cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Early Age Normal Concrete Compressive Strength Based on Dynamic Shear Modulus Measurements

In this research, the relationship between the compressive strength, fc, and the dynamic shear modulus, Gd, of normal concrete at an early age was studied. To investigate the correlation between fc and Gd at an early age, different types of mixtures, including mortar and concrete, were prepared, and the corresponding fc and Gd values were measured every 12 h after initial mixing up to 72 h after casting. The influences of hydration age, water-to-cement (w=c) ratio, curing temperature, aggregate volume content, and maximum aggregate size on the Gdfc relationship of concrete were studied. The Gdfc relationship was then mathematically modeled by using multivariable power laws. The developed model is reasonably accurate to predict the early age compressive strength of concrete with variations in hydration age, aggregate content, and sizes. This type of model can be used directly in the field for the estimation of concrete strength when nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques are employed. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000528. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Concrete; Compressive strength; Shear modulus; Aggregates; Hydration; Aging (material). Author keywords: Concrete compressive strength; Dynamic shear modulus; Aggregate content; Aggregate size; Hydration age; Modeling.
Some challenges-old and new

Abstract The behaviour of metallic transition metal oxides presents many challenges for theory. A few unresolved problems are discussed, along with some personal accounts and reminiscences.
Procalcitonin-a sensitive inflammation marker of febrile episodes in neutropenic children with cancer.

Objective: Sensitive parameters of inflammations are rare or of limited validity in neutropenic patients. Procalcitonin (PCT) proven to be a sensitive inflammatory marker in nonneutropenic patients was evaluated for its diagnostic relevance in febrile episodes of neutropenic patients with cancer.¶Methods: Plasma levels of PCT were determined by an immunoluminometric assay in children with febrile neutropenic episodes (n = 376) starting at the date of admission until the resolution of fever and were correlated with serum levels of the C-reactive protein (CrP). Febrile episodes were classified as fever of unknown origin (FUO), microbiologically or clinically documented infections and were also differentiated according to the site of the infection (unknown, bacteremia, respiratory, soft tissue, gastrointestinal and urinary tract infection).¶Results: Independently from the aetiology and the site of infection the PCT peak value occurred mostly on the second hospital day and decreased rapidly in cases of successful antibiotic therapy and with the resolution of fever to the normal range (0.1–0.5 μg/l). The highest PCT peak levels at the onset of fever and during the febrile course were observed in patients with gramnegative bacteremia (n = 22, median 12.1 μg/l, range 0.4–568.2 μg/l). There was a positive correlation between PCT peak levels and CrP peak levels (r = 0.48, p = 0.001) which mostly were observed 24 h later than for PCT.¶Conclusions: PCT is a sensitive and specific parameter in the diagnostic and in the sequential assessment of febrile neutropenic episodes, especially in gramnegative infections. Its diagnostic accuracy in neutropenic patients is clearly higher than that of CrP.
A One-Stage Nipple Reconstruction With the "Modified Star" Flap and Immediate Tattoo: A Review of 100 Cases

Nipple reconstruction employing both grafts and local flaps has historically been a staged procedure. This paper presents a one-stage procedure using a local flap with immediate tattoo that has the advantages of high patient satisfaction and low cost. The procedure can be performed in a minor surgery suite with local or no anesthetic in 15 to 30 minutes. In this series of 100 nipples there has been only one partial necrosis, which was easily corrected with a "boost" procedure. Only 8 percent of patients required revision procedures in the office, and there have been no infections or wound complications. Patient satisfaction and compliance have been excellent because the procedure is fast and easy with minimal morbidity. Modifications in technique are presented, based on the type of breast reconstruction (implant versus flap), local scarring, and size and color of the opposite nipple-areola complex.
Some recent developments in the lime-fly ash process for alumina and cement

Recent developments from research of the limestone-fly ash sinter process for the extraction of alumina from coal fly ash and use of the residue in the manufacture of portland cement may result in substantial reductions in processing costs. It has been found that cement kiln dust can be used in place of limestone, and that the addition of coal refuse to the sinter mixture will increase alumina recovery and reduce kiln temperatures. The soluble compound formed in the sintering reactions has been identified through use of XRD methods as calcium sulfoaluminate (C4A3S). Compound formation conditions have been determined for a range of sinter compositions. In other work, a systematic investigation of minor additives to sinter compositions has resulted in the determination of a group of ions which, when present in sintered material, will prevent the auto-disintegration (dusting) upon cooling of the clinker formed. Several ions, even at very low concentrations, can enter the lattice of the minor sinter compound, calcium orthosilicate (C2S), and inhibit the phase transformation of beta-C2S to gamma-C2S and the accompanying lattice expansion that causes clinker disintegration.
The Future of Illusion: Political Theology and Early Modern Texts/Minding the Modern: Human Agency, Intellectual Traditions, and Responsible Knowledge

It is difficult to know when the recent ‘academic turn to religion’ commenced but it at least dates back to September 11. It is by no accident that the meaning of the term is inseparable from schol...
Ratings of pleasantness and intensity for beverages served in containers congruent and incongruent with expectancy.

Pleasantness and intensity ratings of beverages served in containers congruent and incongruent with expectancy were assessed. Past research has shown that the violation of food expectancies, e.g., color, taste, temperature, leads to more negative evaluations of food. Thus, it was hypothesized that beverages sampled from a container incongruent with expectancy, e.g., beer from a coffee cup, would be rated less favorably than the same beverage sampled from a container congruent with expectancy, e.g., beer from a beer bottle. 61 participants evaluated three beverages (beer, orange juice, and hot chocolate) in three containers (bottle, glass, and cup) using 11-point racing scales for pleasantness and intensity. Analysis indicated beverages were rated as significantly more pleasant in containers congruent with expectancy, as well as rated more intense when presented in bottles. These results further address the effects of violating expectations on producing negative hedonic evaluations.
Encoding and Tracking of Outcome-Specific Expectancy in the Gustatory Cortex of Alert Rats

In natural conditions, gustatory stimuli are typically expected. Anticipatory and contextual cues provide information that allows animals to predict the availability and the identity of the substance to be ingested. Recording in alert rats trained to self-administer tastants following a go signal revealed that neurons in the primary gustatory cortex (GC) can respond to anticipatory cues. These experiments were optimized to demonstrate that even the most general form of expectation can activate neurons in GC, and did not provide indications on whether cues predicting different tastants could be encoded selectively by GC neurons. Here we recorded single-neuron activity in GC of rats engaged in a task where one auditory cue predicted sucrose, while another predicted quinine. We found that GC neurons respond differentially to the two cues. Cue-selective responses develop in parallel with learning. Comparison between cue and sucrose responses revealed that cues could trigger the activation of anticipatory representations. Additional experiments showed that an expectation of sucrose leads a subset of neurons to produce sucrose-like responses even when the tastant was omitted. Altogether, the data show that primary sensory cortices can encode for cues predicting different outcomes, and that specific expectations result in the activation of anticipatory representations.
Effectiveness of polymer coatings on reducing indention damage in glass

Polymer coatings are widely used to protect glass from indentation damage. A model for the strength degradation that occurs when a sharp indenter penetrates through the coating is developed by accounting for the indentation load shared by the coating and substrate. This model accounts for the additional load supported by the coating due to the pile-up of coating material underneath the indenter. The model predicts the strength degradation as a function of indentation load, coating and substrate hardnesses, and coating thickness. Comparison of the model to experimental data for a wide range of polymer coatings (two epoxies, epoxy acrylate, and urethane acrylate) on soda-lime glass substrates shows good agreement.
Direct radiative recombination of electrons with atomic ions: Cross sections and rate coefficients

Simple expressions are obtained which permit systematic estimates of the rate coefficients for direct radiative recombination (DRR) of fast electrons with atomic ions of various ionic species. The analysis utilizes a set of cross sections obtained through numerical calculations combined with the use of an interpolation scheme to smoothly connect reduced cross sections (apart from normalizations) of the bremsstrahlung tip region and the low-lying DRR region. It is shown that these numerical cross sections can be reproduced by the predictions of a modified semiclassical Kramers formula with an appropriate effective charge Z/sub eff/, which is larger than the effective charge which reproduces the energy levels of the states into which capture occurs. In accord with this modified Kramers formula, the numerically obtained total cross sections are shown to scale with Z/sub eff//sup 2//K for each isoelectronic sequence, and with a parameter (n/sub 0/)/sub eff/ which characterizes each isoelectronic sequence. Using these scaling properties, simple analytic expressions are obtained for recombination rate coefficients, for the rate of electron kinetic-energy loss, and for the rate of radiated power loss, assuming a classical Maxwell-Boltzmann thermal distribution of continuum electrons.
Quantification of subjective descriptors of part geometry with an aim to increase the sensitivity of group technology

Abstract This paper presents a new concept to increase the sensitivity of Group Technology (GT), the most widely used parts classification system currently in use. Subjective (linguistic) descriptors, lwhich are frequently used to describe geometry of parts during code assignment, were quantified by applying the theory of fuzzy sets. These quantitative definitions were subsequently verified experimentally. The results of the validation lead us to suggest that not only the subjective descriptions of part shape can be accurately quantified, they can assist users in enhancing the sensitivity of GT.
Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

To report short-term results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection for macular oedema (ME) associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Retrospective interventional case series of 12 eyes of 12 consecutive patients. IVB injections (1.25 mg/0.05 ml) were given as needed based on the presence of ME on optical coherence tomography. Changes in Snellen visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were analysed using the Student's paired t-test. At a mean follow-up of 9.8 months (range: 6–17 months), the mean number of IVB injections given was 4 (range: 1–6). No ocular or systemic side effects were noted. The differences in logMAR VA between baseline and 1 month, between baseline and 6 months, and between baseline and final follow-up were statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in CMT between baseline and 1 month, baseline and 6 months, and between baseline and final follow-up were also statistically significant (P<0.05). Short-term results indicate that IVB is useful in decreasing ME and improving VA in eyes with BRVO.
Left ventricular systolic dysfunction induced by ventricular ectopy: a novel model for premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy.

Background— Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) commonly coexist with cardiomyopathy. Recently, PVCs have been identified as a possible cause of cardiomyopathy. We developed a PVC-induced cardiomyopathy animal model using a novel premature pacing algorithm to assess timeframe and reversibility of this cardiomyopathy and examine the associated histopathologic abnormalities. Methods and Results— Thirteen mongrel dogs were implanted with a specially programmed pacemaker capable of simulating ventricular extrasystoles. Animals were randomly assigned to either 12 weeks of bigeminal PVCs (n=7) or no PVCs (control, n=6). Continuous 24-hour Holter monitoring corroborated ventricular bigeminy in the PVC group (PVC, 49.8% versus control, <0.01%; P <0.0001). After 12 weeks, only the PVC group had cardiomyopathy, with a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (PVC, 39.7±5.4% versus control, 60.7±3.8%; P <0.0001) and an increase in left ventricular end-systolic dimension (PVC, 33.3±3.5 mm versus control, 23.7±3.6 mm; P <0.001). Ventricular effective refractory period showed a trend to prolong in the PVC group. PVC-induced cardiomyopathy was resolved within 2 to 4 weeks after discontinuation of PVCs. No inflammation, fibrosis, or changes in apoptosis and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation were observed with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. Conclusions— This novel PVC animal model demonstrates that frequent PVCs alone can induce a reversible form of cardiomyopathy in otherwise structurally normal hearts. PVC-induced cardiomyopathy lacks gross histopathologic and mitochondrial abnormalities seen in other canine models of cardiomyopathy.
Histologic healing following tooth extraction with ridge preservation using mineralized versus combined mineralized-demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Mineralized and demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts (FDBAs) are used in alveolar ridge (AR) preservation; however, each material has advantages and disadvantages. Combinations of allografts aimed at capitalizing on the advantages each offers are available. To date, there is no evidence to indicate if a combination allograft is superior in this application. The primary objective of this study is to histologically evaluate and compare healing of non-molar extraction sites grafted with either mineralized FDBA or a 70:30 mineralized:demineralized FDBA combination allograft in AR preservation. The secondary objective is to compare dimensional changes in ridge height and width after grafting with these two materials.Methods: Forty-two patients randomized into two equal groups received ridge preservation with either 100% mineralized FDBA (active control group) or the combination 70% mineralized: 30% demineralized allograft (test group). Sites were allowed to heal for 18 to 20 weeks, at which t...
Biospecimens, biomarkers, and burgeoning data: the imperative for more rigorous research standards.

Knowledge of the altered molecular landscapes in disease offers great promise for developing biomarker-based tests to improve diagnosis and optimize treatment. Progress in biomarker research has been frustratingly slow due to the poor clinical trial design and the lack of standards for specimen collection, biomarker analysis, and data reporting. The ability of high throughput genomics, proteomics, and other ‘omics' platforms to profile a large number of analytes in a single assay, together with the pending prospect of rapid expansion of whole exome and whole genome sequencing for clinical use, is increasing the technical and logistical complexity of biomarker validation. Harnessing these new technologies and improved productivity in biomarker validation will depend on adopting systems-based approaches and require major changes in the organization and funding strategies for biomarker research. A systems approach will require new multi-institution collaborations, the integration of diverse technical and clinical activities, greater engagement of industry, and education of regulators, clinicians, and payers about how to use biomarkers for improved patient management and clinical outcomes.
The detergent Triton X-100 induces a death pattern in human carcinoma cell lines that resembles cytotoxic lymphocyte-induced apoptosis

The detergent Triton X-100 (TX100) was used with the intention to establish a model for necrotic cell death. However, TX100 was found to induce apoptotic and necrotic death in prostate and colon cancer cell lines. Apoptosis was characterized by the typical morphological features and internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. The rapid onset within 60 min and the lack of inhibition by cycloheximide indicated that apoptosis induced by TX100 was not dependent on protein synthesis. Removal of extracellular calcium blocked internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. This pattern of cell death shows a striking similarity to the effect of cytotoxic lymphocytes on their target cells.
Four-handed, two-surgeon microsurgery in neurotology.

Introduction: Since the early 1960s, microsurgical removal has been the standard for curative treatment of vestibular schwannomas and neurotologic skull base lesions. The narrow operative corridor with only one surgeon actively operating sometimes interferes with simultaneous application of standard surgical principles such as suction, counter tension, and dissection and makes attempts at “co-surgery” into “sequential” surgery. Surgical efficiency is often delayed by the need to change surgical instruments and reorient the surgical field. Methods: In this four-handed technique, the microscope is arranged with binocular microscope heads and the surgeons facing each other at the head of the patient and operating simultaneously. Results: Since 2006, the authors have operated 97 lesions using the four-handed technique. The distinct visualization advantage of the 180° binocular arrangement over use of a side arm is that both surgeons have the same stereoscopic perspective. Specific ergonomic advantages were identified for rapid debulking in large tumors, simultaneous neurologic mapping for sharp facial nerve dissection, counter traction for tumor dissection, neurologic tissue retraction/protection for safe bipolar cautery, and real-time intraoperative consultation/collaboration. Conclusions: Specific technical and microscope arrangements are necessary to utilize the four-handed technique; however, distinct advantages in tissue handling and surgical efficiency are facilitated.
An open and configurable embedded system for EMG pattern recognition implementation for artificial arms

Pattern recognition (PR) based on electromyographic (EMG) signals has been developed for multifunctional artificial arms for decades. However, assessment of EMG PR control for daily prosthesis use is still limited. One of the major barriers is the lack of a portable and configurable embedded system to implement the EMG PR control. This paper aimed to design an open and configurable embedded system for EMG PR implementation so that researchers can easily modify and optimize the control algorithms upon our designed platform and test the EMG PR control outside of the lab environments. The open platform was built on an open source embedded Linux Operating System running a high-performance Gumstix board. Both the hardware and software system framework were openly designed. The system was highly flexible in terms of number of inputs/outputs and calibration interfaces used. Such flexibility enabled easy integration of our embedded system with different types of commercialized or prototypic artificial arms. Thus far, our system was portable for take-home use. Additionally, compared with previously reported embedded systems for EMG PR implementation, our system demonstrated improved processing efficiency and high system precision. Our long-term goals are (1) to develop a wearable and practical EMG PR-based control for multifunctional artificial arms, and (2) to quantify the benefits of EMG PR-based control over conventional myoelectric prosthesis control in a home setting.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND RECOVERY OF A HIGH MARSH PIPELINE OIL SPILL AND BURN SITE, UPPER COPANO BAY, TEXAS

ABSTRACT On January 7, 1992, a rupture in an underground oil transfer pipeline resulted in a spill of about 2,950 bbl (469 m3) of crude oil into a high marsh community near Chiltipin Creek, San Patricio County, Texas. Authorization for burning the oil, as a cleanup method, was given by the Texas General Land Office (the designated state on-scene coordinator). The environmental impact of the spill and ensuing burn on this high marsh has been assessed by monitoring changes in the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content of the associated floral community and soil over time. Ultimately 6.5 ha of oil and vegetation of the 15.5 ha surrounded by sorbent booms were burned, causing them to become barren. These bare patches produced by the burn were rapidly colonized by grasses, mainly Distichlis spicata. Secondary succession by perennial climax species is slow, resulting in significantly lower species diversity and biomass in the oiled and burned area even after 30 months. Significant changes within, and interac...
Computer automated electrooculography

Abstract Clinical electrooculography requires a patient to track two points in the visual field separated by at least 30° visual angle in a horizontal plane while recording the concomitant change in potential from electrodes placed at the external canthi of the two eyes. This test is relatively lengthy, requiring long periods of light and dark adaptation. A minicomputer program has been written to automate the test and to analyze and reduce the data. Time required to administer the test, as well as time needed to analyze the data, has been significantly reduced by computer automation.
Tonic pupil associated with congenital neuroblastoma, Hirschsprung disease, and central hypoventilation syndrome.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report the association of tonic pupil, congenital neuroblastoma, Hirschsprung disease, and central hypoventilation syndrome. METHODS: Case reports. RESULTS: Two infants with central hypoventilation syndrome and Hirschsprung disease were evaluated for dilated, nonreactive pupils present since birth. In both cases, pharmacologic testing with dilute pilocarpine confirmed denervation supersensitivity consistent with tonic pupil. The diagnosis of congenital neuroblastoma was subsequently established in both infants. CONCLUSIONS: The close association of these conditions in these two young children supports the concept of a common neural crest abnormality being present. A careful systemic evaluation to rule out congenital neuroblastoma should be performed in any young child who presents with tonic pupil in the setting of central hypoventilation syndrome and Hirschsprung disease.
Biodegradation of diesel oil and production of fatty acid esters by a newly isolated Pseudomonas citronellolis KHA

The ability of a newly isolated Pseudomonas citronellolis KHA to degrade diesel oil and to synthesize fatty acid esters has been screened in aerobic batch cultures. The microorganism was able to grow with diesel oil at initial concentrations up to 126 g/l, with optimal growth at 25 g/l. Strain KHA has produced compounds showing strong emulsifying properties (E24 = 75% at the end of the exponential growth phase). The crude extract reduces the surface tension of water from 72 mN m−1 down to 35 mN m−1 with a corresponding minimal concentration value of 60 mg/l. GC and GC–MS analysis of crude product show that the major components are those of hexadecanoic acid propyl ester and octadecanoic acid propyl ester, which have potential for applications in cosmetics, pharmaceutical and foods industries. In addition, strain KHA represents a valuable source of compounds with surface-active properties and potential for the application in clean up of the sites contaminated with hydrocarbons.
Left ventricular diastolic properties and filling characteristics during spontaneous angina pectoris at rest.

Diastolic left ventricular (LV) properties were studied at rest and during spontaneous angina pectoris during cardiac catheterizatlon in 10 patients with severe coronary artery disease. During spontaneous angina there was a significant increase in LV filling pressures through diastole. The right ventricular end-diastolic pressure was measured at rest and during spontaneous angina in 7 of 10 patients and showed an increase from 7 ± 3 to 10 ± 4 mm Hg (mean ± SD) (p < 0.02). The T index (a measure of LV isovolumic relaxation) at rest was 51 ± 17 ms and increased during angina to 58 ± 12 ms (p < 0.01), indicating an early diastolic relaxation dysfunction. Frame-by-frame LV volumes and corresponding pressures were analyzed from 3 consecutive beats in 5 of 10 patients. In 4 of these 5, the pressurevolume loop shifted upward and slightly to the right during angina. There was a significant increase in the rate of filling during mid-diastole with angina. Left atrial stroke work index increased by 35% during angina, suggesting an increased work load on the left atrium to maintain late diastolic filling.
Selection of Reference Genes for Expression Analysis in Diuraphis noxia (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Fed on Resistant and Susceptible Wheat Plants

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia Kurdjumov, is a major global pest of wheat and barley production that causes enormous economic damage. Few studies have been conducted to explore and decipher the molecular basis of RWA strategies to evade plant defense mechanisms. Gene expression studies of RWA in response to wheat genotypes carrying different RWA resistance genes have been initiated in our group; however, a secure and accurate understanding of RWA gene expression is dependent on identification of suitable reference genes. This study analyzed expression profiles of five potential reference genes selected and sequenced during RNA sequencing experiments. The expression of genes coding for actin and ribosomal protein L27 was comparatively less variable in RWA fed on different wheat hosts. Results of geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper expression analyses support the use of actin and ribosomal protein L27 in RT-qPCR studies of RWA gene expression in studies involving RWA-wheat interactions.
School Choice, Magnet Schools, and the Liberation Model: An Empirical Study:

The rapid growth of magnet schools in the 1980s introduced the first widely adopted form of public school choice in the United States. Magnet-based choice is supported as a way to expand school choice for parents, bring innovation through specialty schools and programs, and promote voluntary forms of racial integration. Some contend that this form of public school choice is especially helpful to lower-income parents who are trapped in inferior inner-city schools, while others claim that magnet schools may worsen stratification among schools by family income. The study presented here used a large national data set to examine relationships between magnet-based school choice and income-based stratification in school districts. It did not find a difference between school districts with magnet-based school choice and school districts without school choice. Implications for other forms of school choice are discussed.
Biliary excretion of lopanoic acid in Gunn rats.

AbstractPatients with the Crigler-Najjar syndrome lack hepatic microsomal UDP-glucuronyl transferase activity which is necessary for conjugating bilirubin with glucuronic acid. The gallbladder of these patients opacify normally on oral cholecystography with iopanoic acid (IOP), a contrast agent which like bilirubin, is conjugated with glucuronic acid prior to transport into bile. Experiments were performed with normal (Sprague-Dawley) and Gunn rats (a strain which lacks UDP-glucuronyl transferase activity) to determine the effect of this enzyme deficiency on the hepatic disposition of IOP. Bilirubin excretion in Gunn rats was less than 1% of the Sprague-Dawley animals, while IOP excretion in bile was not statistically different between the two strains whether the contrast agent was infused as IOP or as IOP-glucuronide. HPLC analysis showed that IOP distribution in Gunn rat bile was 92% IOP-G and 8% IOP. The hepatic intracellular distribution of IOP was the same in the two strains. The results indicate tha...
The dual role of informational social influence: Implications for marketing management

Abstract Evidence is presented from a laboratory study to support the seeking of both recommendations and attribute-value information from information sources during purchase decisions. Emphasis on recommendation information is associated with a broader view of consumer decision making including the subcontracting of brand choice to others and a hybrid decision making strategy under conditions of high perceived risk and high time cost in search. The shift in choice strategy is accompanied by a decrease in the extent of attribute-value information search, a finding which is the opposite of that expected on the basis of previous research and theory in the area. Managerial implications of these choice strategies and associated information use are discussed.
The Role of Polyomaviruses in Human Disease

The human polyomaviruses, BK virus and JC virus, have long been associated with serious diseases including polyomavirus nephropathy and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Both viruses establish ubiquitous, persistent infections in healthy individuals. Reactivation can occur when the immune system is impaired, leading to disease progression. Recently, the human polyomavirus family has expanded with the identification of three new viruses (KI, WU and Merkel cell polyomavirus), all of which may prove to be involved in human disease. This review describes the general aspects of human polyomavirus infections and pathogenicity. Current topics of investigation and future directions in the field are also discussed.
Electrocardiographic detection of left ventricular hypertrophy: development and prospective validation of improved criteria.

To develop improved electrocardiographic criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy, individual electrocardiographic voltage measurements were compared with echocardiographic left ventricular mass in a “learning series” of 414 subjects. The strongest independent relations with left ventricular mass were exhibited by the S wave in lead V3, the R wave in lead aVL and the T wave in lead V, (each p Prospective validation of these criteria in an independent "test" series of 129 additional subjects revealed superior sensitivity (49%), specificity (93%) and overall accuracy (76%), compared with standard electrocardiographic criteria (Romhilt-Estes point score and Sokolow-Lyon voltage). A multiple logistic regression equation, developed in the learning series using the same variables, achieved a sensitivity of 51%, specificity of 90% and overall accuracy of 76% in the test series. It is concluded that 1) voltages of the S wave in lead V3, R wave in lead aVL and T wave in lead V1convey the most independent electrocardiographic information about left ventricular hypertrophy; 2) sex and age stratification improves diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy; and 3) criteria based on these observations, as well as a logistic regression equation, readily applicable to electrocardiographic interpretation by widely available microprocessors, can improve recognition of left ventricular hypertrophy by the electrocardiogram.
Electrocardiography in Women Taking the Initiative

In the just over 100 years since the first ECG was performed,1 the ECG has become the most extensively used noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic tool in cardiology. Used both at rest and during provocative exercise, the 12-lead ECG has impressive, if imperfect, utility for rhythm analysis, detection of ischemic and hypertrophic heart disease, and outcome prediction in a variety of clinical settings, with a large body of literature that illustrates and supports these applications. The first observation of gender differences in the ECG was published 85 years ago by Bazett,2 demonstrating that women have significantly longer QT intervals than men despite having higher heart rates. However, despite a growing body of literature demonstrating significant gender differences in QRS amplitudes and duration,3–6 QT intervals,5,7,8 ST-segment deviation,9,10 and novel, computer-based measurements of T-wave complexity,8,11 few ECG criteria routinely use gender-specific diagnostic criteria, and there has been a relative paucity of data on the prognostic performance of ECG variables in women. Articles pp 473 and 481 Two studies in the current issue of Circulation by Rautaharju and colleagues12,13 provide a wealth of new findings and impetus for further study of the ECG in women. Using well-validated computerized ECG methodology, the authors examined the value of a number of ECG variables for predicting incident coronary heart disease and its mortality, incident congestive heart failure, and total mortality in more than 38 000 women participating in the dietary modification trial of the Women’s Health Initiative. Although both studies reconfirm the predictive value of ECG evidence of prior Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), the principle new findings are the strong predictive value of various ECG measures of repolarization, and in particular of the QRS/T angle,12,13 a measure of the spatial angle between mean QRS and T vectors. In the …
Proteolysis is depressed during torpor in hibernators at the level of the 20S core protease

Protein synthesis is depressed during mammalian hibernation in concordance with metabolic demands. In the absence of significant protein synthesis, continued proteolysis would rapidly deplete protein pools. Since ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis is implicated in the turnover of most regulatory proteins, we examined the fate of this system during hibernation. Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis consists of two major steps: (1) the tagging of a protein substrate by ubiquitin and (2) the protein substrate’s subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome. An earlier study revealed a two to threefold elevation of ubiquitin conjugate concentrations during hibernation: an unexpected result that seemingly would suggest increased proteolytic activity. A more likely explanation for these data would be that proteolysis per se was depressed and that the increased levels of ubiquitylated proteins reflect an inability to degrade tagged proteins. We employed an assay based on the cleavage of fluorogenic substrates to address the well characterized proteolytic activities of the proteasome. All activities show little to no activity at temperatures associated with deep torpor. Coordinated depression of proteolytic activities by low temperature supports the hypothesis that the increased levels of ubiquitylated proteins during hibernation is explained by a net accumulation due to an inability to degrade the tagged proteins.
The effects of indoleacetic acid and kinetin on the growth of some microorganisms.

Abstract The growth rates of A. proteus, E. coli bacteria, and two species of yeast are changed by the presence of kinetin and/or the plant auxin, indoleacetic acid. The growth rate of A. proteus is increased by the presence of kinetin. Indoleacetic acid has no apparent effect on this cell. Kinetin increases the growth rate of E. coli in a salt-glucose medium. Adenine also accelerates growth. However, isotopic competition experiments indicated that the two purines do not compete; they must be incorporated into different compounds. IAA depresses the population growth rate of the yeasts, S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. This decrease can be accounted for entirely as a change in the interphase growth rate of the individual cell. Kinetin, by itself, has no apparent effect on yeast growth. In the presence of IAA, kinetin, over a wide concentration range, greatly slows culture growth for several generations. The growth rate progressively approaches and eventually exceeds the control rate. Single cells of the early log population grow at the same rate as those in medium containing only IAA but either are completely blocked from dividing or take longer to divide. The yeast cells are changed physiologically by kinetin. When washed and resuspended in control medium, their growth rate exceeds the control rate for three or four generations. Also, if inhibited cells from late log phase are resuspended in fresh medium containing IAA-plus-kinetin, they grow at a rate faster than the controls even in the presence of the chemicals. Although these fast-growing cells have a normal growth rate during interphase, they also continue to enlarge during the division period. This enlargement during division is caused by the premature initiation of daughter cell growth (before the completion of cytokinesis); in the inhibited cells the start of interphase is delayed. In yeast, it was shown that kinetin does not serve as a source of purine, since it did not support growth of eight adenine-requiring mutants. The observed increase or decrease in the time between mitosis and daughter-cell growth of yeast may be ascribed to an action by kinetin on a growth regulating system which is duplicated at this stage of the cell cycle.
The anodic dissolution of thallium in H2SO4K2SO4 and HClO4NaClO4 solution

Abstract The dissolution of thallium in acidic solutions (pH = 0.15−5.4) was studied. The results of anodic weight loss experiments show that the metal dissolves electrochemically with a valence of +1. Experiments involving total self-dissolution in acids with known weights of thallium show that the faradaic equivalent of the hydrogen evolved also corresponds to a valence of +1 for thallium. Galvanostatic and potentiostatic studies were made of the anodic behavior of thallium. A mechanism consistent with the behavior is : Tl(s) = Tl + (s)+e Tl + (s) rds Tl + (aq) .
Corneal Response to Femtosecond Laser Photodisruption in the Rabbit

In this report we evaluated the effect of femtosecond laser energy on the development of corneal haze and keratocyte activation in rabbits following intra-stromal photodisruption to create LASIK flaps using a modified commercial femtosecond surgical laser. Three groups of flap parameters were studied: 1.5 microJ/pulse with 10 microm spot separation and complete side cut (Group 1); 3.5 microJ/pulse with 14 microm spot separation and complete side cut (Group 2); 3.5 microJ/pulse with 14 microm spot separation and partial (50 microm) side cut (Group 3). All flaps were left attached without lifting to avoid epithelial contamination. Rabbits were then evaluated pre- and post-operatively by quantitative in vivo and ex vivo confocal microscopy. The achieved flap thickness 1 week after surgery averaged 88.9+/-12.8, 90.8+/-6.9 and 86.5+/-6.8 microm for Groups 1-3 respectively (p=NS). Interface thickness was significantly greater (p<0.05) in the higher energy groups averaging 40.0+/-11.2 and 37.7+/-5.7 microm for Groups 2-3 compared to 28.6+/-4.5 microm for Group 1. Corneal haze was barely detectible and not significantly different between groups, although haze was detected in the region of the side-cuts in Groups 1 and 2. No clinically significant changes in stromal or epithelial thickness were noted. Laser confocal microscopy showed the presence of small diameter cells within the flap interface that resided within disrupted regions of the corneal collagen lamellae. Keratocyte activation was only detected in regions of the 100% side cut and not over the flap interface. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that photodisruption of the corneal stroma alone without flap elevation regardless of laser energy does not induce significant corneal haze in the rabbit. However, a thicker stromal interface was seen with the higher energy suggesting greater stromal damage.
Treatment failure after primary and salvage therapy for prostate cancer: likelihood, patterns of care, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND. The authors report the likelihood of treatment failure and the outcomes after salvage therapy among men with prostate cancer who initially either received external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). METHODS. Using a national disease registry, the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) database, 5277 men with prostate cancer were identified who initially either underwent RP (4342 men) or received EBRT (935 men). Outcomes after disease recurrence and subsequent salvage therapy were assessed. RESULTS. Recurrent disease developed in 1590 men (30%), including 1003 patients (23%) in the RP group and 587 patients (63%) in the EBRT group, at a mean of 34 months and 38 months, respectively (P = .003). Patients who had recurrent disease had greater rates of overall death (19% vs 3%; P < .01) and bone metastases (15% vs 1%; P < .01). Data after salvage therapy were available for 1050 patients (620 men in the RP group and 430 men in the EBRT group). Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) was the most common salvage treatment in both groups. Overall, 420 men in the RP group (68%) and 319 men in the EBRT group (74%) failed salvage therapy at mean of 43.6 months and 43.8 months, respectively (P = .95). These patients had a greater overall death rate than the 311 patients who did not fail salvage therapy (24.8% vs 6.9%, respectively; P < .001). No survival benefit in terms of prostate cancer-related death (P = .91) was identified with any particular combination of primary and salvage therapy. CONCLUSIONS. Disease recurrence developed in 30% of patients who were treated for prostate cancer, and ADT was the most common salvage therapy used. Patients who failed salvage therapy had worse overall survival, and no survival benefit was noted for any particular combination of primary and salvage therapy. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Examining therapeutic goals: population versus individual-based approaches.

In the individual patient, the goal of antihypertensive treatment is to lower the blood pressure (BP) to a level that minimizes the patient's risk of cardiovascular complications. However, most of our knowledge regarding what this level of BP should be is derived from population studies and large clinical trials. Population studies have shown that elevated BP is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and renal failure. Cardiovascular risk begins to increase when BP exceeds 115/75 mm Hg and doubles with each increment of 20 mm Hg in systolic BP and 10 mm Hg in diastolic BP.The clinical benefit of BP reduction in patients with hypertension is well established. Thus, patients with less severe elevations in BP (high-normal) are at increased risk. Patients with diabetes or proteinuria benefit from even more aggressive reductions in BP. Despite the well-established benefits of BP reduction, hypertension is still not well treated, underscoring the need for more aggressive detection and better management. Although data from large clinical trials have provided valuable information to help guide treatment, application of clinical trial results to individual patients is limited by the heterogeneity of patient populations with respect to patient risk, comorbidities, and differences in genetic and environmental background. Ultimately, the treatment decisions should be tailored to each patient, integrating as much information as possible concerning the patient's history, risk, pathophysiology, and lifestyle.
Lightweight, robust adaptivity for software transactional memory

When a program uses Software TransactionalMemory (STM) to synchronize accesses to shared memory, the performance often depends on which STM implementation is used. Implementation vary greatly in their underlying mechanisms, in the features they provide, and in the assumptions they make about the common case. Consequently, the best choice of algorithm is workload-dependent. Worse yet, for workload composed of multiple phases of execution, the "best choice of implementation may change during execution.We present a low-overhead system for adapting between STM implementations. Like previous work, our system enable adaptivity between different parameterizations of a given algorithm, and it allows adapting between the use of transactions and coarse-grained locks. In addition, we support dynamic switching between fundamentally different STM implementations. We also explicitly support irrevocability retry-based condition synchronization, and privatization. Through a series of experiments, we show that our system introduces negligible overhead. We also present a candidate use of dynamic adaptivity, as a replacement for contention management. When using adaptivity in this manner, STM implementations can be simplified to a great degree without lowering throughput or introducing a risk of pathological slowdown, even for challenging workloads.
A Rational Approach to Drug Development: The Exploratory Phase

Drug development is a complex process, and added to it is the sophisticated new technologies and approaches to drug design, of which rational drug design is the epitome. A low success rate for investigational new drugs calls for improvement in drug discovery and development processes. Implementing knowledge driven drug development strategies founded on informative, powerful, and robust studies would greatly improve the drug discovery and development processes. Knowledge driven drug discovery and development that emphasizes a learn‐confirm‐learn paradigm is proposed as the rational basis for drug development. Although clinical drug development is usually divided into Phases I, II, III, and IV; it should rather be defined by those studies necessary to obtain data to answer the fundamental development decision questions: “Is the new molecular entity tolerated and at what dose range?” and “Does it show efficacy for intended use within the tolerated dose range?” In setting out to answer these questions during ...
When Disaster Strikes, Move Your School Online.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita displaced thousands of K-12 students and demonstrated that when K-12 schools close unexpectedly and indefinitely, educational chaos results. Events such as deadly flu ou...
Promoting sustainable infrastructure: a feasibility analysis of a utility-scale PV covered parking structure

The growing demand for clean electricity production is driven by increased energy consumption, electricity rate volatility, and environmental policy changes that reflect a change in consumer preferences. The need for a more sustainable society presents a unique opportunity for educational institutions to help facilitate this change with the construction of environmentally friendly energy producing systems. The purpose of this research is to assess the feasibility of a utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation system on Illinois State University's (ISU) campus. The potential power production from the PV system can be estimated through analysis of the climate information and utilising PV system modeling software. In this feasibility analysis, eight utility-scale PV systems were modeled and simulated to determine three optimal systems for the university. Implementing clean energy systems into educational institutions will also increase the general public's awareness about the societal shift towa...