cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emergence of cytotoxic T lymphocyte escape mutations in nonpathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus infection.

Although CTL escape has been well documented in pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, there is no information on CTL escape in nonpathogenic SIV infection in nonhuman primate hosts like the sooty mangabeys. CTL responses and sequence variation in the SIV nef gene were evaluated in one sooty mangabey and one rhesus macaque inoculated together with the same stock of cloned SIVmac239. Each animal developed an immunodominant response to a distinct CTL epitope in Nef, aa 157–167 in the macaque and aa 20–28 in the mangabey. Nonsynonymous mutations in their respective epitopes were observed in both animals and resulted in loss of CTL recognition. These mutations were present in the majority of proviral DNA sequences at 16 weeks post infection in the macaque and >2 years post infection in the mangabey. These results document the occurrence of CTL escape in a host that does not develop AIDS, and adds to the growing body of evidence that CTL exert significant selective pressure in SIV infection.
Topical sucralfate: Effective therapy for the management of resistant peristomal and perineal excoriation

Peristomal and perineal excoriation commonly occurs despite preventive measures. Drainage from around gastrostomy tubes or ongoing perineal soilage after a pull-through procedure can lead to chemical irritation, cutaneous denudation, and chronic discomfort. A multitude of topical agents have been tried with variable results. We present our experience using topical sucralfate. Fifteen patients with stomal or perineal skin ulceration were treated with topical sucralfate only after other agents had failed. Clinical photographs were obtained first. Sucralfate, prepared as either a powder or an emollient, was liberally applied to the affected area during diaper changes or when the stomal appliance was emptied. For tube gastrostomy sites, sucralfate was applied every 4 to 6 hours as required to maintain a visible layer. In 13 patients, complete healing occurred. Recovery time was dependent on the severity and extent of skin denudation. Partial healing occurred in one patient. In another patient, the skin excoriation healed but a residual candidal rash required addition of an antifungal agent. General observations included: (1) a lag time of 2 to 3 days before visible healing was evident; (2) healing occurred from the perimeter; (3) sucralfate was soothing and reduced discomfort; (4) it was ineffective for fungal dermatitis; and (5) sucralfate did not appear to have toxic or systemic effects. Topically applied sucralfate is soothing, safe, and effective.
Apoptosis in mosquito midgut epithelia associated with West Nile virus infection

The mosquito Culex pipiens pipiens is a documented vector of West Nile virus (WNV, Flaviviridae, Flavivirus). Our laboratory colony of C. p. pipiens, however, was repeatedly refractory to experimental transmission of WNV. Our goal was to identify if a cellular process was inhibiting virus infection of the midgut. We examined midguts of mosquitoes fed control and WNV-infected blood meals. Three days after feeding, epithelial cells from abdominal midguts of mosquitoes fed on WNV fluoresced under an FITC filter following Acridine Orange staining, indicating apoptosis in this region. Epithelial cells from experimental samples examined by TEM exhibited ultrastructural changes consistent with apoptosis, including shrinkage and detachment from neighbors, heterochromatin condensation, nuclear degranulation, and engulfment of apoptotic bodies by adjacent cells. Virions were present in cytoplasm and within cytoplasmic vacuoles of apoptotic cells. No apoptosis was detected by TEM in control samples. In parallel, we used Vero cell plaque assays to quantify infection after 7 and 10 day extrinsic incubation periods and found that none of the mosquitoes (0/55 and 0/10) which imbibed infective blood were infected. We propose that programmed cell death limits the number of WNV-infected epithelial cells and inhibits disseminated viral infections from the mosquito midgut.
A mercury mediated route to the mitosenes

Abstract A Mitsunobu type of coupling is used to prepare a complex phenyl allyl ether which undergoes a Claisen rearrangement. A synthetic route to a mitosene is achieved.
Stat3 Directly Controls the Expression of Tbx5, Nkx2.5, and GATA4 and Is Essential for Cardiomyocyte Differentiation of P19CL6 Cells

The transcription factor Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) mediates many physiological processes, including embryogenesis, stem cell self-renewal, and postnatal survival. In response to gp130 receptor activation, Stat3 becomes phosphorylated by the receptor-associated Janus kinase, forms dimers, and enters the nucleus where it binds to Stat3 target genes and regulates their expression. In this report, we demonstrate that Stat3 binds directly to the promoters and regulates the expression of three genes that are essential for cardiac differentiation: Tbx5, Nkx2.5, and GATA4. We further demonstrate that Tbx5, Nkx2.5, and GATA4 expression is dependent on Stat3 in response to ligand treatment and during ligand-independent differentiation of P19CL6 cells into cardiomyocytes. Finally, we show that Stat3 is necessary for the differentiation of P19CL6 cells into beating cardiomyocytes. All together, these results demonstrate that Stat3 is required for the differentiation of cardiomyocytes through direct transcriptional regulation of Tbx5, Nkx2.5, and GATA4.
BLOOD SUGAE STUDIES IN THE BULLFROG, RAN A CATESBIANA1

Over a period of 2½ years, blood glucose values of 154 normal bullfrogs averaged 13.51 mg.% with 28% showing complete sugar absence. No correlation could be found between blood glucose level and apparent nutritional state of the animal or season of the year. Among factors which induced hyperglycemia were repeated removal of blood samples (without albumin restitution), intra-arterial glucagon epinephrine, and extracts of bullfrog, angler fish, and dogfish gastrointestinal tissues presumed to contain glucagon. Alloxan, beef STH, and bullfrog pituitary extract failed to raise the blood sugar level significantly. Bullfrogs were somewhat less tolerant of intra-arterially injected monosaccharides than rabbits and responded slowly to exogenous insulin. A brief discussion follows on the relationship of these data to the apparently normal maintenance of an hypoglycemic state in bullfrogs.
Hegemony and language politics in Hawaii

ABSTRACT: This paper discusses issues of language and power in Hawaii and argues that enforced English language assimilation was one of the most important instruments through which American colonization was able to occur. Language politics in Hawaii, however, took a number of schizophrenic turns. The motivating force behind early language policies was the American oligarchy's need to acquire, centralize, and maintain power. This required that both official and unofficial language policies be manipulated in a variety of seemingly contradictory ways, depending on what the particular needs and concerns of the time happened to be. As circumstances presented themselves, the American business-missionary-government combine modified their policies to insure that certain objectives (e.g., conversion to Christianity, language and cultural assimilation, language and cultural diversity, annexation, etc.) served to perpetuate the status quo. This paper further argues that language served - and continues to serve - as a counter-hegemonic strategy by disenfranchised groups in Hawaiian society to reclaim sovereignty over their culture, beliefs, and communication practices.
The character of the thermal emission from Venus

Images of the thermal infrared emission from 10.6 to 12.6 microns from the earth-facing hemisphere of Venus were made from earth on each available opportunity over a 26-day period in 1977 and a 106-day period in 1978-1979, using a 1.5 m telescope. Compact, variable thermal features exist at latitudes higher than about 50 deg, some of which repeat at 5-day intervals. No such repeatability is observed for features near the equator. Day-to-day variations in limb darkening and the contrast of high latitude features appear to differ in the conjunction and post-conjunction images. A strong, solar-fixed component of the emission exists and exhibits wave number 1, 2, and 4 components. The thermal tides provide constraints upon the atmosphere structure. The solar-fixed structure shows significant asymmetries with respect to the equator.
Scaling structure of electrocardiographic waveform during prolonged ventricular fibrillation in swine.

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the most common arrhythmia causing sudden cardiac death. However, the likelihood of successful defibrillation declines with increasing duration of VF. Because the morphology of the electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform during VF also changes with time, this study examined a new measure that describes the VF waveform and distinguishes between early and late VF. Surface ECG recordings were digitized at 200 samples/s from nine swine with induced VF. A new measure called the scaling exponent was calculated by examining the power-law relationship between the summation of amplitudes of a 1,024-point (5.12 second) waveform segment and the time scale of measurement. The scaling exponent is a local estimate of the fractal dimension of the ECG waveform. A consistent power-law relationship was observed for measurement time scales of 0.005–0.040 seconds. Calculation of the scaling exponent produced similar results between subjects, and distinguished early VF (<4-minute duration) from late VF (≥4-minute duration). The scaling exponent was dependent on the order of the data, supporting the hypothesis that the surface ECG during VF is a deterministic rather than a random signal. The waveform of VF results from the interaction of multiple fronts of depolarization within the heart, and may be described using the tools of nonlinear dynamics. As a quantitative descriptor of waveform structure, the scaling exponent characterizes the time dependent organization of VF.
Gel double immunodiffusion studies with sex human rhinoviruses.

Rabbits were immunized on six occasions during a seven month period with fluorocarbon and sucrose density gradient purified preparations of human rhinovirus types 1A, 2, 3, 4, 9, or 14. Sera collected 1 week after the final immunization formed 1 or 2 precipitin lines when reacted by immunodiffusion against fluorocarbon purified preparations of each homologous immunizing virus. Heterologous precipitin cross reactions were detected between: RV1A antigen and rabbit sera to RV2, RV9 and RV14; RV2 antigen and sera to RV1A; RV14 antigen and sera to RV3.
Computed Tomography of Cardiac Pseudotumors and Neoplasms

Important features of cardiac masses can be clearly delineated on cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging. This modality is useful in identifying the presence of a mass, its relationship with cardiac and extracardiac structures, and the features that distinguish one type of mass from another. A multimodality approach to the evaluation of cardiac tumors is advocated, with the use of echocardiography, CT imaging and magnetic resonance imaging as appropriately indicated. In this article, various cardiac masses are described, including pseudotumors and true cardiac neoplasms, and the CT imaging findings that may be useful in distinguishing these rare entities are presented.
Effect of deep-tillage and nitrogen fertilization interactions on dryland corn (Zea mays L.) productivity

Abstract Subsoiling a compacted soil should loosen it, improve the physical conditions, and increase nutrient availability and crop yields. The aim of this work is to compare the effects of different tillage and fertility treatments in a loamy Typic Hapludoll soil, and to determine the interactions of N fertilization with several soil properties and dryland corn ( Zea mays L.) productivity. The experiment, conducted in 1995 and in 1997, had a split-plot design consisting of three tillage systems (MB=moldboard plowing, CH=chisel plowing or NT=no-tillage) in a corn–soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merrill) rotation since 1991 as main treatments. Four subtreatments: (i) subsoil (paratill subsoiler to 40 cm depth in fallow 1995)+N fertilization (100 kg ha −1 N as ammonium nitrate, at the V6 development stage of corn), (ii) subsoil+no N fertilization, (iii) no subsoiling+N fertilization, and (iv) no subsoiling+no N fertilization. Chemical and physical properties in the top layer of the soils were determined at seeding in 1995. Penetration resistance was measured at seeding, flowering and at harvest in 1995 and at seeding in 1997. Corn shoot dry matter during vegetative stages and grain yield components were also determined. The preparation of seedbed using either moldboard or chisel plowing with or without deep-tillage, increased the vegetative biomass by 27% and the grain yield of the corn crops by 9% over the no-tillage system. Subsoiling no-till plots improved the vegetative growth of the crops, but the effect of the deep-tillage did not modify the corn grain yields. Grain yields were strongly related to the N fertilization treatments. Although bulk density values (BD) ranged between 1.05 and 1.33 Mg m −3 differences in crop yields were attributed to differences in the BD and the N fertilization. In the western Pampas Region of Argentina, the production of high yielding corn crops, under no water stress conditions, is independent of the tillage systems but negatively related with the soil BD values, and positively dependent on N fertilization.
In vitro senescence of Syrian hamster mesenchymal cells of fetal to aged adult origin. Inverse relationship between in vivo donor age and in vitro proliferative capacity.

Normal diploid Syrian hamster dermal mesenchymal cell strains, regardless of the age of the tissue of origin, exhibit in vitro cellular senescence. The frequency of spontaneous escape from senescence and conversion to a permanent cell line is < 5% among replicate flasks. The overall pattern of senescence of cells of fetal, neonatal, young adult (6 months) and aged adult (24 months) origin is similar in terms of the morphological changes and proliferative changes indicated by the reduction of saturation density, cloning efficiency and [3]thymidine labeling index and by the increase in population doubling time and cell volume. However, the average maximum cumulative population doubling level is characteristic for each cell type: 13-day gestation fetal cells, 28.6; neonatal cells, 18.7; young adult cells, 13.8; aged adult cells, 11.1. Thus, the in vitro proliferative capacity of Syrian hamster mesenchymal cells is inversely related to the in vivo age of the donor.
Solvent and Intramolecular Effects on the Absorption Spectrum of Betaine-30

The effect of solvent electrostatics and solute torsional modes on the absorption spectrum of betaine-30 in acetonitrile is examined. Combined quantum/classical molecular dynamics ground state simulations are used to calculate the electronic absorption spectrum in acetonitrile. The model for betaine-30 includes the electronic degrees of freedom of the π system of the molecule and their interactions with the electric field of the solvent, treating the electronic wave function at the level of Pariser−Parr−Pople semiempirical electronic structure theory. The absorption intensity, width, and maximum of the S0 to S1 band are well reproduced by the model. In solution, the S0 molecular dipole moment is found to be strongly enhanced due to solvent-induced electronic reorganization. The width of the absorption band in acetonitrile is found to be a function of solvent orientational fluctuations and is not correlated with conformational changes caused by torsional motion in the molecule. This fact, combined with the...
Vibrations of Low Frequency over the Precordium

A method for taking tracings which represent actual movements of the precordium (displacement curves) or records which show waves proportional to the velocity of movement of the chest wall (velocity curves) is described. The equipment employed is readily available, and the method is easy to use. The displacement curves are nearly identical with cardiograms taken with a good optical setup, and they may have diagnostic value. The velocity curves are more closely related to the functional status of the myocardium. The clinical significance of these tracings, especially the former, is pointed out.
Towards the feasibility conditions for linear interference alignment with symbol extensions: A diversity constraint

We explore the feasibility of linear interference alignment using finite signaling dimensions and symbol extensions. In the non-zero total intersection regime, we show that the number of sources is upperbounded by a function of channel diversity. The available diversity places a fundamental constraint on the number of signal spaces that can overlap at one destination (where they are undesired) while maintaining the resolvability of a subset of those signals (desired signals) at another destination. Specifically, the number of such signal spaces cannot be larger than the channel diversity. This is the diversity constraint that we identify in this paper. Not only is the proposed method applicable for X channels, interference channels, and their rank-deficient counterparts, it can also be used for both circular symmetric signaling (CSS) and asymmetric complex signaling (ACS) over a combination of frequency and MIMO channels with arbitrary symbol extensions.
The parental magma of the Nakhla achondrite: Ultrabasic volcanism on the shergottite parent body

An examination of chemical and mineral chemical data available for the cumulate and the intercumulus magma of the Nakhla meteorite is presented. The composition of the intercumulus magma, calculated by mass balance, is found to be ultrabasic (SiO2 is less than 45 percent), and the magma is enriched in incompatible elements (La/Lu=6 x Cl). The cumulus augite and intercumulus magma are in chemical equilibrium, implying that the intercumulus magma is a sample of Nakhla's parental magma. The possibility of Nakhla's Martian origin is discussed.
The pharmacokinetics of α-methyldopa in dogs

alpha-Methyldopa was intraarterially and orally administered to dogs at two dose levels in a randomized complete crossover design. The appearance of secondary peaks in the plasma concentration-time profiles indicated the presence of enterohepatically recycled methyldopa. This was established by the absence of a secondary peak following readministration of a dose after biliary cannulation and the detection of methyldopa in the bile of a cannulated dog. Enterohepatic recirculation was estimated to account for a mean of 16.2% of the area under the plasma concentration-time profile after intraarterial administration. Total systemic clearance, defined as the sum of elimination by all routes from the general circulation of the administered dose, and corrected for enterohepatic recirculation, averaged (+/- SD) 99.4 +/- 24.6 ml/min in the dog. An extended average apparent terminal half-life of 6.0 +/- 5.2 hr was exhibited after oral administration compared to an average half-life of 3.1 +/- 1.8 hr following intraarterial administration. Elimination kinetics were linear in the dose range studied. Oral plasma concentration data suggest that the apparent bioavailable fraction may be dose dependent.
Splitting of n-fold rotationally symmetric graphs

R. A. Davidson's rules for splitting an n-fold rotationally symmetric graph can be derived from a unitary transformation on the adjacency matrix. The McClelland and D'Amato rules are special cases with n = 2 and n = 3, respectively.
Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Associated with Healthcare- Associated Infections: Summary of Data Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009-2010

Objective. To describe antimicrobial resistance patterns for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) during 2009-2010. Methods. Central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical site infections were included. Pooled mean proportions of isolates interpreted as resistant (or, in some cases, nonsusceptible) to selected antimicrobial agents were calculated by type of HAI and compared to historical data. Results. Overall, 2,039 hospitals reported 1 or more HAIs; 1,749 (86%) were general acute care hospitals, and 1,143 (56%) had fewer than 200 beds. There were 69,475 HAIs and 81,139 pathogens reported. Eight pathogen groups accounted for about 80% of reported pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Enterococcus spp. (14%), Escherichia coli (12%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (11%), Candida spp. (9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (and Klebsiella oxytoca; 8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%), and Enterobacter spp. (5%). The percentage of resistance was similar to that reported in the previous 2-year period, with a slight decrease in the percentage of S. aureus resistant to oxacillins (MRSA). Nearly 20% of pathogens reported from all HAIs were the following multidrug-resistant phenotypes: MRSA (8.5%); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (3%); extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca (2%), E. coli (2%), and Enterobacter spp. (2%); and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (2%), K. pneumoniae/oxytoca (<1%), E, coli (<1%), and Enterobacter spp. (<1%). Among facilities reporting HAIs with 1 of the above gram-negative bacteria, 20%-40% reported at least 1 with the resistant phenotype. Conclusion. While the proportion of resistant isolates did not substantially change from that in the previous 2 years, multidrug-resistant gram-negative phenotypes were reported from a moderate proportion of facilities.
Core self‐evaluations and salespeople

A schemata drawn from the literature addressing core self-evaluations was tested with the use of a sample of commissioned salespeople. Research propositions were tested for the internal locus of control, high self-efficacy beliefs group and for the external locus of control, low self-efficacy group of salespeople. Support was derived for several of the propositions. However, the relationship between performance and cell membership indicated that both internal, high self-efficacy beliefs salespeople and external, high self-efficacy beliefs salespeople perform at a higher level than those in the other cells. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theory of Structured Continua. I. General Consideration of Angular Momentum and Polarization

Classical continuum theory is generalized to provide a systematic procedure for treating in successively greater detail the macroscopic manifestations of subcontinuum events without sacrificing the convenience of the field approach. The point of departure from traditional theory is the general angular momentum principle for continua. Internal angular momentum is associated with configurational and kinematic structure of the continuum `particle' and that structure is represented by moment expansions in polyadic polarization densities. Each step in the theoretical development is analyzed both in terms of the statistical mechanics of polyatomic media and from the standpoint of continuum physics. Accurate accounting of content and flux is found to require introducing the concepts of proper densities and currents. Among topics examined in detail are asymmetric states of stress, equations of change for dynamical variables, and equilibrium conditions in structured continua, including alinement of internal angular momentum with the principle axes of local mass distributions.
Effects of ingesting JavaFit Energy Extreme functional coffee on aerobic and anaerobic fitness markers in recreationally-active coffee consumers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ingesting JavaFit™ Energy Extreme (JEE) on aerobic and anaerobic performance measures in recreationally-active male and female coffee drinkers. Five male (27.6 ± 4.2 yrs, 93.2 ± 11.7 kg, 181.6 ± 6.9 cm) and five female (29 ± 4.6 yrs, 61.5 ± 9.2 kg, 167.6 ± 6.9 cm) regular coffee drinkers (i.e., 223.9 ± 62.7 mg·d-1 of caffeine) participated in this study. In a cross-over, randomized design, participants performed a baseline (BASELINE) graded treadmill test (GXT) for peak VO2 assessment and a Wingate test for peak power. Approximately 3–4 d following BASELINE testing, participants returned to the lab for the first trial and ingested 354 ml of either JEE or decaffeinated coffee (DECAF), after which they performed a GXT and Wingate test. Criterion measures during the GXT included an assessment of peakVO2 at maximal exercise, as well as VO2 at 3 minutes and 10 minutes post-exercise. Additionally, time-to-exhaustion (TTE), maximal RPE, mean heart rate (HR), mean systolic pressure (SBP), and mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured during each condition. Criterion measures for the Wingate included mean HR, SBP, DBP, peak power, and time to peak power (TTP). Participants then returned to the lab approximately one week later to perform the second trial under the same conditions as the first, except consuming the remaining coffee. Data were analyzed using a one way ANOVA (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that JEE significantly increased VO2 at 3 minutes post-exercise when compared to BASELINE (p = 0.04) and DECAF (p = 0.02) values, which may be beneficial in enhancing post-exercise fat metabolism.
Treatment With Ibritumomab Tiuxetan Radioimmunotherapy in Patients With Rituximab-Refractory Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

PURPOSE: Rituximab is commonly used as a single agent or in combination therapy for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy targets the same antigen as rituximab and has demonstrated efficacy in rituximab-naive NHL. This study evaluated ibritumomab tiuxetan in the treatment of rituximab-refractory follicular NHL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were refractory to rituximab; this was defined as no objective response to rituximab (375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks) or time to progression (TTP) of ≤ 6 months. The ibritumomab tiuxetan treatment regimen consisted of pretreatment with rituximab (250 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8) to deplete peripheral blood B cells, then yttrium-90 ibritumomab tiuxetan (0.4 mCi/kg; maximum, 32 mCi) intravenously on day 8, administered on an outpatient basis. An imaging/dosimetry dose of indium-111 ibritumomab tiuxetan (5 mCi) was injected after rituximab (day 1) in 28 patients. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were treated. The median age was...
Children's Test-Taking Behaviors: A Review of Literature, Case Study, and Research on Turkish Children

The administration of individually administered measures has been a common practice in psychology for more than 100 years. Observations of test behaviors acquired under these conditions enhance our understanding of behavior and enable us to evaluate the quality of test data. This article reviews research related to test behaviors with children and youth, describes two models for their use, discusses psychometric data associated with one standardized measure of test behaviors, the Guide to the Assessment of Test Session Behavior, and presents a case study. One research study using the GATSB with children in Turkey also is presented.
Fluorometric analysis of ampicillin in biological fluids.

Ampicillin forms a strongly fluorescent yellow product in acid solution during hydrolysis at elevated temperature. The quantity and rate of formation of the fluorescent material are enhanced appreciably by formaldehyde, and the fluorescent product exhibits extraction properties of an organic acid. In alkaline solution, the fluorescent compound has uncorrected excitation and emission maxima at 346 and 422 nm., respectively. An assay procedure based on these observations permits detection of less than 0.05 mcg./ml. of ampicillin and/or α-aminobenzylpenicilloic acid. By combining fluorometric and microbiological methods, measurement can be made of ampicillin degradation products as well as the unchanged antibiotic in serum and urine.
A helical microwave antenna for welding plaque during balloon angioplasty

A catheter-based microwave helix antenna has been developed in an attempt to improve the long-term success of balloon angioplasty treatment of arteriosclerosis. When the balloon is inflated to widen vessels obstructed with plaque, microwave power is deposited in the plaque, heating it, and thereby fixing it in place. By optimizing the helix pitch angle and excitation frequency, the antenna radiation pattern can be adjusted to deposit microwave power preferentially in the plaque while avoiding overheating the healthy artery. The optimal power deposition patterns of helical antennas are analytically computed for four-layered concentric and four-layered nonconcentric cylindrical geometries, which model symmetric and asymmetric occluded arteries. Experiments were performed on occluded artery phantom models with a prototype antenna for both symmetric and asymmetric models, which matched the theoretical predictions well, indicating almost complete power absorption in the low-water-content simulated plaque.
Steroid-induced mania treated with aripiprazole.

Brown and Chandler reviewed the literature on significant psychiatric side effects of corticosteroids, noting presentations of depression, mania, psychosis, and memory deficits. Naber et al. followed a prospective, uncontrolled cohort of 50 patients on methylprednisolone or fluocortolone, at initial doses of 119 41 mg/d, and tapered to 75 22 mg/d over 8 days. They found that “manic-type” symptoms were reported by 26% of the participants, most of which began in the first 3 days of treatment and continued, despite the taper, over the 8 days of the study. If possible, removing the offending steroid is desirable when patients present with psychiatric side effects. However, if the steroid-induced behavior puts the patient at significant risk of morbidity and mortality, adjunctive use of an anti-manic medication may also be warranted. The data for pharmacologic intervention in steroid-induced mania is limited in scope and study design. Among the classic mood stabilizers, lithium has the most evidence in steroid-induced mania, with a 71-patient, retrospective report. There is a positive case report regarding the use of valproic acid. Amongst the antipsychotics, the use of phenothiazines is supported by a 14-patient case series. Haloperidol and quetiapine have positive case reports. Olanzapine use is supported by an open-label trial in 12 patients. Risperidone has recent pediatric case reports.
Acute urinary retention: An unusual presentation of appendiceal abscess

Emergency physicians frequently encounter patients with acute urinary retention. Although most common among the elderly, pediatric and young adult patients occasionally may present with this complaint. The differential diagnosis and emergency department work-up must be age specific. We discuss the case of a young man who presented with acute urinary retention, subsequently found to be caused by undiagnosed appendicitis with appendiceal abscess formation. Only nine such cases have been reported in the literature thus far, with only one occurring in the nonpediatric population. This case represents the second such case to be reported. The importance of a thorough history, physical examination, and diagnostic work-up of patients who present with acute urinary retention, particularly those in the younger age group, is emphasized.
Phase Compensation Receivers for Optical Communication

Phase compensation receivers are investigated in the context of optical communication, with particular emphasis on low visibility channels. It is shown that phase compensation can be viewed as a reduction of the number of spatial modes in the signal field so that an improvement in communication performance can be realized by a receiver which exploits the spatial coherence of the compressed signal mode. The phase compensation receiver structure separates nicely into configurations for measuring the phase of the signal field across the aperture and the required processors to obtain the phase compensation control from the measurements. The optimum phase control, which is chosen to spatially concentrate the signal power in the focal plane, is shown to be the minimum-mean-squared-error estimate of the aperture field phase, when the estimation error is "small enough." The phase observation-estimator structures are placed in an idealized phase compensated receiver. Minimum signal power requirements for adequate phase estimation performance are established. Communication performance, in terms of the parameters that describe the low visibility channel, is examined for both compenstated and uncompensated receivers. Depending on the system used, and for phase coherence times in the tens of milliseconds, phase compensation is most appealing for signaling rates from the middle kilobit to low megabit per second range; the resulting improvement in communication performance made possible by phase compensation is as much as 40-60 dB in optical power relative to an uncompensated receiver.
Isolation and characterization of soluble cytochromes, ferredoxins and other chromophoric proteins from the halophilic phototrophic bacterium Ectothiorhodospira halophila

A cytochrome c-551 and a pair of 'high redox-potential' ferredoxins (iso-high-potential iron-sulfur proteins) were found to be the major soluble electron-transport proteins in Ectothiorhodospira halophila. Smaller amounts of 'bacterial' ferredoxin and cytochrome c' were also observed. With the exception of cytochrome c-551, these proteins are commonly encountered in the purple sulfur bacteria, family Chromatiaceae and less frequently in the purple bacteria, family Rhodospirillaceae. In addition to the cytochromes and ferredoxins, E. halophila synthesizes substantial amounts of a small yellow-colored protein, which has a chromophore spectrally similar to flavins having oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur substituents in place of the 8-methyl group such as roseoflavin and the methanogen cofactor F-420. A purple-colored protein was only partially purified, but it is spectrally similar to iron proteins having a tyrosine ligand, such as transferrin, catechuate dioxygenase, and especially the purple acid phosphatases. Neither the yellow protein nor the purple one has previously been observed in phototrophic bacteria, but may in some way be required for survival in extremely halophilic habitats. The only feature common to halophiles including E. halophila is the very acidic nature of their proteins.
The Transition State for Surface-Catalyzed Dehalogenation: C–I Cleavage on Pd(111)

Abstract Substituent effects have been used as a means of probing the nature of the transition state for C–I bond cleavage on the Pd(111) surface. The barriers to C–I cleavage (Δ E ‡ C–I ) have been measured in a set of 10 different alkyl and fluoroalkyl iodides (CH 3 I, CF 3 I, CH 3 CH 2 I, CF 3 CH 2 I, CF 2 HCF 2 I, CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 I, CF 3 CH 2 CH 2 I, CF 3 CF 2 CH 2 I, (CH 3 ) 2 CHI, and (CH 3 ) 3 CI) on Pd(111). These measurements were performed by adsorbing the iodides on the Pd(111) surface at low temperature (90 K) and then heating to 250 K to induce dissociation (R–I (ad) →R (ad) +I (ad) ). X-ray photoemission of the I 3d 5/2 level was used to monitor the extent of reaction during heating. To influence Δ E ‡ C–I the different alkyl and fluoroalkyl groups were chosen to give a wide range of field effect (σ F ) substituent constants. By correlating Δ E ‡ C–I with the field effect through a linear free energy relationship (ΔΔ E ‡ C–I =ρ F ·σ F ) it has been possible to compare the activation of C–I bonds on the Pd(111) surface with other dehalogenation reactions (C–Cl cleavage on Pd(111) and C–I cleavage on Ag(111)). In all cases the reaction constants (ρ F ) are very small. For C–I cleavage on the Pd(111) surface ρ F =0. These results indicate that the transition state to C–I cleavage is homolytic in the sense that it occurs early in the reaction coordinate and the reaction center in the transition state [C … I] ‡ is not much different from the initial state reactant. This result appears to be generally true of metal catalyzed dehalogenation reactions.
Characterization and modeling of non-linear inelastic behavior of organic packages at component and system levels

Organic substrates in electronic packaging are made of laminated dielectric and plated copper layers surrounding a fiber-reinforced glass core. Their constituent materials have typically been assumed to be linear elastic for simplicity in the microelectronic packaging analysis. However, the viscoelasticity of dielectric materials and the viscoplasticity of copper in the substrates impact the substrate behavior and in some cases must be considered. This paper presents a series of investigations on the non-linear time-dependent behavior of organic packages through experimentation and finite element analysis (FEA), including characterization and model validation of substrate core, modeling simplification and case study of packages during the package assembly process, and package substrate behavior in the system stack.
Safety-Management Systems

There are several industry and international standards that address safety-management systems. These standards are well harmonized and based on the proven quality-manage ment principles. Consensus electrical safety standards in North America by themselves can be implemented within the context of a safety-management system standard, be it a consensus or a company proprietary standard. NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 identify this and provide reference to safety-management systems standards. Electrical engineers and specialists may not be expert in safety-management systems. Safety professionals may not be expert in electrical safety. Senior and middle management control priority, budgetary, and staffing decisions critical to electrical safety program effectiveness. An organization intent on achieving real improvement in its electrical safety program should avoid delegating the design and implementation of the program to its electrical experts and consider a joint effort involving electrical subject-matter experts, safety profes sionals knowledgeable in safety-management systems, and key members of management. Within the IEEE commu nity, we have the opportunity to enhance the content of IEEE 3007.3 to help advance the concepts related to safety management systems, continuous improvement, PtD, and application of comprehensive hazard control measures.
Dynamic voltage frequency scaling for multi-tasking systems using online learning

This paper presents an extremely lightweight dynamic voltage and frequency scaling technique targeted towards modern multi-tasking systems. The technique utilizes processors runtime statistics and an online learning algorithm to estimate the best suited voltage and frequency setting at any given point in time. We implemented the proposed technique in Linux 2.6.9 running on an Intel PXA27x platform and performed experiments in both single and multi-task environments. Our measurements show that we can achieve the maximum energy savings of 49% and reduce the implementation overhead by a factor of 2 when compared to state of the art techniques.
Neurodevelopment following fetal growth restriction and its relationship with antepartum parameters of placental dysfunction

Placental dysfunction leading to fetal growth restriction (FGR) is an important risk factor for neurodevelopmental delay. Recent observations clarify that FGR evolves prenatally from a preclinical phase of abnormal nutrient and endocrine milieu to a clinical phase that differs in characteristics in preterm and term pregnancies. Relating childhood neurodevelopment to these prenatal characteristics offers potential advantages in identifying mechanisms and timing of critical insults. Based on available studies, lagging head circumference, overall degree of FGR, gestational age, and umbilical artery (UA), aortic and cerebral Doppler parameters are the independent prenatal determinants of infant and childhood neurodevelopment. While head circumference is important independent of gestational age, overall growth delay has the greatest impact in early onset FGR. Gestational age has an overriding negative effect on neurodevelopment until 32-34 weeks' gestation. Accordingly, the importance of Doppler status is demonstrated from 27 weeks onward and is greatest when there is reversed end-diastolic velocity in the UA or aorta. While these findings predominate in early-onset FGR, cerebral vascular impedance changes become important in late onset FGR. Abnormal motor and neurological delay occur in preterm FGR, while cognitive effects and abnormalities that can be related to specific brain areas increase in frequency as gestation advances, suggesting different pathophysiology and evolving vulnerability of the fetal brain. Observational and management studies do not suggest that fetal deterioration has an independent impact on neurodevelopment in early-onset FGR. In late-onset FGR further research needs to establish benefits of perinatal intervention, as the pattern of vulnerability and effects of fetal deterioration appear to differ in the third trimester.
Fatty Acid Composition of the Testes of Zinc-Deficient Rats: The Effect of Docosapentaenoic Acid Supplementation

To determine if low levels of docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 omega 6), observed in the testis lipids of zinc-deficient rats, are related to some of the symptoms of zinc deficiency in rat testes, four groups of rats were fed egg white- and corn oil (CO)-based semipurified diets. One group was fed a zinc-deficient diet (ZDCO) and a control group was pair-fed a zinc-supplemented diet (PFCO). Two additional groups were treated in an identical fashion, but their diets were supplemented with 1% testis lipid (TL) containing 10-12% 22:5 omega 6 (ZDTL and PFTL). Testes weights and sperm counts were slightly higher in ZDTL compared to ZDCO, but these trends were not statistically significant. Testis zinc concentrations were significantly higher in both TL groups compared to the corresponding CO group. Dietary 22:5 omega 6 appeared to be accumulated in liver lipids; however, there was no difference between TL and CO groups in 22:5 omega 6 level in testes phospholipids or testes total lipids. These results indicate that 22:5 omega 6 concentration and spermatogenesis in the testes of zinc-deficient rats do not appear to be affected by the dietary supplementation of 22:5 omega 6 at the level used in this study.
Immunotherapy: A Future Treatment Modality for Breast Cancer?

Novel treatments are necessary to improve survival of patients. Currently, the mainstay of systemic modalities for treatment of breast cancer includes conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, biologic treatments, and endocrine therapy for appropriate patients. Recently palbociclib, a targeted agent inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinase was approved by the Food and Drug Administration ( ) for use in advanced estrogen receptor FDA positive breast cancer patients in combination with exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor. Exploring new pathways and innovative approaches remain essential in cancer treatment research. 2
The Effects of Physical Activity on the Physical and Psychological Health of Adolescents

Because of the dramatic increase in the prevalence of adolescent obesity and because of the short- and long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences associated with this health condition, it is imperative that the adolescent obesity epidemic is addressed. Aside from managing overweight and obesity, there are many other physical, psychological, and social benefits related to increasing physical activity among adolescents. Adolescent engagement in physical activity is hindered by several environmental, cognitive, and behavioral factors. These factors need to be assessed and targeted by behavioral interventions that must be developmentally appropriate, based on health behavior theory, systematic, and comprehensive in order to effectively result in long-term changes in health behavior. There are many avenues for intervention among adolescents (e.g., family, health care provider, school, and community) and, ultimately, interventions that include multiple modalities will likely be more successful at increasing physical activity among adolescents.
Burn and Other Exposure Injuries

Man’s primitive fascination with fire has led to affliction with burn injuries since the dawn of our history. Therapy has evolved from the application of mud and excrement in Egyptian times, to dressings impregnated with pig fat and resin in the Roman era, to the emergence of a relatively modern concept of first aid from the military battlefield [1]. Still today, burn injuries and their sequelae represent one of the most potentially devastating and challenging conditions in medicine. Over one million burns occur annually in the USA, with the majority being treated in an outpatient setting. Children up to 4 years of age and working age adults comprise nearly 90 % of patients with burn injuries. Injuries to children largely involve scald injuries, whereas flame burns are predominant in the working age population [2]. Presentation may vary considerably, from simple sunburns requiring no more than counseling and a topical agent to extensive tissue loss resulting in multi-organ system failure and a protracted ICU course. In more serious cases, it is imperative that burn care extend far beyond the initial insult. Burns can significantly alter quality of life and are a common cause of disability. Debilitating contractures and cosmetically unacceptable scars may have long-lasting physical and psychological consequences, requiring continued physician involvement and support.
Mediating with Lies in the Room

This piece, co-written with a practicing mediator, appeared in Mediation Ethics (E. Waldman, ed.). Each author describes how he or she would deal with two hypothetical situations in which mediation participants are suspected of being untruthful with each other and the mediator. As part of their discussion the authors discuss the application of the Model Standards of Conduct for Mediators to each situation.
Accuracy-energy tradeoffs in digital image processing using embedded computing platforms

As more and more multimedia applications are integrated in mobile devices, a significant amount of energy is devoted to digital signal processing (DSP). Thus, reducing energy consumption for DSP systems has become an important design goal for battery operated mobile devices. Since supply voltage scaling is one of the most effective methods to reduce power/energy consumption, this study examines aggressive voltage scaling to achieve significant energy savings by allowing some output quality degradation for error tolerant image processing system. The objective of proposed research is to explore ultra-low energy image processing system design methodologies based on efficient accuracy (quality)-energy tradeoffs. This dissertation presents several new analyses and techniques to achieve significant energy savings without noticeable quality degradation under aggressive voltage scaling. In the first, this work starts from accurate error analysis and a model based on input sequence dependent delay estimation. Based on the analysis, we explain the dependence of voltage scalability on input image types, which may be used for input dependent adaptive control for optimal accuracy-energy tradeoffs. In addition, this work includes the system-level analysis of the impact of aggressive voltage scaling on overall energy consumption and a low-cost technique to reduce overall energy consumption. Lastly, this research exploits an error concealment technique to improve the efficiency of accuracy-energy tradeoffs. For an image compression system, the technique minimizes the impact of delay errors on output quality while allowing very low voltage operations for significant energy reduction.