cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infectious Central Venous Line Complications During Induction Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Acute Leukemia

Abstract Abstract 4322 Introduction: Childhood acute leukemia treatment requires central venous lines (CVL) for instillation of chemotherapy and blood products. Ideally, a proper white cell count (WBC) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ensure proper healing of CVLs, but this is challenging in children with acute leukemia. We sought to investigate the CVL complication rate in newly diagnosed children with acute leukemia during their induction therapy, and determine if the degree of neutropenia at the time of CVL placement correlated with the number of CVLs lost due to infection, wound dehiscence, or thrombosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with leukemia between January 2007 and December 2009 and recorded leukemia type, WBC and ANC at diagnosis and at the time of CVL placement, the type of CVL placed (external line, subcutaneous port) or placement of peripherally inserted central (PICC) line. We recorded complications, including infection, line malfunction, wound dehiscence, and thrombosis within their induction therapy phase. Results: Ninety-five children were evaluable, including 68 children with precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre B ALL), 19 with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and 8 with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T cell ALL). Ninety-eight CVLs were placed in 94 children (1 child died of complications of APML before initiation of therapy). There were 77 subcutaneous ports and 21 external lines placed. Eleven patients received PICC lines for various reasons (ex – sedation risk due to large mediastinal mass or altered mental status due to leukocytosis, coagulopathy, refractory thrombocytopenia, previously placed PICC line at outside hospital). ANC at the time of CVL insertion was reviewed: ANC 1000 in 30 central lines. Only 1 central line was removed due to wound dehiscence in a child with T cell ALL, and 2 central lines were removed for cellulitis in children with pre B ALL, and all these patients had ANC Conclusions: Nearly 40% of CVLs were placed in times of severe neutropenia (ANC Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Predation on Subfossil Prolemur simus by Multiple Predator Species at Ankarana Massif, Northern Madagascar

Evidence of historic predation is important to understand the role that predators play in molding fundamental aspects of primate biology. We examined the geographic demise of Prolemur simus from the perspective of its past behavioral ecology. Using paleontological data from the Late Pleistocene–Holocene deposits at Ankarana Massif, northern Madagascar, we test the hypothesis that 1) multiple predators preyed on P. simus in the past and 2) the dietary preferences and habitat preferences of subfossil P. simus were similar to its extant counterpart. We examined 381 subfossil craniodental remains of P. simus from Ankarana. We used dental eruption and macrowear to assign craniodental remains to relative age classes, and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values in bone collagen to assess variation in this species’ diet and habitat. Skeletal evidence of predation suggests that multiple predators consumed P. simus in the past. Evidence for carnivoran predatory activity includes punctures on the viscerocranium, posterior neurocranium, and angle of the mandible. Evidence for raptor predatory activity includes talon nicks, punctures, and “can-opener” perforations within the orbits or palate. Stable isotope data suggest that the diet of P. simus was remarkably similar among localities inhabited by this species before human arrival, despite varied environmental conditions. These data suggest that P. simus was likely codistributed with large-culmed bamboo in the past as it is today. The synergistic effects of predation and habitat change may explain the biogeographic retreat of P. simus to its present-day distribution in eastern Madagascar. The study of predator–primate dynamics and interactions across contiguous and fragmented forests will increase our understanding of the impact of such dynamics on primate evolution, and improve primate conservation efforts more broadly.
The impact of comprehensive student support on teachers: Knowledge of the whole child, classroom practice, and Teacher Support

Abstract Comprehensive, school-based student support interventions are an approach to addressing out-of-school factors that may interfere with students' achievement and thriving. The effect of these approaches on teachers has not been extensively studied, although the literature points to potential benefits. This paper explores the impact of student support on teachers through a case study of City Connects, which collaborates with every teacher in a school to tailor services for students. A mixed-methods study finds that teachers report new awareness of students' out-of-school lives, develop classroom management strategies, and feel more supported. Implications for teacher education and holistic student support are discussed.
Performance comparisons of frequency-difference and conventional beamforming

Frequency-difference beamforming [Abadi, Song, and Dowling (2012b). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 132, 3018-3029] is an unconventional beamforming method for use with sparse receiver arrays. It involves beamforming a quadratic product of complex field amplitudes, P(ω2)P*(ω1), at the difference frequency, ω2-ω1, instead of beamforming the complex field amplitude P(ω) at frequencies ω within the signal bandwidth. Frequency-difference beamforming is readily implemented with ordinary transducer array recordings of non-zero bandwidth signals. Results for, and comparisons of, frequency-difference beamforming from simulations and experiments are reported herein. In particular, spherical-wave beamforming is investigated using 15 and 165 kHz pulse signals in a 1.07-m-diameter water tank with a linear array having 14 elements spaced 5.08 cm apart. Here, frequency-difference beamforming using the high-frequency pulses provides comparable results to conventional beamforming at 15 kHz. Plane-wave beamforming is investigated using 11.2-32.8 kHz frequency-sweep signals broadcast 3 km through a 106-m-deep ocean sound channel to a vertical array having 16 elements spaced 3.75 m apart. Here, frequency difference beamforming in the 1.7-2.3 kHz difference frequency band provides results comparable to conventional beamforming in this band.
Support our Students: Saturday Academy at East Carolina University

Support Our Students (SOS) Saturday Academy is an outreach partnership program with the Department of Child Development and Family Relations, School of Human Environmental Sciences at East Carolina University (ECU), the Boys and Girls Clubs of Pitt County, Inc., and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Youth Services Division. Saturday Academy is an expansion of the SOS concept of improving academic performance among at-risk middle-school students. The SOS Initiative is a public-private partnership that links parents, schools, churches, agencies, and corporations in a collaborative effort to provide mentoring, resources, support and guidance, and safe places for young people.
Dynamic Electromechanical Characterization of Ferroelectrics at Cryogenic Temperatures

Ferroelectrics are utilized in a myriad of technological applications including vibration damping due to their inherent electromechanical coupling. Through the domain structure in ferroelectric ceramics, the high stiffness material can also exhibit high damping. The combination of high stiffness and high damping is an elusive property in engineering materials. Nonetheless, high stiffness and damping materials would be useful in load-bearing structures that are subjected to vibrations, in particular in space structures. Applying an electric field to ferroelectrics has shown promise for achieving this desirable combination of properties. However, there is limited knowledge on how the dynamic electromechanical properties of ferroelectrics change in a space environment (in particular at cryogenic temperatures), which has limited the exploitation of this ferroelectric property in space structures. This is due in part to the lack of experimental methods to measure such properties. To close this gap, cryogenic broadband electromechanical spectroscopy (CBES) was developed to measure the dynamic electromechanical response of ferroelectrics, viz. lead zirconate titanate, at cryogenic temperatures. In particular, CBES is used to measure simultaneously, for the first time, the dynamic stiffness, loss tangent, and electric displacement response of ferroelectrics subjected to large electric fields at cryogenic temperatures as low as 34 K. Measurements reveal a decrease in the amount of electric field-induced domain switching (and corresponding thermodynamic driving force) and the resulting mechanical damping. This points toward the need to develop alternative material compositions and microstructures for utilizing domain switching-induced damping in space structures.
Automatically Measuring Question Authenticity in Real-World Classrooms:

Analyzing the quality of classroom talk is central to educational research and improvement efforts. In particular, the presence of authentic teacher questions, where answers are not predetermined by the teacher, helps constitute and serves as a marker of productive classroom discourse. Further, authentic questions can be cultivated to improve teaching effectiveness and consequently student achievement. Unfortunately, current methods to measure question authenticity do not scale because they rely on human observations or coding of teacher discourse. To address this challenge, we set out to use automatic speech recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning to train computers to detect authentic questions in real-world classrooms automatically. Our methods were iteratively refined using classroom audio and human-coded observational data from two sources: (a) a large archival database of text transcripts of 451 observations from 112 classrooms; and (b) a newly collected sample of 132 high-qua...
What Ticks Do Under Your Skin: Two-Photon Intravital Imaging of Ixodes Scapularis Feeding in the Presence of the Lyme Disease Spirochete

Lyme disease, due to infection with the Ixodes-tick transmitted spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-transmitted disease in the northern hemisphere. Our understanding of the tick-pathogen-vertebrate host interactions that sustain an enzootic cycle for B. burgdorferi is incomplete. In this article, we describe a method for imaging the feeding of Ixodes scapularis nymphs in real-time using two-photon intravital microscopy and show how this technology can be applied to view the response of Lyme borrelia in the skin of an infected host to tick feeding.
Solidification of Pure Materials

With the preliminaries of the structure, thermodynamics, and energy balances encountered in crystal-melt systems and their transformations discussed in earlier chapters, one may now consider additional details of the progressive freezing of a pure melt phase with some initial thickness L, for a slab casting, or with a radius, R 0, for solidification of a circular right cylinder. These representative casting geometries serve to elucidate some important findings from heat transfer theory and help describe interfacial motion that quantify the kinetic behavior of freezing events occurring on macroscopic scales.
Leapfrogging an IT Sector

Accompanying the global spread of the post-industrial society (Bell, 1973) are nations who see economic opportunity deriving from the development of an information economy to support it (Porat, 1977). But while advanced industrialized nations moved gradually from industrial to post-industrial work over a period of decades, newly industrializing countries are “leapfrogging” directly from agrarian to informationintensive work in a matter of years. Given this rapid labor force transformation, a critical consideration in the development of a global information sector is the development and management of information technology (IT) workers. Ireland is an appropriate country for examination of this leapfrog phenomenon because it was one of the earliest examples of this phenomenon, having developed its information sector rapidly and successfully through inward investment by multinational firms during the 1970s to the 1990s. Thus, this case offers the point of view of both an advanced industrialized or “first wave” country and of a “second wave” country that is taking an alternate path into the information economy by rapidly moving directly from an agrarian or partially-developed industrial economy into an information economy. Since Ireland was one of the earliest examples of “leapfrogging”, the Irish case has lessons applicable to other contexts (Trauth, 2000).
Evaluation of the PROMIS Upper Extremity Computer Adaptive Test Against Validated Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients With Basilar Thumb Arthritis

Purpose The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity (UE) computer adaptive test was developed to reduce test burden and improve precision. We hypothesized that, in patients with thumb basilar joint arthritis (BJA), (1) PROMIS UE would correlate with established patient-outcomes (PROs), (2) PROMIS UE would require less time and fewer questions than current metrics, (3) there would be no floor or ceiling effects, and (4) PROMIS UE would not correlate with radiographic disease severity. Methods Patients presenting with a primary diagnosis of thumb BJA completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Thumb Disability Examination (TDX), Patient-Rated Wrist Hand Evaluation (PRWHE), and PROMIS UE. Radiographic disease severity as described by the Eaton scoring system was recorded. The relationships among PROs were described with Spearman correlation coefficients. The presence of a floor or ceiling effect was confirmed if greater than 15% of patients achieved the lowest or the highest possible score, respectively. Results One hundred patients with thumb BJA formed the sample for this study. A good to excellent correlation was identified between PROMIS UE and QuickDASH. There were good correlations between PROMIS UE and TDX as well as PRWHE. The PROMIS UE was significantly less time consuming (average: 58.5 seconds vs QuickDASH, 92.2; TDX, 62.6; and PRWHE, 144.7), and required fewer questions than current metrics (average: 4.9 questions vs QuickDASH, 11; TDX, 20; and, 15). In addition, there were no appreciable floor or ceiling effects. Radiographic disease severity did not correlate with PROMIS UE. Conclusions The PROMIS UE has a good to excellent correlation with QuickDASH and good correlations with PRWHE and TDX. In addition, PROMIS UE required less time and fewer questions than established PROs. There were no floor or ceiling effects. Used as a single PRO, PROMIS UE may be a practical alternative to legacy scales in patients with thumb BJA. Clinical relevance The PROMIS UE PRO instrument may be a valuable addition in the assessment of patients with basilar thumb arthritis.
UNIT B1.1 Magnetic Moment of a Spin, Its Equation of Motion, and Precession

This unit discusses the basic spin properties of the proton. The motion of a spin in an magnetic field that give rise to magnetic moment, is also discussed. The key to grasping much of MRI lies in understanding the concept of precession. Famous Bloch equation that basically leads to the description of the precession of a spin in the presence of an external magnetic field is also explained.
All-Optical Ultra-Fast Networks

Photonic networks of the future will be fundamentally different from present-day networks. Performing optical processing of the media access protocol raises the capacity of the entire LAN to that of the optical fiber itself. Optical processing also permits the use of novel baseband-expansion-type protocols and architectures. In this paper, the use of optical signal processing and novel optical architectures in networks is discussed. Examples of two experimental all-optical passive star networks are presented: asynchronous code-division multiple access (spread spectrum), and fixed assignment time-division multiple access (at 500 Mbps). An active star network, utilizing an all-optical, self-routing, strictly non-blocking photonic switch, is also presented. The feasibility of future photonic networks, with 10 Gbit capacity, is discussed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Encopresis

Encopresis or fecal incontinence is a common childhood concern in which a child over the developmental age of 4 years passes stool into an inappropriate place (e.g., underwear or onto the floor). Although this condition can be diagnosed in adulthood, it is often first diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence. Encopresis has both biologic and behavioral components, is often very distressing for the youth and their family, and can cause significant disruption in day-to-day functioning. This chapter addresses biological and behavioral factors and reviews the evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions for encopresis. The most common biological contributor to fecal soiling is constipation, which should be medically managed at the outset and throughout the course of treatment for this condition. Behavioral contributors such as stool withholding, delayed defecation, and noncompliance with toileting routines may also need to be addressed in order to achieve full symptom remission. Cognitive factors such as incorrect assumptions about the reasons for soiling, learned helplessness, and fear of the toilet or stooling should also be assessed and intervened upon if present. A combined medical and behavioral/psychological treatment approach is recommended.
Using bibliometrics to evaluate translational science training: evidence for early career success of KL2 scholars

Introduction: Evaluating clinical and translational research (CTR) mentored training programs is challenging because no two programs are alike. Careful selection of appropriate metrics is required to make valid comparisons between individuals and between programs. The KL2 program provides mentored-training for early-stage CTR investigators. Clinical and Translational Awards across the country have unique KL2 programs. The evaluation of KL2 programs has begun to incorporate bibliometrics to measure KL2 scholar and program impact. Methods: This study investigated demographic differences in bibliometric performance and post-K award funding of KL2 scholars and compared the bibliometric performance and post-K award federal funding of KL2 scholars and other mentored-K awardees at the same institution. Data for this study included SciVal and iCite bibliometrics and National Institutions of Health RePORTER grant information for mentored-K awardees (K08, K23, and KL2) at Case Western Reserve University between 2005 and 2013. Results: Results showed no demographics differences within the KL2 program scholars. Bibliometric differences between KL2 and other mentored-K awardee indicated an initial KL2 advantage for the number of publications at 5 years’ post-matriculation (i.e., the start of the K award). Regression analyses indicated the number of initial publications was a significant predictor of federal grant funding at the same time point. Analysis beyond the 5-year post-matriculation point did not result in a sustained, significant KL2 advantage. Conclusions: Factors that contributed to the grant funding advantage need to be determined. Additionally, differences between translational and clinical bibliometrics must be interpreted with caution, and appropriate metrics for translational science must be established.
Less is more: cruroplasty alone is sufficient for revisional hiatal hernia surgery

Recurrence of hiatal hernia after anti-reflux surgery is common, with past studies reporting recurrence rates of 10–15%. Most patients experience relief from GERD symptoms following initial repair; however, those suffering from recurrence can have symptoms severe enough to warrant another operation. Although the standard of care is to revise the fundoplication or convert to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in addition to redo cruroplasty, it stands to reason that with an intact fundoplication, a repeat cruroplasty is all that is necessary to alleviate the patients’ symptoms. In other words, only fix that which is broken. A retrospective review of patients with symptomatic hiatal hernia recurrence who underwent reoperation between January 2011 and September 2018 was conducted. Patients who received revisional cruroplasty alone were compared with cruroplasty plus some other revision (fundoplication revision, or takedown and MSA placement). Demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. There were 73 patients identified. Median time to recurrence after the first procedure was 3.7 (1.9–8.2) years. Thirty-two percent of the patients had GERD symptoms for more than 10 years. Twenty-six patients underwent cruroplasty only. Forty-seven patients underwent cruroplasty plus fundoplication revision. There were no significant differences in operative times (2.4 h cruroplasty alone, 2.8 h full revision, p = 0.75) or postoperative complications between the two groups. Patients had a mean follow-up time of 1.64 years. Of the 73 patients, 8 had subsequent hiatal hernia recurrence. The recurrence rate for patients with cruroplasty alone was 11%, and the recurrence rate for the full revision group was 12% (p = 1.00). Leaving an intact fundoplication alone at the time of revisional surgery did not adversely affect surgical outcomes. This data suggests a role for hernia-only repair for recurrent hiatal hernias.
CA-for-SCT: Dialectics and the analysis of cognition on the ground

This article sketches out the theory and practice of using conversation analysis in the service of sociocultural theory, or CA-for-SCT. Specific focus is on the concept of cognition on the ground (Maynard, 2006), which refers to the ways in which psychological processes are demonstrated in and constituted by the social-interactive contexts in which they occur. Drawing on an interaction around a Dynamic Assessment of L2 French grammatical competence, the article demonstrates how the CA-for-SCT framework conceptualizes and uses for analytic benefit the dialectical relationship between intrapersonal and interpersonal psychological functioning, as Vygotsky proposed. Offering support for Vygotsky’s position, the discussion then focuses on how interaction – that is, the actions co-produced across individuals – ought to be seen as cognition in its own right, how the CA-for-SCT framework is applicable beyond Dynamic Assessment, and the ways in which the framework contributes to the development of units of analysis for SCT research.
Clinical use of fibronectin

There is considerable experimental evidence that the RES is an important host defense system in critical illness. The role of fibronectin in the control of RES phagocytic function and the potential for fibronetin therapy to ameliorate or reverse multisystem organ failure in critically ill patients are less well documented. This documentation may be difficult to accrue in the clinical setting because of the multifactorial problems of individual critically ill patients and the heterogeneity of underlying diseases in such patients. More work needs to be done in animal models in which these variables can be controlled. Large scale production of pasteurized biologically active fibronection should be possible32 if the cryoprecipitate studies prove the clinical utility of fibronectin concentrates. Fibronectin will certainly not be a panacea for critically ill patients, but the addition of any useful substance to the now meager armamentarium would be most welcome.
Measuring McCities: Landscapes of chain and independent restaurants in the United States:

Urban planners have a stake in preserving restaurants that are unique to local areas in order to cultivate a distinctive, authentic landscape. Yet, over time, chain restaurants (i.e. franchises) ha...
Compelling Form: Architecture as Visual Persuasion

This paper develops a theory of visual persuasion which focuses on buildings as forms of visual persuasion. The theory sets forth the accepted elements of visual literacy (e.g., dot, line, geometric form, etc.) along with the communication techniques for accumulating together the elements into perceptible images. Images in this case are architectural forms--government buildings, performance halls, cathedrals, museums, and the like. The theory further utilizes Gestalt psychology to explain how these elements and techniques impact viewers. It then discusses the architectural elements of symmetry, rhythm, mass, site, color, adornment, and the like to build a framework for assessing the visual experience of architecture. The paper demonstrates the application of this theory to the assessment of visual persuasion in particular, i.e., how structures work as means of social influence. The presentation is illustrated with several images of architectural forms.
Convergent evolution of cardiac-glycoside resistance in predators and parasites of milkweed herbivores.

Summary The community of plant-feeding insects (herbivores) that specialize on milkweeds (Apocynaceae) form a remarkable example of convergent evolution across levels of biological organization 1 . In response to toxic cardiac glycosides produced by these plants, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) and other specialist herbivores have evolved parallel substitutions in the alpha subunit (ATPA) of the Na+/K+-ATPase. These substitutions render the pump insensitive to cardiac glycosides 2 , 3 , allowing the monarch and other specialists, from aphids to beetles, to sequester cardiac glycosides, which in turn provide defense against attacks by enemies from the third trophic level 4 . The evolution of ‘target-site-insensitivity’ substitutions in these herbivores poses a fundamental biological question: have predators and parasitoids that feed on cardiac-glycoside-sequestering insects also evolved Na+/K+-ATPases that are similarly insensitive to cardiac glycosides (as predicted by Whiteman and Mooney) 5 ? In other words, can plant toxins cause evolutionary cascades that reach the third trophic level? Here we show that at least four enemies of the monarch and other milkweed herbivores have indeed evolved amino-acid substitutions associated with target-site insensitivity to cardiac glycosides. These attackers represent four major animal clades, implicating cardiac glycosides as keystone molecules 6 and establishing ATPalpha, which encodes ATPA, as a keystone gene with effects that reverberate within ecological communities 7 .
Mercury Emissions Reduction

Total anthropogenic emissions of mercury to the atmosphere in 2010 are estimated at 1960 metric tons with coal burning emitting approximately 475 metric tons. Estimates of US mercury emissions in 2011 are 56 short tons, of which coal-fired utility boilers and industrial-commercial-institutional boilers and process heaters are estimated to have emitted 26.8 and 3.6 short tons, respectively. The 26.8 short tons of mercury emitted from utility coal-fired boilers in 2011 were from units greater than 25 MW in size. There are several technologies that are commercially available, under development, or being demonstrated that involve removal of mercury from the flue gas. They include sorbent injection; existing particulate collection systems; catalysts, or chemical additives to promote the oxidation of elemental mercury and facilitate its capture in particulate and sulfur dioxide control systems; and fixed structures in flue gas ducts that adsorb mercury. These are discussed in this chapter, which begins with an overview of mercury in coal, a discussion of mercury chemistry, and a review of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The chapter concludes with a discussion of cost estimates to control mercury emissions.
A new algorithm for dynamic focusing of phased-array hyperthermia applicators through tissue inhomogeneities

A prototype needle hydrophone array for acoustic feedback during phased-array hyperthermia treatments was presented previously. The authors present a new algorithm for adaptive dynamic focusing of phased-array applicators in the presence of inhomogeneities. This algorithm uses measurements from a limited number of acoustic sensors such as those on the needle hydrophone array. The algorithm is based on a Taylor series expansion of the (measured) propagation operator from the array elements, in the vicinity of the implanted acoustic sensors. The authors show that the new algorithm does not require prior knowledge of the applicator geometry and that all parameters for correction terms can be measured directly at the sensor location. Experimental results of dynamic focusing based on the new algorithm are presented using a 1D cylindrical section phased-array prototype
A Survey of Photon Strengths from A=20 to 240

E1 and M1 strength functions have been derived from recent measurements and renormalization of existing data in the literature for the mass region A=20 to 240. Comparisons with existing models have been made.
Levator plate descent correlates with levator ani muscle deficiency.

Aims Measurements such as the minimal levator hiatus dimension, levator plate angle, iliococcygeal angle, and anorectal angle have been used for assessing the impact of levator damage on static and dynamic imaging features. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between levator ani muscle deficiency (LAD) and the position of the levator plate. Methods 3D endovaginal ultrasounds of 186 women were reviewed. The levator ani muscle groups, the puboanalis, puborectalis, and pubovisceralis, were scored for abnormalities, (0 no defect and 3 total absence of the muscle). The levator plate descent angle, minimal levator hiatus dimensions, and the anorectal angle were measured. Levator plate descent towards the perineum was assessed and correlated with levator ani muscle deficiency. Results The correlation between puborectalis scores and minimal levator hiatus area, anorectal angle and levator plate descent angle were 0.43 (P < 0.0001), 0.22 (P = 0.0045), and −0.40 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The correlation between pubovisceralis scores and minimal levator hiatus area, anorectal angle and levator plate descent angle were 0.36 (P < 0.0001), 0.38 (P < 0.0001), and −0.40 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The correlation between the total levator ani muscle scores and the minimal levator hiatus area, anorectal angle and the levator plate descent angle were 0.45 (P < 0.0001), 0.31 (P < 0.0001), and −0.45 (P < 0.0001) respectively. Conclusion Worsening LAD score is associated with levator plate descensus and with decreasing levator plate descent angle. We can use levator plate descent angle along with the minimal levator hiatus and anorectal angle as objective measurements to assess levator ani muscle deficiency. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:55–59, 2015. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integer and Fractional Matchings

We examine the connections between maximum cardinality edge matchings in a graph and optimal solutions to the associated linear program, which we call maximum f-matchings (fractional matchings). We say that a maximum matching M separates an odd cycle with vertex set S, if M has no edge with exactly one end in S. An odd cycle is separable if it is separated by at least one maximum matching. We show that (1) a graph G has a maximum f-matching that is integer, if and only if it has no separable odd cycles; (2) the minimum number q of vertex-disjoint odd cycles for which a maximum f-matching has fractional components, equals the maximum number s of vertex-disjoint odd cycles, separated by a maximum matching; (3) the difference between the cardinality of a maximum f-matching and that of a maximum matching in G is one half times s; (4) any maximum f-matching with fractional components for a minimum number s of vertex-disjoint odd cycles defines a maximum matching obtainable from it in s steps; and (5) if a maximum f-matching has fractional components for a set Q of odd cycles that it not minimum, there exists another maximum f-matching with fractional components for a minimum-cardinality set S of odd cycles, such that S ⊂Q, \Q\S\ is even, and the cycles in Q\S are pairwise connected by alternating paths. Statement (4) duplicates an earlier result of J.P. Uhry [7].
Mineralization of trichloroethylene by heterotrophic enrichment cultures.

Microbial consortia capable of aerobically degrading more than 99% of exogenous trichloroethylene (TCE) (50 mg/liter) were collected from TCE-contaminated subsurface sediments and grown in enrichment cultures. TCE at concentrations greater than 300 mg/liter was not degraded, nor was TCE used by the consortia as a sole energy source. Energy sources which permitted growth included tryptone-yeast extract, methanol, methane, and propane. The optimum temperature range for growth and subsequent TCE consumption was 22 to 37°C, and the pH optimum was 7.0 to 8.1. Utilization of TCE occurred only after apparent microbial growth had ceased. The major end products recovered were hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide. Minor products included dichloroethylene, vinylidine chloride, and, possibly, chloroform.
Trade-off between power consumption and delay in wireless packetized systems

In packetized wireless systems, coding allows correct reception of multiple packets colliding at a receiver. Thus data may not need to incur delays such as those due to backoff schemes in traditional ALOHA systems. However, there is a tradeoff between delay and power consumption. Recent work in this area has considered the case where multiple users are aware of the states of other users’ queues. We consider a time-slotted multiple user system with random packet arrivals. The size of the packets and probability of arrival together represent the burstiness of the system. The time slots are considered to be long enough that capacity can be achieved over a single slot in a sense we define. We consider the difference in average power consumption when average delay is minimized, with and without knowledge of other users’ queues. We also consider the case where average power is minimized without regard for delay. We present and analyze a simple scheme with limited information sharing about queues’ states. Our scheme uses a broadcasttype code for the case of low queue lengths and a multiple-acces scheme in the case of large queue lengths. We show how this scheme allows trade-offs between power and delay.
Purification and Properties of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase from Pseudomonas

Abstract An inducible 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) coenzyme A reductase (mevalonate:NAD+ oxidoreductase (acylating CoA), EC 1.1.1.-) has been purified 21-fold from soluble extracts of Pseudomonas to an apparently homogeneous state as judged by disc gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight estimated by gel electrophoresis is 2.6 to 2.8 x 105. The purified enzyme is free of HMG-CoA lyase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA acetoacetate lyase, EC 4.1.3.4) or HMG-CoA hydrolase (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA hydrolase, EC 3.1.2.5) activities, and catalyzes the following reactions: HMG-CoA + 2NADH + 2H+ ⇄ mevalonate + 2NAD+ + CoA (1) Mevaldate + NAD+ + CoA → HMG-CoA + NADH + H+ (2) Mevaldate + NADH + H+ → mevalonate + NAD+ (3) Parallel enrichment of all three activities is observed throughout purification, suggesting that all are properties of a single protein. Reaction 1 is reversible, but mevalonate formation is strongly favored. Mevaldate is not a free intermediate either in HMG-CoA reduction or mevalonate oxidation. The pH optimum for mevalonate oxidation occurs at pH 9.2 to 9.6. Km values are 0.050 mm (dl-HMG-CoA), 0.032 mm (NADH), 0.30 mm (mevalonate), 0.27 mm (NAD+), and 0.039 mm (CoA). Although HMG is a competitive inhibitor both of mevalonate oxidation (Ki = 0.22 mm) and of HMG-CoA reduction (Ki = 3.9 mm), the former reaction is more effectively inhibited (Ki:Km = 0.73) than is the latter (Ki:Km = 79). Double reciprocal plots of data obtained by varying both HMG-CoA and NADH concentration given lines intersecting on the negative abscissa, with no evidence of concave curvature. HMG-CoA reduction thus appears to proceed by a mechanism different from that proposed for yeast HMG-CoA reductase by Kirtley and Rudney (Biochemistry, 6, 230 (1967)). Reaction 3 yields similar double reciprocal plots. For Reaction 2, Km values are 0.61 mm (dl-mevaldate), 0.06 mm (NAD+), and 0.046 mm (CoA). HMG is an effective inhibitor competitive with mevaldate (Ki = 1.3 mm; Ki:Km = 2.1). For Reaction 3, Km values are 9 mm (dl-mevaldate) and 0.36 mm (NADH); HMG is an effective inhibitor competitive with mevaldate (Ki = 2.3 mm; Ki:Km = 0.25).
A Three-Dimensional Boundary Element Model for Eddy Current NDE

The long-range objective of the work reported here is to provide a theoretical basis for the prediction of the probability of flaw detection in eddy current nondestructive evaluation (NDE). As demonstrated in a previous communication [1], much of the labor involved in probability of detection analyses can be transferred to a computer if one has available a reliable algorithm for the prediction of flaw signals as a function of flaw size and shape, probe geometry, and the other parameters defining an eddy current inspection. Because there is no simplifying symmetry in the interaction of a general eddy current field with a flaw of arbitrary shape and position, the model used for flaw signal predictions must be three dimensional, and capable of predicting the probe impedance change for a flaw at an arbitrary position in the field of an eddy current probe. The immediate objective of the present work is to develop such a three-dimensional model.
Centralized to hybrid nurse station: Communication and teamwork among nursing staff

The initiative to redesign nurses' stations is driven by the goals to improve work processes and ensure a safe environment. Both centralized and decentralized stations have posed challenges in meeting the needs of patients and nurses. A hybrid design model connecting the decentralized stations with centralized meeting spaces may address the needs of patients; however, since nurses continue to work in their independent spaces, communication and teamwork among nurses may be impeded. Until recently little attention has been paid to nurses’ lived experience at the hybrid station. This qualitative phenomenological study examined nurses’ experiences with communication and teamwork at the hybrid station and their reports of the advantages and disadvantages of the hybrid station. Twenty interviews were completed with nursing staff members who were undergoing a transition, over the course of two years, from the centralized design to the hybrid station design. Although nursing staff reported experiencing the challenge of isolation, they consistently identified the following advantages: patient-centered interactions at the hybrid station, and learning to work as a team. Overall, participants reported that the advantages of the hybrid station outweighed the disadvantages. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce the nurses’ feelings of isolation and to support teamwork.
Applications of fractal analysis to physiology

This review describes approaches to the analysis of fractal properties of physiological observations. Fractals are useful to describe the natural irregularity of physiological systems because their irregularity is not truly random and can be demonstrated to have spatial or temporal correlation. The concepts of fractal analysis are introduced from intuitive, visual, and mathematical perspectives. The regional heterogeneities of pulmonary and myocardial flows are discussed as applications of spatial fractal analysis, and methods for estimating a fractal dimension from physiological data are presented. Although the methods used for fractal analyses of physiological data are still under development and will require additional validation, they appear to have great potential for the study of physiology at scales of resolution ranging from the microcirculation to the intact organism.
Low threshold voltage vertical cavity surface-emitting laser

Vertical-cavity surface emitting laser diodes with threshold voltages as low as 1.48 V are demonstrated. The devices have low-resistance epitaxial mirrors, and current passes through the entire mirror stack. The low threshold voltage results from both low threshold current densities and mirrors with low resistivities even at low current densities. The laser fabrication sequence is relatively quick and simple and allows for the rapid characterisation of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser material.
Demonstration of novel spectrum-efficient elastic optical path network with per-channel variable capacity of 40 Gb/s to over 400 Gb/s

We demonstrated, for the first time, a novel spectrum-efficient elastic optical path network for 100 Gb/s services and beyond, based on flexible rate transceivers and variable-bandwidth wavelength crossconnects.
Clinical Applications of Molecular Biology in Radiation Oncology.

As oncologists, our ability to understand and treat cancer will change dramatically over the next few decades. The fields of molecular, cellular, and cancer biology are rapidly changing, bringing forth new concepts regarding the basic mechanisms of oncogenesis, and with them, totally novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention. A general knowledge of the terms and concepts of the new biology is essential to radiation oncologists because these are already in our daily practice in the form of questions from our patients regarding the newest findings, assays of prognostic and predictive factors, and potential new therapies to deliver or augment radiation therapy. The classic radiation biology observations remain true—cell cycle perturbation, hypoxia, variation in cell survival after radiation, the competition model, fractionation effects, normal tissue injury, and so forth. The techniques available from the new biology enable us to elucidate the basic mechanisms underlying these observations. The current classes of radiation modifiers—halopyrimidines, hypoxic modifiers, radioprotectors, and combined modality therapy—will be supplemented by modifiers of signal transduction, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the stress response, to name a few.
Shallow impurities in quantum-well structures: a far infrared view

Recent high magnetic field, far infrared transmission and photoconductivity experiments on shallow donor impurities (Si) doped in the centers of the wells, the centers of the barriers and the edges of the wells in GaAs/AlGaAs multiple-quantum-well (MQW) structures are described. For donors doped in the centers of the wells, transitions to various high excited states have been observed. The assignment of these transitions and their relationship to the hydrogenic transitions in bulk (three dimensional) semiconductors is discussed. The edge-doped samples show dramatic differences in line shape for otherwise identical samples doped at the top and bottom of the GaAs wells. It is concluded from comparison with model calculations that the Si donors are redistributed along the growth direction, and such modeling should permit the determination of the impurity distribution non-destructively. Samples doped in the centers of the barriers show two lines at frequencies lower than that of the well-center impurities. The dominant line is due to electrons in the wells bound to their parent positive donor ions in the centers of the barriers. Possible origins of the weaker line are discussed.
Critical water activity of disaccharide/maltodextrin blends

Abstract Critical water activity ( a w ∗ ) is employed in this study as a practical metric of the hygroscopic stability of multi-component carbohydrate glasses. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and water activity (aw) data are modeled to determine the aw at which sufficient moisture is present to yield a Tg value of 25 °C (i.e., the a w ∗ ). The results confirm the well-known effect of decreasing sensitivity to moisture with increasing molecular weight. The results also demonstrate the additional influence of molecular type. The hygroscopic stability of binary maltodextrin/disaccharide systems increased in the same order as the glass transition temperature of the disaccharide: sucrose a w ∗ of mixtures, which could be used towards the formulation of stable glassy products.
Metabolic products of adrenaline (epinephrine) during long-term constant rate intravenous infusion in the human.

Abstract Four subjects were infused with 0.063 μg/kg/min of dl-adrenaline-2-14C (10 μc) for 8 hr. Urine was collected at 2-hr intervals for 12 hr and then at the end of 18 and 24 hr. The urinary metabolites were separated and quantitated by combination column and filter paper chromatography. The radioactivity recovered in the urine reached a constant level 4 hr after the beginning of the infusion and continued at a constant level for 4 hr. The primary metabolites of adrenaline, i.e. metradrenaline and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DOMA), were recovered in constant amounts after 2 hr, whereas the secondary metabolites, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxymandelic acid (MOMA) and metadrenaline sulfate, were not recovered in constant amounts until after 4 hr. During this period of constant urinary radioactivity, the infusion rate was 1.25 μc/hr, DOMA was recovered in the urine at 0.018 μc/hr, free metadrenaline at 0.031 μc/hr, metradrenaline sulfate at 0.30 μc/hr and MOMA at 0.24 μc/hr. By extrapolating these results in terms of the normal endogenous rate of adrenaline secretion (860 μc/24 hr), it can be calculated from Table 1 that on the order of 100–300 μg/hr of MOMA normally occurs in the urine as the result of adrenaline metabolism. Since the normal urinary output of MOMA is 3–5 mg/24 hr, this then means that most of the MOMA is derived from endogenous noradrenaline.
Future directions in the prevention of prostate cancer

The high global incidence of prostate cancer has led to a focus on chemoprevention strategies to reduce the public health impact of the disease. Early studies indicating that selenium and vitamin E might protect against prostate cancer encouraged large-scale studies that produced mixed clinical results. Next-generation prostate cancer prevention trials validated the impact of 5α-reductase inhibitors in hormone-responsive prostate cancer, and these results were confirmed in follow-up studies. Other interventions on the horizon, involving both dietary and pharmacological agents, hold some promise but require further investigation to validate their efficacy. In this Review, we discuss the clinical and preclinical evidence for dietary and pharmacological prevention of prostate cancer and give an overview of future opportunities for chemoprevention.
The Usefulness of the "Fail-Safe" Statistic in Meta-Analysis:

Rosenthal (1979, 1984) proposed that a fail-safe N statistic be calculated for all meta-analytic studies to aid researchers in detecting instability in meta-analytic results. However, few meta-analysts seem to have calculated fail-safe N's, despite the ease of doing so. As research exploring the practical utility of this statistic is nonexistent, this study evaluated the utility of fail-safe N's by computing them for studies in three research domains in which discrepant conclusions were reached by initial meta-analyses (with limited samples) and by subsequent follow-ups (with more inclusive samples). The current results suggest that calculation of a fail-safe N may have led to more cautious and circumspect interpretations of previous meta-analytic results. Implications of these findings for future meta-analytic research are discussed