cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffusion-weighted MR imaging histogram analysis in HIV positive and negative patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma as a predictor of outcome and tumor proliferation.

INTRODUCTION Ki-67 expression, a marker of tumor proliferation, is considered a prognostic factor in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) parameters have also been proposed as imaging biomarkers for tumor progression and proliferative activity in various malignancies. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between ADC parameters, Ki-67 expression, overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) in PCNSL. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with PCNSL at MD Anderson Cancer Center between Mar 2000 and Jul 2016 and at Ben Taub Hospital between Jan 2012 and Dec 2016 were retrospectively studied. Co-registered ADC maps and post-contrast images underwent whole tumor segmentation. Normalized ADC parameters (nADC) were calculated as the ratio to normal white matter. Percentiles of nADC were calculated and were correlated with Ki-67 using Pearson's correlation coefficient and clinical outcomes (OS and PFS) using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Selection criteria yielded 90 patients, 23 patients living with HIV (PLWH) and 67 immunocompetent patients. Above median values for nADCmean, nADC15, nADC75 and nADC95 were associated with improved OS in all patients (p < 0.05). Above median values for nADCmin, nADCmean, nADC1, nADC5 and kurtosis were associated with improved PFS in all patients (p < 0.05). In patients with available Ki-67 expression data (n = 22), nADCmean, nADC15 and nADC75 inversely correlated with Ki-67 expression (p < 0.05). For PLWH, there was no correlation between ADC parameters and Ki-67 expression or clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS ADC histogram analysis can predict tumor proliferation and survival in immunocompetent patients with PCNSL, but with limited utility in PLWH.
Relationship matters: How government organization-public relationship impacts disaster recovery outcomes among multiethnic communities

Abstract Government and emergency management (EM) agencies play a leading role in managing natural disasters. However, it is less well understood how the quality of the relationship between government and various publics may impact long-term disaster-coping and recovery outcomes. Extending the relationship management framework to the context of disaster management, the current study tests the relationships among different ethnic publics’ OPR quality, their communicative behaviors of seeking government and EM information, and disaster-coping outcomes. Results suggest that government OPR quality is positively related to information seeking and major disaster-coping outcomes, including self-efficacy, collective efficacy, and community resilience perceptions. Moreover, the extent to which OPR quality impacts disaster-coping outcomes significantly diverges across ethnic lines. Results provide implications for multicultural relationship management in the context of post-disaster recovery and community building.
Regression imputation optimizing sample size and emulation: Demonstrations and comparisons to prominent methods

Abstract Missing input values weaken the ability of information systems (IS) researchers to make calculations, thereby reducing effective sample sizes and statistical power. Such technical problems with data cascade into scientific limitations resulting in the neglect of social and economic issues. Therefore, extensive missing values in data forces researchers to make crucial decisions, such as whether to impute and if so, what strategy to use. This study presents a single imputation approach that integrates and extends best practices for mitigating the effects of missing values. Using an array of missing value situations, we illustrate the Regression Imputation Optimizing Sample Size and Emulation (RIOSSE) method. The approach involves the derivation of an imputation model for each low-sample variable that leverages information available in large-sample sized inputs within the same data source. RIOSSE derives imputation equations with two competing goals in mind: 1) statistical power and 2) emulation. Direct comparisons demonstrate that RIOSSE is superior to three prominent multiple imputation methods (K-Nearest Neighbor, missForest, and LASSO) in two criteria each for achieving statistical power (parsimoniousness and sample size) and emulation (predictiveness and content validity). Further, 5-fold cross validation validated the head-to-head goal criteria comparisons. The paper contributes 1) a description of the RIOSSE method, 2) new imputation performance metrics and visualizations, 3) comparisons of our proposed method to three prominent multiple imputation methods, and 4) specified imputation models for 30 commonly used inputs to firm performance calculations.
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Presenting as a Sigmoid Mass

Primary classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) in the colon is exceedingly rare and shares many histologic features with other lymphoproliferative disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Here we report a case of CHL forming a sigmoid mass. An elderly man with a past medical history of mantle cell lymphoma presented with constipation. Imaging revealed an ulcerated, circumferential mass in the sigmoid colon. Endoscopic biopsy of the mass showed ulcerated colonic mucosa with an underlying diffuse mixed inflammatory infiltrate admixed with Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells. Immunohistochemistry was performed to characterize these cells. They were weakly positive for Pax-5, strongly positive for CD30, variably positive for CD15, and negative for CD45, CD20, CD3, and SOX-11. In situ hybridization was positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and negative for cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex virus. This immunophenotype is diagnostic for CHL in the clinical context of a large mass. It is not possible in this case to determine whether this is de novo CHL or progression from a precursor lesion like EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer. Since diagnosis, this patient underwent colectomy followed by chemotherapy and has remained in complete remission.
Harmonization of in-plane resolution in CT using multiple reconstructions from single acquisitions

PURPOSE To providea methodology that removes the spatial variability of in-plane resolution using different CT reconstructions. The methodology does not require any training, sinogram, or specific reconstruction method. METHODS The methodology is formulated as a reconstruction problem. The desired sharp image is modeled as an unobservable variable to be estimated from an arbitrary number of observations with spatially variant resolution. The methodology comprises three steps: (1) density harmonization, which removes the density variability across reconstructions; (2) point spread function (PSF) estimation, which estimates a spatially variant PSF with arbitrary shape; (3) deconvolution, which is formulated as a regularized least squares problem. The assessment was performed with CT scans of phantoms acquired with three different Siemens scanners (Definition AS, Definition AS+, Drive). Four low-dose acquisitions reconstructed with backprojection and iterative methods were used for the resolution harmonization. A sharp, high-dose (HD) reconstruction was used as a validation reference. The different factors affecting the in-plane resolution (radial, angular, and longitudinal) were studied with regression analysis of the edge decay (between 10% and 90% of the edge spread function (ESF) amplitude). RESULTS Results showed that the in-plane resolution improves remarkably and the spatial variability is substantially reduced without compromising the noise characteristics. The modulated transfer function (MTF) also confirmed a pronounced increase in resolution. The resolution improvement was also tested by measuring the wall thickness of tubes simulating airways. In all scanners, the resolution harmonization obtained better performance than the HD, sharp reconstruction used as a reference (up to 50 percentage points). The methodology was also evaluated in clinical scans achieving a noise reduction and a clear improvement in thin-layered structures. The estimated ESF and MTF confirmed the resolution improvement. CONCLUSION We propose a versatile methodology to reduce the spatial variability of in-plane resolution in CT scans by leveraging different reconstructions available in clinical studies. The methodology does not require any sinogram, training, or specific reconstruction, and it is not limited to a fixed number of input images. Therefore, it can be easily adopted in multicenter studies and clinical practice. The results obtained with our resolution harmonization methodology evidence its suitability to reduce the spatially variant in-plane resolution in clinical CT scans without compromising the reconstruction's noise characteristics. We believe that the resolution increase achieved by our methodology may contribute in more accurate and reliable measurements of small structures such as vasculature, airways, and wall thickness.
Plight of Older Americans: Insights into the Lives of African American Women

The proportion of Americans aged 65 years and above is increasing steadily, and one in seven Americans is now in that age group. There are 126 females per 100 males in this age group. Around 9% of those in age group are non-Hispanic African Americans. The latter experience worse health and racial inequalities in health as compared to white Americans owing to their disproportionate access to resources like education, income opportunities etc. They also have a lower median income as compared to their White peers. Low-income African Americans are also disproportionately more likely to be exposed to violence and crime which in turn affects both their physical and mental health. In fact, four in five African American women are overweight or obese and are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as compared to their White peers. This community is also at a higher risk of experiencing mood and anxiety disorders which are linked to their greater mortality and morbidity rates. Despite this, this group is less likely to use healthcare services as opposed to Whites as help-seeking behaviors are driven by culturally specific attitudes and experiences. The healthcare system is now becoming more aware of this phenomenon, and several policy and healthcare culture changes have been introduced.
‘Let Margaret Sleep’: putting to bed the authorship controversy over Sister Peg

Nearly four decades after David Raynor attributed to David Hume an allegorical Scots militia pamphlet from the early 1760s popularly known as Sister Peg, there is still no scholarly consensus about...
A noncontact method for determining surface density of nonporous materials with the limp-wall mass law

Abstract A new noncontact technique for determining the surface density or mass per unit area of nonporous, homogeneous membranes and foils of sub-wavelength thicknesses is introduced. Surface densities are determined through application of the limp-wall mass law and through-transmission ultrasonic measurements of bulk waves. The ultrasonic measurements are performed with commercially-available, broadband air-coupled ultrasonic transducers. Surface densities of aluminum foil, brass shim, and plastic sheets are typically found to be within 3% of their accepted values.
New Soft Tissue Implants Using Organic Elastomers

Typical biomaterials are stiff, difficult to manufacture, and not initially developed for medical implants. A new biomaterial is proposed that is similar to human soft tissue. The biomaterial provides mechanical properties similar to soft tissue in its mechanical and physical properties. Characterization is performed for modulus of elasticity, ultimate strength and wear resistance. The material further exhibits excellent biocompatibility with little toxicity and low inflammation. The material can be molded into a variety of anatomic shapes for use as a cartilage replacement, heart valve, and reconstructive implant for trauma victims. The biomaterial may be suitable for several biodevices of the future aimed at soft-tissue replacements.
Evidence for genes associated with the ability of Mycobacterium avium subsp hominissuis to escape apoptotic macrophages

Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is an environmental bacteria that infects immunocompromised humans. MAH cases are increasing in incidence, making it crucial to gain knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms associated with the bacterium. MAH infects macrophages and after several days the infection triggers the phagocyte apoptosis. Many of the intracellular MAH escape the cell undergoing apoptosis leading to infection of neighboring macrophages. We screened a transposon bank of MAH mutants in U937 mononuclear phagocytes for the inability to escape macrophages undergoing apoptosis. Mutations in genes; MAV_2235, MAV_2120, MAV_2410, and MAV_4563 resulted in the inability of the bacteria to exit macrophages upon apoptosis. Complementation of the mutations corrected the phenotype either completely or partially. Testing for the ability of the mutants to survive in macrophages compared to the wild-type bacterium revealed that the mutant clones were not attenuated up to 4 days of infection. Testing in vivo, however, demonstrated that all the MAH clones were attenuated compared with the wild-type MAC 104 in tissues of mice. Although the mechanism associated with the bacterial inability to leave apoptotic macrophages is unknown, the identification of macrophage cytoplasm targets for the MAH proteins suggest that they interfere either with protein degradation machinery or post-translation mechanisms. The identification of tatC as a MAH protein involved in the ability of MAH to leave macrophages, suggests that secreted effector(s) are involved in the process. The study reveals a pathway of escape from macrophages, not shared with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
THE INFLUENCE OF MOTHERS ON THEIR CHILDREN'S HEALTH ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR.

THIS PAPER reports the results of a study of 350 children and their mothers. The study was undertaken to investigate, in an exploratory fashion, the development of health attitudes and behavior. Perhaps the classic example of the importance of social learning in respect to health is Zborowski9s study of reactions to pain by members of various ethnic groups in a New York city hospital. He found that Jewish and Italian patients as compared with Irish and "Old Americans" readily expressed complaints about pain; and in explaining these expression patterns, Zborowski reported that the patients related how their mothers showed overprotective and overconcerned attitudes toward the child9s health and participation in sports, and how they constantly warned the child of the advisability of avoiding colds, injuries, fights, and other threatening situations. Most of the studies in the area of health attitudes (like Zborowski9s) are primarily concerned with differences among various cultural groups, ethnic categories, and social classes. There are relatively few studies available dealing with social psychological factors affecting children9s patterns of health behavior. The study reported here was designed with a somewhat different perspective than earlier studies; our primary concern was to ascertain to what extent we could account for varied patterns of health and illness behavior among a relatively homogeneous population. The Community Studied Data were obtained from 350 mother-child pairs living in Madison, Wisconsin. Madison, the state capital, is a community of approximately 140,000 persons. Most persons in the community live in single dwellings and work at white-collar occupations. Medical services are extremely varied, and the community is far above average in the number of available physicians and hospital beds per unit population. Sample and Procedures
Synthesis and application of glycoconjugate-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as potent anti-adhesion agents for reducing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infections

Polyethylene oxide stabilized magnetic nanoparticles (PEO-MNPs) bio-functionalized with glycoconjugate (Neu5Ac(α2-3)Gal(β1-4)Glcβ-sp) (GM3-MNPs) are synthesized using click chemistry. Interaction of GM3-MNPs with Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strain K99 (EC K99) is investigated using different microscopic techniques. Our results suggest that GM3-MNPs can effectively act as non-antibiotic anti-adhesion agents for treating ETEC infections.
Cloning of a novel one-repeat calcium channel-like gene

Abstract We describe the cloning of a cDNA from a human testis library that encodes a novel protein with similarity to one repeat of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (Cav). Northern and dot blot analyses indicate that the novel Cav-like gene is expressed predominantly in testis and at lower levels in many other tissues. Heterologous expression of the Cav-like protein did not lead to the induction of any detectable ionic current and failed to modify intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. Similar one-repeat Cav-like proteins have been cloned from Bacillus, Mus, and Homo, and appear to encode ion channels involved in renal function, axis determination, and sperm motility.
Possible involvement of serotonergic neurotransmission in neurotensin but not morphine analgesia

Abstract The purpose of this study is to determine whether the antinociceptive properties of morphine and neurotensin (NT) are dependent upon central serotonergic neurotransmission. To this end, we studied the effects of morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) and NT (30 μ i.c.v.) on the turnover of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in 8 microdissected nuclei of adult rat brain: n. septalis lateralis (LS); n. tractus diagonalis (DB); n. amygdaloideus centralis (AG); posterior medial forebrain bundle (MFG); periaqueductal gray (PAG); n. raphe dorsalis (DR); n. centralis superior (NCS); and n. raphe magnus (RM). The systemic administration of morphine did not alter rates of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) biosynthesis in anu of the nuclei examined, although concentrationsof serotonin were increased by 24% in the RM. In contrast, the central administration of neurotensin significantly decreased the rate of 5-HTP biosynthesis in the posterior MFB. The central administration of NT was accompanied by increased levels of serotonin in the DB, DR, and RM and by decreased serotonin levels in the MFB and PAG. In a complementary series of experiments, the effect of depletion of central 5-HT stores on the antinociceptive properties of both morphine and NT was determined.p-Chlorophenylalinine (PCPA, 325 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased whole brain 5-HT levels by 87%, but had no effect upon the increase in hot plate latencies induced by morphine.Conversely, although without significant antinociceptive properties of its own, PCPA markedly potentiated the antinociceptive effects of NT. From these results, 3 conclusions appear warranted: (1) the antinociceptive effects of NT and morphine may each depend upon differing neuronal pathways within the CNS; (2) the (3) the activity of ascending serotonergic fibers in the posterior medial forebrain bundle may be involved in NT-induced antinociception. (3) the activity of ascending serotonergic fibers in the posterior medial forebrain bundle may be involved in NT-induced antinociception.
On the superposition of flow stress contributions at finite temperatures and in the athermal limit

The functional form of the equation describing the superposition of contributions to the flow stress due to various strengthening mechanisms is analyzed. Considering that the superposition can be written as a sum to which each mechanism contributes through function f, that the dependence of the critical resolved shear stress on the density of obstacles to dislocation motion is given by function g, and that f and g have the same functional form for all strengthening mechanisms considered, it is shown that these two function are necessarily power functions, and their exponents are related. Furthermore, requiring that the superposition law is valid both at finite temperatures and at 0 K leads to an equivalent expression for the strain rate sensitivity and imposes restrictions on the way in which contributions of various mechanisms to the flow stress are evaluated at finite temperatures.
Characterization of the Isolated, Ventilated, and Instrumented Mouse Lung Perfused with Pulsatile Flow

The isolated, ventilated and instrumented mouse lung preparation allows steady and pulsatile pulmonary vascular pressure-flow relationships to be measured with independent control over pulmonary arterial flow rate, flow rate waveform, airway pressure and left atrial pressure. Pulmonary vascular resistance is calculated based on multi-point, steady pressure-flow curves; pulmonary vascular impedance is calculated from pulsatile pressure-flow curves obtained at a range of frequencies. As now recognized clinically, impedance is a superior measure of right ventricular afterload than resistance because it includes the effects of vascular compliance, which are not negligible, especially in the pulmonary circulation. Three important metrics of impedance - the zero hertz impedance Z0, the characteristic impedance ZC, and the index of wave reflection RW - provide insight into distal arterial cross-sectional area available for flow, proximal arterial stiffness and the upstream-downstream impedance mismatch, respectively. All results obtained in isolated, ventilated and perfused lungs are independent of sympathetic nervous system tone, volume status and the effects of anesthesia. We have used this technique to quantify the impact of pulmonary emboli and chronic hypoxia on resistance and impedance, and to differentiate between sites of action (i.e., proximal vs. distal) of vasoactive agents and disease using the pressure dependency of ZC. Furthermore, when these techniques are used with the lungs of genetically engineered strains of mice, the effects of molecular-level defects on pulmonary vascular structure and function can be determined.
Analysis of dentine pathogenesis in vitamin D--resistant rickets.

Abstract Vitamin D—resistant rickets, a disease that is inherited as a sex-linked dominant trait, is accompanied by characteristic dentine defects. Since children with this disorder are often found to have mothers with the same disorder, it is conceivable that the metabolism of an affected mother may affect the child in utero.
Assessing the dynamic-downscaling ability over South America using the intensity-scale verification technique

The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) ETA regional circulation model (RCM) was one-way nested in the T62 NCEP general circulation model for a series of 3-month simulations of the austral summer and winter over South America (SA). The intensity-scale verification technique (ISVT), based on the scale decomposition of precipitation skill score and energy relative difference, was used to quantitatively assess the dynamic-downscaling ability of seasonal precipitation and inter-annual precipitation difference. The ISVT showed that the RCM was able to add value to summer and winter rainfall forecasts over southern South America. Largest improvements were associated to precipitation events at spatial scales of about 400–800 km and rainfall rates above 4 mm day−1. In general, downscaling failed to yield better results over northern South America. In terms of inter-annual precipitation difference, the RCM produced better results over southern South America, by simulating the increase in intense small-scale events in the wet years. Analysis of meridional moisture flux associated with the South American low-level jet (SALLJ) suggested that the Andean topography plays an important role in the RCM's rainfall simulations over the La Plata basin. A sensitivity test with lowered Andean topography heights produced weaker moisture advection by the SALLJ, and lower rainfall totals over that basin for both seasons. During summer, results showed that the reduced rainfall was associated with deteriorated simulations of mid- to large-scale precipitation events, whereas during winter it was associated with deteriorated simulations of smaller-scale events. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
FORUM-1: Public awareness of water and environmental protection projects

There are significant numbers of water and environment related issues and projects that have been or are being studied, planned, designed or constructed. Scientists and engineers have long been engaged in research, design and project implementation. Needless to say, they have considered a broad spectrum of issues in deriving solutions for these projects. These solutions usually involve topics ranging from technical, economic, environmental, legal, social and political considerations to legislations and finance. This commentary addresses an important aspect of the solutions and processes just mentioned. The author focuses on the topic of perception and awareness by the general public and legislation bodies. This has to do with setting up priorities and their willingness for both short and long term commitment and investment of public financial resources.
Transesophageal echocardiography: unusual case of anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the azygos vein

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection, a rare congenital anomaly, most commonly involves the right lung, with one or more pulmonary veins anomalously connecting most frequently to the superior vena cava and less commonly to the right atrium or inferior vena cava. This article describes an unusual case of anomalous pulmonary venous connection of the right lung to the azygos vein in an adult. This anomaly was clearly delineated with angiography, computed tomography of the chest, and transesophageal echocardiography. The transesophageal echocardiographic features of the anomaly are described as a means to prevent further diagnostic misinterpretation.
cWINNOWER algorithm for finding fuzzy dna motifs.

The cWINNOWER algorithm detects fuzzy motifs in DNA sequences rich in proteinbinding signals. A signal is defined as any short nucleotide pattern having up to d mutations differing from a motif of length l. The algorithm finds such motifs if a clique consisting of a suffciently large number of mutated copies of the motif (i.e., the signals) is present in the DNA sequence. The cWINNOWER algorithm substantially improves the sensitivity of the winnower method of Pevzner and Sze by imposing a consensus constraint, enabling it to detect much weaker signals. We studied the minimum detectable clique size qc as a function of sequence length N for random sequences. We found that qc increases linearly with N for a fast version of the algorithm based on counting threemember sub-cliques. Imposing consensus constraints reduces qc by a factor of three in this case, which makes the algorithm dramatically more sensitive. Our most sensitive algorithm, which counts four-member sub-cliques, needs a minimum of only 13 signals to detect motifs in a sequence of length N=12,000 for (l,d)=(15,4).
Perceived Barriers and Facilitators of Participation in After-School Physical Activity by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study used Photovoice methodology to assess barriers to and facilitators of after-school participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity as perceived by children with ASD and determine if physical activity patterns exist in relation to these barriers. Participants were a convenience sample of 12 boys and two girls with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), ages 8–14 years. Participants wore an accelerometer and completed an activity log for 7 days. Data were analyzed using qualitative techniques and fitted in a socio-ecological model. Participants reported 143 (44%) barriers and 181 (56%) facilitators. The most frequently cited barriers were intrapersonal, followed by interpersonal, physical, community, and institutional. The most frequent facilitators were physical, followed by intrapersonal and interpersonal, community, and institutional. The study gives support to the use of a multipronged approach when designing physical activity interventions for children and adolescents with ASD.
Noise shielding by a hot subsonic jet

An analysis is conducted of the shielding of the noise emitted by a high speed round jet by a hot, subsonic, semicircular jet. A plane wave front in the primary jet is resolved into elementary plane waves which undergo multiple reflections at the jet boundaries of the primary and the shielding jets. The jet boundaries are idealized to be vortex sheets. The far field sound is evaluated asymptotically by a superposition of the waves that penetrate the shielding jet. The angular directivities are plotted for several values of jet temperature and velocity to examine the effectiveness of shielding by the semicircular jet layer.
May-Thurner Syndrome: Management by Endovascular Surgical Techniques

May-Thurner syndrome is a condition in which there is impaired venous return due to compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery. The impedance of flow occurs both by the compressive force of the artery against the vein and by resultant intraluminal web formation inside the vein. Because of the mechanical nature of the obstruction, conservative management of these patients has resulted in poor outcomes. Typically, operative therapy is recommended and perused via various approaches. We have recently treated a 15-year-old patient with this disorder utilizing endovascular surgical techniques with an excellent outcome. A 1-year follow-up is presented.
HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOR SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Over 8 million people in the United States require treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Medical care for these patients involves all medical specialties. Many autoimmune disorders (e.g., pernicious anemia, thyroiditis, vitiligo) are relatively indolent and require little to no therapy. Severe autoimmune disorders cause substantial morbidity and mortality, however. As eradication of severe autoimmune diseases by conventional immunosuppressive therapy is rare, many of these patients must endure lifelong immunosuppressive therapy with its attendant complications. Thus, a need exists to develop novel treatments for severe autoimmune diseases to reduce disease activity and avoid lifelong immunosuppression. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the intravenous infusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells to re-establish bone marrow function in a patient with damaged or defective bone marrow. In most cases, the bone marrow is damaged as a result of high-dose cytotoxic therapy given as treatment for a systemic disease. Hematopoietic stem cells are most commonly collected from the bone marrow or peripheral blood. The source of hematopoietic stem cells can be from a normal donor (allogeneic) or from the patient (autologous). Worldwide, approximately 30,000 patients underwent HSCT in 1996, with hematopoietic neoplasms being the most common indication. 16 HSCT can also cure a variety of nonmalignant diseases such as aplastic anemia, 6,31,47 severe combined immunodeficiency disease, 46 thalassemia, 26,27 and sickle cell anemia. 49 Currently, there is great interest in the use of HSCT to treat severe autoimmune disorders, including SLE. 4,6,7,12,17,29,43 The stimulus to explore this approach emanates from several autoimmune animal models demonstrating marked improvement or complete eradication of autoimmune disease following HSCT. 1,9,18,21,23,40
Multivariate Experiments to Assess the Effect of Combustor Dome Geometry on Fuel Distribution and Stability

The geometric and operational features of gas turbine engine combustors are receiving increased scrutiny due to a growing concern regarding environmental impact, performance, durability, and manufacturability. To minimize the risk associated with new projects, optimization of designs which are similar to those in current operation is attractive. To achieve this goal, a methodology that is efficient and can reveal interactions between parameters that affect performance is necessary. An approach which addresses these requirements is statistically designed experiments (e.g., multivariate experiments or “design of experiments”), which offers efficiency as well as the ability to identify interactions between variables. This approach was adopted and demonstrated in the present study utilizing a set of hardware specifically developed to allow multivariate experiments to be conducted. A radial mixer geometry consisting of four parameters (primary and secondary swirl vane angles, the presence of a venturi, and the co-/counter swirl sense) was examined. The design was developed to maintain constant effective area and overall dimensions. The responses selected for study were stability (i.e., reaction lean blow-out) and fuel distribution.The results reveal that (1) the multivariate approach is effective in the present application, (2) the swirl sense between the primary and secondary swirlers play an influential role in determining the uniformity of the spray, (3) the size of the fuel spray area is affected by the mixer venturi and the swirl sense, (4) the symmetry of the fuel presentation is affected by the interaction of the swirler angles, (5) Lean Blow Out (LBO) is not affected by the parameters selected, and (6) the parameters affecting fuel distribution and combustion stability differ, indicating that the combustion performance is not described entirely by fuel distribution.Copyright © 1997 by ASME
A comparison of human and computer vision systems: a tutorial

I will begin with a general overview of the two types of systems and compare them at a general level. The second section will describe the eye and camera as the input devices. Later sections will discuss segmentation of the scene, visual imagery and encoding of the scene, perception, depth and space perception, and perception of movement.
A comparative study of nuclear proteins in chick embryo cells and their primary and secondary fibrobasts in culture

Das elektrophoretische Muster von Histonen und sauren Zellkernproteinen von Huhnerembryonen und deren primaren und sekundaren Fibroblastzellen wurde qualitativ und quantitativ verglichen. Die Zellkernproteine der verschiedenen Zelltypen erwiesen sich qualitativ als identisch, die relative quantitative Verteilung der Kernproteine war jedoch leicht verschieden.
Impact of preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration on postoperative recurrence and survival in cholangiocarcinoma patients.

Background and study aim: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is frequently performed for suspected biliary tumors for diagnosis and staging but carries a theoretical risk of needle-track seeding. We aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative EUS-FNA on long-term outcomes for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Patients and methods: In a retrospective single-center study of consecutive patients with CCA with preoperative EUS-FNA, main outcome measures were overall survival and progression-free survival. Results: In 150 patients with confirmed CCA, 61 underwent preoperative FNA. Median overall survival was 18.5 months (95 % confidence limits [CL] 15.4, 25.7): 111 patients died and 39 survived. Of the 150 patients, 119 underwent curative-intent surgical resection, with median progression-free survival of 17.8 months (95 %CL 14.5, 22.8); 89/119 patients had tumor recurrence or died, and 30/119 remained alive and disease-free. On multivariable analysis, overall survival was associated with: undergoing curative-intent surgery (hazard ratio [HR] 5.79, P = 0.001), lack of lymph node involvement (HR 1.89, P = 0.011), younger age (HR 1.51 for every 10 years, P Conclusion: Preoperative EUS-FNA in patients with CCA does not appear to adversely affect overall or progression-free survival.
Structural characterization of a special‐pair chlorophyll dimer model of P700

Empirical potential function calculations were carried out in order to investigate, in detail, the molecular structural characteristics of the C2-symmetric chlorophyll special-pair dimer proposed by Boxer and Closs and Shipman et al. as a model of P700, the phototrap pigment in photosystem 1 of plants. The results indicate that the calculated minimum energy structure corresponds to a stable minimum and is closely related to the proposed special-pair dimer structure.
The effects of terminating and detraining on enzyme activities of heart and skeletal muscle of trained rats.

Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats with an average beginning weight of 360 grams were trained for 5 weeks with an exercise program consisting of swimming for 35 minutes a day in water at 35 ° C. At the end of this training period one of the trained groups terminated the exercise program, while the remaining experimental group of animals detrained by swimming a minute less each day for 5 weeks following the training.
Discrete-time consensus filters on directed switching graphs

We consider discrete-time distributed estimation on a directed graph with switching topologies. Motivated by a recent PI consensus filter, we modify the protocol and remove the constraint on bi-directional information exchange and gain conditions that require global topological information. The protocol is then extended to switching topologies. Convergence results for time-invariant inputs under both balanced directed and general directed graphs are given for switching topologies. Satisfactory simulation results are shown to validate theoretical claims. Index Terms—Distributed estimation, consensus filter, di- rected graph, switching topology.
Cloning and nucleotide sequence of the Brucella abortus groE operon

The cloning and sequencing of the Brucella abortus groES and groEL genes are reported. The genes are adjacent on the Brucella chromosome, and presumably comprise a functional operon. Putative promoter and terminator sequences are also identified. The groES gene exhibits 60%, and the groEl gene 69%, sequence identity with the corresponding Escherichia coli genes.
Initial end-tidal carbon dioxide as a prognostic indicator for inpatient PEA arrest.

Abstract Aim Investigate the relationship of initial PetCO2 values of patients during inpatient pulseless electrical activity (PEA) cardiopulmonary arrest with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge. Methods This study was performed in two urban, academic inpatient hospitals. Patients were enrolled from July 2009 to July 2013. A comprehensive database of all inpatient resuscitative events is maintained at these institutions, including demographic, clinical, and outcomes data. Arrests are stratified by primary etiology of arrest using a priori criteria. Inpatients with PEA arrest for whom recorded PetCO2 was available were included in the analysis. Capnography data obtained after ROSC and/or more than 10min after initiation of CPR were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association between initial PetCO2 >20mmHg and both ROSC and survival-to-discharge. Results A total of 50 patients with PEA arrest and pre-ROSC capnography were analyzed. CPR continued an average of 11.8min after initial PetCO2 was recorded confirming absence of ROSC at time of measurement. Initial PetCO2 was higher in patients with versus without eventual ROSC (25.3±14.4mmHg versus 13.4±6.9mmHg, P =0.003). After adjusting for age, gender, and arrest location (ICU versus non-ICU), initial PetCO2 >20mmHg was associated with increased likelihood of ROSC (adjusted OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.2–19.2, P =0.028). Initial PetCO2 was not significantly associated with survival-to-discharge ( P =0.251). Conclusions Initial PetCO2 >20mmHg during CPR was associated with ROSC but not survival-to-discharge among inpatient PEA arrest victims. This analysis is limited by relatively small sample size.
Chief Business Officers: Who Are They?.

The Chief Business Officer (CBO) has been a part of academic institutions for more than 800 years. Their prominence and stature have evolved from that of bookkeeper to ex officio status of the governing board. The literature related to the community college CBO is scant with few contributions in the past decade. Consequently, a descriptive and nationally oriented study was conducted to ascertain salient demographics, educational levels, experiential backgrounds, and supervisory responsibilities. Analyses of the data provided a profile of the contemporary community college CBO and suggest future oriented professional considerations.
Infusing Ethics Content into the Social Gerontology Curriculum

Abstract This article addresses the need for social gerontology students to understand and learn to resolve ethical dilemmas in practice, social policy and planning, and research. Often gerontology programs face the challenge of providing more content in a curriculum in a finite amount of time. A flexible approach to infusing ethics into existing social gerontology courses is discussed which provides the basis for an integrative approach to learning.
Anti-counterfeit Techniques: From Design to Resign

The emerging threat of counterfeit electronic components has become a major challenge over the past decade. To address this growing concern, a suite of tests for the detection of such parts has been created. However, due to the large test time and cost, it is fairly difficult to implement them. Moreover, the presence of different types of counterfeits in the supply chain - recycled, remarked, overproduced, out-of-spec/defective, cloned, forged documentation, and tampered - makes the detection even more challenging. In this paper, we present a detailed taxonomy of counterfeit types to analyze the vulnerabilities in the electronic component supply chain. We then present the state of knowledge on anti-counterfeit technologies to help prevent counterfeit components from ever entering into the supply chain and to provide capabilities for easy detection.
3D: The Paperless Document Delivery Project at the Prior Health Sciences Library

ABSTRACT This article describes the investigation, pilot test, and results of implementing electronic document delivery in a paperless processing environment at The Ohio State University. The Prior Health Sciences Library Document Delivery Unit conducted a twelve-month pilot test from September 1999 to August 2000 to determine the best method for desktop document delivery and the paperless processing of requests. Participants completed a survey and provided insightful feedback on the request form and overall process. Special programming was required to implement desktop delivery and manage client requests. The result of desktop delivery was successful. The results of paperless processing were mixed. Future possibilities to complete the “paperless” environment are suggested.
Russian Art & Design in the Evergreen Museum & Library

This article describes the strong relationship between art collector Alice Warder Garrett (1877–1952) and artist Leon Bakst (1861–1924). Bakst and Mrs. Garrett became friends in early-twentieth-century Paris, where she acquired a number of his works of art. He eventually visited the United States under the auspices of Alice Garrett, and designed and decorated a series of interiors within the Garretts' Baltimore, Maryland residence, Evergreen House—today open to the public as Johns Hopkins University's Evergreen Museum & Library.
Geological carbon sequestration: a new approach for near-surface assurance monitoring.

There are two distinct objectives in monitoring geological carbon sequestration (GCS): Deep monitoring of the reservoir’s integrity and plume movement and near-surface monitoring (NSM) to ensure public health and the safety of the environment. However, the minimum detection limits of the current instrumentation for NSM is too high for detecting weak signals that are embedded in the background levels of the natural variations, and the data obtained represents point measurements in space and time. A new approach for NSM, based on gamma-ray spectroscopy induced by inelastic neutron scatterings (INS), offers novel and unique characteristics providing the following: (1) High sensitivity with a reducible error of measurement and detection limits, and, (2) temporal- and spatial-integration of carbon in soil that results from underground CO2 seepage. Preliminary field results validated this approach showing carbon suppression of 14% in the first year and 7% in the second year. In addition the temporal behavior of the error propagation is presented and it is shown that for a signal at the level of the minimum detection level the error asymptotically approaches 47%.
DETECTION OF mRNA FOR ADENOSINE DEAMINASE USING BIOTINYLATED PROBES: 125

Adenosine deaminase (ADA), a purine salvage pathway enzyme, is a useful biomarker of disease activity in certain human leukemias. To study the mechanisms controlling ADA expression in leukemic cells we have developed an assay for quantitating ADA mRNA. mRNA is selectively immobilized on nitrocellulose and subsequently hybridized to DNA probes as described by Bresser et al. (Bressner J, Hubbell HR and Gillespie D., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1983) 80, 6253 ff.). We have modified the technique to allow use of biotinylated rather than 32p labelled probes. Probe:mRNA hybridization was detected colorimetrically with strepavidin and biotin-alkaline phosphatase or biotin-horseradish peroxidase. The biotin and 32p assays were equally sensitive. With this technique we have compared ADA enzyme activity and mRNA levels in lymphoblastoid cell lines and lymphocytes from leukemic patients. Our data indicate that there may be both transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms for ADA. The use of biotinylated DNA sequences as hybridization probes provides a sensitive, stable, and rapid method for quantitating specific mRNA levels, and should be applicable to other systems.
Climatic regimes of tropical convection and rainfall

Abstract Annual distribution and phase propagation of tropical convection are delineated using harmonic and amplitude-phase characteristics analysis of climatological pentad mean outgoing longwave radiation and monthly frequencies of highly reflective cloud. An annual eastward propagation of peak rainy season along the equator from the central Indian Ocean (60°E) to Arafura Sea (130°E) is revealed. This indicates a transition from the withdrawal of the Indian summer monsoon to the onset of the Australian summer monsoon. Significant bimodal variations are found around major summer monsoon regions. These variations originate from the interference of two adjacent regimes. The convergence zones over the eastern North Pacific, the South Pacific, and the southwest Indian Ocean are identified as a marine monsoon regime that is characterized by a unimodal variation with a concentrated summer rainfall associated with the development of surface westerlies equatorward of a monsoon trough. Conversely, the central Nor...