cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Midbrain sensitivity to spectral cues for sound-source localization: A modeling study

The features of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) are a key topic in the field of spatial auditory displays. Neural encoding of HRTFs is not well understood; their sharp spectral peaks and notches are not well represented by average rates of relatively widely tuned auditory-nerve (AN) fibers, and phase-locking to the temporal fine structure is not adequate to encode features at high-frequencies. However, low-frequency fluctuations in cochlear responses to wideband stimuli are encoded in time-varying rates of AN fibers across all frequency channels. Here, we focus on modeling the profile of amplitude fluctuations in response to spectral cues across the population of AN channels. The fluctuation profile across AN responses sets up an average-rate profile across inferior colliculus (IC) neurons, which are sensitive to envelope-related low-frequency fluctuations. Both unilateral and bilateral IC model responses indicate that rather than responding to spectral peaks in a given HRTF, IC responses are more sensitive to fluctuations in frequency channels near steep spectral slopes. The influence of the spatial location and stimulus level on model IC responses was examined. Using statistical methods, psychoacoustical thresholds of discrimination of sounds that differ in the source location were estimated and compared to trends in the existing perceptual results. The features of head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) are a key topic in the field of spatial auditory displays. Neural encoding of HRTFs is not well understood; their sharp spectral peaks and notches are not well represented by average rates of relatively widely tuned auditory-nerve (AN) fibers, and phase-locking to the temporal fine structure is not adequate to encode features at high-frequencies. However, low-frequency fluctuations in cochlear responses to wideband stimuli are encoded in time-varying rates of AN fibers across all frequency channels. Here, we focus on modeling the profile of amplitude fluctuations in response to spectral cues across the population of AN channels. The fluctuation profile across AN responses sets up an average-rate profile across inferior colliculus (IC) neurons, which are sensitive to envelope-related low-frequency fluctuations. Both unilateral and bilateral IC model responses indicate that rather than responding to spectral peaks in a given HRTF, IC responses are mor...
5-Azacytidine Potentiates Anti-tumor Immunity in a Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Tumors evolve a variety of mechanisms to escape immune detection while expressing tumor-promoting molecules that can be immunogenic. Here, we show that transposable elements (TE) and gene encoded, tumor-associated antigens (TAA), which can be both highly immunogenic and tumor-promoting, are significantly upregulated during the transition from pre-malignancy to malignancy in an inducible model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Coincident with the increased presence of TEs and TAAs was the downregulation of gene transcripts associated with antigen presentation, T cell recruitment and intrinsic anti-viral responses, suggesting a unique strategy employed by PDAC to possibly augment tumorigenesis while escaping detection by the immune system. In vitro treatment of mouse and human PDAC cell lines with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (Aza) resulted in augmented expression of transcripts for antigen presentation machinery and T cell chemokines. When immunocompetent mice implanted with PDAC were therapeutically treated with Aza, we observed significant tumor regression that was not observed in immunocompromised mice, implicating anti-tumor immunity as the principal mechanism of tumor growth control. Analysis of PDAC tumors, immediately following Aza treatment in immunocompetent mice, revealed a significantly greater infiltration of T cells and various innate immune subsets compared to control treatment, suggesting that Aza treatment enhances tumor immunogenicity. Thus, augmenting antigen presentation and T cell chemokine expression using DNA methyltransferase inhibitors could be leveraged to potentiate adaptive anti-tumor immune responses against PDAC.
Outcome Analysis for Patients with Persistent Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumour in Post-Chemotherapy Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissections

Publisher Summary The chapter presents outcome analysis for patients with persistent nonseminomatous germ cell tumor in postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissections. All patients who had residual NTGCT in postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissections (RPLNDs) done between July 1975 and March 1991 were identified through a computer-based record of the results of RPLNDs maintained in the Department of Urology and through logs kept in the Division of Hematology/Oncology. Patients were included only if the histological diagnosis was viable NTGCT. Included were embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinoma, and seminoma. Teratoma and malignant nongerm cell neoplasms presumed to develop from transformation of teratomous elements were excluded from this analysis. All of the specimens were examined by the Department of Pathology at Indiana University Hospital. During gross examination, special care was taken to sample fleshy, encephaloid appearing areas and hemorrhagic foci. The chapter presents the overall results for those 134 patients with viable NTGCT in their postchemotherapy resection specimens. There were 87 patients who had complete resections, 43 patients who had incomplete resections, and four who died postoperatively.
Reaching women with obesity to support weight loss before pregnancy: feasibility and qualitative assessment.

Background:We sought to assess attitudes toward weight and barriers to recruitment of women with obesity for a potential preconception weight-loss/lifestyle modification intervention.Methods:We per...
THE EFFECTS OF CLOSED VS. OPEN TRACHEAL SUCTIONING ON CEREBRAL HEMODYNAMICS

Objectives Compare the effects of clinically indicated tracheal suctioning (open vs. closed) procedures on cerebral hemodynamics of normotensive, non-brain-injured, and ventilated very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during the first week of life. Methods Seventy-three VLBW infants had continuous monitoring of blood pressure, PCO2, and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) before, during, and after 202 open (requiring ventilator disconnection) suctioning sessions during the first week of life. Forty-one VLBW infants had similar physiological monitoring before, during, and after 167 closed (in-line) suctioning sessions. Results Birth weight was 928±244 g and gestational age was 27.0±2.0 weeks for the infants receiving open suctioning. Birth weight and gestational age was 780±195 g and 26.1±1.5 weeks, respectively, for the infants receiving closed suctioning. Mean CBFv increased 31.0±26.4% after open tracheal suctioning and remained elevated for 25 minutes; changes in mean CBFv were highly associated with changes in PCO2 (P Conclusion Using continuous monitoring, we observed prolonged increases of mean CBFv following open tracheal suctioning in relatively low-risk ventilated VLBW infants that were previously unrecognized. This is concerning since abrupt increases in CBF in premature infants and neonatal animals have been associated with brain injury. Since cerebral hemodynamics did not change following closed suctioning, this method of suctioning may be preferable for ventilated VLBW infants during the first week of life who are most vulnerable to brain injury.
Child Maltreatment and Cannabis: Intersection in Pediatric Emergency Department Visits

Abstract Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the world. The use of cannabis continues to evolve, as it is available in a growing variety of forms and changing potencies. At the time of this writing, eleven states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational cannabis use for adults. Studies of pediatric cannabis exposure after legalization have demonstrated an increase in related emergency department visits. Here we review some of the ways that pediatric cannabis exposure may present to the emergency care clinician, including accidental exposure, intentional exposure, drug facilitated sexual assault, commercial sexual exploitation of children, and caregiver use and impairment. We also review the ways in which substance abuse and child maltreatment intersect and illustrate how these examples of pediatric cannabis exposure should prompt consideration of child maltreatment.
Small-Scale Structure in the Galactic Interstellar Medium: Implications for Galaxy Cluster Studies

Observations of extragalactic objects need to be corrected for Galactic absorption, and this is often accomplished by using the measured 21 cm H I column. However, within the beam of the radio telescope, there are variations in the H I column that can have important effects in interpreting absorption line studies and X-ray spectra at the softest energies. We examine the H I and IRAS DIRBE data for lines of sight out of the Galaxy, which show evidence for H I variations in of up to a factor of 3 in 1° fields. Column density enhancements would preferentially absorb soft X-rays in spatially extended objects, and we find evidence for this effect in the ROSAT PSPC observations of two bright clusters of galaxies, A119 and A2142. For clusters of galaxies, the failure to include column density fluctuations will lead to systematically incorrect fits to the X-ray data in the sense that there will appear to be a very soft X-ray excess. This may be one cause of the soft X-ray excess in clusters, since the magnitude of the effect is comparable to the observed values.
Exercise Goal Pursuits of Tourists at Exercise Oriented Tourism Resorts

This study examines the exercise goal pursuits of tourists participating in physical fitness programmes at exercise-oriented tourism resorts (EOTRs). This study draws on goal content theory (GCT), ...
Rapidly increasing SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and limited clinical disease in three Malian communities: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThe extent of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission in Mali and the surrounding region is not well understood, although infection has been confirmed in nearly 14,000 symptomatic individuals and their contacts since the first case in March 2020. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in three Malian communities, and understand factors associated with infection. MethodsBetween 27 July 2020 and 29 January 2021, we collected blood samples along with demographic, social, medical and self-reported symptoms information from residents aged 6 months and older in three study communities at two study visits. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured using a highly specific two-antigen ELISA optimized for use in Mali. We calculated cumulative adjusted seroprevalence for each site and evaluated factors associated with serostatus at each visit by univariate and multivariate analysis. FindingsOverall, 94.8% (2533/2672) of participants completed both study visits. A total of 50.3% (1343/2672) of participants were male, and 31.3% (837/2672) were aged <10 years, 27.6% (737/2672) were aged 10-17 years, and 41.1% (1098/2572) were aged [≥]18 years. The cumulative SARS-CoV-2 exposure rate was 58.5% (95% CI: 47.5 to 69.4). This varied between sites and was 73.4% (95% CI: 59.2 to 87.5) in the urban community of Sotuba, 53.2% (95% CI: 42.8 to 63.6) in the rural town of Bancoumana, and 37.1% (95% CI: 29.6 to 44.5) in the rural village of Doneguebougou. This equates to an infection rate of approximately 1% of the population every three days in the study communities between visits. Increased age and study site were associated with serostatus at both study visits. There was minimal difference in reported symptoms based on serostatus. InterpretationThe true extent of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Mali is greater than previously reported and now approaches hypothetical herd immunity in urban areas. The epidemiology of the pandemic in the region may be primarily subclinical and within background illness rates. In this setting, ongoing surveillance and augmentation of diagnostics to characterize locally circulating variants will be critical to implement effective mitigation strategies like vaccines. FundingThis project was funded by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and National Cancer Institute.
Large-eddy simulation of droplet-laden decaying isotropic turbulence using artificial neural networks

Abstract We propose a model for large-eddy simulation (LES) of decaying isotropic turbulence laden with droplets with diameter of Taylor length-scale. The main challenge in creating LES models for such flow is that the presence of the droplets introduces additional subgrid-scale (SGS) closure terms to the filtered governing equations of motion of the flow. By processing available DNS data (Dodd & Ferrante, J. Fluid Mech. 806:356–412, 2016), we analyze these terms a priori to show that they are all significant enough to warrant modeling. Then, we propose a new modeling approach that we call mixed artificial neural network (MANN) LES because it is a mixed LES model that uses the standard Smagorinsky SGS stress model in the carrier fluid, and artificial neural networks to predict the SGS closure terms at the interface. Such an approach is justified because the SGS energy in the carrier flow away from the droplet interface is practically unaffected by the droplets, as we have previously shown using wavelet analysis of the DNS data (Freund & Ferrante, J. Fluid Mech. 875:914–928, 2019). Furthermore, we have performed the first a posteriori analysis of such flow for droplets of different Weber numbers, and show that our LES method closely reproduces the temporal decay of the filtered-velocity turbulence kinetic energy as well its p.d.f. of the filtered DNS, show that the modeling of the SGS terms at the interface is necessary for reproducing the results of the filtered DNS, and provide both physical- and spectral-space analysis of the LES results. Finally, the MANN LES approach could be applied to a variety of multiphase turbulent flows due to its ease of implementation, adaptability, and performance.
HNF-1β is a More Sensitive and Specific Marker Than C-Reactive Protein for Identifying Biliary Differentiation in Primary Hepatic Carcinomas.

CONTEXT.— Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) needs to be distinguished from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastasis, and in the absence of any specific biliary markers, is often a diagnosis of exclusion. Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1β is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in bile duct system morphogenesis. OBJECTIVE.— To investigate the diagnostic value of HNF-1β to differentiate iCCA from HCC by immunohistochemistry and compare HNF-1β with C-reactive protein (CRP), a previously identified marker for iCCA. DESIGN.— Cases of iCCA (n = 75), combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) (n = 13) and HCC (n = 65) were included in the study. RESULTS.— All cases of iCCA (74 of 74, 100%) expressed HNF-1β compared with CRP expressed in 72.60% (53 of 73). The sensitivity and specificity of HNF-1β to differentiate iCCA from HCC was 100% and 92.31%, whereas the sensitivity and specificity for CRP was 75.58% and 7.79%. The expression of HNF-1β was greater in iCCA and the CCA component of cHCC-CCA compared with CRP (87 of 87, 100% versus 65 of 86, 75.58%, P < .001). On the contrary, CRP was more frequently expressed compared with HNF-1β in HCC and HCC component of cHCC-CCA (71 of 77, 92.21% versus 6 of 78, 7.69%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS.— Our data indicate that HNF-1β is a more sensitive and specific marker than CRP for the diagnosis of iCCA and to identify the CCA component in cHCC-CCA. Lack of HNF-1β expression may be used to exclude iCCA from consideration in cases of adenocarcinomas of unknown primary.
Modulation Doping with a 2D Magnet

Two-dimensional (2d) nano-electronics, plasmonics, spintronics and emergent phases require clean and local charge control, calling for layered, crystalline acceptors or donors. Here I will describe how the Relativistic Mott Insulating state of RuCl3, a 2D antiferromagnet, provides a new opportunity to introduce modulation doping into 2D materials. Specifically, we demonstrate and optimize this charge transfer with extensive Raman, photovoltage, and electrical conductance measurements combined with ab initio calculations. Also, we find the doping is exceptionally local, can occur through hBN, works with various exfoliated, CVD, and MBE materials. Time permitting, I will discuss new opportunities this opens for nanoplasmonic, optoelectronics, and correlated phases.
Disparities in Use of Salvage Whole Brain Radiation Therapy vs. Salvage Stereotactic Radiosurgery After Initial Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases often relapse and require additional radiation. Due to the paucity of data, the decision to offer salvage re-irradiation with whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) versus SRS is made on an individual basis. Our objective is to determine the clinical and demographic factors associated with SRS versus WBRT for salvage of first intracranial failure (ICF), i.e., local and/or locoregional failures. MATERIALS/METHODS We identified a cohort of 374 consecutive patients with brain metastases treated with SRS in the definitive or postoperative setting, at a single institution, from August 2014 to September 2019. Eligible patients received subsequent salvage radiation at our institution with WBRT or SRS at least one month after initial SRS. Clinical and demographic characteristics were retrospectively recorded. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate analyses (MVA) were performed to determine if there was a significant correlation between these factors and the use of salvage SRS versus WBRT. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding P-values were estimated from logistic regression model. A survival analysis was also performed to assess the impact of these factors on survival. All tests were two sided and P-value of 70, Stable/absent systemic disease, and receipt of salvage SRS. CONCLUSION The strongest factor associated with selection of salvage WBRT vs. SRS for ICF following initial SRS is local progression. There was also found to be a significant disparity in the form of decreased salvage SRS for male patients that remained significant when controlling for other disease and socioeconomic factors. Possible etiologies of this difference could be provider or patient driven but warrant further exploration. In this cohort, salvage SRS was associated with a statistically significant improvement in OS, however, this may also represent a selection bias. AUTHOR DISCLOSURE Y.S. Soni: None. B.J. Rich: None. D. Kwon: None. W. Zhao: None. D.L. John: None. C.S. Seldon: None. C. Benjamin: None. R. Benveniste: None. R.J. Komotar: None. P. Prieto: None. M. De La Fuente: None. G. Azzam: None. E.A. Mellon: None. T. Diwanji: None.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has many applications in food chemistry. Food components that have been analyzed with HPLC include organic acids, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, nitrosamines, certain pesticides, metabolites, fatty acids, aflatoxins, pigments, and certain food additives. Unlike gas chromatography, it is not necessary for the compound being analyzed to be volatile. It is necessary, however, for the compounds to have some solubility in the mobile phase. It is important that the solubilized samples for injection be free from all particulate matter, so centrifugation and filtration are common procedures. Also, solid-phase extraction is used commonly in sample preparation to remove interfering compounds from the sample matrix prior to HPLC analysis.
Perception of chemesthetic stimuli in groups who differ by food involvement and culinary experience.

In the English language, there is generally a limited lexicon when referring to the sensations elicited by chemesthetic stimuli like capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate, and eugenol, the orally irritating compounds found in chiles, wasabi, and cloves, respectively. Elsewhere, experts and novices have been shown to use language differently, with experts using more precise language. Here, we compare perceptual maps and word usage across three cohorts: experts with formal culinary education, naive individuals with high Food Involvement Scale (FIS) scores, and naive individuals with low FIS scores. We hypothesized that increased experience with foods, whether through informal experiential learning or formal culinary education, would have a significant influence on the perceptual maps generated from a sorting task conducted with chemesthetic stimuli, as well as on language use in a descriptive follow-up task to this sorting task. The low- and highFIS non-expert cohorts generated significantly similar maps, though in other respects the highFIS cohort was an intermediate between the lowFIS and expert cohorts. The highFIS and expert cohorts generated more attributes but used language more idiosyncratically than the lowFIS group. Overall, the results from the expert group with formal culinary education differed from the two naive cohorts both in the perceptual map generated using MDS as well as the mean number of attributes generated. Present data suggest that both formal education and informal experiential learning result in lexical development, but the level and type of learning can have a significant influence on language use and the approach to a sorting task.
Thick-Restart Lanczos Method for Large Symmetric Eigenvalue Problems

In this paper, we propose a restarted variant of the Lanczos method for symmetric eigenvalue problems named the thick-restart Lanczos method. This new variant is able to retain an arbitrary number of Ritz vectors from the previous iterations with a minimal restarting cost. Since it restarts with Ritz vectors, it is simpler than similar methods, such as the implicitly restarted Lanczos method. We carefully examine the effects of the floating-point round-off errors on stability of the new algorithm and present an implementation of the partial reorthogonalization scheme that guarantees accurate Ritz values with a minimal amount of reorthogonalization. We also show a number of heuristics on deciding which Ritz pairs to save during restart in order to maximize the overall performance of the thick-restart Lanczos method.
Biomarker resolution of uterine smooth muscle tumor necrosis as benign vs malignant

Uterine leiomyosarcomas are rare malignant tumors with a poor prognosis while leiomyomas are common benign tumors unrelated to their malignant counterparts. Diagnostic features commonly present in leiomyosarcoma include cytologic atypia, high mitotic index, and a sarcoma-specific geographic cell death designated 'tumor cell necrosis (TCN)'. TCN has a sharp viable-nonviable boundary lacking inflammation, fibrosis or granulation tissue seen in nonspecific infarction. These characteristics are sometimes difficult to interpret on routine hematoxylin and eosin slides, and can lead to diagnostic errors. In this study, we used extracellular matrix stains to test the hypothesis that the host response which characterizes nonspecific infarction may degrade the matrix in infarcted tumor more than in TCN. A 'honeycomb' pattern of reticulin highlighted individual tumor cells in viable regions of all cases. Nonviable area of reticulin patterns differed significantly by diagnosis (P<0.001), with a honeycomb pattern maintained (91%, 20/22) in leiomyosarcoma and lost (61%, 11/18) in leiomyomas. Retention of honeycomb reticulin in nonviable areas of leiomyosarcoma occurred irrespective of the presence of inflammation, hemorrhage, fibrosis, or diffuse hyalinization. Fibrosis/hyalinization as evidenced by trichrome stain was significantly (P<0.001) more common in nonviable areas of benign leiomyomas (100%, 18/18) compared with leiomyosarcomas (36%, 8/22). In those occasions where viable tissues contained discernable polarization of mitotic activity, these decreased toward the nonviable interface in leiomyosarcoma, and had an opposite pattern in leiomyomas, increasing toward the interface. There is a significant difference in the reticulin and collagen networks of nonviable areas of leiomyosarcoma compared with leiomyoma. At the time of early injury, both retain reticulin; however, this is cleared over time in benign, but not malignant, areas of necrosis. We conclude that proliferative repair of leiomyomas at the viable-nonviable interface includes remodeling of the extracellular matrix, in contrast to the static preservation of extracellular matrix ('mummification') in nonviable areas of leiomyosarcomas.
A BEST PRACTICES APPROACH TO CARIES MANAGEMENT

Abstract Caries management by risk assessment represents best practices and is an evidence-based model that focuses on treating and preventing disease at the patient level rather than a surgical/restorative approach at the tooth level. Background Dental caries is a multifactorial, biofilm and pH mediated disease that affects people of all ages and disproportionally affects certain populations at epidemic proportions. Simply restoring cavitated teeth does nothing to resolve the disease. At the heart of the CAMBRA philiosphy is identifying the patient's unique risk level for future caries disease. This can be done by completing a caries risk assessment (CRA). Several easy to use CRA questionnaires are available. Once the patient's unique risk level has been determined, preventive and therapeutic interventions, based on the specific risk level, can then be implemented. Methods Landmark publications, original research, and systematic reviews are analyzed and reviewed to form the basis for this shift in patient care related to caries disease. Conclusions Caries management by risk assessment has emerged as the new paradigm in patient care and represents an evidence-based, best practices approach with the potential for significant advantages over traditional methods.
Herpes Simplex Virus-Specific Lymphoproliferation: An Analysis of the Involvement of Lymphocyte Subsets

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-immune murine splenocytes incorporated significant levels of tritiated thymidine when incubated with UV-inactivated, heat-inactivated, and active preparations of HSV. Normal splenocytes incubated with the HSV preparations did not exhibit such proliferation. Maximum incorporation by the immune splenocytes occurred on the fifth day of culture and was mediated by Thy-1+, Lyt-1+, and Lyt-2+ cells. Attempts to correlate lymphoproliferation with other HSV-specific cellular immune responses demonstrated the complexity of this response. While T cells mediating delayed type hypersensitivity responses and cytotoxic T lymphocytes were involved in the lymphoproliferative response, neither could be considered as being exclusively associated with lymphoproliferation. Instead, lymphoproliferation appeared to be indicative of HSV-specific Lyt-1+ helper cells. Evidence was also presented that suppressor cells appeared to be involved in the regulation of the lymphoproliferative response.
Internal Fixation of Mandibular Angle Fractures: A Comparison of 2 Techniques

Purpose To compare treatment outcomes between rigid extraoral fixation and semirigid intraoral fixation for the management of isolated mandibular angle fractures, and to develop a protocol for successfully managing these fractures in an indigent population. Materials and Methods This study involved a retrospective analysis of mandibular angle fracture patients treated at Boston Medical Center from 1999 to 2006. All patients were treated by a single attending surgeon, with oral and maxillofacial surgery residents. Data were collected by a review of pertinent inpatient and outpatient clinic records, and radiographic and laboratory results. The criteria for inclusion into the study comprised: 1 ) patients with isolated unilateral or bilateral mandibular angle fractures; 2 ) surgical treatment provided within 7 days of injury via 1 of the 2 following techniques: a ) open reduction and internal fixation via an intraoral approach (single monocortical miniplate), or b ) open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via an extraoral approach (inferior border plate with at least 2 holes on either side of the fracture line and bicortical screws); 3 ) the presence of decayed, partially bony, or full bony impacted third molars requiring removal at time of surgery; 4 ) the use of postsurgical maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) for 1 week (extraoral rigid-fixation cases) and 2 weeks (intraoral semirigid-fixation cases) and 5 ) a 1-week duration of postsurgical oral antibiotic therapy. Results The patient sample ranged in age from 17 to 55 years, with an average age of 24.8 years. The average follow-up was 12.3 weeks (range, 8 to 64 weeks). In total, 98 fractures were treated with intraoral miniplate fixation, whereas 65 fractures underwent rigid fixation using an extraoral approach. The presence or absence of bone gaps in radiographs immediately after surgery had no correlation with surgical success. None of the patients in either group required further surgical intervention in the operating room. Patients with postsurgical infections were successfully managed with localized intraoral incision and drainage, and oral antibiotic therapy. Conclusion Isolated mandibular angle fractures can be effectively treated in an indigent population with either intraoral monocortical fixation or extraoral bicortical fixation techniques. Use of a standard protocol involving early surgical management with limited periosteal reflection, concomitant removal of third molars, and short-term maxillomandibular fixation ensures predictable success with a low incidence of complications.
Performance of Single Comb White Leghorn fed a diet supplemented with a live microbial during the growth and egg laying phases

360 Dekalb XL Single Comb White Leghorn pullets were fed corn-soya bean meal diets containing either condensed cane molasses solubles (CCMS), which was used as a carrier for Lactobacillus or CCMS-1100 mg viable Lactobacillus (Lacto) kg−1 diet from 7 to 59 weeks of age to determine the long-term effect of feeding Lacto diets on layer performance, anatomical changes of the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts and nutrient retention (fat, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus). The pullets were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments consisting of corn-soybean meal (control), control + CCMS and control + CCMS-1100 mg kg−1 Lacto (4.4 × 107 colony forming units (cfu) mg−1 Lacto). The dietary treatments were replicated four times. Condensed cane molasses solubles served as the carrier for the Lacto, and the CCMS and CCMS-Lacto premix were incorporated at 2% of the diet. Between 7 and 19 weeks of age, pullets fed the control + CCMS-Lacto diets had better (P < 0.05) daily feed consumption and body weight gains than pullets fed either control or control + CCMS diets (59 vs. 57 g per pullet, and 272 vs. 261 and 234 g per pullet, respectively). Supplementing pullet diets with CCMS depressed feed conversion (P < 0.05). No differences in shank length were observed among dietary treatments. During the laying phase (20–59 weeks of age), layers fed the control + CCMS-Lacto diets had increased (P < 0.05) daily feed consumption and egg size when compared with layers fed either control or control + CCMS diets (121 vs. 118 and 119 g per layer, and 86.4 vs. 85.4 and 84.6%, respectively). Nitrogen and calcium retentions were better (P < 0.05) for layers fed the control + CCMS-Lacto diet than layers fed either control or control + CCMS diets (44.8 vs. 33.9 and 36.6%, and 54.9 vs. 45.6 and 47.1%, respectively). Fat retention was not different among dietary treatments. Phosphorus retention was better for layers fed either control + CCMS-Lacto or control + CCMS diets than layers fed the control diet. Positive correlations between Lacto diets and nitrogen and calcium retention, and egg mass and between fat, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus retention and body weight gain, calcium and phosphorus retention and egg mass, respectively, were observed. Intestinal length and dry weight were lower (P < 0.05) in layers fed the CCMS-Lacto diets compared to the control diet at the end of ten 28-day periods. Increased daily feed consumption, egg size, nitrogen, and calcium retentions and decreased intestinal length were observed in layers fed Lactobacillus diet from 7 to 59 weeks of age.
Apparent Diffusivity in Honey-Water System

SUMMARY— A laser interferometric micro diffusion cell was used to measure the apparent diffusivity of water-honey system. The results show that the apparent diffusivity of water in honey is very much dependent on the concentration.
Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosis and Management

Allergic rhinitis affects up to 20 per cent of the pediatric population and occurs in children of all ages. Secondary infection, dental malocclusion and a variety of other sequelae may complicate the primary disorder. The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is based on historic features, physical findings and selected laboratory investigations. Treatment may involve antigen avoidance programs and immunotherapy. However, pharmacotherapy with antihistamines, sympathomimetics and, in severe cases, corticosteroids, is most frequently used.
ANALYSIS OF APICAL SOFT TISSUE MARGINS DURING RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

Purpose: We determine the use of information gained with intraoperative biopsy and frozen section analysis of the apical soft tissue margin during nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: A separate 2 to 3 mm. circumferential biopsy was obtained from the apical soft tissue margin, and was sent for frozen and permanent section analysis during radical retropubic prostatectomy in 95 men with clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate. A single pathologist examined the surgical and apical soft tissue margin specimens for evidence and extent of benign or malignant prostate tissue. Urinary continence was evaluated at catheter removal and 3 months postoperatively.Results: Of the patients 26% had positive surgical margins, of which 64% were positive apical margins. Permanent section of the apical soft tissue biopsy revealed no prostate in 39%, benign prostate in 54% and prostate cancer in 7% of patients. Because of the frozen section finding of adenocarcinoma in 3 patients, t...
Taking the Conference to the Teachers: Workshops to Improve Language Teaching

Foreign language conferences have traditionally played a significant role in teacher inservice training. These conferences are not being utilized to their full potential, however, and do not reach the great number of language teachers who do not attend. This paper suggests that through a network of Extension Workshops (EWs) such conferences could reach many of those teachers who do not attend conferences and who may need inservice training most. Utilizing the existing formats of pedagogical conferences, participants would be selected to attend Conference Workshops (CWs) consisting of various components including special sessions plus general conference sessions. These participants would, in turn, conduct EWs in their local areas to disseminate the information, practices, and techniques they have acquired through the CW. A mechanism to finance and administer the Conference and Extension Workshops could be established by the governing body of the language conference itself. In this way, pedagogical conferences would eventually increase their own membership and attendance and inspire a greater sense of professional awareness and communication among language teachers.
Glucose utilization by endometrium of the uterus of the rat during early pseudopregnancy and its regulation by estrogen and progestogen.

In vitro incorporation of uniformly labeled 14C-glucose into endometrium of the uterus of the rat was measured during the estrous cycle and early pseudopregnancy. Label was incorporated primarily into CO2, extracellular lactate and intracellular acid soluble material; trace incorporation of isotope into lipid, DNA, RNA and protein was also measured. A significant increase in glucose uptake occurred during metestrus and to some extent diestrus-1, compared with other stages of the cycle. In contrast, little variation in glucose incorporation occurred during the first 6 days of pseudopregnancy. No significant change in distribution of isotope as lactate (ca. 80%), acid soluble material (ca. 8%) or CO2 (ca. 11 %) was measured during the cycle. However, on Day 1 of pseudopregnancy, an increase in per cent acid soluble material and a decrease in per cent lactate were measured. Analysis of the contents of the acid soluble fraction on Day 1 revealed the presence of a significant quantity of glucose. Measures of l...
Effectiveness of the MCAA's Project Management Course

This study was conducted on current practicing construction industry employees who were volunteer students in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America's Institute for Project Management's Managing for Profit two-week intensive project management course. The goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Institute for Project Management course and to determine the usefulness and value of an actual ongoing construction continuing education course for practicing construction industry employees. Since there are no published papers on construction continuing education, hopefully, this paper will serve to initiate more studies. Administrators of the Institute for Project Management course extrapolated data on the students' opinion of this construction continuing education program. The results indicated that the students were satisfied with the course and would attend an advanced project management course, if one were offered.
The effect of foreign debt on currency values

Abstract Despite the publicity surrounding the external debts of the less developed countries (LDCs), the effects of those debts on the exchange rates has not received much attention in the literature. This paper proposes a structural model that is a synthesis of an asset and a monetary model of exchange rates along the line of a Frankel (1983), and modified to include external debt. Estimating this model for a sample of 18 LDCs show that debt, in addition to the usual variables such as money supply and interest rates, has a largely significant and negative impact on the external values of most of the countries' currencies.
Application of Advanced High-speed Turboprop Technology to Civil Short-Haul Transport Aircraft

With an overall goal of defining the needs and requirements for short-haul transport aircraft research and development, the objective of this paper is to determine the performance and noise impact of short-haul transport aircraft designed with an advanced turboprop propulsion system. This propulsion system features highspeed propellers that have more blades and reduced diameters. Aircraft are designed for short and medium field lengths; mission block fuel and direct operating costs (DOC) are used as performance measures. The propeller diameter was optimized to minimize DOC. Two methods are employed to estimate the weight of the acoustic treatment needed to reduce interior noise to an acceptable level. Results show decreasing gross weight, block fuel, DOC, engine size, and optimum propfan diameter with increasing field length. The choice of acoustic treatment method has a significant effect on the aircraft design. Only the tuned structure aircraft have the potential of meeting of a goal of a 90 EPNL contour area of 2.6 km (1.0 mile).
Comet-tail artefacts and abdominal pain: radiological mistake or an underestimated event?

The comet-tail artefact appears as a dense tapering trail of echoes just distal to a strongly reflecting structure. This reverberation type of artefact occurs when there is a marked difference in acoustic impedances between an object and its surrounding.1 A 12-year-old boy presented with a short history of acute abdominal pain without vomiting and fever was studied with an abdominal ultrasound showing the presence of multiple small echogenic foci with comet-tail artefact (figure 1). On subsequent …
Safety assessment of EPA-rich oil produced from yeast: Results of a 90-day subchronic toxicity study

The safety of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) oil produced from genetically modified Yarrowia lipolytica yeast was evaluated following 90 days of exposure. Groups of rats received 0 (olive oil), 98, 488, or 976 mg EPA/kg/day, or GRAS fish oil or deionized water by oral gavage. Rats were evaluated for in-life, neurobehavioral, anatomic and clinical pathology parameters. Lower serum cholesterol (total and non-HDL) was observed in Medium and High EPA and fish oil groups. Lower HDL was observed in High EPA and fish oil males, only at early time points. Liver weights were increased in High EPA and Medium EPA (female only) groups with no associated clinical or microscopic pathology findings. Nasal lesions, attributed to oil in the nasal cavity, were observed in High and Medium EPA and fish oil groups. No other effects were attributed to test oil exposure. Exposure to EPA oil for 90 days produced no effects at 98 mg EPA/kg/day and no adverse effects at doses up to 976 mg EPA/kg/day. The safety profile of EPA oil was comparable to that of GRAS fish oil. These results support the use of EPA oil produced from yeast as a safe source for use in dietary supplements.
Effect of Composition on Basic Creep of Concrete and Cement Paste

A two-level composite model for predicting the basic creep of aging concrete from its composition and the properties of its constituents is proposed. On the macroscale, concrete is treated as a composite of elastic aggregate embedded in the matrix of creeping hardened cement paste. The composite action is described by a combined series-parallel model in which a portion of the paste acts in parallel with the aggregate and the remaining portion in series with this parallel coupling. The portion of the paste coupled in parallel is determined as the amount of paste needed to fill the voids when the aggregate is at its maximum possible compactness, and the remaining portion of the paste then corresponds to the series coupling. On the microscale, the hardened cement paste is considered as a composite of elastic anhydrous cement grains embedded in a matrix of cement gel with voids filled by water and air. The aging is considered by an extension of the previously proposed solidification theory, in which the creeping constituent, the gel, is considered to have nonaging viscoelastic properties, and the aging caused by the chemical reaction of cement hydration is totally ascribed to the volume growth of the load-bearing (bonded) portion of hardened cement gel. The model is calibrated and verified by means of a comprehensive data sets reported by Ward, Neville and Singh.
Shaping the online experience: How administrators can influence student and instructor perceptions through policy and practice

Abstract To maximize the quality of the online experience and actualize the potential of alternative learning environments at their institutions, administrators must explore the perceived experiences of the members of their online learning communities. The overall purpose of the study was to identify factors that would enhance student and instructor experiences in online environments. The focus of the survey was to obtain information from students about their perceptions of the online and blended courses that they participated in and insights from instructors about online and blended courses that they taught. The data collected in this survey reveal optimal areas where a university administration can partner closely with instructors to enhance the student experience in online learning environments and afford online instructors with adequate support and assistance.
A Damage Mechanics Model for Creep and Oxygen Embrittlement in Metals

This paper first describes a creep damage mechanics model that shows a marked performance for both steady-state creep and tertiary creep, as evidenced by comparisons with creep test results for two metallic materials. Then, using the creep damage mechanics model as a foundation, a framework is presented for treating the phenomenon of stress-accelerated grain-boundary oxygen embrittlement (SAGBO) in metals (e.g. superalloys) at elevated temperatures and under oxidizing environ- ments. This framework establishes a combined creep and oxygen embrittlement damage model that incorporates the effect of oxygen diffusion along grain boundaries and oxidation-accelerated cavitation. The damage model has been applied to round-bar creep tests of a steel alloy that exhibits the SAGBO phenomenon. Predictions of the creep curve in air and its dependence on the bar size have been obtained based on a simplified analysis of the tests. Comparisons between model predictions and test results show that the model can capture the essential features of the SAGBO phenomenon and can adequately describe the creep and oxygen embrittlement behavior of metals such as superalloys.
A role for caveolin-1 in mechanotransduction of fetal type II epithelial cells

Mechanical forces are critical for fetal lung development. Using surfactant protein C (SP-C) as a marker, we previously showed that stretch-induced fetal type II cell differentiation is mediated via the ERK pathway. Caveolin-1, a major component of the plasma membrane microdomains, is important as a signaling protein in blood vessels exposed to shear stress. Its potential role in mechanotransduction during fetal lung development is unknown. Caveolin-1 is a marker of type I epithelial cell phenotype. In this study, using immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and immunogold electron microscopy, we first demonstrated the presence of caveolin-1 in embryonic day 19 (E19) rat fetal type II epithelial cells. By detergent-free purification of lipid raft-rich membrane fractions and fluorescence immunocytochemistry, we found that mechanical stretch translocates caveolin-1 from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm. Disruption of the lipid rafts with cholesterol-chelating agents further increased stretch-induced ERK activation and SP-C gene expression compared with stretch samples without disruptors. Similar results were obtained when caveolin-1 gene was knocked down by small interference RNA. In contrast, adenovirus overexpression of the wild-type caveolin-1 or delivery of caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide inside the cells decreased stretch-induced ERK phosphorylation and SP-C mRNA expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that caveolin-1 is present in E19 fetal type II epithelial cells. Caveolin-1 is translocated from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm by mechanical stretch and functions as an inhibitory protein in stretch-induced type II cell differentiation via the ERK pathway.
Selected and Revised Papers from the ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering 2007, Special Section 2

This issue of the Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering presents the second of three special sections containing revised and extended versions of selected papers from the ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering 2007. Four technical papers are presented in this second special section. The first presents a method that addresses the unique requirements of building information modeling BIM in concrete construction, and the second outlines a way to integrate discrete event simulation and system dynamics to create a hybrid simulation tool with the benefits of both technologies. The third paper describes an approach for allowing cross-disciplinary searching in building information models, and the last presents new ways for addressing asset management issues of high-quantity, low-cost assets in transportation.