cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bypass quirúrgico para el salvamento de un acceso vascular para hemodiálisis en pacientes con obstrucción venosa central

En pacientes sometidos a hemodialisis, la hipertension venosa debida a la obstruccion del flujo venoso central proximal, coexistente con una fistula arteriovenosa funcionante en el brazo homolateral, plantea un complejo problema de tratamiento. La ligadura de la fistula es el procedimiento mas simple para resolver los sintomas; sin embargo, esto sacrifica el abordaje de hemodialisis del paciente, que puede ser el unico disponible en el. El bypass quirurgico de la oclusion es una opcion potencial, ya que obvia los sintomas de hipertension venosa al mismo tiempo que preserva el abordaje para dialisis. El objetivo de la presente investigacion fue evaluar la experiencia y el resultado de nuestro grupo con pacientes sometidos a dialisis tratados con un bypass quirurgico por obstruccion venosa central sintomatica y el salvamento del acceso vascular. Describimos a tres pacientes en hemodialisis que presentaron hipertension venosa grave secundaria a obstruccion de vena subclavia y cuya fistula arteriovenosa homolateral era funcionante. Todos se sometieron a un bypass del segmento subclavio obstruido, desde vena cefalica (n = 2) o vena axilar (n = 1) a vena yugular interna, mediante interposicion de un injerto de politetrafluoroetileno de 8 mm. Previo al bypass quirurgico, todos los pacientes se habian sometido a tentativas de angioplastia transluminal percutanea (ATP) sin exito. En dos pacientes, la guia no pudo atravesar la oclusion; en el tercero, la ATP solo fue transitoriamente satisfactoria a pesar de cuatro procedimientos repetidos. En todos los pacientes se produjo una resolucion completa de los sintomas sin mortalidad operatoria. Los bypass protesicos siguieron siendo permeables, lo que permitio que las fistulas arteriovenosas proporcionaran un abordaje funcional para todo el seguimiento despues de la cirugia (3-8 meses). El bypass quirurgico de la obstruccion venosa central resuelve los sintomas de hipertension venosa y prolonga el uso del abordaje existente para hemodialisis. En la comunidad de dialisis es preciso conocer esta opcion quirurgica.
EEG power spectra in normal and dyslexic children. I. Reliability during passive conditions

Abstract Three minutes of passive eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) EEG were recorded before and after 4–5 h of behavioral tasks in 10–12-year-old boys of normal intelligence and neurological status. Half were severely reading disabled; half were reading normally. Bilateral central, parietal, and mid-temporal EEG referenced both to vertex and to linked ears was recorded. Averaged FFT power spectra of artifact-free 1 sec epochs were computed within each recording condition. Test-retest reliabilities were computed for each band and for the entire spectrum using intra-class correlations (ICC). Reliabilities were assessed separately for each group, lead and reference condition, and for absolute power and relative power. The results reveal excellent reliability in the normal reading group. Reliabilities are higher with the Cz reference than the A1A2 reference, primarily in the delta and beta2 bands. Temporal recordings have lower reliabilities than central or parietal leads. These effects summate to yield poor reliabilities for the delta and beta2 bands for temporal-A1A2 recordings. Reliabilities for the dyslexic group are lower than control group values, yet are still acceptably high. Beta2 ICCs were markedly reduced in the dyslexics, possibly reflective of increased EMG artifact. Our finding that absolute power is a reliable as relative power is at odds with the report of John et al. (1980) that absolute power was not reliable enough to be useful in automated EEG assessment procedures. Use of absolute power is warranted whenever possible, since the interpretation of findings based solely upon relative power can be ambiguous. Our results indicate that under properly controlled conditions, excellent reliability of both absolute and relative power even for the passive EC and EO conditions can be obtained. These findings support the utility of EEG power spectra as a reliable index of brain function for studies of normal and learning disabled children.
Atmospheric turbulence-induced phase screen generator for simulating the effects of finite outer scale, time delays, and anisoplanatism

Simulating the effects of atmospheric turbulence on optical imaging systems is an important aspect of understanding the performance of these systems. Methods exist for making random draws of phase screens which arise from the Kolmogorov spectrum. In this paper we describe and demonstrate a method for creating random draws of phase screens which would arise from the von Karman spectrum. This phase screen generation technique can be used to make random draws of properly correlated stacks of phase screens shifted in time with respect to each other, and to create properly correlated phase screens arriving from different directions at the telescope pupil. In this paper we present the basic theory and implementation of this phase screen generation technique. Phase screen generation and point spread function results are presented.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Two overlooked species of Bulbostylis (Cyperaceae) from South America

New species combinations are made inBulbostylis,B. schomburgkiana andB. truncata from South America. A description, illustration, SEM photo of the fruit (achene), and comparison to related taxa are provided for each species.
Neither Fas ligand nor endotoxin is responsible for inducible peritoneal phagocyte apoptosis during sepsis/peritonitis.

Abstract Regulation of the phagocyte apoptotic response appears to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. In this regard, prior studies have shown that the onset of phagocyte apoptosis, as well as those agents that regulate it at the nidus of infection, differ significantly from those seen in circulation. The aim of this study therefore was to determine if the increase in inducible phagocyte apoptosis and caspase activities seen in the peritoneum during sepsis is due to endotoxin or Fas ligand. To study this, male C3H/HeN (endotoxin-sensitive), C3H/HeJ (endotoxin-tolerant), and C3H/HeJ- FasL gld (endotoxin-tolerant/FasL-deficient) mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture or sham operation. Twenty-four hours later, phagocytes were collected and cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), then harvested for apoptosis (propidium iodide cell cycle or cell death ELISA analysis), cytokine release (ELISA), and caspase activity (fluorogenic assay) determination. The data indicate that there was a marked increase in apoptosis in LPS-stimulated phagocytes which was associated with a significant increase in caspase 3, 8, and 9 activities but a decrease in caspase 1 activity from C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ- FasL gld septic mice and an increase in caspase 3 and 8 activities in phagocytes from C3H/HeJ septic mice. Furthermore, cells from septic mice, including all three strains, lost their ability to produce IL-1β and IL-6 in response to LPS stimulation. The inability to completely suppress these changes suggests that neither endotoxin (via signaling through TLR-4 pathway) nor Fas ligand regulates the peritoneal phagocyte apoptotic responses seen during the late phase of polymicrobial sepsis/peritonitis.
APPLICATION OF MODE-COUPLING THEORY TO SOLVATION DYNAMICS

Mode-coupling theory (MCT) is applied to the dynamics of electronic-state solvation. Solvation dynamics in two solvents, propylene carbonate and n-butylbenzene, are analyzed by both mode-coupling theory and more standard empirical methods. Fits of the solvation response function allow all the MCT parameters to be extracted. In both liquids, the \ensuremath{\alpha} and \ensuremath{\beta} regions overlap strongly and a simultaneous fit of both regions is required. In the case of propylene carbonate, both \ensuremath{\beta}- and \ensuremath{\alpha}-relaxation components are clearly present. The crossover temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ and exponent parameter \ensuremath{\lambda} agree with those found by the light-scattering experiments of Du et al. [Phys. Rev. E 49, 2192 (1994)], showing that these parameters are independent of experiment, as predicted by MCT. In n-butylbenzene, both a standard fit without \ensuremath{\beta} relaxation and a MCT fit including \ensuremath{\beta} relaxation agree well with the data. The value of ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ found disagrees with the value found by the impulsive stimulated thermal scattering experiments of Yang, Muller, and Nelson. In both liquids, the fits extend well above the melting points into the low-viscosity, normal liquid range. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Outcome of metastatic breast cancer in selected women with or without deleterious BRCA mutations

The aim of this study was to compare the time-to progression and overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with and without deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations. 195 women with MBC who were referred for BRCA genetic testing between 1997 and 2011 were included in the study. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards models were fit to determine the associations between clinical variables and outcomes. Of 195 women with MBC, 21 % (n = 41) were positive for BRCA1/2 mutations. The number of metastatic sites at the time of metastatic disease was not different between BRCA1 versus BRCA2 carriers versus non-carriers (P = 0.77). The site of first metastasis was visceral-only in 70 % of BRCA1 carriers compared to 9 % in BRCA2 carriers and 37 % in non-carriers (P = 0.001). Median follow-up was 2.8 years. BRCA non-carriers and BRCA2 carriers had a longer time-to progression and OS compared to BRCA1 carriers (median time-to progression = 1.3 vs. 0.9 vs. 0.7 years; P = 0.31, and median OS = 4.88 vs. 4.94 vs. 1.34 years; P = 0.0065). In a multivariate model, no association was identified between BRCA positivity and time-to-event outcomes (P > 0.28). In addition, patients with triple-negative MBC carried a poorer prognosis irrespective of their BRCA status (P = 0.058 and P = 0.15 for the interaction term of BRCA status and triple-negative for time-to progression and OS, respectively). Our data indicate that BRCA1 carriers diagnosed with MBC have worse outcomes compared to BRCA2 carriers and non-carriers. However, the differences in outcome did not reach statistical significance likely due to small sample sizes.
Abnormal grain growth in three dimensions

Normal grain growth is characterized by the self-similar coarsening of the microstructure. Therefore, knowledge of the microstructure at one time and the temporal evolution of the mean grain size, , provides all of the information required for a complete statistical description of the evolving microstructure. In contrast, abnormal grain grow:h is characterized by the growth of a small number of grains at a rate in excess to that of the mean grain size and, consequently, a lack of self-similarity. Abnormal grain growth is most frequently observed in samples containing a dispersed second phase and/or in sheet materials.
State and Local Influence in Transboundary Environmental Policy Making Along the U.S.-Mexico Border: The Case of Air Quality Management

This paper extends my earlier analysis of border states influence to air quality management along the U.S.-Mexico border. The reasons for so doing are several. First, the environmental field has been an important arena for border state policy activism generally. In 1983, in good measure as a result of state policy influence, the two countries signed a landmark agreement on border environmental cooperation that has become a framework for foreign policy development in this sphere and further enhances the role of the states in policy development. Thus, it is a useful case for illustrating the role of states in foreign policy making. Second, a close look at the several issue-areas within the broader category of environmental policy, water, air, and hazards, may further establish the usefulness of the categories previously identified for analyzing and explaining the bases of state influence in foreign policy making. Third, a review of the transboundary air quality subfield may shed light on the prospects for further policy progress in this sphere.
Prior Rank, Intensity and Sparsity Model (PRISM): a divide-and-conquer matrix decomposition model with low-rank coherence and sparse variation

4D spatiotemporal images can be naturally divided into the background component, which is temporally coherent, and the motion component, which is spatially sparse, up to the proper basis. And this divide-and-conquer decomposition is an effective sparse representation of 4D images for the purpose of image reconstruction. Based on this prior fact, we introduce Prior Rank, Intensity and Sparsity Model (PRISM): the temporal coherence of the background component is enforced by the rank regularization and the spatial sparsity of the motion component is promoted by the sparsity regularization. In particular, the framelet based PRISM with the multi-resolution and multi-filtered structure will be utilized for image reconstruction. The superior performance of PRISM will be demonstrated with a few new medical imaging applications, including 4D cone beam CT, spiral MRI, and fused MRI-CT multi-modality.
Expression of B-cell translocation gene 2 protein in normal human tissues

The antiproliferative B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2(TIS21/PC3)) is emerging as an important regulator of cell cycle dynamics. BTG2(TIS21/PC3) expression increases in response to the induction of DNA damage, cell differentiation, cell quiescence, cell contact, and as part of a positive feedback mechanism in response to growth stimulation. The objective of the present study was to provide further insight into the biological function of BTG2(TIS21/PC3) by determining the expression levels and cellular localization of BTG2(TIS21/PC3) in a spectrum of normal human tissues and to determine the proliferative indices (based on Ki-67 staining) and apoptotic indices (based on TUNEL assay) in those cell populations where BTG2(TIS21/PC3) was differentially expressed. Highest levels of BTG2(TIS21/PC3) expression were seen in kidney proximal tubules, lung alveolar bronchial epithelium and in the basal cell layer of prostate acini. BTG2(TIS21/PC3) was expressed at significantly different levels within the different epithelial populations of the kidney (proximal vs distal tubules) and prostate (acinar basal cells vs lumenal cells). Moderate levels of expression were seen in the acinar cells of breast and pancreas and in the mucosal epithelium of the intestine. Low levels of expression were seen in neurons, hepatocyctes, the zona granulosa of the ovary, round spermatids and thyroid follicles. Our results therefore indicate an imperfect correlation between the terminally differentiated phenotype and BTG2(TIS21/PC3) expression, but no correlation between basal cellular proliferative or apoptotic indices and BTG2(TIS21/PC3) expression levels.
Data quantization effects in CFAR signal detection

In this paper, we investigate data quantization effects in constant false alarm rate (CFAR) signal detection. Exponential distribution for the input data and uniform quantization are assumed for the CFAR detector analysis. Such assumptions are valid in the case of radar for a Swerling I target in Gaussian clutter plus noise and a receiver with analog square-law detection followed by analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. False alarm and detection probabilities of the cell averaging (CA) and order statistic (OS) CFAR detectors operating on quantized observations are analytically determined. In homogeneous backgrounds with 15 dB clutter power fluctuations, we show analytically that a 12-bit uniform quantizer is sufficient to achieve false alarm rate invariance. Detector performance characteristics in nonhomogeneous backgrounds, due to regions of clutter power transitions and multiple interfering targets, are also presented and detailed comparisons are given.
Excitation of Spectra of Multiply Ionized Atoms by Capacitor Discharges

Spectra of vanadium have been produced in a vacuum sliding spark, and their relative line intensities have been measured as parameters of the electrical circuit were varied. Intensity maxima of the spectral lines are interpreted as representing excitation energies and have been found to depend in a definitive manner on the power delivered to the source and on the duration of the discharge. The differential equation of the circuit is solved for the charge and energy transfer rates from the capacitor to the source, and two functions of the continuous circuit parameter γ C/L(R/2)2 are defined which greatly assist in interpreting the effect of the circuit parameters on the excitation in the source. A relationship was found between the excitation in the source and the electrical circuit parameters. By means of this relationship one may obtain a good estimate of the excitation gained in the spark source. It is shown that by exercising careful control over the circuit parameters it is possible to separate spectra of neighboring ionization stages through either total pulse or time-resolved observations.
Pilot evaluation of venlafaxine for the treatment of hot flashes in men undergoing androgen ablation therapy for prostate cancer.

AbstractPurpose: Hot flashes may be a significant clinical problem in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy with gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues, oral antiandrogens and/or surgical bilateral orchiectomy. Anecdotal information suggests that a low dose of the relatively new antidepressant venlafaxine may abrogate this clinical problem. We developed the current pilot trial to investigate further whether venlafaxine alleviates hot flashes in such men.Materials and Methods: The study included men in whom substantial hot flashes were associated with androgen deprivation therapy. Hot flash data were collected by daily diary questionnaires during a 1-week baseline period when no therapy was given for hot flashes, as well as for the next 4 weeks when study participants received 12.5 mg. venlafaxine orally twice daily. Questionnaires completed during the 4 weeks of venlafaxine therapy also documented data on potential drug toxicity.Results: Of the 16 evaluable patients who completed the study 10 (63%...
ADHD With Comorbid Anxiety A Review of the Current Literature

Objective/Method: ADHD is often comorbid with anxiety disorders, with rates approaching 25% in many samples. This current review’s goal is to examine the literature on ADHD with comorbid anxiety from 1998 to the present.Results: Recent studies indicate that anxiety in ADHD may a) partially inhibit the impulsivity and response inhibition deficits, b) make working memory deficits worse, and c) may be qualitatively different from more phobic types of anxiety seen in pure anxiety samples. In examining subtypes of ADHD, measures of sluggish cognitive tempo show strong correlations with anxiety measures. Insights into the nature of the comorbidity between ADHD and anxiety may be gained by examining the possible comorbidity between Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and ADHD, shared risk factors for ADHD and anxiety, and the current pathogenic models of ADHD.Conclusion: The article concludes with a synthesis of the above work, along with directions for future research.
Methods in Human Cytogenetics

In this chapter various human chromosome techniques are reviewed. For the detailed descriptions the reader is referred to Darlington and La Cour (1975), to Human Chromosome Methodology (Yunis, 1965, 1974), to Dutrillaux and Lejeune (1975), to Yunis (1981b), and to Verma and Babu (1989). The book by Verma and Babu (1989) surveys the enormous increase in the number and variety of cytogenetic techniques in recent years, of which only the most important can be discussed here.
SIMPLIFIED TRIAL WEDGE METHOD FOR SOIL NAILED WALL ANALYSIS

This paper presents a new approach that allows soil nailed walls to be analyzed using a trial wedge method. Most soil nailed wall analysis methods are rooted in traditional slope stability solutions with curvilinear or bilinear slip surfaces. This has led to limited access to these methods due to the cost of commercial software. In addition, there are at least two well-documented test walls brought to failure that indicated evidence of relatively steep, approximately linear slip surfaces instead of the more complex surfaces assumed by most software packages. The simplified trial wedge method is intended as a relatively simple and inexpensive method for preliminary or supplemental design calculations for soil nailed walls. The method stems from the existing Federal Highway Administration analysis guidelines. Procedures are outlined for implementing the trial wedge method using a spreadsheet-based approach. The method is applied to two test walls that were intentionally brought to failure, the Amherst Test Wall in clay, and the Clouterre Test Wall No. 1 in sand. In each case, the trial wedge analysis produces results consistent with the failure mode of the wall.
Perioperative Implications of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was first described by novelist Charles Dickens in The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, published in 1937. The character Joe was an obese boy who was constantly hungry, red in the face, and always falling asleep in the middle of his duties. Dickens [1] writes: The object that presented itself to the eyes of the astonished clerk was a boy—a wonderfully fat boy—habited as a serving lad, standing upright on the mat, with his eyes closed as if in sleep. ‘Sleep!’ said the old gentleman, ‘he’s always asleep. Goes on errands fast asleep, and snores as he waits at tables.’ ‘How very odd!’ said Mr Pickwick. ‘Ah! Odd indeed,’ returned the old gentleman; ‘I’m proud of that boy—wouldn’t part with him on any account—he’s a natural curiosity!’. OSA is a common cause of daytime sleepiness for millions of Americans. It is estimated that in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years, 9% of women and 24% of men have OSA, whereas 2% of women and 4% of men have OSA with daytime sleepiness [2]. The prevalence of OSA increases with age [3]. OSA is associated with an increased incidence of hypertension [4], coronary artery disease [5,6], cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [7], cor pulmonale [8], stroke [9,10], neurocognitive dysfunction [11], motor vehicle accidents [12], and a decreased quality of life [13]. DEFINITION OF OSA OSA is clinically characterized by recurrent episodes of upper-airway obstruction that result in cessation (apnea) or reduction (hypopnea) in airflow during sleep, often accompanied by hypoxia and/or hypercarbia. The diagnosis of OSA is based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which is a count of the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep. Apnea is defined as the cessation of airflow for at least 10 seconds in the presence of thoracoabdominal ventilatory efforts and hypopnea as a 50% or more reduction in breathing
Feasible, Rigorous, and Relevant Validation of a Measure of Friendship Homophily for Diverse Classrooms

Peers become increasingly influential in children’s development during late childhood and early adolescence. A large body of research has documented children’s proclivity for forming friendships with peers who share similar attributes to themselves, a phenomenon termed homophily. Researchers have used multiple procedures to operationalize homophily. However, a measure of homophily that accounts for the diversity of children in classrooms has yet to be validated in elementary and middle school settings. Using social network data collected from a racially diverse sample of 553 elementary and middle school students (53 classrooms; 7 schools), this study aims to validate a measure of friendship homophily that accounts for differential opportunity structures in classroom contexts. Using race and gender as grouping attributes, we find evidence for the reliability, as well as the convergent and predictive validity, of the friendship homophily measure. Implications for researchers and educators are discussed.
Effects of Incomplete Superconducting Condensation on Electron Tunneling

We studied the tunnel junctions of s-wave superconductors in the presence of nonmagnetic impurities and uncondensed quasiparticles. Contrary to general belief, we found that the tunneling conductance in an SIN junction made of strong-coupling superconductors is modified by uncondensed quasiparticles. Also, the Josephson current in an SIS junction can be drastically reduced by these particles from the standard result of Ambegaokar and Baratoff. In weak-coupling superconductors, the conventional junction behaviors are restored.
REGIONAL DIMENSIONS OF ABORTION-FACILITY SERVICES

The fragmentation of health care services evident in contemporary United States medical care may also be seen in the provision of abortion-facility service, despite recent moves toward comprehensive health care. Abortion facilities in northeastern and southern states appear more likely to provide comprehensive services than do central and western facilities, based upon a survey of facility characteristics for 1978. Abortion cost and number of facilities, a competition variable, aid in discriminating among groups of facilities with service-level differentials.
The impact of near-surface soil moisture assimilation at subseasonal, seasonal, and inter-annual timescales

A 9 year record of Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer – Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) soil moisture retrievals are assimilated into the Catchment land surface model at four locations in the US. The assimilation is evaluated using the unbiased mean square error (ubMSE) relative to watershed-scale in situ observations, with the ubMSE separated into contributions from the subseasonal (SM short ), mean seasonal (SM seas ), and inter-annual (SM long ) soil moisture dynamics. For near-surface soil moisture, the average ubMSE for Catchment without assimilation was (1.8 × 10 −3 m 3 m −3 ) 2 , of which 19 % was in SM long , 26 % in SM seas , and 55 % in SM short . The AMSR-E assimilation significantly reduced the total ubMSE at every site, with an average reduction of 33 %. Of this ubMSE reduction, 37 % occurred in SM long , 24 % in SM seas , and 38 % in SM short . For root-zone soil moisture, in situ observations were available at one site only, and the near-surface and root-zone results were very similar at this site. These results suggest that, in addition to the well-reported improvements in SM short , assimilating a sufficiently long soil moisture data record can also improve the model representation of important long-term events, such as droughts. The improved agreement between the modeled and in situ SM seas is harder to interpret, given that mean seasonal cycle errors are systematic, and systematic errors are not typically targeted by (bias-blind) data assimilation. Finally, the use of 1-year subsets of the AMSR-E and Catchment soil moisture for estimating the observation-bias correction (rescaling) parameters is investigated. It is concluded that when only 1 year of data are available, the associated uncertainty in the rescaling parameters should not greatly reduce the average benefit gained from data assimilation, although locally and in extreme years there is a risk of increased errors.
A preliminary engineering design of a “Venetian blind” direct energy converter for fusion reactors

The device described reclaims the energy lost by the reactor through leakage of charged particles. Energy selection is accomplished through the angular dependence of transmission through a system of ribbon grids resembling a venetian blind. In contrast to previously described converters in which the beam of ions from the reactor is expanded in a flat fan-like expander, the beam in this device is expanded in two directions in a conical expander. Problems of grid construction, radiation damage, grid heating, and vacuum pumping are discussed. The efficiency is estimated to be 50% for a two-stage collector and 65% for a four-stage collector. Further development of the basic concept could possibly raise the efficiency to as high as 75%. Optimized designs might increase the power handled by a factor of several without significantly increasing the unit cost, thus greatly lowering the cost/kW.
Information interoperability and provenance for emergency preparedness and response

Improved situation awareness is a key enabler of better emergency preparedness and response (EP&R). This paper describes two important challenges: information interoperability and provenance. The former enables meaningful information exchange across separately developed systems, while the latter gives users context that helps them interpret shared information and make trust decisions. We present applied research in information interoperability and provenance, describe our collaborations with leading industrial and academic partners, and illustrate how the resulting tools improve information sharing during preparation, training/exercises, ongoing operations, and response.
Friction and Wear Studies of Carbon Overcoated Thin Films Magnetic Sliders: Application of Raman Microspectroscopy

The friction and wear behavior of diamond-like carbon (DLC) overcoated sliders is investigated as a function of DLC overcoat thickness using contact-start-stop and constant speed drag tests. The dependence of the Raman signal on DLC film thickness is studied. Raman spectra obtained from different locations on the air bearing surface are analyzed before and after wear testing to study wear of the DLC overcoat. The dependence of D and G band areas on DLC film thickness is investigated and the use of Raman spectroscopy for auxiliary measurement of carbon overcoat thickness is discussed.
Prevalence of Developmental Delay and Contributing Factors Among Children With Sickle Cell Disease.

Background Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at higher risk for deficits in cognition compared to the general population, even at young ages. Disease severity has been co-assessed in earlier studies, but the home environment has not. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the development of young children with SCD and secondarily, the impact of environmental and family factors. Methods The current study is a baseline cross-sectional evaluation of a prospective, single-center cohort. Children with SCD between the ages of 1 and 42 months and their primary caregiver were included. Participants lived within 30 miles of the site and spoke English. Children underwent developmental evaluation using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). Home visits were completed and screened using the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME). Results Over 3 years, 43 caregiver–child dyads consented and participated. Over 50% of children scored significantly below average on cognition and expressive language subscales. SCD severity was not associated with BSID-III scores. Socioeconomic status (SES) determined by the Diez-Roux method positively correlated (r = 0.401, P < 0.01) with the home environment. The HOME correlated (r = 0.360, P < 0.05) with the cognitive subscale on the BSID-III. Conclusions Given the high prevalence of developmental delay in this population, identifying modifiable factors to maximize developmental progress is essential. The home environment would be a targeted method for intervention. Future research is needed to identify the benefits of home-based intervention for this population.
Changes in Lysosomes and Their Autophagic Function in Aging: The Comparative Biology of Lysosomal Function

The lysosome, the organelle with the greatest degradative capability in the cell, is an essential component of the systems responsible for cellular quality control. Lysosome malfunctioning alters cellular homeostasis and has been proposed to contribute to the accumulation of abnormal and damaged intracellular components in different human pathologies and aging organisms. In this chapter, we summarize the most recent advances in the characterization of the complex subset of molecular components that contribute to proper lysosomal functioning. We also provide a comparative analysis of the main properties and components of the lysosomal system in different species and review the evolutive changes of this essential catabolic pathway. A more complete characterization of the lysosomal system has recently revealed the importance of lysosomes in cellular physiology and has helped establish causal connections between impaired lysosomal function and certain diseases. In the last part of this chapter, we provide a brief summary of these connections with special emphasis on lysosomal changes in age-related disorders.
Pulmonary carbonic anhydrase and the release of carbon dioxide from plasma bicarbonate.

Although red cells contain a considerable excess of carbonic anhydrase1, 2, 3 evidence has been obtained that the enzyme is not accessible to carbonic acid in the plasma4. A number of investigators have hypothesized that the absence of carbonic anhydrase in the plasma is responsible for a persistent disequilibrium between bicarbonate and carbon dioxide throughout the circulation4–9. The consequences of such disequilibrium in the pulmonary vasculature are shown in Figure 1. The passage of carbon dioxide from the plasma and red cells to alveolar gas is followed by the rapid conversion of HCO 3 - to CO2 within the red cells. This reaction proceeds at a much slower rate in the plasma because the reaction is uncata1yzed in plasma. Plasma HC0 3 - diffuses into the red cells in exchange for C1- (Hamburger Shift) and then combines with the hydrogen ions within the red cell to form additional H2C03 and CO2 , Although the latter reactions result in the consumption of H+ within the red cells, the pH of plasma remains unchanged. Movement of both H+ and OH- across the red cell membrane is reportedly very slow10 and the rate at which equilibration occurs between red cell and plasma pH appears to be limited by the uncatalyzed conversion of H2C03 to CO2 in the plasma4.
D-Chiro-Inositol Glycans in Insulin Signaling and Insulin Resistance

Classical actions of insulin involve increased glucose uptake from the bloodstream and its metabolism in peripheral tissues, the most important and relevant effects for human health. However, nonoxidative and oxidative glucose disposal by activation of glycogen synthase (GS) and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) remain incompletely explained by current models for insulin action. Since the discovery of insulin receptor Tyr kinase activity about 25 years ago, the dominant paradigm for intracellular signaling by insulin invokes protein phosphorylation downstream of the receptor and its primary Tyr phosphorylated substrates—the insulin receptor substrate family of proteins. This scheme accounts for most, but not all, intracellular actions of insulin. Essentially forgotten is the previous literature and continuing work on second messengers generated in cells in response to insulin. Treatment and even prevention of diabetes and metabolic syndrome will benefit from a more complete elucidation of cellular-signaling events activated by insulin, to include the actions of second messengers such as glycan molecules that contain D-chiroinositol (DCI). The metabolism of DCI is associated with insulin sensitivity and resistance, supporting the concept that second messengers have a role in responses to and resistance to insulin.
Inverted hybrid CdSe–polymer solar cells adopting PEDOT:PSS/MoO3 as dual hole transport layers

Inverted CdSe quantum dots (QDs):poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells (OIHSCs) with the PEDOT:PSS/MoO3 dual hole transport layers (HTLs) showed superior performance over those with a single HTL of PEDOT:PSS or MoO3. The enhanced electron blocking at the active layer/anode interface as well as the prevention of leakage current accounted for the enhancement in the efficiency of the solar cells with the dual HTLs. By adopting the inverted structure and using the dual HTLs, the resistive losses of the CdSe QDs:P3HT hybrid system at high illumination power were effectively prevented. Further study showed the structure of dual HTLs was applicable to the solar cells with CdSe QDs and nanorods (NRs) blended with poly(thienothiophene-co-benzodithiophenes)7-F20 (PTB7-F20).
Morphogenetic evolution

We propose a new operational method to generate convergent natural genetic evolution. We present a new convergent process for selection, mutation and cross over in natural genetic evolution process.
Quasimodal Decomposition of the Spatially Extended Field within a Nominally Localized 1D Open Random Waveguide

The microwave field is measured inside a random waveguide to reveal multiple peaks in space whenever spectral features are not Lorentzian. The wave is then decomposed into underlying Lorentzian quasimodes which dominate transmission.
Multicenter Survey of the Effects of Rehabilitation Practices on Pinch Force Strength After Tendon Transfer to Restore Pinch in Tetraplegia.

Abstract Objective To identify key components of conventional therapy after brachioradialis (BR) to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) transfer, a common procedure to restore pinch strength, and evaluate whether any of the key components of therapy were associated with pinch strength outcomes. Design Rehabilitation protocols were surveyed in 7 spinal cord injury (SCI) centers after BR to FPL tendon transfer. Key components of therapy, including duration of immobilization, participation, and date of initiating therapy activities (mobilization, strengthening, muscle reeducation, functional activities, and home exercise), were recorded by the patient's therapist. Pinch outcomes were recorded with identical equipment at 1-year follow-up. Setting Seven SCI rehabilitation centers where the BR to FPL surgery is performed on a routine basis. Participants Thirty-eight arms from individuals with C5-7 level SCI injury who underwent BR to FPL transfer surgery (N=34). Intervention Conventional therapy according to established protocol in each center. Main Outcome Measures The frequency of specific activities and their time of initiation (relative to surgery) were expressed as means and 95% confidence intervals. Outcome measures included pinch strength and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Spearman rank-order correlations determined significant relations between pinch strength and components of therapy. Results There was similarity in the key components of therapy and in the progression of activities. Early cast removal was associated with pinch force (Spearman ρ=−.40, P =.0269). Pinch force was associated with improved COPM performance (Spearman ρ=.48, P =.0048) and satisfaction (Spearman ρ=.45, P =.0083) scores. Conclusions Initiating therapy early after surgery is beneficial after BR to FPL surgery. Postoperative therapy protocols have the potential to significantly influence the outcome of tendon transfers after tetraplegia.
A Functional Antibiotic Spacer Provides Patients With Similarly Satisfying Options of One or Two Stage Treatment for Chronic Periprosthetic Infection

Purpose: Two-stage revision is the gold standard treatment for chronic periprosthetic infection of the hip or knee. Implantation of a functional antibiotic spacer allows patients the option of two stage revision or living with the spacer in place. Some patients may be satisfied with the activity level that they attain with the functional antibiotic spacer and may avoid the morbidity of a second surgery. Methods: We retrospectively examined the outcomes of 30 joints in 27 patients treated for chronic periprosthetic infection of the hip or knee at a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 11–46 months). Comparing the patients treated with two-stage revision to those patients living with a functional antibiotic spacer, we used University of California Los Angeles activity scores, modified Harris hip scores, and patient satisfaction measures to answer two main questions: (1) Is there a significant difference in activity level? (2) Is there a significant difference in patient satisfaction? Patient satisfaction was measured on a 1–100 scale with 100 being completely satisfied. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the American Society of Anesthesiologists scores between the groups—mean 2.69 in the two-stage group and mean 3.00 in the spacer group (p value 0.255). Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for University of California Los Angeles activity scores—mean 5.3 in the two-stage group and mean 2.8 in the spacer group (p value 0.027). There were no statistically significant differences in modified Harris hip scores—mean 55.6 in the two-stage group and mean 41.6 in the spacer group (p value 0.34). In the subgroup analysis of the modified Harris hip score questions, there was a statistically significant difference in the need for support when ambulating—mean 4.21 in the two-stage group and mean 2.45 in the spacer group (p value 0.024)—and in the distance that can be walked—mean 6.15 in the two-stage group and mean 2.0 in the spacer group (p value 0.005). No statistically significant differences were found in patient satisfaction measures—mean 70.0 in the two-stage group and mean 76.6 in the spacer group (p value 0.65)—though the mean satisfaction measure was higher in the spacer group. Conclusion: Patients living with a functional antibiotic spacer are less active than patients undergoing a two-stage revision for chronic periprosthetic infection of the hip or knee. Specifically, patients living with a functional antibiotic spacer need more support when ambulating and ambulate shorter distances than patients, who undergo two-stage revision surgery. Despite the decreased activity level, patients living with a functional antibiotic spacer are just as satisfied with the outcome of their joint as those patients treated with a two-stage revision. Patients with modest activity goals may be satisfied to live with a functional antibiotic spacer and to avoid a second surgery.
The Disregarding of Heteronormativity: Emphasizing a Happy Queer Adulthood and Localizing Anti-Queer Violence to Adolescent Schools

This article focuses on how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adults in 159 “It Gets Better” videos used happiness discourse to provide advice for an assumed adolescent viewer experiencing anti-queer bullying. Employing a grounded theory approach to analyze the videos and building on sociological analyses of changing sexuality norms, the author develops the concept of “disregarding heteronormativity” to account for processes that draw attention away from the widespread privileging and normalizing of heterosexuality. Indeed, findings reveal that makers of the videos not only localized anti-LGBTQ violence and harassment to adolescent schools, emphasizing the decline or disappearance of discriminatory events into adulthood, but also emphasized happiness and positivity more than power relations and structural constraints. At times, this emphasis included suggestions that bullied LGBTQ youth could improve their lives by adopting a more positive outlook or ignoring the negative opinions of other people. Thus, makers of the videos generally positioned violence against queer youth as primarily solvable through emotional management, contributing to the individualizing and depoliticizing of this social problem. In contrast, the author argues for analyses that resist the disregarding of heteronormativity and instead position unequal power relations as enduring and widespread structural features of US society.
Reed-Sternberg Cells Have Shortened Telomere Length.

As cells age, the ends of their chromosomes, the telomeres, become shortened. The chromosomal length eventually shortens to a critical point, which is thought to lead to chromosomal instability and/or cell death. Neoplastic cells have increased amounts of telomerase, an enzyme that prevents this shortening; this may be one mechanism by which tumor cells grow. Due to the scarcity of neoplastic Reed-Sternberg cells in tissues of Hodgkin Lymphoma, studies of telomere length and telomerase expression have been difficult and few. These few studies have tended to show an increase in telomerase expression in tissues from Hodgkin Lymphoma. In order to determine telomere length in Reed-Sternberg cells, we performed an immunofluorescence/FISH assay using a PNA pantelomeric probe and a CD30 antibody with which to identify the Reed-Sternberg cells (Am J Pathol 160:1259–68, 2002). Six cases were studied, with patient ages ranging from 18– 51 years. Telomere length was assessed on a semiquantitative scale. Of the six cases, five had evaluable hybridization signal. In these five cases, 53 CD30-positive cells (between 3–20 per case) were studied. In forty cells, the hybridization signal (telomere length) was less than that of surrounding cells, and in 13 it was the same; in no case was telomere length greater in the Reed-Sternberg cell than in surrounding lymphocytes (p
The Political Elite in China: A Dynamic Balance Between Integration and Differentiation

Studying the composition and circulation of the Chinese political elite enables analysts to transcend the long-standing diagnostic paradigm of the Leninist party-state. It provides a more specific context that can potentially help in understanding China’s future political trajectory. It can also contribute to a broader understanding of the various political transition processes––including their respective advantages and disadvantages––in authoritarian regimes in general. This chapter offers an empirically grounded, comprehensive study focused on the dynamic evolution of Chinese elite politics to enrich the wider academic literature on comparative political systems.
Data Protection in the United States: U.S. National Report

The United States did not elaborate any uniform federal legislation to ensure the privacy and protection of personal data. Instead, data protection in the United States is constructed out of a combination of sector-specific federal and state laws, and administrative and industrial regulations. Although in some areas American privacy protection framework may be deemed as less robust in comparison with the European one, in the other areas it provides even greater protection than in Europe.
Contemporary trends in abiraterone and enzalutamide prescription by provider specialty.

366Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with LHRH-agonists and anti-androgens, is established in the management of prostate cancer and is administered by urologists, medical oncologists, ...
Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Pelvic Floor Exercises.

Abstract Background: Pelvic floor exercises are effective in improving muscle strength and urinary incontinence symptoms. Increasingly popular mobile applications can be effective in teaching patie...
Treatment of Selective and Inadequate Food Intake in Children: A Review and Practical Guide

Treatment of highly selective or low overall eating by children may prevent the development of more complicated feeding difficulties, which can result in compromised health status and developmental concerns as well as the need for more intensive interventions. Caregiver-friendly intervention strategies that can be implemented with children in their community environments (e.g., in the child's home or school) may reduce the need for tertiary care. A small but growing number of studies have found that certain behavioral procedures can be effective in the absence of escape extinction with children who have established eating patterns (i.e., inadequate intake, selectivity by food type). This article reviews these procedural variations within the behavioral pediatric feeding literature and provides a practical guide for individuals who develop behavioral interventions for children in community settings.