cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Discordance of Clinical and Pathologic Staging in Locally Advanced Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

Clinical staging guides decisions about optimal treatment sequence in patients with gastric cancer, although the preoperative accuracy is not strongly established. This study investigates concordance of clinical and pathologic stage as well as its impact on the survival of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients with clinical stage T2-4, N0, M0 gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery without neoadjuvant therapy were identified from the National Cancer Database (2010–2015). The primary outcome was up-staging, defined as cT < pT, pN1-3, and/or pM1 (AJCC 7th edition). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to predict up-staging. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. In total, 2254 patients were identified. cTNM staging was discordant with pTNM staging in 65.6% of cases, with 50.4% up-staged and 15.2% down-staged. On multivariable logistic regression, younger age (OR 0.991, 95% CI 0.984–0.999, p=0.0188), male sex (versus female; OR 1.392, 95% CI 1.158–1.673, p=0.0004), poor or undifferentiated tumor grade (versus well differentiated or moderately differentiated; OR 2.399, 95% CI 1.987–2.896; p<0.0001), positive margin status (versus negative; OR 4.575, 95% CI 3.360–6.230; p<0.0001), and days from diagnosis to surgery (15–32 days versus ≤ 14 days; OR 1.411, 95% CI 1.098–1.814, p=0.0072) were predictive of up-staging. Patients who were up-staged had a decreased survival compared to patients who were accurately staged (median survival 27.9 months versus 67.6 months; log-rank p<0.0001). This study found a substantial discordance between clinical and pathologic staging of resectable locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. These data support that patients may have more advanced disease at presentation than reflected in clinical staging and may benefit from improved diagnostic modalities and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Health IT advances for the 21st century.

ABSTRACT The United States is working toward a value-based health care system in which reimbursement will be based on quality outcomes rather than on Current Procedural Terminology payment codes. Health data will be more easily shared, and patients will have more control of their records. Health information technology advances in the federal 21st Century Cures Act follow earlier related legislation and regulation that moved clinical care and research forward. Policy analysis of the Cures Act is presented following the three phases of the Longest model (2010): formation, implementation, and modification. With the passage of the Cures Act and promulgation of its final rules, the formation phase is complete. The implementation phase has begun. Modification may occur, based on the evaluation of key deliverables over time. Advanced practice nurses are well-suited to the use of electronic tools to share data with patients and other providers. New competencies, tools, and infrastructure are needed for advanced practice nurses to fully participate in value-based health care. Full implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act with the use of coded concepts in standardized nursing terminologies will provide an ideal foundation for strong patient-centered care, population health, and reimbursement that takes advanced nursing practice into account.
A Comparative Analysis of Health News in Indigenous and Mainstream Media.

It is important to evaluate the media’s health coverage of Indigenous communities both because these communities have been hit very hard by health inequities, and because misinformation can negativ...
Data Fusion-Aware Motion Planning for Ad Hoc Robotic Search Teams

This paper develops a novel algorithmic motion planning approach that allows privately-owned volunteer robotic equipment, which might otherwise remain unused, to provide value to a network of relief workers or other robots engaged in a search effort. The specific ‘Volunteer Robot Problem’ considered here is a path planning problem that asks an autonomous volunteer robot to balance information gathering tasks with data fusion when it becomes part of an ad hoc distributed robotic network supporting a deliberate relief effort. Related prior work considered optimal search strategies over information fields, but often these methods assume direct access to high performance centralized computing or to continuous communications for decentralized coordination. In this work, we provide a formal definition for the ‘Volunteer Robot Problem’ and information as it relates to general search tasks, and develop a novel information gathering planning algorithm to solve it. Our method improves upon existing sample-based planning algorithms by accounting for intermittent data fusion opportunities with other search agents, while remaining computationally lightweight and requiring minimal a priori knowledge of both ownship and other agents' states and capabilities. Simulation-based validation and comparisons to alternative planning approaches are provided of the algorithm through simulations for different multi-agent search scenarios and comparisons to other sampling-based algorithms for information-guided path planning.
Injuries of the Cranial Nerves

Cranial nerve injuries range from those causing subtle deficits to injuries causing significant morbidity and mortality. Although these injuries have varied etiologies, this chapter focuses on traumatic and iatrogenic causes, as these are most relevant to surgeons and surgical trainees. Anatomic considerations and mechanisms of injury are discussed for each of the 12 cranial nerves, with particular emphasis on commonly injured segments. Furthermore, this chapter discusses how to focus the history and physical examination to identify the site of injury as well as elucidate the cause of injury. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cranial nerve injuries are reviewed as well, with special focus on evidence-based modalities that have been shown to improve outcomes. Lastly, the chapter discusses the medicolegal aspects of iatrogenic cranial nerve injury, including factors that most commonly result in litigation and payment.
Chromatographic Peak Shape Analysis

The shape of chromatographic peak is of utmost importance since it can inform the scientist of the processes which occur in the column where the separation is taking place. Consequently, the shape can yield a wealth of information dealing with such diverse topics as the recognition of strongly overlapped peaks and adsorption—desorption rate constants. It is, therefore, surprising that the majority of the papers dealing with chromatographic theory discuss mainly retention characteristics and/or zone broadening. The peak shape is fundamentally more important since not only can the retention time and the peak width be obtained from it, but the validity of the usual assumption made in chromatography (namely, Gaussian shape; infinitely fast mass transfer through the stationary—mobile phase interface) can be ascertained by analyzing the shape.
Inhibition of basophil histamine release by anti-inflammatory steroids. II. Studies on the mechanism of action.

The glucocorticosteroids inhibit the IgE-dependent release of histamine by human basophils with an order of potency that very closely parallels that found in vivo (i.e., triamcinolone acetonide greater than dexamethasone greater than beta-methasone greater than prednisolone greater than hydrocortisone much greater than progesterone approximately tetrahydrocortisone approximately 0). The effect is seen after a 24-hr preincubation with nanomolar to micromolar concentrations of glucocorticoid. In contrast, release of histamine stimulated by the formyl methionine containing peptide f-met-leu-phe, the calcium ionophore A23187, and the tumor-promoting phorbol diester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate was not inhibited by 24-hr incubation with the potent glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Dexamethasone inhibited anti-IgE-induced histamine release without altering its rate, suggesting that the glucocorticoids do not inhibit histamine release by elevating the intracellular level of cAMP. Dexamethasone did not consistently alter either the total or occupied basophil IgE Fc receptor number, and therefore the glucocorticoid effect does not appear to be due to the modulation of cell surface Fc epsilon receptor content. These data indicate that steroid hormones inhibit basophil IgE-dependent activation through a specific glucocorticoid receptor. The mechanism by which they do so appears not to involve an elevation of cAMP or a shedding of cell surface Fc epsilon receptors. Further, because the glucocorticoids did not inhibit release initiated by the PLA2-dependent stimuli f-met-leu-phe, A23187 and TPA, the inactivation of IgE-dependent histamine release by glucocorticoids may not be the result of PLA2 inhibition.
Unusual pattern of fatty acid biosynthesis. Evidence for C-19 desaturase activity in freshwater sponges.

Abstract The two long chain fatty acids common in marine demosponges, (5Z, 9Z)-5,9-hexacosadienoic (delta 5,9-26:2) and (5Z, 9Z, 19Z)-5,9,19-hexacosatrienoic (delta 5,9,19-26:3) acids), were identified also as the major phospholipid components in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia fluviatilis. Whereas the typical marine sponge Microciona prolifera biosynthesizes the delta 5,9,19-26:3 acid solely by homologation of exogenous palmitoleic acid (delta 9-16:1) and subsequent desaturation at positions 5 and 9, it was found that the freshwater sponge could further desaturate the delta 5,9-26:2 acid to the triene, indicating for the first time the existence of delta 19 -desaturase activity in a living organism.
The Number of Individual Account Retirement Plans Owned by American Families

This paper first looks at ownership of individual account retirement plans by family heads, then examines ownership of these plans across families. In brief, the data show that the majority of families in the United States do not own an individual account retirement plan at all, but of those that do own at least one plan, most own only one. However, the minority of families that own more than one individual account plan tend to have a disproportionate amount of the assets in these plans, so looking only at these families' current-job DC plan would significantly underestimate their total retirement assets. In 2004, 38.2 percent of American families owned a current-job DC plan and an IRA (Figure 4). Of those with an IRA, on average the families own 2.00 IRAs in addition to the current-job DC plan. Among these current-job DC plan owners, 4.3 percent own a former-job DC plan and own an average of 1.21 such accounts. In conclusion, the vast majority of family heads and families own either one individual account retirement plan or have no account. Those families that do own more than one account tend to have family heads between the ages of 35-64 and with family income of $50,000 or more. Assets in these accounts are also concentrated in families with these characteristics. The PDF for the above title, published in the June 2008 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another June 2008 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Benefit Cost Comparisons Between State and Local Governments and Private-Sector Employers."
Simultaneous 2R regeneration and dynamic dispersion compensation at 40 Gb/s in a nonlinear fiber-based device

Simultaneous dynamic dispersion compensation (130 ps/nm range) and 2R regeneration (2 dB receiver sensitivity improvement) are demonstrated for a 40 Gb/s CS-RZ signal using soliton effect pulse compression and narrowband spectral filtering.
Long term reliability of SiO/sub 2//SiN/SiO/sub 2/ thin layer insulator formed in 9 mu m deep trench on high boron concentrated silicon

The SiO/sub 2//SiN/SiO/sub 2/ (ONO) capacitor formed in the 9 mu m-deep trench is investigated in terms of leakage current and long-term reliability. The leakage current and time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) characteristics are comparable for both planar and trench type ONO structures. Therefore the test results are not specific to trench structures only but are common characteristics of ONO films. Breakdown voltage of the ONO film is dependent on gate bias polarity and the ratio of bottom-oxide to top-oxide thicknesses. In general, the current is controlled by the exit-oxide thickness for electron current in the ONO film. The mean time to failure becomes longer as the nitride thickness increases. This characteristic is most prominent in the nitrogen annealed samples. The behavior of electric-field factor beta was investigated for variations in nitride thickness. From these results it is concluded that nitride-dominant ONO film is better for long-term reliability. >
Synthesis and Characterization of Chimeric 2-5A-DNA Oligonucleotides

This unit provides protocols for the synthesis and characterization of 2-5A-antisense nucleic acids. These chimeric oligonucleotides consist of 2',5'-phosphodiester-linked oligoadenylates ligated to 3',5'-deoxyribonucleotides and are readily prepared using phosphoramidite chemistry on CPG solid supports. The 3',5'-deoxyribonucleotide functions as the antisense domain to target a given mRNA sequence, while the 2',5'-phosphodiester-linked oligoadenylate serves to locally activate 2-5A-dependent RNase L, causing the targeted sequence to be cleaved.
Regulation of c-Myc from costimulatory signals modulates the generation of memory T cells (LYM4P.757)

Costimulatory signals are critical for developing high numbers of memory T cells, which can generate optimal secondary immune responses. However, the mechanisms that cosimulatory signals regulate the generation of memory T cells remain to be elucidated. Here we show that the transcriptional factor c-Myc is controlled by costimulatory molecules, including CD28 of the Ig superfamily and OX40 of the TNFR family. Expression of c-Myc in Cd28-/- or Ox40-/- CD8+ T cells partially reversed the defects in the generation of memory T cells to viral infection. c-Myc regulated expression of survivin that promoted the generation of virus-specific CD8+ memory T cells. Moreover, expression of survivin and bcl-xL in Cd28-/- or Ox40-/- CD8+ T cells fully reversed the defects in the generation of memory T cells to viral infection. These data identify c-Myc, together with Nfkb1, as regulators of the generation of memory T cells from costimulatory signals.
Versatile Design Principles for Facile Access to Unstrained Conjugated Organoborane Macrocycles

A facile and versatile approach was developed to access ambipolar boron-containing macrocycles. Two examples of new conjugated cyclic motifs are presented with carbazole moieties as donors and borane moieties as acceptors embedded into the ring system. They were first predicted using computational methods. Possible targets with appropriately shaped π-conjugated bridges that minimize the overall ring strain were identified and their geometry was optimized by DFT methods. The synthetic demonstration was then accomplished using organometallic condensation reactions under high dilution conditions. The resulting monodisperse macrocycles provide important insights into the design principles necessary for the preparation of new unstrained macrocycles with interesting optical and electronic characteristics. The current research also offers a more general approach to conjugated ambipolar B/N macrocycles as a promising new family of (opto)electronic materials.
The fungistatic properties of acenaphthene derivatives

A group of substituted acenaphthenes and acenaphthenequinones has been prepared and tested, by an agar cup-plate technique, for their fungistatic effect on Tricbopbyton mentagmpbytes. Moderate activity was exhibited by several of the compounds.
Investigating the Risk of Cancer in 1990–1991 US Gulf War Veterans With the Use of State Cancer Registry Data

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether proportional cancer incidence is greater among Gulf War veterans compared with non-Gulf War veterans. Methods Files obtained from the Defense Manpower Data Center included data for 621,902 veterans who were deployed to the Persian Gulf during the 1990 to 1991 Gulf War (August 2, 1990, to March 1, 1991) and 746,248 non-Gulf War veteran controls. Identification of veterans who received a cancer diagnosis between 1991 and 2006 was accomplished through record linkage of the Defense Manpower Data Center dataset with files from 28 state cancer registries and the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry. By the use of logistic regression, proportional incidence ratios adjusted for demographic and military characteristics were calculated by comparing the proportion of a specific cancer among all cancers in the Gulf War veterans to the proportion of that specific cancer among all cancers in the non-Gulf War veterans. Results Only lung cancer showed a statistically significant relative excess among Gulf War veterans compared with non-Gulf War veterans (adjusted proportional incidence ratios, 1.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.03−1.29). When adjusted for race, age, and sex, the overall proportion of cancers among Gulf War and non-Gulf War veterans was similar (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96−1.02). Conclusions With the exception of lung cancer, there is little evidence of excess risk of cancer associated with Gulf War deployment. A follow-up study is warranted to confirm this finding and to evaluate the role of greater smoking rates among deployed personnel.
Evolving internet to the future via named data networking

While the Internet has succeeded far beyond expectations, the success has also stretched its initial design assumptions. Since applications operate in terms of data and more end points become mobile, it becomes increasingly difficult and inefficient to satisfy IP's requirement of determining exactly where (at which IP address) to find desired data. The Named Data Networking project (NDN) aims to carry the Internet into the future through a conceptually simple yet transformational architecture shift, from today's focus on where -- addresses and hosts -- to what -- the data that users and applications care about. In this talk I will describe the basic design of NDN and discuss remaining research challenges in its realization.
Targeting the tumor-associated folate receptor with an 111In-DTPA conjugate of pteroic acid.

The cell membrane folate receptor is a potential molecular target for tumor-selective drug delivery. To probe structural requirements for folate receptor targeting with low molecular weight radiometal chelates, specifically the role of the amino acid fragment of folic acid (pteroylglutamic acid) in mediating targeting selectivity, the amide-linked conjugate pteroyl-NHCH2CH2OCH2CH2OCH2CH2NH-DTPA was prepared by a three-step procedure from pteroic acid, 2,2‘-(ethylenedioxy)-bis(ethylamine), and t-Bu-protected DTPA. This conjugate, 1-{2-[2-[(2-(biscarboxymethyl-amino)ethyl)-carboxymethyl-amino]ethyl]-carboxymethyl-amino}-acetylamino-3,6-dioxa-8-pteroylamino-octane (1), was employed for synthesis of the corresponding 111In(III) radiopharmaceutical. Following intravenous administration to athymic mice, the 111In complex of 1 was found to selectively localize in folate receptor-positive human KB tumor xenografts and to afford prolonged tumor retention of the 111In radiolabel (5.4 ± 0.8, 5.6 ± 1.1, and 3.6 ± 0.6...
Caustics and the parabolic wave equation

Abstract Caustics associated with the parabolic approximation to the reduced Helmholtz equation are considered using the modified Lagrange manifold formalism.
Micro-area Auger analysis of a SiC/Ti fibre composite

Micro-area Auger electron spectroscopy with a spatial resolution of less than 50 nm has been used to study the concentration of elements across the reaction zone of a W-reinforced SiC fiber in a titanium matrix. Although the elemental concentrations obtained by this technique are affected by the reaction zone morphology to a greater extent than in the case of X-ray microprobe analysis, the proposed technique has the advantage of a much higher spatial resolution and avoids the problems of bulk averaging that characterize the X-ray technique.
Pursuing the Early Voter: Does the Early Bird Get the Worm?

ABSTRACT In the 2004 election, 30 states offered the option to vote before Election Day with no excuse (National Conference of State Legislators, 2004), up from 26 in 2002. For parties, interest groups, and campaigns that have begun early voting campaign efforts, have the efforts changed the composition of the electorate—or are early voters largely similar to Election Day voters? By examining two battleground states from the 2002 midterm election in which the partisan, interest group, and campaign efforts were highly competitive, we are able to analyze this question. Drawing upon a unique panel survey including early, absentee, and Election Day voters in the 2002 Arkansas and Missouri midterm elections, we are able to analyze demographic and attitudinal information about voters, as well as issue preference and vote certainty over time. We show that early voters and Election Day voters are largely similar. We also show that while there is weak evidence that issue preference of early voters may change over ...
Impact of video review on surgical procedure determination for patients with cerebral palsy.

Purpose Evaluation of patients with cerebral palsy is complex and variable. Several examinations, including video analysis, are necessary as part of the surgical planning process. Videotaped evaluation of the upper extremity in children with cerebral palsy has been used as an objective assessment of functional ability and deformity. The effect of review of these videotaped evaluations on altering the initially proposed surgical plan has not been evaluated. Methods This is a retrospective study completed through a chart review. Inclusion criteria were all patients with cerebral palsy having upper extremity surgical consultation with the primary investigator (M.G.C.) between 1995 and 2005, having at least 2 presurgical consultations, completing a videotaped evaluation, and proceeding to surgery. Of 167 new patients, 94 patients, having 430 procedures, were eligible for the study. Five distinct anatomical areas (elbow, forearm, wrist, digit, and thumb) were delineated. Results Changes to the initial surgical plan based on a review of the videotaped evaluation were made for 77 patients (138 procedures) and carried through to surgery for 68 patients (108 procedures). Those procedure changes that carried through to surgery most often involved the thumb, wrist, and digit, as compared to the elbow and forearm. Conclusions Videotaping evaluations allows for more precise understanding of ability and improves diagnosis. Changes to the initial presurgical plan were made in 77 patients (72%) after videotaped evaluation, most commonly for procedures addressing the wrist, digit, and thumb.
The cytochromes of Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum

Three c-type cytochromes (c-551, c-553, c-555) have been isolated and characterized from a strain of the green photosynthetic bacterium Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum. These cytochromes are atypical when compared to horse heart cytochrome c in many properties, among them: oxidation-reduction potential at pH 7.0 (c-551, 135 mV; c-553, 98 mV; c-555, 145 mV), molecular weight (c-551, 45000–60000; c-553, 50000; c-555, 10000) and isolelectric point (c-551, 6.0; c-553, 6.7). No protoheme was detected in whole cells or cell-free extracts.
The chemistry of allergens. XIII. Ion-exchange fractionation of the cottonseed allergen and immunological properties of the products.

Abstract The principal allergen of cottonseed, CS-1A, has been fractionated and a method of characterization of subfractions has been described, using cation-exchange resin IRC-50. Two active fractions were obtained which were completely separated from each other as shown by chemical and immunological methods.
Modification of the kinetics and regulatory properties of bovine hepatic fructose 1,6-diphosphatase with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate.

Abstract Treatment of purified fructose 1,6-diphosphatase from bovine liver (which is maximally active at neutral pH) with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate produces changes in the spectral, catalytic, and allosteric properties of the enzyme. After modification the Michaelis constants for fructose-1,6-diphosphate and Mg 2+ are increased, and inhibition by AMP is decreased. Substrate inhibition is decreased, but not abolished; the curve is merely shifted toward higher substrate concentration. Fructose-1, 6-diphosphate protects against the increases in the K m for fructose-1, 6-diphosphate and the K m for Mg 2+ , and against the changes in substrate inhibition, but not against the changes in AMP inhibition. AMP protects against the changes in AMP inhibition and the increase in the K m for magnesium, but does not prevent the changes in substrate inhibition or the increase in the K m for fructose-1, 6-diphosphate. The pH curves in the modified enzyme are altered at high, but not at low, substrate concentration.
ENERGY-CONSTRAINED MINIMUM VARIANCE RESPONSE FILTER FOR ROBUST VOWEL SPECTRAL ESTIMATION

We propose the energy-constrained minimum-variance response (ECMVR) filter to perform robust spectral estimation of vowels. We modify the distortionless constraint of the minimum-variance distortionless response (MVDR) filter and add an energy constraint to its formulation to mitigate the influence of noise on the speech spectrum. We test our ECMVR filter on a vowel classification task with different background noises at various SNR levels. Results show that vowels are classified more accurately in certain noises using MFCC and PLP features extracted from the ECMVR spectrum compared to using features extracted from the FFT and MVDR spectra.
Antidepressant treatment and health services utilization among HIV-infected medicaid patients diagnosed with depression.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prevalence and predictors of diagnosed depression among persons with HIV on Medicaid and antidepressant treatment among those diagnosed, and to compare utilization and costs between depressed HIV-infected individuals treated with and without antidepressant medications.
Pure nuclear quadrupole resonance spectroscopy studies of the structure of glasses

Abstract Pure nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) studies of 10B and 11B in borate glasses have been accomplished. The data yield values of the quadrupolar parameters (the coupling constant Qcc and the asymmetry parameter ν) that are an order of magnitude more accurate than those obtained from analysis of quadrupolar effects in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. The linewidth of the 11B spectrum (at 1.35 MHz) for crystalline B2O3 is 9.6 ± 0.1 kHz, and the value for vitreous B2 is only 22.3 ± 0.1 kHz. Two 11B responses separated by about 50 kHz are found for vitreous B2O3. They arise from borons in boroxol rings (∼ 85%) and chains of BO3 triangles (∼ 15%). The data are obtained at 77 K with an extremely sensitive regenerative oscillator of the Robinson type.
Mean excitation energy of polystyrene

The mean excitation energy of polystyrene has been evaluated from the dielectric function for this organic solid. The result, $I=68.7$ eV, is in good agreement with a value in the literature obtained using the more conventional technique of extracting this parameter from stopping-power data.
Diet, Activity, and Risk for Overweight in a Sample of Head Start Children

ABSTRACTThis study examines aspects of energy intake and physical activity in two cohorts of low-income 4 to 5-year-old children attending a Head Start preschool program. In the first year, 18 children, predominantly Hispanic and Black, were observed on two occasions near the beginning and end of the school year to examine stability in diet, activity, and weight over time. The following year, a new cohort of 24 children who were all either Hispanic or Black was similarly observed. Along with measures of height, weight, and blood pressure, diet records of everything the children ate or drank at school and at home were completed, and children wore an accelerometer over the length of the school day. No relationships between energy intake and BMI were discerned, but energy expenditure was significantly associated with BMI. Using CDC growth charts, nearly half of the children were classified as overweight or at-risk for overweight. Comparing the non-overweight children with those at risk, energy expenditure an...
On the integral constraint of the pressure Poisson equation for incompressible flows

We illustrate, using analytical and numerical proofs, how a conservative discretisation of the pressure Poisson equation arising out of the discretisation of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations on a two-dimensional unstructured non-staggered grid satisfies the integral constraint on the pressure boundary condition without any additional treatment. When discretised in a non-conservative manner, it is seen that the integral constraint is not exactly satisfied, but only to an order , where is an appropriate velocity scale. When solved using an iterative method, such as the Bi-Conjugate Stabilised method, it is proved that the vanishing sum of residuals on all points inclusive of the boundary is a consequence of this integral constraint. This result can then be used as a tool to identify whether the discrete integral constraint has been satisfied or not, especially when the pressure is solved as a Neumann problem.
The Nature of Working Memory in Linguistic, Arithmetic and Spatial Integration Processes.

Abstract This paper reports the results of four dual-task experiments that were designed to determine the extent of domain-specificity of the verbal working memory resources used in linguistic integrations. To address this question, syntactic complexity was crossed in a 2 × 2 design with the complexity of a secondary task, which involved either (1) arithmetic integration processes and therefore relied on the use of verbal working memory, or (2) spatial integration processes. Experiments 1 and 2 crossed syntactic complexity and arithmetic complexity, and each revealed two main effects and a super-additive interaction during the critical region of the linguistic materials. Experiments 3 and 4 crossed syntactic complexity and the complexity of a spatial integration task, which does not rely on verbal working memory resources. Similar to Experiments 1 and 2, there were two main effects, but in contrast to Experiments 1 and 2, no interaction was observed in either experiment. The results of the four experiments show that linguistic processing interacts on-line with tasks that involve arithmetic but not spatial integration processes, suggesting that linguistic processing and other verbal working memory tasks that involve similar integration processes rely on a shared pool of working memory resources.
The Relationship between Serum Lipids and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a relatively common condition that is usually of unknown etiology. A number of individual studies have investigated the association between various serum lipids and SSNHL; however, the findings have been inconsistent. In an attempt to obtain more definitive information on the relationship between serum lipids and SSNHL, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Boundary conditions of flow reactor

Abstract An analysis is presented of the boundary conditions for a steady-state flow reactor with axial diffusion and first order reaction. Conclusions regarding reactor properties are reached as the result of simultaneous solution of the three differential equations for the reaction section, fore and after sections. Axial diffusion may occur in the latter two sections. The limits of behaviour, represented by a plug-flow reactor without diffusivity, and a fully-stirred reactor, are discussed. Contributions of the diffusivities in the three parts of the system to the course of reaction in space are considered.
Raven's Progressive Matrices (1938): More on norms, reliability, and validity

This report provides new American age norms for Raven's Progressive Matrices (Raven, 1938), based on the screening of 500 vocational counseling and 2992 psychiatric veteran patients newly admitted to a VA general medical and surgical hospital. Reliability data are acceptable, but indicate the need for revision of the Raven. Within the limits set by current reliability, validity data are presented and are positive.
Environmental Audits of Friendliness toward Physical Activity in Three Income Levels

An important research area is the relationship among income status, health, and the environment. This study examined the relationships among income levels, features of the environment and friendliness toward physical activity. We investigated whether low-, middle-, and high-income neighborhoods differ in terms of four environmental characteristics that affect the degree to which an area is conducive to physical activity: population density, land use diversity, street design, and physical disorder in the environment. In a large, urban southwestern county, 30 block groups were randomly selected to represent low-, middle-, and high-income neighborhoods. Using the St. Louis Environmental Checklist Audit, walking audits were conducted and analyzed. The low-income neighborhoods had significantly greater density and land use diversity than the high-income neighborhoods. High- and middle-income neighborhoods had significantly fewer manifestations of physical disorder and incivility than low-income neighborhoods. Features of physical activity-promoting environments were found in each income level neighborhood.
Numerical simulations of laminar mixing surfaces in pulsatile microchannel flows

Laminar mixing on the micro-scale is difficult to achieve owing to the inherently low Reynolds numbers of the flows and lack of turbulence. Alternative strategies, both passive and active, have been proposed to enhance laminar mixing. In this study the effect of flow pulsatility on the dynamics of a laminar mixing surface formed between converging microchannel flows is studied numerically. The results indicate that complex wave-like interfacial distortions are possible for high-frequency pulsations and are more significant when the frequencies of the converging flows are related by and irrational ratio.
Mechanism of Isomerization of 4-Propyl-o-quinone to Its Tautomeric p-Quinone Methide

In previous work, we showed that o-quinones (3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,2-diones) can isomerize to p-quinone methides (4-alkyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-one) at rates which depend on the type of substituent at the para position [Iverson, S. L., Hu, L. Q., Vukomanovic, V., and Bolton, J. L. (1995) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 8, 537−544]. In the present investigation, we explored the mechanism of this isomerization reaction using 4-propyl-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,2-dione (PQ) and its benzyl dideuterio analog 4-(1‘,1‘-dideuteriopropyl)-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,2-dione (DPQ). The results show that the isomerization reaction is general base-catalyzed, which suggests that amino acids on proteins with basic side chains could catalyze the reaction in vivo. The Bronsted β value was determined to be 0.23 ± 0.02, consistent with the transfer of a proton in the rate-determining step. The rate/pH profile generated from the buffer dilution plots showed dependence on hydroxide ion concentration from pH 7.8 to 9, indicative of base catalysis. From ...
Prosthetic leg powered by MR brake and SMA wires

Current knee designs for prosthetic legs rely on electric motors for both moving and stationary states. The electric motors draw an especially high level of current to sustain a fixed position. The advantage of using magnetorheological (MR) fluid is that it requires less current and can have a variable braking torque. Besides, the proposed prosthetic leg is actuated by NiTinol wire, a popular shape memory alloy (SMA). The incorporation of NiTinol gives the leg more realistic weight distribution with appropriate arrangement of the batteries and wires. The prosthesis in this research was designed with MR brake as stopping component and SMA wire network as actuating component at the knee. The MR brake was designed with novel non-circular shape for the rotor that improved the braking torque while minimizing the power consumption. The design also helped simplify the control of braking process. The SMA wire network was design so that the knee motion was actively rotated in both directions. The SMA wires were arranged and played very similar role as the leg’s muscles. The study started with the overall solid design of the knee including both MR and SMA parts. Theoretical models were derived and programmed in Simulink for both components. The simulation was capable of predicting the power required for moving the leg or hold it in a fixed position for a certain amount of time. Subsequently, the design was prototyped and tested to validate the theoretical prediction. The theoretical models were updated accordingly to correlate with the experimental data.
Coral encrusted concretions: a key to recognition of a ‘shale on shale’ erosion surface

Coral encrusted septarian concretions have been found along an obscure diastem within the Penn Yan Shale Member (Genesee Group, Upper Devonian) near Canandaigua Lake, New York. These hiatus-concretions (sensu Voigt) are found associated with an erosional discontinuity surface in the shale. The restriction of coral growth to exposed concretion and wood found on the erosion surface, indicates a differential substrate preference exhibited by these animals. Diagenesis, both prior to and following this erosion event, produced various physical structures whose time of formation can be estimated from observed cross-cutting relationships with one another. An erosion-related feature establishing an early-diagenetic age for septarial fractures within concretions is described, and the origin and significance of the diastem is discussed.
A heuristic game theoretic approach to resource sharing in reconfigurable manufacturing

Agility is an essential requirement for manufacturers to increase market share and profitability in a highly competitive industry. Having reconfigurable production lines is considered an essential aspect of modern manufacturing operations. This article investigates the possibility of using a non-cooperative game theoretic technique for making reconfiguration decisions at the resource controller level in such an environment. Under the proposed approach, a resource controller evaluates a configuration game in order to determine appropriate actions when faced with a reconfiguration decision. The prescribed action is defined by pure or mixed strategy equilibriums inside the configuration game. By evaluating each game, the resource controller can account for the potential actions and reactions of other resource controllers in the system. The investigation shows the applicability of such an approach to optimally resolving resource-sharing issues in an example semiconductor manufacturing environment .
Genetic approach to pediatric septic shock

Septic shock is a complex and heterogeneous clinical syndrome, triggered by infection, and having significant morbidity and mortality in children. Emerging data indicate that the genetic make-up of the pediatric host may have a strong influence on the development and outcome of septic shock in children. Herein, we review this broad topic by focusing on pediatric-specific data (both recent and historical), as well as the broad topics of SNPs, genome-wide association studies and epigenetics. The historical and emerging data strongly suggest that a genetics-based perspective will need to be considered in future investigations and strategies aimed at improving the outcome of children with septic shock.
Division of labor in post-emergence colonies of the primitively eusocial wasp Polistes instabilis de Saussure (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Polyethism was quantified in post-emergence colonies of the primitively eusocial wasp,Polistes instabilis, and compared to polyethism in a sympatric advanced eusocial wasp,Polybia occidentalis. Like P.occidentalis, P. instabilis foragers collected food (nectar and prey) and nest materials (wood pulp and water).P. instabilis foragers showed some evidence of specialization with respect to which materials they gathered, but most foragers, divided their effort among food and nest materials, a pattern that is rarely seen inP. occidentalis. In colonies of both species, more foragers collected nectar than any other material; in contrast, most water foraging was performed by one or two workers. Upon returning to the nest,P. instabilis foragers gave up part or all of most nectar, prey, and pulp loads to nestmates, while water was rarely partitioned. Prey loads were most likely to be given up entirely.P. instabilis workers show evidence of conflict over the handling of materials at the nest. The frequency with which workers took portions of nectar loads from forgers was positively correlated with their frequency of aggressive dominant behavior, and with their frequency of taking other foraged materials. Compared to polyethism inP. occidentalis P. instabilis showed less individual specialization on foraging tasks and less partitioning of foraged materials with nestmates, suggesting that these characteristics of polyethism have been modified during the evolution of advanced insect societies.
Tactual performance test: item analysis of the memory and location scores.

Summay.-An item analytic study of the Tactual Performance Test Memory and Location scores was conducted. Item dtfficulty and Discrimination Index values are presenred for the total sample and three groups: normal (rz=146), diffusely braindamaged (n= 130), and undiagnosed patients sent for assessment (11=326). The Tactual Performance Test, a subtest of the Halstead-Reitan Battery, is a valid (Thompson & Parsons, 1985) and reliable measure (Charter, 2OOOa) of tactile, spatial, and incidental memory. An item analytic study of the Tactual Performance Test trials provided an interesting look at the item ddficulty of the blocks (Charter, 2OOOb). This paper reports the item analysis of the Tactual Performance Test Memory (number of block shapes recalled) and Location (block shapes recalled in the correct topographic position) scores. METHOD The sample (N=602) consisted of three groups whose data have been analyzed previously by Charter, Dutra, and Rapport (2000). The Normal group included nonbrain-damaged patients (n = 97) and volunteers (n =49). The medical records of each patient, excluding the neuropsychological tests, were examined and only those without cerebral lesions, history of substance abuse, or head injury were included. These subjects were recruited as normal subjects; they were not referred for clinical reasons. The Diffuse group (n= 130) consisted of patients diagnosed with diffuse brain damage, i.e., widespread lesions affecting both cerebral hemispheres either uniformly or in the form of multiple foci. The Assessment group (n =326) consisted of undiagnosed patients referred for neuropsychological testing (the referrals were for clinical assessment, not for research purposes). Table 1 in the Charter, el al. study (20OOa) presented the descriptive statistics for these groups and total sample. A detailed description of the Normal and Diffuse patients was provided by Alekoumbides, Charter, Ad!uns, and Seacat (1987). The 10-block, adult version of the Tactual Performance Test was used. The standard Reitan and Wolfson (1993) instructions and scoring methods
Open-ended coaxial probe measurements for breast cancer detection

We have simulated and experimentally tested a coaxial probe measuring system to be used in distinguishing between normal (healthy) breast tissue and cancerous (often malignant) breast tissue. The system employs commercially available components including an Agilent 8363B phase network analyzer (PNA) and an Agilent 85070D dielectric probe. Instead of the Agilent software three material calibration technique, we propose a four material calibration method across the frequency range of 3–17 GHz for more robust measurements of the complex permittivity. Experimental results on human and snake tissues show the non-homogeneous nature of biological tissues and also illuminate the dependence of complex permittivity on tissue temperature. Building upon the differences and also the variation seen in complex permittivity in literature between normal and cancerous breast tissue across this frequency range, we propose a technique which utilizes a neural network where multiple measurements are input in making the final decision on whether or not the tissue under test is cancerous. Simulation results using Ansoft HFSS are provided here and show the potential of microwave diagnosis of breast cancer.
Binding of heparin to basic fibroblast growth factor induces a conformational change.

The binding of heparin to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces a small but highly reproducible conformational change observable in the amide I region of the protein's infrared spectrum. The observed spectral changes suggest that the conformational change is highly localized most likely in the β-turn regions of the bFGF molecule. Heparan sulfate, a component of the endothelial extracellular matrix, was also observed to bind to bFGF and induce a similar conformational change to that observed for heparin. Further, sucrose octasulfate, a compound which mimics the effects of heparin biologically, was also observed to induce this same conformational change. This spectroscopically observable change has allowed us to probe the functional determinants necessary for heparin to bind to bFGF and to induce the observed conformational change. We have determined the effects of binding of various monomeric and polymeric, sulfated and nonsulfated glycosaminoglycans and carbohydrate compounds. The results indicate that the binding of heparin involves highly specific interactions. Further, heparin was observed to greatly increase the thermal stability of bFGF, raising the Tm by 25 °C. Sucrose octasulfate was also able to enhance the thermal stability of bFGF, but not to the same extent as heparin.
Transient analysis of a tennis racket using PC-based finite elements and experimental techniques

A method has been developed to facilitate the fully stressed design optimization of a tennis racket. The method consists of a PC-based finite-element model with experimental verification, and transient analysis using experimentally determined dynamic loading data. Results are obtained and discussed.
Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Nephrectomy With Intact Specimen Removal: Caveat Emptor

AbstractPurpose: We report 5 cases of postoperative incisional hernia after laparoscopic nephrectomy with intact removal of the specimen.Materials and Methods: During the last 5 years 29 patients underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with intact removal of the resected specimen due to a large kidney and/or malignancy. Of these 29 patients 5 had a postoperative incisional hernia at the site of intact removal, including 3 with renal tumors and 2 with large polycystic kidneys due to adult onset autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The records of these patients were reviewed to determine any specific factors that might relate to the development of this complication.Results: An incisional hernia developed at the wound site in 5 patients (17%) 41 to 73 years old (mean age 53.4). Average body mass index for the patients was 34.2 (range 26 to 47). Average weight and size were 542 gm. and 20.3 × 10.3 cm., respectively, for the 3 resected malignant specimens and 1,975 gm. and 23.8 × 16.5 cm., respectively, fo...
Atomic density radial functions from molecular densities

Abstract Stockholder atom densities are projected onto nucleus-centered spherical harmonics to derive radial basis functions that are applicable for modeling atoms in molecules. The method, providing an exact representation of the molecular density in terms of one-center contributions, can be used to predict electrostatic properties of large systems and to improve density fitting to X-ray diffraction data.