insensitive to uncertainties on the nebular temperature structure.
Embedded electroencephalogram processing and control for the actuation of a prosthetic thumb prototype

Classical control methods for prosthetics have many drawbacks when it comes to controlling smart prosthetics. This paper uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, which have many advantages over electromyogram (EMG) signals, including the ability to integrate a robotic opposable thumb in a prosthetic hand. Servo motors are controlled by an embedded processor that responds to predetermined electropotentials that are gathered using an EEG headset. The results are promising and the system proposed is a viable option for controlling a prosthetic hand's thumb.
Reply to “determinism, realism, and Stapp's 1985 proof of nonlocality”

It is shown that the objections raised in the cited paper are to features not present in my proof.
The Bulldozer in the Countryside: Suburban Sprawl and the Rise of American Environmentalism

The concern today about suburban sprawl is not new. In the decades after World War II, the spread of tract-house construction changed the nature of millions of acres of land, and a variety of Americans began to protest against the environmental costs of suburban development. By the mid-1960s, indeed, many of the critics were attempting to institutionalize an urban land ethic. The Bulldozer in the Countryside was the first scholarly work to analyze the successes and failures of the varied efforts to address the environmental consequences of suburban growth from 1945 to 1970. For scholars and students of American history, the book offers a compelling insight into two of the great stories of modern times - the mass migration to the suburbs and the rise of the environmental movement. The book also offers a valuable historical perspective for participants in contemporary debates about the alternatives to sprawl.
Direct studies of β-adrenergic receptors in intact frog erythrocytes

Abstract (−) [ 3 H]Dihydroalprenolol, a potent competitive β-adrenergic antagonist can be used to directly study β-adrenergic receptors by ligand binding techniques in an intact cell system, the frog erythrocyte. At 37°, binding reached equilibrium within 1 minute. Upon addition of excess unlabeled propranolol, complete dissociation of receptor bound ligand occurred within 1 minute. The characteristics of (−) [ 3 Hdihydroalprenolol binding to β-adrenergic receptors in intact cells were quite similar to those previously demonstrated with isolated membrane fractions. The equilibrium dissociation constant for (−) [ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol was 1.5 nM. Order of potency of agonists and antagonists in competing for the binding sites was appropriate for the β-adrenergic receptor as was the stereospecificity of binding ((−) isomers more potent than (+) isomers). Saturation studies with these intact cells indicated 1700 binding sites/cell in excellent agreement with the number previously estimated from membrane studies. Preincubation of cells with 10 −5 M isoproterenol produced a 36% fall in number of β-adrenergic receptors. It is concluded that (−) [ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol can be used to directly study the properties and regulation of β-adrenergic receptors in intact cell as well as broken cell preparations.
Global MicroRNA Characterization Reveals That miR-103 Is Involved in IGF-1 Stimulated Mouse Intestinal Cell Proliferation

MicroRNAs play extensive roles in cellular development. Analysis of the microRNA expression pattern during intestinal cell proliferation in early life is likely to unravel molecular mechanisms behind intestinal development and have implications for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we isolated mouse intestinal crypt cells, examined the differences in microRNA expression upon IGF-1 stimulated proliferation and identified miR-103 as a one of the key regulators. Mouse intestinal crypt cells were cultured and treated with IGF-1 for 24 h. MicroRNA microarray showed that multiple microRNAs are regulated by IGF-1, and miR-103 was the most sharply down-regulated. Expression of miR-103 in mouse intestinal crypt cells was confirmed by real-time Q-PCR. Sequence analyses showed that, among the 1040 predicted miR-103 target genes, CCNE1, CDK2, and CREB1 contain complementary sequences to the miR-103 seed region that are conserved between human and mouse. We further demonstrated that miR-103 controls the expression level of these three genes in mouse crypt cells by luciferase assay and immunoblotting assay. Taken together, our data suggest that in mouse intestinal crypt cells, miR-103 is part of the G1/S transition regulatory network, which targets CCNE1, CDK2, and CREB1 during IGF-1 stimulated proliferation.
The tribulations of independence: Latvia 1991–1993

(1994). The tribulations of independence: Latvia 1991–1993. Journal of Baltic Studies: Vol. 25, No. 1, pp. 63-72.
Neandertals: not so fast.

Constance Holden (Special Section, Archaeology, 20 Nov., p. [1456][1]) cites evidence indicating that Neandertal mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) shows they had been a distinct branch from the human tree for a half-million years (Research News, 11 July 1997, p. [176][2]) and refers to the debate about why
Clinical and functional correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder in urban adolescent girls at a primary care clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and functional correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma-exposed urban adolescent girls. METHOD: Ninety female adolescents aged 12 to 21 years (mean 17.3 years) who presented for routine medical care at an adolescent primary care clinic were assessed with self-report questionnaires and interviews for trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms, other psychopathology, and psychosocial, family, and school function. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent (n = 83) endorsed at least one trauma. Witnessing community violence (85.6%) and hearing about a homicide (67.8%) were the most common traumatic events endorsed. Twelve (14.4%) and 10 (11.6%) traumatized girls met DSM-IV symptom criteria for full and partial PTSD, respectively. Compared with traumatized girls without PTSD, girls with PTSD were significantly more depressed, used more cigarettes and marijuana, and were more likely to have failed a school grade, been suspended from school, or been arrested. CONCLUSIONS: Urban adolescent girls are exposed to multiple types of trauma. Whereas most develop at least one posttraumatic stress symptom, girls who meet full symptom criteria for PTSD show evidence of other psychopathology, increased cigarette and marijuana use, and poorer school performance. Further research is needed to identify and treat inner-city girls with PTSD. Language: en
Correlation between changes in pinning strength and flux flow noise due to annealing in a type II superconductor

Abstract Correlations are observed between reductions in the critical current and the superconducting flux flow noise power as a deformed Pb 80 In 20 foil undergoes room temperature annealing, thus providing evidence that the noise originates from local interactions between moving fluxoids and pinning centers.
A hierarchical structure based coverage repair in wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we propose a new control method to cover ldquoholesrdquo in wireless sensor networks. Many applications often face the problem of holes when some sensor nodes are disabled from the collaboration due to their failures and misbehavior. These holes may occur dynamically, and such a problem cannot be solved completely by simply deploying more redundant sensors. With synchronization around each hole based on a hierarchical structure, one (and only one) snake-like cascading repair process will be initiated in the local area in order to fill in that vacant space with a spare node. In this way, network connectivity and coverage can be guaranteed. The analytical and experimental results show substantial improvements of our approach compared with the best result known to date.
Application of a Reynolds Stress turbulence model to a supersonic hydrogen-air diffusion flame

A second-order differential Reynolds Stress turbulence model has been applied to the Favre-averaged Navier-Stokes equations for the study of supersonic flows undergoing hydrogen-air chemical reactions. An assumed Beta Probability Density Function is applied to account for the chemical source terms in the conservation equations. An algebraic Reynolds Flux model is used for the fluctuating density-velocity as well as the species mass fraction-velocity correlations. The variances of temperature and species fluctuations are also modelled using an algebraic flux technique. A seven-species, seven-reaction finite rate chemistry mechanism is used to simulate the combustion processes. The resulting formulation is validated by comparison with experimental data on reacting supersonic axisymmetric jets. Results obtained for specific conditions indicate that the effect of chemical reaction on the turbulence is significant.
Medications used to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and the risk of selected birth defects

BACKGROUND: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) occurs in up to 80% of pregnant women, but its association with birth outcomes is not clear. Several medications are used for the treatment of NVP; however, data are limited on their possible associations with birth defects. METHODS: Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS)—a multi-site, population-based, case-control study—we examined whether NVP or its treatment was associated with the most common noncardiac defects in the NBDPS (nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL/P], cleft palate alone [CP], neural tube defects, and hypospadias) compared with randomly selected nonmalformed live births. RESULTS: Among the 4524 cases and 5859 controls included in this study, 67.1% reported first-trimester NVP, and 15.4% of them reported using at least one agent for NVP. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy was not associated with CP or neural tube defects, but modest risk reductions were observed for CL/P (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.98) and hypospadias (aOR 5 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72–0.98). Regarding treatments for NVP in the first trimester, the following adjusted associations were observed with an increased risk: proton pump inhibitors and hypospadias (aOR 5 4.36; 95% CI, 1.21–15.81), steroids and hypospadias (aOR 5 2.87; 95% CI, 1.03–7.97), and ondansetron and CP (aOR 5 2.37; 95% CI, 1.18–4.76), whereas antacids were associated with a reduced risk for CL/P (aOR 5 0.58; 95% CI, 0.38–0.89). CONCLUSIONS: NVP was not observed to be associated with an increased risk of birth defects; however, possible risks related to three treatments (i.e., proton pump inhibitors, steroids and ondansetron), which could be chance findings, warrant further investigation. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 94:22–30, 2012. 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrent Device Thrombi During Mechanical Circulatory Support With an Axial-flow Pump Is a Treatable Condition and Does Not Preclude Successful Long-term Support

The formation of pump thrombus after implantation of axial-flow ventricular assist devices has been described previously. We report a case of recurrent pump thrombus formation in a 63-year-old man who was bridged to heart transplantation with a MicroMed DeBakey ventricular assist device. He was treated with a low, dose-adjusted thrombolytic treatment protocol, and was subsequently successfully bridged to transplantation. Transient pump thrombus formation does not preclude safe long-term support with an axial-flow pump when diagnosed and treated appropriately.
Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for proximal ureteral obstructions in children.

Abstract Objective Ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a common presentation in the pediatric population, but proximal ureteral obstructions are rare. In this setting, robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) offers a minimally invasive option to open or traditional laparoscopic repair. The present study demonstrates successful RAL in two children with proximal ureteral obstructions: one with a right retrocaval ureter and one with a left ureter entrapped between two lower-pole crossing vessels. Method After retrograde placement of a double-J ureteral stent, the child was secured in a lateral decubitus position exposing the affected side. A three-port RAL system was used to dissect free the obstructed ureter. A spatulated watertight ureteroureterostomy was then fashioned after transposition of the ureter into an anatomic position. Sutures and free instruments were passed into the peritoneal cavity via the 5-mm instrument ports, thus obviating the need for a separate assistant port. Results RAL provided for crisp visualization, meticulous dissection, and precise approximation of the reconstructed ureter. In both patients, blood loss was negligible, narcotic use was minimal, and length of stay was roughly 30 h. Follow-up imaging at 1 month showed excellent hydronephrosis resolution for both reconstructions. Conclusion These two cases demonstrate the feasibility of RAL for proximal ureteral anomalies in the pediatric population.
Vibrissal Basal Ganglia Circuits

In species such as rats and mice, the vibrissal basal ganglia circuit is a subcomponent of the sensorimotor channel in the basal ganglia network. As such, it consists of all regions in the basal ganglia that process vibrissa-related information received from the cortex and thalamus. While most of this information comes from the vibrissal regions in the primary somatosensory (SI) and motor (MI) cortical areas, some whisker information is transmitted much more rapidly to the basal ganglia by intralaminar and other thalamic nuclei. A series of interconnected nuclei in the basal ganglia transform these whisker-related inputs, and the processed output is then sent to other thalamic nuclei that project to several cortical areas. Although the vibrissal circuits in the basal ganglia are poorly understood, many findings support the view that these circuits are involved in regulating the movements of the head, neck, and whiskers during a wide range of behaviors.
Development of a photovoltaic energy conversion system with hydrogen energy storage

This paper describes an ongoing project to develop an integrated solar-hydrogen energy production, storage and utilization system consisting of a photovoltaic array, SPE electrolysers, metal alloy hydride tanks, an SPE fuel cell and an automatic control system. The hydrogen production and storage portions of the system, described herein, have been completed, successfully tested and typical performance data presented for a test run which occupied 2 h on the afternoon of 2 November 1993, producing and storing 26.5 l of hydrogen, for isolation ranging between 200 and 800 Wm −2. A computer simulation, useful for sizing studies on systems of this type, was developed and a typical output from it is shown. The program code may be obtained from the references at the end of the paper.
An in vivo model for evaluating the response of pulp to various biomaterials

An in vivo model has been designed to study the acute response of exposed or unexposed dental pulp to the topical application of various biomaterials. This model permits sequential microscopic observations of the microvascular system of dental pulp before and after application of pulp capping agents, cementing agents, or cavity liners. The use of this experimental model provides useful information related to the tolerability of dental pulp to various biomaterials used in dentistry. Furthermore, this model serves as a useful supplement to more traditional long term methods for evaluating the biocompatability of dental materials.
Treatment options and future prospects for the management of eyelid malignancies: An evidence-based update

Abstract Purpose To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for treatment options and future prospects for the management of common malignant eyelid tumors, including global ratings for the strength of published evidence supporting them. Clinical relevance Approximately 5% to 10% of all skin cancers occur in the eyelid. Incidence studies indicate that basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant eyelid tumor, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Many therapeutic methods have been suggested to combat the morbidity and mortality associated with these lesions. Literature reviewed A MEDLINE and PubMed literature search (1966–1999) was conducted for English language abstracts and appropriate (selected) full-text references retrieved regarding treatment of malignant eyelid tumors. These sources then were used to prepare recommendations for patient care. Each recommendation was rated according to: (1) its importance in the care process and (2) the strength of evidence supporting the given recommendation. Results All recommendations were rated as level A (very important to patient-care outcome). For basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma, the published evidence supporting two recommendations (Mohs' micrographic surgery or excision with frozen-section control) were graded as I (providing strong evidence in support of a recommendation). For sebaceous gland carcinoma, the recommendations also included conjunctival map biopsies. The published evidence supporting all other recommendations for these three eyelid tumors were graded II (substantial evidence in support of a recommendation), primarily because of the small numbers of patients in each clinical study. For malignant melanoma, the recommendation for therapy (i.e., excision with variable margins depending on tumor thickness) was based on published papers individually variably rated as I, II, and III, reflecting ongoing debate as to the best method of therapy. Conclusions Published reports regarding the treatment of malignant eyelid tumors include a myriad of treatment options. The strongest evidence favors complete surgical removal using histologic controls for verifying tumor-free margins of excision.
Solar thermal electricity generation and desalination in the Southwestern United States

There are direct links between water and energy use, sometimes referred to as the energy-water nexus. Water rights issues have confronted the southwestern U.S. for a long time. Furthermore, climate change is decreasing the already limited water resources in this region, and the growing population in the Southwest has also increased the consumption of freshwater. Here we study solar energy, which is abundant in the Southwest, as both an electric power source and the energy source to operate a desalination plant. We compare the use of different desalination technologies for seawater and brackish groundwater, which have different salinities. The data show that the dual-purpose reverse osmosis desalination plant is the most economical choice. However, since a multiple-effect desalination (MED) and a multistage-flash (MSF) can use waste heat for water production, desalinated water becomes a byproduct of the electric power plant, thus dual-purpose MED and MSF plants will be more economical than a single-purpose power plant. A MED plant using seawater or brackish water produces fresh water for $1.73/m3, while the costs are $2.81/m3 and $2.65/m3 for a MSF plant using seawater and brackish water, respectively.
Glial fibrillary acidic protein in mutant mice with deficiency of myelination: Quaking and jimpy

Fibrous neuroglia has been studied by immunofluorescence with GFA protein antibodies in the spinal cord of mutant mice with deficient myelination: quaking and jimpy. In both these mutants a well formed astrocytic framework was observed in the non-myelinated white matter, indicating that the arrest of myelination in quaking and jimpy mice is associated with defects of the oligodendroglial cell line, rather than with an abnormality of glioblast differentiation.
Striatal DOPAC elevation predicts antipsychotic efficacy of metoclopramide

Abstract Antipsychotic drugs are known to elevate levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in rat striatum in a characteristic fashion. We have found that the two benzamide derivatives sulpiride (an atypical antipsychotic drug) and metoclopramide (a compound believed to have no antipsychotic activity) produce a dose-dependent elevation of striatal DOPAC that is similar to known antipsychotic drugs. We have found the potency of metoclopramide to be similar to that of chlorpromazine. Based on these findings we predict that metoclopramide will display antipsychotic efficacy at a dose range similar to chlorpromazine. The inconsistent effects of metoclopramide and sulpiride in a number of preclinical and clinical studies are discussed.
Structure of a Sir2 Substrate, Alba, Reveals a Mechanism for Deacetylation-induced Enhancement of DNA Binding

The targeted acetylation status of histones and several other transcriptional regulatory proteins plays an important role in gene expression, although the mechanism for this is not well understood. As a model to understand how targeted acetylation may effect transcription, we determined the x-ray crystal structure of the chromatin protein Alba from Archaeoglobus fulgidus, a substrate for the Sir2 protein that deacetylates it at lysine 11 to promote DNA binding by Alba. The structure reveals a dimer of dimers in which the dimer-dimer interface is stabilized by several conserved hydrophobic residues as well as the lysine 11 target of Sir2. We show that, in solution, the mutation of these hydrophobic residues or lysine 11 disrupts dimer-dimer formation and decreases DNA-binding affinity. We propose that the in vivo deacetylation of lysine 11 of archaeal Alba by Sir2 promotes protein oligomerization for optimal DNA binding. Implications for the mechanism by which histone acetylation modulates gene expression are discussed.
Surface glycoproteins of differentiating neuroblastoma cells analyzed by lectin binding and flow cytometry

Cell surface glycoproteins of mitotic neuroblastoma cells and cells differentiated by prostaglandin cyclic adenosine monophosphate treatment were quantified by flow cytometric analysis and specific fluorescent lectins. No differences in fluorescent lectin binding were seen between suspensions of mitotically active and differentiated N2AB-1 cells following exposure to either fluorescein (FL)-labeled soy bean agglutinin (FL-SBA) specific for N acetyl galactosamine or FL-concanavalin A (FL-CON A) which binds to mannose residues. These lectins, however, were shown to bind specifically to these cells as revealed by competitive blocking studies with hapten sugars. When FL Ulex europaeus (FL-UEA) specific for fucose was reacted with control or differentiated cells, no binding was seen even with an increased dose of lectin before or after enzyme treatment. However, differentiated N2AB-1 cells, reacted with FL-wheat germ agglutinin (FL-WGA) specific for N acetyl glucosamine, bound more FL-WGA than that seen for control cultures. Furthermore, specific sites for FL-WGA were shown to be saturable and were lost upon pretreatment of cells with neuraminidase. Neuraminidase pretreatment revealed masked sites for FL-CON A and FL-SBA since binding was increased at least twofold for these lectins on mitotic and differentiated cells. These data indicate that single cell measurements of surface glycoproteins can be made on living neural cells and that differentiation induces an increase in cell surface N-acetyl glucosamine residues.
Political Socialization in Context: The Effect of Political Competition on Youth Voter Turnout

Adolescence is an important time for political development. Researchers have concentrated on the family as the sole socializing agent of youths; however, as Campbell, Gimpel, and others have shown, political contexts also matter for young citizens. Using the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988, the Record of American Democracy, and election outcomes data, I find that adolescents who resided in politically competitive locales or states have higher turnout years later compared to those who lived in uncompetitive contexts. These effects are not mediated by the home political environment and act through political socialization. This research adds to a growing literature on the influence of political contexts on political behavior and is the first to explore how political competition during adolescence influences voter turnout in young adulthood.
Angular distributions of ejected particles from ion-bombarded clean and reacted single-crystal surfaces

The expected angular distributions of ejected particles from ion-bombarded clean and reacted single-crystal surfaces are calculated using classical dynamics to model the momentum dissipation. For oxygen atoms adsorbed on a Cu(100) lattice in $A$-top and fourfold and twofold bridged geometries, preferred ejection angles are found for the higher-kinetic-energy particles (g20 eV). Because of scattering mechanisms which cause atoms to move through gaps in the lattice surface, we find that the patterns for different overlayer registries are easily distinguishable.
Genetic and physiological studies of the role of the RNA ligase of bacteriophage T4

Abstract The product of bacteriophage T4 gene 63 has two activities, one which catalyzes the attachment of tail fibers to base plates during morphogenesis (TFA) and one which catalyzes the joining of single-stranded polynucleotides (RNA ligase). The only phenotype attributed to mutations in gene 63 is a defect in attachment of tail fibers leading to fiberless T4 particles. However, it is suspected that TFA and RNA ligase are unrelated activities of the same protein since they have very different requirements in vitro . We have isolated new mutants which have lost the RNA ligase but have retained the TFA activity of the product of gene 63. These mutants exhibit defects in T4 DNA replication and late gene expression in some strains of Escherichia coli . This work allows us to draw three conclusions: (1) the TFA and RNA ligase activities are unrelated functions of the gene 63 product making this the prototype for a protein which has more than one unrelated function; (2) the RNA ligase is probably involved in DNA metabolism rather than RNA processing as has been proposed: (3) the RNA ligase and polynucleotide 5′ kinase 3′ phosphatase of T4 perform intimately related functions.
How to Translate Technology: from Bench to Bedside at the University of Minnesota

The unique people and processes within the University of Minnesota’s Office for Technology Commercialization are focused on developing discoveries through to commercialization, advancing scientific research from the bench to the bedside.
A study on single- and two-phase pressure drop in branching conduits

Abstract Models for predicting single- and two-phase pressure drop in wyes and tees have been developed and compared to air/water and steam/water data. It is shown that the model previously proposed by Saba and Lahey [1] can be used to predict the observed pressure drops in tees; however, it is not always reliable for wyes.
Magnetic resonance imaging to identify risk of lymph node metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer

Abstract Objective To assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify endometrial cancer patients at risk of lymph node metastasis. Methods Retrospective review of data from 108 patients with clinical stage I endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative MRI and were treated surgically. Patients at risk of lymph node metastasis were defined as those who had more than 50% myometrial infiltration or cervical invasion. Preoperative MRI reports were compared with final pathologic results. Results The mean age of the patients was 69.5 years and most patients had endometrioid cancer. On final pathologic analysis, 59 patients had deep myometrial infiltration or cervical invasion. For diagnosis of deep myometrial infiltration, cervical invasion, or both, MRI sensitivity and specificity were 56% and 85%; 47% and 83%; and 67% and 77%, respectively. Conclusion MRI has limited value in identifying patients with endometrial cancer who are at risk of lymph node metastasis. Minimally invasive laparoscopic lymph node staging should be undertaken when it is feasible.
How can we make laboratory testing safer

Background Diagnostic errors occur in laboratory medicine resulting from an error or delay in diagnosis, a failure to employ indicated tests, and the use of outmoded tests. Since laboratory tests provide essential information used by physicians to make medical decisions, it is important to determine how often laboratory testing mistakes occur, whether they cause patient harm, where they are most likely to occur in the testing process, and how to prevent them from occurring. Methods The US Quality Institute Conference in 2003 and the Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine in 2005 brought together providers of, users of, and payers for laboratory services to explore how working together they could help to reduce laboratory testing errors and enhance patient safety. Results and conclusions Users of and payers for laboratory services must become partners in the laboratory's efforts to reduce laboratory testing errors and enhance patient safety. They must be linked to a laboratory information system that provides assistance in decisions on test ordering, patient preparation, and test interpretation. Laboratory quality assessment efforts need to be expanded to encompass the detection of non-analytical mistakes. Healthcare institutions need to adopt a culture of safety that is implemented at all levels of the organization.
Coronary artery bypass graft pseudoaneurysm: Report of three cases

Abstract Aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm formation in the bypass graft or at the aortotomy site represents a rare complication of CABG intervention that can be readily identified with multidetector CT scanning (MDCT). We report three cases of coronary graft (pseudo)aneurysm, each representing the consequence of one of the factors known to be related to this complication: accelerated atherosclerosis, surgical technical factors, postoperative hypertension and sternotomy wound infection.