cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spirometric correlates of dyspnea improvement among emergency department patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether change in slow vital capacity (SVC) correlates to dyspnea improvement during emergency department (ED) treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study and enrolled consecutive patients during a 3-week period. ED patients ≥ 55 years old with COPD exacerbation were asked to perform bedside spirometry shortly after ED arrival and again at discharge. SVC was measured first, then forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced vital capacity (FVC). Concurrent with spirometry, patients rated their dyspnea on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled. The median ED stay was 271 min (interquartile range 219–370 min). Seventy-one percent of the patients reported dyspnea improvement during their ED stay. Change in SVC was significantly higher among the patients whose dyspnea improved than among those whose did not (median increase of 0.15 L vs median decrease of 0.25 L, respectively, p 0.30). Spearman correlation supported these findings: SVC r 0.45 (p = 0.02) versus nonsignificant correlation with FEV1 (r = 0.33), PEF (r = −0.22), and FVC (r = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Increase in SVC significantly correlated with dyspnea improvement among ED patients with moderate-to-severe COPD exacerbation. Change in SVC merits consideration when evaluating therapeutic response during COPD exacerbation.
SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA DIAGNOSED BY SMARTPHONE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY

Timely diagnosis of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is difficult due to its episodic and unpredictable nature. Advances in smartphone technology have enabled wireless, single-lead, real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) recording without the need for traditional ECG monitors. We present
Additive-free harvesting of oleaginous phagotrophic microalga by oil and air flotation

A unique oleaginous phagotrophic microalga Ochromonas danica is poised for effective lipid production from waste. Cell harvesting and dewatering are major costs in making algae-based products. In this work an effective additive-free harvesting method was developed, taking advantage of O. danica’s comparatively more hydrophobic surface and larger size. The algal cells’ partitioning to oil/water interface was evaluated. Recovery by flotation with waste cooking oil was optimized using an L-9 Taguchi orthogonal-array design. Further, additive-free cell collection and concentrating by air flotation was studied for the effects of both physical factors (column dimension, air–stone pore size, sample-to-column volume ratio) and culture properties (pH, culture growth stage, cell concentration, and pure versus impure cultures). The optimized process consistently achieved >90 % recovery in a single stage. 98+ % recovery could be achieved when starting concentrations were >108 cells/ml, or potentially using a two- or multi-stage process for diluter cultures.
Male Mating Success and Female Fitness in the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Females of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann, mate most often with a small, nonvirgin subset of males although mating with virgin males enhances female fitness. Both the numbers of offspring produced per female and female longevity is greater for females that mate with virgin males. This phenomenon is not explained by temporary sperm depletion, nor does it easily conform to any of the classical models of sexual selection. This apparently maladaptive mating system can be explained by Kaneshiro's model of differential selection.
An Experimental Investigation of Attitude Change and Choice of a New Brand

This study investigates the relationships among attitude change, advertising exposure, and choice of a new brand on an individual basis. Results indicate that although attitudes change both before and after choice of the new brand, the post-choice attitude change is greater in magnitude and correlated more highly with choice.
Worldwide variation in hip fracture incidence weakly aligns with genetic divergence between populations

This study investigates the influence of genetic differentiation in determining worldwide heterogeneity in osteoporosis-related hip fracture rates. The results indicate that global variation in fracture incidence exceeds that expected on the basis of random genetic variance. Worldwide, the incidence of osteoporotic hip fractures varies considerably. This variability is believed to relate mainly to non-genetic factors. It is conceivable, however, that genetic susceptibility indeed differs across populations. Here, we present the first quantitative assessment of the effects of genetic differentiation on global variability in hip fracture rates. We investigate the observed variance in publically reported age-standardized rates of hip fracture among 28 populations from around the world relative to the expected variance given the phylogenetic relatedness of these populations. The extent to which these variances are similar constitutes a “phylogenetic signal,” which was measured using the K statistic. Population genetic divergence was calculated using a robust array of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. While phylogenetic signal is maximized when K > 1, a K value of only 0.103 was detected in the combined-sex fracture rate pattern across the 28 populations, indicating that fracture rates vary more than expected based on phylogenetic relationships. When fracture rates for the sexes were analyzed separately, the degree of phylogenetic signal was also found to be small (females: K = 0.102; males: K = 0.081). The lack of a strong phylogenetic signal underscores the importance of factors other than stochastic genetic diversity in shaping worldwide heterogeneity in hip fracture incidence.
Synthesis of a Virus Electrode for Measurement of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen

Though relatively unexploited in biosensor applications, phage display technology can provide versatile recognition scaffolds for detection of cancer markers and other analytes. This chapter details protocols for covalent attachment of viruses directly to electrodes for reagent-free detection of analytes in real-time. Customization of binding specificity leverages selections with large phage display libraries prior to covalent attachment of the selected virus to the electrode. The methods described here utilize electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to detect molecular recognition between M13 phage bound to a Au electrode and the following analytes: prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), positive and negative control antibodies (p-Ab and n-Ab, respectively). Because of a thick layer built on the Au electrode, the real impedance (Zre) increases reliably with S/N ratios upon noncovalent binding to PSMA (approximately 14) and p-Ab (approximately 20).
Data and Application Secutiry for Distributed Application Hosting Services

The cost of creating and maintaining software and hardware infrastructures for delivering web services led to a notable trend toward the use of application service providers (ASPs) and, more generally, distributed application hosting services (DAHSs). The emergence of enabling technologies, such as J2EE and .NET, has contributed to the acceleration of this trend. DAHSs rent out Internet presence, computation power, and data storage space to clients with infrastructural needs. Consequently, they are cheap and effective outsourcing solutions for achieving increased service availability and scalability in the face of surges in demand. However, ASPs and DAHSs operate within the complex, multi-tiered, and open Internet environment and, hence, they introduce many security challenges that have to be addressed effectively to convince customers that outsourcing their IT needs is a viable alternative to deploying complex infrastructures locally. In this chapter, we provide an overview of typical This chapter appears in the book, Information Security Policies and Actions in Modern Integrated Systems, edit d by Mariagrazia Fugini and Carl Bellettini. Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING
Ibsen's Houses: Architectural Metaphor and the Modern Uncanny

Henrik Ibsen's plays came at a pivotal moment in late nineteenth-century European modernity. They engaged his public through a strategic use of metaphors of house and home, which resonated with experiences of displacement, philosophical homelessness, and exile. The most famous of these metaphors - embodied by the titles of his plays A Doll's House, Pillars of Society, and The Master Builder - have entered into mainstream Western thought in ways that mask the full force of the reversals Ibsen performed on notions of architectural space. Analyzing literary and performance-related reception materials from Ibsen's lifetime, Mark B. Sandberg concentrates on the interior dramas of the playwright's prose-play cycle, drawing also on his selected poems. Sandberg's close readings of texts and cultural commentary present the immediate context of the plays, provide new perspectives on them for international readers, and reveal how Ibsen became a master of the modern uncanny.
Computational design and refinement of self-heating lithium ion batteries

Abstract The recently discovered self-heating lithium ion battery has shown rapid self-heating from subzero temperatures and superior power thereafter, delivering a practical solution to poor battery performance at low temperatures. Here, we describe and validate an electrochemical-thermal coupled model developed specifically for computational design and improvement of the self-heating Li-ion battery (SHLB) where nickel foils are embedded in its structure. Predicting internal cell characteristics, such as current, temperature and Li-concentration distributions, the model is used to discover key design factors affecting the time and energy needed for self-heating and to explore advanced cell designs with the highest self-heating efficiency. It is found that ohmic heat generated in the nickel foil accounts for the majority of internal heat generation, resulting in a large internal temperature gradient from the nickel foil toward the outer cell surface. The large through-plane temperature gradient leads to highly non-uniform current distribution, and more importantly, is found to be the decisive factor affecting the heating time and energy consumption. A multi-sheet cell design is thus proposed and demonstrated to substantially minimize the temperature gradient, achieving 30% more rapid self-heating with 27% less energy consumption than those reported in the literature.
Examining the Prevalence Rates of Preexisting Maternal Medical Conditions and Pregnancy Complications by Source: Evidence to Inform Maternal and Child Research.

Objectives We sought to examine whether there are systematic differences in ascertainment of preexisting maternal medical conditions and pregnancy complications from three common data sources used in epidemiologic research. Methods Diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertensive disorders (GHD), placental abruption and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) among 4821 pregnancies were identified via birth certificates, maternal self-report at approximately 4 months postpartum and by discharge codes from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS), a mandatory New York State hospital reporting system. The kappa statistic (k) was estimated to ascertain beyond chance agreement of outcomes between birth certificates with either maternal self-report or SPARCS. Results GHD was under-ascertained on birth certificates (5.7 %) and more frequently indicated by maternal report (11 %) and discharge data (8.2 %). PROM was indicated more on birth certificates (7.4 %) than maternal report (4.5 %) or discharge data (5.7 %). Confirmation across data sources for some outcomes varied by maternal age, race/ethnicity, prenatal care utilization, preterm delivery, parity, mode of delivery, infant sex, use of infertility treatment and for multiple births. Agreement between maternal report and discharge data with birth certificates was generally poor (kappa < 0.4) to moderate (0.4 ≤ kappa < 0.75) but was excellent between discharge data and birth certificates for GDM among women who underwent infertility treatment (kappa = 0.79, 95 % CI 0.74, 0.85). Conclusions for Practice Prevalence and agreement of conditions varied across sources. Condition-specific variations in reporting should be considered when designing studies that investigate associations between preexisting maternal medical and pregnancy-related conditions with health outcomes over the life-course.
Evaluating Risk Factors and Outcomes For Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) In Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) Recipients

Introduction Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are the leading cause of infectious diarrhea among pts undergoing stem cell transplantation (SCT). Data from large pt samples evaluating the trends, risk factors, hospitalization outcomes are lacking. We have analyzed the Nationwide Inpt Sample (NIS) database to evaluate the trends in the incidence and the impact of CDI on hospitalization outcomes among SCT recipients. Methods We used the NIS database to obtain the hospitalization data for primary procedures of autologous and allogeneic SCT between 01/2001 until 12/2010. We performed separate multivariate logistic regression analyses to evaluate risk factors of CDI in SCT pts and hospitalization outcomes including length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality (IHM) and hospitalization charges. Comorbidites were identified using software that created measures reported by Elixhauser et al. Results The incidence of CDI among transplant pts has remained relatively stable over time ([Fig 1][1]), with a higher cumulative incidence of CDI among recipients of allogeneic grafts (allogeneic vs. autologous SCT: 8.29% vs. 5.63%; p<0.001). There was an association between CDI and the presence of multiple comorbidities among autologous SCT pts (p=0.05), and a similar trend was seen in allogeneic transplant pts. Mean LOS (CDI vs. none: autologous 26 vs. 20 days, p<0.0001; allogeneic 42 vs 30 days, p<0.001; respectively), IHM (CDI vs. none: autologous, 4.0 vs. 2.2%, p=0.0003; allogeneic 12.7 vs 9.2%, p=0.0008) and mean hospitalization charges (CDI vs. none: autologous $208,025 vs. $145,250, p<0.0001; allogeneic $367,415 vs $270,366 p<0.0001; respectively) were significantly higher among SCT pts with CDI ([Table 1][2]). ![Figure 1][3] Figure 1 Trend of CDI in SCT recipients View this table: Table 1 Pt characteristics, multivariate regression models for evaluating risk and outcomes of SCT pts with CDI View this table: Multivariate logistic regression model evaluating hospitalization outcomes in SCT patients with CDI # Conclusions The incidence of CDI among both autologous and allogeneic SCTs have remained stable over the last decade, with a slightly higher risk among allogeneic SCT pts. CDI was associated with longer hospital stay, higher charges and higher IHM for both autologous and allogeneic transplant pts. While this analysis does not permit us to directly ascribe differences in outcome to CDI alone, these data suggest that CDI has a major morbid impact in the setting of SCT, and provides a rationale for development of more effective approaches for prevention of CDI in these pt populations. Disclosures: Kaufman: Onyx: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding. Lonial: Millennium: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy. [1]: #F1 [2]: #T1 [3]: pending:yes
Tensile bond strength of ceramic crowns to dentin using resin cements.

Purpose This study measured the bond strength of the self-adhesive resin cements and a bonded resin cement for crowns bonded to extracted teeth with preparations having a total taper greater than 30 degrees. A crown pull-off test was used with direction of pull along the path of insertion. The CAD/CAM system Cerec was used to create crowns with the pull-off loop as an integral part of the crown structure. Materials and methods One hundred extracted human molars were prepared for all-ceramic crowns with a 1.5-mm shoulder, greater than 30-degree axial wall convergence, a flat occlusal surface and 3 to 5 mm occlusal/ gingival height. All-ceramic crowns were cemented with five different self-adhesive cements (Rely X Unicem, Maxcem Elite, BisCem, SmartCem 2, and G-Cem) and one bonded resin cement (Multilink). Forfour cements (excluding GCem and Multilink) there were 2 groups, one with HF etching and one without ceramic surface treatment. The crowns were then subject to tensile stress until either the crown fractured or the crown was lifted off from the tooth. Results For several cements, the bond strength exceeded the tensile strength of the all-ceramic crown; thus, the crown fractured, leaving the cemented part of the crown on the tooth. The effect of ceramic surface etching was not statistically significant at p = 0.05; however, for each cement, the treated crowns showed a lower coefficient of variance (COV). For this study, the COV ranged from 24.9 % to 97.9 %. Loads ranged from 41.3 to 190.3 N. Conclusion Some of the new self-etching resin cements can create bonds to non-retentive crown preparations that are stronger than the strength of a ceramic crown; however, these high bond strengths may not be able to be achieved consistently.
Heat pump model for Ranque–Hilsch vortex tubes

Abstract We describe a quantitative model for heat separation in a fluid due to motion along a pressure gradient. The physical model involved is relevant to one explanation for the temperature separation in a vortex tube. This effect has a point of saturation in which the fluid’s temperature and pressure are related at its boundaries by an adiabatic law. Vortex tube models sometimes assume that this saturation is achieved in physical devices. We conclude that this is likely to be a safe assumption much of the time, but we describe circumstances in which saturation might not be achieved. We propose a test of our model of temperature separation.
Autologous Stem Cell (AUTO) vs Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Transplantation (NMT) after High-Dose Rituximab (HD-R) -Containing Conditioning Regimens for Relapsed Chemosensitve Follicular Lymphoma (FL).

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of NMT vs. AUTO as a treatment modality for patients (pts) with relapsed chemosensitive FL. Pts were considered for AUTO if they did not have a matched sibling donor. Pts were eligible for NMT if they had a donor, especially if pts were > 1 st relapse or failed a prior AUTO. Between March 1999 and April 2005, 68 consecutive pts were treated. 47 received a NMT after conditioning with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, HD-R (Blood89:3595, 2001). Twenty-one other pts received AUTO after either Cy/TBI/HD-R (N=8) or BEAM/HD-R (N= 13) (JCO23:2240,2005). The HD-R regimen consisted of 2 injections pre-transplant in NMT or during cell mobilization for AUTO, at 375 mg/m 2 and 1000 mg/m 2 , respectively. Pts then received two additional doses of 1000 mg/m 2 at days +1 and +8 post-transplant. Median age of pts (53 yrs), time from diagnosis to transplant (3yrs), % pts in PR (57%) at study entry were equal in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in gender distribution, histology subtypes of FL grades, history of marrow involvement, beta-2 microglobulin (b2-m), IPI and LDH levels between the two groups. There were however more pts in the NMT group who had > 1 relapse (38% vs 19%, P = 0.09), or had > 3 lines of therapy (28% vs none). Eight pts (17%) in the NMT group had failed a prior AUTO. Sixty-six pts (97%) had peripheral blood (PB) transplant, two other pts with NMT received marrow from an unrelated donor. With a median follow-up time of 34 months, overall survival rates at 3-year were 88% and 84% for the NMT and AUTO groups, respectively ( P =0.8). DFS and risk of progression were comparable between the two groups (85% vs 84%, and 3% vs 5%, respectively). DFS for the 8 pts who received NMT after failing a prior AUTO was 87% at 4-year. Causes of death varied between the AUTO group [Secondary leukemia (2), viral encephalitis (1)] and the NMT group [acute GVHD (2), chronic GVHD (2), unknown (1)]. We compared the outcome of AUTO in this study [AUTO Study Group), to a historical group [AUTO Control Group] of pts who received an AUTO under an immediately preceding protocol (years of therapy: 1994-1998). Pts in the AUTO Control Group were younger [Median age was 47 vs. 53 yrs, respectively, P = 0.007)], received Cy/VP-16/TBI without HD-R as conditioning regimen, and mostly (84% of pts) received in-vitro purged marrow as the source of graft ( P P = 0.09), an inferior DFS (58% vs. 84%, respectively, P = 0.04), and a tendency for a shorter survival (74% vs 84%, respectively, P = 0.2). These data suggest that NMT has a spectrum of safety that becoming comparable to AUTO. HD-R appears to improve the outcome after AUTO. Longer follow-up is needed to assess remission duration in the 2 study groups. A prospective controlled trial of AUTO vs. NMT using HD-R in each arm is warranted to assess the optimal strategy for treatment of relapsed FL.
Further Work on the General Three-Dimensional Photoelastic Problem

Summary It is known that purely photoelastic procedures cannot solve the general three-dimensional stress problem. Photoelasticity furnishes data from which only the principal shears can be determined, but not the principal stresses. A new, general, and practical method of solution which has been described previously(1,2) is reviewed briefly, and possible variations in procedure are discussed. This method combines the photoelastic data from frozen stress patterns with a numerical integration of one of the differential equations of equilibrium in Cartesian coordinates. The actual principal stresses at each point of a homogeneous and isotropic body of arbitrary shape subjected to a general system of loads are thereby determined. The method has been applied previously to a sphere subjected to diametral compressive loads of 172 lb. The present paper contains the results from a second sphere subjected to 79.6 lb which show that the degree of reproductibility of results is high. Very good agreement is also shown to exist with a theoretical solution of the same problem by Sternberg and Rosenthal.(3) The paper also contains the solution of a short rectangular parallelepiped loaded through a small flat circular die. The investigation was conducted in the Photoelastic Laboratory of the Mechanics Department of Illinois Institute of Technology.
MOOCs and Archaeological Advocacy: The Interpretation of Past Societies in the Digital Era

This review assesses the capabilities of the technology of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as tools for increasing the presence of archaeology in our digital society. Instead of focusing on the academic value of the content of these courses, I explore their usefulness as promoters of rigorous archaeological practices and ethics, as well as the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. After enrolling as a student in six MOOCs, I have analyzed whether these courses successfully provided students with an informed and critical understanding of the field, as well as creating networks of advocates that can share this knowledge across their communities.
Another Step Forward in CT Angiography

Coronary angiography has been the “holy grail” of noninvasive cardiovascular imaging. From the first attempts to image coronary arteries by noninvasive imaging ([1,2][1]), the complex motion of this arterial system in humans has been recognized as the most important challenge to be met. The
Predictors of Patient and Partner Satisfaction Following Radical Prostatectomy.

Abstract Introduction The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer adversely affects the physical and emotional well-being of patients and partners and has been associated with sexual dysfunction in patients and their intimate partners. Aim To identify predictors of sexual satisfaction in prostate cancer survivors and their partners based on a review of the current literature. Methods We performed a comprehensive review of the PubMed database from January 2000 to May 2017 focused on the (i) prevalence of patient and partner sexual dysfunction related to radical prostatectomy, (ii) differences in patient and partner perspectives of sexual function and dysfunction, and (iii) predictors of patient and partner sexual satisfaction after radical prostatectomy. Main Outcome Measures Patient- and partner-reported sexual satisfaction. Results There is a paucity of published data examining sexual satisfaction in prostate cancer survivors and their partners. Patients and partners can have different expectations of sexual outcomes after radical prostatectomy and different attitudes toward the relative importance of recovery of sexual function after surgery. Available data suggest that patients' and partners' mental and physical health and the quality of communication between them are important contributors to their sexual satisfaction. Patient-perceived partner support also is associated with better patient-reported erectile function and greater relationship satisfaction. Conclusion Mental health, physical health, quality of interpersonal communication, and patient-perceived partner support appear to be the most important predictors of sexual satisfaction for patients and partners in the post-prostatectomy period. There is a definite need for further research on this topic to develop interventions to improve sexual function and quality of life for prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners. Guercio C, Mehta A. Predictors of Patient and Partner Satisfaction Following Radical Prostatectomy. Sex Med Rev 2018;6:295–301.
Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution by Self-Standing Nickel Phosphide-Based Hybrid Nanosheet Arrays Electrocatalyst

Abstract Hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst made from earth-abundant elements for electrocatalytic water splitting is essential for sustainable and clean hydrogen economy. At present, how to make efficient catalysts with superior catalytic activity from cheap raw materials in large scale remains a great challenge. Here, we report a new nickel phosphide-based hybrid nanosheet arrays electrocatalyst, synthesized by a one-step phosphorization of commercial nickel (Ni) foam, for hydrogen evolution in water splitting. In acidic medium, the nickel phosphide nanosheet arrays exhibit very stable and fast hydrogen evolution kinetics with a relatively low overpotentials of 61 mV and 121 mV to achieve current densities of −10 and −100 mA cm−2, respectively, with a Tafel slope of 51 mV dec−1, showing comparable performance to the most efficient non-noble metal based hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts reported so far. This robust electrocatalyst, made from commercially available materials, holds a potential for the industrialization of clean hydrogen energy.
Flexible multibody dynamics formulation using Peridynamic theory

In the nonlocal theory of peridynamic the partial derivatives that appear in the classical (local) continuum mechanics are replaced with integral equations. This is an important feature of peridynamic theory allowing it to be easily applied to problems where partial derivatives of the displacement field may not exist (e.g. sharp corners, bifurcation) inside an elastic continuum medium. Crack edge is an example where displacement field is not continuous and hence partial derivatives are undefined. In the past decade peridynamic theory has attracted researchers in modeling crack initiation and propagation, specifically phenomena like crack branching and multiple micro-crack interactions where other classical (local) theories may experience challenges. Despite its remarkable results peridynamics is still a relatively new topic and it has room for development. One area of development is coupling the peridynamics theory with the traditional multibody dynamics. This will provide a useful simulation tool in damage prediction of rotating parts such as wind turbines or helicopter rotor blades. In this paper, a coupled formulation of peridynamics and flexible multibody dynamics is presented. A floating frame of references (FFR) approach is taken to capture the large rotation and translation of a body that itself is modeled by using peridynamic theory.
Hematologic Malignancies Affecting the Temporal Bone

Hematologic diseases can involve the temporal bone. Lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma have otologic manifestations. While lymphoma typically presents as nodal disease at regional nodal stations, extranodal manifestations have been described in the outer, middle, and inner ear. Treatment of localized and systemic lymphoma typically employs chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Leukemic infiltration of the temporal bone can also occur, with acute myelogenous leukemia being the most common subtype observed. Leukemic infiltration of the temporal bone involves primarily the petrous apex, and it can extend to involve the inner ear, middle ear, and facial nerve. Plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma can also present with ear and temporal bone involvement and require tissue biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Although rare, hematologic malignancies of the ear and temporal bone can be devastating. Careful attention to associated symptoms and laboratory abnormalities can alert the treating physician to the possibility of an occult leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.
Emerging Infectious Diseases: a Review

This review highlights some of the recent concerning emerging infectious diseases, a number of them specifically that the World Health Organization has categorized as priorities for research. Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases account for significant losses in not only human life, but also financially. There are a number of contributing factors, most commonly surrounding human behavior, that lead to disease emergence. Zoonoses are the most common type of infection, specifically from viral pathogens. The most recent emerging diseases in the USA are Emergomyces canadensis, the Heartland virus, and the Bourbon virus. In addition to the aforementioned pathogens, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, Nipah virus, New Delhi metallo-s-lactamase-1 Enterobacteriaceae, Rift Valley Fever virus, and Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus are reviewed. These pathogens are very concerning with a high risk for potential epidemic, ultimately causing both significant mortality and financial costs. Research should be focused on monitoring, prevention, and treatment of these diseases.
Cellular Control Mechanisms in Airway Smooth Muscle

The regulation of smooth muscle contraction is really an exercise in understanding the regulation of a number of protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions. By this I mean the enzyme-catalyzed transfer (by a class of enzymes known as protein kinases) of the terminal phosphate of ATP to a serine or threonine* residue on a protein with the formation of a covalent phosphoester linkage and, equally important, the enzyme-catalyzed dephosphorylation (by enzymes known as phosphoprotein phosphatases) of the phosphorylated proteins. This type of reversible phosphorylation is known to be important in regulating Cellular processes (reviewed by Krebs and Beavo, 1979). As we shall see, smooth muscles contain Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent, cyclic nucleotide-dependent, and Ca2+ /phospholipid-dependent protein kinases and at least three different phosphatases. In many ways, the contractile properties of smooth muscles can be visualized as being determined by the balance between the activities of these kinases and phosphatases. Consequently, much of the research emphasis on smooth muscle regulation has been directed at understanding the properties of kinases and phosphatases purified from smooth muscles. These studies have proved important for two reasons. First, they have resulted in a greater understanding of the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. Second, they serve as an important model for studying the role of protein hosphorylation reaction in other biological systems.
Prenatal Ethanol Studies on Astrocytes

Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or fetal alcohol effects (FAE) exhibit pre and postnatal growth deficiencies with specific damages to the central nervous system (CNS) (27, 43, 44). Clinical and experimental studies show microcephaly, mental retardation and specific biochemical and morphological alterations in cerebral tissue following perinatal alcohol exposure (11, 21, 23, 37, 38). Inhibition of [3H]-thymidine uptake/incorporation into DNA in fetal rat cells and tissues by ethanol (12), or inhibition of protein synthesis in fetal and neonatal brain by prenatal and postnatal alcohol exposure have been reported (47, 48). Significant deficits were observed in the dendritic structure of the hippocampus of 8 to 10 weeks-old adult offspring exposed in uteroto ethanol (2). Furthermore, alterations in hippocampal CAl pyramidal neurons in mice exposed perinatally to alcohol (9, 10) and high sensitivity of hippocampal messenger RNA (mRNA) among other available mRNA species to in utero ethanol exposure (51) have been demonstrated.
Energy Transfer in Doped Polymer Films

Many studies of electronic excitation energy transfer in polymer solids have been conducted. Polymers have attracted attention because of their technological and fundamental importance and because they form a class of disordered materials. To our knowledge, no previous studies of direct donor — acceptor triplet state energy transfer in doped polymer solids have been reported. We recently began to study this phenomenon of sensitized phosphorescence for three reasons. First, data acquisition and analysis with a large laboratory computer system allow the many variables in a disordered three component system to be probed conveniently. These variables include the temperature, the concentration of the donor, the concentration of the acceptor, conditions of sample preparation, the wavelength of excitation, the wavelength of the phosphorescence, the intensity and time evolution of the donor phosphorescence, and the intensity and time evolution of the acceptor phosphorescence. Second, it appears that the concepts of Fractal Geometry /1/ allow properties of disordered systems to be characterized by a few parameters. To us, being able to characterize a disordered system by one or two numbers represents a significant advance, which should be exploited to improve our understanding of disordered materials. Finally, we are interested in the effects of electric fields on energy transfer processes, and large electric fields, more than one million volts per centimeter, can be obtained by applying a small potential drop across a thin polymer film.
Effects of Aging on Moisture-Enhanced Pork Loins

Injection of fresh pork loins with a salt/phosphate/ lactate brine to achieve moisture-enhanced quality improvement did not affect troponin-T proteolysis and postmortem enzymatic tenderization.Consequently, the time of injection post-slaughter is not a critical factor influencing the tenderness of moisture-enhanced pork.Purge, however, was reduced by aging and greater desmin proteolysis was observed.Thus, aging prior to injection may reduce purge from moisture-enhanced pork.
Manpower and training needs in fluid power for Iowa industries

OF ITEMS 16 THROUGH 20: A. The number o f f lu id power inst ructors teaching the courses range f rom one to four wi th a few inst i tu t ions report ing that a l l of thei r inst ruc­ tors teach the f lu id power courses at one t ime or another . B. The number o f Cooperat ing Industry Plant Schools var ies f rom zero to three or more wi th a few inst i tu t ions report ing that th is factor var ies f rom t ime to t ime. C. The number o f undergraduate courses avai lable in f lu id power var ied f rom one to s ix wi th several inst i tu t ions indicat ing that a uni t in f lu id power is of fered in conjunct ion wi th another course such as power mechanics and s imi lar courses. D. The number o f undergraduate quarter hours of credi t reported var ied f rom three to th i r tytwo. Some of the courses wi l l be of fered for the f i rs t t ime beginning in the 1971"72 academic year. Several inst i tu t ions re­ ported that an undergraduate course in f lu id power is required in thei r program. Several inst i tu t ions reported that some of thei r undergraduate f lu id power courses could be taken as independent s tudy, for graduate credi t under cer ta in condi t ions, and s imi lar c i rcumstances. E. The number o f graduate quarter hours of credi t reported var ied f rom one to f i f teen wi th several inst i tu t ions report ing that t i ie i r undergraduate courses may be taken for graduate credi t under cer ta in c i rcumstances. A few inst i tu t ions reported that thei r graduate level courses are of the independent s tudy type. F. General comments indicated that several inst i tu t ions are going to of fer one or more undergraduate and graduate level f lu id power courses in the near future (wi th in three years) ; however, the quest ionnaire d id not a l low for a speci f ic date when the courses would begin.
Treatment of Autoimmune Disease by Intense Immunosuppressive Conditioning and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis are immune-mediated diseases that are responsive to suppression or modulation of the immune system. For patients with severe disease, immunosuppression may be intensified to the point of myelosuppression or hematopoietic ablation. Hematopoiesis and immunity may then be rapidly reconstituted by reinfusion of CD34+progenitor cells. In 10 patients with these autoimmune diseases, autologous hematopoietic stem cells were collected from bone marrow or mobilized from peripheral blood with either granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or cyclophosphamide and G-CSF. Stem cells were enriched ex vivo using CD34+ selection and reinfused after either myelosuppressive conditioning with cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg), methylprednisolone (4 g) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG; 90 mg/kg) or myeloablative conditioning with total body irradiation (1,200 cGy), methylprednisolone (4 g), and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg). Six patients with multiple sclerosis, 2 with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 2 with rheumatoid arthritis have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Mean time to engraftment of an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500/μL (0.5 × 109/L) and a nontransfused platelet count greater than 20,000/μL (20 × 109/L) occurred on day 10 and 14, respectively. Regimen-related nonhematopoietic toxicity was minimal. All patients improved and/or had stabilization of disease with a follow-up of 5 to 17 months (median, 11 months). We conclude that intense immunosuppressive conditioning and autologous T-cell–depleted hematopoietic transplantation was safely used to treat these 10 patients with severe autoimmune disease. Although durability of response is as yet unknown, all patients have demonstrated stabilization or improvement.
Quantum phases in frustrated strongly correlated 2-D systems

The strong Coulomb repulsion between charge carriers in a system with one electron per site can lead to a full localization of the electrons. The resulting state is called a Mott insulating state. The interplay between the physics of Mott insulators and of unconventional superconductors has been a focus in condensed matter physics for a long time. Although it has frequently been argued that the proximity to a Mott insulating phase is responsible for the emergence of unconventional superconductivity, little progress has been made in obtaining a convincing microscopic theory. Due to the strong electron-electron (e-e) interaction involved in Mott insulators, mean field theory is not a reliable tool. Thus other nonperturbative methods, including the Resonating Valence Bond (RVB) variational theory, have been developed. Recently experimental results showing that a spin liquid state, which is a Mott insulator without long range magnetic order, can undergo a pressure induced transition into an unconventional superconducting state has helped to sharpen this question. This experimental observation demonstrates that the onset of unconventional superconductivity doesn’t require magnetic ordering. The RVB picture serves perfectly in this context since it starts with a nonmagnetic state. The major goal of this thesis is to investigate the unconventional electronic and magnetic properties of a superconductor close to a Mott insulating phase. Particular emphasis is given to frustrated systems where the role of quantum frustration is known to be strong and where the Mott insulator is not magnetically ordered. Specifically we study models relevant to two frustrated quantum spin systems. One material of interest is κ − (ET)2 Cu2 (CN)3 , an organic superconductor. Its spinliquid ground state can be tuned by pressure into an unconventional superconducting state. We propose a new variational wavefunction by introducing nonlocal correlation effects into
Caspase Inhibitors as Molecular Probes of Cell Death

Recognition of the importance of programmed cell death in basic biological processes as well as its relevance to clinical problems has led to a surge of research interest in this area in recent years. The appealing idea behind much of this research is that an endogenous death pathway is present in most cells which can be triggered to kill cells by physiological signals or when they encounter some types of stressful conditions. In spite of the rapid progress made in some respects, fundamental issues in this field remain unresolved, and the major challenge is still to molecularly characterize this death pathway and understand the controls which lead to its activation. Recent research in a number of laboratories has identified a family of enzymes which at very least now provides a testable candidate for a central player in such physiological death pathways. Specific inhibitors of these enzymes are newly available tools which can be used to test for their participation in particular physiological and experimental cell death systems (Henkart, 1996). In this paper we will present examples illustrating their use from our own studies on lymphoid cells. For reasons which will become clear, we believe that a functional death criterion based on inhibiting enzyme function provides a more significant characterization of cell death than the commonly used apoptotic death phenotypes.
MCNP Models for Tokamak Cooling Water System Equipment Evaluations

AbstractHeat generated in the ITER fusion reactor is deposited in the tokamak vacuum vessel, in-vessel components, and in the components of the neutral beam injector during plasma operations and du...
PharmD graduates' perceptions of the impact of a teaching specialization

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to evaluate graduates' perceptions of the impact of a teaching (education) specialization and identify aspects of the specialization that could be enhanced. Methods A 20-item online survey was emailed to graduates of the education specialization at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Regression analysis was used to examine (1) association between overall self-rated competence on abilities and skills as a teacher and the number of types of teaching experiences and (2) association between overall self-rated competence on abilities and skills as a teacher and history of holding a faculty position. Chi square was used to determine differences between the two cohorts in confidence areas. Results Fifty-six out of 69 alumni (81.2%) responded to the survey. Graduates reported high levels of confidence in most teaching abilities. There was a high level of agreement that the specialization enhanced motivation to teach. Regression analysis indicated statistically significant associations between self-rated competence on abilities and skills across a variety of teaching experiences (e.g., classroom lecturing, precepting, continuing education, staff training, lab instruction, facilitating small groups) and history of faculty employment. Enhanced skills in experiential education and teaching outside of academia were identified as further areas for development. Conclusion The education specialization offered at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy may be an alternative entry level PharmD pathway for stimulating interest in academia. The majority of graduates agreed that they have applied the knowledge and skills to their careers.
Higher Educational Attainment is Associated with Lower Risk of a Future Suicide Attempt Among Non-Hispanic Whites but not Non-Hispanic Blacks.

In a sample of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED), the current study was conducted with two aims: (1) to investigate the protective effects of educational attainment (i.e., completing college) on subsequent risk of suicide attempt/death among patients presenting to the ED and (2) to compare this effect between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White ED patients. The current study analyzed data from the Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-Up Evaluation (ED-SAFE) study, a quasi-experimental, eight-center study of universal suicide screening and follow-up of ED patients presenting for suicidal ideation and behavior. Our sample included 937 non-Hispanic White and 211 non-Hispanic Blacks. The dependent variable was suicide attempt/death during the 52-week follow-up. The independent variable was completing college. Age, gender, lesbian/gay/bisexual status, psychiatric history, and previous suicide attempts at baseline were covariates. Race/ethnicity was the focal effect modifier. Logistic regression models were used to test the protective effects of educational attainment on suicide risk in the overall sample and by race/ethnicity. In the overall sample, educational attainment was not associated with suicide risk over the follow-up period. A significant interaction was found between race/ethnicity and educational attainment on suicide risk, suggesting a larger protective effect for non-Hispanic Whites compared with non-Hispanic Blacks. In race/ethnicity-specific models, completing college was associated with decreased future suicide risk for non-Hispanic Whites but not Blacks. Consistent with the Minorities’ Diminished Return theory, educational attainment better protected non-Hispanic White than non-Hispanic Blacks against future suicide attempt/death. While Whites who have not completed college may be at an increased risk of suicide, risk of suicide seems to be independent of educational attainment for non-Hispanic Blacks.