cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computation of response factors for quantitative analysis of monoterpenes by gas-liquid chromatography.

Response factors for quantitative analysis by gas-liquid chromatography were computed for 10 monoterpenes usingp-cymene as an internal standard. The results show that there is no significant variation in our estimates due to sample concentration, and very low variation due to the compound. The most significant deviation fromRFc=1.0 occurred with myrcene. We conclude that the underlying assumptions of quantitative analysis are met usingp-cymene as an internal standard for most plant or animal monoterpenes, and for total monoterpene content.
Integration of family history and medical management of patients with hereditary cancers

The family histories of individuals affected by a wide variety of cancers have provided information about the principal features of hereditary cancer. Surveillance protocols, indicating the most appropriate modalities and the age at which to initiate them, have been derived from what has been learned about the age of onset and the cancer sites associated with specific cancer syndromes. Likewise, cancer management has been based on what is known of the natural history of the syndrome cancers from studying multiple affected families. Family history has even been an essential tool for molecular geneticists as they have mapped and eventually identified genes for such cancer syndromes as hereditary breast ovarian carcinoma (HBOC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and hereditary nonpolyposis colon carcinoma (HNPCC). Despite the rapid integration of molecular genetics into the diagnosis and management of individuals at high risk for hereditary cancer, family history remains an essential tool in all aspects of cancer genetic health services. Recognition of a hereditary cancer syndrome through a family's history offers a primary care provider an opportunity to intervene on behalf of not just one patient but an entire family. Once hereditary cancer is identified, the information that has been learned and the protocols developed from numerous family histories can be applied to one individual or family based on their specific family history.
Pathology and pathogenesis of retinal detachment

Retinal detachment, separation of the neurosensory retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, is a sight threatening condition that is considered one of the few ocular emergencies. The literature is enormously rich in studies that focused on different aspects of this disease process. Yet certain aspects remain largely unanswered. We briefly review major aspects of retinal detachment and discuss various important contributions in this field, focussing mainly on the pathogenesis of and predisposing factors to retinal detachment, and on the pathologic changes that occur following its development and following various surgical procedures currently used in its management.
End-to-end verification of QoS policies

Configuring a large number of routers and network devices to achieve quality of service (QoS) goals is a challenging task. In a differentiated services (DiffServ) environment, traffic flows are assigned specific classes of service, and service level agreements (SLA) are enforced at routers within each domain. We present a model for QoS configurations that facilitates efficient property-based verification. Network configuration is given as a set of policies governing each device. The model efficiently checks the required properties against the current configuration using computation tree logic (CTL) model checking. By symbolically modeling possible decision paths for different flows from source to destination, properties can be checked at each hop, and assessments can be made on how closely configurations adhere to the specified agreement. The model also covers configuration debugging given a specific QoS violation. Efficiency and scalability of the model are analyzed for policy per-hop behavior (PHB) parameters over large network configurations.
Design and fabrication of broadband guided-mode resonant reflectors in TE polarization

We present the design and fabrication of guided-mode resonant broadband reflectors operating in transverse electric (TE) polarization. The structure consists of a subwavelength one-dimensional grating with a two-part period and a nanometric homogeneous layer of amorphous silicon on a quartz substrate. A representative reflector exhibits 99% reflectance over a 380-nm spectral range spanning 1440-1820 nm. The fabrication involves thin-film deposition, interferometric lithography, and reactive ion etching. Experimental reflectance greater than 90% is achieved over a ~360-nm bandwidth. The spectral bandwidths demonstrated exceed formerly reported results for two-part periodic resonators working in TE polarization.
Immunotherapy in systemic primary (AL) amyloidosis using amyloid-reactive monoclonal antibodies.

Heretofore, treatment of patients with primary or light chain-associated (AL) amyloidosis has been directed toward reducing the synthesis of the amyloidogenic precursor protein through conventional or high-dose cytotoxic antiplasma cell chemotherapy. Although such efforts have extended survival, most often the prognosis remains exceedingly poor due to the persistence (or progression) of the pathologic deposits. The development of murine amyloid-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has provided another therapeutic approach; namely, passive immunotherapy. These reagents, prepared against human light chain-related fibrils, recognize an epitope common to the β-pleated structure of AL and other types of amyloid proteins and can effect rapid amyloidolysis when administered to mice injected with human AL amyloid extracts. One such prototypic antibody, the IgG1κ mAb 11-1F4, has now been chimerized and is undergoing GMP production for an eventual phase I and II clinical trial in patients with AL amyloidosis. Demo...
Cities of Europe: Changing Contexts, Local Arrangements, and the Challenge to Urban Cohesion by Yuri Kazepov (Ed.)

Yuri Kazepov (Ed.), Cities of Europe: Changing Contexts, Local Arrangements, and the Challenge to Urban Cohesion (Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2005).Integrated in the series of Studies in Urba...
Dilational viscoelastic behaviors of homopolymer monolayers: surface light scattering analysis

Abstract This is to report a new set of viscoelastic analyses of common polymers that are surface active at the air/water interface (A/W). The materials are polyethers such as poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO) and poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF), and vinyl polymers with pendant ester groups such as poly(vinylacetate) (PVAc), poly(methylacrylate) (PMA), poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and poly( t -butylmethacrylate) (PtBMA). Experimentally the viscoelastic parameters are deduced from the propagation characteristics of spontaneously formed capillary waves obtained by surface light scattering in conjunction with surface pressure Π measurements by the Wilhelmy plate technique. The static features of polymer monolayers at A/W are delineated by the surface pressure dependence of the static dilational elasticity e s . Two static limits are expected for the dependence, one being the good solvent condition and the other the theta condition. By sorting polymers according to their static features, these polymers fall into two groups, i.e. the good and poor solvent (not quite theta) groups. In this report, there is a clear correspondence between the static features and viscoelastic characteristics of these polymer monolayers, and each group has its own differentiative static and viscoelastic profiles. The polymer monolayers belonging to the good solvent condition exhibit a viscoelastic profile characterizable as nearly perfectly elastic behavior over a wide range of surface coverage from infinite dilution to Π≈4 mN m −1 . In contrast, those polymer monolayers under poor solvent conditions, i.e. PMMA and PtBMA, show a viscoelastic profile of incompressible films with the dynamics approaching the limit of an infinite lateral modulus, e *→∞.
Semiclassical mechanics of symmetry reduction

The author discusses semiclassical approximations that are adapted to given symmetry classes in quantum mechanics. Arbitrary abelian symmetries and also rotational symmetry are treated. Semiclassical approximations are derived for the projected propagator and energy dependent Green's function associated with a given irreducible representation of the symmetry group. From these they derive trace formulae, analogous to the usual trace formula, that determine the energy levels in a given symmetry class in terms of classical orbits.
Fast algorithms for the regularization of banded Toeplitz least squares problems

An algorithm for computing solutions to ill-conditioned banded Toeplitz least squares problems by a rank revealing URV factorization is considered. The factorization is computed in O((beta) nlogn + (beta) n2), where (beta) is the bandwidth of the coefficient matrix. An approximate solution to ill-conditioned banded Toeplitz systems, in the presence of noise, is then obtained by truncating the factorization. Numerical results are provided that illustrate truncated URV can compute solutions comparable to the more expensive truncated singular value decomposition.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract 4864: Tumor promoting role of NF-kappa B in the glioma environment

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Introduction: Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Their characteristic features are extensive growth and lack of the clear borders due to diffuse invasion of surrounding tissue. Invasive glioma cells have been shown to interact through soluble signals with other cells in the neural microenvironment, which is normally highly inhibitory to cell motility. This communication changes the behavior of the tumor microenvironment to become permissive and facilitate tumor invasion. Here, we investigated the role of NFκB signaling in the glioma microenvironment and demonstrate that activation of NFκB in neural cells is critical for tumor growth and invasion. Methodology: We analyzed the growth and invasion of malignant gliomas using an NFκB-deficient mouse model (RelA(p65)-/- TNFR1-/-). Since p65-/- mice do not survive to adulthood, mouse glioma cells were implanted in p65+/- mice (which have significantly reduced NFκB activity) or their control littermates. Organotypic cultures of p65-/- brain slices and cultures of p65-/- neonatal astrocytes were used to assess the role of active NFκB signaling in astroglia on tumor invasion. Results: Using the mouse glioma cell line GL261 (poorly invasive) we observed significantly reduced tumor volume in NFκB -deficient mice compared to wild-type littermates. Further studies using mouse glioma stem-like cells Mut4 (highly invasive; GFAP-Cre: Nf1loxP/+ Trp53-/+ PTENloxP/+; Alcantara-Llaguno et al., Cancer Cell, 2009) demonstrated reduction both in tumor size and extent of invasion in the NFκB-deficient microenvironment. Importantly, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated significantly reduced number of protoplasmic GFAP- positive astrocytes surrounding the tumors in p65+/- brains. Further analysis in brain slice cultures showed that invasion of glioblastoma cells was highly reduced through p65+/- tissue. Moreover, p65+/- astrocytes exhibited significantly reduced responses towards glioma cells, including reduced invasion through Matrigel in response to signals released by GL261 cells. Conclusions: Our results strongly suggest that NFκB signaling may be involved in the recruitment or activation of reactive astrocytes surrounding the invasive borders of gliomas. This activation is likely necessary for enhanced tumor invasion through brain tissue. Our results highlight the relevance of the astroglial compartment as a collateral target that should be considered in future strategies targeting brain tumor invasion. Citation Format: Aneta Kwiatkowska, Mohan Sobana Nandhu, Mariano Sebastian Viapiano. Tumor promoting role of NF-kappa B in the glioma environment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4864. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4864
Breaking ties with secondary fitness in a genetic algorithm for the bin packing problem

In a genetic algorithm with integer fitnesses, ties in selection tournaments result in the selection of parent chromosomes effectively at random. A secondary measure that estimates how likely chromosomes are to be improved by the GA's variation operators can break such ties to the algorithm's advantage. Such a secondary fitness for the Bin Packing Problem is based on the maximum unused capacity in any one bin. In tests on 70 instances of the Bin Packing Problem, a permutation-coded genetic algorithm performs better when it applies this measure as a tie-breaker in tournament selection and in elitism than when it does not. The results suggest that similar measures should improve the performance of other GAs that apply tournament selection to chromosomes with integer fitnesses
Implicit phonological priming during visual word recognition

Abstract Phonology is a lower-level structural aspect of language involving the sounds of a language and their organization in that language. Numerous behavioral studies utilizing priming, which refers to an increased sensitivity to a stimulus following prior experience with that or a related stimulus, have provided evidence for the role of phonology in visual word recognition. However, most language studies utilizing priming in conjunction with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have focused on lexical–semantic aspects of language processing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurobiological substrates of the automatic, implicit stages of phonological processing. While undergoing fMRI, eighteen individuals performed a lexical decision task (LDT) on prime-target pairs including word–word homophone and pseudoword-word pseudohomophone pairs with a prime presentation below perceptual threshold. Whole-brain analyses revealed several cortical regions exhibiting hemodynamic response suppression due to phonological priming including bilateral superior temporal gyri (STG), middle temporal gyri (MTG), and angular gyri (AG) with additional region of interest (ROI) analyses revealing response suppression in the left lateralized supramarginal gyrus (SMG). Homophone and pseudohomophone priming also resulted in different patterns of hemodynamic responses relative to one another. These results suggest that phonological processing plays a key role in visual word recognition. Furthermore, enhanced hemodynamic responses for unrelated stimuli relative to primed stimuli were observed in midline cortical regions corresponding to the default-mode network (DMN) suggesting that DMN activity can be modulated by task requirements within the context of an implicit task.
Categorization of Blogs through Similarity Analysis

We describe a new model for evaluating similarities among a large number of web logs, and compare several algorithms using the model. Possible uses of this include isolating and tracking like-minded networks for surveillance and improved categorization. Our model consists of similarity analysis combined with clustering. Experimental results show that our algorithm is able to separate blogs into categories, consistently achieving over 90% success rate.
Use of labeled nitrogen to monitor transition in nitrogen dependence from storage to current-year uptake in mature walnut trees

Nitrogen (N) derived from both the soil during current-year uptake, and the withintree pool of storage N was distinguished in two groups of “Serr” walnut trees using labeled fertilizer (15N-depleted ammonium sulfate) applied in different years. Mass spectrometric analysis of N in xylem sap collected periodically in spring allowed quantification of the relative contributions of N from storage and current season uptake and the transition in N usage from previously assimilated (storage) N to the onset of current season uptake of soil N. N derived from storage accounted for > 50% of the xylem sap N during the staminate and pistillate bloom periods and throughout the period of spur leaf expansion.
Modeling service alliances: an exploratory investigation of spillover effects in service partnerships

The objective of the current study is to provide a preliminary look at the process by which consumers evaluate alliances between service providers. Specifically, the study demonstrates how the service quality of one partner can impact, or ‘spill over’ onto, consumers' evaluations of their transactions with a second partner, and how the performances of partners can have differing effects on customers' intentions to reuse a service partnership. The study tests hypotheses related to the quality, value, and reuse intentions of customers relative to the partnered service through a sample of 334 customers utilizing a seamless service alliance. Our results suggest that spillover effects of service partnerships can either result in beneficial gains for service partners or produce grave consequences when partner providers' service quality is substandard. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of Air-Broadening and Pressure-Shifting of Methane Lines in the 2.3-μm Region

Abstract Lorentz air-broadening coefficients and air-pressure-induced line-shift coefficients have been determined for over 270 spectral lines belonging to the ν 1 + ν 4 , ν 3 + ν 4 , and the ν 2 + ν 3 infrared vibration-rotation bands of 12 CH 4 occurring in the 4138-4600 cm −1 spectral region. The results were obtained from analysis of five absorption spectra recorded at room temperature (∼0.01 cm −1 resolution) using the McMath Fourier transform spectrometer. The broadening and shift coefficients were determined using a nonlinear least-squares spectrum fitting procedure. The variations of the measured parameters with the symmetry species and the rotational quantum numbers of the transitions involved are discussed.
From acoustic signal to phonetic message

Among the distinctive properties of language as a medium of communication is its “duality of patterning” (Hackett, 1958), its construction of a pattern of meaning from patterned combinations of meaningless elements. The meaningless elements are the phonemes of linguistic theory and the distinctive features that compose them. We have been warned by Helen Cairns that these elements are abstract, and that we should not expect to find them physically present in the articulatory gesture or in the acoustic signal: linguistic form is primary, its physical realization secondary. Nonetheless, we may well wonder about the origins of linguistic form. How did features arise? How do they facilitate linguistic communication? What is their biological function? We shall not find the answers to such questions in linguistic analysis. And I should emphasize from the outset that (at least, until we consider perception) I am not concerned with abstract features or with any particular feature system. My concern is rather with physical features of articulation and of the acoustic signal. Certainly, some correspondence between the abstract and the physical must ultimately be established if linguistics is to claim its place as a branch of biology rather than of mathematics (cf. Chomsky and Halle, 1968, pp. 297-299). However, it is already evident that the relation will prove extraordinarily complex. And if we are to gain insight into the function of features in general, it is to the structure and function of the organism that we must turn. The general function of meaningless commutable elements, finite in number, but essentially infinite in combinatorial possibilities, is clear enough: they provide flexibility, range and ease of acquisition, Without them, we would be reduced to a cumbersome language of acoustic ideographs, each meaningful symbol holistically distinct from every other. The invention of new symbols would then be an act of creation, and the child’s learning of its language a labored accumulation rather than the discovery of system. The system, of course, lies in the features. For, again, if each phoneme were an unanalyzed entity, having nothing in common with any other phoneme, the sounds of a language would have no pattern, and the child’s task would again be one of rote accumulation. Thus, one function of
Application of communication technologies to an adult with a high spinal cord injury

This case study examines the use of augmentative communication technology with an adult male with high spinal cord injury. The primary need for this individual was better access to a keyboard, to permit an independent method of writing. Careful analysis of the situation suggested that a computerized long-range optical pointer with screen-based keyboard was appropriate. After using this system for several years, however, the communication system was dismantled in order to permit the computer to be used as the office computer for the individual's business. This case highlights the frequent differences between expert recommendation and individual preference, and between expert and individual expectations of intervention. It also points out the value of paying closer heed to both the preferences and strategies of the individual.
Origin of peak asymmetry and isotherm nonlinearity in micellar electrokinetic chromatography: Variation of peak shape with buffer concentration

The diffuse fronts and sharp rears of peaks of nitrobenzene (nbz) solubilized at high concentrations in 50 mM SDS and 2.5, 25, and 50 mM sodium tetraborate buffers were modeled in MEKC by measurements of, and fits to, concave upward isotherms, and by numerical solution of the continuity equation. The isotherms varied with buffer concentration, with the smallest limiting slope and largest curvature found for the 50 mM tetraborate buffer. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller isotherm described the peak profiles in all buffers, with symmetrical peaks observed at sub- and low-mM levels of nbz, anti-Langmuirian peaks observed at 10-20 mM levels, and aquiline peaks resembling curved noses observed at 20-30 mM levels. The variation of the partition coefficient with nbz and buffer concentrations was shown to result from nonideal thermodynamics. High-buffer concentrations salt out nbz from the mobile phase, as quantified by a mobile-phase activity coefficient related to the Setchenov constant of nbz in sodium tetraborate. The activity coefficient of nbz in SDS micelles was shown to resemble that measured by other researchers for benzene in micelles of sodium octyl sulfate, i.e. it decreases with increasing solute concentration and increases with electrolyte concentration. Many examples from the literature are discussed, in which the variation of the intramicellar activity coefficient with solute mole fraction is consistent with peaks having diffuse fronts and sharp rears.
Consumer satisfaction in adult behavior therapy: Procedures, problems, and future perspectives

Until recently there has been very little interest in assessing client satisfaction regarding the delivery of adult behavior therapeutic services. Given this preeminent finding, relevant literature is reviewed with respect to: levels of satisfaction, comparisons with other approaches, comparisons within behavior therapy, satisfaction/outcome in behavior therapy, and acceptability of behavioral treatment procedures. Methodological and research-related questions are addressed. These include psychometric considerations, comparative analyses, reported levels of satisfaction, and global satisfaction versus component evaluation. Alternative strategies for the measurement of consumer satisfaction are discussed. Among these options are the utilization of solicited/unsolicited comments, unobtrusive measures, archival records, consumer dissatisfaction information, continuous measures of satisfaction, goal attainment scaling, and survey methods.
Clinical Policy: Neuroimaging and Decisionmaking in Adult Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Acute Setting

This clinical policy provides evidence-based recommendations on select issues in the management of adult patients with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the acute setting. It is the result of joint efforts between the American College of Emergency Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and was developed by a multidisciplinary panel. The critical questions addressed in this clinical policy are: (1) Which patients with mild TBI should have a noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) scan in the emergency department (ED)? (2) Is there a role for head magnetic resonance imaging over noncontrast CT in the ED evaluation of a patient with acute mild TBI? (3) In patients with mild TBI, are brain specific serum biomarkers predictive of an acute traumatic intracranial injury? (4) Can a patient with an isolated mild TBI and a normal neurologic evaluation result be safely discharged from the ED if a noncontrast head CT scan shows no evidence of intracranial injury? Inclusion criteria for application of this clinical policy's recommendations are nonpenetrating trauma to the head, presentation to the ED within 24 hours of injury, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or 15 on initial evaluation in the ED, and aged 16 years or greater. The primary outcome measure for questions 1, 2, and 3 is the presence of an acute intracranial injury on noncontrast head CT scan; the primary outcome measure for question 4 is the occurrence of neurologic deterioration.
Direct observation of dark excitons in individual carbon nanotubes: inhomogeneity in the exchange splitting.

We report the direct observation of spin-singlet dark excitons in individual single-walled carbon nanotubes through low-temperature micro-magneto-photoluminescence spectroscopy. A magnetic field ($B$) applied along the tube axis brightened the dark state, leading to the emergence of a new emission peak. The peak rapidly grew in intensity with increasing $B$ at the expense of the originally dominated bright exciton peak and became dominant at $Bg3\text{ }\mathrm{T}$. This behavior, universally observed for more than 50 tubes of different chiralities, can be quantitatively modeled by incorporating the Aharonov-Bohm effect and intervalley Coulomb mixing. The directly measured dark-bright splitting values were 1--4 meV for tube diameters 1.0--1.3 nm. Scatter in the splitting value emphasizes the role of the local environment surrounding a nanotube in determining its excitonic fine structure.
The case-control study in health program evaluation

Abstract The epidemiologic method of case-control study is described and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed for use in health program evaluation. Examples of the case-control study as it has been applied in evaluation research are reviewed and a step-by-step description of the method is presented. Finally, several potential applications of the case-study approach in program evaluation are presented.
Aberrant Expression of the NF-κB and IκB Proteins in B Cells from Viable Motheaten Mice

In viable motheaten mice, a mutation in the gene encoding the phosphatase, SHP1, causes severe immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. A defective phosphatase may result in modified phosphorylation of proteins involved in gene regulation. Since the NFκB/IκB proteins are regulated through phosphorylation, we wished to understand if the expression of these proteins was altered by the SHP1 defect. Splenic B cells from viable motheaten mice were isolated and assessed for purity by flow cytometry. Levels of each protein in isolated B cells were examined by Western blot analyses. Measurement of RNA levels for each protein was assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Western blots revealed that, in mev whole cell lysates, there were reduced levels of Re1A and Re1B proteins and increased levels of p50 and c-Re1. Furthermore, we analyzed the protein levels of IκBU and found that, in mev, this inhibitor was significantly reduced, while the level of another member of the IκB family, IκBβ, was not. To determine if these find...
Nutrition and nonmelanoma skin cancers

The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer is increasing every year. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two major types of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Among other factors, understanding the potential role of nutrients in the development, progression, and treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer is critical. This contribution provides a review of the nutrients that have been more extensively investigated in the literature with regard to nonmelanoma skin cancer, including dietary fats, retinol, carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, selenium, copper, iron, zinc, green tea, and black tea.
Polypyrrole conductive composites prepared by coprecipitation

Abstract In order to improve the mechanical properties of polypyrrole, a three step procedure is employed to obtain polypyrrole/polymer composites. First, a concentrated emulsion which has the appearance of a gel is prepared by using a solution of polyurethane in chloroform as the dispersed phase and a solution of sodium dodecylsulphate in water as the continuous phase. In the second step, a finely divided polypyrrole powder (with a conductivity of about 1.6 S cm−1) is synthesized by the chemical oxidation method. Finally, the composite is obtained by blending the concentrated emulsion with an aqueous suspension of polypyrrole powder. The use of a concentrated emulsion instead of a polymer solution of polyurethane in chloroform results in a composite with a conductivity which is by a factor of about two higher. In addition, it is easier to prepare the composite via the concentrated emulsion pathway. The effect of the amount of polypyrrole on the conductivity of the composite was investigated to find an optimum composition of polypyrrole/polyurethane at about 68% polypyrrole (by weight). To further improve the mechanical strength of the polypyrrole/polyurethane composite, acrylamide was infiltrated into the composite and polymerized. The final composite polymer had a conductivity of the order of 0.2 S cm−1 and good mechanical strength. The composite polymer thus obtained has also a more stable conductivity than the pure polypyrrole, because the insulators (polyurethane and polyacrylamide) provide both physical support as well as protection against the environment for the polypyrrole.
Radiation Dose Exposure for Lumbar Spine Epidural Steroid Injections: A Comparison of Conventional Fluoroscopy Data and CT Fluoroscopy Techniques

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to compare the radiation dose of conventional fluoroscopy–guided lumbar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) and CT fluoroscopy (CTF)–guided lumbar ESI using both clinical data and anthropomorphic phantoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We performed a retrospective review of dose parameters for 14 conventional fluoroscopy ESI procedures performed by one proceduralist and 42 CTF-guided ESIs performed by three proceduralists (14 each). By use of imaging techniques similar to those for our clinical cohorts, a commercially available anthropomorphic male phantom with metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor detectors was scanned to obtain absorbed organ doses for conventional fluoroscopy–guided and CTF-guided ESIs. Effective dose (ED) was calculated from measured organ doses. RESULTS. The mean conventional fluoroscopy time for ESI was 37 seconds, and the mean procedural CTF time was 4.7 seconds. Calculated ED for conventional fluoroscopy was 0.85 mSv compared with 0.45...
Casimir-Polder potential in a dielectric medium out of thermal equilibrium

The Casimir-Polder potential between a pair of atoms or molecules, either one of which may be excited, in a dielectric medium out of thermal equilibrium is obtained using a field operator that accounts for the attenuation or amplification of the radiation. Two contributions to the intermolecular potential are identified. One term is that induced by the excitations and relaxations that the interacting molecules experience due to the thermal bath, obtained using the resonance energy transfer rate and the Wigner-Weisskopf model. The second contribution arises as a consequence of the polarization induced in the interacting molecules by vacuum and thermal radiation. A number of disagreements between the present theory and several previously reported formulations examining this intermolecular potential are revealed.
Wisdom as an Immanent Event in Job 28, Not a Transcendent Ideal

Abstract Job 28 poses several interpretive difficulties: its reflections about wisdom seem disembodied and misplaced within the dialogue; its content, especially the final verse, seems ill-fit for the issues the book raises. Much interpretive discomfort with the poem stems from the misconception that it presents human inaccessibility to wisdom in opposition to God’s accessibility. By reassessing the poem as moving rhetorically from a metonymic (in vv.1-19) to a metaphoric logic (in vv.20-28), this article demonstrates that wisdom is displaced throughout the poem—from humans, God, and creation. Job 28 primarily opposes two different ways of relating to this displaced wisdom: the metonymic search that evokes wisdom as perpetually transcendent, versus the discovery of wisdom in metaphoric effects that appear as displaced from their causes. This reinterpretation enables more nuanced readings of v.28 as an appositive metaphor, and of the poem’s displacement in the book as appropriate to its teachings about wisdom.
Influence of the route of administration of prostaglandin E1 on rat gastric secretion

Abstract Changes in gastric secretion induced by the subcutaneous, intraduodenal or intragastric administration of prostaglandin E 1 (PGE 1 ) were evaluated in pylorus-ligated rats. Subcutaneous and intraduodenal injections produced a dose-related inhibition in both total acid and volume of gastric secretion. Dose-response curves for inhibition obtained by these routes were parallel, although PGE 1 was more potent when given subcutaneously. Gastric administration produced a dose-related decrease in acid and an increase in volume. The slope of the dose-response curve for acid inhibition with this route was flatter than with subcutaneous or intraduodenal administrations. The present results suggest that PGE 1 inhibits gastric secretion by the same mechanism of action when given subcutaneously or into the duodenum, while the effects observed after gastric administration are consequences of local actions. The difference in potency of PGE 1 given subcutaneously and in the duodenum would seem to be due to differences in absorption from the site of administration and/or to a greater metabolism of PGE 1 during its absorption from the intestines.
Rapid filtration of non-electrolytes by electroosmosis

Abstract The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate the utility of rapid filtration of non-electrolytes by electroosmosis. The potential of this process has been well recognized, but problems associated with concentration polarization, electrode production of explosive or corrosive fumes and sample dehydration has prevented industrial adaptation of the process. To mitigate these problems, a three compartment system was constructed with reversible electrodes using alternating electric current. At 78 ma/cm 2 and 0.001 Hrz, electroosmotic transfer of urea was 23 times faster than diffusion alone. Several current densities and frequencies are reported. Electroosmotic transfer of non-electrolytes should be a welcome alternative tool for solute separations.
History of process safety at OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA)'s first major process safety regulation, 29 CFR 1910.119, Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) was enacted in 1992. However, OSHA's experience with process safety began in the 1980s when a series of catastrophic chemical incidents occurred. Learnings from investigations of these incidents helped to shape PSM. More than 15 years after PSM, lessons from incidents and inspection experience continue to shape the history of process safety at OSHA. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
Explicit thresholds for approximately sparse compressed sensing via ℓ 1 -optimization

It is well known that compressed sensing problems reduce to solving large under-determined systems of equations. If we choose the elements of the compressed measurement matrix according to some appropriate probability distribution and if the signal is sparse enough then the l 1 -optimization can recover it with overwhelming probability (see, e.g. [5], [9], [10]). In fact, [5], [9], [10] establish (in a statistical context) that if the number of measurements is proportional to the length of the signal then there is a sparsity of the unknown signal proportional to its length for which the success of the l 1 -optimization is guaranteed. In this paper we consider a modification of this standard setup, namely the case of the so-called approximately sparse unknown signals [7], [27]. We determine sharp lower bounds on the values of allowable approximate sparsity for any given number (proportional to the length of the unknown signal) of measurements. We introduce a novel, very simple technique which provides very good values for proportionality constants.
Image Registration in Low Resolution Visual Sensor Networks

Image registration is of great interest in video surveillance because of its capability to combine images and generate a larger view of the area under observation, while retaining all the information in the images. This paper demonstrates a novel method for registering images obtained from low resolution visual sensor networks. It uses change detection as a tool for automatic identification of control points which form the basis for registering images.
Multichip module enables for high reliability applications

To gain uniform, rigorous multichip module (MCM) qualification for high-reliability applications, Sandia has developed: a set of assembly test chips which are available for manufacturers and users to evaluate, characterize, and compare the particular MCM technology in terms of materials, chemical aging, geometries, stress state, thermal management, and assembly techniques; standard interconnect test structures as test coupons on the MCM substrate to determine the aging reliability through accelerated aging and lot quality through statistics; and exhaustive chip pretest methodology through prepackaging in a way compatible with today's military IC packaging assembly lines. The MCM substrate test structures and packaging for chip pretest are discussed. >
Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block: Incrementalism in National Climate Change Legislation

This Article examines the effects of incremental domestic legislation on international negotiations to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Mitigating the effects of climate change is a global public good, which, ultimately, only an international agreement can provide. The common presumption (justified or not) is that national legislation is a step forward to an international agreement. This Article analyzes how national legislation can create a demand for international action but can also preempt or frustrate international efforts. The crucial issue, which has been largely ignored thus far, is how incremental steps at the domestic level alter international negotiations. This paper identifies four mechanisms that support the intuitive idea that national legislation will have positive effects: (1) allocating economic resources, (2) providing leadership in international negotiations, (3) creating a demand for a uniform standard, and (4) cultivating public opinion. This Article demonstrates that, on closer examination, each of these mechanisms could hinder international efforts to create a comprehensive agreement. This is by no means an argument against all efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions at the national level. Instead, this Article calls for a more careful analysis the dynamic political impact of domestic proposals.
Updates on Definition, Consequences, and Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a breathing disorder during sleep that has implications beyond disrupted sleep. It is increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiac, neurologic, and perioperative morbidities. Yet this disorder remains undiagnosed in a substantial portion of our population. It is imperative for all physicians to remain vigilant in identifying patients with signs and symptoms consistent with OSA. This review focuses on updates in the areas of terminology and testing, complications of untreated OSA, perioperative considerations, treatment options, and new developments in this field.
Van der Waals Force-Induced Loading of Proangiogenic Nanoparticles on Microbubbles for Enhanced Neovascularization

Nanoparticles emerged as carriers of promising diagnostic and therapeutic molecules due to their unique size, injectability, and potential to sustainably release molecular cargos. However, with local injection of particles into target tissue, the significant particle loss caused by external biomechanical forces is a great challenge yet to be resolved to date. We hypothesized that nanoparticles associated with tissue-adherent microbubbles in the form of core–shell particles due to van der Waals attractive forces would stably remain on an implanted site and significantly increase therapeutic efficacy of drug cargos. To examine this hypothesis, we used 100 nm diameter nanoparticles made of poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as a model nanoparticle and 50 μm diameter microbubbles made of poly(2-hydroxyethyl aspartamide) (PHEA) grafted with octadecyl chains, PHEA-g-C18, as a model microbubble. Simple mixing of PLGA nanoparticles and PHEA-g-C18 microbubbles resulted in the core–shell particles. Following implantation, the PHEA-g-C18 microbubbles acted as glue to minimize the displacement of PLGA nanoparticles, because of the association between the octadecyl chains on PHEA-g-C18 and the epithelium of the tissue. As a consequence, the core–shell particles prepared with Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1)-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles significantly promoted vascularization in the implanted tissue. Overall, the results of this study provide a simple but advanced strategy for improving therapeutic efficacy of drug-carrying nanoparticles without altering their surface chemistry and potential.
Clinical importance of changes in chronic pain intensity measured on an 11-point numerical pain rating scale

Pain intensity is frequently measured on an 11-point pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), where 0=no pain and 10=worst possible pain. However, it is difficult to interpret the clinical importance of changes from baseline on this scale (such as a 1- or 2-point change). To date, there are no data driven estimates for clinically important differences in pain intensity scales used for chronic pain studies. We have estimated a clinically important difference on this scale by relating it to global assessments of change in multiple studies of chronic pain. Data on 2724 subjects from 10 recently completed placebo-controlled clinical trials of pregabalin in diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis were used. The studies had similar designs and measurement instruments, including the PI-NRS, collected in a daily diary, and the standard seven-point patient global impression of change (PGIC), collected at the endpoint. The changes in the PI-NRS from baseline to the endpoint were compared to the PGIC for each subject. Categories of "much improved" and "very much improved" were used as determinants of a clinically important difference and the relationship to the PI-NRS was explored using graphs, box plots, and sensitivity/specificity analyses. A consistent relationship between the change in PI-NRS and the PGIC was demonstrated regardless of study, disease type, age, sex, study result, or treatment group. On average, a reduction of approximately two points or a reduction of approximately 30% in the PI-NRS represented a clinically important difference. The relationship between percent change and the PGIC was also consistent regardless of baseline pain, while higher baseline scores required larger raw changes to represent a clinically important difference. The application of these results to future studies may provide a standard definition of clinically important improvement in clinical trials of chronic pain therapies. Use of a standard outcome across chronic pain studies would greatly enhance the comparability, validity, and clinical applicability of these studies.
Polysaccharide-containing conjugate vaccines for fungal diseases

The recognition that antibodies are effective against fungal pathogens has spawned interest in developing vaccines that elicit antibody-mediated protection. Recently, a novel polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine that uses the algal antigen laminarin was shown to elicit antibodies to beta-glucan in fungal cell walls and to mediate protection against both experimental candidiasis and aspergillosis. Remarkably, vaccine-induced antibodies manifested direct antifungal effects, suggesting that vaccine efficacy might not require cellular or other components of the immune system. The description of a vaccine that could protect against various fungal pathogens opens exciting new dimensions in the search for approaches to control fungal diseases.
The Effects of Solid Earth Deformation on Global Ocean Tides

Summary Laplace's Tidal Equations (LTE) are modified to allow for the yielding of the solid Earth to tide generating forces and to the weight of the oceanic tidal column as well as for oceanic gravitational self-attraction. A realistic cotidal-corange chart for the global M2 tide is used to show that the first effect is the order of the astronomical potential itself while the second and third are roughly one order of magnitude smaller. However, the later potential perturbations produce order one effects in the computed tide because they are much richer in high spherical harmonics than is the astronomical potential. The existence of an appreciable solid Earth tide significantly modifies the usual expressions for stored tidal energy, for tidal energy flux and for the rate of working on the oceans by tide generating bodies. An unexpectedly high value of Q(∼ 34) is found for the global M2 tide.
The effects of participation level on recidivism: a study of drug treatment courts using propensity score matching.

Background Empirical evidence has suggested that drug treatment courts (DTCs) reduce re-arrest rates. However, DTC program completion rates are low and little is known about the effectiveness of lower levels of program participation.
A preliminary study of the effects of pallidotomy surgery upon voice onset time in persons with Parkinson's disease.

La pallidotomie est une intervention pratiquee afin de soulager les symptomes moteurs de la maladie de Parkinson. A partir de la mesure du temps d'attaque de la voix, l'A. explore les effets de cette intervention au niveau du Globus Pallidus interne unilateral sur la production de la parole chez personnes atteintes de la maladie de Parkinson