cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feline Lymphoma (145 Cases): Proliferation Indices, Cluster of Differentiation 3 Immunoreactivity, and Their Association with Prognosis in 90 Cats

Paraffin-embedded, formalin-fixed tissue samples from 145 cats with lymphoma were analyzed for cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3, a surface antigen) immunoreactivity, argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) frequency, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index (PCNA-LI). This information along with signalment, anatomic site, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen status was used to determine the potential of these indicators to predict response to therapy, remission, and survival times, and to characterize cats with lymphoma in the era of general availability of FeLV testing and vaccination. Alimentary lymphoma, primarily occurring in older, FeLV-negative cats, was the most common site of involvement. Although the majority of tumors from FeLV-positive cats were CD3-immunoreactive, only one half of CD3-immunoreactive tumors occurred in FeLV-positive cats. Median remission duration and survival times were 126 days and 143 days, respectively, for all cats. Measures of tumor cell proliferation (AgNOR frequency and PCNA-LI) and CD3-immunoreactivity were not predictive of outcome. When all prognostic factors were accounted for by multivariate analysis, response to therapy, FeLV status, and clinical substage were predictive of outcome. FeLV-negative cats that achieved a complete response following induction therapy were likely to have durable (i.e., > 6-month) responses, particularly when doxorubicin was included in the chemotherapy protocol. However, FeLV-positive cats had significantly shorter remission and survival times with available chemotherapeutic protocols.
EXACT TREATMENT OF THE STARK EFFECT IN ATOMIC HYDROGEN.

A boundary-condition method is used to investigate the energy levels of atomic hydrogen in a uniform electric field. At low fields the misbehavior of trial eigensolutions in the nonclassical region enables one to obtain high-accuracy upper and lower bounds to the Stark shift. At higher fields the energy levels are treated as resonant states imbedded in a continuum. A modified WKB approach is used to obtain both the position and width of these resonances. Comparison is made with the usual perturbation-theory results.
New topology for Class E amplifiers

A Class E RF amplifier, which can operate into any load conditions without need for other additional circuitry to protect transistors, is introduced. This is provided by the new topology, which is called an inductive clamp. Our topology incorporates inductive clamp circuitry to the basic Class E amplifier circuit and it has all the benefits of Class E amplifiers. Additionally, it has inherent self-protection that comes with the inductive clamp circuit. A Class E amplifier with the new topology is designed, simulated and implemented. The experimental results are presented and found to be very close to the simulated results. The amplifier drain efficiency is measured around 88% at the rated power level and it is confirmed that the amplifier protected itself and was stable over entire VSWR and dynamic range within the bandwidth of operational frequency. Class E amplifiers with this topology can be used in applications where the load conditions are dynamic.
Integrating expert systems and multimedia: a detailed analysis

Abstract Expert systems and multimedia are used in more and more organizations as tools for a variety of tasks. Both systems have potential for further implementation separately, but it is becoming clear that they can be combined. Moreover, the combination will have a synergetic effect. The benefits will show in more effective knowledge representation and user interface for expert systems, more intelligent multimedia data manipulation, and the creation of integrated systems with intelligent support for many other functions. These and other benefits are described in the paper, as well as the problems that should be considered before developing an integrated system. An historical overview of expert systems and multimedia is provided with the emphasis on the features and applications that are of most importance in the combined system. The paper also presents several models for expert system and multimedia integration with applications of these models. Several issues related to the integration are presented. One of the goals of the paper is to show the benefits of such integration.
A Comprehensive Model to Build Improvement Capability in a Pediatric Academic Medical Center

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center developed a comprehensive model to build quality improvement (QI) capability to support its goal to transform its delivery system through a series of training courses. Two online modules orient staff to basic concepts and terminology and prepare them to participate more effectively in QI teams. The basic program (Rapid Cycle Improvement Collaborative, RCIC) is focused on developing the capability to use basic QI tools and complete a narrow-scoped project in approximately 120 days. The Intermediate Improvement Science Series (I(2)S(2)) program is a leadership course focusing on improvement skills and developing a broader and deeper understanding of QI in the context of the organization and external environment. The Advanced Improvement Methods (AIM) course and Quality Scholars Program stimulate the use of more sophisticated methods and prepare Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and external faculty to undertake QI research. The Advanced Improvement Leadership Systems (AILS) sessions enable interprofessional care delivery system leadership teams to effectively lead a system of care, manage a portfolio of projects, and to deliver on CCHMC's strategic plan. Implementing these programs has shown us that 1) a multilevel curricular approach to building improvement capability is pragmatic and effective, 2) an interprofessional learning environment is critical to shifting mental models, 3) repetition of project experience with coaching and feedback solidifies critical skills, knowledge and behaviors, and 4) focusing first on developing capable interprofessional improvement leaders, versus engaging in broad general QI training across the whole organization, is effective.
Optically Induced Electrohydrodynamics and Electrokinetic Colloidal Aggregation

Recently, we have demonstrated a novel optically induced AC electrokinetic technique that rapidly, continuously and selectively concentrates micro and nanoparticles on an electrode surface [1–3]. This is demonstrated with a highly focused near-infrared (1,064 nm) laser beam applied to parallel plate electrodes separated by 50 μm without the need for photosensitive materials. This dynamic optically-induced technique can be applied towards a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications. This paper will explain the fundamental physical mechanisms involved, necessary in order to replicate and implement this technique. This dynamic fluid and particle manipulation technique may prove valuable to a variety of applications in micro- and nanotechnology.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
God, King, and Geometry: Revisiting the Introduction to Cauchy's Cours d'Analyse

This article offers a systematic reading of the introduction to Augustin-Louis Cauchy’s landmark 1821 mathematical textbook, the Cours d’analyse. Despite its emblematic status in the history of mathematical analysis and, indeed, of modern mathematics as a whole, Cauchy’s introduction has been more a source for suggestive quotations than an object of study in its own right. Cauchy’s short mathematical metatext offers a rich snapshot of a scholarly paradigm in transition. A close reading of Cauchy’s writing reveals the complex modalities of the author’s epistemic positioning, particularly with respect to the geometric study of quantities in space, as he struggles to refound the discipline on which he has staked his young career.
Ultraviolet photoemission studies of CuCl

Ultraviolet photoemission measurements on evaporated films of CuCl were made at photon energies 7-27 eV. Spectral quantum yield and photoelectron spectra were obtained. Doublet features can be seen in the predominantly Cu-$3d$ and Cl-$3p$ valence-band spectra. In addition, a stationary final-state structure at 2.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 eV above the vacuum level is found in the photoelectron spectra for photon energies above approximately 18.5 eV. This structure is interpreted as an Auger effect. The spectra provide information on the width of the gap between the valence and conduction bands of CuCl.
Hypertension and hemodialysis: pathophysiology and outcomes in adult and pediatric populations

Hypertension is prevalent in adult and pediatric end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. Volume overload is a primary factor contributing to hypertension, and attaining true dry weight remains a priority for nephrologists. Other contributing factors to hypertension include activation of the sympathetic and renin–angiotensin–aldosterone systems, endothelial cell dysfunction, arterial stiffness, exposure to hypertensinogenic drugs, and electrolyte imbalances during hemodialysis. Epidemiologic studies in adults show that uncontrolled hypertension results in cardiovascular morbidity, but reveal increased mortality risk at low blood pressure, so that it remains unclear what the target blood pressure should be. Despite the lack of a definitive BP target, gradual dry weight reduction should be the first intervention for BP control. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors have been shown to improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and are recommended as the initial pharmacologic therapy for hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Short-daily or nocturnal hemodialysis are also good therapeutic options for these patients. It is already established that hypertension in pediatric hemodialysis patients is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and there is emerging evidence that the mechanisms causing hypertension are similar to adults. Hypertension in adult and pediatric hemodialysis patients warrants aggressive management, although clinical trial evidence of a target BP that improves mortality does not currently exist.
Toxicity reduction evaluation at a municipal wastewater treatment plant using mutagenicity as an endpoint

Previous work revealed substantial levels of mutagenicity in effluents from certain municipal wastewater treatment plants. One of these treatment plants was selected for further study to track the effluent mutagenicity to its sources, to chemically characterize the mutagenicity, and to assess the treatability of the mutagens. Mutagenicity testing using the Salmonella/microsome assay was performed on methylene chloride extracts of influent and effluent samples from the municipal wastewater treatment plant, as well as on four selected industrial effluents entering the plant. The mutagenicity of the influent samples was detected only in the presence of a microsomal metabolic activation system and was highest in Salmonella strain TA98. About two-thirds of the mutagenicity passed through the treatment plant, suggesting that the mutagenic compounds were refractory to conventional biological treatment. No significant mutagenic activity was detected in three of the industrial waste streams, all paper products plant discharges. However, a high level of mutagenicity (1.2 million TA98 revertants/liter) was detected in the effluent from a coke oven plant. This source could account for all of the mutagenicity entering the wastewater treatment plant. After fractionation of the coke oven effluent by sequential extraction at neutral, acidic and basic pH with methylene chloride, 93% of the TA98 (+S9) mutagenicity was found in the neutral fraction. A C18 column fractionation scheme using a methanol/water elution gradient revealed that 92% of the mutagenicity eluted with the 75% and the 80% methanol in water fractions. The C18 fractionation also provided good separation of mutagenicity from toxicity to fathead minnows. This study has demonstrated the potential of toxicity reduction evaluation (TRE) methodology for tracing effluent toxicity to its source, using genotoxicity as an endpoint.
Creating monopoly power

Abstract The standard analysis of monopoly assumes that the seller has price-setting power. Without this assumption, it is not clear what monopoly power is or whether it exists. To address this question, this paper uses the core of a TU game in place of price-setting. The core provides a model of competition in which outcomes can be interpreted as the consequences of free-form bargaining or negotiations. This paper shows that if a core analysis is embedded in a capacity choice context, monopoly power can be created with credible undersupply. But in monopoly, a core analysis also shows that competition only partially determines the outcomes. Using a biform game analysis, this paper shows that the monopolist's view of this indeterminacy directly affects its capacity choice. A moderate view of the indeterminacy generates outcomes that are more socially beneficial than setting a uniform price. The two extreme views of the indeterminacy are shown to generate results consistent with uniform pricing and perfect price-discrimination.
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF MACNEILL'S SOOTYWING (HESPEROPSIS GRACIELAE) (LEPIDOPTERA: HESPERIIDAE) ALONG THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER FLOODPLAIN

Abstract. We conducted surveys for Hesperopsis gracielae (MacNeill) along the lower Colorado River floodplain from the Muddy River inflow of Lake Mead in Nevada south through western Arizona and eastern California to the eastern border of Baja California, Mexico. Females oviposit largely if not exclusively on quail brush, Atriplex lentiformis. We searched for eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults on or around quail brush and nearby food sources. Eggs are distinctive by their spherical shape, heavily-sculptured and ridged chorion, and reddish brown or cream color. Larvae form and pupate in shelters that are easily distinguished from other Lepidoptera. Finding immature stages helped identify occupied locations, because eggs or larvae could be found between adult broods and during weather conditions not conducive for adult observations. We found quail brush at 99 sites along the floodplain and sootywings at 55 of those sites. Several large regions of the lower Colorado River did not appear to support quail brush. ...
Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylase, Epoxide Hydrolase, and Benzo[a]pyrene Metabolism in Human Epidermis: Comparative Studies in Normal Subjects and Patients with Psoriasis

Prior studies have shown that human skin possesses a cytochrome P-450-dependent microsomal enzyme that is capable of metabolizing drugs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) carcinogens. This study characterized benzo[a]pyrene (BP) metabolism in human epidermis of normal and psoriatic individuals. The basal level of the cytochrome P-450-dependent microsomal enzyme aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) and epoxide hydrolase (EH) were measured in freshly keratomed epidermis from 12 normal individuals and from uninvolved skin sites of 12 patients with psoriasis. The induction response of AHH following the in vitro addition of the PAH benz[A]anthracene (BA) was also assessed. The basal activity (mean ± SE) of AHH in normal epidermis was 62.1 ± 5.6 units (fmol 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, 3-OH-BP/min/mg protein) whereas the activity in uninvolved skin of psoriatic individuals was 62.9 ± 5.1 units (NS), Epoxide hydrolase activity was 25.1 ± 1.1 (pmol BP 4,5-diol/min/mg protein) units in normal epidermis and 24.8 ± 2.1 units in epidermis from patients with psoriasis (NS). Following addition of BA (100μM), in vitro, AHH activity in normal epidermis increased by a mean value of 165% whereas activity in nonlesional epidermis of psoriatic individuals increased 320%. Kinetic studies in normal epidermis revealed that the AHH reaction was linear up to 60 min and to 50 μg protein, had a pH optimum of 7.4, and the K m for BP was 0.62 MM. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed that the pattern of metabolism of BP was quite similar in epidermal microsomes prepared from normal and psoriatic individuals, insofar as the formation of diols, phenols, and quinones was concerned. These studies indicate that human epidermis is capable of metabolizing BP and that there is no significant difference between normal individuals and patients with psoriasis insofar as basal AHH activity or total BP metabolism is concerned. Furthermore, the epidermal enzyme system in patients with psoriasis has a greater responsiveness to environmental PAH than does that of normal individuals.
An effective potential theory for transport coefficients across coupling regimes

Summary form only given. The microscopic dynamics of Coulomb collisions determines macroscopic transport properties of plasmas such as diffusivity, resistivity, viscosity, etc. Conventional plasma kinetic theories assume that since Coulomb interactions are long range, the momentum transferred in the majority of binary encounters is small. This assumption is used to form an expansion parameter based on the smallness of scattering angles. However, the assumption breaks down in strongly coupled plasmas, where the interaction potential energy is comparable to the particle kinetic energies. These include dense plasmas (ICF, white dwarfs, giant planets, etc.), dusty plasmas and ultracold plasmas. We discuss a method that extends conventional plasma theories to stronger coupling regimes. Like the conventional theories, ours is based on a binary collision picture, but where particles interact via an effective potential1 that accounts for average effects of the intervening medium; including both correlations and screening self-consistently. The hypernetted chain closure is used to calculate this effective potential. The theory is shown to compare well with classical molecular dynamics simulations of temperature relaxation in electronion plasma,2 as well as simulations3 and experiments4 of self-diffusion in one component plasma. This analysis applies a static effective potential. Possible refinements to account for a dynamic effective potential will also be discussed.
Electrophysiologic and hemodynamic studies in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest.

Fifty-two patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest underwent electrophysiologic studies. The earliest documented arrhythmia at the time of initial or recurrent (18 patients) cardiac arrest was ventricular fibrillation (30 patients) or ventricular tachycardia (20 patients); in 2 patients no arrhythmia was documented before defibrillation. Programmed ventricular stimulation revealed inducible arrhythmias in 33 patients (63 percent). Of the 30 patients with ventricular fibrillation as the initial arrhythmia, 13 had inducible arrhythmias—ventricular fibrillation (4 patients), sustained ventricular tachycardia (6 patients) and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (3 patients). In the 20 patients with ventricular tachycardia as the initial arrhythmia, sustained ventricular tachycardia was initiated in 17 patients and torsade de pointes in 1. Patients with inducible arrhythmias had longer mean A-H and H-V intervals than those without inducible arrhythmias (91.1 versus 76.6 ms and 62.5 versus 50.3 ms, respectively). Prolonged H-V intervals (17 of 33) and intraventricular conduction defects (18 of 33) were more common in patients with than in those without inducible arrhythmias (4 of 19 and 7 of 19, respectively). Mean cardiac index was lower (2.4 versus 3.9 liters/min per m2), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure higher (17.0 versus 9.4 mm Hg), and ejection fraction lower (36.1 versus 57.2 percent) in the group with inducible arrhythmias than in those in whom no arrhythmia could be induced. These data suggest that (1) ventricular tachycardia often precipitates cardiac arrest; and (2) electrophysiologic testing may provide data on which to base therapy in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest.
Results of the Mitrofanoff procedure in urinary tract reconstruction in children.

Objectives To evaluate the success and long-term complications associated with the use of continent catheterizable conduits based on the Mitrofanoff principle in children. Patients and methods The records of 43 patients (21 female and 22 male) who underwent the construction of a continent catheterizable stoma based on the Mitrofanoff principle between 1987 and 1996 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age at surgery was 10 years (range 3-21) and the mean follow-up was 3 years (range 0.5-6.5). Twenty-eight of the 43 children underwent augmentation cystoplasty in conjunction with the Mitrofanoff procedure, using ileum in 17, sigmoid in seven, caecum in two and stomach in one ; detrusormyectomy was performed in one child. Fifteen patients had only a continent catheterizable stoma formed. The most common type of conduit was appendicovesicostomy (36 of 43 children) ; other conduits were constructed with ureter (four), tapered ileum (two) and fallopian tube (one). Results Stomal continence was achieved in 42 of 43 patients (98%). The most common late complication was difficulty in catheterization, which occurred in 14 patients (32%). Stomal prolapse requiring revision occurred in one patient (2%). Conduit dilatation was initially attempted in all patients with difficult catheterization, although it failed in 11 who then required surgical revision. Therefore, the overall revision rate was 28% (12 of 43). The site of stomal placement (umbilical or abdominal) did not significantly influence the risk of difficulty with catheterization. Conclusion The Mitrofanoff procedure can simplify catheterization in children who are dependent upon intermittent catheterization. The vermiform appendix appears to be the best source for constructing the conduit. While stomal continence is excellent, conduit stenosis remains a frequent complication regardless of stomal location.
Madness and Prophecy: Dreams, Texts, and the Power of Rabbinic Interpretation

To the rabbis, dreams were a serious theological challenge. While in the Hebrew Bible dreams could be prophetic and therefore a source of authority, rabbinic authority was based on textual interpretation rather than direct revelation. This article examines one rabbinic strategy for responding to this challenge: the Talmudic dream ritual of Berakhot 55b. Through this ritual the rabbis place the dreamer in the position of a supplicant. Dreaming becomes like an illness or curse rather than a revelation. Instead of telling the dream, the dreamer prays for its healing. This article argues that this ritual itself is a form of interpretation, both of the dreamer’s dream and of the biblical texts about dreaming, in which the biblical idea of revelation through dreams is retained but the dream itself is stripped of any specific prophetic meaning. Through the performative speech of this ritual the dreamer places the dangerous dream under the power of rabbinic authority.
Efficacy of three formulations of zinc phosphide for managing black-tailed prairie dogs

Abstract We evaluated the effectiveness and cost of three zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) baits for managing black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). Sixty-six 0.4-ha treatment and paired control plots were delineated within 13 prairie dog colonies in central Nebraska. Treatment plots were prebaited with untreated stream-rolled oats according to Zn3P2 label directions. After 2–3 days, we applied each of the three formulations of Zn3P2 baits according to label directions to 22 randomly assigned treatment plots. Prairie dog activity was reduced 80% with Zn3P2-treated rolled oats (Pocatello Supply Depot, US Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services, Pocatello, ID, USA); 78% with Zn3P2-treated crimped oats (Bell Laboratories, Inc., Madison, WI, USA), and 71% with Zn3P2-treated pellets (Bell Laboratories), as measured by a plugged burrow technique. No significant differences (P=0.342) in efficacy were detected among the three treatments. Material costs varied among the Zn3P2 treatments (rolled oats-$1.04 kg−1, crimped oats-$1.32 kg−1, and pellets-$2.21 kg−1). Each treatment, including prebaiting with untreated rolled oats, required 3.6 h ha−1 to apply. The total costs for 70% to 80% control of black-tailed prairie dogs (@ $5.00 h−1 labor) were $18.71 ha−1 for rolled oats, $18.82 ha−1 for crimped oats, and $19.16 ha−1 for pellets.
N4C−Ethyl−N4C Cross-Linked DNA: Synthesis and Characterization of Duplexes with Interstrand Cross-Links of Different Orientations†

The preparation and physical properties of short DNA duplexes that contain a N4C−ethyl−N4C interstrand cross-link are described. Duplexes that contain an interstrand cross-link between mismatched C−C residues and duplexes in which the C residues of a −CG− or −GC− step are linked to give “staggered” interstrand cross-links were prepared using a novel N4C−ethyl−N4C phosphoramidite reagent. Duplexes with the C−C mismatch cross-link have UV thermal transition temperatures that are 25 °C higher than the melting temperatures of control duplexes in which the cross-link is replaced with a G−C base pair. It appears that this cross-link stabilizes adjacent base pairs and does not perturb the structure of the helix, a conclusion that is supported by the CD spectrum of this duplex and by molecular models. An even higher level of stabilization, 49 °C, is seen with the duplex that contains a −CG− staggered cross-link. Molecular models suggest that this cross-link may induce propeller twisting in the cross-linked base p...
What Do Users Tell Us about FRBR-Based Catalogs?

FRBR user research has been the least addressed area in FRBR research and development. This article addresses the research gap in evaluating and designing catalogs based on FRBR user research. It draws from three user studies concerning FRBR-based catalogs: (1) user evaluation of three FRBR-based catalogs, (2) user participatory design of a prototype catalog based on the FRBR model, and (3) user evaluation of the resulting FRBR prototype catalog. The major findings from the user studies are highlighted and discussed for future development of FRBR-based catalogs that support various user tasks.
The Cost of Simplifying Air Travel When Modeling Disease Spread

Background Air travel plays a key role in the spread of many pathogens. Modeling the long distance spread of infectious disease in these cases requires an air travel model. Highly detailed air transportation models can be over determined and computationally problematic. We compared the predictions of a simplified air transport model with those of a model of all routes and assessed the impact of differences on models of infectious disease. Methodology/Principal Findings Using U.S. ticket data from 2007, we compared a simplified “pipe” model, in which individuals flow in and out of the air transport system based on the number of arrivals and departures from a given airport, to a fully saturated model where all routes are modeled individually. We also compared the pipe model to a “gravity” model where the probability of travel is scaled by physical distance; the gravity model did not differ significantly from the pipe model. The pipe model roughly approximated actual air travel, but tended to overestimate the number of trips between small airports and underestimate travel between major east and west coast airports. For most routes, the maximum number of false (or missed) introductions of disease is small (<1 per day) but for a few routes this rate is greatly underestimated by the pipe model. Conclusions/Significance If our interest is in large scale regional and national effects of disease, the simplified pipe model may be adequate. If we are interested in specific effects of interventions on particular air routes or the time for the disease to reach a particular location, a more complex point-to-point model will be more accurate. For many problems a hybrid model that independently models some frequently traveled routes may be the best choice. Regardless of the model used, the effect of simplifications and sensitivity to errors in parameter estimation should be analyzed.
Aberrant transforming growth factor-β signaling in azoxymethane-induced mouse colon tumors

Alterations in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) pathway are implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. We hypothesize that alterations in the TGF-beta pathway contribute to differential sensitivity of mice to the colon carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM). A/J (sensitive) and AKR/J (resistant) mice were injected intraperitoneally with AOM (10 mg/kg of body weight once a week for 6 wk). Twenty-four weeks after AOM exposure, mutational analysis of TGF-beta type II receptor (TbetaR-II) from normal colons and from tumors showed no AOM-induced alterations. A significant decrease (1.5-fold, P < 0.05) in TbetaR-II mRNA levels, however, was found in A/J tumors with the RNase protection assay. Immunofluorescence of TbetaR-II showed marked loss of staining in A/J tumors. The RNase protection assay and sequence analysis of the downstream signaling molecule Smad3 revealed no carcinogen-induced alterations in either strain. To gain further insight into the functionality of the pathway, expression of TGF-beta, TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaR-I), and several downstream targets of TGF-beta signaling, including Smad7, c-myc, and p15, was examined. Although no alterations in TGF-beta, TbetaR-I, or Smad7 were found in tumors, a significant increase in c-myc expression (2.5-fold, P < 0.05 ) and a significant decrease in p15 expression (4.5-fold, P < 0.05 ) were noted. Concomitant repression of TbetaR-II and overexpression of c-myc may render epithelial cells insensitive to TGF-beta-mediated growth arrest, a possibility that also is suggested by this model. The significant decrease in p15 expression in tumors provides additional evidence that TGF-beta signaling may be markedly attenuated during colon tumorigenesis.
Justified follow-up: a final intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) Over 40 pg/mL is associated with an increased risk of persistence and recurrence in primary hyperparathyroidism.

Introduction After parathyroidectomy for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), overall rates of persistence/recurrence are extremely low. A marker of increased risk for persistence/recurrence is needed. We hypothesized that final intraoperative parathyroid hormone (FioPTH) ≥40 pg/mL is indicative of increased risk for disease persistence/recurrence, and can be used to selectively determine the degree of follow-up.
Automated defect inspection: past, present, and future

As minimum feature sizes on semiconductor devices shrink to 0.1 microns, integrated circuit manufacturers face an increasing challenge to maintain and increase wafer yields and chip performance. Few issues in semiconductor processing exert such strong leverage over manufacturing as defects (which affect product yield, manufacturability and reliability). The challenge for current and future inspection methods is to shorten the time to identify the causes of yield loss. The techniques and equipment needed to accomplish this result can be found through an analysis of past and current inspection techniques combined with predicted future requirements for inspection and yield analysis systems. From the first automatic mask defect detection systems built at Bell Labs to an analysis of requirements for future inspection and yield analysis systems, this paper will provide a historical perspective, analysis of inspection methodologies and predictions for future requirements.
Telescope Coalignment System For The Multiple Mirror Telescope(MroAT)

University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721AbstractThis paper describes the coalignment system for the six 1.8 m astronomical telescopes of the MultipleMirror Telescope. Emphasis is on individual component alignment and the achievement and maintenance of par-ticular image configurations. The system employs a HeNe laser as an artificial star with its light colli-mated by a 0.7 m guide telescope and transferred to the 1.8 m telescopes via periscopes and retroreflectors.Silicon detectors sense laser image position deviations due to mirror tilts or displacements, and generatesignals to actively correct pointing errors via 3 axis motion of the telescopes' cassegrain secondaries.Procedures are given for aligning the laser beamsplitters, collimating the beams, and aligning the detectorssequentially to arrive at a desired configuration. Keys to the operation are the use of a pinhole in theguide telescope's focal plane as a defining point for the laser source, the active stabilization of the guidetelescope's focus, the stability of the periscopes, and the use of remotely -controlled thin wedge prisms tochange each laser beam's position when reconfiguring any one telescope. Tests of star tracking show typicalcoalignment to <1.0 arc second RMS. A discussion of problems encountered is included.IntroductionThe MMT, located in Southern Arizona on the top of Mount Hopkins (8550 ft.), has been described by Carle-ton and Hoffmannl. Briefly, the MMT consists of six 1.8 m cassegrain telescopes grouped in a hexagon, plusa 0.7 m guide alignment telescope (G /A telescope) of Ritchey -Chretien design at the hexagon's center, allheld in a complex truss system (the optical support structure or OSS) which rides on an altitude over azi-muth mounting. Images from the 1.8 m telescopes are combined via two extra reflections per telescope. Alaser coalignment system is used to keep telescope images superimposed.
Global Consequences of Unsafe Abortion

Unsafe abortion is a significant cause of death and ill health in women in the developing world. A substantial body of research on these consequences exists, although studies are of variable quality. However, unsafe abortion has a number of other significant consequences that are much less widely recognized. These include the economic consequences, the immediate costs of providing medical care for abortion-related complications, the costs of medical care for longer-term health consequences, lost productivity to the country, the impact on families and the community, and the social consequences that affect women and families. This article will review the scientific evidence on the consequences of unsafe abortion, highlight gaps in the evidence base, suggest areas where future research efforts are needed, and speculate on the future situation regarding consequences and evidence over the next 5–10 years. The information provided is useful and timely given the current heightened interest in the issue of unsafe...
Chapter 3; Cancer Treatments

SUMMARY Cancer is of particular importance to gerontology due to the changing nature of the disease. Survival rates are at all time highs as a result of technological advances in early detection and treatment of cancer. Some less aggressive or invasive forms of cancer are now seen as chronic illnesses rather than acute, terminal diseases. As a result, demand is increasing for evidence-based psychosocial interventions designed to improve the health and well-being of people living with cancer. This article reviews evidence-based psychosocial interventions designed to address the needs of persons with cancer and their family members. Traditional and technology enhance interventions are discussed as are complementary and alternative therapies designed to augment traditional interventions.
Ethanol-induced inhibition of carbachol-stimulated uptake of calcium in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells

Using a rapid-quench technique the effects of ethanol on the uptake of 45Ca2+ into PC12 pheochromocytoma cells were studied in suspension. At concentrations achieved during acute intoxication in man (25–100 mM), ethanol inhibited both the carbachol-stimulated and K+-induced uptake of calcium. Inhibition of carbachol-stimulated uptake of Ca2+ occurred rapidly, within seconds at 27°C, whereas inhibition of K+-induced uptake of Ca2+ developed more slowly. This disparity between the kinetics of these ethanol-induced inhibitions was unexpected, because the uptake of Ca2+ evoked by either stimulus, is thought to occur predominantly through a common pathway, namely voltage-sensitive Ca2+channels. This difference may reflect differential effects of ethanol on multiple carbachol-activated pathways for entry of Ca2+. Alternatively, carbachol may facilitate the inhibitory action of ethanol on voltage-dependent channels. This apparent facilitation was manifested principally by a more rapid onset of inhibition, although the extent of inhibition by ethanol, in the presence of carbachol, was also increased. In preincubation experiments, ethanol did not enhance the apparent agonist-induced desensitization of carbachol-evoked uptake of Ca2+. Nevertheless, an acute interaction between cholinergic agonists and ethanol, affecting homeostasis of Ca2+ may play a role in the pathophysiology of alcohol intoxication.
Modeling GPU-CPU workloads and systems

Heterogeneous systems, systems with multiple processors tailored for specialized tasks, are challenging programming environments. While it may be possible for domain experts to optimize a high performance application for a very specific and well documented system, it may not perform as well or even function on a different system. Developers who have less experience with either the application domain or the system architecture may devote a significant effort to writing a program that merely functions correctly. We believe that a comprehensive analysis and modeling frame-work is necessary to ease application development and automate program optimization on heterogeneous platforms. This paper reports on an empirical evaluation of 25 CUDA applications on four GPUs and three CPUs, leveraging the Ocelot dynamic compiler infrastructure which can execute and instrument the same CUDA applications on either target. Using a combination of instrumentation and statistical analysis, we record 37 different metrics for each application and use them to derive relationships between program behavior and performance on heterogeneous processors. These relationships are then fed into a modeling frame-work that attempts to predict the performance of similar classes of applications on different processors. Most significantly, this study identifies several non-intuitive relationships between program characteristics and demonstrates that it is possible to accurately model CUDA kernel performance using only metrics that are available before a kernel is executed.
Blood myeloid dendritic cells from HIV-1-infected individuals display a proapoptotic profile characterized by decreased Bcl-2 levels and by caspase-3+ frequencies that are associated with levels of plasma viremia and T cell activation in an exploratory study.

Reduced frequencies of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cell (DC) subsets (mDCs and pDCs, respectively) have been observed in the peripheral blood of HIV-1-infected individuals throughout the course of disease. Accumulation of DCs in lymph nodes (LNs) may partly account for the decreased numbers observed in blood, but increased DC death may also be a contributing factor. We used multiparameter flow cytometry to evaluate pro- and antiapoptotic markers in blood mDCs and pDCs from untreated HIV-1-infected donors, from a subset of infected donors before and after receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and from uninfected control donors. Blood mDCs, but not pDCs, from untreated HIV-1-infected donors expressed lower levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 than DCs from uninfected donors. A subset of HIV-1-infected donors had elevated frequencies of proapoptotic caspase-3+ blood mDCs, and positive correlations were observed between caspase-3+ mDC frequencies and plasma viral load and CD8+ T-cell activation levels. Caspase-3+ mDC frequencies, but not mDC Bcl-2 expression, were reduced with viral suppression on ART. Apoptosis markers on DCs in blood and LN samples from a cohort of untreated, HIV-1-infected donors with chronic disease were also evaluated. LN mDCs displayed higher levels of Bcl-2 and lower caspase-3+ frequencies than did matched blood mDCs. Conversely, LN pDCs expressed lower Bcl-2 levels than their blood counterparts. In summary, blood mDCs from untreated HIV-1-infected subjects displayed a proapoptotic profile that was partially reversed with viral suppression, suggesting that DC death may be a factor contributing to blood DC depletion in the setting of chronic, untreated HIV disease.
Transverse shear and normal stresses in laminated plates

The theory developed represents an attempt to b etter define the stresses within laminated plane anisotropic p lates. Of special interest a re the transverse shear and normal stresses associated with the d elamination of composite laminates. The results indicate t hat the stress fields obtained from the classical laminated plate theory and the linearly exact theory compare closely f or the case of the thin laminated plate with homogeneous laminae. For the illustrative problems considered involving orthotropic unskewed and skewed principal material axes, the d ifference in the stress fields predicted from the classical laminated plate theory were found to be less than 10% of the maximum value of each particular stress for the representative ~oint chosen. Even though the classical laminated plate theory seems to be quite versatile and useful in a wide variety of applications, it becomes important to be able to define its limitations on a case by case basis, as new materials and geometries are encountered in laminated plate analysis. It is suggested that further investigations into the limitations of classical laminated plate theory be p ursued.
THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF NATURAL POPULATIONS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER XIII. FURTHER STUDIES ON LINKAGE DISEQUILIBRIUM

The Raleigh, North Carolina, population of Drosophila melanogaster was examined for linkage disequilibrium in 1974, several years after previous analyses in 1968, 1969, and 1970. αglycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-1 ( αGpdh-1 ), malate dehydrogenase-1 ( Mdh-1 ), alcohol dehydrogenase ( Adh ), and hexokinase-C ( Hex-C , tentative name, F. M. Johnson, unpublished; position determined by the present authors to be 2 -74.5) were assayed for 617 second chromosomes, and esterase-C ( Est-C ) and octanol dehydrogenase ( Odh ) were assayed for 526 third chromosomes. In addition, two polymorphic inversions in the second chromosomes [ In(2L)t and In(2R)NS ] were examined, and the following findings were obtained: (1) No linkage disequilibrium between isozyme genes was detected. Significant linkage disequilibria were found only between the polymorphic inversions and isozyme genes [ In(2L)t vs. Adh , and In(2R)NS vs. Hex-C ]. Significant disequilibrium was not detected between In(2L)t and αGpdh-1 , which is included in the inversion, but a tendency toward disequilibrium was consistently found from 1968 to 1974. The frequency of two-strand double crossovers within inversion In(2L)t involving a single crossover on each side of αGpdh-1 was estimated to be 0.00022. Thus, the consistent but not significant linkage disequilibrium between the two factors can be explained by recombination after the inversion occurred. (2) Previously existing linkage disequilibrium between Adh and In(2R)NS (the distance is about 30 cM, but the effective recombination value is about 1.75%) was found to have disappeared. (3) No higher-order linkage disequilibrium was detected. (4) Linkage disequilibrium between Odh and Est-C (the distance of which was estimated to be 0.0058 ± 0.002) could not be detected (χ2df=1 = 0.9).—From the above results, it was concluded that linkage disequilibria among isozyme genes are very rare in D. melanogaster , so that the Franklin-Lewontin model (Franklin and Lewontin 1970) is not applicable to these genes. The linkage disequilibria between some isozyme genes and polymorphic inversions may be explained by founder effect.
Preoperative predictors of prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation in children following scoliosis repair.

Scoliosis is associated with progressive restrictive lung disease and an increased risk of pulmonary complications following surgical correction. Identification of higher risks for prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation (MV) improves postoperative care. Our objective was to determine if preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFT) predict prolonged postoperative MV (defined as MV >or=3 days). We correlated preoperative PFT (forced expired volume in 1 sec, FEV1; vital capacity, VC; inspiratory capacity, IC; maximal inspiratory pressure, MIP; total lung capacity, TLC; and residual volume, RV) and postoperative MV days in 125 patients who had scoliosis surgery (aged 13.7 +/- 3.0 (SD) years) from January 1990-July 2001. We had 71 male and 54 female patients. Scoliosis types were 13 congenital, 27 idiopathic, 57 neuromuscular, 23 syndrome/tumor, and 5 kyphoscoliosis. Forty patients (32%) had postoperative MV >or=3 days. Independent factors likely requiring postoperative MV >or=3 days were neuromuscular scoliosis (P or=3 days (P < 0.05). We found no association between RV and postoperative MV. FEV1 <40% predicted, VC <60% predicted, IC <30 ml/kg, TLC <60% predicted, MIP <60 cm H2O, and neuromuscular disease each correlated with prolonged postoperative MV. Neuromuscular disease or a preoperative FEV(1) <40% predicted were more likely, and older children with neuromuscular disease and FEV1 <40% predicted were most likely to require prolonged postoperative MV (P < 0.01). Clearly FEV1, and possibly VC, IC, TLC, and MIP, may increase accuracy in predicting the need for prolonged postoperative MV.
Applying Comparative Effectiveness Research To Public And Population Health Initiatives

Comparative effectiveness research to date has focused primarily on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries in individuals. Yet the greatest drivers of people’s overall health are foun...
Noise-limited frequency signal transmission in gene circuits.

To maintain normal physiology, cells must properly process diverse signals arising from changes in temperature, pH, nutrient concentrations, and other factors. Many physiological processes are controlled by temporal aspects of oscillating signals; that is, these signals can encode information in the frequency domain. By modeling simple gene circuits, we analyze the impact of cellular noise on the fidelity and speed of frequency-signal transmission. We find that transmission of frequency signals is ''all-or-none'', limited by a critical frequency (fc). Signals with frequencies ,fc are transmitted with high fidelity, whereas those with frequencies .fc are severely corrupted or completely lost in transmission. We argue that fc is an intrinsic property of a gene circuit and it varies with circuit parameters and additional feedback or feedforward regulation. Our results may have implications for understanding signal processing in natural biological networks and for engineering synthetic gene circuits.
Contraction history modulates isotonic shortening velocity in smooth muscle

The effect of contraction history on the isotonic shortening velocity of canine tracheal smooth muscle was investigated. Muscles were contracted isometrically for 20 s at initial lengths of L(o) (l...
OptiVE: An Interactive Platform for the Design and Analysis of Virtual Enterprises

OptiVE is a platform for designing and analyzing virtual enterprises. OptiVE has two modes of operations. In composition mode, business entrepreneurs can define elementary enterprises as well as create complex virtual enterprises from enterprises already registered in the system. In analysis mode, business analysts can explore the structure and properties of registered enterprises and ask the system to optimize them: Find a particular combination of participants and a specific production path that will deliver the best outcome (produce the target product at the lowest overall cost). OptiVE is founded on a formal model with rigorous syntax and semantics and uses mixed integer linear programming (MILP) to find its optimal solutions. A prototype implementation of OptiVE is also described. The system insulates its users from technical details, offering an intuitive graphical user interface for operating in either mode.