cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring Small Airways in Transverse CT Images: Correction for Partial Volume Averaging and Airway Tilt

Rationale and Objectives Airway wall dimensions can be determined in vivo using transverse computed tomographic (CT) images, but the measurement of airway phantoms shows that the wall thickness is consistently overestimated for small airways. This phantom study was performed to derive and test corrections to the measurements on the basis of consideration of partial volume averaging and tilt effects. Materials and Methods A lung phantom with six polycarbonate tubes embedded in foam was scanned, and the cross-sectional dimensions of the tubes were determined using the full width at half maximum, zero crossing, and phase congruency edge detection methods. Equations were derived using the reported wall intensity to correct for partial volume averaging. Corrections for the overestimation of the wall thickness due to the tilt of the tube with respect to the CT z-axis were also derived. Results All three methods (full width at half maximum, zero crossing, and phase congruency) overestimated the wall thickness of the small polycarbonate tubes. It was verified that two sources of error were partial volume averaging and tilt that was introduced when the phantom was positioned with tube axes at an angle to the CT z-axis. The corrections were applied to the measured tube wall dimensions and substantially reduced the deviation of the CT measurements from the true values. Conclusions Correcting for partial volume effects and airway tilt greatly increases the accuracy of simulated airway wall measurements in transverse CT images.
Structure of the BRCT Repeats of BRCA1 Bound to a BACH1 Phosphopeptide: Implications for Signaling

The recognition of the phosphorylated BACH1 helicase by the BRCA1 C-terminal (BRCT) repeats is important to the tumor suppressor function of BRCA1. Here we report the crystal structure of the BRCT repeats of human BRCA1 bound to a phosphorylated BACH1 peptide at 2.3 A resolution. The phosphorylated serine 990 and phenylalanine 993 of BACH1 anchor the binding to BRCA1 through specific interactions with a surface cleft at the junction of the two BRCT repeats. This surface cleft is highly conserved in BRCA1 across species, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved function of phosphopeptide recognition. Importantly, conserved amino acids critical for BACH1 binding are frequently targeted for missense mutations in breast cancer. These mutations greatly diminish the ability of BRCA1 to interact with the phosphorylated BACH1 peptide. Additional structural analysis revealed significant implications for understanding the function of the BRCT family of proteins in DNA damage and repair signaling.
“Tuning” the body of the classical musician : An embodied approach to vocational anticipatory socialization

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to investigate the role of the body in the vocational anticipatory socialization (VAS) processes of classical musicians. Design/methodology/approach – Using grounded theory, the paper analyzed semi-structured interviews with 48 musicians (27 children; 21 parents) to understand how classical musicians’ bodies intermediate the meaning of work. The Aristotelian concepts of potentiality and actuality frame this study. Findings – The paper reveals that: “tuning” bodies is as important as tuning instruments (body as object of work), and diseases, occupational injuries, and accidents pose challenges to both health and performance (body as obstacle). Research limitations/implications – Theoretically, the paper contributes the notion that phases of VAS are fused not just through cognitive and relational processes, but also through embodied learning for classical musicians. Practical implications – At the practical level, the paper reminds that the body is an important source...
RAPID: Enabling Scalable Ad-Hoc Analytics on the Semantic Web

As the amount of available RDF data continues to increase steadily, there is growing interest in developing efficient methods for analyzing such data. While recent efforts have focused on developing efficient methods for traditional data processing, analytical processing which typically involves more complex queries has received much less attention. The use of cost effective parallelization techniques such as Google's Map-Reduce offer significant promise for achieving Web scale analytics. However, currently available implementations are designed for simple data processing on structured data. In this paper, we present a language, RAPID, for scalable ad-hoc analytical processing of RDF data on Map-Reduce frameworks. It builds on Yahoo's Pig Latin by introducing primitives based on a specialized join operator, the MD-join, for expressing analytical tasks in a manner that is more amenable to parallel processing, as well as primitives for coping with semi-structured nature of RDF data. Experimental evaluation results demonstrate significant performance improvements for analytical processing of RDF data over existing Map-Reduce based techniques.
An LPD for the 90s

lpdx was designed as an enhancement to LPD to meet the demands for seamless inter-platform printing and to simplify administration efforts relating to a large diverse printing environment. With the tremendous increase in the number of printers in the last few years, it is important to have an easy to use, network based administration tool that eliminates rlogins to servers and special accounts. As network traffic increased we noticed numerous timeout and hanging problems with the rlpdaemon/lpsched print servers we were running on our HP-UX systems. lpdx's features were brought about by the increase in the number of printers, the downsizing of many printing duties from the mainframe, and the demands an ever increasing PC base presented. Some of these features include form and job class selection, network-wide job control, printer forwarding, and better control over administration access.
An online autonomous I–V tracer for PV monitoring applications

In this paper, an I–V tracer which operates autonomously, with no need to be disconnected from its load, will be discussed. The current state of I–V tracers commercially available will be discussed and motivation will be provided for the online autonomous I–V tracer. Design of such an I–V tracer using the single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) will be discussed, and simulation results of the converter operating as an I–V tracer will be presented. Analysis techniques of the I–V curve are also presented.
Future perspectives in robotic surgery

• Robotics of the current day have advanced significantly from early computer-aided design/manufacturing systems to modern master-slave robotic systems that replicate the surgeon's exact movements onto robotic instruments in the patient. • Globally >300,000 robotic procedures were completed in 2010, including ≈98,000 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies. • Broadening applications of robotics for urological procedures are being investigated in both adult and paediatric urology. • The use of the current robotic system continues to be further refined. Increasing experience has optimized port placement reducing arm collisions to allow for more expedient surgery. Improved three-dimensional camera magnification provides improved intraoperative identification of structures. • Robotics has probably improved the learning curve of laparoscopic surgery while still maintaining its patient recovery advantages and outcomes. • The future of robotic surgery will take this current platform forward by improving haptic (touch) feedback, improving vision beyond even the magnified eye, improving robot accessibility with a reduction of entry ports and miniaturizing the slave robot. • Here, we focus on the possible advancements that may change the future landscape of robotic surgery.
Early goal-directed resuscitation of patients with septic shock: current evidence and future directions

Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the leading causes of mortality in the intensive care unit. Over a decade ago, early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) emerged as a novel approach for reducing sepsis mortality and was incorporated into guidelines published by the international Surviving Sepsis Campaign. In addition to requiring early detection of sepsis and prompt initiation of antibiotics, the EGDT protocol requires invasive patient monitoring to guide resuscitation with intravenous fluids, vasopressors, red cell transfusions, and inotropes. The effect of these measures on patient outcomes, however, remains controversial. Recently, three large randomized trials were undertaken to re-examine the effect of EGDT on morbidity and mortality: the ProCESS trial in the United States, the ARISE trial in Australia and New Zealand, and the ProMISe trial in England. These trials showed that EGDT did not significantly decrease mortality in patients with septic shock compared with usual care. In particular, whereas early administration of antibiotics appeared to increase survival, tailoring resuscitation to static measurements of central venous pressure and central venous oxygen saturation did not confer survival benefit to most patients. In the following review, we examine these findings as well as other evidence from recent randomized trials of goal-directed resuscitation. We also discuss future areas of research and emerging paradigms in sepsis trials.
Activation of vagal afferents by veratrine induces antinociception

Experiment 1 showed that intravenous administration of veratrine resulted in inhibition of the tail-flick reflex, bradycardia, and hypotension. These antinociceptive and cardiovascular actions of veratrine were unaffected by pretreatment with iv administration of.5 mg/kg of the opioid-receptor antagonist naloxone. Experiment 2 demonstrated that veratrine-induced inhibition of the tail-flick reflex was eliminated by bilateral cervical vagotomy in an anesthetized rat preparation, but was unaffected by either a unilateral right or left vagotomy in a conscious rat preparation. Experiment 3 showed that intravenous administration of veratrine resulted in inhibition of the paw-lick response to painful thermal heat and that this antinociceptive action of veratrine was unaffected by pretreatment with systemic administration of 20 mg/kg naloxone. These experiments show that veratrine-induced antinociception is mediated by peripheral activation of vagal afferents.
Comparison of preoperative and postoperative pressure transmission ratio and urethral pressure profilometry in patients with successful outcome following vaginal patch sling for genuine stress incontinence

Abstract Introduction: Pressure transmission ratio (PTR) determination allows for the quantitative measurement of the relative efficiency with which intraabdominal pressure increases are transmitted to the bladder and urethra. We studied preoperative and postoperative PTR in patients undergoing vaginal patch sling for the primary treatment of genuine stress incontinence (GSI). Methods: Forty-four patients with a clinical and urodynamic diagnosis of GSI were studied. The PTR for each cough was calculated by dividing the amplitude of the urethral pressure spike by the amplitude of the corresponding bladder pressure spike and multiplying the quotient by 100. Cough spikes were assigned locations in the first, second, third, or fourth quartile of the functional urethral length designated Q1 through Q4, respectively. Conclusion: PTR in the two proximal quartiles of the urethra were significantly improved postoperatively, which suggests that the vaginal patch sling technique restores continence by repositioning the proximal urethra into the intraabdominal pressure zone, thus enhancing pressure transmission to the proximal urethra. Preoperative Postoperative P value PTR (%) Q1 70 SD ± 13 104 SD ± 12 Q2 72 SD ± 16 102 SD ± 20 Q3 76 SD ± 18 80 SD ± 16 NS Q4 68 SD ± 22 72 SD ± 14 NS
Minimally-invasive submandibular transfer (MIST) for prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia.

OBJECTIVE To develop a minimally invasive intraoral technique to transfer the submandibular gland into the submental space. STUDY DESIGN Experimental cadaver study. METHODS Five cephalus specimen, a total of 10 submandibular glands, underwent this intraoral approach. Primary outcome measures included operative time, length of gland transfer, adequate ligation of facial vessels, and preservation of lingual nerve, hypoglossal nerve, and submandibular duct. RESULTS All glands were successfully transferred. Operative times ranged from 60 to 120 minutes, mean time= 77 minutes. Length of gland repositioning ranged from 2.5 to 4 cm, mean length= 3.35 cm. Both nerves and the submandibular duct remained intact. Facial vessels were adequately visualized and ligated successfully if necessary for gland repositioning. CONCLUSIONS The submandibular gland can be transferred to the submental space through an intraoral incision without damaging the duct or neighboring nerves. The major advantage of this approach is the avoidance of an external neck scar and more rapid wound healing.
Light in the Sea—Correlations with Behaviors of Fishes and Invertebrates

SYNOPSIS. Light is characterized by three basic properties: intensity, the frequency of electromagnetic vibration, and polarization. Beneath the surface of the sea each of these properties of light is modified in ways that could affect the behaviors and the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms that control the behavior of organisms. How light changes under water in several time domains, such as seasonal, daily, and even shorter periods of time, is described. The correlation between diel shifts in the activity of fishes and marine invertebrates and the daily changes in light under water is described. It is concluded that exactly how light influences these daily shifts in animal activity, and whether or not circadian rhythms also influence the shifts, is, for most species, not known
Views from the field on mentoring and roles of effective networks for minority IT doctoral students

With the changing demographics of the American workforce, the National Science Foundation along with the U.S. Department of Commerce have highlighted the shortage of minorities in IT careers (http://www.ta.doc.gov/Reports/itsw/itsw.pdf). Meeting the IT skill challenge is critical and will require a multifaceted approach. One approach to this challenge is the development of mentoring networks, and a large body of knowledge has offered contributions to understanding the importance of mentoring throughout one's career. Mentoring among minorities in corporate domains has proven to be both challenging and effective for professional development and career success. Using data from a five-year period and a learning process diversity competency model as defined by Cox and Beale (1997), we discuss lessons learned from mentoring a group of under-represented Information Systems (IS) doctoral students who are members of a pipeline that will increase the number of IT professionals in business schools and in the American workforce, in general. While our lessons speak to more diversity awareness and the need for more mentors of color as well as those in the majority to enhance professional development, and in turn career success for minorities, we also speak of the challenges and rewards associated with providing mentorship during our "untenured" years in the academy.
The specific conductance of concentrated solutions of magnesium chloride in the water-ethanol system

Abstract The specific conductance of concentrated solutions of magnesium chloride was measured at 25, 35 and 45°C in pure water and 20·3, 39·8, 60·2, 80·4 and 100 weight per cent ethanol in water. An equation for a normal distribution curve was used to fit the data obtained. An equation is proposed, relating the specific conductance at the maximum and the corresponding concentrations at the different solvent compositions. Furthermore, it was found that the ratio of the dielectric constant of the medium to the concentration corresponding to the specific conductance at the maximum is a constant at a particular temperature.
A hybrid FEM/SBR method to compute scattering by large bodies with small protruding scatterers

A hybrid method that combines the finite-element method (FEM) and the shooting-and-bouncing-ray (SBR) method is presented to compute scattering by large bodies with small protruding scatterers. In the method, the field equivalence principle is employed to replace the protruding scatterers by a set of equivalent electric and magnetic currents. The total scattered field then becomes the superposition of the field scattered by the large body without protrusions, which is calculated with the use of the SBR method, and the field radiated by the equivalent currents in the presence of the large body, which is also calculated with the use of the SBR method with the aid of the reciprocity theorem. The required equivalent currents are computed with the use of the FEM, which permits the handling of complex material composition of the protrusions. Two-dimensional examples are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 14: 78–84, 1997.
Neoliberalism as a Class Ideology; Or, the Political Causes of the Growth of Inequalities:

Neoliberalism is the dominant ideology permeating the public policies of many governments in developed and developing countries and of international agencies such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, and many technical agencies of the United Nations, including the World Health Organization. This ideology postulates that the reduction of state interventions in economic and social activities and the deregulation of labor and financial markets, as well as of commerce and investments, have liberated the enormous potential of capitalism to create an unprecedented era of social well-being in the world's population. This article questions each of the theses that support such ideology, presenting empirical information that challenges them. The author also describes how the application of these neoliberal policies has been responsible for a substantial growth of social inequalities within the countries where such policies have been applied, as well as among countries. The major beneficiaries of these policies are the dominant classes of both the developed and the developing countries, which have established worldwide class alliances that are primarily responsible for the promotion of neoliberalism.
Autologous HSC transplant in t-MDS/AML using cells harvested prior to the development of the secondary malignancy.

Autologous HSC transplant in t-MDS/AML using cells harvested prior to the development of the secondary malignancy
DSpace: durable digital documents

The DSpace system for long-term management of institutional scholarly research repositories is now in use at the MIT Libraries; we will demonstrate the system and provide more information about its design, use at MIT, and other potential uses.
Analysis of differential protein expression by cisplatin treatment in cervical carcinoma cells

Cisplatin (cis-diaminedichloroplatinum), a DNA-damaging agent, which readily induces apoptosis in vitro, is one of the widely used anticancer drug in the treatment of human malignancies. Cisplatin has played an important role in cervical cancer management for effective chemotherapeutic regimen, but the underlying mechanisms inducing cell death at protein level are unknown. Using proteome analysis, an investigation aimed at a better understanding of the antiproliferative mechanisms by cisplatin was carried out in HeLa cervical carcinoma cells. In total, 21 protein spots were found to be differentially expressed following cisplatin treatment, of which 12 were upregulated (eg, regulator of G-protein signaling, TRAF:TNF (tumor necrosis factor) receptor-associated factor-interacting protein [I-TRAF], and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 [p27kip1]) and 9 were downregulated (eg, myc proto-oncoprotein [c-myc] and proliferating cell nuclear antigen). Interestingly, we found the upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, which used molecular marker in cervical cancer screening. On the basis of proteomic data, we showed that cisplatin induced TRAF2-mediated NF-κB downregulation. In addition, our study demonstrated that cisplatin induced membrane death receptor–mediated and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway. Our findings may offer new insights into the antiproliferative mechanism by cisplatin and its mode of action in cervical carcinoma cells.
The solvent extraction of copper (II), cobalt (II), and nickel (II) with diacetyl-bis-(2-quinolylhydrazone)

Abstract Diacetyl-bis-(2-quinolylhydrazone) (DbQH) has been studied as an extracting agent for Cu(II) and Ni(II). Cu(II) is extracted with an efficiency >98% from 10−2 M perchlorate media in the pH range 4–6. Ion-pairing is evident with the extraction of [Cu(H2L)2] (ClO4)2 as the most predominating species. For Cu(II) and Ni(II) efficiencies less than 60% are observed; however, since there is curvature in the log D vs pH plots, characterization of these latter two complexes is difficult. While the color of the extracted Cu(II)-DbQH complex in methylisobutylketone is unstable, barring its use as a spectrophotometric method, a potentially useful extractive-atomic absorption method was developed which does not have any interferences from some common transition elements which were tested.
Potential role of growth factors and extracellular matrix in wound healing after laryngotracheal reconstruction

Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) has been used for more than 20 years to treat infants and children with subglottic stenosis. Results after pediatric LTR have been satisfactory; however, approximately 10% of children have recurrent airway narrowing after LTR. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a correlation existed between specific growth factors and extracellular matrix in patients with adequate wound healing capability as compared with patients with poor wound healing capability. Histologic sections from 27 patients who underwent LTR were cut, and immunohistochemical staining was performed for transforming growth factor-beta, platelet-derived growth factor, fibronectin, tenascin, transforming growth factor-alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Results showed that patients with adequate wound healing capability had a positive correlation with vasculature fibronectin, vasculature tenascin, and stromal fibronectin. Patients with poor wound healing capability had a positive correlation with stromal vascular endothelial growth factor.
A Monte Carlo method for calculating strength functions in many-fermion systems

Abstract The calculation of moments is an essential first step in the calculation of strength functions for operators. A method for calculating approximate moments of a variety of operators in large vector spaces (dimension N e ) based on the use of sets of random multiparticle vectors (dimension N d N e ) is described and applied to the calculation of hamiltonian moments 〈 H n 〉 in two nuclear cases: 21 Ne (n=1 to 10) and 28 Si (nm=1 to 3) . The random vectors, which we call RRV's (random representative vectors), are constructed by statistically sampling a fraction f = N d / N e of the full space. Useful results are obtained with f ⪅10 −6 (case of 28 Si, N e = 5.5 × 10 7 ). For N d = N e case of 21 Ne, N e =1935) our results for the dispersions of the sets of the moments closely approximate the predictions of Porter.
TCT-760 All-Cause Mortality after Surgical or Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients with Low-Flow Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis

Low-Flow Low-Gradient (LF-LG) or "Paradoxical Aortic Stenosis" is a rarely encountered clinical entity with limited data on clinical outcomes after surgical (SAVR) or trans-catheter aortic valve (TAVI) replacement. We conducted a meta-analysis of all the studies comparing all-cause mortality after
The SRN1 chemistry of 4-iodo-1,1,2,2,9,9,10,10-octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophane

4-Iodo-1,1,2,2,9,9,10,10-octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophane undergoes high-yield nucleophilic substitution by arene thiolates and the malonate anion via the S RN 1 mechanism.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations in disease and aging

The human mitochondrial genome involves over 1,000 genes, dispersed across the maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the biparentally inherited nuclear DNA (nDNA). The mtDNA encodes 13 core proteins that determine the efficiency of the mitochondrial energy-generating system, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), plus the RNA genes for their translation within the mitochondrion. The mtDNA has a very high mutation rate, which results in three classes of clinically relevant mtDNA mutations: recently deleterious germline line mutations resulting in mitochondrial disease; ancient regional variants, a subset of which permitted humans to adapt to differences in their energetic environments; and somatic mutations that accumulate with age eroding mitochondrial energy production and providing the aging clock. Mutations in nDNA-encoded OXPHOS structural genes can also cause mitochondrial disease, and alterations in nDNA mitochondrial biogenesis genes can destabilize the mtDNA and lead to clinical phenotypes. Finally, when combined, nonpathogenic nDNA and mtDNA protein variants can be functionally incompatible and cause disease. The essential functions of the conserved mtDNA proteins and their high mutation rate raise the question as to why the cumulative mtDNA genetic load does not result in species extinction. Studies of mice harboring deleterious mtDNA mutations have shown that the mammalian ovary selectively eliminates the most deleterious mtDNA mutations. However, milder mtDNA mutations are transmitted through the ovary and the female germline and introduced into the general population. This unique genetic system provides a flexible method for generating genetic variation in cellular and organismal energetics that permits species to adapt to alterations in their regional energetic environment.
Geotechnical Evaluation of the Support of Coal Pillars in Underground Coal Mines

Failure of the mine floor supporting coal pillars frequently occurs when the subcoal strata include “underclays” or other low strength strata. The failure process has been studied to define the response of these materials to applied coal pillar loads and to determine the applicability of bearing capacity analysis to evaluate unsafe conditions. The study has been accomplished through an investigation of both the intact and insitu geotechnical properties of the subcoal strata and through the installation of floor movement monitoring instrumentation. The results of these studies have indicated that both the shear strength of the underclay and the stratigraphy of the subcoal strata must be considered in the analysis. The shear strength was the major controlling factor determining the ultimate load carrying ability of the materials, but the thickness and stratigraphic position of the weak layers influenced the mechanism of the failure process. The method of bearing capacity analysis developed by Vesic was used to define pillar stability. This method includes provisions for taking into consideration a two-layer system such as assumed for mine conditions where a weak underclay overlies firmer strata. The results of this analysis compared very well with observed mine conditions, indicating marginal conditions in areas of the mine which later experienced pillar support failure.
Determination of the ground state configuration of an oH2 molecule in solid pH2

Abstract The N.M.R. signal from essentially isolated oH2 molecules in solid pH2 has been observed at very low temperatures. Comparison of the observed signal with a simple calculation yields the result that the mJ = ± 1 state is the ground state and gives an estimate of the transition rate between mJ = ± 1 and mJ = 0 and between mJ = + 1 and mJ = − 1.
Introduction to Ada

Level -- Beginner, but attendees should have some experience with a high-level programming language. This tutorial is designed for those who have some familiarity with a programming language, but who are new to Ada. In the morning, we will discuss the basics of programming in Ada, including types, packages, syntax rules, and other Ada programming constructs. In the afternoon, we will briefly cover Ada's object-oriented programming and concurrent-programming features. Many examples will be shown; freely downloadable Ada programming environments and tools will be discussed.
Beyond active learning: a constructivist approach to learning

Guided by four principles – learners construct their own meaning; new learning builds on prior knowledge; learning is enhanced by social interaction; and learning develops through “authentic” tasks – constructivist learning moves from experience to knowledge and not the other way around. In a constructivist classroom, the activities lead to the concepts; the students construct the meanings. Learning happens! Abstract concepts become meaningful, transferable, and retained because they are attached to the performance of a concrete activity. This article discusses the elements of constructive learning and describes ways to apply those elements to library instruction to create truly “active” learning. An appendix contains sample exercises.
Using advanced technology repositories to accelerate simulation scenario development

One of the more difficult problems facing an analyst wishing to use a simulation is the task of collecting data and transforming it into a correctly formatted scenario. Raw data is often available from a variety of sources: multi-spectral force deployment (MSFD) documents, the electronic warfare integrated reprogramming database (EWIRDB), free text documents such as intelligence reports, pre-existing simulation scenarios, and scenarios taken from other simulations. The task of transforming this data into a usable scenario involves searching for the relevant information, followed by a manual transformation of the original format to the correct simulation format. This problem can be greatly alleviated by using a combination of three technologies: automatic parser generation, repository architectures using extensible markup language (XML), and information retrieval (IR) techniques. Automatic parser generation tools like JavaCC can automatically generate source code capable of reading data sources such as old Joint Integrated Mission Model (JIMM) or Suppressor input files. For simulations that regularly add scenario keywords to support changing needs, this can greatly reduce redevelopment time and cost for supporting tools. The objects parsed by this source can then be encapsulated in XML and stored into a repository. Using information retrieval techniques, objects can then be queried from the repository and transformed into the appropriate format for use in a scenario.
Field inhomogeneity correction and data processing for spectroscopic imaging

To obtain separate NMR images of spatially resolved high-resolution chemical-shift information the effects of magnetic field inhomogeneity must be accounted for. A suitable correction method is described which relies on first generating a plot of the magnetic field distribution. Using these data the spectroscopic imaging data can be processed to display the spatial distributions of separate resonances without distortion from field inhomogeneity. The field plot is obtained by using the same data acquisition sequence while imaging a phantom object or in particular cases the plot may be derived from the spectroscopic imaging data set itself. The correction procedure is illustrated using proton in vivo imaging of a cat. Some additional data processing techniques are presented which offer alternative methods of displaying spectroscopic imaging data.
Multimodality reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction

Abstract With the strong and direct relation between early reperfusion in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and improved clinical outcomes, attention has focused on new means of improving rates of reperfusion and accelerating every stage of AMI evaluation and management, from the onset of symptoms of myocardial infarction to the achievement of reperfusion. Critical pathways to streamline the evaluation and management of AMI have cut minutes and even hours off in-hospital treatment times for patients with AMI; public health initiatives focus on educational efforts to shorten time to hospital arrival. The latest advance in fibrinolytic therapy is the availability of bolus fibrinolytic agents with safety and efficacy in large phase III trials comparable to accelerated intravenous infusion regimens. Faster and simpler fibrinolytic regimens may shorten door-to-needle time, reduce medication errors, and facilitate prehospital thrombolysis. Bolus fibrinolytic agents are being evaluated for use in combination with other interventions to open occluded coronary arteries, including acute percutaneous coronary intervention, the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibitors, or both. The goal of this “multimodality” approach to AMI management is to minimize time to reperfusion and maximize the percentage of patients who achieve complete arterial patency and myocardial perfusion without bleeding complications. (Am Heart J 2000;140:707-16.)
Objective structured clinical examination and advanced practice nursing students

Educators, challenged to measure clinical competency impartially in Advanced Health Assessment courses, have used Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and standardized patients (SP). Faculty-trained laypersons act as patients (SP) for students in a clinical laboratory setting using a standardized, scripted scenario. Students typically are evaluated during the examination and receive instant feedback from the SP. There has been little evidence that supports this as the best way to measure student's clinical competency. This study's purpose was to compare outcomes of graduate nursing students completing a traditional methods Health Assessment course to those students using OSCE and SPs. Problem-based Learning Theory guided the quasi-experimental study that included 37 students divided into research and control groups. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups for the final practical examination grades, clinical preceptor evaluations, satisfaction scores, and self-evaluations of skills at the course's end. Research group's course scores were higher than the control group. There was no difference between group's self-evaluation for their current assessment skills. This intervention had a positive impact on students' outcomes. Educators should incorporate SPs and OSCE to improve clinical competency scores, course satisfaction, and preceptor evaluations. Future studies should include a longitudinal design and qualitative student feedback.
Experiments on the Stability of Viscous Flow Between Rotating Cylinder. III. Enhancement of Stability by Modulation

The onset of instability in Couette flow can be inhibited by modulating the rate of rotation of the inner cylinder. The origin of the inhibition has been shown experimentally to be due to the viscous wave propagated across the annulus by the modulated cylinder.
Hepatic Transcriptome Profiles Differ Among Maturing Beef Heifers Supplemented with Inorganic, Organic, or Mixed (50 % Inorganic:50 % Organic) Forms of Dietary Selenium

Selenium (Se) is an important trace mineral that, due to deficiencies in the soil in many parts of the USA, must be supplemented directly to the diet of foraging cattle. Both organic and inorganic forms of dietary Se supplements are available and commonly used, and it is known that Se form affects tissue assimilation, bioavailability, and physiological responses. However, little is known about the effects of form of dietary Se supplements on gene expression profiles, which ostensibly account for Se form-dependent physiological processes. To determine if hepatic transcriptomes of growing beef (Angus-cross) heifers (0.5 kg gain/day) was altered by form of dietary supplemental Se, none (Control), or 3 mg Se/day as inorganic Se (ISe, sodium selenite), organic (OSe, Sel-Plex®), or a blend of ISe and OSe (1.5 mg:1.5 mg, Mix) Se was fed for 168 days, and the RNA expression profiles from biopsied liver tissues was compared by microarray analysis. The relative abundance of 139 RNA transcripts was affected by Se treatment, with 86 of these with complete gene annotations. Statistical and bioinformatic analysis of the annotated RNA transcripts revealed clear differences among the four Se treatment groups in their hepatic expression profiles, including (1) solely and commonly affected transcripts; (2) Control and OSe profiles being more similar than Mix and ISe treatments; (3) distinct OSe-, Mix-, and ISe-Se treatment-induced “phenotypes” that possessed both common and unique predicted physiological capacities; and (4) expression of three microRNAs were uniquely sensitive to OSe, ISe, or Mix treatments, including increased capacity for redox potential induced by OSe and Mix Se treatments resulting from decreased expression of MiR2300b messenger RNA. These findings indicate that the form of supplemental dietary Se consumed by cattle will affect the composition of liver transcriptomes resulting, presumably, in different physiological capacities.
Use of human acellular dermal matrix in complex and contaminated abdominal wall reconstructions.

Abstract Background Few good surgical options exist for the repair of complex anterior abdominal wall defects, particularly those in which bacterial contamination is present. The use of prosthetic mesh increases complication rates when the mesh is placed directly over viscera or when the surgical site is contaminated from a pre-existing infection or enteric spillage. The use of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM), which becomes vascularized and remodeled into autologous tissue after implantation, may represent a low-morbidity alternative to prosthetic mesh products in these complex settings. This study examined our experience with ADM in the reconstruction of contaminated abdominal wall defects. Methods Patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstructions in the face of contamination with ADM between May 2002 and December 2005 underwent retrospective chart review. Demographics, indications for ADM placement, plane of implantation, complications, and follow-up data were evaluated. Results Sixty-seven patients were identified. The indications for ADM placement included incarcerated hernias, infected mesh, fistulae, early/delayed abdominal wall reconstruction after intra-abdominal catastrophe or trauma, dehiscence/evisceration, and spillage of enteric contents. The ADM was positioned either above the fascia or beneath the fascia or was sutured directly to the fascial edges. Sixteen patients developed a wound infection; the majority of these were superficial and required only local wound care, 5 required some further surgical intervention, and 2 required removal of the ADM. Twelve patients developed recurrent hernias. The mean follow-up time for the study population was 10.6 months. Conclusions ADM can be used safely and effectively as an alternative to traditional mesh products for abdominal wall reconstructions, even in the setting of contaminated fields.
Biologic Basis of Radiation Therapy

Controlling a tumor with radiation therapy depends on sterilization of all tumor clonogens. By understanding the biologic aspects of radiation interaction with tissue and reasons why a course of radiation may fail to sterilize all tumor clonogens, development of new and more effective treatment strategies may be possible. Use of radiation therapy alone must be optimized before the true value of any form of combination therapy can be estimated. This article provides basic information pertaining to the effects of radiation on tumors and normal tissue.
Association of dopamine D3 receptors with actin-binding protein 280 (ABP-280)

Proteins that bind to G protein-coupled receptors have been identified as regulators of receptor localization and signaling. In our previous studies, a cytoskeletal protein, actin-binding protein 280 (ABP-280), was found to associate with the third cytoplasmic loop of dopamine D(2) receptors. In this study, we demonstrate that ABP-280 also interacts with dopamine D(3) receptors, but not with D(4) receptors. Similar to the dopamine D(2) receptor, the D(3)/ABP-280 association is of signaling importance. In human melanoma M2 cells lacking ABP-280, D(3) receptors were unable to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP (cAMP) production significantly. D(4) receptors, however, exhibited a similar degree of inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP production in ABP-280-deficient M2 cells and ABP-280-replent M2 subclones (A7 cells). Further experiments revealed that the D(3)/ABP-280 interaction was critically dependent upon a 36 amino acid carboxyl domain of the D(3) receptor third loop, which is conserved in the D(2) receptor but not in the D(4) receptor. Our results demonstrate a subtype-specific regulation of dopamine D(2)-family receptor signaling by the cytoskeletal protein ABP-280.
Culturing Microglia from the Neonatal and Adult Central Nervous System

Microglia are the resident macrophage-like cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and, as such, have critically important roles in physiological and pathological processes such as CNS maturation in development, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. Microglia can be activated and recruited to action by neuronal injury or stimulation, such as axonal damage seen in MS or ischemic brain trauma resulting from stroke. These immunocompetent members of the CNS are also thought to have roles in synaptic plasticity under non-pathological conditions. We employ protocols for culturing microglia from the neonatal and adult tissues that are aimed to maximize the viable cell numbers while minimizing confounding variables, such as the presence of other CNS cell types and cell culture debris. We utilize large and easily discernable CNS components (e.g. cortex, spinal cord segments), which makes the entire process feasible and reproducible. The use of adult cells is a suitable alternative to the use of neonatal brain microglia, as many pathologies studied mainly affect the postnatal spinal cord. These culture systems are also useful for directly testing the effect of compounds that may either inhibit or promote microglial activation. Since microglial activation can shape the outcomes of disease in the adult CNS, there is a need for in vitro systems in which neonatal and adult microglia can be cultured and studied.
Potential Energy in Steep and Breaking Waves

We find that the RMS wave height (square root of the potential energy) rather than peak-to-peak wave height is a better experimental and analytic criterion for determining when a regular, two-dimensional deep-water wave will break. A spectral algorithm for two-dimensional potential flow is developed and used to compare breaking onset criteria for energy input from (i) converging sidewalls, (ii) a submerged disturbance, and (iii) wave focusing. We also find that wave-breaking criteria (potential energy or the more classical peak-to-peak wave height) are a function of the rate of energy input. Large plunging waves occur when energy input rates are large. As energy input rates become smaller there is a smooth transition to smaller spilling waves. The various energy input methods show similar breaking trends in the limit as the energy input rate becomes small - waves break when the potential energy becomes approximately 52 % of the energy for the most energetic Stokes wave, with the formation of a singularity immediately before the crest. The effects of wave modulation and reflection are briefly discussed and shown not to affect the potential energy breaking criterion significantly. The experimental scatter of the RMS wave height is shown to be half that of wave steepness during incipient breaking in wave packets.
Community and Diversity: Administration in a Democratic Context:

Instead of viewing diversity as an evil to be avoided or to be manipulated into consensus, school leaders who are seeking to develop community should think of diversity as an integral part of community.
Science, Schooling and Experiential Learning in Pacoima

This paper examines how concerns about school reform, environmental quality, and experiential learning have converged in Pacoima, California, an older community of 98,000 persons in the northeast San Fernando Valley. The area's environmentally compromised landscape has inspired a grassroots urban ecology movement, named Pacoima Beautiful, promoting environmental education, leadership development, and advocacy. Modeled on Dutch “science shops,” their research agenda on environmental quality of life is based upon concerns posed by community residents and carried out in partnership with local universities. Pacoima's environmentalists also collaborate with Project GRAD Los Angeles, a comprehensive initiative to improve student achievement in reading and math to increase the number of youth entering and succeeding in college. The initiative awards merit college scholarships, and require youth seeking them to attend two “institutes” during breaks to increase their skills and experience in reading, critical thinking, communication, and problem solving. An institute on science-based experiential learning engaged local high school students in collaborative research on environmental concerns, including hazardous waste, flooding, air quality, soil lead contamination, and environmental disease. Faculty from five area universities designed the research questions and outcomes for each study and college students served as mentors for the high school students as they implemented the projects. A resident was selected to serve as a recorder for each project and to relate what was learned to others in the community. Reflective activities, including discussion of alternative paths of action based upon the research, took place within the three constituencies: university students, high school students, and residents. Exposure to urban social knowledge, namely science and advocacy on behalf of environmental concerns, acted as a catalyst to raise the environmental awareness, community consciousness, and academic readiness of the youth. Involving university faculty and students, high school youth, and residents in collaborative partnerships was key to increasing social knowledge and social capital on behalf of revitalizing this community.
De novo development of psoriatic plaques in patients receiving interferon alfa for treatment of erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Presumably because of its potent immunomodulatory activity, the use of interferon has led to the development of autoimmune disease in susceptible individuals. Because psoriasis is considered to be, in part, an autoimmune phenomenon, it is plausible that interferon may influence disease activity. We describe the development of psoriatic plaques in two patients without a history of this disease while they were receiving interferon alfa and extracorporeal photochemotherapy for erythrodermic cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Paradoxically, in both patients the erythroderma resolved with subsequent de novo onset of psoriasis. This clinical sequence provides support for disparate immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of these disorders, both of which are typified by lymphoid infiltrates. A review of the literature reveals that all forms of interferons have been associated with the exacerbation of psoriatic plaques, but that only interferon alfa has induced de novo development of psoriasis.