cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health Care in the Age of Interoperability Part 6: The Future of FHIR

About this Series This is the sixth and last article in a series on the dramatic transformation taking place in health informatics in large part because of the new Health Level 7 (HL7) Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. The first article provided background on health care, electronic health record systems for physicians, and the challenges they both face along with the potential of interoperability to help overcome them. The second introduced the basics of the FHIR standard and some suggested resources for those who are interested in its further exploration. The third introduced SMART on FHIR which, based on its wide adoption, has become the default standard FHIR app platform. The fourth looked at clinical decision support, arguably the single most important provider-facing use case for FHIR. The fifth introduced the personal health record and tools that can utilize the data stored in it as an important use case for FHIR in support of patients. This article looks at the future uses of FHIR with a particular emphasis on those that might impact on research uses of health data. The articles in this series are intended to introduce researchers from other fields to this one and assume no prior knowledge of healthcare or health informatics. They are abstracted from the author’s recently published book, Health Informatics on FHIR: How HL7’s New API is Transforming Healthcare (Springer International Publishing: https://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319934136 ).
Human activity recognition using 2D skeleton data and supervised machine learning

Vision-based human activity recognition (HAR) finds its application in many fields such as video surveillance, robot navigation, telecare and ambient intelligence. Most of the latest researches in the field of automated HAR based on skeleton data use depth devices such as Kinect to obtain three-dimensional (3D) skeleton information directly from the camera. Although these researches achieve high accuracy but are strictly device dependent and cannot be used for videos other than from specific cameras. Current work focuses on the use of only 2D skeletal data, extracted from videos obtained through any standard camera, for activity recognition. Appearance and motion features were extracted using 2D positions of human skeletal joints through OpenPose library. The approach was trained and tested on publically available datasets. Supervised machine learning was implemented for recognising four activity classes including sit, stand, walk and fall. Performance of five techniques including K -nearest neighbours (KNNs), support vector machine, Naive Bayes, linear discriminant and feed-forward back-propagation neural network was compared to find the best classifier for the proposed method. All techniques performed well with best results obtained through the KNN classifier.
Wide-Band and Noise-Inhibited Signal Manipulation in Dispersion-Engineered Parametric Mixers

Practical frequency generation and conversion requires highly efficient parametric interaction across wide spectral band. To achieve high efficiency, conventional devices rely on optical enhancement in highly resonant cavity structures. While optical cavity also inhibits noise generation and out-of-band amplification during the parametric process, it inherently limits frequency tuning and any band reconfiguration. Recognizing this fundamental impairment, we describe the new class of cavity-free frequency generation in heterogeneous, traveling-wave parametric mixers. Driven by a continuous-wave seeds, these devices combine inherently more stable lasers with distributed noise inhibition in dispersion-managed parametric process. The operating principle, design methodology and performance limits are outlined and discussed. The use of new technology is illustrated on examples of signal multicasting and ultrafast channel processing.
Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves Accelerated (MASWAccelerated): Software for efficient surface wave inversion using MPI and GPUs

Abstract Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) is a technique frequently used in geotechnical engineering and engineering geophysics to infer 1D layered models of seismic shear wave velocities in the top tens to hundreds of meters of the subsurface. We aim to accelerate MASW calculations by capitalizing on modern computer hardware available in the workstations of most engineers: multiple cores and graphics processing units (GPUs). We propose new parallel and GPU accelerated algorithms for computing 1D MASW inversion, and provide software implementations in C using Message Passing Interface (MPI) and CUDA. These algorithms take advantage of sparsity that arises in the problem, and the work balance between processes considers typical data trends. We compare our methods to an existing open source Matlab MASW tool. Our serial C implementation achieves a 2x speedup over the Matlab software, and we continue to see improvements by parallelizing the problem with MPI. We see nearly perfect strong and weak scaling for uniform data, and improve strong scaling for realistic data by repartitioning the problem to process mapping. By utilizing GPUs available on most modern workstations, we observe an additional 1.3x speedup over the serial C implementation on the first use of the method. We typically repeatedly evaluate theoretical dispersion curves as part of an optimization procedure, and on the GPU the kernel can be cached for faster reuse on later runs. We observe a 3.2x speedup on the cached GPU runs compared to the serial C runs. This work is the first open-source parallel or GPU-accelerated software tool for MASW imaging, and should enable geotechnical engineers to fully utilize all computer hardware at their disposal.
A single-institution analysis of factors affecting costs in the arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability.

Background Although surgical shoulder stabilization is a substantial cost nationally within the United States, little information exists to analyze this cost. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with variation in direct costs with the arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability. Methods This was a retrospective study of all patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability between January 12, 2012 and July 11, 2017. Patient and procedure factors were collected. Direct perioperative costs were collected using a validated internal tool. Patient and procedure characteristics significantly associated with costs were identified using multivariate generalized linear models. Results The study included 302 patients, of whom 12% were undergoing revision and 32% were contact or collision athletes. Anterior instability was present in 73%, whereas 14% had posterior and 10% had multidirectional instability. Of the patients, 67% were recurrent dislocators and 33% were first-time dislocators or subluxators. Remplissage was performed in 13%; biceps tenodesis, 5%; and rotator cuff repair, 3%. An average of 4.0 ± 1.4 anchors were used. Of costs, 39% were operative facility utilization costs and 41% were implant costs. Factors associated with cost increase included an increased number of anchors (P Conclusion Most perioperative costs associated with the arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability are facility utilization and implant costs. Nonmodifiable factors associated with increased cost included posterior direction of instability and recurrent instability. Modifiable factors included additional procedures and inpatient stay.
Outlier Profiles of Atomic Structures Derived from X-ray Crystallography and from Cryo-Electron Microscopy.

Background: As more protein atomic structures are determined from cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) density maps, validation of such structures is an important task. Methods: We applied a histogram-based outlier score (HBOS) to six sets of cryo-EM atomic structures and five sets of X-ray atomic structures, including one derived from X-ray data with better than 1.5 A resolution. Cryo-EM data sets contain structures released by December 2016 and those released between 2017 and 2019, derived from resolution ranges 0-4 A and 4-6 A respectively. Results: The distribution of HBOS values in five sets of X-ray structures show that HBOS is sensitive distinguishing sets of X-ray structures derived from different resolution ranges-higher than 1.5 A, 1.5-2.0 A, 2.0-2.5 A, 2.5-3.0 A, and 3.0-3.5 A. The overall quality of cryo-EM structures is likely improved, as shown in a comparison of cryo-EM structures released before the end of 2016, those between 2017 and 2018, and those between 2018 and 2019. Our investigation shows that leucine (LEU) has a significantly higher rate of HBOS outliers than that of the reference data set (X-ray-1.5) and of other residue types in the cryo-EM data sets. HBOS was able to detect outliers for those residues that are currently marked as green in PDB validation reports. Conclusions: The HBOS profile of a dataset is a potential method to characterize the overall structural quality of the set. Residue LEU deserves special attention since it has a significantly higher HBOS outlier rate in sets of cryo-EM structures and those X-ray structures derived from X-ray data of lower than 2.5 A resolutions. Most HBOS outlier residues from the EM-0-4-2019 set are located on loops for most types of residues.
O apagamento do /s/ pós-vocálico numa favela do Rio de Janeiro

Este artigo faz uma analise sociolinguistica do apagamento do /s/ pos-vocalico em final de palavra na fala de moradores da Cidade de Deus, bairro majoritariamente negro localizado na zona oeste da cidade do Rio de Janeiro. O corpus e composto por dezessete entrevistas realizadas no ano de 2015 com vinte e duas pessoas. Na analise quantitativa foram incluidas seis variaveis linguisticas (vogal precedente, contexto seguinte, tonicidade, numero de silabas, classe gramatical, e palavra, como efeito aleatorio) e seis variaveis sociais (idade, sexo, raca ou cor, origem regional, nivel de escolaridade e falante, como efeito aleatorio). Os dados foram analisados por regressao logistica usando o programa RBrul, cujo resultado revelou que todas as variaveis linguisticas foram selecionadas como significantes para o apagamento do /s/. Entre as variaveis sociais, apenas faixa etaria, nivel de escolaridade e falante ficaram nesta categoria. Este artigo contribui para a area de estudos de variacao sociolinguistica do portugues brasileiro com uma analise de dados linguisticos oriundos de um tipo de comunidade que nao tem recebido muita enfase nesta area e com uma abordagem metodologica inovadora que inclui a identidade racial e a origem regional dos participantes como fatores importantes para se compreender a realidade linguistica destas comunidades urbanas.
Chapter 13 – Blood-Tissue Exchange Modelling

Publisher Summary The noninvasive measure of the elementary processes of transport and metabolism of a substance at the organ level is a problem of enormous importance but remarkable difficulty. Every organ in vivo is perfused by its own vascular tree; its most important elements are the capillaries, in which the exchange of substrates between blood and tissue takes place. Every capillary, in turn, exchanges substrates and hormones with a microscopical tissue fragment through passive or active transport. The capillary-tissue unit is therefore the elementary functional unit and thus, the quantitative description of the organ-level transport and metabolism of a substance must appropriately describe this system. Capillaries in different organs have different structure, but a typical capillary is described as constituted by a thin wall tube (capillary membrane) and formed by endothelial cells “embedded” in one another. The transport modality through the capillary membrane is twofold. Some substances are subject exclusively to passage through the small spaces between endothelial cells and endothelial gaps; this is especially true for smaller molecules; e.g., proteins.
Simulations of the Biodegradation of Citrate-Based Polymers for Artificial Scaffolds Using Accelerated Reactive Molecular Dynamics.

In this study, we investigate the reactivity and mechanical properties of poly(1,6-hexanediol-co-citric acid) via ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. We implement an accelerated scheme within th...
Future Therapeutic Prospects for Treatment of Cardiorenal Syndromes

Cardiorenal syndromes (CRS) have been characterized as disorders or clinical scenarios where there is injury or dysfunction in both the heart and the kidneys. When the temporal sequence of injury or dysfunction can be elicited, then a subtype classification can be assigned in both the acute (inpatient) and chronic (outpatient) settings. This paper will focus on acute CRS type 1, where there is acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and then shortly after hospitalization, there is an abrupt loss of renal filtration function, reduced responsiveness to loop diuretics, and then a progressive rise in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen associated with worsened congestion, prolonged length of hospital stay, and increased mortality. Moreover, once the syndrome has abated and the patient has been discharged, there is a markedly increased risk of rehospitalization and death over the next several months. Because the pathophysiology of CRS 1 is poorly understood, and occurs in only 25 % of those with ADHF, this review will focus on the most promising agents being developed for ADHF (ularitide and serelaxin) which are being designed to reduce symptoms, rehospitalization and death, and as a concurrent benefit, may hold the promise as preventive or therapeutic drugs for CRS.
Assessment of Pediatric Middle Ear Effusions With Wideband Tympanometry.

ObjectiveTo determine if wideband tympanometry (WBT) can differentiate types of middle ear effusion (MEE): serous, mucoid, and purulent.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary care chi...
Refractory Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema in Extreme Premature Newborn

Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) occurs when air leaks into the pulmonary interstitium due to overdistension of distal airways, it occurs mainly in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome who need positive pressure ventilation but has also been reported in spontaneously breathing infants. Herein, we report on an extremely low birth weight infant with severe persistent PIE, while on invasive mechanical ventilation (high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, high-frequency jet ventilation, and neurally adjust ventilator assist) managed successfully with 2 weeks of selective right lung ventilation after failure of more conservative measures, including shorter periods of right mainstem intubation, before the prolonged trial that was successful.
Are Online Patient Reviews Associated With Health Care Outcomes? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Although online patient reviews (OPRs) are ubiquitous, there has been debate about whether OPRs are associated with measures of health care outcomes. The majority of patients search for online info...
Depression predicts chronic pain interference in racially-diverse, low-income patients [preprint]

ABSTRACT Background Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care in the US, with estimates of prevalence ranging from 11% to 40%. Mindfulness meditation has been associated with significant improvements in pain, depression, physical and mental health, sleep, and overall quality of life. Group medical visits are increasingly common and are effective at treating myriad illnesses including chronic pain. Integrative Medical Group Visits (IMGV) combine mindfulness techniques, evidence based integrative medicine, and medical group visits and can be used as adjuncts to medications, particularly in diverse underserved populations with limited access to non-pharmacological therapies. Objective and Design The objective of the present study was to use a blended analytical approach of machine learning and regression analyses to evaluate the potential relationship between depression and chronic pain in data from a randomized clinical trial of IMGV in socially diverse, low income patients suffering from chronic pain and depression. Methods This approach used machine learning to assess the predictive relationship between depression and pain and identify and select key mediators, which were then assessed with regression analyses. It was hypothesized that depression would predict the pain outcomes of average pain, pain severity, and pain interference. Results Our analyses identified and characterized a predictive relationship between depression and chronic pain interference. This prediction was mediated by high perceived stress, low pain self-efficacy, and poor sleep quality, potential targets for attenuating the adverse effects of depression on functional outcomes. Conclusions In the context of the associated clinical trial and similar interventions, these insights may inform future treatment optimization, targeting, and application efforts in racially diverse, low income populations, demographics often neglected in studies of chronic pain.
Alternative Diesel Fuels

The work described in this paper, involved a thorough evaluation of the potential for using a soybean derived methyl ester referred to as Methyl Soyate) as a replacement or blending agent with low sulfur diesel fuel. The project considered the potential for improving emissions from a diesel engine using different blends of methyl soyate. Structural changes such as piston bowl or inejector tip geometry were not to be considered. Only changes in engine calibration were allowed. The chosen test engine was a Navistar T444E HEUI direct injected diesel engine. This engine is a modem, electronically controlled diesel engine that allows considerable flexibility with respect to changing the injection timing and injection pressure calibrations. The following parameters were considered in the evaluation: 1) blends of methyl ester in low sulfur diesel between 0 and 100%, 2) injection timing, 3) Injection pressure, 3) application of an oxidation catalyst, and 4) application of exhaust gas recirculation. During the entire test program, full exhaust gas analysis and particulate emissions testing was conducted. Both gravimetric and Soxhlet extraction (for soluble organic fraction) analyses of the particulate filters were conducted. All testing was conducted on the basis of steady-state test protocols to allow an understanding of the influence of the fuel change as a function of location in the engine map. The results of the program indicate that substantial emissions improvements can be obtained with a relatively small methyl ester fraction within the 13-mode test. In general, it is possible to reduce HC, CO, particulate and NOx emissions (compared to 100% diesel at the standard calibration). Depending upon the particular calibration and blend, fuel consumption similar to the diesel engine is possible on a mass basis. Exhaust gas catalyst, injection timing and pressure variation and EGR results are presented and discussed.
General measure theory

In this chapter we treat mainly that part of measure theory which is valid on spaces with relatively little geometric structure. The definition of “measure” adopted in 2.1 was derived from Caratheodory’s concept of “outer measure” through omission of his axiom requiring additivity on metrically separated sets. Relations between measure and topology are discussed in 2.2 and 2.3. In 2.4 we take up the process of Lebesgue integration, by which we mean integration with respect to an arbitrary measure. The particular measures also bearing Lebesgue’s name are characterized in 2.5.17, 2.6.5 as well as 2.7.16(1), 2.10.7, 2.10.35. Connections between integration and linear operations (wherein we include the Radon-Nikodym theorem) are discussed in 2.5, first for an arbitrary lattice of real valued functions, then for continuous functions on a locally compact space. The Fubini theorem follows in 2.6. In 2.7 we develop the theory of invariant measures over homogeneous spaces of locally compact groups. Metric structure begins to play a more important role in the theory of covering and derivation, 2.8 and 2.9, which includes several modern versions of the differentiation theory originated by Vitali and Lebesgue. Finally in 2.10 we take up Caratheodory’s construction of measures, by which he achieved the significant extension of measure theory to lower dimensional subsets of the space, obtaining for example a reasonable notion of area for a two-dimensional surface in Euclidean three-space. In the present chapter we discuss only those consequences of Caratheodory’s construction which are closely related to the basic definitions, leaving the more involved problems for Chapter 3.
The mechanism of interaction of red cell organic phosphates with hemoglobin.

Publisher Summary Oxygen release depends crucially both on the shape of the oxygen binding curve and on the overall oxygen affinity. This chapter overviews the interaction of organic phosphates with hemoglobin, D-2, 3-diphosphoglycera (DPG) and the Bohr effect, DPG and CO 2 transport, effect of DPG on abnormal hemoglobins, and organic phosphates and artificial hemoglobin hybrids. Human hemoglobin without organic phosphates binds oxygen far too tightly to release it under physiological conditions. The large intracellular concentration of DPG lowers the oxygen affinity into the useful range, where it is further modulated by organic phosphates, hydrogen ions, and CO 2 . The red cell DPG level is subject to metabolic control, including feedback mechanisms, which respond to oxygen requirement. On a molecular level, the basis for the lowering of the oxygen affinity by organic phosphates is their mole for mole interaction with a single site on deoxyhemoglobin, which is destroyed on ligand binding. The linkage of phosphate cofactors with ligand binding also adds a new dimension to studies on the mechanism of oxygen transport by hemoglobin and models for the mechanism of oxygenation must take account of the influence of these cofactors. The specific stabilization of the deoxy conformation by organic phosphates has provided a powerful tool for investigations on the conformational transitions, which are basic for the understanding of the mechanism of oxygenation.
Reaction Sequence of Iron Sulfide Minerals in Bacteria and Their Use as Biomarkers

Some bacteria form intracellular nanometer-scale crystals of greigite (Fe3S4) that cause the bacteria to be oriented in magnetic fields. Transmission electron microscope observations showed that ferrimagnetic greigite in these bacteria forms from nonmagnetic mackinawite (tetragonal FeS) and possibly from cubic FeS. These precursors apparently transform into greigite by rearrangement of iron atoms over a period of days to weeks. Neither pyrrhotite nor pyrite was found. These results have implications for the interpretation of the presence of pyrrhotite and greigite in the martian meteorite ALH84001.
Measuring Covalent Binding in Hepatotoxicity

Many hepatotoxicants like acetaminophen, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, halothane, and thioacetamide cause hepatotoxicity through covalent binding of their reactive metabolites to proteins. The covalent binding to proteins may lead to dysfunction of critical proteins such as enzymes, transporters, receptors, and regulatory molecules. Because most reactive metabolites covalently bind to tissue macromolecules and tend to be unstable, they can not be isolated, and direct quantitation of the formation of reactive metabolites is not possible. Measuring their covalent binding to proteins offers a convenient way to estimate the amount of reactive metabolite formation. Such estimates have been used to quantify the bioactivation-based injury due to such hepatotoxicants. There are various methods by which covalent binding may be measured. This unit describes a protocol in which a radiolabeled compound can be utilized to measure covalent binding. Alternate protocols involve immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The time and method of measuring covalent binding play an important role in the evaluation. Keywords: covalent binding; hepatotoxicity; immunoblotting; immunohistochemistry; radioactivity
Terabit Burst Switching Progress Report (12/97-2/98)

This report summarizes progress on Washington University’s Terabit Burst Switching Project, supported by DARPA and Rome Air Force Laboratory. This project seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of Burst Switching, a new data communication service which can more effectively exploit the large bandwidths becoming available in WDM transmission systems, than conventional communication technologies like ATM and IP-based packet switching. Burst switching systems dynamically assign data bursts to channels in optical data links, using routing information carried in parallel control channels. The project will lead to the construction of a demonstration switch with throughput exceeding 200 Gb/s and scalable to over 10 Tb/s.
Generators and relations for cyclotomic units

We prove here an unpublished conjecture of Milnor which gives a complete set of multiplicative relations between the numbers e ′(ζ) = 1−ζ, where ranges over complex roots of unity. Information of this type is useful in certain areas of topology as well as in number theory.
Continuous monitoring can improve single-photon probability

An engineering technique using continuous quantum measurement together with a change detection algorithm is proposed to improve the probability of single photon emission for a quantum-dot based single-photon source. The technique involves continuous monitoring of the emitter, integrating the measured signal, and a simple change detection circuit to decide when to stop pumping. The idea is to pump just long enough such that the emitter $+$ cavity system is in a state that can emit at most one photon with high probability. Continuous monitoring provides partial information on the state of the emitter. This technique is useful when the system is operating in the weak coupling regime, and the rate of pumping is smaller than, or comparable to, the emitter-cavity coupling strength, as can be the case for electrical pumping.
Analytical model for the InP/InGaAs uni-travelling carrier photodiode

A one dimensional, drift-diffusion based, analytical model is reported which describes the operation and performance of the InP-based uni-traveling carrier photodiode (UTC-PD). The UTC-PD has been proposed as a replacement for the InGaAs PIN photodiode for long wavelength optical communications. In this work, the development of an analytical model is described for use in investigation of the device's operation and the effects of the device structure on the operational performance of the device. The effects of a finite conduction band barrier at the collector end of the absorption layer on the photocurrent and onset of high injection effects is examined. Also included in the model is the leakage current due to a finite conduction band barrier at the blocking end of the absorption layer. The results are discussed in relation to reports of the device's experimentally observed performance and numerical modeling results.
Cardiovascular biology. Hearts and bones.

The idea of repairing damaged heart tissue with donated cells is an old one, but finding cells that can do the job has been frustrating. The solution may come from a select group of bone marrow cells.
Gastrointestinal and roentgenological manifestations of Henoch-Schoenlein purpura.

Summary The clinical and radiological abnormalities observed in 2 children with HenochSchoenlein purpura are reported. These consisted of abdominal pain, vomiting, melena, and intestinal perforation. A coarse mucosa with spiculations was demonstrated roentgenologically. In the 1st case, the gastrointestinal symptoms and radiological abnormalities preceded the typical skin rash. The radiological changes were reversible. The clinical course of the 2nd case was complicated by small bowel perforations, limited to a 20-cm jejunal segment. The described radiological abnormalities are not specific for HenochSchoenlein purpura; however, their presence should alert the clinician and the radiologist to the possibility of this diagnosis even in the absence of a typical skin rash. In patients whose clinical course is stormy, intestinal perforation should be considered as a possible complication.
Nek1: NimA-related kinase (vertebrates)

Nek1 is a NimA-related protein kinase cloned in mouse. Although its function is unknown, its high-level RNA expression in meiotic cells implies that it may be required for survival and development of germ cells. After expression in bacteria, Nek1 has been shown to be a dual-specificity kinase that autophosphorylates preferentially on serine and threonine, and to a lesser extent on tyrosine. There may be at least two isoforms of Nek1, as there are two RNA transcripts of 6.5 kb and 4.4 kb in mouse tissues. With regard to domain structure, the catalytic domain is followed by a long basic tail. Within the tail are four clusters of basic residues that may represent bipartite nuclear targeting motifs. Nek1 is related to protein kinases isolated from humans and Trypanosoma brucei and Nek1 is assayed by autophosphorylation or using β-casein as substrate.
Preliminary report of the M. D. Anderson hospital randomized trial of neutron and photon irradiation for locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Abstract Between February 1977 and August 1979, 75 patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix were randomized to receive treatment with: (a) a combination of 50-MeV neutrons and 25-MeV photons ± intracavitary radium (mixed beam group) or (b) 25-MeV photons ± intracavitary radium (photon group). The analysis of the total population revealed no difference between the mixed beam and photon groups with regard to local tumor control, frequency of major complications, or patient survival. There was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the number of patients completing treatment with intracavitary radium. When the patients who completed treatment with intracavitary radium or an external beam boost are analyzed separately, the results with mixed beam irradiation are slightly better than those achieved with photon irradiation, although the difference is not statistically significant.
Biological responses of hybridoma cells to defined hydrodynamic shear stress

Abstract Hybridoma cells grown in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR) at steady state were subjected to a defined shear stress in a Searle viscometer. Various biological responses of cells such as membrane integrity, respiration activity and cell lysis were measured as functions of shear stress level and exposure time. Experiments were conducted in both laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Shear stress levels and exposure times were varied between 50–1000 dynes cm −2 and 1/2–3 h, respectively. Turbulent shear caused a higher degree of damage than laminar shear for the same shear level and exposure time. Respiration activity of cells as measured by tetrazolium dye reduction was adversely affected prior to loss of membrane integrity and cell lysis. Hybridoma cells were damaged above a shear stress level of 50 dynes cm −2 in the turbulent regime. The kinetics of cell damage were investigated and rate constants were determined. A damage-force correlation was developed to quantify and predict loss of biological functions at different shear stress levels and exposure times.
Sensing Antimonite and Arsenite at the Subattomole Level with Genetically Engineered Bioluminescent Bacteria

A highly sensitive and selective optical sensing system for antimonite has been developed using genetically engineered bacteria. The basis of this system is the ability of certain bacteria to survive in environments that are contaminated with antimonite, arsenite, and arsenate. The survival is conferred to the bacteria by the ars operon, which consists of five genes that code for three structural proteins, ArsA, ArsB, and ArsC, and two regulatory proteins, ArsD and ArsR. ArsA, ArsB, and ArsC form a protein pump system that extrudes antimonite, arsenite, and arsenate once these anions reach the cytoplasm of the bacterium. A method was developed for monitoring antimonite and arsenite by using a single plasmid that incorporates the regulatory gene of the extrusion system, arsR, and the genes of bacterial luciferase, luxA and luxB. In the designed plasmid, ArsR regulates the expression of bacterial luciferase in a manner that is dependent on the concentration of antimonite and arsenite in the sample. Thus, th...
Management of a Novel Parotid Collision Tumor

Abridged Case History: A 75 year old male with left ear lobule melanoma was concurrently found to have a right parotid mass. Pre-operative CT showed a right parotid mass and all FNA attempts were non-diagnostic. The patient was taken to the operating room for excision of the left ear melanoma, as well as for right superficial parotidectomy and right modified neck dissection. The operation was complicated by frozen pathology suggestive of a novel collision tumor.
Flow cytometric methods for RNA content analysis

Analysis of the RNA content of individual cells provides information on their translational capacity, which varies with cell differentiation and proliferation. In fact, because the rates of cell growth and proliferation are coupled, cellular or nuclear (nucleolar) RNA content indirectly serves as a marker of cell proliferation. The most common use of RNA measurement is in the discrimination of cycling from noncycling cells; RNA content is also a prognostic parameter in many malignancies. Two flow cytometric methods that simultaneously measure cellular RNA and DNA were developed. The first method is based on the use of the metachromatic dye acridine orange, which can differentially stain these nucleic acids. This method measures total cellular or nuclear RNA content and can be used in flow cytometers that have a single source of illumination. The second method uses a combination of fluorescent dyes, pyronin Y and Hoechst 33342. Only double-stranded RNA fluoresces when stained with pyronin Y. Simultaneous measurement of DNA and RNA utilizing Hoechst 33342 and pyronin Y requires the use of instruments having double excitation sources. Both methods are very sensitive to variations in dye concentration.
Measurement of serum LH, FSH, progesterone, 17-hydroxy-progesterone and estradiol-17beta levels at 4-hour intervals during the periovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle.

ABSTRACT Serum LH, FSH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, estradiol-17β and progesterone were measured in 4 women every 4 hr during the midcycle LH surge to ascertain more exactly the relationship between 17-hydroxyprogesterone and estradiol-17β and LH. All women ovulated following their LH surges as indicated by a rise in serum progesterone. All LH peaks were preceeded by a surge of estradiol-17β as shown previously in normal menstrual cycles. 17-Hydroxyprogesterone rose after the onset of both the estradiol and LH surges. It was concluded that the dramatic rise in serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone at midcycle is the result of increasing levels of LH and is one of the earliest luteinizing effects of LH. Serum estradiol levels had started to decline prior to the LH surge in two subjects but not in another. A decrease in circulatory estradiol may not, therefore, be the mechanism for the midcycle release of LH.
Experimental strain analysis of the losipescu shear test specimen

An experimental strain analysis of the losipescu shear test specimen was performed, utilizing a 20-ply AS4/3501-6 carbon/epoxy unidirectional composite. Using three-element strain-gage rosettes, it was shown that the presence of loading-point-induced transverse normal strains in the gage section do not affect the measured shear strain. Thus, the shear modulus determined using the standard notch specimen is not affected. Likewise, modulus determination is not influenced by cracking at the notch tips, since this occurs at strains beyond the range over which modulus is determined. To further evaluate the effect of notch-tip cracking, material was removed adjacent to the standard V-notches where these cracks initiate. The measured shear strength was unaffected by removing this material, although the shear modulus was reduced slightly (by as much as eight percent for the more grossly exaggerated geometries).
REGULATION OF LEUKOCYTE-ENDOTHELIUM INTERACTION AND LEUKOCYTE TRANSENDOTHELIAL MIGRATION BY INTERCELLULAR ADHESION MOLECULE 1-FIBRINOGEN RECOGNITION

Although primarily recognized for its role in hemostasis, fibrinogen is also required for competent inflammatory reactions in vivo. It is now shown that fibrinogen promotes adhesion to and migration across an endothelial monolayer of terminally differentiated myelomonocytic cells. This process does not require chemotactic/haptotactic gradients or cytokine stimulation of the endothelium and is specific for the association of fibrinogen with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on endothelium. Among other adhesive plasma proteins, fibronectin fails to increase the binding of leukocytes to endothelium, or transendothelial migration, whereas vitronectin promotes the binding but not the migration. The fibrinogen-mediated leukocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration could be inhibited by a peptide from the fibrinogen gamma-chain sequence N117NQKIVNL-KEKVAQLEA133, which blocks the binding of fibrinogen to ICAM-1. This interaction could also be inhibited by new anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibodies that did not affect the ICAM-1-CD11a/CD18 recognition, thus suggesting that the fibrinogen binding site on ICAM-1 may be structurally distinct from regions previously implicated in leukocyte-endothelium interaction. Therefore, binding of fibrinogen to vascular cell receptors is sufficient to initiate (i) increased leukocyte adhesion to endothelium and (ii) leukocyte transendothelial migration. These two processes are the earliest events of immune inflammatory responses and may also contribute to atherosclerosis.
On the dead load boundary value problem

The dead load traction boundary condition in finite elasticity is the prescription of the first Piola-Kirchhoff stress vector on the boundary of the undeformed body. Such a prescription does not correspond to an unambiguous physical situation: more than one pair of deformation and actual applied traction on the deformed body can produce the same Piola-Kirchhoff stress vector on the undeformed body. The ambiguous physical meaning of the assignment of the Piola-Kirchhoff traction makes it essential that each solution to a dead load boundary value problem be interpreted in terms of the deformed configuration of the body and the Cauchy traction on the deformed boundary in order to determine the physical situation to which it corresponds. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the important role played by physical interpretation of solutions through the examination of two familiar problems of dead loading: the biaxial stretching of a sheet of rubber material, studied by Treloar; and the problem, introduced by Rivlin, of a neo-Hookean cube loaded by three equal pairs of forces. In each of these dead load problems the loads are equal but produce multiple deformations most of which are asymmetric. This feature has been thought surprising by a number of authors. Here it is shown that the occurrence of these multiple solutions does not appear unusual when the solutions are interpreted in terms of the physically meaningful Cauchy tractions on the deformed body.
Psychological factors in recurrent genital herpes infection: Stress, coping style, social support, emotional dysfunction, and symptom recurrence

Abstract The relationship among stress, coping style, emotional dysfunction, social support, and severity of symptoms (frequency of recurrence, and pain, and bother of recurrences) was investigated in 35 females and 32 males suffering from severe cases of genital herpes infection. Level of emotional dysfunction as measured by the SCL-90 approached two standard deviations above the mean as compared with non-patient normals, and frequency, pain, and bother of recurrences were associated with the level of emotional dysfunction. Negative life stress (as measured by the Life Experiences Survey) was unrelated to psychopathology, and was associated only with duration among the symptom measures. Regression analyses indicated that higher frequencies of recurrence and greater discomfort associated with symptoms were associated with an external locus of control orientation and with a tendency to use emotion-focused wishful thinking and to avoid using cognitive strategies to cope with the stress associated with herpes. It was suggested that stress management procedures involving teaching of problem-focused coping strategies and provision of social support would be most effective for this population.
Novel integral formulation for scattering from multilayered dielectric cylinders of arbitrary cross section

A novel boundary integral formulation is implemented for the electromagnetic scattering of laser radiation from multilayered dielectric cylinders of arbitrary cross section. Because of the optical frequencies involved, problem size is controlled by a judicious choice of element size. Results for the more compute intensive Galerkin method are generated for comparison against the less time-consuming Moment method using linear isoparametric boundary elements. Singular kernels are integrated numerically using a technique that converges rapidly. Scattered intensities for both TE and TM polarizations on circular cylinders compare extremely well with analytic far-field predictions.
Rationality and social labor in Marx

Textual exegesis is used to show that Marx's concept of social labor is transhistorical, referring to a collective activity of humans as a species. The collective nature of labor is suspended in capitalist production because of the anarchic character of market relations. But the suspension is skin deep: The sociality of labor asserts itself in a mediated manner through the alienated empowerment of goods with value. This is commodity fetishism, which vanishes when relations of production become actually collective—matching the transhistorical essence of labor. Marx's concept of social labor is adjudged inadequate. It amounts to asserting that the actions of agents could be ex ante calculated according to a global rationality. In this respect, Marx's concept of social labor is reminiscent of the equally deficient notion of perfect competition in mainstream neoclassical economics.
Reflection through design: immigrant women's self-reflection on managing health and wellness

Women comprise nearly half of the immigrant population worldwide and are susceptible to a wider range of health challenges compared to immigrant men. We present the findings of four participatory design sessions with immigrant women from the Caribbean to identify health and wellness challenges they faced and to conceptualize technologies to help them manage these issues. Stress, dietary challenges (specifically obesity), mental health, and domestic abuse, as identified by the women, form the focal themes for the design sessions. Their design approaches emphasized rebuilding the support structure, reducing stressors through entertainment and relaxation and encouraging positive gradational lifestyle changes. In conceiving health and wellness technologies for immigrant women, our work highlights opportunities for HCI to consider the role of others (and who benefits) and to reflect on the role of design and the underlying values and themes designs encompass. Finally, we emphasize how the technologies conceived by these women support rather than replace social solutions to the health and wellness challenges faced by these and other immigrant women.
Kilo-sequencing: an ordered strategy for rapid DNA sequence data acquisition

Abstract A strategy for rapid DNA sequence acquisition in an ordered, nonrandom manner, while retaining all of the conveniences of the dideoxy method with M13 transducing phage DNA template, is described. Target DNA 3 to 14 kb in size can be stably carried by our M13 vectors. Suitable targets are stretches of DNA which lack an enzyme recognition site which is unique on our cloning vectors and adjacent to the sequencing primer; current sites that are so useful when lacking are Pst, Xba, HindIII, BglII, EcoRI. By an in vitro procedure, we cut RF DNA once randomly and once specifically, to create thousands of deletions which start at the unique restriction site adjacent to the dideoxy sequencing primer and extend various distances across the target DNA. Phage carrying a desired size of deletions, whose DNA as template will give rise to DNA sequence data in a desired location along the target DNA, may be purified by electrophoresis alive on agarose gels. Phage running in the same location on the agarose gel thus conveniently give rise to nucleotide sequence data from the same kilobase of target DNA.
A new view on the driving mechanism of Milankovitch glaciation cycles

Abstract Dynamical instabilities in the glaciation and deglaciation of the ice sheets can be triggered by pulsations of the rate of change of the orbital and rotational parameters. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the Milankovitch glaciation cycles are extremely sensitive to the rate of change of the obliquity frequency. The first of our three contributions is a pedagogic principle of dynamical instability which provides a scientific basis for the driving mechanism of the glaciation cycles. The second contribution is a clarification of the origin and climate significance of the obliquity related 100 kyr cycle in terms of nonlinear coupling between various orbital and rotational parameters. Finally, the fluctuations in the size of the ice sheets are computed using the Weertman-Birchfield-Watts model of ice sheets. It is demonstrated that the growth and decay of the width of the ice sheets are in good agreement with the variations in the continental ice volume as seen in the late Pleistocene δ18O record.
Fine structure of the chemoreceptor sensillum in Limulus

Each chemoreceptor sensillum of Limulus polyphemus consists of 6–15 bipolar neurosensory cells with distal processes confined within a single cuticular tubule as they extend to the outside environment. The cuticular tubule, which is enveloped by the cuticulo-tubal cell, opens proximally into a fluid-filled extracellular space through which the dendrite passes before entering the cuticular tubule. Between the neurosensory cells are one to three microvillar cells also exposed to the extracellular space. This space is enclosed by a sheath cell extending proximally from the inner opening of the cuticular tubule and enveloping the proximal portions of the dendrites, the distal portions of the microvillar cells, as well as the distal portion of some neurosensory cell bodies. Most of the remaining portions of the neurosensory cells and microvillar cells are enveloped by neuroglia. Tight junctions occur between the distal portions of the dendrites in or near the cuticular tubule. Each dendrite has a cilium-like segment located where it traverses the extracellular space with a 9 + 0 pattern of fibers. Septuplelayered junctions occur among the proximal portions of some dendrites and some neurosensory cell bodies of the same sensillum. The subjacent processes of the sensillum frequently course proximally as isolated axons before joining nerve bundles. In the chilarial and gnathobasal chemoreceptors these nerve bundles course proximally to neuropile clumps of a peripheral nerve plexus. The presence of numerous synaptic vesicles in the neuropiles suggests that chemical transmission may occur among “en passant” synapses formed by the axons. Proximally the neuropiles are joined to the central nervous system by relatively long nerves.