cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Marsh Terracing on Nekton Abundance at Two Locations in Galveston Bay, Texas

We evaluated two marsh terracing restoration projects (GI=Galveston Island State Park, PM=Pierce Marsh) to compare nekton density and biomass between locations and among habitat types (open water pre-construction, open water post-construction, terrace marsh, terrace pond). Most (72%) animals collected were decapod crustaceans. Few differences in nekton abundance were observed over time (pre-construction versus post-construction open water). Comparisons of pre-construction to post-construction open water showed that the locations differed environmentally (e.g., turbidity) and in populations of nekton species. Density and biomass of gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus and spot Leiostomus xanthurus in spring and density of white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus in fall were higher at PM than GI, whereas densities and biomass of blue crab Callinectes sapidus, density of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum, and biomass of brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus in the fall were higher at GI than PM. Despite location differences, constructing terraces appeared to benefit fishery species at both locations. Densities of brown shrimp, blue crab, white shrimp (fall), and pink shrimp (fall) and the biomass of brown shrimp, blue crab, and white shrimp (fall) were higher in terrace marsh than open water. Marsh terracing appears to be an effective tool for enhancing fishery habitat in degraded coastal systems.
mRNAs encoding muscarinic and substance P receptors in cultured sympathetic neurons are differentially regulated by LIF or CNTF.

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) have previously been shown to regulate neuronal choice of neurotransmitter. In this present study, these factors were shown to specifically and differentially regulate levels of both muscarinic (subtypes m1, m2, m3, m4, and m5) and substance P receptor (SPR) mRNAs in sympathetic neurons of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) using solution hybridization/RNase protection analysis. In vivo, neonatal rat SCG expressed predominantly m2 (10.31 ± 0.43 pg mRNA/μg total RNA) and some ml (1.54 ± 0.84 pg/μg) muscarinic receptor mRNA, which increased developmentally to adult levels (m2 mRNA levels being 60% higher than those in neonates). By contrast, m3, m4, and m5 subtype mRNAs were much less abundant at all time points measured. A similar developmental regulation was found in dissociated SCG neurons in vitro. After 16 days in culture, m2 mRNA increased 334% to 15.76 ± 0.68 pg/μg, while m1 mRNA changed little (2.03 ± 1.00 pg/μg). However, LIF or CNTF treatment (5 ng/ml, 14 days) in sister cultures completely blocked this developmental increase. Further, LIF treatment blocked the normal muscarinic receptor-mediated increase in intracellular calcium (fura-2 imaging), indicating a functional change in receptor phenotype. By contrast, levels of SPR mRNA, which were low in untreated cultures (0.037 ± 0.025 pg SPR mRNA/μg total RNA), were elevated by LIF or CNTF treatment, to 0.866 ± 0.034 pg/μg and 0.662 ± 0.148 pg/μg, respectively. These observations indicate that muscarinic and SPR receptor expression are differentially regulated by the same factors in SCG neurons and that neuronal choice of receptor phenotype may be, at least in part, specifically regulated by cytokines/growth factors in the cellularmilieu.
A new reductive procedure for the preparation of vicinal diamines and monoamines

Abstract Selective reductive procedures for the preparation of vicinal diamines and monomines from alkyl bromocyanamides are described.
A simplified method for the determination of nitric oxide in biological solutions

Abstract A new simplified procedure for determination of nitric oxide (NO) in biological solutions is described utilizing a new reducing system of nitric oxide prior to chemiluminescence. Advantages of the new method makes heating of the reducing solution unnecessary and avoids cooling and condensation of generated vapors. Only traces of acid with a high boiling point are used. The method permits analysis of small sample volumes (200 μL). The basal production of nitric oxide by freshly harvested endothelial cells ranged from 100 to 880 picomoles.
Integrated laboratory and field approach for assessing impacts of heavy metals at the Arkansas River, Colorado

This research employed an integrated laboratory and field approach to assess effects of heavy metals at the Arkansas River, a Colorado stream impacted by historic mining operations. Ambient metal levels, chronic toxicity, metal bioaccu-mulation by benthic organisms, and benthic community structure were examined at stations located upstream and downstream from California Gulch (CG), a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site near Leadville, Colorado. Although each approach demonstrated effects of metals from CG, important differences among approaches were observed. Ambient metal concentrations and chronic toxicity tests conducted with Ceriodaphma dubia indicated reduced water quality at upstream and downstream stations. Because of temporal variability in metal levels, water samples collected for chronic toxicity tests did not reflect average exposure conditions. Instream monitoring of benthic communities was necessary to characterize metal impacts at the Arkansas River, but this approach had limitations. Levels of metals in periphyton and benthic invertebrates were significantly elevated at stations downstream from CG. Variation in metal levels among taxa and the absence of some taxa from some stations may limit the use of bioaccumulation studies for monitoring metal impacts. Benthic community structure was altered downstream from CG, but some metrics (e.g., species richness, abundance) were not affected by heavy metals because of the replacement of sensitive taxa by tolerant taxa. Because each of the approaches employed in this study provided different information on the degree of metal impacts, we recommend an integrated approach for assessing effects of metals on streams.
Coulomb-glass-like behavior of ultrathin films of metals

A field-effect conductance-modulation experiment has been performed on ultrathin films of metals deposited onto amorphous germanium substrates. For the thinnest films at the lowest temperatures, the conductance exhibits logarithmic decay, memory, aging, and hysteretic effects in its response to changes in gate voltage. These glasslike phenomena disappear above a characteristic temperature, and become immeasurable as film thickness is increased.
Rapid synthesis of RGD mimetics with isoxazoline scaffolds on solid phase: Identification of αvβ3 antagonists lead compounds

Isoxazoline containing RGD mimetics were rapidly synthesized on a solid phase to optimize linkers, regioisomers of isoxazoline scaffolds, and exosite binding groups to yield lead αvβ3 antagonists.
Many voices: Medical anthropologists explore the meaning of health, illness, and cure

Lindenbaum, Shirley and Margaret Lock, eds. Knowledge, Power and Practice: The Anthropology of Medicine in Everyday Life. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993. xvii + 242 pp. including no...
Geminate recombination in an inhomogeneous electric field: theory

Geminate recombination in the presence of an inhomogeneous electric field is analyzed theoretically. The model fields employed exhibit cylindrical and spherical symmetry. It is shown that when the spatial variation of the geminate pair concentration and that of the field intensity are comparable, there are significant differences from the response observed in homogeneous electric fields.
Selective retention of dihydrotestosterone by prostatic nuclei

MUCH attention is being given to the effect of gonadal hormones on various biochemical events in the cell nuclei of the target tissues1–7. It is not known whether steroids act directly at nuclear sites; oestradiol-17β seems to associate with nuclear components without alteration of the oestrogen molecule8,9. Ventral prostate can retain androgens to a somewhat greater extent than the blood10,11, but studying the method of androgen retention is complicated by the rapid and multiple transformations of androgens injected into the experimental animals10–12. Consequently, we have asked two simple questions: (1) which metabolite(s) of testosterone can associate with isolated prostatic nuclei; and (2) is such association selective ? The results reported in this paper suggest to us that nuclear chromatin of prostate, but not other tissues which are insensitive to androgen, contains an androgen receptor which can selectively retain dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 5α-androstane-17β-ol-3-one)—the most potent endogenous androgen for the growth of ventral prostate of rat13,14.
Integrated recirculating optical buffers

In this paper we present the rationale behind photonic integration of optical buffers for packet switching using optical delay lines. Our work on integrated buffers consisting of Indium-Phosphide-based gate matrix switches and silica-based delay lines is reviewed. Successful implementation of this hybridly integrated chip in a synchronously loaded optical packet buffer is shown. Integration of an optical buffer on the hybrid silicon platform, where active switches can be combined with a low-loss silicon delay line, is discussed and the results for a fully integrated 1.1-ns delay buffer are presented. We report on our current efforts to reduce the silicon waveguide loss to scale the hybrid silicon buffer to be able to store 40-byte packets.
Contemporary evaluation of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network prostate cancer risk classification system.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the National Comprehensive Cancer Network prostate cancer guidelines pretreatment risk groups in a contemporary series of patients treated with radical prostatectomy. METHODS We analyzed our institutional radical prostatectomy database, including all patients with clinically localized disease treated from 2000 to 2010. Using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, the patients were classified into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk groups. The pathologic outcomes were assessed, and the biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival rates were calculated and compared using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS A total of 12 821 men met the inclusion criteria. The pathologic and 10-year BCR-free survival rates differed significantly by risk group (low risk, 92.1%; intermediate risk, 71.0%; and high risk, 38.8%; P < .01). Among the intermediate-risk men, the 10-year BCR-free survival was significantly greater for men assigned to the intermediate-risk group by clinical stage (88.8%) than for those deemed intermediate risk by the Gleason score (73.6%) or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (79.5%; P = .01). Likewise, in the high-risk men, a trend was seen toward improved 5-year BCR-free survival for patients with clinical stage T3a tumors (77.8%) compared with those considered high risk because of the Gleason score (53.7%) or PSA level (41.0%; P = .13). On multivariate analysis, clinical stage, Gleason score, and PSA level were all significantly associated with BCR. CONCLUSION We observed heterogeneous outcomes among patients within the National Comprehensive Cancer Network intermediate- and high-risk groups. The BCR-free survival rates were superior for men with an advanced clinical stage compared with those with an advanced Gleason score or elevated PSA level. This within-group heterogeneity must be considered when choosing the treatment modality and predicting an individual patient's prognosis.
Probabilistic tracking and real-time assessment of physical systems

In order for long-range autonomous robots to be successful, they must be able to maintain accurate information about their location, available resources, and the state of critical components. We propose here a methodology that incorporates traditional, sensor-based tracking methods with discrete probabilistic representations of system state. Further, we extend the use of the Gaussian distribution to include a richer set of mathematical descriptions of system performance under specific failure conditions. The extended representations are then used to statistically test for these failure conditions by predicting the most likely values for observable parameters given the system state. This technique is then combined with first-order extended Kalman filtering to yield a probabilistic framework for tracking and fault detection in domains with nonlinear dynamics.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence for incompressible states in a metal-graphene tunnel junction in high magnetic field

We present transport measurements of tunnel junctions made between Cu and graphene in a magnetic field. We observe a transition to a Landau-level-like structure at high fields, as well as a set of sharp features in the tunneling spectra that shift with gate and tunnel probe voltage along the lines of constant charge density. We explain the sharp features with the formation of degeneracy-split localized Landau levels and the addition of electrons to those levels one by one. A large capacitive coupling to the tunnel probe also increases the gate voltage spacing between the Landau levels.
Electrons above a helium surface and the one-dimensional Rydberg atom

Isolated electrons resting above a helium surface are predicted to have a bound spectrum corresponding to a one-dimensional hydrogen atom. But in fact, the observed spectrum is closer to that of a quantum-defect atom. Such a model is discussed and solved in analytic closed form.
Circulating Interleukin-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor in Septic Shock and Experimental Endotoxin Fever

Interleukins (IL) -1 beta and -1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) were measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples from 44 healthy individuals, 15 patients in septic shock, and 6 volunteers infused with endotoxin. Plasma IL-1 alpha levels were low (40 pg/ml) or undetectable in all situations. In 67% of the healthy subjects, plasma IL-1 beta levels were less than 70 pg/ml. Septic patients had higher plasma IL-1 beta levels (120 +/- 17 pg/ml, P = .001); those of surviving patients were higher than those of patients who died (P = .05). Plasma TNF-alpha concentrations in septic individuals were elevated (119 +/- 30 pg/ml) and correlated with severity of illness (r = .73, P = .003), but no correlation was observed between plasma IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha concentrations in individual samples. Infusion of endotoxin caused a twofold elevation of IL-1 beta, from a baseline of 35 +/- 5 pg/ml to a maximum of 69 +/- 27 pg/ml at 180 min (P less than .05). Peak TNF-alpha levels after endotoxin infusion were 15 times higher than IL-1 beta levels, were attained more rapidly (90 min), and as with the septic patients, did not correlate with IL-1 beta levels. These data support the concept that plasma IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha concentrations are regulated independently and are associated with different clinical outcomes.
A general peptide substrate for protein tyrosine phosphatases

The determination of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity using different protein substrates such as modified lysozyme or myelin basic protein is greatly affected by the type of enzyme involved, the condition of the assay, and the presence of effectors. The purpose of this study was to develop a general substrate of wide applicability with which variations in enzymatic activity would be minimized. A nonapeptide ENDYINASL derived from a highly conserved region of the T-cell phosphatase TC.PTP (Cool et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86, 5257-5261) was phosphorylated with a recombinant tyrosine kinase domain of the EGF receptor and purified on a C18 cartridge. Phosphatase activities of intracellular and receptor-linked PTPs were as high as the highest values obtained with the protein substrates. The intracellular, low-molecular-weight PTPs exhibited Km values between 0.5 and 1.3 microM, whereas the receptor forms CD45 and RPTP alpha gave values of 14 and 35 microM, respectively. All PTPs displayed similar properties toward the peptide including a low pH optimum and inhibition by vanadate, divalent cations, and heparin. Following immunoprecipitation, 1 ng of TC.PTP could be detected with ENDY(P)INASL compared to 10 ng in presence of protein substrates.
The Diplomacy of Trade and Investment: American Economic Expansion in the Hemisphere, 1865-1900

The move to encourage trade with Canada and Mexico during the 1990s, culminating with the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has had a long background extending as far back as the late eighteenth century. American trade with both Canada and Latin America rapidly increased during the last third of the nineteenth century as a result of burgeoning industry and agriculture in the United States. The Diplomacy of Trade and Investment is the first detailed examination of the economic and political forces behind this rapid growth and their effect on government policy. Based on a thorough examination of government documents, congressional debates and reports, private papers of government and business leaders, and newspapers, David M. Pletcher begins this monumental study with a comprehensive survey of U.S. trade following the Civil War. He goes on to outline the problems of building a coherent trade policy toward Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. The study concludes by analyzing a series of abortive trade reform efforts and examining the effects of the Spanish-American War. Pletcher rejects the long-held belief that American business and government engaged in a deliberate, consistent drive for economic hegemony in the hemisphere during the late 1800s. Instead he finds that the American government improvised and experimented with ways to further trade expansion. But American businessmen were often more interested in domestic trade than in trade with foreign markets. In fact, many of them resisted efforts to lower the American tariff or otherwise encourage American trade abroad. The combination of traditionalist and revisionist insight with Pletcher's own deep knowledge and research provides the reader with a comprehensive new interpretation of hemispheric trade expansion at the end of the nineteenth century.
Toeplitz Operators on the Fock Space

We study Toeplitz operators on the Fock space with positive measures as symbols. Main results include characterizations of Fock–Carleson measures, bounded Toeplitz operators, compact Toeplitz operators, and Toeplitz operators in the Schatten p-classes.
The dynamic nature of the stress appraisal process and the infusion of affect.

Abstract Very little is known about the process in which people reappraise a stressful environment or the factors that may influence this process. In the current study, we address the several limitations to previous research regarding stress reappraisals and explore the role of affect on this process. A total of 320 participants (mean age = 20 years, 60% male) completed an increasingly demanding team-based coordination task. Mood and stress appraisals were assessed at three time points using self-report surveys during four different waves of data collection. The longitudinal design enabled us to assess primary and secondary reappraisals (change in appraisals during the experiment), task-irrelevant affect (affect assessed prior to experiment participation), and task-relevant affect (change in affect experienced during the experiment). Guided by the Transactional Theory of Stress, we argue that the relationship between primary reappraisal and secondary reappraisal is an accurate representation of a dynamic ...
The rostral basilar artery syndrome Diagnosis, etiology, prognosis

Vascular occlusive disease of the rostral basilar artery (RBAS) causes a myriad of clinical signs and symptoms reflecting rostral brainstem-diencephalic and posterior hemispheric dysfunction. To help define the clinical profile, we prospectively studied 61 patients with clinical/neuroimaging evidence of RBAS during a 7-year period. Fourteen patients mirrored classic descriptions: severe visual, oculomotor and behavioral signs without prominent motoric dysfunction, uniformly poor prognosis, and intimate association with hypertension and prior episodes of vertebrobasilar ischemia (VBI). In contrast, 47 individuals had a reversible syndrome with excellent short-term functional recoveries, and were distinguished by a lower frequency and severity of hypertension, a greater incidence of arrhythmias in the young, and no history of VBI. All patients had important neurobehavioral abnormalities including an invariable acute confusional state. Diagnosis required the integrated assessment of neurobehavioral, ophthalmologic, and imaging tests. The clinical syndrome is more common and etiologically diverse than previously reported and is frequently unrecognized in the young and elderly who present with acute confusion.
A prospective study of leisure‐time physical activity and risk of incident epithelial ovarian cancer: Impact by menopausal status

Despite multiple hypotheses for a protective effect, epidemiologic findings are inconsistent regarding the association between physical activity and risk of ovarian cancer. Considering physical activity assessment at different times of life, including pre- and postmenopause, may be important for explaining these discrepancies. Therefore, we examined the risk of ovarian cancer according to total, premenopausal and postmenopausal physical activity among 85,462 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 112,679 women from the Nurses' Health Study II. Leisure-time physical activity was prospectively assessed about every 2-4 years using validated questionnaires, and characterized as metabolic equivalent task hours per week (MET-hr/week), which combines exercise duration and intensity. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for these associations. We identified 815 incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases during 24 years of follow-up. A modestly increased ovarian cancer risk was observed for high levels of total cumulative average physical activity and a suggestively increased risk for low activity. Compared to 3-9 MET-hr/week, HRs (95% CIs) were 1.26 (1.02, 1.55) for ≥ 27 MET-hr/week (equivalent to 1 hr/day of brisk walking) and 1.19 (0.94, 1.52) for <3 MET-hr/week. This association was limited to premenopausal physical activity [comparable HR (95% CI) of 1.50 (1.13, 1.97) and 1.29 (0.95, 1.75), respectively]. Postmenopausal physical activity was not associated with risk. Our data do not support a protective role of physical activity for ovarian cancer. The increased risk associated with physical activity during premenopausal years and the underlying etiology require further investigation.
Transvenous left ventricular lead placement in a patient with mechanical tricuspid, aortic, and mitral valves.

A 62-year-old woman was referred for upgrade of her single chamber AAIR pacemaker to dual chamber due to symptomatic bradycardia with high-grade AV block. She previously underwent mechanical aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valve replacement due to rheumatic heart disease. Subsequently, she developed sick sinus syndrome and a single chamber pacemaker (AAIR) was implanted. No ventricular leads were placed at that time due to the …
Effects of Rotary Inertia on the Supersonic Flutter of Sandwich Panels

A theoretical analysis is presented for the supersonic flutter of a simply-supported isotropic sandwich panel. The aerodynamic loading is described by a static approximation valid for a wide range of Mach number. Small deflection theory for sandwich plates which considers transverse shear deformations and rotary inertia in addition to bending is used. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effect of the rotary inertia parameter on the critical flutter speed of simply-suppor ted panels. Previous investigators have neglected this effect and results obtained are of an anomalous nature for certain plate parameters. The effect of such plate parameters as rotary inertia, transverse shear, and midplane stress resultants on the critical flutter speed are presented in graphical form.
Effect of sea environment on interfacial delamination behavior of polymeric sandwich structures

Sandwich structures are utilized in naval craft and thereby are exposed to sea water environment and temperature fluctuations over extended periods. The sandwich layup consists of a closed cell polymeric foam layer placed between thin carbon or glass fiber reinforced polymeric composite facings. Attention in this paper is focused on sea water effects on the interfacial mechanical response between foam and facing due to sustained sea water exposure using carefully controlled laboratory conditions. Pre-cracked sandwich composite samples are soaked in sea water for extended periods and interfacial fracture behavior compared against dry specimens. Results indicate that the delamination crack propagates close to the interface in the wet case, while it stays within the foam in the dry case. Significant reduction in fracture toughness due to sea water exposure is observed and needs to be considered in the design of ship structures. The effect of sea water on values of energy release rate are determined experimentally and predicted using the J-integral concept. A good agreement between data and predictions is achieved, indicating a reduction in fracture toughness by 30% due to sustained exposure to sea water.
Gradients in bone morphogenetic protein-related gene expression across the growth plate

In the growth plate, stem-like cells in the resting zone differentiate into rapidly dividing chondrocytes of the proliferative zone and then terminally differentiate into the nondividingchondrocytesofthehypertrophiczone.Toexplorethe molecular switches responsible for this two-step differentiation program, we developed a microdissection method to isolate RNA from the resting (RZ), proliferative (PZ), and hypertrophic zones (HZ) of 7-day-old male rats. Expression of approximately 29 000 genes was analyzed by microarray and selected genes verified by real-time PCR. The analysis identified genes whose expression changed dramatically during the differentiation program, including multiple genes functionally related to bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). BMP-2 and BMP-6 were upregulated in HZ compared with RZ and PZ (30-fold each, P!0.01 and 0.001 respectively). In contrast, BMP signaling inhibitors were expressed early in the differentiation pathway; BMP-3 andgremlin were differentially expressed in RZ (100- and 80-fold, compared with PZ, P! 0 . 001 and 0 . 005 respectively) and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-10inPZ(160-foldcomparedwithHZ,P!0 . 001).Our findings suggest a BMP signaling gradient across the growth plate, which is established by differential expression of multiple BMPs and BMP inhibitors in specific zones. Since BMPs can stimulate both proliferation and hypertrophic differentiation of growthplatechondrocytes,thesefindingssuggestthatlowlevels of BMP signaling in the resting zone may help maintain these cellsinaquiescentstate.InthelowerRZ,greaterBMPsignaling may help induce differentiation to proliferative chondrocytes. Fartherdownthegrowthplate,evengreaterBMPsignalingmay help induce hypertrophic differentiation. Thus, BMP signaling gradients may be a key mechanism responsible for spatial regulation of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in growth plate cartilage.
The ecology of climate change and infectious diseases

The projected global increase in the distribution and prevalence of infectious diseases with climate change suggests a pending societal crisis. The subject is increasingly attracting the attention of health professionals and climate-change scientists, particularly with respect to malaria and other vector-transmitted human diseases. The result has been the emergence of a crisis discipline, reminiscent of the early phases of conservation biology. Latitudinal, altitudinal, seasonal, and interannual associations between climate and disease along with historical and experimental evidence suggest that climate, along with many other factors, can affect infectious diseases in a nonlinear fashion. However, although the globe is significantly warmer than it was a century ago, there is little evidence that climate change has already favored infectious diseases. While initial projections suggested dramatic future increases in the geographic range of infectious diseases, recent models predict range shifts in disease distributions, with little net increase in area. Many factors can affect infectious disease, and some may overshadow the effects of climate.
Poster 56 Acupuncture for the Relief of Odynophagia and Xerostomia After Chemoradiation Therapy in Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Case Report

Objectives/Case description: A 48 year old male presented with 6-month history of odynophagia and xerostomia, which began during chemotherapy (cetuximab) and radiation therapy (66 Gray in 33 fractions) for treatment of clinical stage T1N1M0 squamous cell carcinoma of his tongue. Odynophagia was described as aching pain at the base of his tongue that felt like his throat was swollen, and was worse with swallowing. He also reported xerostomia, with associated dysphagia and impaired taste. The patient had failed pilocarpine, Biotene rinse, and speech therapy. Physical examination revealed dry oral mucous membranes and skin hyperpigmentation on the neck, consistent with radiation therapy. The musculoskeletal and neurological exam of the head, neck, and upper extremities were otherwise unremarkable. Methods: He received weekly 20-minute sessions of acupuncture (using combination of manual, auricular, and electro-acupuncture) for 10 sessions. He completed a self-report questionnaire asking about the percentage improvement of his symptoms of pain, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, taste impairment, insomnia, and anxiety at each session. Results: He reported resolution of odynophagia after 4 acupuncture sessions, with the most dramatic improvement after session #2 (50%) and session #3 (90%). He reported gradual improvement of xerostomia, with 30-40% improvement, over 10 acupuncture sessions. Gradual improvement over 10 acupuncture sessions was noted in symptoms associated with xerostomia, such as ability to swallow (25-30% improvement), and sense of taste (25-30% improvement). Discussion: Odynophagia and xerostomia are common complications after chemoradiation in oropharyngeal cancer, and can be difficult to manage. This case report found that acupuncture was effective in treating odynophagia and xerostomia after chemoradiation in oropharyngeal cancer.
Existing dopaminergic therapies for Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder associated with a gradual loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, resulting in diminishing production of dopamine and loss of motor function. Although the aetiology of PD is not understood completely, the recent understanding of the cause of this disease from genetic mutations and the development of a chemical model have provided much deeper insight into the pathogenesis of the disease process. Over the years many different therapeutic agents have been developed to alleviate symptomatic problems in PD. Among these agent, dopaminergic therapy still plays a dominant role as a mainstay treatment agents. In this article, along with levo-dopa (L-dopa), a brief review on different dopamine receptor agonists has been presented. In addition, indirect dopaminergic agents, such as selective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, have also been included in the description.
Protective efficacy of antibodies to the Staphylococcus aureus type 5 capsular polysaccharide in a modified model of endocarditis in rats.

The protective efficacy of antibodies to the Staphylococcus aureus type 5 capsular polysaccharide (CP5) was examined in a modified model of catheter-induced endocarditis. Rats were catheterized by surgically passing a polyethylene catheter through the right carotid artery and aortic valve into the left ventricle. The following day, the rats were injected by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route with immunoglobulin G (IgG) purified from nonimmunized rabbits or from rabbits immunized with a conjugate vaccine composed of CP5 and CP8 linked covalently to recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxoid A. One day after passive immunization, the animals were challenged i.p. with one of three serotype 5 S. aureus isolates (strain Reynolds, Lowenstein, or VP) or nontypeable strain 521. Protection was evaluated by comparing quantitative cultures of blood, endocardial vegetations, and kidneys from control and immune animals. For experiments performed with S. aureus Reynolds and Lowenstein, rats given capsular antibodies (645 microg of CP5-specific IgG) showed a significantly (P < 0.05) lower prevalence of endocarditis than rats injected with nonimmune IgG. Similarly, quantitative cultures of the blood, kidneys, and aortic valve vegetations revealed that fewer S. aureus cells were recovered from rats given capsule-specific IgG than from rats administered nonimmune IgG. Rats challenged with strain VP were protected with 1.145 mg of CP5-specific IgG. Capsular antibodies did not protect against infection elicited by a nontypeable strain. These results demonstrate that capsular antibodies elicited by immunization with a polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine protect experimental animals against serotype 5 S. aureus infection in a modified model of endocarditis.
Deformation-Based Limit State Analysis of Embankment Dams Including Geometry and Water Level Effects

AbstractThe research presented in this paper is focused on the effect of various parameters on the deformation response of embankment dams and the corresponding performance limit states. The parameters considered include the geometry of the embankment and hydraulic loading in terms of intensity, duration, and cycles of loading and unloading as a result of the rise and fall of the water level in the reservoir. The analysis of a model embankment dam is conducted using the finite-element approach and the results are incorporated into simplified deformation-based probabilistic analyses. The effect of the change in geometry on shear strains and horizontal deformations and the corresponding probabilities of exceeding three predefined limit states are presented. The analyses are also used to demonstrate the importance of taking into account the storm loading history when assessing the stability of the flood protection earth structures under future flood events. In a larger embankment model, the shear zone propag...
Difficult male urethral catheterization: a review of different approaches.

PURPOSE: To review and compare the different methods for difficult male urethral catheterization described in selected literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed search was done with the terms "difficult", "failed", or "complications" and "urethral catheterization", "transurethral catheterization", "Foley catheter", "urethral catheter" or "filiforms and followers". All articles addressing the issue of difficult adult male urethral catheterization were included. RESULTS: Six main approaches were identified on the 14 articles included for review: 1) Passage of either a Glidewire, guide wire or filiform under direct vision; 2) Blind passage of a filiform, guide wire, Glidewire or hydrophilic catheter; 3) "The Peel-away® sheath placed on a cystoscope/resectoscope technique"; 4) "The rigid ureteroscope placed inside the 22F Foley technique"; 5) Suprapubic catheterization; and 6) "The instillation of 60 cc of saline through the catheter as it is advanced technique". CONCLUSION: There is a paucity of prospective data comparing the benefits, risks, success rates and complications of the different approaches for difficult Foley catheter placement. Our suggested approach starts with the initial attempt at urethral catheterization with an 18F coude and a 12F silicone catheter. If these fail, using a flexible cystoscope or the blind Glidewire technique are reasonable alternatives. If dilatation of a stricture is necessary, ureteric dilatators or a urethral balloon dilatator are recommended.
Calibration Transfer and Measurement Stability of Near-Infrared Spectrometers

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been widely accepted as a quantitative technique in which multivariate calibration plays an important role. The application of NIR to process analysis, however, has been largely limited by a problem identified as calibration transfer, the attempt to transfer a well-established calibration model from one instrument (e.g., located in the central laboratory) to another instrument of the same type (e.g., located on an industrial process). A calibration transfer method called piecewise direct standardization (PDS) is applied to a set of gasoline samples measured on two different NIR spectrometers. On the basis of the measurement of a small set of transfer samples on both instruments, a structured transformation matrix can be determined and applied to transform spectra between two instruments, enabling the transfer of calibration models. The effect of spectrum preprocessing on standardization is studied with the use of a set of gasoline samples. In a separate study, the day-to-day instrument variation as observed from the change in the polystyrene spectrum is related to the prediction of moisture, oil, protein, and starch content in corn samples, and then the possibility of using such generic standards to replace real samples in a transfer set is explored. In all cases, a standard error for prediction comparable to full set cross-validation is obtained through standardization.
Simulacra Gentium: the Ethne from the Sebasteion at Aphrodisias

Series of provinces and peoples were something new in Roman art. They were a distinctively Roman way of representing their empire visually, and reflect a distinctively Roman and imperial mode of thought. Such images are most familiar to us in sculpture from the reliefs that decorated the temple of Hadrian in Rome, and on coins from the ‘province’ series of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. We know, however, from various written sources that extensive groups of personified peoples were made at Rome under Augustus. Recently, the discovery of such a series in relief at Aphrodisias, there called ethne (peoples), allows us for the first time to see what an early imperial group of this kind looked like. The new reliefs were part of the elaborate decoration of a temple complex, probably called a Sebasteion, dedicated to Aphrodite Prometor and the Julio-Claudian emperors. I have already published in this journal the reliefs with imperial scenes, which portray the Roman emperor from a Greek perspective. This article publishes the ethne reliefs which, it will be argued, set out to reproduce or adapt in a much more direct manner an Augustan monument in Rome. The use of an Augustan-style ‘province’ series in Asia Minor is a telling illustration both of some of the mechanisms in the transmission of imperial art and of a Greek city's identification with the Roman government's view of its empire.
A phase II trial of weekly paclitaxel and every 3 weeks of carboplatin in potentially platinum-sensitive ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma.

Abstract Objective . Paclitaxel administered weekly in equal cumulative doses is associated with less hematologic and non-hematologic toxicity than an every 3-week administration. We studied weekly paclitaxel and 3-week carboplatin in potentially platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma. Methods . Paclitaxel at a dose of 80 mg/m 2 over 1 h in combination with carboplatin at an AUC of 5 was administered on day 1. Subsequent paclitaxel doses, modified based on the day of treatment ANC, were administered on days 8 and 15. Paclitaxel dose reductions to 75% of prior dose were performed for chemotherapy delays or toxicity. Results . Twenty-eight patients were studied. The median age was 59 (range 42–80). The median platinum-free interval was 12 months (range 7–129 months). A median of six courses (range 1–13) was administered. Paclitaxel dose reductions to 60 mg/m 2 were required in 85% of the patients. Grades 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia were seen in 5 and 0 patients, respectively. Grades 3 and 4 neutropenia were seen in 14 and 1 patients, respectively. One patient was hospitalized for neutropenic fever. Twenty of 26 (77%) evaluable patients have responded with 15 patients (58%) achieving a complete response. Conclusions . Weekly paclitaxel at a dose of 60 mg/m 2 in combination with carboplatin at an AUC of 5 is well tolerated and active in potentially platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian and peritoneal carcinoma.
From O(k 2 N) to O(N): A fast complex-valued eigenvalue solver for large-scale on-chip interconnect analysis

In general, the optimal computational complexity of Arnoldi iteration is O(k2N) for solving a generalized eigenvalue problem, with k being the number of dominant eigenvalues and N the matrix size. In this work, we reduce the computational complexity of the Arnoldi iteration from O(k2N) to O(N), thus paving the way for full-wave extraction of very large-scale on-chip interconnects, the k of which is hundreds of thousands. Numerical and experimental results have demonstrated the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed fast eigenvalue solver.
Differential diagnosis of an unusual tibial pathology from Peru

During an osteological analysis of human skeletal remains from the site of Punta Lobos (Huarmey Valley, northern coastal Peru), an unusual erosive lesion of the cortex with periosteal reaction was observed on a right tibia. The authors undertook a review of paleopathological and medical literature to arrive at a differential diagnosis. The lesion is determined to be a non-malignant growth, possibly a large periosteal ganglion, though a diagnosis of periosteal chondroma (a benign neoplasm) or other uncommon neoplasm could not be definitively ruled out. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensory neuropathy associated with Dursban (chlorpyrifos) exposure

Chlorpyrifos (Dursban) is an organophosphate insecticide with extensive domestic and agricultural applications. It is regarded as safe for these purposes; one report of neurotoxicity is attributed to massive ingestion in a suicide attempt. We report eight people who developed peripheral neuropathy after exposure to exterminator-applied commercial Dursban; five also experienced memory loss and cognitive slowing. Evaluation failed to reveal other causes of neurologic dysfunction; symptoms recurred in one patient following accidental reexposure. We conclude that environmental contact with chlorpyrifos can cause sensory neuropathy and CNS dysfunction and that this agent should be used with caution.
An Airborne Continuous Cloud Particle Replicator

Abstract An instrument for collecting cloud particles from an airplane has been developed. Cloud particles are captured and permanently replicated using the well known Formvar technique. From the continuous record of hydrometeor replicas, the forms, sizes and frequency distributions can be established. Description of the instrument and examples of data collected from natural clouds are presented. Problems of calibration are discussed.
The influence of high fidelity simulation on first responders retention of CPR knowledge

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of high-fidelity simulation on the retention of basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge among a group of healthcare providers (HCPs). Methods A twenty-five question exam was completed by nurses and nurse technicians over a two-year period before and after mandatory CPR training with high-fidelity simulation. Results Most HCPs scored near 50% or below the passing score (80%) with a mean range of scores between 28% and 84%. HCPs missed questions on the exam that requested specific details related to technique or human physiology during CPR. Conclusion The current teaching method for basic life support may be enhanced by using high-fidelity simulation, but this modality alone is not enough to support HCPs retention of CPR knowledge. Additional studies are needed to identify strategies that will help HCPs remember specific and detailed information in the CPR algorithm.
Fibromuscular Dysplasia of the Internal Carotid Artery: Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was used to successfully dilate critical narrowings of the internal carotid artery caused by fibromuscular dysplasia. The technique of this new procedure is presented along with the angiographic findings and results in three patients. Angioplasty may be used as an alternative to open arteriotomy and graduated dilatation in treating stenosis due to symptomatic fibromuscular dysplasia in the immediate extracranial part of the internal carotid artery.
Pathology consultation on human chorionic gonadotropin testing for pregnancy assessment.

Objectives To provide clarity on the use of qualitative and quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) tests for the assessment of pregnancy. Methods A case scenario and a brief review of the relevant literature describing clinical and analytical considerations regarding hCG testing are presented. Results In pregnancy, hCG is nearly always detectable in serum and urine within 16 days after ovulation. Serial hCG testing is valuable in the evaluation of suspected ectopic pregnancy. hCG assays vary in their analytical specificity, and qualitative tests may be less analytically sensitive than claimed. Erroneous hCG test results can occur for several reasons. Conclusions hCG assays are reliable diagnostic tests for pregnancy assessment, but a clear understanding of their limitations is necessary for appropriate result interpretation.
Abstract 105: Iodinated Contrast Does Not Alter Clotting Dynamics in Acute Ischemic Stroke as Measured by Thromboelastography

Introduction: Modern treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has increasingly incorporated multimodal CT imaging. Data illustrating that radiographic contrast agents alter fibrin fiber characteris...
Embedded Ni–Ti particles for the detection of fatigue crack growth in AA7050

A multi-functional aluminium alloy 7050 (AA7050) containing embedded Ni–Ti shape memory alloy particles to detect fatigue crack growth is proposed. The regions of intense strain near the tip of a growing fatigue crack cause nearby Ni–Ti particles to undergo a solid-state phase transformation from austenite to martensite, releasing a detectable acoustic emission signal that can be used to locate the crack in the monitored component. The AA7050/Ni–Ti composite was made by vacuum hot pressing Ni–Ti powder between rolled AA7050 plates. The effect of hot pressing temperature and subsequent heat treatments (solutionizing and peak ageing) on the Ni–Ti particles was studied. A successful proof-of-concept was demonstrated for AA7050 with embedded particles that emit a measureable and repeatable acoustic emission signal in the presence of a fatigue crack, allowing for quick diagnosis of fatigue crack damage in this material.