cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Properties of Functional, Ambulatory, and Quality of Life Instruments in Lower Limb Amputees: A Systematic Review

Abstract Objective Summarize the psychometric properties of functional, ambulatory, and quality of life instruments among adult lower limb amputees, highlighting evidence deemed generalizable to the United States Medicare population. Data Sources Six databases and existing systematic reviews through October 30, 2017. Searches included terms for lower limb amputation or prostheses and outcome measures in humans, without language restriction. Study Selection We included peer-reviewed studies of at least 20 adults (≥18 years) with lower limb amputation. Eligible studies reported on psychometric properties of functional, ambulatory, or quality of life instruments. Fifty-three of 425 retrieved articles (12%) met criteria. Data Extraction Study characteristics and psychometric property data (validity, reliability, responsiveness, minimum detectable change, minimal important difference, or floor or ceiling effect) were extracted into a customized form based on standardized criteria. All extracted data were confirmed by 2 experts in systematic review and rehabilitation outcome measurement. Instruments were categorized regarding having been validated and found reliable. Other reported psychometric properties were recorded. Studies were also assessed for applicability to the Medicare population based on age and amputation etiology (dysvascular). Data Synthesis Fifty-six studies (in 53 articles) reported psychometric properties of 50 instruments. There is evidence for both validity and reliability for 30 instruments, 17 of which have evidence that was deemed generalizable to the Medicare population. Most of the remaining instruments have evidence of either validity or reliability, but not both. Twelve instruments have been assessed specifically among lower limb amputees prior to prosthesis prescription. Thirteen instruments have been assessed regarding their predictive properties for future outcomes. Conclusions Numerous instruments assessing ambulation, function, quality of life, and other patient-centered outcomes have evidence of validity and reliability for adults with lower limb amputations. Researchers and clinicians should use validated, reliable instruments when feasible. Many existing and new instruments require validation for use with lower limb amputees.
Promoting Cancer Screening in Partnership With Health Ministries in 9 African American Churches in South Los Angeles: An Implementation Pilot Study.

Author(s): Maxwell, Annette E; Lucas-Wright, Aziza; Santifer, Rhonda E; Vargas, Claudia; Gatson, Juana; Chang, L Cindy | Abstract: Purpose and objectivesWe conducted a pilot study to assess the degree to which an intervention led by community health advisors (CHAs) to promote cancer screening was delivered as intended and to estimate the potential effect of the intervention on receipt of screening. In contrast to previous studies and to maximize its potential public health impact, the intervention targeted 4 screening tests and only participants who were not up to date with screening guidelines for at least 1 cancer. Because CHAs had to both determine baseline adherence and provide counseling on 4 screening tests, the protocol was complex. Complex protocols can reduce implementation fidelity.Intervention approachIn partnership with health ministries at 9 African American churches in South Los Angeles, we conducted a 1-group pretest-posttest pilot study to assess the feasibility of implementing the intervention. CHAs recruited and obtained consent from church members aged 50 to 75 years; assessed adherence to national screening guidelines for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer; and provided evidence-based strategies (one-on-one counseling, print materials, reminder calls) to encourage screening for tests that were overdue.Evaluation methodsWe assessed implementation fidelity by reviewing baseline screening assessments and counseling scripts completed by CHAs. We estimated potential effect of the intervention on receipt of screening by using data from 3-month follow-up surveys, conducted by the research team, of participants who were nonadherent at baseline.ResultsFrom June 2016 to June 2018, 44 CHAs conducted baseline assessments of 775 participants, of whom 338 (44%) were nonadherent to national guidelines for 1 or more cancer screening tests. CHAs provided counseling to most nonadherent participants. At follow-up, about one-third of participants reported that they had discussed cancer screening with their provider and a smaller proportion reported receipt of a screening test; 13% of men and 25% of women reported receipt of colorectal cancer screening.Implications for public healthThis study demonstrates that with training and ongoing technical assistance, CHAs at African American health ministries can implement complex research protocols with good fidelity.
Hsp90 inhibitors induce the unfolded protein response in bovine and mice lung cells.

Abstract The unfolded protein response element protects against endoplasmic reticulum stress and delivers protection towards potentially harmful challenges. The components of this multi-branch molecular machinery, namely the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase, the activating transcription factor 6, and the inositol-requiring enzyme-1α; expand the endoplasmic reticulum capacity to support cellular function under stress conditions. In the present study, we employed bovine pulmonary aortic endothelial cells and mice to investigate the possibility that the Hsp90 inhibitors Tanespimycin (17-AAG) and Luminespib (AUY-922) exert the capacity to trigger the unfolded protein response. The induction of the unfolded protein response regulators immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein, endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductin-1alpha; and protein disulfide isomerase was also examined. It appears that both inhibitors capacitate the induction of the unfolded protein response element in vitro, since lung cells exposed to 1, 2 and 10 μM of 17-AAG or AUY-922 for 4, 6, 8, 16 and 48 h demonstrated increased levels of those proteins. Similar events occurred in the lungs of mice treated with AUY-922. Thus, our study demonstrates that Hsp90 inhibition triggers the activities of the unfolded protein response, and suggests that this molecular machinery contributes in the protective action of Hsp90 inhibitors in the lung microvasculature.
Workers’ Control and Revolution: History and Theory

The major revolutions of the twentieth century all included initiatives on the part of workers to take direct control of the production process. How does this worker-control dimension relate in practice to the transfer of state power? Detailed analyses are presented of (1) Russia 1917–18, (2) Italy 1919–20, (3) Spain during the Civil War period (1936–39), and (4) Chile during the presidency of Salvador Allende (1970–73). Discussion then addresses various possible patterns in the relationship between revolutionary political parties and enterprise-level working-class initiatives, looking also at the cases of Cuba and Venezuela. Neither worker-control nor the conquest of state power suffices on its own to bring the desired and needed transformation. The two dimensions must be integrally combined from the start.
T-VSE: Transformer-based visual semantic embedding

Transformer models have recently achieved impressive performance on NLP tasks, owing to new algorithms for self-supervised pre-training on very large text corpora. In contrast, recent literature suggests that simple average word models outperform more complicated language models, e.g., RNNs and Transformers, on cross-modal image/text search tasks on standard benchmarks, like MS COCO. In this paper, we show that dataset scale and training strategy are critical and demonstrate that transformer-based cross-modal embeddings outperform word average and RNN-based embeddings by a large margin, when trained on a large dataset of e-commerce product image-title pairs.
Photon mapping of geometrically complex glass structures: Methods and experimental evaluation

Abstract Advances in digital fabrication and additive manufacturing have enabled the creation of geometrically complex glass structures and building components, opening up new design opportunities across scales. Quantifying and evaluating their optical performance, however, remains a technical challenge. In order to accurately predict light behavior, common approaches of daylight modeling utilizing light-backward raytracers are insufficient. This paper evaluates the use of the photon mapping approach within the Radiance render engine to simulate artificial and natural lighting conditions. 3D printed optically transparent glass components are used to benchmark the simulations. We present a workflow to gather geometric data of the glass objects and a series of validation experiments. Pairs of physical studies and digital simulations are compared to assess optical performance in the context of both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. These experiments demonstrate that the photon mapping approach can reliably measure and predict caustic light patterns and indoor light levels with some limitations, specifically of glare and scattered light from the glass objects themselves.
Incidence and significance of GATA3 positivity in gallbladder adenocarcinoma

Summary GATA3 immunostaining is a sensitive marker for mammary and urothelial carcinomas. It is routinely used in surgical pathology during workup of carcinomas of unknown origin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first focused study of GATA3 expression in gallbladder adenocarcinomas. In this study, we evaluated GATA3 expression in 38 gallbladder adenocarcinomas. Eight of 38 (21%) gallbladder adenocarcinomas were positive for GATA3. The expression of GATA3 tended to be moderate to strong when present. It was patchy ( 50% positivity) in the other 4 cases. GATA3 expression did not show any significant correlation with clinicopathologic features such as sex, histologic grade, perineural invasion, vascular invasion, pathologic stage, or distance metastasis. The results of our study show that a subset of gallbladder adenocarcinomas (21%) can be GATA3 positive. Awareness of this phenomenon is important while working up GATA3-positive carcinomas immunohistochemically.
Angiogenesis and Hematopoiesis Induced by Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Encoded Interleukin-6Presented in part at the 40th Annual American Society of Hematology Meeting, December 7, 1998 (Miami Beach, FL).

Abstract Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV; also known as human herpesvirus 8 [HHV-8]) is a herpesvirus linked to the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma, and a proportion of Castleman's disease. KSHV encodes viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6), which is structurally homologous to human and murine IL-6. The biological activities of vIL-6 are largely unknown. To gain insight into the biology of vIL-6, we expressed vIL-6 in murine fibroblasts NIH3T3 cells and inoculated stable vIL-6–producing clones into athymic mice. vIL-6 was detected selectively in the blood of mice injected with vIL-6–expressing clones. Compared with controls, vIL-6–positive mice displayed increased hematopoiesis in the myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocytic lineages; plasmacytosis in spleen and lymph nodes; hepatosplenomegaly; and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. vIL-6–expressing NIH3T3 cells gave rise to tumors more rapidly than did control cells, and vIL-6–positive tumors were more vascularized than controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was detected at higher levels in the culture supernatant of vIL-6–expressing cells compared with controls, and immunohistochemical staining detected VEGF in spleen, lymph nodes, and tumor tissues from mice bearing vIL-6–producing tumors but not control tumors. Thus, vIL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that promotes hematopoiesis, plasmacytosis, and angiogenesis. Through these functions, vIL-6 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of certain KSHV-associated disorders.
Nematode nuclear receptors as integrators of sensory information.

Summary More than 20 years ago, the sequencing of the genome of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans uncovered a still unparalleled abundance of C4-zinc finger orphan nuclear hormone receptors, encoded by 267 different nhr genes. 1 , 2 Only less than 20 of them are conserved throughout the animal kingdom; all the remaining genes are the results of an expansion of the HNF4-subtype of nuclear receptors. 3 , 4 Strikingly, even though most of the receptors contain predicted ligand binding domains, no ligand has since been identified for any of the non-conserved, C. elegans-expanded nhr genes. Based on an analysis of more than 100 nematode genome sequences, as well as the mining of recently established nervous system-wide gene expression patterns, we propose here that nhr family expansion is a manifestation of adaptation of free-living nematodes to complex sensory environments and that NHR proteins may function as sensory receptors for external or internal sensory cues to modulate the animal’s sensory responses to environmental cues as well as its internal metabolic state.
Use of the diet history questionnaire III to determine the impact of dysosmia on dietary quality.

BACKGROUND Dysosmia could alter dietary quality through mechanisms including changes in appetite, food choice, and subsequent nutritional intake. However, there are few studies which directly assess olfactory performance and dietary quality. In this pilot study, we aimed to measure dietary quality in dysosmic subjects compared with normosmic controls. METHODS Community dwelling adult subjects prospectively underwent olfactory testing using the Sniffin' Sticks Test from which composite threshold, discrimination and identification (TDI) scores were used to identify dysosmic subjects (TDI < 31) and normosmic controls (TDI ≥31). Subjects completed the Diet History Questionnaire III (DHQIII), a standardized and validated tool for nutritional assessment developed by the National Institutes of Health. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was calculated to determine compliance with the United States Dietary Guidelines for Americans. RESULTS Sixty patients were enrolled, including 29 dysosmic subjects and 31 normosmic controls with no difference in age or gender across groups. A significant correlation between TDI score and HEI component score was seen for protein (r = 0.256; p = 0.048), dairy (r = 0.285; p = 0.027), and saturated fat scores (r = -0.262; p = 0.043). Compared with normosmic controls, dysosmic subjects were found to have less total protein and total dairy intake, as well as less total saturated fat intake. CONCLUSIONS This study found significantly altered nutritional quality in subjects with reduced olfactory function, including decreased intake of protein, dairy and saturated fats. These findings are relevant given the high prevalence of dysosmia in the aging population and previous studies showing associations with mortality. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with COVID-19 infection.

Abstract Purpose To report a case of bilateral acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) associated with a COVID-19 infection. Observations A 22-year-old female was referred for evaluation of bilateral scotomas concurrent with a mildly symptomatic COVID-19 infection. Exam showed normal visual acuity, bilateral reddish-brown petaloid retinal lesions which were hyporeflective on near infrared (NIR) optical coherence tomography (OCT), and had associated hypoperfusion of the deep vascular plexus on OCT-angiography (OCT-A) consistent with bilateral AMN. At follow-up, scotomas and retinal findings on near infrared imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography had only slightly improved. Conclusions and Importance: COVID-19 has been documented to be the etiology of a growing number of ocular manifestations including microvascular events. We report a case of bilateral acute macular neuroretinopathy in a patient with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 infection that had persistent symptoms and findings at six month follow-up.
FACTORS DETERMINING BED FORMS OF ALLUVIAL STREAMS

BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF LABORATORY AND FIELD DATA ACCORDING TO SIMILARITY METHODS, IT IS FOUND THAT THE FOLLOWING VARIABLES ARE IMPORTANT IN DETERMINING THE BED FORMS OF SAND BED STREAMS: FLOW DEPTH (D), MEAN VELOCITY, DENSITY, AND VISCOSITY OF THE WATER; MEDIAN SIZE OF SEDIMENT (D SUB 50); AND THE ACCELERATION OF GRAVITY (G). THE DATA THUS ANALYZED ARE PRESENTED IN SIX GRAPHS OF D/D SUB 50 AGAINST FROUDE NUMBER FOR EACH OF SIX RANGES OF R SUB G EQUALS D SUB 50 X THE SQ ROOT OF (G X D SUB 50)/VISCOSITY, WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR THE EFFECTS OF SEDIMENT SIZE AND WATER VISCOSITY OR TEMPERATURE. FLUME DATA INDICATE THAT THE SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF THE BED SEDIMENT ALSO AFFECTS BED FORM, BUT THE EXTENT OF THIS EFFECT COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE EFFECT OF GRAIN SHAPE AND CHANNEL WIDTH ALSO COULD NOT BE DETERMINED WITH THE AVAILABLE DATA. A RELATION IS DEVELOPED BETWEEN R SUB G AND SHEAR VELOCITY/THE SQ ROOT OF (G X D SUB 50), WHICH PREDICTS QUITE WELL THE OCCURRENCE OF RIPPLE AND DUNE BEDS. /ASCE/
Flatpea (Lathyrus Sylvestris L.): A New Forage Species? A Comprehensive Review

Publisher Summary Flatpea possesses numerous characteristics that make it a potentially valuable agricultural species. Use of flatpea as a forage species is intimately tied to 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DABA) because of the prominence of this compound in the plant. While the main taproot of flatpea persists throughout the life of the plant, proliferation of the plant may reflect extension of growth to more favorable zones where tillering and shoot development dominate. Flatpea is adapted to a wide range of soils. Its preference is for deep, fertile, well-drained soils having a pH of 5.5 to 9. However, the plant can be grown successfully on many shallow, droughty, infertile soils—including sand, clay, gravel, and shales that contain little organic matter. Flatpea is tolerant of numerous environmental factors that restrict the growth of many other plant species. Frost (cold) tolerance enables flatpea to initiate growth earlier in the spring than do many other crop species, including red clover and alfalfa. Ground cover is complete by mid-May, and plants begin blooming between the middle and end of June.
Genetic Deletion of Sterol Carrier Protein 2 Selectively Enhances Amygdalar Endocannabinoid Signaling

Sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP-2) is an intracellular lipid transport protein that transports cholesterol, fatty acids and the endocannabinoids (eCBs). Cellular accumulation of the eCBs contributes to inactivation of endocannabinoid signaling (ECS); and we have shown that SCP-2 can facilitate this process. These data lead to the hypothesis that reduction of SCP-2 enhances ECS through increased ligand availability. SCP-2 is expressed in the amygdala, where CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) signaling regulates extinction of fear. SCP-2 KO mice indeed exhibit enhanced extinction of fear, and this enhancement is reversed by CB1R blockade. However, concentrations of the eCBs anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were not greater in SCP-2 KO amygdala; in fact, 2-AG concentrations were significantly less than wild type. On the other hand, amygdalar CB1R mRNA expression and binding site density were both significantly increased in the SCP-2 KO mice compared to wild type, suggesting that the hypercannabinergic...
IMPURITY CONTROL IN NEAR-TERM TOKAMAK REACTORS

The problem of plasma contamination by wall-sputtered impurities in near-term tokamak reactors is examined. A critical review of the relevant surface data is incorporated in a plasma-wall interaction model that is employed, together with a plasma power and particle balance model, to evaluate impurity contamination effects. Impurity control by charged-particle diversion and by modification of the first-wall surface is considered, and the adequacy of these methods is assessed. A major purpose of this work is to determine if modification of the first-wall surface can provide adequate impurity control for near-term tokamak reactors, in general, and the experimental power reactor (EPR), in particular. A qualitative assessment of the technological feasibility and limitations of a low-Z coating, a low-Z separated liner, a carbon curtain, and a low-sputter coating is presented. It is concluded from these studies that adequate control of sputtered impurities to sustain burn pulses on the order of a minute and to achieve net power conditions can be obtained in an EPR by suitable modification of the first-wall surface. Of the wall modifications considered, a low-Z material (e.g. beryllium) coated on a structural substrate appears the most technologically feasible.
Millisecond X-Ray Pulsars and QPOs

The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) mission has discovered that neutron stars in low-mass X-ray binary systems (LMXBs) produce three distinct types of X-ray oscillations with millisecond periods: accretion-powered oscillations at the spin frequency of the star, nearly periodic nuclear-powered oscillations at frequencies very close to the spin frequency, and pairs of kilohertz quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) with frequency separations approximately equal to the stellar spin frequency or half the stellar spin frequency. All three types of oscillation are thought to be generated directly or indirectly by the star’s spin and magnetic field. Together, they provide strong evidence that at least two dozen neutron stars in LMXBs have the millisecond spin periods and ∼108–1010 G magnetic fields necessary for them to become rotation-powered millisecond pulsars when accretion ceases. These millisecond oscillations are an important tool for exploring fundamental physics questions, such as the properties of strong gravitational fields and matter under extreme conditions, and important astrophysical questions, such as the masses, radii, spin rates, and magnetic fields of neutron stars and the structures of the innermost parts of accretion disks.
Somatostatin connections between the hypothalamus and the limbic system of the rat brain

Somatostatin (SRIF) content of several brain structures was evaluated by radioimmunoassay in rats bearing various types of hypothalamic transections, as well as lesions of the amygdala. Analysis of the regional changes in SRIF concentrations after surgery suggest the following conclusions: (1) hypothalamic somatostatinergic neurons project to the limbic system, with the exception of the amygdaloid nuclei; (2) the olfactory tubercle, the lateral septal nucleus, the habenula and probably the hippocampus receive somatostatin projections from periventricular SRIF-containing cells; (3) somatostatin-containing fibers take a lateral course after leaving periventricular cells and join the medial forebrain bundle; (4) somatostatin innervation of the amygdala seems to be intrinsic.
Breast cancer screening barriers and mammography completion in older minority women

Objectives. The study tested a behavioral and structural barriers model of breast cancer screening, while seeking to determine age effects of behavioral barriers, in order to identify the factors that inhibit screening among older, minority women. Methods. 405 older African-American women eligible for a federally funded cancer screening program were enrolled in the study. Participants were administered an intake questionnaire and followed for 3 months to determine mammography use. Results. Three months after enrollment in the program, 79% had not received breast cancer screening. The oldest cohort had significantly lower rates of mammography (just 16% of screened women were ≥60, p<0.05). Behavioral barriers (knowledge/information deficits, cancer risk perception, cancer fears) inhibited mammography in the oldest group; their breast cancer information deficits included less knowledge of breast cancer risk, treatment, and survivability (all p<0.001). Conclusions. Older women, with greater breast cancer risk than younger cohorts, should be targeted as a high need population for cancer screening. Even when financial and insurance barriers are removed mammography rates are 1/3 those of women <50. Since failure to be screened is related to knowledge and information barriers, health care providers have the potential to educate their older patients and subsequently increase the likelihood they will have regular cancer screening.
Tile drain sampling of preferential flow on a field scale

Abstract Preferential flow phenomena generally exhibit a high degree of spatial variability. In an alternative to geostatistl approaches, which aggregate many small-scale sample results, tile drains were explored as a means to measure solute movement on a scale which integrates spatial variability within the sampling volume. To evaluate the effectiveness of this method, a mass balance accounting of a conservative tracer, chloride, was attempted over a seven-month period. Analysis of the drain effluent indicated rapid breakthrough of surface-applied chloride, with concentrations rising within four hours of rainfall initiation. This traveltime was over two orders of magnitude more rapid than that predicted by homogenous flow models, indicating the importance of preferential flow in the transport of solutes through this field. Close agreement between the amount of chloride initially applied and the cumulative chloride recovered by the end of the experiment indicates the ability of tile drains to intercept solute movement.
A decoding algorithm for unique correspondence in range data acquisition

An efficient algorithm is presented for solving the correspondence problem for a computer vision system which uses encoded structured light. The structured lighting system is composed of a matrix pattern of primitives projected into the scene. The decoding algorithm determines the index in the matrix pattern of each imaged point. Once the index is found, correspondence is solved by using triangulation. Examples of the algorithm are presented.
Vocal mechanics in untrained professional singers

Summary Acoustic, electroglottographic, videoendoscopic/stroboscopic studies, and analyses of vocal technique were made on 30 untrained professional singers. For the purpose of this study, singers with less than 2 years formal vocal training were classified as “untrained.” All subjects exhibited deficits in vocal technique; principal among them was poor respiratory support and control. Descriptions of dysphonia and subject perceptions of their voice problems are presented. Acoustic and physiologic characteristics of the singers' voices are described. These measures were found to correlate well with ratings of vocal technique. Untrained singers need professional career guidance and counseling, information about the mechanics of speech and voice production, and instruction about vocal hygiene.
Smooth motion control of the adaptive cruise control system by a virtual lead vehicle

The adaptive cruise control system maintains the appropriate distance to the lead vehicle when the lead vehicle exists and maintains the desired speed when no lead vehicle is detected. A virtual lead vehicle scheme is introduced to make the switching between the speed control algorithm and the distance control algorithm unnecessary and simplify the structure of the control system. The speed and the position of the virtual vehicle can be decided by the control system according to the current situation. Smoother responses are achieved by the virtual lead vehicle scheme compared to the conventional mode switching scheme. This method is also shown to provide a good reaction for when a lead vehicle cuts in or out. A linear quadratic controller with variable weights is suggested to control the virtual lead vehicle. This scheme shows improved performance in terms of passenger comfort and fuel efficiency of the host vehicle.
Predictive value of microvolt T-wave alternans in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the utility of microvolt T-wave alternans (TWA) in predicting arrhythmia-free survival and total mortality in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Background Microvolt TWA has been proposed as a useful tool in identifying patients unlikely to benefit from prophylaxis with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) prophylaxis. Methods We evaluated 286 patients with an LV ejection fraction ≤35% who underwent TWA and electrophysiologic testing (EPS) owing to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and/or syncope. Positive and indeterminate TWA results were grouped as non-negative. The primary end point was arrhythmia-free survival; the secondary end point was all-cause mortality. Results Patients were followed for a mean of 38 ± 11 months. There was no significant difference between the TWA-negative (n = 90; 31%) and non-negative (n = 196; 69%) groups with respect to ICD implant rates (54% vs. 64%, respectively; p = 0.95) or etiology of cardiomyopathy (ischemic: 73% vs. 76%; p = 0.71). The Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated improved arrhythmia-free survival in TWA-negative patients (81% vs. 66% at 2 years; p Conclusion Microvolt TWA predicts arrhythmia-free survival among patients with LV dysfunction. However, the event rate in the TWA-negative group suggests that TWA may not be capable of identifying a sufficiently low-risk subset in this population to obviate the need for ICD implantation.
Teachers' Perceptions of Conflict with Young Students: Looking beyond Problem Behaviors

Teachers' judgments of relational conflict are unique indicators of children's academic and social adjustment. Using a large, hierarchically nested sample of preschoolers (N = 2282) and teachers (N = 597) this study examines the individual and classroom factors associated with teachers' ratings of conflict, both before and after adjusting for problem behaviors ratings. Over half of the variance in teachers' reports of conflict with children was explained by ratings of children's problem behaviors. However, many children had more (or less) conflict than predicted based on teacher-rated problem behavior. Older children were more likely to have conflictual relationships with teachers than expected based on their level of problem behavior. Furthermore, teachers who reported more depression and lower self-efficacy and teachers who were observed to provide less emotional support in the classroom tended to report more conflict with students in their classroom than expected based on levels of problem behaviors.
Current-voltage characteristics and performance efficiency of polysilicon solar cells

Abstract Making use of new relations for grain boundary potential barrier height and the effective recombination velocity of minority carriers at the edge of the grain boundary space charge region developed in an earlier paper, attempts have been made to study photovoltaic properties of an n + p solar cell. For the sake of this study new formulae for short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and solar cell efficiency have been derived. Calculated results obtained from these formulae are compared with available experiments. The comparison for most of the parameters with recent experiments is highly encouraging. It is found that the highest values of short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and solar cell efficiency depend on some optimum value of the grain size and of the doping concentration.
Multi-Spectral Intensity Diffraction Tomography

A theory of multi-spectral intensity diffraction tomography (I-DT) is described. Unlike conventional I-DT that requires intensity measurements on a pair of detector planes, this method uses measurements on a single detector plane at two frequencies.
Analysis of cellular boundary layers: application of electrochemical microsensors

Electrochemical techniques offer considerable potential for applications in the biological sciences, particularly with regard to sampling chemical gradients in the diffusive boundary layer surrounding cells and tissues. However, their implementation is constrained by problems of discriminating relevant signals from non-specific reactions and bulk concentrations. This paper introduces an approach, referred to as self-referencing, which circumvents some of these problems opening up the application of potentiometric and amperometric sensors to probing the activity of living cells in near to real-time. New applications are described. The design and implementation of an enzyme based self-referencing microsensor capable of measuring a glucose flux of 79 pmol cm?2 s?1 and a cellular consumption of 58±7 fmol nl?1 s?1(mean ± SEM, N=5), where nl represents the biologically active volume, is described. Additionally, we introduce two novel designs, termed electro-optical, where electrochemical sensors are fused with fiber optics, such that intracellular calcium levels can be monitored while collecting collateral data with high spatial and temporal resolution. The amperometric devices are built on the fiber optic surface and are designed to measure cellular oxygen consumption. Potentiometric designs require a single mode fiber to be inserted through the liquid membrane and body of an ion selective electrode. Biological data are presented for the latter design.
The organisation of dendritic bundles in the prelimbic cortex (area 32) of the rat

Using an antibody against microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP-2; a specific marker for neuronal dendrites), this paper reports the structural organisation of pyramidal cell apical dendrites in the rat prelimbic (PL) cortex. In the coronal plane, MAP-2-immunoreactive apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in layers 5, 3 and 2 were found bundled together as they ascended radially through the cortex. These bundles of dendrites dispersed in upper layer 2 to form apical dendritic tufts in layer 1. In tangential cross-section, the immunolabelled bundles were organised into a latticework of discrete clusters of differentially sized profiles. At the boundary between layers 3 and 5, clusters were composed of 26 ± 8 dendritic profiles (group mean value ± S.D., five animals), whereas clusters in layer 2 contained 55 ± 15 profiles. The number of clusters per unit surface area was not significantly different throughout layers 5, 3 and 2 (760 ± 75 per mm2) with the average centre-to-centre intercluster distance in these layers being 44.2 ± 4.9 μm. The data indicate that apical dendritic bundles are a feature of the radial organisation of PL cortex. These structural subunits may subserve specific integrative functions in the PL area of the rat medial prefrontal cortex.
“With the Earth as a Lamp and the Sun as the Flame”: Lighting Devotion in South India

Traditional biographical literature of the Sri Vaisnava community says that the first teacher, Natamuni (ca. tenth century), was very knowledgeable in music. He was, apparently, asked to be a referee in a music competition between two courtesans. One of them was adept at human music, and the other had mastered divine music. A local king had apparently ruled in favor of the "human" music, and the other dancer, piqued, had taken her case to the people. Natamuni, who was entranced by the intricacies of her rhythm and singing techniques, explained the superiority of her music to the king and brought her recognition. Traditional biographies say that the entire Nalayira Tivya Pirapantam (The Sacred Collection of Four Thousand Verses), which is a compendium of works by the Tamil poet-saints, had been hitherto forgotten and was revealed to Natamuni. Natamuni then set the Tivya Pirapantam to the form of divine music practiced by the courtesan, choreographed the songs, and taught it to his two nephews. These songs were then performed in temples. This story, narrated in the Kuruparamparaprapavam (Arayirappati) (The Splendor of the Succession of Teachers in Six Thousand Units) in the thirteenth century, marks a seminal moment in the reflection of a tradition on how it all came to be. The
A self-consistent analysis of a creeping matrix with aligned cracks

Abstract A self-consistent estimate for a power-law creeping matrix with aligned penny-shaped cracks is presented. The analysis focuses on both finite element implementations and a closed-form linearized solution. The latter is shown to be an accurate result for a sensible range of arguments; therefore we present the answer in a simple form.
Metabolism of noradrenalin and dopamine during ecdysis by the American cockroach

Abstract Carbinol- 14 C-noradrenalin and 2- 14 C-dopamine were injected into immature American cockroaches while in the process of shedding the old cuticle (ecdysis). In both cases, cuticles removed 8 hr later was found to have taken up the injected label. Prior extraction of the ground cuticles with 0.1 N HCl in methanol failed to remove the radioactive compound which suggests that the label becomes covalently linked within the cuticle matrix. Analysis of the blood of injected cockroaches at intervals after injection showed that both dopamine and noradrenalin undergo N-acetylation and are subsequently converted to an unidentified conjugate. In addition, two carbon side chain phenolic acids and their corresponding conjugates are found. It is postulated that the acidic and the N-acetylated metabolites of dopamine and nor adrenalin can be transported to the epidermis as protected conjugates.
Influence of Deuteration on Circulating Antibody Levels in the Mouse.

SummaryDepressed serum antibody levels were observed in mice drinking 30% D2O continuously, starting 17 days before immunization with BSA in complete Freund's adjuvant. Adjuvant-induced increases in body weight were also diminished in these animals. Ten days pretreatment with heavy water did not, however, alter the response to BSA. In another group of mice pretreated with heavy water for 7 days, primary agglutinin levels to sheep red cells were normal in the continuously deuterated mice for the first 2 weeks following immunization, diminishing thereafter. The extent of heavy water pretreatment required suggests that mere equilibration of body fluids and exchangeable tissue hydrogens with 30% D2O does not result in depressed antibody levels. Only after substantial deuterium was incorporated by synthesis into non-exchangeable sites were circulating antibody titers observed to be diminished.
3D FEM Model to Improve the Heat Transfer in Concrete for Thermal Energy Storage in Solar Power Generation

Solar thermal energy has been shown to be a viable alternative resource. At this time, the concentrating solar power systems costs are 13–17 cents/kWh. The goal of DOE is to reduce the cost to 5 cents/kWh by 2015 using energy storage techniques. Several storage schemes and materials have been developed over the past two decades. Concrete is an inexpensive storage medium for sensible heat. Research has been done lately using concrete blocks which are heated up by circulating synthetic oil at a maximum temperature of 390 °C through a series of pipes embedded in the concrete. However, the efficiency of the storage unit can be improved by increasing the operating temperature, which is in turn limited by the materials used. A 3-D finite element computer model was written in order to perform parametric studies during the thermal charging and discharging of concrete. The program allows modifying the physical properties of the heat transfer fluid and storage material. A feature to add fins attached to the flow line was developed to evaluate improvements in heat transfer. Several fin configurations were studied. The increase in energy stored in the system, and the corresponding cost increase are reported.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Optimum channel geometry for solar air heaters of conventional design and constant flow operation

Abstract The study presents a remarkably simple criterion for determining the channel optimum depth-to-length ratio ( D / L ) opt which effectively maximizes the useful energy from collectors that are designed to heat a fixed mass rate of air flow. The engineering accuracy of the analytically derived criterion has been corroborated over a wide range of ambient variables, design parameters and operating conditions. The results demonstrate clearly the decisive role of the ( D / L ) ratio in enhancing heater performance. A poor choice of this ratio can significantly affect the thermal conversion efficiency, especially for lower specific mass rates. In contrast, decreasing the ( D / L ) ratio beyond the optimal value leads to a slight enhancement in heater efficiency. Of significance is the finding that, by choosing ( D / L ) opt , we maximize also the air temperature rise. For variable flow operation, however, the ratio of D / L =2.5×10 −3 is recommended as the optimal. Moreover, the reported results and discussions have provided valuable conceptual insights regarding generalization of the performance curves of conventional solar air heaters. It is found that the analytically determined channel depth parameter, in conjunction with the air specific mass rate, are quite successful in correlating the performance in general terms.
Film casting of viscoelastic liquid

Melt film-casting is analyzed by means of a nonlinear integral constitutive equation that incorporates shear history effects, spectrum of relaxation times, shear thinning, and extension thinning or thickening. Film temperature and thickness profiles are predicted. The effects of shear-thinning, relaxation time, and die-design on the final film thickness are evaluated. Temperature variations are investigated by means of the pseudo-time concept. The process dependence on the rheological characteristics of the viscoelastic fluid, the die-design through the history effects, the conditions at the take-up end, and the film temperature is discussed. Predicted film and temperature profiles of casting of polypropylene are compared with experimental data taken from the literature.
Speech Production Time and Judgments of Disordered Nasalization in Speakers with Cleft Palate

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of production time on the perception of disordered nasalization in children with cleft palate. The subjects with cleft palate included 5 who produced acceptable speech consistently, 5 who produced disordered nasalization consistently, and 10 who were inconsistent in the production of disordered nasalization. We examined a range of production times similar to those for the production of single-word and connected speech tasks. Ten judges used direct magnitude estimation to rate severity of disordered nasalization. An accelerometric ratio technique was used to estimate the extent and timing of nasal acoustic activity. The results showed that reducing the production time did not change perceptible nasalization.
Iron status of female collegiate athletes involved in different sports

Iron status was assessed in 70 female athletes aged 18–25 yr participating in collegiate cross-country track, tennis, softball, swimming, soccer, basketball, and gymnastics. No significant differences in mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and ferritin were found among teams. The mean concentrations of each parameter for each of the teams were within the normal ranges. However, several athletes from different sports had suboptimal iron status indexes. Of 17 athletes with a serum ferritin concentration ≤15 μg/L, 8 (4 freshmen, 2 sophomores, 2 unknown) also exhibited low serum iron concentrations (< 60μg/dL) and low transferrin saturation (< 16%). Thirteen (6 freshmen, 3 sophomores, 2 juniors, 2 seniors) of 51 (25%) athletes failed to consume two-thirds of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for iron and exhibited suboptimal serum concentrations of ferritin, iron, and/or transferrin saturation. Of nine athletes taking iron supplements, one exhibited suboptimal iron status. In summary, nonanemic iron depletion was present among female collegiate athletes involved in many different sports and in all years of participation (freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior athletes). Female athletes should continue to be individually and routinely evaluated for nutritional deficiencies throughout their collegiate athletic careers.
Mid- and post-ABVD gallium scanning predicts for recurrence in early-stage Hodgkin's disease

Abstract Purpose To determine the efficacy of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) for patients with Hodgkin's disease and to identify predictors of outcome with this regimen. Methods Between 1987 and 1998, 175 patients with Stage I-IV Hodgkin's disease received ABVD as part of initial treatment. Overall survival (OS), freedom-from-treatment-failure (FFTF), and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier technique. Log–rank tests were used to identify univariate predictors of OS, FFTF, and PFS. Specifically, restaging gallium scan results and clinical response after chemotherapy were separately evaluated. Results The median follow-up time was 64 months. The 5-year OS, FFTF, and PFS rates were 90%, 85%, and 82%, respectively. For Stage I-II patients, restaging gallium scan results and clinical response after chemotherapy were highly predictive of OS, FFTF, and PFS ( p p = 0.002), female gender ( p = 0.047), and absence of B symptoms ( p = 0.043). Of the 20 patients with a positive restaging gallium scan, 4 received high-dose therapy and 16 continued with conventional-dose therapy or received no further treatment. Of these 16 patients, 11 (69%) were disease-free at last follow-up. Conclusions Although a positive mid- or postchemotherapy gallium scan was an adverse prognostic factor for OS, FFTF, and PFS, continued treatment with conventional-dose therapy may be adequate in selected patients with positive scans.
Efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication in controlling pulmonary symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)–induced pulmonary symptoms (PS) can be difficult to control. The effectiveness of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) in controlling PS among patients with medically recalcitrant GERD is poorly documented. We evaluated our results in controlling important PS in patients with GERD undergoing LF. Methods Seventy-four patients (28 men, 46 women) were identified with clinically important PS from a prospective cohort of 155 patients undergoing elective LF for recalcitrant GERD. Median age was 52.5 years (range, 29-84 years). Sixty-seven (91%) patients were taking proton pump inhibitors at the time of operation. Quality of life by using the SF36 physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component summary scores (normal, 50) and heartburn severity by using the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (best score, 0; worst score, 45) were measured. Results All 74 patients with PS survived operation, and minor morbidity occurred in 5 (7%) patients. Median hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1-6 days), and return to normal activity was seen at 2.2 weeks (range, 1-8 weeks). Median follow-up was 12 months. PS were improved significantly (P Conclusions A significant number of patients with medically recalcitrant GERD (46% from our prospective database) have important PS. LF can improve PS, decrease requirement for pulmonary medications, as well as improve typical reflux symptoms and quality of life.
Phenotypic characteristics of diabetic kidney involvement

Understanding phenotypic characteristics of the diabetic kidney is important for the development of therapies to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy. In addition to glomerular hyperfiltration and kidney growth, major metabolic abnormalities characterize the diabetic kidney. Increased kidney oxygen consumption leads to cortical and medullary hypoxia in diabetes. Decreasing inspired oxygen to 10% reduces pO 2 , while oxygen consumption remains elevated, lactate increases, and redox potential decreases, but only in the diabetic kidney—a shift to Warburg metabolism.