cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does "OPTINAB" strategy ("stop-and-go") work in treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer (APC) with nab-paclitaxel-gemcitabine?

MPACT demonstrated a survival benefit of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine versus gemcitabine in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC). However, sensory peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting toxicity and neuromodulators have shown limited, if any activity in ameliorating neuropathy. In colorectal cancer, the OPTIMOX (“stop-and-go”) approach offered a strategy to reduce neuropathy. No data exist to support this strategy for nab-paclitaxel in APC. Retrospective study of APC patients who developed grade 3 neuropathy during nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine was done. Nab-paclitaxel was held and then reinstituted upon radiological or tumor marker progression. Duration of disease control (DCC) was measured. We named this strategy “OPTINAB”. Seven patients out of 27 (25%) developed grade 3 neuropathy after an average of 4.2 months; nab-paclitaxel was suspended while gemcitabine was continued. Maintenance gemcitabine continued for a mean of 2.8 months. Upon progression (radiologic or CA19-9) nab-paclitaxel was re-instituted with gemcitabine. One patient could not tolerate nab-paclitaxel due to worsening of neuropathy while other six continued the combo with mean progression-free survival 2 (PFS2) of 2.2 months. The six patients continued nab-paclitaxel for a mean of PFS2 of 2.2 months (range 1–4 months). Nab-paclitaxel resulted in improvement of an average DDC with an average of (7.0 + 2.2 =) 8.2 months (range 8–13 months). Average overall survival for this group was 11.7 months (range 9.5–17 months). Reintroduction of nab-paclitaxel resulted in an average DDC of 9.4 months. Average overall survival (OS) for this group was 11.7 months. “OPTINAB” approach improved PFS2 in these patients and was feasible as majority of the patient tolerated nab-paclitaxel. Although it is a small study, it supports the need for a randomized, prospective study to test the concept of “OPTINAB”.
Dose, duration, and animal sex predict vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury in preclinical studies.

Abstract Background Although the exposure-dependent efficacy thresholds of vancomycin have been probed, less is known about acute kidney injury (AKI) thresholds for this drug. Sensitive urinary biomarkers, such as kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), have shown high sensitivity and specificity for vancomycin-associated AKI. The aims of the study were to determine if there were dose–response curves with urinary KIM-1, and to evaluate the impact of therapy duration and sex on observed relationships. Methods A systematic review was conducted via PubMed/MEDLINE. Data were compiled from preclinical studies that reported individual subject data for urinary KIM-1 concentrations, vancomycin dose (mg/kg), duration of treatment, and sex. Sigmoidal Hill-type models were fit to the individual dose-response data. Results A total of 15 studies were identified, 6 of which reported vancomycin dose and KIM-1 data. Of these, three included individual animal-level data suitable for analysis. For all pooled rats, increasing total daily vancomycin doses displayed a dose-response curve with urinary KIM-1 concentrations (50% maximal toxic response=130.4 mg/kg/day). Dose-response curves were shifted left for females vs. males (P = 0.05) and for long (i.e. ≥7 days) vs. short (i.e. Conclusions The collective findings demonstrate a clear dose–response relationship between vancomycin dose and AKI. As these analyses focused exclusively on dose-response relationships, additional preclinical data are needed to more clearly define vancomycin exposures that predict the onset of AKI.
Abstract 16726: High Fat Diet Upregulates Il-6 in the Heart Through Pparα

Obesity is a risk factor for diastolic heart failure, but the molecular mechanism by which obesity promotes diastolic dysfunction is not well understood. Obesity induces cardiac remodeling through ...
Effects of Co-occurring marijuana use and anxiety on brain structure and functioning: A systematic review of adolescent studies

The prevalence of marijuana use among adolescents with anxiety disorders in the USA is markedly high and well documented; however, the literature on this co-occurrence's effect on adolescent brain development and functioning is limited. This systematic review searched six databases to 1) explore the literature concerning marijuana use among adolescents with anxiety and 2) examine the effects of marijuana on brain structure and functioning. Overall, 27 studies from six countries were included in this review. Out of these studies, several disparate designs were utilized. The majority of studies revealed an association between marijuana use and anxiety, but the strength of the association and the variability among the studies' designs limited the comparison and warrants additional investigation. Only five studies met criteria that used brain-imaging techniques, and findings were non-conclusive. Future evaluations should further investigate the effects of co-occurring marijuana use and anxiety disorders on brain structure and functioning among adolescents.
Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of fibrin polymerization: effects of thrombin concentration on fibrin clot structure

Studies suggest that patients with deep vein thrombosis and diabetes often have hypercoagulable blood plasma, leading to a higher risk of thromboembolism formation through the rupture of blood clots, which may lead to stroke and death. Despite many advances in the field of blood clot formation and thrombosis, the influence of mechanical properties of fibrin in the formation of thromboembolisms in platelet-poor plasma is poorly understood. In this paper, we combine the concepts of reactive molecular dynamics and coarse-grained molecular modeling to predict the complex network formation of fibrin clots and the branching of fibrin monomers. The 340-kDa fibrinogen molecule was converted into a coarse-grained molecule with nine beads, and using our customized reactive potentials, we simulated the formation and polymerization process of a fibrin clot. The results show that higher concentrations of thrombin result in higher branch-point formation in the fibrin clot structure. Our results also highlight many interesting properties, such as the formation of thicker or thinner fibers depending on the thrombin concentration. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful molecular polymerization study of fibrin clots to focus on thrombin concentration.
WDR5 supports colon cancer cells by promoting methylation of H3K4 and suppressing DNA damage

KMT2/MLL proteins are commonly overexpressed or mutated in cancer and have been shown to support cancer maintenance. These proteins are responsible for methylating histone 3 at lysine 4 and promoting transcription and DNA synthesis; however, they are inactive outside of a multi-protein complex that requires WDR5. WDR5 has been implicated in cancer for its role in the COMPASS complex and its interaction with Myc; however, the role of WDR5 in colon cancer has not yet been elucidated. WDR5 expression was evaluated using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Cell viability and colony forming assays were utilized to evaluate the effects of WDR5 depletion or inhibition in colon cancer cells. Downstream effects of WDR5 depletion and inhibition were observed by western blot. WDR5 is overexpressed in colon tumors and colon cancer cell lines at the mRNA and protein level. WDR5 depletion reduces cell viability in HCT116, LoVo, RKO, HCT15, SW480, SW620, and T84 colon cancer cells. Inhibition of the WDR5:KMT2/MLL interaction using OICR-9429 reduces cell viability in the same panel of cell lines albeit not to the same extent as RNAi-mediated WDR5 depletion. WDR5 depletion reduced H3K4Me3 and increased phosphorylation of H2AX in HCT116, SW620, and RKO colon cancer cells; however, OICR-9429 treatment did not recapitulate these effects in all cell lines potentially explaining the reduced toxicity of OICR-9429 treatment as compared to WDR5 depletion. WDR5 depletion also sensitized colon cancer cells to radiation-induced DNA damage. These data demonstrate a clear role for WDR5 in colon cancer and future studies should examine its potential to serve as a therapeutic target in cancer. Additional studies are needed to fully elucidate if the requirement for WDR5 is independent of or consistent with its role within the COMPASS complex. OICR-9429 treatment was particularly toxic to SW620 and T84 colon cancer cells, two cell lines without mutations in WDR5 and KMT2/MLL proteins suggesting COMPASS complex inhibition may be particularly effective in tumors lacking KMT2 mutations. Additionally, the ability of WDR5 depletion to amplify the toxic effects of radiation presents the possibility of targeting WDR5 to sensitize cells to DNA-damaging therapies.
Ocean Forecast and Analysis Models for Coastal Observatories

Physical circulation processes in the coastal ocean affect air-sea interaction, sediment transport, the dispersal of nutrients and pollutants from terrestrial sources, and shelf-wide ecosystem dynamics and carbon cycling. A burgeoning network of coastal ocean observatories is expanding our ability to study these processes by simultaneously observing coastal ocean physics, meteorology, geochemistry and ecology at resolutions suited to quantitative interdisciplinary analysis. Complementary developments in ocean modeling have introduced more accurate numerical algorithms, improved parameterizations of unresolved sub-grid-scale mixing and boundary layer processes, and a transition to higher resolution on parallel computing platforms. The formulation and capabilities of modern coastal models are illustrated here with two examples from applications in the Mid-Atlantic Bight region of the northeast U.S. continental shelf. These are the Coupled Boundary Layers and Air-Sea Transfer (CBLAST) program centered on the Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Observatory, and the Lagrangian Transport and Transformation Experiment (LATTE) centered on the Hudson River plume. The studies utilize the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) as a forecast tool to assist in the deployment of moveable instrumentation, and as a synthesis tool to aid the interpretation of observations. It is shown that regional models have the resolution and accuracy to capture the dominant features of the coastal ocean heat and salinity budget on diurnal to weekly time scales in regions with strong tides, vertical stratification, and highly variable bathymetry.
Abstract TP301: Primary Language Predicts Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only FDA approved medical therapy for acute ischemic stroke. There is a paucity of data regarding the effe...
Response to "Primum non nocere: robots and spinal surgery".

With great interest, we read the response to our article, “Robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement fails to reduce overall postoperative complications in fusion surgery”. We would like to thank the authors for their time and attention to our work. We would also like to thank Dr. Theodore for his innovative contributions to the field of robotic-assisted spinal surgery. It is our opinion that the response underscores the significance of our study while correctly characterizing its limitations.
Optical fiber light scattering outdoor tests for interior daylighting

Abstract In building construction, most traditional building materials block the passage of natural light through the building envelope into its interior space. Therefore, there is an energy demand for artificial lighting of interior spaces during daytime hours in almost all building types. Currently, some interior spaces in a building may have excessive sunlight exposure and as a result, external shading elements for daylight control are required. Optical fibers (OFs) are mainly used for data transmission, but previous studies have demonstrated their capability for capturing and channeling sunlight into interior spaces in an anidolic manner. The present research introduces different OF tip shapes aligned together with solar concentrators of different geometries. The objective of the study is to assess and improve the basic properties of sunlight capturing, channeling and scattering using OFs. The results demonstrate the viability of using OFs as a passive daylight system and as an advancement in the energy efficient building envelopes design.
Regularized asymmetric nonnegative matrix factorization for clustering in directed networks

Abstract In network analysis, clustering is a key task of dividing a network into logical and meaningful groupings of components. There are various methods to cluster nodes in undirected networks, however, little is known about clustering in directed networks. In this paper, we propose a regularized asymmetric nonnegative matrix factorization (RANMF) algorithm for clustering in directed networks. In a given directed network, the RANMF exploits the pairwise similarity of nodes to make close nodes belong to the same cluster under the guidance of prior information of the network. We also prove the convergence of the RANMF algorithm and provide real-world experiments to show its performance. The experimental results show the superiority of our RANMF algorithm in terms of several clustering validity indices.
Design of a Compact 600VA Sinusoidal Inverter with Battery Storage System

Due to the increase of renewable energy sources, an efficient inverter system should be designed which can work both in grid-connected and stand-alone mode. This type inverters should be synchronized with the conventional grid system and control the power flow according to the grid voltage and frequency. A 600VA inverter design with battery storage system considering the small weight compared with the available inverter which can be used in both modes has been proposed in this paper. A full bridge DC-DC converter is used for converting the 24V DC input to 380V DC, and SPWM drove H-bridge inverter is used to get the AC output. An LCL filter is used to get the pure sinusoidal output from the SPWM signal. Successful demonstration and the hardware implementation of the overall system has been presented.
Management Of Excessive Sleepiness In Patients With Narcolepsy And OSA: Current Challenges And Future Prospects

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) can be caused by insufficient sleep but is also a manifestation of medical or sleep disorders and a side effect of medications. It impacts quality of life and creates safety concerns in the home, at work, and on the roads. Screening questionnaires can be used to estimate EDS, but further evaluation is necessary. EDS is a common symptom of both narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing are used to diagnose these disorders. However, isolating the primary etiology of EDS can be challenging and may be multifactorial. Untreated OSA can show polysomnographic findings that are similar to narcolepsy. The effects of sleep deprivation and certain medications can also affect the polysomnographic results. These challenges can lead to misdiagnosis. In addition, narcolepsy and OSA can occur as comorbid disorders. If EDS persists despite adequate treatment for either disorder, a comorbid diagnosis should be sought. Thus, despite advances in clinical practice, appropriate management of these patients can be challenging. This review is focused on EDS due to OSA and narcolepsy and addresses some of the challenges with managing this patient population.
A new approach to infection prevention: A pilot study to evaluate a hand hygiene ambassador program in hospitals and clinics.

Background A pilot study was conducted to assess the perceptions of visitors, patients, and staff to the presence of a hand hygiene ambassador (HHA). Methods Two hundred and twenty-five entrants to various health care settings were surveyed. Only entrants who failed to clean their hands at the alcohol-based handrub (ABHR) station on entry to the lobby were offered application of ABHR by an HHA. Several questions were also asked to assess their attitudes about the presence of an HHA. Results When asked whether they think it is a good idea to have an HHA place ABHR on an entrant's hands, the majority of staff, visitors, and patients agreed. No one refused administration of handrub by the HHA. Discussion HHA programs have direct and indirect benefits. Although the cost of such an initiative should be considered prior to implementation, it should be weighed against the annual spending for health care–associated infections. Conclusions Considering that hand hygiene compliance and health care–associated infection are clearly linked, a new approach using an HHA may help reduce infection, acting as a source of hand hygiene on entry to the hospital and possibly as a reminder to perform hand hygiene elsewhere in the hospital and clinics.
Effectiveness of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation according to heart failure etiology.

Background Catheter ablation is an important rhythm control therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with concomitant heart failure (HF). The objective of this study was to assess the comparative efficacy of AF ablation patients with ischemic vs nonischemic heart failure. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with HF who underwent AF ablation. Outcomes were compared based on HF etiology and included in-hospital events, symptoms (Mayo AF Symptom Inventory [MAFSI]), and functional status (New York Heart Association class) and freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 12 months. Results Among 242 patients (n = 70 [29%] ischemic, n = 172 [71%] nonischemic), patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy were younger (mean age 64 ± 11.5 vs 69 ± 9.1, P = .002), more often female (36% vs 17%, P = .004), and had higher mean left-ventricular ejection fraction (47% vs 42%, P = .0007). There were no significant differences in periprocedural characteristics, including mean procedure time (243 ± 74.2 vs 259 ± 81.8 minutes, P = .1) and nonleft atrial ablation (17% vs 20%, P = .6). All-cause adverse events were similar in each group (15% vs 17%, P = .7). NYHA and MAFSI scores improved significantly at follow-up and did not differ according to HF etiology (P = .5; P = .10-1.00 after Bonferroni correction). There were no significant differences in freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmia at 12-months between ischemic (74%) and nonischemic patients (78%): adjusted RR 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.33-1.19. Conclusions Catheter ablation in patients with AF and concomitant heart failure leads to significant improvements in functional and symptom status without significant differences between patients with ischemic vs nonischemic HF etiology.
Student Learning Across Course Instruction in Genetics and Evolution

Genetics and evolution are interconnected topics — evolutionary change requires inheritance and correspondingly, genetic variation is required for selection to have any impact on a population. However, misconceptions and naive ideas of both genetic and evolutionary concepts can fundamentally impact a student’s understanding of biology. It is therefore important to understand what information students obtain in various courses at the undergraduate level, and how knowledge of concepts in one course might impact learning in another course. This is particularly important with respect to genetics concepts, as Genetics courses are often a prerequisite to Evolution courses and serve frequently as students’ introduction to the basic concepts that underlie evolution. This study compared student performance related to key genetics concepts after taking both Fundamental Genetics and Evolution courses to taking Fundamental Genetics alone and tracked student performance as they progressed through the Genetics-Evolution course sequence. We created a 16-question assessment, developed from published literature on these topics, and administered the survey at three timepoints: the end of Fundamental Genetics, the beginning of Evolution and again at the end of the Evolution course. Our data suggest students do complete Fundamental Genetics with a few misconceptions related to genetic information pertinent to evolution, and that these concepts are varyingly corrected by taking Evolution. This research highlights the advantages of both tracking and comparing students as they progress through a Genetics-to-Evolution course sequence, particularly with respect to how faculty can leverage course sequencing to improve student performance.
Neighbourhood accessibility and walkability of subsidised housing in shrinking US cities

This article advances the discussion of subsidised housing and accessible and walkable neighbourhoods by focusing on the characteristics of cities experiencing population decline. We examine the ne...
Partial Differential Equations

Fourier Analysis is central to the study of a great number of physical phenomena. The periodic nature of vibrations and wave propagation are generally modeled by differential equations. We will study just a few of the most basic differential equations here. There are many books which are exclusively devoted to this subject and the reader is encouraged to consider these after this basic introduction (Boyce and DiPrima, Elementary differential equations with boundary value problems, Wiley, [2]; Folland, Introduction to partial differential equations, Dover Press, [8]; Zachmanoglou and Thoe, Introduction to partial differential equations with applications, Dover Press, [21]).
Trials of Immunotherapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with frequent chemotherapy resistance. In recent years, advances in immunotherapy have yielded promising new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of TNBC; studies evaluating immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) in combination with chemotherapy have shown encouraging results in both early and advanced stages of disease. Atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel resulted in improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to nab-paclitaxel alone in patients with programmed death-ligand 1-positive (PD-L1+) metastatic TNBC (mTNBC). However, atezolizumab plus paclitaxel did not improve outcomes. Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy improved PFS compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with PD-L1+ mTNBC, and follow-up for OS is ongoing. The addition of pembrolizumab and atezolizumab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy increased pathologic complete response rates, regardless of PD-L1 status, and event-free survival is pending. Several other combinations of ICIs with targeted agents are under investigation to enhance the host immune response and are discussed in this review. TNBC has a poor prognosis with limited treatment options. Recent studies have demonstrated encouraging results by adding ICIs to chemotherapy, although optimal combinations remain to be defined. In this review, we highlight advances in TNBC treatment including ICIs and targeted agents and also discuss future directions.
Changes in polyphenol serum levels and cognitive performance after dietary supplementation with Concord grape juice in veterans with Gulf War Illness

Abstract Aims We investigated whether the consumption of Concord grape juice (CGJ) was associated with increased bioavailability of serum metabolites and their potential impact on cognitive performance in Veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). Main methods Twenty-six veterans were selected from a cohort of 36 enrolled in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, Phase I/IIA clinical trial exploring whether the consumption of Concord grape juice (CGJ) was tolerable and safe in Veterans with GWI and improved cognitive function and fatigue. These 26 veterans were selected based on their completion of the entire 24-week protocol and documented adherence to the study beverage ≥80%. Differences in serum metabolite levels between CGJ and placebo at midpoint and endpoint were evaluated using two-way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Sidak's multiple comparison test. Bivariate correlations to assess for possible relationships between change in serum metabolite levels and change in cognitive function as measured by the Halstead Category Test-Russell Revised Version (RCAT) were also conducted. Key findings Seventy-six metabolites were identified and quantified in this study, with three (cyanidin-glucuronide, me-cyanidin-glucuronide, and me-malvidin-glucuronide) found to be significantly higher (p Significance Our data suggest that dietary supplementation with CGJ is associated with increased bioavailability of specific phenolic metabolites, some of which may be correlated with cognitive performance.
Women’s Softball and the Collaborative Spirit of Magic

All major US sports are high in superstitions because motivation to win is high and the game outcome is uncertain; athletes purportedly engage in superstitious behavior to reduce anxiety, build individual confidence and cope with uncertainty. Sports is also a male domain, where men traditionally display individual, masculine achievement. We observe magic rituals practiced in a women’s college softball team not as a means to overcome anxiety or display individual prowess, but as a way to blend creative individuality into the unity of the social whole, which manifests as a social narrative of the team. We analyze individual and team magic in two forms –institutionalized magic and individual superstitions – which build idiosyncratic behavior into a collective team dynamic. As such, this essay shows how women use magical power collaboratively. Women on a college softball team partake in practical work and magic, such that participating in magic through empathy and sensing one another creates team identity, allowing the reimagination of forms and outcomes.
Agreement between multifrequency BIA and DXA for assessing segmental appendicular skeletal muscle mass in older adults.

BACKGROUND Aging presents changes in muscle mass that may lead to sarcopenia. Identifying safe, quick, and accessible methods to assess muscle mass is imperative. AIMS The purpose of this investigation was to compare the assessments of appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM) between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). METHODS Seventy-three healthy, community-dwelling, physically active males (n = 19) and females (n = 54) (BMI = 27.1 ± 4.3 kg m-2) between the ages of 55-85 years underwent total-body BIA and DXA. ASMM was estimated via BIA from a previously published regression equation while DXA ASMM was calculated as the sum of the measured total arm lean mass and total leg lean mass. Paired-samples t tests with a significance level of p < 0.05 were conducted, while agreement between the methods was assessed via Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS In comparison to DXA, the chosen BIA equation overestimated ASMM (21.61 ± 5.82 kg vs. 18.82 ± 4.81 kg) and FFM (49.57 ± 9.94 kg vs. 46.22 ± 10.11 kg) and underestimated FM (24.59 ± 8.28 kg vs. 27.13 ± 10.01 kg), all p < 0.001. Visual inspection of the Bland-Altman plots revealed wide limits of agreement. Female participants were more clustered around the mean than male participants. DISCUSSION The multifrequency BIA device and chosen ASMM estimation equation resulted in wide limits of agreement and significantly different comparisons to the reference method of DXA. CONCLUSION Future research should continue to investigate and validate methodologies to screen older individuals for characteristics of aging-related diseases, such as sarcopenia.
Woman, M.D.: issues, perceptions and choices.

I would end with some summarizing points and questions. 1. A majority of women identify gender-related issues influencing their career choices and pathways. 2. Women are diverse in their choices and priorities, with varying balances of personal and professional life. 3. Eighty-three percent of the women responding to the survey have married, and 82% of those married have children. They thus are likely to have two sets of seriously competing responsibilities. 4. It is possible to identify especially promising women during residency or fellowship. Exploring their priorities and values with good mentors will be important to avoid short-changing academic medicine of competent women. 5. Men and women need to be SUPERCHOOSERS in making the choices right for that individual, rather than superwomen or supermen. 6. We can question whether the development and potential of women (and some men) in academic medicine could be enhanced by: a. Consideration of guidance or support for child care resources? b. Flexibility in the system (tenure clock, etc.)? c. Identification of limited full-time clinical or research opportunities for faculty with young children or unusual family demands? d. Facilitation of bridging after a period of part-time activity or re-entry after limited participation? e. Consideration of part-time work at home and flexible on-site work hours for periods of special family demands? Finally, a supportive work environment is important for both men and women in medicine and is an essential priority in academic medicine. Medicine is a wonderful field. Academic medicine on my terms, to include family, has been very rewarding. Sometimes there also have been disappointments, in that I have fallen short of some of my aspirations. However, I must accept the responsibility for my choices. I owe a great debt to many of the men and women of the American Clinical and Climatological Association and of Johns Hopkins who are both friends and colleagues and especially to my husband, Dick Johns. After 42 years of marriage, I am still learning about the balance of personal and professional life. May we all be Superchoosers!
Professional Education of Physical Education Teachers in Germany

(1938). Professional Education of Physical Education Teachers in Germany. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 10-60.
High Resolution Pion and Proton Spectroscopy at LAMPF

Of the various beam and experimental facilities which are being developed as part of LAMPF, this report deals with two: i) A high resolution proton beam and spectrometer, (HRS), for the investigation of proton induced reactions; ii) A beam channel and spectrometer for relatively energetic pions (EPICS).
Necrotizing fasciitis and infective endocarditis caused by Escherichia coli in a hemodialysis patient

Patients with uremia are often immunocompromised and uremia patients undergoing maintenance dialysis are often vulnerable to uncommon infections. We report a 40-year-old man who was undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and was initially diagnosed with monomicrobal necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limbs, based on blood and pus cultures that yielded Escherichia coli. His condition improved after surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. However, he eventually died of intracranial hemorrhage related to septic emboli. Concurrent infective endocarditis was diagnosed based on an echocardiogram that indicated vegetation in the left ventricular region. Escherichia coli-related necrotizing fasciitis and infective endocarditis is rarely seen in clinical practice. There should be a high index of suspicion for multiple infections when a hemodialysis patient presents with an uncommon infection.
Seismicity and plate tectonics in south Central Alaska

Hypocenter distribution shows that the Benioff zone associated with the Aleutian arc terminates in interior Alaska some 75 km north of the Denali fault. There appears to be a break in the subducting Pacific plate in the Yentna River-Prince William Sound area which separates two seismically independent blocks, similar to the segmented structure reported for the central Aleutian arc.
An enzymatic method for the detection of esters

Abstract An enzymatic method for the detection of esters has been developed. The use of various esterases as an analytical tool has been examined. It has been found that lipase can be used for the detection of esters under specified conditions. The relative rates of hydrolysis observed in the case of various esters have been explained on the basis of the generally accepted mechanism. The enzymatic method has been compared with the hydroxamic acid test.
Measurement of the angular distribution and energy of ionic fragments from photodissociation of molecular ions

Abstract A theoretical analysis of the trapping efficiency of photofragment ions formed by polarized and unpolarized radiation is developed for the ion cyclotron resonance cell. The analysis outlines a prescription for estimating the kinetic energy and anisotropy of the angular distribution of fragment ions and is found to agree well with experiments performed on the H2+ molecular ion. With a photodissociation wavelength of 5790 A the cross section for formation of H+ from H2+ is found to be 6.8 × 10−19 cm2 and the average kinetic energy of the protons was estimated as 0.7 eV. In the light of these results use of the ICR technique for such measurements is evaluated.
Sensory Characteristics of Diverse Rice Cultivars as Influenced by Genetic and Environmental Factors

ABSTRACT An understanding of how genetic, preharvest, and postharvest factors affect the sensory characteristics of rice will help producers and processors meet the needs of specific customers and foster the development of a diversified rice market. In this study, differences in the texture and flavor of 17 diverse cultivars related to genetic differences were characterized and the stability of their flavor and texture from one crop year to the next was determined. Sensory attributes of cooked rice were measured by panelists using descriptive sensory analysis methodology. Cooked texture of the cultivars varied widely and correlated well with amylose content with correlation coefficient (r) values in the range 0.76–0.97 for 11 of the 14 attributes. Flavor attribute intensities were low and similar among cultivars, with the exception of grain flavor. Grain flavor ranged in intensity from 2.2 to 4.9 and correlated highly and negatively with amylose content (-0.88). Roughness and hardness were the only textur...
Lung cancer resection combined with lung volume reduction in patients with severe emphysema.

Abstract Objective Certain patients with resectable lung cancer and severe respiratory limitation due to emphysema may have a suitable operative risk by combining cancer resection with lung volume reduction surgery. The purpose of this study is to review our experience with such patients. Methods A review was conducted on 21 patients with lung cancer in the setting of severe emphysema who underwent an operation designed to provide complete cancer resection and volume reduction effect. Results In the 21 patients, the mean preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 0.7 ± 0.2 L (29% predicted), residual volume was 5.5 ± 1.0 L (271%), and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was 8.0 ± 2.2 mL/min/mm Hg (34% predicted). In 9 patients, the cancer was located in a severely emphysematous lobe and the lung volume reduction surgery component of the procedure was accomplished with lobectomy alone. In the remaining 12 patients, the cancer resection lobectomy (n = 9) and wedge resection (n = 3) were supplemented with lung volume reduction surgery. Final pathologic staging was stage I in 16 patients, stage II in 2 patients, and stage III in 2 patients. One patient was found to have stage IV disease due to multifocal tumors in separate lobes. There were no hospital deaths. Postoperative complications included prolonged air leak in 11 patients, atrial fibrillation in 6 patients, and reintubation for ventilatory assistance in 2 patients. All patients showed improved lung function postoperatively. Survival was 100% and 62.7% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Conclusions Patients with severe emphysema and resectable lung cancer who have a favorable anatomy for lung volume reduction surgery may undergo a combined cancer resection and lung volume reduction surgery with an acceptable risk and good long-term survival.
A sociological analysis of some broader developmental implications of vertical integration in agriculture: Indian and Ghanaian data compared

Abstract Data were obtained from samples of farmers who grow tobacco in a high-technology mode, under contract conditions, in each of two countries, India and Ghana, and also from samples of other farmers, not operating under contract conditions, but matched with the growers on farm and personal characteristics. The analysis addresses questions of impact on various aspects of farmers' lives of the involvement in an integrated system of production, treated as a rural analogue of the urban factory. Results show that the integrated production system may have a spillover effect on other aspects of farming, in that growers are more likely to use modern inputs, including technical advice, on both their secondary cash crops and personal consumption crops than other farmers. Tobacco growers are also somewhat more likely than other farmers to hold a positive view of the farmer's role and to want their sons to become farmers. At a more basic level, however, regarding impact on a range of values, tobacco growers are not different from other farmers. The lack of any general value impact raises questions about the assumption that factory experience is a powerful modernising agent for workers in developing countries.
A Reconfigurable PLA Architecture for Nanomagnet Logic

In order to continue the performance and scaling trends that we have come to expect from Moore’s Law, many emergent computational models, devices, and technologies are actively being studied to either replace or augment CMOS technology. Nanomagnet Logic (NML) is one such alternative. NML operates at room temperature, it has the potential for low power consumption, and it is CMOS compatible. In this aricle, we present an NML programmable logic array (PLA) based on a previously proposed reprogrammable quantum-dot cellular automata PLA design. We also discuss the fabrication and simulation validation of the circuit structures unique to the NML PLA, present area, energy, and delay estimates for the NML PLA, compare the area of NML PLAs to other reprogrammable nanotechnologies, and analyze how architectural-level redundancy will affect performance and defect tolerance in NML PLAs. We will use results from this study to shape a concluding discussion about, which architectures appear to be most suitable for NML.
Collision rate of pions and kaons at finite temperature

The energy dependence of the pion and kaon collision rates at finite-temperature are calculated in the approximation that resonances dominate the scattering, as for example, ππ→ϱ→ππ andKπ→K*→Kπ. A general formula is derived for the contribution of resonances with arbitrary spin and isospin. Numerical results are given. For very narrow resonances the calculation is performed analytically.
VLBI data, acquisition, environmental effects

During this quadrennium, very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) data acquisition and system development has focused on improving the accuracy of the system sufficiently to allow the determination of reliable estimates of height variations. Associated with this aim has been improvements in the determinations of horizontal velocity fields, monitoring water vapor delay using interferometric methods, and improvements to Earth rotation measurements. The primary aims of the improvements to height measurement accuracy have been to directly measure the contemporary magnitudes of post glacial rebound, and to determine a height reference system for measuring global sea level rise. High frequency Earth rotation studies have been carried out to better define the transformation parameters from an inertial coordinate system to an Earth fixed one, and to better understand the coupling between the components of the atmosphere-ocean-solid Earth system. Two major VLBI campaigns were carried out in support of these studies: (1) Epoch-92 in July 1992 and (2) Cont-94 in January 1994. Each of these campaigns lasted approximately two weeks and involved multiple VLBI networks operating simultaneously in addition to other space geodetic systems operating during these periods. Two major compilations of the VLBI results (and results from other space geodetic systems) have been published during this quadrennium.
Ethanol: A gonadal toxin in the female

It has been estimated recently that there are at least two million female alcoholics presently within the United States. Even more disturbing is the fact that this number is steadily increasing. The number of female alcoholics has increased such that it has been estimated that one out of every three alcoholics is probably a woman. As distressing as these social facts are, even more disturbing are the clinical suggestions that the female liver is more readily injured by ethanol than is the male's. In addition to the expected hepatic consequences of alcohol abuse, problems relating to sexual functioning are also frequently present in alcoholic women. Specifically, abnormalities of menstrual function, reproductive difficulty, and loss of secondary sex characteristics are reported to occur not infrequently in female alcoholics. Elucidation of the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for these abnormalities of sexual functioning in alcoholic women require the development of an experimental animal model. We report such an animal model system. Animals fed a diet with ethanol accounting for 36% of total calories over a 56-day period develop significant ovarian (30.6 ± 2.2 mg) and uterine (39.0 ± 4.1) atrophy. Age-matched control animals fed a similar diet with dextrimaltose isocalorically substituted for ethanol do not show gonadal atrophy (ovarian weight 75.5 ± 3.9 mg; uterine weight 180.5 ± 18.7 mg, both p < 0.01). When organ weights were corrected for differences in body mass, the differences between alcohol-fed and isocaloric pair-fed controls either do not change or increase further. The ovaries of the alcohol-fed animals contain primordial follicles only, while the ovaries of the isocaloric pair-fed controls contain follicles in all stages of development as well as numerous corpora lutea and corpora hemorrhagica. The endometrium and ductular epithelium of the alcohol-fed animals is atrophic and lacks all signs of secretory activity. In contrast, the endometrium and fallopian tubes of the isocaloric pair-fed controls are well developed and clearly demonstrate secretory activity. As expected from the lack of sexual development observed in the alcohol-fed animals, their plasma estradiol (E2) levels and progesterone (P) levels are reduced (E2: 27.5 ± 1.3 pg/ml; P: 25 ± 5.0 ng/ml) compared with those of the isocaloric pair-fed controls (E2: 33.4 ± 1.5 pg/ml; P: 60 ± 5.1 ng/ml) (both p < 0.01). These differences in gonadal and pelvic structures between alcohol-fed and isocaloric pair-fed controls occurred in the absence of significant differences in hepatic biochemical function. These findings suggest that: (1) ethanol is toxic for the female gonad, (2) sexual dysfunction can occur in female alcoholics in the absence of irreversible histologic and biochemical liver disease and (3) differences in nutrition alone can not account for the gonadal dysfunction reported to occur in female alcoholics.
Prolonged ICP monitoring in Sylvian arachnoid cysts.

Abstract Background The decision making process for patients with Sylvian fissure arachnoid cysts still represents a challenge for the neurosurgeon. A high percentage of patients are indeed asymptomatic, despite neuroimaging signs of apparently increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The present study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of prolonged ICP recording in the preoperative work-up. Methods Eleven children (10 M/1 F) harboring temporal arachnoid cysts were investigated (mean age: 5.9 years). According to Galassi classification they were subdivided in three groups. Group I was made up of three patients with Type I cysts; Group II comprised six children with Type II cysts; Group III consisted of two children with Type III cysts. An extensible silicone microprocessor (Codman), developed for continuous ICP recording, was implanted intraparenchymally, adjacent to the major extension of the cyst. The collected information was cable unloaded to a PC and stored. All the patients underwent a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of 72 hours of ICP continuous check. In resting conditions, 10 mm Hg was arbitrarily chosen as the upper normal limit of ICP, and the patients were classified according to the percentile distribution of their ICP daily and nightly pressure values. Results ICP recordings were in the normal range in all the three children with Type I cysts (49-86% 10 mm Hg), even though they had an incidental (1 case) or prenatal (2 cases) diagnosis. The remaining three patients had normal ICP values for more than 70% of the recording time period. The two patients with type III temporal arachnoid cysts had almost constantly abnormal ICP values (95-99%> 10 mm Hg). Five patients were operated; in four of them the surgical indication was based on ICP recordings (two of the three children with a Type II cyst and increased ICP and the two patients with a Type III cyst). The last child, harboring a Type I cyst, was operated upon parents’ request, as a preventive measure. At a mean follow-up of 9.3 months all the patients operated on are in excellent clinical condition; one of them (Type II cyst) initially undergoing a craniotomy and cystic membrane excision required a subduro-peritoneal shunt implant 3 months after surgery for a symptomatic subdural hygroma on the side of the cyst. Postoperative computed tomography showed signs of brain expansion in the two patients operated on for a Type III cyst, and in the patient operated on for a Type I cyst. Conclusions With the limit of the relatively small series presented here, prolonged ICP recording appeared to be an important preoperative tool to rule out the necessity of operating on children with Type I cysts. Furthermore, the study confirmed that an increase of the ICP is almost constantly present in children with Type III cysts. In cases of Type II lesions, the study results were less discriminating, though the ICP monitoring contributed in identifying those patients in whom surgery was indicated despite the absence of symptoms.
OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGIC ASPECTS OF RHEUMATOID DISEASE

. Several otorhinolaryngologic aspects of rheumatoid diseases are pointed out. With regard to rheumatic fever and rheumatoid arthritis, the removal of tonsils or other foci of infection will not alter the course of the disease or prevent recurrence. Arthritis of the cricoarytenoid joint may progress to the point of acute respiratory distress and even death. Such antirheumatic drugs as salicylates, phenylbutazone and gold salts have certain otologic and oral toxic effects. Salicylate-induced hearing loss is usually reversible. Salicylate hypersensitivity should be kept in mind. Other diseases that produce symptoms referable to the head and neck are discussed.
ASYMPTOTIC GOVERNING EQUATION FOR WAVE PROPAGATION ALONG WEAKLY NON-UNIFORM EULER–BERNOULLI BEAMS

Abstract Non-uniformity in beams arises either from manufacturing imperfections or by design, and can have a singular impact on the qualitative properties of the vibratory response of the beam. To describe the mechanism causing such large changes on the dynamics of the beam, we derived asymptotically a simpler equation, in the formχss+Q (s) χ (s)=0. The coefficient function Q (s) is given by equation (52) herein in terms of the beam flexural rigidity, the mass per unit length and the tensile force applied to the beam. The equation is asymptotic to the non-uniformity of the beam, but under certain restrictions, namely of having constant tension and a constant product of the beam mass per unit length and flexural rigidity, it is an exact governing equation for wave propagation along Bernoulli–Euler beams and it has a Helmholtz-like form. The behavior of the equation is systematically explored and illustrated through numerical results.