cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effect of Unstructured Clinical Information on Clinical Decision Support Appropriateness Ratings.

Abstract Objective To determine the appropriateness rating (AR) of advanced inpatient imaging requests that were not rated by prospective, point-of-care clinical decision support (CDS) using computerized provider order entry. Materials and Methods During 30-day baseline and intervention periods, CDS generated an AR for advanced inpatient imaging requests (nuclear medicine, CT, and MRI) using provider-selected structured indications from pull-down menus in the computerized provider order entry portal. The AR was only displayed during the intervention, and providers were required to acknowledge the AR to finalize the request. Subsequently, the unstructured free text information accompanying all requests was reviewed, and the AR was revised when possible. The percentage of unrated requests and the overall AR, before and after radiologist review, were compared between periods and by provider type. Results CDS software prospectively generated an AR for only 25.4% and 28.4% of baseline and intervention imaging requests, respectively; however, radiologist review generated an AR for 82.4% and 93.6% of the same requests. During the respective periods, the percentage of baseline and intervention imaging requests considered appropriate was 18.7% and 22.9% by prospective CDS software rating and increased to 82.4% and 88.7% with radiologist review. Conclusion Despite limited effective use of CDS software, the percentage of requests containing additional, relevant clinical information increased, and the majority of requests had overall high appropriateness when reviewed by a radiologist. Additional work is needed to improve the amount and quality of clinical information available to CDS software and to facilitate the entry of this information by appropriate end users.
Blood biomarker analysis to differentiate between pseudo-progression and true disease progression in post-treatment glioblastoma.

e13501Background: Current standard treatment for patients with glioblastoma (GBM) includes glucocorticoid therapy, temozolomide (TMZ), and radiation (RT) which may result in lymphotoxic and immunos...
Metabolic conditions and breast cancer risk among Los Angeles County Filipina Americans compared with Chinese and Japanese Americans

Accumulating evidence suggests that the aggregation of common metabolic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes and dyslipidemia) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast cancer incidence has risen steadily in Asian American women, and whether these metabolic conditions contribute to breast cancer risk in certain Asian American subgroups is unknown. We investigated the role of physician-diagnosed hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes separately, and in combination, in relation to the risk of breast cancer in a population-based case-control study of 2,167 Asian Americans diagnosed with breast cancer and 2,035 age and ethnicity matched control women in Los Angeles County. Compared to Asian American women who did not have any of the metabolic conditions, those with 1, 2 or 3 conditions showed a steady increase in risk (respective odds ratios were 1.12, 1.42 and 1.62; P trend = 0.001) with adjustment for covariates including body mass index. Similar significant trends were observed in Filipina Americans (P trend = 0.021), postmenopausal women (P trend =0.001), Asian women who were born in the United States (US) (P trend = 0.052) and migrants who have lived in the US for at least 20 years (P trend = 0.004), but not migrants who lived in the US for <20 years (P trend = 0.64). These results suggest that westernization in lifestyle (diet and physical inactivity) and corresponding increase in adiposity have contributed to the rising prevalence of these metabolic conditions, which in turn, are associated with an increase in breast cancer.
Return to play after shoulder instability in National Football League athletes.

Hypothesis We hypothesized that National Football League (NFL) players sustaining a shoulder destabilizing injury could return to play (RTP) successfully at a high rate regardless of treatment type. Methods We identified and evaluated 83 NFL players who sustained an in-season shoulder instability event while playing in the NFL. NFL RTP, incidence of surgery, time to RTP, recurrent instability events, seasons/games played after the injury, and demographic data were collected. Overall RTP was determined, and players who did and did not undergo operative repair were compared. Results Ninety-two percent of NFL players returned to NFL regular season play at a median of 0.0 weeks in those sustaining a shoulder subluxation and 3.0 weeks in those sustaining a dislocation who did not undergo surgical repair ( P = .029). Players who underwent operative repair returned to play at a median of 39.3 weeks. Forty-seven percent of players had a recurrent instability event. For players who were able to RTP, those who underwent surgical repair (31%) had a lower recurrence rate (26% vs. 55%, P = .021) and longer interval between a recurrent instability event after RTP (14.7 vs. 2.5 weeks, P = .050). Conclusion There is a high rate of RTP after shoulder instability events in NFL players. Players who sustain shoulder subluxations RTP faster but are more likely to experience recurrent instability than those with shoulder dislocations. Surgical stabilization of the shoulder after an instability event decreases the chances of a second instability event and affords a player a greater interval between the initial injury and a recurrent event.
Sensory percepts induced by microwire array and DBS microstimulation in human sensory thalamus

Abstract Background Microstimulation in human sensory thalamus (ventrocaudal, VC) results in focal sensory percepts in the hand and arm which may provide an alternative target site (to somatosensory cortex) for the input of prosthetic sensory information. Sensory feedback to facilitate motor function may require simultaneous or timed responses across separate digits to recreate perceptions of slip as well as encoding of intensity variations in pressure or touch. Objectives To determine the feasibility of evoking sensory percepts on separate digits with variable intensity through either a microwire array or deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode, recreating “natural” and scalable percepts relating to the arm and hand. Methods We compared microstimulation within ventrocaudal sensory thalamus through either a 16-channel microwire array (∼400 kΩ per channel) or a 4-channel DBS electrode (∼1.2 kΩ per contact) for percept location, size, intensity, and quality sensation, during thalamic DBS electrode placement in patients with essential tremor. Results Percepts in small hand or finger regions were evoked by microstimulation through individual microwires and in 5/6 patients sensation on different digits could be perceived from stimulation through separate microwires. Microstimulation through DBS electrode contacts evoked sensations over larger areas in 5/5 patients, and the apparent intensity of the perceived response could be modulated with stimulation amplitude. The perceived naturalness of the sensation depended both on the pattern of stimulation as well as intensity of the stimulation. Conclusions Producing consistent evoked perceptions across separate digits within sensory thalamus is a feasible concept and a compact alternative to somatosensory cortex microstimulation for prosthetic sensory feedback. This approach will require a multi-element low impedance electrode with a sufficient stimulation range to evoke variable intensities of perception and a predictable spread of contacts to engage separate digits.
Adaptive sliding mode control with unknown control direction

This paper considers an adaptive terminal sliding mode control for systems with unknown control direction and non-vanishing disturbance. As opposed to the previous treatments of systems with unknown control direction and exogenous disturbance, where the control gain is designed with large magnitude to compensate for the worst case scenarios, this work presents a control structure that adjusts the input gain to the minimal value to maintain the sliding motion. The presented control structure enables both the sliding surface and the state to reach the equilibrium in finite time. Simulation results are provided to show the efficacy of the developed control structure.
The clinician-educator has no clothes.

Dear SirI noted with interest the personal view by Bearman and Molloy (2017) on the concept of intellectual streaking as a clinical teaching technique. This is an approach I use with my residents a...
A Simulation-Based Approach to Development of a New Insider Threat Detection Technique: Active Indicators

Current cybersecurity research on insider threats has focused on finding clues to illicit behavior, or “passive indicators”, in existing data resources. However, a more proactive view of detection could preemptively uncover a potential threat, mitigating organizational damage. Active Indicator Probes (AIPs) of insider threats are stimuli placed into the workflow to trigger differential psychophysiological responses. This approach requires defining a library of AIPs and identifying eye tracking metrics to detect diagnostic responses. Since studying true insider threats is unrealistic and current research on deception uses controlled environments which may not generalize to the real world, it is crucial to utilize simulated environments to develop these new countermeasures. This study utilized a financial work environment simulation, where participants became employees reconstructing incomplete account information, under two conditions: permitted and illicit cyber tasking. Using eye tracking, reactions to AIPs placed in work environment were registered to find metrics for insider threat.
Armenian hamster female protein : a pentraxin under complex regulation

The serum of Armenian hamster (Cricetulus migratorius) contains a protein homologous to female protein (FP) that has been characterized in the Syrian (golden) hamster. Of unknown function, FP belongs to a family of proteins (called pentraxins) that have a common ancestral gene and are widely expressed in nature. Whereas serum concentration of FP in Syrian hamsters (SFP) is many fold greater (200- to 300-fold) in females vs. males, Armenian hamster FP (AFP) is only moderately elevated (approximately 3-fold) in female vs. males and only for the fall-winter months of the year. In the Armenian hamster testosterone administration to females or castration of males has no effect on AFP serum levels, whereas in Syrian hamster these treatments change SFP serum concentration to that characteristic of the opposite sex. Some sex steroid control of hepatic AFP synthesis is evident, however, as serum levels decrease after exogenous estrogen treatment. In contrast to Syrian hamster FP, normal levels of AFP are dependent on an intact hypophysial-pituitary axis and also are influenced by the season of the year. As an acute-phase protein, AFP responds in a typical fashion, with increasing serum levels detected in both sexes in contrast to the divergent sex-limited response in Syrian hamsters. Although AFP and SFP are similar structurally, morphologically, and antigenetically and share common binding specificities, the regulation of FP synthesis in Armenian hamster is very different from that previously found in Syrian hamster.
Objectively Measured Adherence in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes on Multiple Daily Injections and Insulin Pump Therapy.

Objectives Type 1 diabetes (T1D) poses unique challenges to adherence-related behavior because of complex treatment regimens that vary by use of specific technologies. This study used objective data to determine (1) prevalence rates of adherence behaviors in adolescents with T1D, and (2) relationships between adherence and glycemic control. Methods Data were downloaded for the past 30 consecutive days from glucose meters and multiple insulin pump models for 80 youth (11-17 years old; n = 40 on multiple daily injections (MDIs) and n = 40 on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]). Frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG; MDI and CSII users); carbohydrate entry (CSII users); daily insulin bolus delivery (CSII users); episodes of high, very high, and dangerously high hyperglycemia; and correction bolusing for hyperglycemia (CSII users) were calculated. Results Participants completed SMBG ≥4 times/day on 46.13% of days (MDI users), 48.74% of days (CSII users nonmanual entries only), and 59.07% of days (CSII users; manual plus nonmanual entries). CSII users entered carbohydrates ≥3 times/day on 61.47% of days and bloused insulin ≥3 times/ day on 87.34% of days. Hyperglycemic readings were followed by a correction bolus in <70% of cases. Greater SMBG, carbohydrate entry, bolus insulin delivery, and correction bolusing for high and very high hyperglycemia predicted lower glycated hemoglobin (sample M = 8.74%, SD = 1.75%). Conclusions Objective data from diabetes technology are helpful to differentiate adherence to specific domains of treatment but are complex in nature. Findings support a need for further research to elucidate predictive factors of suboptimal adherence in adolescents with T1D.
Postscript: In Search of a Career and Myself

My childhood and adolescence, and those of Eliza, my wife and companion of 67 years, were rather exceptional for children of educated parents in the United States.
Fetal Surgery Decreases Anesthesia-Induced Neuroapoptosis in the Mid-Gestational Fetal Ovine Brain.

Background Studies demonstrating an association between anesthesia and brain cell death (neuroapoptosis) in young animals were performed without accompanying surgery. This study tests the hypothesis that fetal surgery decreases anesthesia-induced neuroapoptosis. Materials and methods Seventy-day-pregnant ewes received 2% isoflurane for 1 h (low dose [LD]) or 4% for 3 h (high dose [HD]) with or without fetal surgery (S). Unexposed fetuses served as controls (C). Fetal brains were processed for neuroapoptosis using anti-caspase-3 antibodies. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results Twenty-eight fetal sheep were evaluated. Dentate gyrus neuroapoptosis was lower in the HD+S group (13.1 ± 3.76 × 105/mm3) than in the HD (19.1 ± 1.40 × 105/mm3, p = 0.012) and C groups (18.3 ± 3.55 × 105/mm3, p = 0.035). In the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus, neuroapoptosis was lower in the HD+S group (8.11 ± 4.88 × 105/mm3) than in the HD (14.8 ± 2.82 × 105/mm3, p = 0.006) and C groups (14.1 ± 4.54 × 105/mm3, p = 0.019). The LD+S group showed a trend towards a significant decrease in neuroapoptosis in the pyramidal layer (LD+S 7.51 ± 1.48 vs. LD 13.5 ± 1.87 vs. C 14.1 ± 4.54 × 105/mm3, p = 0.07) but not in the dentate gyrus. Fetal surgery did not affect neuroapoptosis in the frontal cortex or endplate. Conclusions Fetal surgery decreases isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis in the dentate gyrus and the pyramidal layer of mid-gestational fetal sheep. Long-term effects of these observations on memory and learning deserve further exploration.
Bio-Oil Upgrading Using Methane: A Mechanistic Study of Reactions of Model Compound Guaiacol over Pt–Bi Bimetallic Catalysts

Biomass and shale/natural gas will be two important alternative resources for fuel and chemical production for at least the next century. Bio-oil, deriving from the fast pyrolysis of lignin, is a k...
Reply to Qi and Dong: Policy clarification and robustness of effects.

The central concern in ref. 1 that the “timing of the policy shock is incorrect for key regions” is false. We received confirmation from the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s representative who authored the policy document issued on February 27, 2013. We confirmed that by July 1, 2014, in the key regions power plants in the central districts were bound by stricter standards (50 mg / m 3 ), while power plants in the noncentral districts faced less-strict standards (200 mg / m 3 ). We agree with the authors on the distinction between the central districts and noncentral districts within the key regions. When we take this distinction into account, our results remain robust. We repeat the analysis in table 3 of … [↵][1]2To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: shuang.zhang{at}colorado.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
2017 Sowing the “CEED”s of a more diverse biomedical workforce

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The need to diversify the biomedical research workforce is well documented. The Career Education and Enhancement for Health Care Research Diversity (CEED) program at the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE) promotes success and helps seal the “leaky pipeline” for under-represented background (URB) biomedical researchers with a purposefully designed program consisting of a monthly seminar series, multilevel mentoring, targeted coursework, and networking. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Over 10 program years, we collected survey data on characteristics of CEED Scholars, such as race, ethnicity, and current position. We created a matched set of URB trainees not enrolled in CEED during that time using propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Since 2007, CEED has graduated 45 Scholars. Seventy-six percent have been women, 78% have been non-White, and 33% have been Hispanic/Latino. Scholars include 20 M.D.s and 25 Ph.D.s. Twenty-eight CEED Scholars were matched to non-CEED URB students. Compared with matched URB students, CEED graduates had a higher mean number of peer-reviewed publications (9.25 vs. 5.89; p<0.0001) were more likely to hold an assistant professor position (54% vs. 14%; p=0.004) and be in the tenure stream (32% vs. 7%; p=0.04), respectively. There were no differences in Career Development Awards (p=0.42) or Research Project Grants (p=0.24). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Programs that support URB researchers can help expand and diversify the biomedical research workforce. CEED has been successful despite the challenges of a small demographic pool. Further efforts are needed to assist URB researchers to obtain grant awards.
Monetary Stability for Economics in Transition

A blueprint on currency systems economies in transition should adopt to achieve monetary stability.
Genetic association testing using the GENESIS R/Bioconductor package.

Summary The Genomic Data Storage (GDS) format provides efficient storage and retrieval of genotypes measured by microarrays and sequencing. We developed GENESIS to perform various single- and aggregate-variant association tests using genotype data stored in GDS format. GENESIS implements highly flexible mixed models, allowing for different link functions, multiple variance components and phenotypic heteroskedasticity. GENESIS integrates cohesively with other R/Bioconductor packages to build a complete genomic analysis workflow entirely within the R environment. Availability and implementation https://bioconductor.org/packages/GENESIS; vignettes included. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The credit industry outside the United States

Abstract Unfortunately, I have little international economics background, and not even a lot of travel under my best. However, I feel that I can work on the internet to get a reasonable idea of international practices in ecommerce, credit usage, credit reporting, and credit scoring. As it turns out, countries do not share credit data or reputations: everyone starts out at zero. I turn first to the major Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) to see what countries they claim to work with, but on their lists are both minor countries and countries that do little business with them. I decide to cover the 20 largest economies and countries with over five million in population but among the 10 highest in per capita income.
Using coarse-grained simulations to characterize the mechanisms of protein–protein association

The formation of functionally versatile protein complexes underlies almost every biological process. The estimation of how fast these complexes can be formed has broad implications for unravelling the mechanism of biomolecular recognition. This kinetic property is traditionally quantified by association rates, which can be measured through various experimental techniques. To complement these time-consuming and labor-intensive approaches, we developed a coarse-grained simulation approach to study the physical processes of protein–protein association. We systematically calibrated our simulation method against a large-scale benchmark set. By combining a physics-based force field with a statistically-derived potential in the simulation, we found that the association rates of more than 80% of protein complexes can be correctly predicted within one order of magnitude relative to their experimental measurements. We further showed that a mixture of force fields derived from complementary sources was able to describe the process of protein–protein association with mechanistic details. For instance, we show that association of a protein complex contains multiple steps in which proteins continuously search their local binding orientations and form non-native-like intermediates through repeated dissociation and re-association. Moreover, with an ensemble of loosely bound encounter complexes observed around their native conformation, we suggest that the transition states of protein–protein association could be highly diverse on the structural level. Our study also supports the idea in which the association of a protein complex is driven by a “funnel-like” energy landscape. In summary, these results shed light on our understanding of how protein–protein recognition is kinetically modulated, and our coarse-grained simulation approach can serve as a useful addition to the existing experimental approaches that measure protein–protein association rates.
Essential Electron Transport for Device Physics

Essential Electron Transport for Device Physics introduces key elements of electron transport most applicable to the study of semiconductor electron devices. It is a convenient reference and summary of fundamental knowledge to be understood before exploring more sophisticated electron device models and concepts. •Easy to read and understand •Concise descriptions of essential electron transport concepts •Quantitative results, example problems, and, as supplementary material, MATLAB code for most numerically generated figures. The contents serve as a foundation for scientists and engineers, without the need to invest in specialized detailed study.
Using a Token Economy to Treat Escape-Maintained Problem Behavior Without Extinction.

The use of extinction procedures when treating escape-maintained problem behavior can be undesirable and impractical for practitioners to use. To mitigate the risks associated with escape extinctio...
Chalhoub Group: Transforming the Luxury Retailer

From a single boutique in Damascus, Syria, in 1955, the Chalhoub Group had grown by 2019 to operate more than 650 luxury retail stores in 14 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa. By blending its knowledge of luxury and its unique Middle East expertise, the Group had built a powerhouse of brands, enjoyed a reputation for excellent service with all its partners, and offered a differentiated retail experience to its customers in the region. However, the company needed to adapt its business model to a changing Middle East. Increased globalization, economic uncertainty, technological disruption, market innovations, changes in customer expectations, and a whole new set of competitors were transforming the luxury retail industry. In recent years, the Group had focused more on the customer experience, modernized its digital presence and data gathering, and invested heavily in innovation. Had it made the right changes, in the right ways, to build organizational agility and capability to drive future performance? Excerpt UVA-S-0319 Rev. Apr. 8, 2020 Chalhoub Group: Transforming the Luxury Retailer Preparing for his meeting with the company executive board, Patrick Chalhoub, the CEO of the Chalhoub Group (the Group), wondered how best to describe the fundamental shift in the Middle East in the last few years. Increased globalization, economic uncertainty, technological disruption, market innovations, changes in customer expectations, and a whole new set of competitors were transforming the luxury retail industry. While he referred to this as the "new norm," he wondered if this fully captured the challenges confronting the Group, his family-owned company in the Middle East that had been in partnership with international luxury brands for more than 60 years. Company Background Michel and Widad Chalhoub, husband and wife, opened their first store, Christofle, in Damascus, Syria, in 1955. A decade later, the economic uncertainty in the country led the Chalhoubs to relocate their business to Beirut, Lebanon. By 1975, their two sons—Patrick and Anthony—had become active in the business, and the family moved operations to Kuwait. In 1990, they moved their headquarters to Dubai following the Iraqi invasion. Patrick and Anthony Chalhoub took over as co-CEOs in 2001. . . .
Industrial Animal Agriculture in the Pandemic Spotlight

Most infectious diseases are zoonotic—meaning that they transfer from nonhuman animals to humans—leading to dire human health risks inherent in the large-scale commodification of nonhuman animals. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular originated with the human consumption of animals, and a “wet market” where humans and nonhumans crowded together served as the first “super spreader” of the virus. The ensuing pandemic has turned a spotlight onto the dangers of industrial animal agriculture facilities as incubators and disseminators of disease, simultaneously illuminating the nonhuman and human exploitation that has been entrenched in that system for decades. Now that the COVID-19 crisis has brought more of its inherent harms to the fore, lawmakers and the public can seize this opportunity to change this system and better protect the welfare of animals, workers, consumers, and the environment—indeed, to benefit everyone.
Surgical Anatomy of the Thyroid Gland

There exist many different shapes and sizes of thyroid glands that can make each surgery unique and challenging. It is important to have an appreciation of the embryology of the thyroid gland to understand the many anatomic variants that can be encountered. The thyroid gland is situated near many critical structures, and a thorough understanding of the relationships to these structures is vital when performing thyroidectomy.
Facilitating End-of-Life Interaction Between Patients With Severe Communication Impairment and Their Families

Purpose The purpose of this report is to promote conversation among medical speech-language pathologists (SLPs) about their role in facilitating family–patient interaction involving patients who ac...
The History of Women's Sports Medicine

This editorial reviews the rationale for development of Women’s Sports Medicine Programs in the United States. Current issues surrounding the lack of sex-specific analysis in the published literature are reviewed. There is an ongoing need for basic, translational, and clinical research in optimizing care of female athletes and active women of all ages. The importance of the newly established Journal of Women’s Sports Medicine in fulfilling that need is discussed.
Spatial bias in cAMP generation determines biological responses to PTH type 1 receptor activation

The parathyroid hormone (PTH) type 1 receptor (PTHR) is a class B G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) that regulates mineral ion, vitamin D, and bone homeostasis. Activation of the PTHR by PTH induce...
Effects of immediate-reinforcement training on delay discounting behavior in rats.

Chronic exposure to delayed reinforcement has been shown to increase choice for larger, later reinforcement in a subsequent delay discounting task. In the 3 experiments presented in this paper, the opposite was tested: effects of chronic exposure to immediate reinforcement on choice in a subsequent delay discounting task. In Experiment 1, larger, later reinforcement choice was significantly reduced as a result of exposure to immediate reinforcement, compared to a maturation/handle control group, in experienced, male Lewis rats. In Experiment 2, with naive male and female Wistar rats, and Experiment 3, with naive male Long Evans rats, the impact of exposure to immediate reinforcement was less robust, but directionally consistent with results from Experiment 1. These results align with some previous work reporting that exposure to immediate reinforcement may decrease choice for larger, later reinforcement in a delay discounting task, and/or blunt maturational increases in choice for larger, later reinforcement. These findings have implications for future research investigating experience-based interventions to manipulate delay discounting behavior. They also have clinical implications for understanding and treating disorders involving maladaptive choice.
MO‐A‐BRB‐03: Integration Issues in Electronic Charting for External Beam Therapy

The process of converting to an electronic chart for radiation therapy can be daunting. It requires a dedicated committee to first research and choose appropriate software, to review the entire documentation policy and flow of the clinic, to convert this system to electronic form or if necessary, redesign the system to more easily conform to the electronic process. Those making the conversion and those who already use electronic charting would benefit from the shared experience of those who have been through the process in the past. Therefore TG262 was convened to provide guidance on electronic charting for external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy. This course will present the results of an internal survey of task group members on EMR practices in External Beam Radiation Therapy as well as discuss important issues in EMR development and structure for both EBRT and brachytherapy. Learning Objectives: 1. Be familiarized with common practices and pitfalls in development and maintenance of an electronic chart in Radiation Oncology 2. Be familiarized with important issues related to electronic charting in External Beam Radiation Therapy 3. Be familiarized with important issues related to electronic charting in Brachytherapy
Free metal ion depletion by "Good's" buffers. II. N-(2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACESH): complexes with calcium(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), cobalt(II), zinc(II), nickel(II), and copper(II).

Abstract Potentiometric, visible, and infrared studies of the complexation of N -(2-acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACESH) by Ca(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) are reported. Ca(II), Mg(II), and Mn(II) were found not to complex with ACES − , while Co(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) were found to form 2:1, ACES − to M 2+ , complexes, and [Cu(ACES) 2 ] was found to undergo stepwise deprotonation of the amide groups to form [Cu(H −1 ACES) 2 2− ]. Formation (affinity) constants for the various metal complexes are reported, and the probable structures of the various metal chelates in solution are discussed.
Preliminary Mechanical Characterization of the Small Bowel for In Vivo Mobility

In this work we present test methods, devices, and preliminary results for the mechanical characterization of the small bowel for intraluminal mobility. Both active and passive forces that affect mobility are investigated. The active forces are generated by the migrating motor complex and the movement of muscular organs within and surrounding the peritoneal cavity. Passive forces develop from the biomechanical response of the tissue, the tribology of the mucosa, mucoadhesion, and the orientation and mass of surrounding tissue. Four investigative devices and testing methods to characterize the active and passive forces are presented in this work. These are: 1) A novel manometer and a force sensor array that measure forces generated by the migrating motor complex; 2) A biaxial test apparatus and method for characterizing the biomechanical properties of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum; 3) A novel in vitro protocol and device designed to measure the force required to overcome mucoadhesion; 4) A novel tribometer that measures in vivo coefficient of friction between the mucus membrane and the robot surface.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Abstract 12593: Comparison Between Appropriateness of Exercise EKG and Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Based on 2013 Multimodality Appropriate Use Criteria

Introduction: The American College of Cardiology recently published 2013 multimodality Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for the detection and risk assessment of stable Ischemic Heart Disease. The criteria present potential diagnostic tests for common indications using a side-by-side rating system. Exercise EKG is a commonly used non-invasive test with excellent negative predictive value for coronary artery disease. The 2013 multimodality AUC are the first to define appropriate use of exercise EKG. The objective of our study was to evaluate appropriateness of exercise EKG in patients who underwent Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI). Methods: A total of 403 patients who underwent stress MPI at our institute were included in the study. Each stress MPI was classified into Appropriate, May be Appropriate or Rarely Appropriate based on 2013 multimodality AUC. The exercise EKG AUC was then applied to the same cohort of patients. For patients who underwent Stress MPI for Rarely Appropriate indications, appropriateness of exercise EKG was evaluated. Results: The mean age of the study population was 62.23±14 years (47.89% males). Out of 403 stress MPI studies, 24.31% were Rarely Appropriate based on 2013 multimodality AUC. Among the Rarely Appropriate stress MPI studies, exercise EKG was Appropriate in 69.38%. The most common indication for Rarely Appropriate stress MPI was “Evaluation of symptomatic patients with low pre-test probability of CAD with interpretable EKG and ability to exercise” (Indication 1 of AUC) accounting for 51.69% of Rarely Appropriate studies. Per 2013 multimodality AUC, exercise EKG was appropriate in all patients in this subgroup of low risk patients with interpretable EKG and ability to exercise. Conclusion: A majority of Rarely Appropriate stress MPI studies would have been appropriate if ordered only as an exercise EKG. This study highlights another opportunity to reduce healthcare cost as well as radiation burden from unnecessary stress myocardial perfusion imaging.
Convergence in Distribution of Products of I.I.D. Nonnegative Matrices

Let (X i) be a sequence of m × m i.i.d. stochastic matrices with distribution μ. Then μ n is the distribution of X n X n−1 ...X 1. Simple sufficient conditions for the weak convergence of (μ n ) are presented here. An extremely simple (and verifiable) necessary and sufficient condition is provided for m= 3. The method for m= 3 works for m> 3 even though calculations are more involved for higher values of m. We also discuss the purity of the limit distribution for m≥2.
Abstract 15923: CaMKII Links ER Stress Signaling in Pressure Overload-Induced Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Failure

Introduction: Recent evidence indicates that the multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) plays a key role in pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. The cytosolic calcium resulting from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) also involves CaMKII. However, the molecular connection between ER stress and LV hypertrophy remains unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that CaMKII serves as the molecular link between ER stress and LV hypertrophy. Methods: We used mice with genetic deletion of C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP), a mediator of ER stress. Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgeries were performed in age-matched male CHOP knockout (KO) mice and controls to induce pressure overload. Serial echocardiography was performed prior to (baseline, BSL) and weekly after TAC. Mice were sacrificed after 6 weeks for measurement of heart weight, morphometry, histology, and protein assays. Separate groups of CHOP KO and control mice were sacrificed at 2 weeks after TAC for protein a...
Sediment Transport and Deposition in Long Island Sound

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses sediment transport and deposition in Long Island Sound (LIS). The processes of sediment transport and deposition are believed to have operated continuously with little change in rate since the start of the present marine regime in LIS at 8000-yr BP. The integrated flux of riverine sediment supplied to the Sound over the past 8000 years at the present supply rate is nearly equal to the mass of mud, which has accumulated in that time. Characteristic parameters of the LIS sedimentary system are presented, and the characteristic power parameters for bottom processes in the LIS are summarized. Nature of materials forming the shore of Long Island is also described. Sediment transport and bottom stability is analyzed, and evidences are presented to show that new silt-clay-size sediment entering LIS is rapidly incorporated into the surfacial layer of pellets that mantles the mud bottom. The average rate of accumulation of marine mud on the bottom of LIS over the past 8000 years is also calculated.
A schematic approach to acid-base therapy in the newborn.

The overriding purpose of therapy for acid-base imbalance is to assist the body in its defense of pH. Outside of fairly narrow biologic limits of hydrogen ion activity, various critical enzyme systems may break down at the cellular level. At higher levels of integration, whole tissues and organ systems can become deranged when homeostatic limits are exceeded. Just as hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit express the state of balance between hematopoiesis, hemolysis, and blood volume, so also is pH an index of the state of balance between acid production, its neutralization by retention of base, and the body water spaces where such ions are distributed. The bicarbonate buffer system, operated upon by renal and pulmonary mechanisms, is the chief indicator and final mediator of the state of whole body buffer systems. Since the quantitative contributions of these other buffer systems are difficult to assess, especially at the bedside, any scheme of acid-base management based on measurements of the bicarbonate buffer system alone is necessarily imperfect. Hence, there will never be an adequate substitute for close monitoring of blood pH. However, pH measurements alone will never distinguish between the respiratory and inetabolic components of any acid-base disorders. The primary disorders of acid-base balance are, of course, metabolic and respiratory acidosis as well as metabolic and respiratory alkalosis. If the primary disorder is metabolic in origin, the ideal correction is also metabolic; but, lacking this capability, the secondary compensation of the body is respiratory (e.g., Kussrnaul respiration in diabetic acidosis). diabetic acidosis). Similarly, if the Primary disturbance is respiratory, the ideal correction is respiratory (e.g., intermittent positive pressure therapy in emphysema); but, lacking this capability, the secondary compensation of the body is metabolic (e.g., the renal adaptation to chronic hypercapnea by retention of bicarbonate).
Improve Medical Malpractice Law by Letting Health Care Insurers Take Charge

This essay discusses unlimited insurance subrogation (UIS) as a means of improving the deterrence and compensation results of medical malpractice law. Under UIS, health care insureds could assign their entire potential medical malpractice claims to their first-party commercial and government insurers. UIS should improve deterrence by establishing first-party insurers as plaintiffs to confront liability insurers on the defense side, leading to more effective prosecution of meritorious claims and reducing meritless and unnecessary litigation. UIS should improve compensation outcomes by converting litigation cost- and risk- laden "tort insurance" into cheaper and enhanced first-party insurance. UIS also promises dynamic benefits through further reforms by contract between the first-party and liability insurers that would take charge of system. No UIS-related costs are apparent that would outweigh these benefits.
Hypocholesterolemic agents VII: Inhibition of β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase by monoesters of substituted glutaric acids

A series of 1-(4-biphenylyl)pentyl hydrogen 3-alkylglutarates and 3-hydroxy-3-alkylglutarates was synthesized and assayed for inhibition of rat liver β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase. Limited solubility of the monoesters in the enzyme assay system prevented the determination of the I50 values. However, the limited data indicated no significant changes in the activity of the analogs when they were assayed at identical concentrations.
Repetitive petawatt-class laser with near-diffraction-limited focal spot and transform-limited pulse duration

A repetitive petawatt-class Ti:sapphire laser system operating with high spatial and temporal beam quality is demonstrated. Maximum pulse energy of 30 J is obtained via five multi-pass amplification stages. Closed-loop feedback control systems in the temporal and spatial domains are used to yield Fourier-transform-limited pulse duration (33.7 fs), and diffraction-limited focal spot sizes (with several different tight focusing optics). The laser parameters have been fully characterized at high-power, and are monitored in real-time, to ensure that they meet the experimental requirements for laser-wakefield electron acceleration and x-ray generation.
Rapid Auditory Processing in Normal and Disordered Language Development

Four-and-one-half- to eight-and-one-half-year-old children with normal language development, normal adults, and dysphasic children were tested for their ability to perceive binary sequences of nonv...
Separation and quantitation of bacterial ribonucleoside triphosphates extracted with trifluoroacetic acid, by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatograhpy

Endogenous ribonucleoside triphosphates were determined in Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography after extraction with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Results indicate that in E. coli this extraction method is more sensitive and reliable than trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and formic acid extraction. However, whereas in P. aeruginosa best yields of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and guanosine 5'-triphosphate are obtained following extraction with TFA, the yields of uridine 5'-triphosphate and cytidine 5'-triphosphate can be increased if extraction is performed with TCA.
The ATR Center and ATRpedia

The purpose of the Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) Center is to develop an environment conducive to producing theoretical and practical advances in the field of ATR. This will be accomplished by fostering intellectual growth of ATR practitioners at all levels. From an initial focus on students and performance modeling, the Center's efforts are extending to professionals in government, academia, and industry. The ATR Center will advance the state of the art in ATR through collaboration between these researchers. To monitor how well the Center is achieving its goals, several tangible products have been identified: graduate student research, publicly available data and associated challenge problems, a wiki to capture the body of knowledge associated with ATR, development of stronger relationships with the users of ATR technology, development of a curriculum for ATR system development, and maintenance of documents that describe the state-of-the-art in ATR. This presentation and accompanying paper develop the motivation for the ATR Center, provide detail on the Center's products, describe the Center's business model, and highlight several new data sets and challenge problems. The "persistent and layered sensing" context and other technical themes in which this research is couched are also presented. Finally, and most importantly, we will discuss how industry, academia, and government can participate in this alliance and invite comments on the plans for the third phase of the Center.
Breeding Behaviour and Oviposition in Hetaerina americana (Fabricius) and H . titia (Drury) (Odonata: Agriidae)

The objective of this study is to describe the copulatory and ovipositional behaviour of Hetaerina americana and H. titia , and to depict any differences in such behaviour as may exist between these two species. It is quite important in such studies to understand the mechanisms which assure conspecific mating. Both americana and titia are found breeding together on many of the streams of central Texas. Williamson (1906) pointed out that species in which the abdominal appendages were very similar often had sexually dimorphic and/or specifically distinct wing coloration, while species with clear wings had quite distinct abdominal appendages. These different wing patterns were suggested as functioning in species recognition for conspecific mating. Buchholtz (1951, 1955) experimentally verified that the females of Calopteryx splendens recognize and respond to males of their own species through a set of optical stimuli including the color pattern of the wing. Loibl (1958) and Krieger and Krieger-Lobl (1958) experimentally demonstrated that in Lestes dryas, L. sponsa, Ischnura elegans and I. pumila , all of which have clear, colorless wings, the species recognition factors are the shape of the abdominal appendages and body coloration. Williamson's early inferences appear to have been well documented.
Isotope effects on the populations of metastable H3 and D3 molecules in neutralized ion beams

The relative abundances of metastable H*3 and D*3 molecules in collimated beams of neutralized ions are analyzed by the technique of collisional reionization (charge stripping). The fraction of metastable/dissociative species formed in the electron transfer process H+3(D+3)+K(g) → H*3(D*3)+K+ diminishes if the precursor ions have excess internal energy. The abundance ratio of H*3/D*3 for equivalent 6 keV beam fluxes increases sharply when the time span between neutralization and reionization is increased. The measurements show that a state of D*3 with low rotational quantum numbers (N>0) is decaying on the time scale of the beam transit with a lifetime of about 0.2 μs. Results are interpreted in reference to the predissociation behavior of the 2p 2A2 electronic state of the radical. The disproportionate ratio of IH*3/ID*3 ≫ 1 is a consequence of the relative abundances of precursor levels in H+3 and D+3 that can transform into metastables by electron transfer.
Impact Of Fiber Optics On Local Area Networking

The cross impact of key standard access protocols on fiber-optic-configured topologies for local area network (LAN) applications is examined. A taxonomy of topologies and access techniques for fiber optic local area networks is developed. Network performance criteria and the key parameters affecting fiber optic networks are identified. These parameters are used to develop a methodology to enable the selection of an optimum fiber optic topology for a particular access protocol and application. Critical components required for the realization of a fiber-optic-based LAN are discussed.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Band alignments in sidewall strained Si/strained SiGe heterostructures

Abstract The band edge shift and splitting in an orthorhombically strained Si (OS-Si) layer grown on the sidewall of a compressively strained SiGe (CS-SiGe) alloy is calculated in terms of model-solid theory. Both the valence and conduction band edges of the OS-Si are predicted to be lower than those of CS-SiGe. Compared with tensily strained Si grown on a relaxed SiGe alloy, the conduction band offset between OS-Si and CS-SiGe is smaller, while the valence band offset is larger.