cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyoderma faciale: a clinical study of twenty-nine patients.

Pyoderma faciale is a distinctive entity. Twenty-nine patients with this process were seen at the Mayo Clinic from 1969 to 1980. Twenty-seven patients had follow-up that ranged from 1 month to 11 years, and twenty-two had follow-up of 3 years or more. Clinical features that characterize the patients were (1) female predominance, (2) onset later than teenage acne vulgaris, generally at 19 to 40 years of age, (3) rapid onset and progression, (4) facial involvement with sparing of the back and chest, (5) cysts, swelling, and purulent drainage with a lack of comedones, and (6) paucity of systemic complaints. Patients were treated with multiple forms of therapy simultaneously, often including Vleminckx* packs, oral antibiotics, incision and drainage, ultraviolet B, and intralesional steroids. Of twenty-five patients available for follow-up at 1 year, twenty-three had achieved remission, though fifteen patients required ongoing treatment to maintain optimal control. Twenty-three patients had scarring as a sequela. Patients with pyoderma faciale represent a subset of patients with acne in whom the outlook is favorable with appropriate therapy.
Ultraminiature Angular Position Sensor Based on the Beta-Voltaic Principle

This paper introduces a new type of angular position sensor that features very high sensitivity and ultraminiature size, by comparison with other angular position sensors of the same dimensions. The sensor is based on the beta-voltaic principle. It consists of a radioactive $\beta $ -particle source and a silicon p-n junction (acting as a detector). Both the source and the detector are semicircular in shape. If the source is positioned fully above the p-n junction, maximum dc voltage is obtained from the junction. As the angular position of the source is varied, the junction’s output voltage drops in magnitude. The sensor measures 8 mm (diameter) $\times 0.7$ mm (thickness). It can measure angular position as well as angular velocity. This new sensor will be ideal in applications such as digital cameras, smart tablets and cell phones, microrobotics, and so forth.
Establishment of interference in osteoblasts by an osteopetrosis-inducing avian leukosis virus.

Abstract Avian leukosis virus (ALV)-induced osteopetrosis is characterized by the presence of unintegrated viral DNA in diseased bone. To learn more about this phenomenon, ALVs with high (Br21) and low (RAV-1) osteopetrotic potential have been compared for the ability to establish superinfection resistance in cultures of calvarial-derived osteoblasts. Both viruses could establish interference in osteoblast cultures that were maintained as growing cells. This interference was maintained when cultures were induced to differentiate. These results suggest that the unintegrated viral DNA in osteopetrotic bone is not due to the inability of osteopetrosis-inducing viruses to establish superinfection resistance in osteoblasts.
The Demand for Calories in Developing Countries

This paper uses household survey data on consumption to analyze the determinants of calorie intakes in developing countries. It relies on characteristic demand analysis for a demand function specification for calories. It explores the effect of calories price differences, income, and other socioeconomic factors on the intracountry and intercountry distribution of calorie intakes. The paper reaches three broad conclusions: (i) both income and price elasticities of demand for calories are below unity and are substantial for poorer consumers; (ii) even a moderate increase in calorie prices implies a large nutritional sacrifice for the poor if present income growth and distribution trends continue; and (iii) if moderate redistribution policies permit a substantial portion of the income increase to be allocated to the poor, sizable calorie price increases would not rule out elimination of malnutrition.
Refractory post-transplant airway strictures: successful management with wire stents.

Objective: Bronchial stenosis, malacia and dehiscence are major airway complications of lung transplantation. Our success in managing this problem evolved from the use of semi-rigid dilators, to balloon dilation and placement of a stent, which were initially silicone, thereafter wire balloon-expandable and finally wire self-expandable. Methods: From May, 1994 until July 1997, we performed a total of 49 single and 58 bilateral lung transplants. Symptoms of shortness of breath, verified by a drop in the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), led to bronchoscopic inspection of the airway in lung transplant patients. Eighteen patients (16%) suffered a severe form of airway complication (dehiscence or stenosis) in 24 of 151 airways at risk (15.9%). These anastomotic strictures were recalcitrant to conventional therapy. Intervention consisted of rigid bronchoscopy, dilation of the stricture and placement of a stent. Flexible bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy were used for precise placement of the stent. As the initial stent, the Hood silicone stent was placed five times in four patients and the Dumont studded stent five times in four patients. The Palmaz wire stent was used as the initial stent 10 times in seven patients and the Wallstent used eight times in seven patients. Four patients had multiple stents. Balloon inflation moulded the wire stent to the airway. Results: There was no mortality resulting from the airway complication or any intervention. The most serious complication was a perforation of the airway using the semi-rigid dilator that necessitated immediate thoracotomy and re-anastomosis of the bronchus. Other complications necessitated repeat interventions due to restenosis or failure of the stents. The success of the stent placement was measured subjectively by the immediate ease of breathing enjoyed by each patient and objectively by the significant increase of the FEV1 from a pre-operative mean of 1.19 l (SD 0.64 l) to a post-operative mean of 2.06 l (SD 0.70 l) (P , 0001). The mean number of interventions according to the type of wire stent first used was significantly fewer with Wallstent insertion (1.28 (SD 0.48)) than in those patients in whom a Palmaz stent was inserted (5.22 (SD 2.38)) (P , 0008). Conclusion: The airway complication of stricture, broncho-malacia or dehiscence following lung transplantation can be managed effectively and easily with the use of balloon catheter dilation followed by precise placement of a self-expandable wire stent. The Wallstent is the superior stent for this application. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Fiducial registration error and target registration error are uncorrelated

Image-guidance systems based on fiducial registration typically display some measure of registration accuracy based on the goodness of fit of the fiducials. A common measure is fiducial registration error (FRE), which equals the root-meansquare error in fiducial alignment between image space and physical space. It is natural for the surgeon to regard the displayed estimate of error as an indication of the accuracy of the system's ability to provide guidance to surgical targets for a given case. Thus, when the estimate is smaller than usual, it may be assumed that the target registration error (TRE) is likely to be smaller than usual. We show that this assumption, while intuitively convincing, is in fact wrong. We show it in two ways. First, we prove to first order that for a given system with a given level of normally distributed fiducial localization error, all measures of goodness of fit are statistically independent of TRE, and therefore FRE and TRE are uncorrelated. Second, we demonstrate by means of computer simulations that they are uncorrelated for the exact problem as well. Since TRE is the true measure of registration accuracy of importance to the success of the surgery, our results show that no estimate of accuracy for a given patient that is based on goodness of fiducial fit for that patient gives any information whatever about true registration accuracy for that patient. Therefore surgeons should stop using such measures as indicators of registration quality for the patients on whom they are about to operate.
The Christian Manager's Spiritual Journey

During the past five years I have facilitated a seminar attended by more than 350 senior and middle management executives, “Spirituality of Organizational Leadership” at Santa Clara University. (Delbecq, 2000) I also direct the Institute for Leadership Spirituality that conducts discourse between Theologians, CEOs, and Management (Delbecq, 2001) Finally, I participate in an Inter-religious meditation community where managers gather each week for contemplative practice and sharing focused on the vocation of organizational leadership (www.thecommunityofjoseph.org). Reflecting on these experiences, I will share a perspective on the spiritual journey of the Christian manager. Although all of the above contexts are inter-religious, the focus of my paper will be on the Christian perspective. My own tradition is Roman Catholic. Before reflecting on my shared experiences with Christian business leaders let me preface my remarks with a short statement regarding contemporary Christian theology and the role of the “...
Demonstration of temporal coherence, spatial coherence, and threshold effects in the molecular xenon laser

Abstract Stimulated emission has been observed at 1722 ± 1 A in high-pressure xenon gas originating from the bound-free continuum of the Xe∗2 molecule. This emission exhibits strong line narrowing, spatial coherence corresponding to a few times the diffraction limit, a sharp oscillation threshold, and an output time dependence radically different from the spontaneous emission observed without an optical cavity or below threshold. The confluence of all these observations is an explicit and unequivocal demonstration of a coherent stimulated emission process. Specific data detailing the pressure dependence of the stimulated output and results with rare-gas mixtures are given.
Is the A phase really “the A phase”?

The conventional wisdom regarding the identification of the microscopic order parameter of the A phase of superfluid 3He as the axial state is questioned. Examination of current experimental evidence reveals an inability to discriminate between the alternative models of the axial and axi-planar states. The theoretical basis for the conventional wisdom is shown to disagree with experiment.
A note on approximate iterative solution of open Tandem networks with blocking

Abstract Open tandem networks of queues with finite buffers are useful as models of communication and production systems. In this note, we propose a speed up technique for the approximate iterative solution of such networks. The technique relies on a back and forth sweep of the network at each iteration so as to accelerate the return of the blocking information to the beginning of the network. Experimental evidence shows that a considerable speed up can be achieved, especially for larger networks for which the execution time can be virtually cut in half. We also propose two variants of an iterative approach to the solution of the two-node cell used as the basic block in the tandem network solution. This approach uses directly conditional probability equations, and exploits the particular structure of a two-node tandem cell. Numerical results suggest that these two variants can be of particular value when dealing with cells with unbalanced buffer capacities.
Detailed ab initio prediction of lysozyme-antibody complex with 1.6 A accuracy.

The fundamental event in biological assembly is association of two biological macromolecules. Here we present a successful, accurate ab initio prediction of the binding of uncomplexed lysozyme to the HyHel5 antibody. The prediction combines pseudo Brownian Monte Carlo minimization with a biased–probability global side–chain placement procedure. It was effected in an all–atom representation, with ECEPP/2 potentials complemented with the surface energy, side–chain entropy and electrostatic polarization free energy. The near–native solution found was surprisingly close to the crystallographic structure (root–mean–square deviation of 1.57 A for all backbone atoms of lysozyme) and had a considerably lower energy (by 20 kcal mol−1) than any other solution.
Evolution of a full-thickness macular hole.

Purpose To illustrate succinctly the various stages of macular hole formation. Method We photodocumented the evolution of a full-thickness macular hole in a patient who refused surgery. Results A 60-year-old woman, who had had difficulty reading for 3 months, was initially examined with a stage 1B macular hole in her right eye that progressed to stage 2 over a 6-month period and then to stage 3, 2 years after initial examination. Conclusions This case demonstrates vividly and succinctly the development of a full-thickness macular hole from stage 1B to stage 3 and provides a unique opportunity to study carefully in a single eye the sequential progression of this important retinal disorder.
A second look at set convergence and linear analysis

We review the connections between various modes of convergence for sequences of continuous linear functionals and the convergence of their level sets at fixed heights, and show that these relationships also hold for the associated sequence of graphs.
SU‐E‐U‐09: Direct Clinical Comparison of 2D Versus 3D Transabdominal Ultrasound Image Guidance Methods for Prostate Radiotherapy Treatment

Purpose: Direct clinical comparison of 2D versus 3D transabdominal ultrasound image guidance (USIG) methods for prostate radiotherapy Methods: Image guidance shifts were compared on the same subject, same treatment session between Nomos BAT and Elekta Clarity ultrasound methods for 20 patients and 662 prostate treatments. Both systems use unique approaches to USIG. BAT system acquires two static 2D ultrasound images (axial and sagittal) and compares them to contours derived from simulation CT (i.e. intermodality comparison). Clarity system acquires a 3D ultrasound data set at CT simulation and compares to treatment‐day 3D ultrasound image set for deriving image guidance shifts (i.e. intramodality comparison). In this study, transabdominal Clarity image guidance was performed and the shifts were implemented first. Then transabdominal ultrasound images were acquired approximately 1minute later with BAT to derive image guidance shifts. These BAT‐reported shifts were recorded as the difference between BAT and Clarity USIG. The same experienced operator performed both BAT and Clarity paired alignments. Results: The average differences between the two systems were less than 1.0 mm in all three principle directions. The average standard deviation of these differences in lateral, vertical, and longitudinal direction were 1.2, 1.7, and 1.4 mm, respectively. Average Max difference (across all patients) was 1.9 mm; absolute Max across all image sessions was 10.2 mm. Differences between the two USIG approaches can be partially explained by prostate motion as a function of the time elapsed between imaging sessions, and 10.2 mm Max is not inconsistent with prostate motion we have observed during a similar time frame when using Calypso RF tracking. Results were further stratified into two groups: intact prostate and post‐prostatectomy, and no systematic differences were observed between these two groups. Conclusion: Good agreement was observed in this head‐to‐head comparison study between BAT and Clarity USIG methods for prostate localization.
Yield and emission line ratios from ICF target implosions with multi-mode Rayleigh-Taylor perturbations

Abstract Mix due to hydrodynamic instabilities reduces the yield in inertial confinement fusion implosions. Line emission from dopants placed in the capsule can be used to diagnose the extent of the instabilities. This paper compares line emission measured in experiments performed on the Nova laser to 1D mix models and 2D models in which many different instability wavelengths interact. The 2D models properly handle the distorted interface between the fuel and the capsule shell, instead of assuming a region where fuel and shell material are atomically mixed as in the 1D models. Both models agree reasonably well with the dependence of thermonuclear yield on capsule roughness. The 2D models do a better job of matching the line emission for capsules with rough surfaces.
Fatty acid binding to cyclooxygenases

Abstract Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase-1 and -2 (PGHS-1 and -2) convert arachidonic acid (AA) to prostaglandin H 2 (PGH 2 ) in the committed step in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Although the cyclooxygenase activity favors AA as the substrate, both isoforms will oxygenate a variety of 18–22 carbon fatty acids with reduced efficiencies. In this review, we discuss how the fatty acid substrates AA and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHLA; 20:3 ω−6) are bound in the cyclooxygenase active site of ovine (o) PGHS-1. Based on the conformations of the fatty acids within the active site, we describe the key roles that Val349 and Ser530 play as determinants of fatty acid substrate specificity for oPGHS-1.
Comments on the role of the cubic structure in ice nucleation

Abstract Takahashi's calculation [J. Crystal Growth 59 (1982) 441] that hexagonal ice may nucleate as cubic ice applies for homogeneous nucleation. The special bicrystal orientations that he discusses have only been observed from heterogeneous nucleation, and may be explainable in another way.
Distance distribution in a dye-linked oligonucleotide determined by time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer.

Abstract Fluorescence energy transfer is potentially a useful technique for obtaining structural and dynamic information on duplex and branched DNA molecules su
Application of the first and second laws to fuel minimization in a batch furnace

This paper presents results for the minimization of fuel consumption in a batch furnace. Several different criteria are used and minimized with respect to time-dependent process and control variables. As would be expected, the results show that globally there is no significant difference between the solutions found (i.e., the same minimum fuel consumption results) when the choice of criterion is either energy, exergy, exergy destruction, entropy creation of the system and entropy creation of the system plus environment. However, the specific details or local results of each solution (i.e., the heating strategies) are, in fact, quite different. These differences cannot simply be attributed to numerical error (round-off and truncation). What they show is that multiple optimum strategies satisfy the same global optimum. The advantage of one over the other may simply be that from a practical standpoint some are easier to implement than others. Nonetheless, regardless of the strategy used, employing an optimum one raises the possibility of significant reductions in overall fuel consumption in these and other types of furnaces.
Duality of linear estimation and control with constraints

This paper considers the duality of linear estimation and control with constraints. Specifically, the dual of the optimal filter, where the mean-squared values of the optimal estimates are constrained, is shown to be an optimal control problem with constraints on the control, and the dual of the estimation of stochastic signals in the presence of multiplicative noise in addition to measurement noise is shown to be a control problem with constraints on the states, with the boundary conditions specified at opposite ends of the extremals in time. Algorithms are presented to establish the duality concept.
Analysis of ongoing participation in a child care workforce cash incentive programme in the United States

The current study extends a recent workforce development programme evaluation and examines the relationship between ongoing success in the three‐year programme and participants’ educational attainment, professional activities and several employment factors. Three hundred and twenty‐seven teaching staff and 92 directors from 99 child care centres participated. Survival analyses and logistic regressions were used. Compared to centre directors without early childhood relevant degrees, centre directors with such credentials were more likely to still be participating after three years; and teaching staff with similar credentials were marginally more likely to still be participating. Analyses further highlighted education, benefits and employment‐related problems in predicting directors’ continued participation and the role of education and experience in predicting centre teaching staff’s ongoing participation. Findings are discussed in the broader context of workforce development initiatives.
Correlation between Effects of Ouabain on the Canine Electrocardiogram and Transmembrane Potentials of Isolated Purkinje Fibers

Isolated canine Purkinje fiber bundles (PF) were perfused with the blood of intact donor dogs to correlate changes induced by ouabain (O) in the PF transmembrane potential (TP) and the donor ECG. O was administered intravenously to the donor, and standard microelectrode technics were used to record the TP. The only significant O effect prior to occurrence of toxic arrhythmias was induction of ST-T wave changes in the ECG and prolongation of action potential duration (APD). Early O toxicity was defined as the onset of junctional or ventricular premature contractions or junctional tachycardia. Simultaneous with early toxicity there were decreases in AP amplitude, resting membrane potential, maximal slope of phase O depolarization, APD, and plateau, and slowing of conduction, which often varied in extent from cycle to cycle. With increased duration of early toxicity or onset of late toxicity (ventricular tachycardia), TP changes were accentuated. Increased automaticity occurred at the time of early toxicity ...
NEPHROBLASTOMA IN A STRIPED BASS

A renal neoplasm with the pathologic characteristics of a nephroblastoma was found in a striped bass (Morone saxatilis) taken in Fisher's Island Sound, New York. The fish acted normally and seemed unaffected by the tumor.
Immune complexes in erythema multiforme and the Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Early cutaneous lesions of erythema multiforme or mucosal lesions of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome contain delicate granular deposits of immune reactants and/or complement components lodged in the walls of vessels of the papillary dermis. Such deposits are not present in normal, unaffected skin although they can be caused to occur there by injection of substances which increase vascular permeability. Factors which cause accumulation of mononuclear cells in the papillary dermis have not been elucidated but we suggest that receptors for the C3d fragment of the third component of complement could be responsible. Factors which cause intercellular edema in the epidermis, epidermal-dermal separation, or necrotic keratinocytes are unknown. We, and others, have now measured immune complexes in the serum of patients experiencing these reaction patterns by means of Raji cell radioimmunoassay, Clq precipitation, 125 -Clq binding, cryoprecipitation and with monoclonal rheumatoid factor. Cryoimmunoglobulins have also been described and antigens of Herpesvirus hominus have been measured in the cryoprecipitate of 2 patients who experienced erythema multiforme following recurrent herpesvirus infection. Erythema multiforme commonly accompanied serum sickness reactions which occurred following injection of immune horse serum in the 1980s (von Pirquet and Schick). Such reactions are now well established as due to circulating immune complexes in antigen excess.
The effects of orientation and crystallinity on the solvent‐induced crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate). I. Sorption‐ and diffusion‐related phenomena

This series of reports summarizes the results of an experimental research program designed to establish the effects of preexisting orientation and crystallinity on solvent-induced crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) films. Dimethylformamide was used as a model for a strongly interacting solvent. Special emphasis has been given to the kinetics of crystallization and diffusion, the morphological and structural modifications, and the accompanying changes in physical properties. This article deals with solvent sorption and desorption. Solvent diffusion and the extent of crystallization decreased with increasing orientation and crystallinity in the starting films, with crystallinity being more important. Despite the semicrystalline morphology, the overall diffusion behavior was found to be Fickian, allowing the calculation of pseudodiffusion coefficients which were dependent on both the draw ratio and the treatment temperature. Solvent treatments at elevated temperatures involved a dual input of thermal and chemical energy, which caused the films to behave differently above and below the glass transition temperature. Solvent desorption and reversible swelling were also found to be dependent on preexisting structure and treatment conditions.
Plasma-Controlled Cell Migration: Localization of Cold Plasma-Cell Interaction Region

In order to characterize the optimal condition for cell treatment with a plasma jet, its UV-vis-NIR spectrum was evaluated. Furthermore, this study considers the ability of cold atmospheric plasmas to impact cell migration rates as a function of (i) the length of the plasma treatment time, (ii) the number of hours after treatment that cell migration is assessed, and (iii) localization of the treatment zone. Data show that the ability of plasma to reduce cell migration rates increases as a function of treatment time with a maximum of 30%, and that this affect persists for 33 hours after plasma treatment.
Self-Contained Navigation Aids and the Common System of Air Traffic Control

The capability of aircraft to navigate through space and to adhere to prearranged schedules directly determines the nature of the air traffic control system and the ability of this system to keep high density traffic moving safely and expeditiously. In turn, air traffic control concepts and practices can be revolutionized by increased use of new navigation techniques. Such a profound effect on the future system can be affected with automatized airborne deadreckoning equipment with or without the use of advanced techniques such as Doppler or inertial sensing. Properly applied, these aids will help to provide a growing ability to handle the increasing traffic load and at the same time maintain for all users of the airspace a highly desirable freedom and flexibility of movement. The relationship of self-contained aids to other navigation aids, to communications, and to the other elements of the common air traffic control system is treated in this paper. Also discussed are some of the problems involved in the integration of this technique in the over-all system.
Body weights of wild and captive lemurs

The mean body weight of a species is often used as a summary measure of size in evolutionary and functional studies. Additionally, body weight is often used to assess the health of captive animals. Contrasts of the captive and wild body weights of a species can be used to examine the effects of captivity on the species. We provide an analysis of adult body weight in nine taxa of Malagasy lemurs. We compare weights of wild and captive lemurs and provide analyses of relationships between captive weight variation and management actions. Body weights are derived from a number of sources, the majority from the Duke University Primate Center (DUPC) capture and husbandry records. Captive animals are, on average, heavier than wild conspecifics. However, the difference is significant in only three taxa (Hapalemur griseus griseus, Eulemur coronatus, E. macaco flavifrons). Based on a retrospective analysis of DUPC records, we assess patterns of adult weight relative to caging conditions and evaluate changes in mean weight over a period of approximately 20 years. Cage type appears to have no effect on body weight. Mean weight has decreased for some taxa housed at the DUPC over time. We calculate a weight-based criterion for identifying obese animals and demonstrate that obesity is not currently a prevalent condition in DUPC lemurs. Examinations of the physiological correlates of excessive weight, and especially relationships between weight and reproductive success, await further analysis. These analyses need to be based, in part, on reliable measures of body weight. We suggest that systematic weighing of wild and captive animals is important for further examinations of the overall health of captive animals as well as for studies ranging in scope from evolutionary to clinical. Zoo Biol 16:17–30, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A review of published TIA treatment recommendations.

What do the current guidelines tell us about the most effective ways to deal with TIAs? In November of 1999, a supplement to the last full set of guidelines (in 1994) issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) was published because new data had become available, particularly with regard to antiplatelet therapy and carotid endarterectomy (table).1 The 1999 supplement updated recommendations for medical and surgical therapy of TIAs but it did not address TIA definition, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and imaging. View this table: Table Use of antithrombotic agents in patients with transient ischemic attacks TIAs In its brief update of risk-factor modification interventions for TIA patients, the AHA Stroke Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Guidelines for the Management of Transient Ischemic Attack made several notable changes. First, for TIA patients who are diabetic there is recent evidence that blood pressure treatment targets should be lower than previously recommended, to <130/85. With respect to cholesterol, although no large-scale trials have specifically studied the impact of lipid-lowering therapy on TIA and ischemic stroke patients, benefits observed in primary prevention and post-myocardial infarction (MI) statin treatment trials suggest a low-density lipoprotein level of <100 as the goal for individuals who have had a TIA, with the use of a statin if necessary. Reflecting recently revised guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, target levels for fasting blood glucose of <126 are recommended for patients with TIA. Given the conflicting epidemiologic and trial data on the effect of postmenopausal estrogen replacement on vascular events, the committee does not recommend discontinuation of postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy in a woman who has had a …
Gaston darboux and the history of complex dynamics

As documented in a recent paper by Helene Gispert (Archive for History of Exact Sciences 28 (1983), 37-106), Gaston Darboux's calls in the mid-1870s for a more rigorous approach to analysis were largely ignored by the French mathematical community for quite some time. Gabriel Koenigs's 1884-1885 papers on the iteration of complex functions mark perhaps the earliest instance where Darboux directly influenced a French mathematician to develop a rigorous approach to his subject.
Cytologic rapid on-site evaluation of transthoracic computed tomography–guided lung needle biopsies: who should perform ROSE? A cross-institutional analysis of procedural and diagnostic outcomes

Introduction Cytologic rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) during minimally invasive biopsy procedures is an increasingly important service provided by cytopathology to increase diagnostic yield and appropriately triage cellular material. Although ROSE can be performed by cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, or cytopathology fellows, few studies have directly compared both procedural and diagnostic outcome measures among different ROSE personnel. Materials and methods We evaluated all transthoracic computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsies in which ROSE was performed during a 1-year period at 2 academic institutions with similar patient populations and procedural methods: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) (where ROSE is performed by cytopathologists) and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) (where ROSE is rendered by either cytotechnologists or cytopathology fellows). Results A total of 273 CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsies (190 DHMC, 83 BIDMC) were analyzed. There was no major difference in procedure time with respect to ROSE personnel. The repeat procedure rate for nondiagnostic biopsies was similar at DHMC (cytopathologists) and BIDMC (cytotechnologists or cytology fellows) (2.1% versus 2.3%, P = 1.0). Adequacy rates for cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, and cytopathology fellows were comparable ( P = 0.23). ROSE assessments by cytopathologists were more concordant with the final diagnosis (87%) than those by cytotechnologists (82%) or cytopathology fellows (79%); this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.28). Conclusions ROSE procedural and diagnostic outcomes for transthoracic CT-guided lung biopsies were similar among cytopathologists, cytotechnologists, and cytopathology fellows.
Top antireflective coating process for immersion lithography

To accomplish minimizing feature size to sub 60nm, new light sources for photolithography are emerging, such as F2(157nm), and EUV(13nm). However, these new lithographic technologies have many problems to be solved for real device production. In case of F2 lithography, pellicle issue makes it difficult to use of F2 source in mass production. In case of EUV, light source and mask fabrication issues must be solved for real device application. For these reasons, instead of new light sources, extension of dry ArF lithography has been studied for sub 70nm device production by using Resolution Enhancement Technology (RET) such as using high NA tools, off axis illumination, and phase shift mask. Recently, a new technology called ArF immersion lithography is emerging as a next generation lithography. The first problem of this technology is contamination issues that come from the dissolution of contaminants from the photoresist to the immersion liquid. The second is optical problem that comes from the using hyper NA system. To solve these two problems, we have developed top antireflective coating (TARC) material. This TARC material can be coated on resist without damage to the resist property. In addition to, this TARC material is easily developable by conventional 2.38 wt% TMAH solution. The reflective index of this TARC is adjusted to 1.55, so it can act as an antireflective material. To this TARC material for immersion, quencher gradient resist process (QGRP) was applied also. As a result, we could improve resolution and process margin. However, some of resists showed defects that were generated by this TARC material and QGRP. To solve this defect problem, we introduced buffer function to the TARC material. Thanks to this buffer function, we could minimize defects of resist pattern in immersion lithography.
Flattened Inferior Vena Cava: A Normal Finding on Unenhanced Abdominal Computed Tomographic Scan

Flattening of the infrahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) on postcontrast computed tomographic (CT) scans has been reported as a sign of severe hypovolemia. The significance of this finding on unenhanced CT scans, however, has not been reported. We retro-spectively studied 60 consecutive outpatient abdominal CT scans in which both unenhanced and postcontrast sequences were performed. Flattening of the infrahepatic IVC on unenhanced CT images was noted in six patients (10%) without evidence of hypovolemia or extrinsic IVC compression. The degree of IVC fullness increased in 43 study patients overall (72%) after contrast administration. We propose several mechanisms for postcontrast IVC distention and conclude that a flattened infrahepatic IVC on unenhanced CT scans does not indicate hypovolemia in the absence of other suggestive clinical or CT findings.
Inhibitory Effects of Robo2 on Nephrin: A Crosstalk between Positive and Negative Signals Regulating Podocyte Structure

This work is supported by NIH grants R01DK078226 (to W.L.) and R01DK30932 (to D.J.S.), and is also supported in part by Research Grant #6-FY08-304 from the March of Dimes Foundation (to W.L.).
The use of guided tissue regeneration techniques among endodontists: a web-based survey.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine factors and clinical situations that influence an endodontist’s decision to use guided tissue regeneration (GTR) techniques during endodontic root-end surgery. Methods An invitation to participate in a web-based survey was e-mailed to 3,750 members of the American Association of Endodontists. Data were collected from 1,129 participants, representing a 30.1% completion rate. The number of questions varied from 3 to 11 depending on individual responses. Results 40.7% of respondents who perform root-end surgeries also use GTR techniques. The clinical situation in which GTR techniques are used most often is for transosseous lesions. Barrier membranes and bone replacement grafts are each used by more than 85% of respondents using GTR techniques. Insufficient training and insufficient evidence in support of its use were selected as the predominant reasons for not using GTR techniques at 42.4% and 32%, respectively. Conclusions Although over 40% of respondents are currently using GTR techniques in conjunction with their root-end surgeries, a majority of those who do not use GTR indicated they would consider using these techniques with better evidence and available training.
Programming the WFTA for two-dimensional data

The author introduces a two-dimensional Winograd Fourier transform algorithm (WFTA) technique and compares it with more traditional fast Fourier transform (FFT) implementations. Techniques for programming the WFTA in two dimensions are introduced. For completeness, enumerations of the Winograd small-n transposes, required when applying these techniques, are included. It is found that the WFTA implementation does save CPU time when implemented on a general-purpose computer for the following reasons: (1) the number of multiplications is far fewer than for common algorithms; (2) integer arithmetic can be used, at least for several stages of input additions, with no loss of accuracy; and (3) the fact that many operations are written out explicitly allows a programmer to save on the computation of indexes. >
Fractional crystallization and magma mixing in the Tigalak layered intrusion, the Nain anorthosite complex, Labrador

The Tigalak intrusion is a dominantly dioritic layered body, about 80 km2 in area, which ranges in composition from norite to granodiorite. Local areas of the layered rocks display upward fractionation from norite to ferrodiorite. Periodic reversals of mineral composition trends record the emplacement of less fractionated dioritic magma. Heterogeneous mixtures of dioritic and granodioritic rocks occur widely in mappable lenses and layers that alternate up section and along the strike with more uniformly layered rocks. In these mixtures, chilled dioritic pillows occur abundantly in a hybrid cumulate matrix of granodiorite to diorite composition. Cross-cutting granodioritic dikes grade upward into stratigraphically-bound lensoid masses of the hybrid cumulates. It appears that the hybrid rocks formed as a result of the emplacement of the granodioritic magma through lower cumulates into the dioritic magma chamber and that the dioritic pillows represent chilled bodies of Ferich dioritic magma that commingled with cooler granodioritic magma and settled to the floor of the Tigalak magma chamber.
Optimizing patient and family involvement in geriatric home care.

: Although a growing body of literature supports the expansion of patient and family involvement in healthcare processes, little attention has thus far been directed at activating geriatric home care patients and/or families to be more effective in managing health-related activities. In this manuscript we consider the unique needs, attributes, and circumstances of the geriatric home care population in conjunction with patient, family, provider, and organizational interventions with a primary or secondary objective of activating patients and/or families. We summarize what has been learned from these efforts, with attention to feasibility and potential applicability to geriatric home care.
Transport in nonhomogeneous superconductors

Abstract Most theoretical discussions of transport in superconductors in which the gap parameter Δ(r, t) varies in space and time have made use of local models or of time-dependent versions of the Ginzburg-Landau theory. The general non-local theory is difficult to treat mathematically, but progress is being made with use of Green's function methods and with use of the WKB method for solution of the Bogoliubov quasiparticle equations. Applications of the latter method to vortex lines in type-II superconductors and to flow normal to the N-S in the intermediate state of type-I superconductors will be discussed. Although complete solutions have not been obtained, it is possible to see qualitatively how the transition from super to normal flow occurs in the boundaries and how electric fields are set up to drive current through the normal regions with consequent dissipation.
Importance of reverse transcriptase in plant tumour tissue of viral origin cultivated in vitro.

Es werden quantitative und qualitative tumorspezifische Merkmale vonRumex acetosa Geweben hinsichtlich Proteingehalt und Eigenschaften der NADP-abhangigen Isocitratdehydrogenase und der Peroxydas-Isoenzyme beschrieben. Das Weiterbestehen dieser Merkmale in den in vitro kultivierten Tumoren nach Verschwinden des Erreger-Virus wird auf die Aktivitat einer reversen Transkriptase zuruckgefuhrt.
Gastric acid secretion, gastrin release, and gastric emptying in humans as affected by liquid meal temperature

We investigated the effect of the temperature of a liquid meal on intragastric temperature, gastric acid secretion, gastrin release, and gastric emptying in normal human subjects. Coffee (360 mL) was infused into the stomach through a nasogastric tube at 58 (steaming hot), 37, or 4 degrees C (ice cold). Intragastric temperature, measured by an intragastric temperature sensor attached to the nasogastric tube, returned to body temperature 16.7 +/- 2.7 min after the hot meal and 23.8 +/- 1.1 min after the cold meal. Gastric acid secretion increased after hot, warm, and cold coffee but the initial temperature of the meal had no effect on gastric acid secretion. The temperature of the meal also had no effect on serum gastrin concentrations, which increased significantly after all the meals. Gastric emptying of hot, warm, or cold coffee meals was similar. These findings indicate that over a wide temperature range, the temperature of a liquid meal has little effect on gastric function in humans.
An improved parameterization of tidal mixing for ocean models

Abstract. Two modifications to an existing scheme of tidal mixing are implemented in the coarse resolution ocean component of a global climate model. First, the vertical distribution of energy flux out of the barotropic tide is determined using high resolution bathymetry. This shifts the levels of mixing higher up in the water column and leads to a stronger mid-depth meridional overturning circulation in the model. Second, the local dissipation efficiency for diurnal tides is assumed to be larger than that for the semi-diurnal tides poleward of 30°. Both modifications are shown to improve agreement with observational estimates of diapycnal diffusivities based on microstructure measurements and circulation indices. We also assess impacts of different spatial distributions of the barotropic energy loss. Estimates based on satellite altimetry lead to larger diffusivities in the deep ocean and hence a stronger deep overturning circulation in our climate model that is in better agreement with observation based estimates compared to those based on a tidal model.
Lower back pain after recently giving birth

A 33-year-old gravida 1, para 1 woman presented to the emergency room with severe lower back pain after recently giving birth. This was her first pregnancy, which was a spontaneous vaginal delivery at term, and she did not have any complications or prolonged labor at the time of the delivery. Radiography was performed at presentation. After conservative management and continued lower back pain, follow-up MRI and CT were obtained 6 months later Figs. 1, 2a-c and 3.
A stochastic micromechanical model for elastic properties of functionally graded materials

A stochastic micromechanical model is presented for predicting probabilistic characteristics of elastic mechanical properties of an isotropic functionally graded material (FGM) subject to statistical uncertainties in material properties of constituents and their respective volume fractions. The model involves non-homogeneous, non-Gaussian random field representation of phase volume fractions and random variable description of constituent material properties, a three-phase Mori–Tanaka model for underlying micromechanics and homogenization, and a novel dimensional decomposition method for obtaining probabilistic descriptors of effective FGM properties. Four numerical examples involving statistical properties of input random fields, limited experimental validation, and the second-moment characteristics and probability density functions of effective mechanical properties of FGM illustrate the proposed stochastic model. The results indicate that the model provides both accurate and computationally efficient estimates of probabilistic characteristics of effective FGM properties.
Benchmarking the endodontic literature on MEDLINE.

The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify the endodontic literature available for clinical decision making. A search strategy based on Medical Subject Headings for endodontics was developed to examine MEDLINE. The identified articles were limited to human subjects and English. Sensitive and specific methodological search filters identified four categories of information: etiology, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis. The results were then subdivided by year to identify trends. Between 1990 and 1998 MEDLINE identified 3,152 articles published in English on endodontics in humans. The number of articles per year (mean ± SD) for sensitive and specific searches was etiology (28 ± 10, 1 ± 2), diagnosis (38 ± 11, 1 ± 1), therapy (59 ± 15, 3 ± 3), and prognosis (40 ± 13, 10 ± 5), respectively. The number of articles in each category increased by 1 to 3% each year. There were 150 articles/yr in endodontics in at least 120 journals cited on MEDLINE (see Table 5 ) on which to base clinical decisions. Average = average no. of articles/year.
A study on stochastic resonance involving the Hodgkin-Huxley equations

An investigation is conducted on stochastic resonance with the Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) equations involving key variables in simplified nonlinear firing dynamics of human cortical sensory neurons. The neuron membrane potential, depicted by a characteristic continuous bursting phenomenon, is first demonstrated within a deterministic framework. With the addition of a noise input, certain throughput dependent measures are then explored both theoretically as well as with a MATLAB simulation. This methodology has applicability in understanding how best to design command inputs into certain systems to optimize specified throughput characteristics of their response.