cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Even frequent and expected words are not identified without spatial attention

Previous studies have disagreed about the extent to which people extract meaning from words presented outside the focus of spatial attention. The present study examined a possible explanation for such discrepancies inspired by attenuation theory: Unattended words can be read more automatically when they are expected within a given context (e.g., due to frequent repetition). We presented a brief prime word in lowercase, followed by a target word in uppercase. Participants indicated whether the target word belonged to a particular category (e.g., “sports”). When we used a visual cue to draw attention to the location of the prime word, it produced substantial priming effects on target responses (i.e., especially fast responses when the prime and target words were identical or from the same category). When prime words were not attended, however, they produced no priming effects. This finding replicated even when there were only four words, each repeated 160 times during the experiment. It appears that very little word processing is possible without spatial attention, even for words that are expected and frequently presented.
The Critical Role of Accreditation in Establishing the ACS Education Institutes to Advance Patient Safety Through Simulation

This paper reviews the rationale for the development of an accreditation program for Educational Institutes by the American College of Surgeons. It discusses the reasons why such accreditation program is beneficial to the institutes themselves as well as to the organizations that sponsor the institute. It analyzes the evolution of the accreditation program since its inception, and it provides advice as to how to start the accreditation process.
Comparison of naive Bayes and logistic regression for computer-aided diagnosis of breast masses using ultrasound imaging

This study compares the performance of two proven but very different machine learners, Naive Bayes and logistic regression, for differentiating malignant and benign breast masses using ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound images of 266 masses were analyzed quantitatively for shape, echogenicity, margin characteristics, and texture features. These features along with patient age, race, and mammographic BI-RADS category were used to train Naive Bayes and logistic regression classifiers to diagnose lesions as malignant or benign. ROC analysis was performed using all of the features and using only a subset that maximized information gain. Performance was determined by the area under the ROC curve, Az, obtained from leave-one-out cross validation. Naive Bayes showed significant variation (Az 0.733 ± 0.035 to 0.840 ± 0.029, P < 0.002) with the choice of features, but the performance of logistic regression was relatively unchanged under feature selection (Az 0.839 ± 0.029 to 0.859 ± 0.028, P = 0.605). Out of 34 features, a subset of 6 gave the highest information gain: brightness difference, margin sharpness, depth-to-width, mammographic BI-RADs, age, and race. The probabilities of malignancy determined by Naive Bayes and logistic regression after feature selection showed significant correlation (R 2 = 0.87, P < 0.0001). The diagnostic performance of Naive Bayes and logistic regression can be comparable, but logistic regression is more robust. Since probability of malignancy cannot be measured directly, high correlation between the probabilities derived from two basic but dissimilar models increases confidence in the predictive power of machine learning models for characterizing solid breast masses on ultrasound.
Incidence of seizures in the acute phase of stroke: a population-based study.

Summary Purpose: The incidence of seizures within 24 h of acute stroke has not been studied extensively. We aimed to establish the incidence of acute poststroke seizures in a biracial cohort and to determine whether acute seizure occurrence differs by race/ethnicity, stroke subtype, and/or stroke localization. Methods: We identified all stroke cases between July 1993 and June 1994 and in 1999 within the population of the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan region. Patients with a prior history of seizures/epilepsy were excluded from analysis. Results: A total of 6044 strokes without a history of seizure(s) were identified; 190 (3.1%) had seizures within the first 24 h of stroke onset. Of ICH/SAH patients, 8.4% had a seizure within the first 24 h of stroke onset (p ≤ 0.0001 vs. all other stroke subtype). Of the patients with ischemic stroke, we observed higher incidence of seizures in cardioembolic versus small or large vessel ischemic (p = 0.02) strokes. Patients with seizures experienced higher mortality than patients without seizures (p < 0.001) but seizures were not an independent risk factor of mortality at 30 days after stroke. Independent risk factors for seizure development included hemorrhagic stroke, younger age, and prestroke Rankin score of ≥1. Race/ethnicity or localization of the ischemic stroke did not influence the risk for seizure development in the studied population. Discussion: The overall incidence of acute seizures after stroke was 3.1%, with a higher incidence seen in hemorrhagic stroke, younger patients, and those presenting with higher prestroke Rankin scores. Acute seizures were associated with a higher mortality at 30 days after stroke.
First-order image correction using a charge injection device (CID) array

Turbulence is known to be the factor limiting resolution in long exposure images taken through the earth's atmosphere. The degradation is such that the images obtained can be described by the classical Seidel aberrations. Adaptive optics can be used to remove these aberrations to the maximum extent possible with corrective optics and a reference object. Full compensation systems are preferred, but are costly and complex. Significant improvement in image quality can be obtained by removing only the lowest order aberration, that is random tilts. These 'partial adaptive systems' have been used to produce high quality images in the visible and infrared. For most systems, determining the orientation of the incoming wavefront has required two separate imagers; one for determining wavefront variations and another for integration of photons in the field of interest. This has resulted in a need to split the incoming light with beamsplitters or choppers. In this paper, a new method of tracking tilts with only one focal plane array has been devised. Experiments with a Charge Injection Device (CID) used in conjunction with tip-tilt mirrors has been shown to be capable of first order motion correction. Limitations of this overall system as well as results and analysis from experiments will be presented.
Warm Lidocaine/Tetracaine Patch Versus Placebo Before Pediatric Intravenous Cannulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study objective We compare the pain of intravenous (IV) cannulation in pediatric emergency department (ED) patients after applying a topical lidocaine/tetracaine patch versus placebo. We hypothesized that application of the active patch would reduce the pain of IV cannulation by at least 15 mm. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a suburban academic ED. Patients aged 3 to 17 years who required nonemergency IV cannulation were eligible for enrollment. At triage, a nurse placed a commercially available topical lidocaine/tetracaine patch or an identical-looking placebo patch over the antecubital or hand vein in patients for whom an IV catheter was anticipated. After IV cannulation by the treating nurse, the pain of cannulation was measured on a validated 100-mm visual analogue scale or Wong Baker scale. Outcomes were compared between groups with Mann-Whitney U, Student t , and χ 2 tests. A sample of 40 patients had 80% power to detect a 13-mm difference in pain scores. Results Forty-five patients were randomized to lidocaine/tetracaine patch (22) or placebo (23), and IV cannulation was attempted in 40 of these patients. Mean age was 10 years (SD=4.3), 35% were female patients. The median pain of IV cannulation in the active treatment group (18 mm [interquartile range (IQR) 1 to 40 mm]) was significantly lower than in the placebo group (35 mm [IQR 20 to 59 mm]; P =.04). Adequate pain relief was more common in the active treatment group (75% [95% confidence interval (CI) 53% to 89%] versus 35% [95% CI 18% to 57%]; difference 40% [95% CI 6% to 64%]). The number of successful IV cannulations after the first attempt was similar in both the lidocaine/tetracaine and the placebo groups (90% [95% CI 70% to 97%] versus 85% [95% CI 64% to 95%]; difference 5% (95% CI –21% to 30%). Conclusion Application of a topical lidocaine/tetracaine patch resulted in a modest reduction in the pain of IV cannulation in pediatric ED patients and did not alter the rate of successful cannulations.
Potential Organ- or Tumor-Imaging Agents XX: Ovarian Imaging with 19-Radioiodinated Cholesterol

Cholesterol is stored in the ovaries where it is a precursor in the biosynthesis of the female sex hormones progesterone and estradiol. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a radioiodinated analog of cholesterol, 125I-labeled 19-iodocholesterol, would mimic cholesterol in this capacity and thus offer a means for imaging the ovaries of intact animals. Aside from the thyroid, the adrenal glands and ovaries of the female rat retained the highest levels of radioactivity at 4 days following the intravenous administration of 125I-labeled 19-iodocholesterol. Moreover, the levels of radioactivity were sufficient to obtain clear images of the adrenal glands and ovaries with a small animal scanner. Folch analysis of these tissues revealed that >80% of the radioactivity was associated with the sterol ester fraction.
Zero entropy, non-integrable geodesic flows and a non-commutative rotation vector

Let g be a 2-step nilpotent Lie algebra; we say g is non-integrable if, for a generic pair of points p, p' ∈ g*, the isotropy algebras do not commute: [g p , g p ,] ¬= 0. Theorem: If G is a simply-connected 2-step nilpotent Lie group, g = Lie(G) is non-integrable, D < G is a cocompact subgroup, and g is a left-invariant Riemannian metric, then the geodesic flow of g on T*(D\G) is neither Liouville nor non-commutatively integrable with C° first integrals. The proof uses a generalization of the rotation vector pioneered by Benardete and Mitchell.
Phosphorylation by protein kinase C decreases catalytic activity of avian phospholipase C-beta.

The potential role of protein kinase C (PKC)-promoted phosphorylation has been examined in the G-protein-regulated inositol lipid signalling pathway. Incubation of [32P]Pi-labelled turkey erythrocytes with either the P2Y1 receptor agonist 2-methylthioadenosine triphosphate (2MeSATP) or with PMA resulted in a marked increase in incorporation of 32P into the G-protein-activated phospholipase C PLC-betaT. Purified PLC-betaT also was phosphorylated by PKC in vitro to a stoichiometry (mean+/-S. E.M.) of 1.06+/-0.2 mol of phosphate/mol of PLC-betaT. Phosphorylation by PKC was isoenzyme-specific because, under identical conditions, mammalian PLC-beta2 also was phosphorylated to a stoichiometry near unity, whereas mammalian PLC-beta1 was not phosphorylated by PKC. The effects of PKC-promoted phosphorylation on enzyme activity were assessed by reconstituting purified PLC-betaT with turkey erythrocyte membranes devoid of endogenous PLC activity. Phosphorylation resulted in a decrease in basal activity, AlF4(-)-stimulated activity, and activity stimulated by 2MeSATP plus guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate in the reconstituted membranes. The decreases in enzyme activities were proportional to the extent of PKC-promoted phosphorylation. Catalytic activity assessed by using mixed detergent/phospholipid micelles also was decreased by up to 60% by phosphorylation. The effect of phosphorylation on Gqalpha-stimulated PLC-betaT in reconstitution experiments with purified proteins was not greater than that observed on basal activity alone. Taken together, these results illustrate that PKC phosphorylates PLC-betaT in vivo and to a physiologically relevant stoichiometry in vitro. Phosphorylation is accompanied by a concomitant loss of enzyme activity, reflected as a decrease in overall catalytic activity rather than as a specific modification of G-protein-regulated activity.
Gender Roles, Aggression, and Alcohol Use in Dating Relationships

We examined the relationship among gender roles (i.e., hypermasculinity and hyperfemininity), psychological maltreatment, verbal and physical aggression, and alcohol use in dating couples. Fifty‐six couples completed questionnaires on adherence to gender‐role identity, psychological maltreatment, verbal and physical abuse, and average alcohol consumption in their current dating relationship. We found that the interaction of hypermasculinity and hyperfemininity in a dating relationship contributes to a man's perception of being verbally abused, a woman's perception of having her self‐esteem attacked, and a man's consumption of liquor. These findings suggest that couples high in the characteristics of hypermasculinity and hyperfemininity may be more at risk for establishing and maintaining abusive relationships.
Thrombotic microangiopathy during docetaxel, trastuzumab, and carboplatin chemotherapy for early-stage HER2+ breast cancer: a case report

Chemotherapy-induced thrombotic microangiopathy is a severe illness that has occurred in a small number of patients treated with carboplatin and combination of docetaxel and trastuzumab chemotherapy. We describe herein the case of a patient with stage IIB breast cancer who developed thrombotic microangiopathy after five cycles of carboplatin, docetaxel, and trastuzumab.
Management of chronic orthostatic hypotension

Chronic orthostatic hypotension is characterized by recurrent symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion due to low upright blood pressure levels. The initial approach should be to identify and correct reversible causes. Persistence of orthostatic hypotension suggests autonomic failure. The goal of management is to minimize symptoms and maximize functional capacity; therefore the magnitude of blood pressure fall is not as important as the advent of symptoms. Therapy is based upon the underlying pathophysiology and the risk/benefit ratio of interventions. Patient education and nondrug measures form the cornerstone of management. Drug therapy is often limited by unacceptable supine hypertension. Rational drug use can be governed by individualized trials of therapy. Patients with moderate or severe orthostatic hypotension are difficult to treat, but can be helped toward resumption of a normal life.
Molecular Imaging of Myocardial and Vascular Disorders With Ultrasound

Methods for noninvasive imaging of specific disease-related molecular changes are being developed in order to expand and improve diagnostic capabilities and to enhance therapeutic decision making in the clinical setting. These new techniques have also started to be incorporated into research programs in order to better characterize pathophysiology or evaluate treatment efficacy. Molecular imaging with contrast-enhanced ultrasound relies on the detection of the acoustic signal produced by either microbubbles or other acoustically active particulate agents that are targeted to sites of disease. This review describes the progress that has been made in the development and testing of methods for contrast ultrasound molecular imaging of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, topics that will be addressed include: 1) the bioengineering and detection schemes for targeted probes; 2) specific disease processes (myocardial ischemia, atherosclerosis, and transplant rejection) where molecular imaging may play a role; and 3) the potential role of ultrasound as a molecular imaging technique.
Solitons in a two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract The non-linear spectrum of a two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) formed at the interface of a heterostructure is investigated. This spectrum is found to contain a new type of localized excitation exhibiting soliton behavior. A matrix formulation of the model equations permits the extraction of the equation of evolution in space for these excitations. Results are presented for the boundary value problem excited by temporal Gaussian pulses.
Teaching Design Methodologies Across Engineering Disciplines

The Colorado School of Mines (CSM) offers a combined capstone design experience for mechanical, civil, electrical and environmental engineering students. In a recent re-invention of our design curriculum, a new emphasis on design methodologies has been implemented. Many of these design methods have origins in the design of electro-mechanical products, and it is certainly in these areas where the most vibrant design communities seem to reside. Yet in a combined setting, analogous design processes appear to exist in a broader engineering design community. This paper describes the capstone design program at CSM, with a focus on the methods that we are teaching and how they translate between disciplines. The lessons learned in such a translation not only illuminate how engineering design may differ in other disciplines, but also may reveal new perspectives on mechanical design processes.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A living organism of unusual isotopic composition. Sequential and cumulative replacement of stable isotopes in Chlorella vulgaris.

Abstract Replacement of the biologically important isotopes by the corresponding heavier stable isotopes results in marked cytological changes in the alga Chlorella vulgaris. The isotopes used were those of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Progressive isotopic substitution results in increasingly greater deviations from normal cell size, the more highly substituted cells being much larger than ordinary cells. Isotopic substitution also changes the quantity and distribution of such cellular components as nucleic acids, carbohydrates and proteins, as evidenced by staining techniques.
Central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis: a systematic review.

The purpose was to perform a systematic review of studies on central pontine and extrapontine myelinolysis [forms of osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS)] and define the spectrum of causes, risk factors, clinical and radiological presentations, and functional outcomes of this disorder. A thorough search of the literature was conducted using multiple databases (PubMed, Ovid Medline and Google) and bibliographies of key articles to identify all case series of adult patients with ODS published from 1959 to January 2013. Only series with five or more cases published in English were considered. Of the 2602 articles identified, 38 case series were included comprising a total of 541 patients who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The most common predisposing factor was hyponatremia (78%) and the most common presentation was encephalopathy (39%). Favorable recovery occurred in 51.9% of patients and death in 24.8%. Liver transplant patients with ODS had a combined rate of death and disability of 77.4%, compared with 44.7% in those without liver transplantation (P < 0.001). ODS is found to have a good recovery in more than half of cases and its mortality has decreased with each passing decade. Favorable prognosis is possible in patients of ODS, even with severe neurological presentation. Further research is required to confirm the differences found in liver transplant recipients.
Stability of Transition Densities: Evidence from Competing Interest Rate Models

Application of continuous-time models for changes in the short-term interest rate amounts to specifying a corresponding transition density for interest rates. The author empirically evaluates the time series of transition densities obtained from popular interest rate models when implied parameter estimates from the options markets are used. The integrated absolute difference between transition densities obtained in successive periods provides a convenient method to evaluate out-of-sample performance of a model. The procedure is used to evaluate four competing modes with the data from the Eurodollar futures and options market for the period 1985–1999.
Collective modes in nonrelativistic electron-positron plasmas.

The longitudinal and transverse collective modes in a nonrelativistic electron-positron plasma are studied in two cases: a static uniform magnetic field is present or absent. The dispersion relations for the longitudinal and transverse collective modes in the absence of a magnetic field and those for the longitudinal mode in the presence of a magnetic field (Bernstein mode) are found to be similar to those for the one-component electron plasma. The transverse modes in the presence of a magnetic field, on the other hand, are found to be quite different from the electron-ion plasma: The dispersion relations for the left- and right-circularly polarized waves propagating parallel to the magnetic field are found to be identical. In addition to the transverse plasma oscillations, the low-frequency Alfv\'en mode exists, while the whistler mode does not exist. For waves propagating perpendicular to the magnetic field, the extraordinary wave becomes a pure transverse mode. In the cold-plasma limit, there is only one resonance at the cyclotron frequency and one cutoff frequency for the extraordinary mode, in contrast to the electron-ion plasma, where there are two hybrid resonances and two cutoff frequencies.
Anion effects on the reaction of lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase with discoidal complexes of phosphatidylcholines . apolipoprotein A-I . cholesterol.

Abstract Discoidal complexes of phosphatidylcholine (PC) · apolipoprotein A–I · cholesterol were prepared with egg PC, palmitoyloleoylPC, dipalmitoylPC, or dimyristoylPC, and were used as substrates of purified lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase to investigate the effects of neutral salts on the enzymatic reaction. Sodium fluoride, chloride and bromide concentrations up to 1 M, did not affect the properties of the substrate particles, but caused marked and distinct changes in the activity of the enzyme with the various PC particles. The effects of salts were largely due to the anions, which followed the order of the lyotropic series in their inactivating capacity: F−
Instrumented anvil-on-rod impact testing of a bulk metallic glass composite for constitutive model validation

Instrumented anvil-on-rod impact testing is used to investigate the high-strain-rate mechanical behavior of Zr-based bulk metallic glass composite containing 70 vol.% tungsten. Transient deformation profiles and sample back surface velocity traces are obtained using high speed digital imaging and VISAR velocity interferometry, and compared with those generated with finite element simulations. The comparisons provide validation of constitutive models and elucidation of response dominated either by glass matrix, or tungsten reinforcement, or rule of mixtures combination of properties of the two phases.
Man, nature, and semiotic modelling or How to create forests and backyards with language

This paper explains how we create concepts such as the forest or the backyard through language. Reflecting on Andreas Weber’s hope for a revolution of the life sciences and a re-evaluation of the role human beings play in nature, this paper adopts as a starting point Bruno Latour’s characterization of the distinction between nature and culture as an illusion that came with Modernity. Theoretical notions from modelling systems theory and cognitive linguistics explain that while language plays a key role in constructing new models of nature, new cognitive habits and changes of belief depend on face-to-face and non-verbal communication with other organisms, human and non-human.
On the need for negative local item dependence

While negative local item dependence (LID) has been discussed in numerous articles, its occurrence and effects often go unrecognized. This is due in part to confusion over what unidimensional latent trait is being utilized in evaluating the LID of multidimensional testing data. This article addresses this confusion by using an appropriately chosen latent variable to condition on. It then provides a proof that negative LID must occur when unidimensional ability estimates (such as number right score) are obtained from data which follow a very general class of multidimensional item response theory models. The importance of specifying what unidimensional latent trait is used, and its effect on the sign of the LIDs are shown to have implications in regard to a variety of foundational theoretical arguments, to the simulation of LID data sets, and to the use of testlet scoring for removing LID.
OPTICAL WAVE PROPAGATION IN ACTIVE MEDIA : GYROTROPIC-GYROCHIRAL MEDIA

A comprehensive study of electromagnetic wave propagation is conducted in linear, homogeneous, and lossless biuniaxial media that are optically active and placed in a constant magnetic field. The dispersion equation is derived, and the coupled effects of the optical activity and Faraday effect are discussed. These effects include the inequality of the refractive indices in opposite directions of propagation and the conceptual possibility of trirefringence. Clear manifestations of these effects occur when the direction of propagation is parallel to that of the constant magnetic induction field. In such a case, closed-form solutions for the refractive indices, the field vectors, and the wave polarizations are derived.
SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling stimulates β-catenin transcriptional activity in rat neural progenitors

Stromal cell-derived factor (SDF-1), by activating its cognate receptor CXCR4, plays multiple roles in cell migration, proliferation and survival in the development of the central nervous system. Recently, we have shown that functional SDF1alpha/CXCR4 signaling mediates chemotaxis through extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the developing spinal cord. Here, we report that SDF1alpha/CXCR4 signaling activates beta-catenin/TCF transcriptional activity in embryonic rat spinal cord neural progenitors. Stimulation of neural progenitors with SDF1alpha resulted in cytoplasmic beta-catenin accumulation in 30 min, and lasted for approximately 240 min, while Wnt3a, a positive control, stabilized cytoplasmic beta-catenin in 120 min. Dose-response studies indicated that the beta-catenin stabilization effect could be detected in cells exposed to fM concentrations of SDF1alpha. This SDF1alpha-induced beta-catenin stabilization effect was inhibited by pretreatment of the cells with either pertussis toxin (PTX), an inactivator of G protein-coupled receptors, or PD98059, a MEK1 inhibitor. Concomitant with beta-catenin accumulation in the cytoplasm, SDF1alpha enhanced nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and its binding to nuclear transcription factor T cell-specific transcription factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF). Furthermore, SDF1alpha increased expression of genes such as Ccnd1, 2, 3, and c-Myc known as targets of the Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF pathway. The increased expression of Ccnd1 and c-Myc by SDF1alpha was further confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Our data suggest that SDF1alpha/CXCR4 signaling may interact with the Wnt/beta-catenin/TCF pathway to regulate the development of the central nervous system.
Diversity ideologies and intergroup relations: An examination of colorblindness and multiculturalism

In this review, we highlight the importance of understanding diversity ideologies, or people’s beliefs and practices regarding diversity, for social psychological research on intergroup relations. This review focuses on two diversity ideologies, colorblindness and multiculturalism, and their impact on core issues related to intergroup conflict, such as stereotypes, prejudice, attitudes toward inequality, interracial interactions, and disparate outcomes between minority and majority group members. We close by highlighting some of the areas in which future research has the potential to be especially illuminating. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer generation of distance polynomials of graphs

A computer program is developed to compute distance polynomials of graphs containing up to 200 vertices. The code also computes the eigenvalues and the eigenvectors of the distance matrix. It requires as input only the neighborhood information from which the program constructs the distance matrix. The eigenvalues and eigenvectors are computed using the Givens-Householder method while the characteristic polynomials of the distance matrix are constructed using the codes developed by the author before. The newly developed codes are tested out on many graphs containing large numbers of vertices. It is shown that some cyclic isospectral graphs are differentiated by their distance polynomials although distance polynomials themselves are in general not unique structural invariants.
Iridium oxide pH microelectrode

The manufacture, calibration, and signal conditioning during construction of an iridium/iridium oxide pH microsensor is described. The microsensor was designed to be used extracellularly, primarily in biofilm research. The sensing tip diameters were typically in the range of 3-15 mum. The iridium oxide was formed by potential cycling in dilute sulfuric acid. A pH profile across a denitrifying biofilm was measured as an example of an application. The higher Nernstian slope (70-80 mV/pH for fresh electrodes), increased rigidity, and restriction of the sensing tip to the outermost end of the electrode are features which make the iridium/iridium oxide pH microelectrode superior to a glass microelectrode.
A Novel Battery Charger for Automotive Applications

In this paper, a new power electronics topology and battery charging method is introduced. The topology is based on a bidirectional isolated Cuk converter. The charging method provides positive and negative current and resting periods. This charging method results in less generated heat and longer battery life cycle. During charging cycle, constant current is applied to the battery from the source. In discharging cycle, which is a small fraction of full period, the battery is discharged with constant current and the energy storage capacitor is charged. In resting period, no current is applied to help with the electromechanical reaction and neutralization of the battery's internal electrolyte. Different operating modes of the system and its small signal analysis are presented in this paper. Simulation and test results are also provided to validate the mathematical analysis.
A study of oral nutritional support with oxandrolone in malnourished patients with alcoholic hepatitis: Results of a department of veterans affairs cooperative study

A Veterans Affairs cooperative study involving 273 male patients was performed to evaluate efficacy of oxandrolone in combination with an enteral food supplement in severe alcoholic hepatitis. All patients had some degree of protein calorie malnutrition. On an intention-to-treat basis, only minimal changes in mortality were observed. However, in patients with moderate malnutrition mortality on active treatment at 1 mo was 9.4% compared with 20.9% in patients receiving placebo. This beneficial effect was maintained so that after 6 mo on active treatment 79.7% of patients were still alive, compared with 62.7% of placebo-treated patients (p = 0.037). Improvements in both the severity of the liver injury (p = 0.03) and malnutrition (p = 0.05) also occurred. No significant improvement was observed with severe malnutrition. To better determine the effect on therapeutic efficacy, we compared results with those from a nearly identical population (cooperative study 119) treated with oxandrolone but not given the food supplement. Patients were stratified according to their caloric intake (greater than 2,500 kcal/day was considered adequate to supply energy needs and promote anabolism). For patients with moderate malnutrition and adequate caloric intake, oxandrolone treatment reduced 6-mo mortality (4% active treatment vs. 28% placebo [p = 0.002]). For patients with moderate malnutrition and inadequate calorie intake, oxandrolone had no effect on mortality (30% active treatment vs. 33% placebo). In cases of severe malnutrition, oxandrolone had no effect on survival. However, adequate caloric intake was associated with 19% mortality, whereas patients with inadequate intake exhibited 51% mortality (p = 0.0001). These results indicate that nutritional status should be evaluated in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. When malnutrition is present, vigorous nutrition therapy should be provided, and in patients with moderate malnutrition oxandrolone should be added to the regimen. (HEPATOLOGY 1993;17:564–576.)
Arginine-Containing Ligands Enhance H-2 Oxidation Catalyst Performance

In H2 fuel cells, performance depends on factors controlling turnover frequency and energy efficiency in the electrocatalytic oxidation of H2. Nature uses the hydrogenase enzymes to oxidize H2 at high turnover frequencies (up to 20,000 s-1) and low overpotentials (<100 mV), while the fastest synthetic catalyst reported to date only oxidizes H2 at 50 s-1 under 1 atm H2. Here we report a water-soluble complex incorporating the amino acid arginine, [NiII(PCy2NArg2)2]6+, that operates at 210 s-1 (180 mV overpotential) under 1 atm H2 and 144,000 s-1 (460 mV overpotential) under 133 atm H2. The complex functions from pH 0-14 with rates increasing at lower pH values. The arginine groups impart water solubility and play a critical role in enhancing turnover frequency, most consistent with an intramolecular Arg-Arg interaction that controls the structure of the catalyst active site. This work was funded by the Office of Science Early Career Research Program through the US DOE, BES (AD, WJS), and the Center for Molecular Electrocatalysis, an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the US DOE, BES (JASR). PNNL is operated by Battelle for the US DOE.
Predictive value of eIF4E reduction after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.

Introduction Initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) overexpression has prognostic significance in breast cancer. Up-regulation of downstream gene products associated with high eIF4E overexpression has been linked to chemoresistance. We hypothesize patients whose tumors had eIF4E reduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy will have lower cancer recurrence compared with those who did not. Methods Seventeen locally advanced breast cancer patients were accrued, and tumor specimens were obtained before and after neoadjuvant therapy. eIF4E was quantified by Western blots. Primary end-point was cancer recurrence. Results Low eIF4E was defined as ≤7.5-fold elevation and high eIF4E was >7.5-fold elevation. Of 17 patients, six tumors remained low after neoadjuvant therapy, six dropped from high to low eIF4E, and five remained high. With a median follow-up of 29 mo, four of five patients with tumors that remained high have recurred while only three of 12 patients in the low eIF4E post-therapy group have recurred ( P = 0.05, χ 2 ). Survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method showed a higher rate of cancer recurrence in patients with post-treatment high eIF4E overexpression ( P = 0.026, log rank test). Conclusions Breast cancer patients whose tumors had low eIF4E overexpression after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had lower cancer recurrence compared with those who did not.
RF atmospheric pressure micro-plasma in a 35 cm long hollow slot electrode

Summary form only given, as follows. A hollow slot of 35 cm in length has been radio-frequency powered to generate a discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure. We have had prior experience in employing slotted hollow cathodes for laser generation, but the operating pressures never exceeded 133 kPa and the operating frequency 360Hz. This newly developed micro-plasma device consists of a rf driven hollow electrode and a solid transverse electrode which is electrically grounded and placed parallel to the cathode slot. This configuration has achieved at 13.56 MHz a power deposition of 20 W/cm with about 150 V of rf voltage between the grounded electrode and the rf driven hollow slot electrode with an rf current density up to several A/cm/sup 2/. We stabilized the chscharge at high pressure at varying rf frequencies (13.56 MHz, 4 MHz, etc) in both the hollow cathode and hollow anode modes.
Amino acid differences in cat adrenocorticotropin account for the inability of a human-based immunoradiometric assay to detect the molecule in cat plasma

A commercial immunoradiometric assay kit designed for the measurement of endogenous adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentrations in human plasma does not detect the molecule in plasma samples from cats. It was hypothesized that the inability of the assay to detect the molecule was related to variation(s) in the amino acid sequence of cat ACTH, compared with human ACTH. Cat ACTH complementary DNA was cloned from pituitary tissue and sequenced. The deduced structure showed amino acid differences from the human molecule with cat ACTH having a valine instead of alanine at amino acid 32 and a threonine instead of alanine at amino acid 34. Cat and human ACTH were synthesized along with 2 modified peptides containing alanine substitutions at cat ACTH 32 and 34. Only the human ACTH was detected using the commercial kit, indicating that an epitope recognized by one of the antibodies in the assay requires the presence of 2 alanines near the C-terminus of the molecule.
The Effect of Doxycycline Treatment on the Development of Protective Immunity in a Murine Model of Chlamydial Genital Infection

Chlamydia trachomatis is a major cause of sexually transmitted disease (STD) worldwide. Antibiotics are effective in treating infection; however, reinfection is common. This observation has led to the conclusion that infection fails to elicit a protective antichlamydial immune response. It was postulated that high reinfection rates might be due to early eradication of organisms from genital tissue after antibiotic intervention, which could negatively influence the development of naturally acquired protective immunity. This hypothesis was tested by use of a murine model of female genital infection. The findings show that doxycycline intervention of infection, although very effective in eradicating chlamydiae from genital tissue and preventing upper genital tract disease, significantly inhibits the development of protective immunity. If antibiotic intervention of human chlamydial genital infection has a similar effect on protective immunity, it could have important implications in the understanding of immunity to infection and future public health efforts to control chlamydial STD.
A multiprocessor architecture for high-rate communication processing

The author presents a general-purpose multiprocessor architecture which accommodates an I/O bandwidth of many Gb/s through the use of VRAM in the main memory. The virtual port memory architecture is a global-memory-message-passing multiprocessor which is well suited to I/O-intensive real-time processing. This bus-based architecture permits incremental adjustments in I/O bandwidth, memory size, and processing power by simply adding or removing I/O controllers, memory modules, and processors. This architecture is described, followed by an analysis of its performance in handling various communication processing tasks, including the 4*300 Mb/s data stream at the NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) ground terminal. >
The Stability of Social Preferences in a Low-Income Neighborhood

We investigate whether social preferences are stable across contexts using a field population of low-income Americans. We develop and demonstrate a simplified, visually-based experimental methodology appropriate for this population. We show that choices in a laboratory public goods game predict giving in real donation experiments, as well as self-reported donations and volunteering outside the lab. At the same time, choices vary systematically by individual characteristics and decision context. Thus, our results provide evidence both for an underlying stable social preference and for the role of context in influencing the expression of that preference.
Turning Hepatitis C into a Real Virus

The reality of hepatitis C is inescapable for the estimated 130 million people worldwide chronically infected with the virus. Yet this pathogen has been notoriously difficult to move from the infected individual into experimental systems, and each advance--from the identification of the infectious agent to its culture and study--has been a significant challenge. As a result of unrelenting technical hurdles, preventative and therapeutic options have been slow to reach hepatitis C patients. More than 35 years since the recognition of the disease, there is no vaccine available, and the only approved treatment, a combination of pegylated interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and ribavirin, is frequently ineffective. Decades of research, however, have resulted in systematic progress and much is now known about this once elusive pathogen. Most importantly, key breakthroughs have stimulated drug discovery, and the first generation of specifically targeted antiviral inhibitors is poised to enter the market. This review provides a look back at progress in developing tractable model systems for this important agent of chronic hepatitis.
Registration of 3D tracked ultrasonic spinal images to segmented CT images for technology-guided therapy

As a prerequisite to performing minimally-invasive spinal surgery (MISS) with technology-guided therapy (TGT), researchers at Vanderbilt University have proposed to mathematically align the physical space of the patient with preoperative images through a surface-based registration. In order to support closed-back spinal surgeries, we have selected a non-invasive, portable imaging modality for obtaining intra-operative images, namely ultrasound (U/S). The preliminary work for the application of TGT to spinal cases has been performed on a spine phantom, scanned with an optically-tracked U/S transducer. The lumbar vertebral surface was extracted from the U/S images, and the surface pixels were converted into 3D physical-space coordinates. This set of U/S surface points was divided into a test set and a target set to be used in registration and error measurement, respectively. The test set of U/S points was registered to segmented CT spinal images of the same phantom spine using a modification of the Besl-McKay Iterative Closest Point algorithm. In a qualitative analysis of the registration, the results look favorable. The U/S points closely align with the corresponding CT surface in every image slice. By incorporating TGT into minimally-invasive spinal surgeries, the procedures are expected to yield reduced injury to normal spinal tissue and hence quicker recovery time for the patient.
Exercise in Modeling Financial Statements

This note demonstrates the use of Lotus models for financial forecasting. It uses a step-by-step approach with examples of how to tie the different elements together. An exercise is included that requires students to forecast financial statements for Walt Disney, Inc.
Influence of coniferous and deciduous vegetation on major and trace metals in forests of northern New England, USA

Climate change and land-use are predicted to shift coniferous stands to deciduous stands in northern New England. This change in vegetation type may modify plant-soil cycling of major and trace metals, potentially affecting soil fertility and contaminant transport. We studied eight pairs of adjacent coniferous- and deciduous-dominated forest stands across northern New England, USA. We estimated the mean residence time (MRT) of each metal in organic horizons using calculated litterfall from allometric equations and interpolated atmospheric deposition rates. Coniferous stands had 30–50 % smaller organic horizons pools of Ca, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn than deciduous stands. Mineral horizon metal pools were similar between vegetation types. Foliar metal concentrations and pools were smaller at coniferous stands than deciduous stands. The organic horizon MRT for Ca, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, and Mn was predicted to be 40–200 % longer for coniferous stands than deciduous stands. Based upon our findings, we conclude that a shift from coniferous to deciduous vegetation could decrease the accumulation and retention of major metals in the organic horizons. Further investigations into the effect of vegetation type on mineral horizons are needed to constrain regional changes.
Localized cutaneous sclerodermoid changes secondary to human cytomegalovirus infection: An uncommon presentation in an immunocompetent host

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology is positive in nearly two-thirds of individuals in the United States, but cutaneous manifestations of infection are exceedingly rare.1, 2, 3, 4 To our knowledge, few cases of CMV-induced cutaneous manifestations have been reported and most commonly occur in immunocompromised populations. Here we report a case of localized sclerodermoid skin changes in an immunocompetent patient with CMV infection.
The effects of tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane on the composition of extracellular fluid, skeletal muscle, and cardiac muscle

Tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane in a dose of 44 ml. per kilogram of a O.3M solution was administered to a series of dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium. Seven received THAM alone and seven received THAM with supplementary sodium and potassium chloride. Electrolyte determinations were performed on serum and on samples of skeletal and cardiac muscle. A significant increase in serum pH and total CO2, followed the infusions while serum Cl- and Nw decreased significantly. No significant changes in serum potassium concentration were observed. The content of extracellular and intracellular water together with the concentration of intracellular electrolytes in both skeletal and cardiac muscle did not change significantly following the infusions. Thus, THAM is capable of inducing marked changes in extracellular ph and total CO2, without significantly altering tissue water and electrolyte composition.
Stromal tumors of the duodenum: A histologic and immunohistochemical study of 20 cases

Using cell size, cell density, and microscopic growth pattern, 20 duodenal stromal tumors were initially separated into benign and malignant categories. The 10 histologic benign tumors had uniform spindle cells, low cellularity, and an organoid pattern. All had round eosinophilic collagen blobs scattered among the spindle cells, were 4.5 cm or less in maximum diameter, and had two or fewer mitoses per 50 high-power fields (HPF). None metastasized or recurred during a median follow-up of 7 years. In contrast, the 10 histologically malignant tumors were highly cellular, all had two or more mitoses per 50 HPF, and all but one had diameters of 4.5 cm or greater, the exception being 4 cm. Eight cases also had benign-appearing areas, usually submucosal. Eight patients died with disease a median of 31 months after resection, almost all with liver metastases. One patient is alive with metastasis at 13 years. The patient with the 4-cm malignant tumor is disease free at 49 months. All 15 cases were strongly vimentin positive, 11 had S-100 protein, and seven had the CD34 marker. None were desmin or actin positive. No immunophenotype separated benign from malignant. The proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, correlated with histologic diagnosis and clinical outcome, but Ki-67 did not. Based on light microscopic features alone, benign and malignant duodenal stromal tumors can be separated from each other. Tumors with large cells and an organoid pattern are predictably benign; in this study, these tumors measured 4.5 cm or less in diameter and had fewer than 2 mitoses per 50 HPF. Highly cellular tumors with small cells and little or no organoid pattern are malignant. They usually have a diameter greater than 4.5 cm and more than two mitoses per 50 HPF, and they are usually fatal. Immunostaining for cytoplasmic proteins and proliferation markers offers no additional prognostic information to the light microscopic appearances. These conclusions apply only to duodenal tumors; whether they also apply to stromal tumors of the jejunum and ileum is not known.