cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency and intensity texture analysis for beef quality evaluation and prediction from ultrasound images

Image analysis and ultrasound techniques, after being effectively used for live animals in our research, were used to estimate and predict intramuscular fat (present fat) for 378 hot carcasses in a packing plant in Minnesota. Image textural and statistical analysis approaches, both in the frequency spectrum domain and in the gray-tone intensity domain, were performed on the B-mode images to extract image features for tissue characterization and to develop prediction models for percent fat. A quality evaluation and prediction (QEP) software was also developed for automatic image analysis and percent fat prediction. Validation testing of these models showed very good prediction accuracy. The root mean square errors were around .93 to .96, the correlation coefficients for the predicted percent fat versus actual values were .74 to .81, and about 83 to 90 percent of the predicted residual errors were less than 1.5%. The results indicate that the percent fat prediction and the image analysis algorithms may be a valuable tool for beef quality evaluation and prediction for meat industries and livestock producers. >
Reliability-based type II hybrid ARQ schemes

Hybrid ARQ (HARQ) schemes use a combination of forward error correction and retransmissions to guarantee reliable packet data communications. In this work, we propose a HARQ scheme that exploits channel state information and received packet quality to improve system performance. Specifically, the receiver uses the average magnitude of the log-likelihood ratios corresponding to the received information bits, in order to determine the sizes of subsequent retransmissions. The proposed retransmission strategy attempts to maximize user throughput while satisfying a maximum packet delay constraint. The performance of our reliability-based type II HARQ (RBHARQ) scheme is evaluated in static and time-varying channels through simulations.
Microbial diversity in a hydrocarbon- and chlorinated-solvent-contaminated aquifer undergoing intrinsic bioremediation

A culture-independent molecular phylogenetic approach was used to survey constituents of microbial communities associated with an aquifer contaminated with hydrocarbons (mainly jet fuel) and chlorinated solvents undergoing intrinsic bioremediation. Samples were obtained from three redox zones: methanogenic, methanogenic-sulfate reducing, and iron or sulfate reducing. Small-subunit rRNA genes were amplified directly from aquifer material DNA by PCR with universally conserved or Bacteria- or Archaea-specific primers and were cloned. A total of 812 clones were screened by restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP), approximately 50% of which were unique. All RFLP types that occurred more than once in the libraries, as well as many of the unique types, were sequenced. A total of 104 (94 bacterial and 10 archaeal) sequence types were determined. Of the 94 bacterial sequence types, 10 have no phylogenetic association with known taxonomic divisions and are phylogenetically grouped in six novel division level groups (candidate divisions WS1 to WS6); 21 belong to four recently described candidate divisions with no cultivated representatives (OP5, OP8, OP10, and OP11); and 63 are phylogenetically associated with 10 well-recognized divisions. The physiology of two particularly abundant sequence types obtained from the methanogenic zone could be inferred from their phylogenetic association with groups of microorganisms with a consistent phenotype. One of these sequence types is associated with the genus Syntrophus; Syntrophus spp. produce energy from the anaerobic oxidation of organic acids, with the production of acetate and hydrogen. The organism represented by the other sequence type is closely related to Methanosaeta spp., which are known to be capable of energy generation only through aceticlastic methanogenesis. We hypothesize, therefore, that the terminal step of hydrocarbon degradation in the methanogenic zone of the aquifer is aceticlastic methanogenesis and that the microorganisms represented by these two sequence types occur in syntrophic association.
Stopping By: Portraits from Small Towns

Stopping By: Portraits from Small Towns. Raymond Bial. Forward by Robert Bray. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1988. Unpaginated. page Forward and Introduction. 85 black and White photographs. Hardcover.
Reciprocal Theorem for Displacements In Inelastic Bodies

Using the analogy between the inelastic strain gradient and applied body force, the reciprocal theorem for displacement in inelastic bodies is derived. The application of this theorem to find the deflection or slope at a particular point due to given in elastic strain distribution in the body is given. Using this theorem, the coincidence of yield surfaces with plastic potential is derived. This theorem may be applied to solid bodies of both homogeneous and composite materials.
Fracture risk perception study: patient self-perceptions of bone health often disagree with calculated fracture risk.

Abstract Background We sought to evaluate the concordance between self-assessed perceptions of fracture risk and actual risk calculated by World Health Organization's 10-year Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). Methods We collected demographic data, lifestyle information, osteoporosis knowledge, bone density test results, and treatment history from patients aged 50 to 75 years. Subjects rated their perceptions of 10-year risk of sustaining fracture as low (0%–9%), intermediate (10%–19%), or high (≥20%). This rating was compared with risk calculated by FRAX. Findings Among 426 patients, the greatest agreement regarding fracture risk was noted for those in the low-risk FRAX group: 81% perceived themselves as having low risk. The most risk disagreement was in the high-risk FRAX group: Only 18% perceived their risk as high. Perceived risk was intermediate for 59% and low for 24%. Of patients at intermediate calculated risk by FRAX, 48% agreed with this with self-perceived risk. Overall, risk agreement was associated with bone density results, with higher T scores predictive of agreement. Underestimation was associated with being female and older. Patients with prescription treatment exposure frequently had risk disagreement and perceived their risk as lower than their calculated FRAX scores might indicate. Patients taking calcium and vitamin D similarly perceived lower risk than calculated by FRAX. Conclusions Patients at intermediate and high calculated fracture risk frequently had self-perceptions of lower risk. Patients taking prescription osteoporosis medication and calcium and vitamin D treatment perceived less risk than calculated. Whether correcting misperceptions about personal susceptibility to fracture might result in behavioral changes will be determined.
Experimental haemophilic synovitis: rationale and development of a murine model of human factor VIII deficiency.

Summary. Haemophilia is a genetic disease as a result of the deficiency of blood coagulation factor VIII or IX. Bleeding is common, especially into joints where an inflammatory, proliferative synovitis develops resulting in a debilitating arthritis, haemophilic arthropathy. The pathogenesis of blood-induced haemophilic synovitis (HS) is poorly understood. The gross, microscopic and ultrastructural changes that occur in the synovial membrane following human and experimental hemarthrosis have been described. Repeated episodes of bleeding induce synoviocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia, an intense neovascular response and inflammation of the synovial membrane. The component(s) in blood that initiates these changes is(are) not known, although iron is often proposed as one possibility. Here, we describe a novel murine model of human haemophilia A, which facilitates the examination of large number of animals and tissue specimens. The effects of hemarthrosis on the physical, gross and microscopic changes evoked following joint bleeding are described. Controlled, blunt trauma to the knee joint consistently resulted in joint swelling because of a combination of bleeding and inflammation. Hemosiderin was found in the synovial membrane. Similar to hemarthrosis in human haemophilia, joint bleeding resulted in acute morbidity evidenced by inactivity, weight loss and immobility. With time the animals recovered. The model of experimental murine HS described here has utility in the study of the pathogenesis of HS. This is the first of a series of articles, which will discuss the pathophysiology and characterize the model, with comparison of his model to others which have been published previously. It should provide a useful model to test potential therapeutic interventions.
Development and validation of aboveground biomass estimations for four Salix clones in central New York.

Commercial and research scale plantings of short-rotation woody crops require reliable and efficient estimations of biomass yield before time of harvest. Biomass equations currently exist but the accuracy and efficiency of estimation procedures at the level of specificity needs to be quantified for clones being used in North America. Diameter-based allometric equations for aboveground biomass for four clones of willow (Salix discolor, Salix alba, Salix dasyclados, and Salix sachalinensis), between two sites (Canastota and Tully, NY), and across four years (1998–2001), were developed using ordinary least-squares regression (OLSR) on log-transformed variables, weighted least squares regression (WLSR) on log-transformed variables, and nonlinear regression (NLR) methods and validated using independent data sets. Biomass estimations derived from clone, age, and site (Specific) using OLSR equations had highest R2 and lowest percent bias (<2.3%) allowing for accurate estimations of standing biomass. Values for specific equations using WLSR were similar, but bias was higher for NLR (0.7–12.5%). However, the amount of time and effort required to develop specific equations, is large and in many situations prohibitive. Biomass estimates derived from clone and age, regardless of site (Intermediate), resulted in small increases in prediction error and a small increase in percent bias using OLSR (<0.4%) and WLSR (<1.7%). The increase in percent bias was larger (1.1–5.7%) for NLR equations. Intermediate models correspond to the loss of only a small amount of accuracy while gaining more efficiency in estimating standing biomass. Estimates of biomass derived from clone alone (general) equations, considering neither age nor site, had the weakest prediction abilities that may lead to large errors for biomass estimations using OLSR (7.0–9.5%), WLSR (1.1–21.7%) or NLR (31.9–143.4%).
ATP sulfurylase from the hyperthermophilic chemolithotroph Aquifex aeolicus

Abstract ATP sulfurylase from the hyperthermophilic chemolithotroph Aquifex aeolicus is a bacterial ortholog of the enzyme from filamentous fungi. (The subunit contains an adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase-like, C-terminal domain.) The enzyme is highly heat stable with a half-life >1 h at 90 °C. Steady-state kinetics are consistent with a random A–B, ordered P–Q mechanism where A=MgATP, B=SO42−, P=PPi, and Q=APS. The kinetic constants suggest that the enzyme is optimized to act in the direction of ATP + sulfate formation. Chlorate is competitive with sulfate and with APS. In sulfur chemolithotrophs, ATP sulfurylase provides an efficient route for recycling PPi produced by biosynthetic reactions. However, the protein possesses low APS kinase activity. Consequently, it may also function to produce PAPS for sulfate ester formation or sulfate assimilation when hydrogen serves as the energy source and a reduced inorganic sulfur source is unavailable.
A randomized long-term trial of tacrolimus and sirolimus versus tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine (neoral) and sirolimus in renal transplantation. I. Drug interactions and rejection at one year

Background. To reduce long-term nephrotoxic calcineurin inhibitor dosage, adjunctive sirolimus or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) was used in a 150-patient, randomized, three-armed trial in cadaveric or human leukocyte antigen non-identical living-donor first renal transplant recipients (n=50/group). Methods. Group A received tacrolimus and sirolimus. Target tacrolimus trough levels postoperatively were 10, 8, and 6 ng/mL at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. Group B received tacrolimus and MMF. Target tacrolimus trough levels were 10 and 8 ng/mL at 1 month and 1 year, with a targeted dose of MMF of 1 g twice daily. Group C received cyclosporine A (CsA) (Neoral, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) and sirolimus with target CsA trough levels of 225 and 175 ng/mL at 1 month and 1 year. Maintenance sirolimus target trough levels were 8 ng/mL in groups A and C. Each group received daclizumab induction and methylprednisolone maintenance. This first of two companion 1-year reports details demographics, drug-dosing interactions, and rejection. Results. There were no notable differences in group demographics, but a somewhat less favorable course occurred in group C, despite higher bioavailability of sirolimus in group C versus group A (P<0.001). Acute rejection rates were lower in groups A (4%) and B (4%) combined versus group C (14%) (P=0.03). Histopathologic findings were supported by comparing perioperative with 1-year postoperative protocol biopsies. Conclusions. This 1-year interim analysis indicates that a decreasing dosage of tacrolimus with either adjunctive sirolimus or MMF may optimize future graft survival versus a less favorable outcome using a similar algorithm with CsA and sirolimus.
Breakdown of the vacuum by arbitrary external fields

We examine the spontaneous breakdown of the matter vacuum triggered by an external force. Based on the multi-particle counting numbers, which are accessible by experiment, we present a general theoretical procedure that permits the computation of the vacuum probability for sub- and super-critical fields with arbitrary spatial and temporal profiles. When the field is supercritical, the theory leads to the expected exponentially decay of the vacuum in the long-time limit. For the special case of an infinitely extended electric force field, we establish the validity of an effective decay constant obtained by averaging the Schwinger rate over the spatial force profile.
Sustained administration of cyclazocine for antagonism of morphine.

Abstract The plasma levels, distribution and excretion of tritium were determined after administration of a single or sustained dose of 3 H-cyclazocine to naive and morphine-addicted rats. The plasma levels reached and maintained in the naive animals were higher than those in addicted rats, suggesting that animals tolerant to morphine were cross-tolerant to cyclazocine. Although only half the administered radioactivity was excreted after either a single dose or a continuous administration, no appreciable concentration was found in any of the organs studied. The behavior of a single or sustained dose of cyclazocine was also determined in rabbits to evaluate the effect of the implant site on the drug release rate and tissue biocompatibility. The release-rate of 3 H-cyclazocine from a glyceride matrix implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly could be controlled by modification of the matrix itself or by manipulation of the drug concentration within the matrix. Durations of action between a few days and a month were obtained by these means from devices that were both biodegradable and tissue compatible. The results indicate that the procedures used here may provide a practical means for administering narcotic antagonists to addicts.
The retrospective pretest: an alternative approach in evaluating drug prevention programs

Two self-report techniques assessed student behaviors before and after a life-skills substance abuse prevention program, targeted at seventh graders in an inner-city elementary school. The retrospe...
Polarization azimuth angle in daylight scenes

Lord Rayleigh derived the degree of polarization for singular molecular scattering phenomena in the atmosphere as a function of the relative angular orientations of the source, scattering center, and observer. This paper extends the Rayleigh model by giving the azimuth angle for the linearly polarized scattered radiation detected by the observer. Together these two parameters give a complete Stokes vector characterization of Rayleigh scattering in the earth-horizon coordinate system. An experimental validation confirms the analytical results. The validation methodology uses a polarization axis finder attached to a commercial off-the-shelf digital camera. Each image supplies enough information to calculate the skylight polarization azimuth angle in real time. The equation for the skylight polarization azimuth angle is used to create a pictorial representation of the polarized sky by using colors to represent azimuth angles. A color scheme is used to display the degree of polarization and the polarization azimuth angle of a vehicle at several different times in daylight. An analysis of the reflected polarized light from the vehicle is included.
Fractal models for predicting soil hydraulic properties: a review

Modern hydrological models require information on hydraulic conductivity and soil-water retention characteristics. The high cost and large spatial variability of measurements makes the prediction of these properties a viable alternative. Fractal models describe hierarchical systems and are suitable to model soil structure and soil hydraulic properties. Deterministic fractals are often used to model porous media in which scaling of mass, pore space, pore surface and the size-distribution of fragments are all characterized by a single fractal dimension. Experimental evidence shows fractal scaling of these properties between upper and lower limits of scale, but typically there is no coincidence in the values of the fractal dimensions characterizing different properties. This poses a problem in the evaluation of the contrasting approaches used to model soil-water retention and hydraulic conductivity. Fractal models of the soil-water retention curve that use a single fractal dimension often deviate from measurements at saturation and at dryness. More accurate models should consider scaling domains each characterized by a fractal dimension with different morphological interpretations. Models of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity incorporate fractal dimensions characterizing scaling of different properties including parameters representing connectivity. Further research is needed to clarify the morphological properties influencing the different scaling domains in the soil-water retention curve and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Methods to functionally characterize a porous medium using fractal approaches are likely to improve the predictability of soil hydraulic properties.
Response of Selected Soil Microbial Populations and Activities to Land Conversion

A native shrub–steppe ecosystem converted to a series of irrigated agricultural fields was evaluated for biological indicators that may signal changes in soil processes during the initial stages of conversion and disturbance. Nine sites including undisturbed native shrub–steppe and center-pivot-irrigated fields with 1, 2, and 3 years of cultivation following conversion were evaluated. Cultivated fields had greater populations of culturable aerobic and pseudomonad bacteria, greater populations of nitrifying bacteria, increased nitrification potential, greater values of microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and different rates of substrate-induced respiration compared to native sites. Disturbance and soil mixing from field development, tillage, irrigation, compost amendments, and residue incorporation contributed to shifts in soil microbial populations and activities following conversion. Differences observed in microbial characteristics were influenced more by conversion of the native ecosystem to an irrigated...
Quality of life among patients treated for achalasia.

The present study is an attempt to capture the quality of life of achalasia patients after a successful treatment. It is also an effort to assess the extent of the subsequent restrictions achalasia may have imposed upon the patients' life-style. All achalasia patients who were successfully treated between 1984 and 1992 were identified. Qualified patients were supplied with a 12-item quality-of-life questionnaire that had been designed to assess the patients' perceptions of their swallowing function and their general health; the restrictions achalasia had imposed on five areas of performance, which encompassed social activities, family relationships, travel experiences, sports and housework activities, were also assessed. Sixty-six patients were offered the questionnaire and 52 (77.6%) returned a completed form. Forty-one of the group had pneumatic dilatation and the remaining 11 had cardiomyotomy. Some form of dysphagia was reported by 36 patients (69%) and a dietary modification was exercised by 29 (56%) of them. Heartburn was reported by 31 (59%) of the patients. Fifteen percent of the patients felt that the disease interfered with their social activities, 8% experienced difficulty in their family relations, 13% believed that the disease restricted travel and athletics, and finally, 9% stated that their symptoms placed restrictions on their ability to do housework. The group that received pneumatic dilatation experienced less restriction in the performance areas of sports, travel, and housework. However, this difference was only significant in the area of sports (P=0.04). It is concluded that: (1) The restoration of the normal swallowing mechanism is not often achieved after treatment for achalasia. The majority of patients who have been treated continue to have a component of difficulty for the rest of their lives. (2) These residual symptoms leave an impact on the patients' life-style. This impact is least important in the performance area of family relationship and most impressive in the area of sports. (3) Finally, those patients who have been treated with cardiomyotomy are more restricted in sport activities than those who received pneumatic dilatation.
Human mesenchymal stem cells inhibit vascular permeability by modulating vascular endothelial cadherin/β-catenin signaling.

The barrier formed by endothelial cells (ECs) plays an important role in tissue homeostasis by restricting passage of circulating molecules and inflammatory cells. Disruption of the endothelial barrier in pathologic conditions often leads to uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage. An important component of this barrier is adherens junctions, which restrict paracellular permeability. The transmembrane protein vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and its cytoplasmic binding partner β-catenin are major components of functional adherens junctions. We show that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) significantly reduce endothelial permeability in cocultured human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and following exposure to vascular endothelial growth factor, a potent barrier permeability-enhancing agent. When grown in cocultures with HUVECs, MSCs increased VE-cadherin levels and enhanced recruitment of both VE-cadherin and β-catenin to the plasma membrane. Enhanced membrane localization of β-catenin was associated with a decrease in β-catenin-driven gene transcription. Disruption of the VE-cadherin/β-catenin interaction by overexpressing a truncated VE-cadherin lacking the β-catenin interacting domain blocked the permeability-stabilizing effect of MSCs. Interestingly, a conditioned medium from HUVEC-MSC cocultures, but not from HUVEC or MSC cells cultured alone, significantly reduced endothelial permeability. In addition, intravenous administration of MSCs to brain-injured rodents reduced injury-induced enhanced blood–brain barrier permeability. Similar to the effect on in vitro cultures, this stabilizing effect on blood–brain barrier function was associated with increased expression of VE-cadherin. Taken together, these results identify a putative mechanism by which MSCs can modulate vascular EC permeability. Further, our results suggest that the mediator(s) of these vascular protective effects is a secreted factor(s) released as a result of direct MSC–EC interaction.
Virulence difference between the prototypic Schu S4 strain (A1a) and Francisella tularensis A1a, A1b, A2 and type B strains in a murine model of infection

Background: The use of prototypic strains is common among laboratories studying infectious agents as it promotes consistency for data comparability among and between laboratories. Schu S4 is the prototypic virulent strain of Francisella tularensis and has been used extensively as such over the past six decades. Studies have demonstrated virulence differences among the two clinically relevant subspecies of F. tularensis, tularensis (type A) and holarctica (type B) and more recently between type A subpopulations (A1a, A1b and A2). Schu S4 belongs to the most virulent subspecies of F. tularensis ,s ubspeciestularensis. Methods: In this study, we investigated the relative virulence of Schu S4 in comparison to A1a, A1b, A2 and type B strains using a temperature-based murine model of infection. Mice were inoculated intradermally and a hypothermic drop point was used as a surrogate for death. Survival curves and the length of temperature phases were compared for all infections. Bacterial burdens were also compared between the most virulent type A subpopulation, A1b, and Schu S4 at drop point. Results: Survival curve comparisons demonstrate that the Schu S4 strain used in this study resembles the virulence of type B strains, and is significantly less virulent than all other type A (A1a, A1b and A2) strains tested. Additionally, when bacterial burdens were compared between mice infected with Schu S4 or MA00-2987 (A1b) significantly higher burdens were present in the blood and spleen of mice infected with MA00-2987. Conclusions: The knowledge gained from using Schu S4 as a prototypic virulent strain has unquestionably advanced the field of tularemia research. The findings of this study, however, indicate that careful consideration of F. tularensis strain selection must occur when the overall virulence of the strain used could impact the outcome and interpretation of results.
Photochemistry of large ring 2-phenylcycloalkanones and 2,n-diphenylcycloalkanones

Abstract Photolysis of the title compounds (n=10, 11, 12, 15) yields mainly cyclophanes. The product distribution depends on temperature and solvent.
Measuring the In-Situ Matrix Properties in Fiber Reinforced Composites

A new methodology to extract viscoelactic-plastic material properties of a matrix material in a composite through Nanoindentation is discussed in this study. A material model is developed to account for viscoelastic-plastic effects and is incorporated in a parametric Finite Element (FE) analysis. The results from this analysis are used to construct a surrogate model to allow for fast evaluations of the simulated experiments, which in turn can be used to match calculations with real experiments. The surrogate model predicts the FE results within an average error of 2.9%. The viscoelastic properties are recovered with an error of 9.4% and 9.8% respectively, when comparing the surrogate model with FE simulations.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Detection of Thiols and Disulfides in Liver Samples using Liquid Chromatography/Electrochemistry

Abstract The determination of thiols and disulfides independent of one another is accomplished through the use of dual electrode liquid chromatography/electrochemistry and N-ethylmaleimide. The method can be used to assess peak purity as well as to determine the oxidation state of an unknown thiol. By the addition of NEM, trace disulfides can be determined without interferences from glutathione or other thiols present in much higher concentrations in in the liver. This method is used for the detection of mixed disulfides in liver samples.
The Impact of Electric Vehicle Deployment on Load Management Straregies

The future penetration of electric vehicles into the transportation sector is unknown. However, if off peak recharging of electric vehicles is employed, considerable improvement in daily load factor is possible. Similarly, load management methods to shift peak load to off-peak periods will also improve load factor. The impact of electric vehicle deployment on load management strategies primarily occurs in two areas: (i) reduction in effectiveness of load factor improvement of either electric vehicle deployment or load management strategies due to the action of the other and (ii) inadvertent addition to peak demand by electric vehicle load. These and other factors are considered in this paper and several practical considerations of recharging of electric vehicles are summarized.
Outcomes of colorectal cancer in the United States: no change in survival (1986-1997).

Abstract Objectives The past decade has witnessed important advances in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and treatment. To assess the potential impact of these advances on CRC survival and incidence, we evaluated recent temporal trends in the United States. Methods Using the nine population-based cancer registries that constitute the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute, we identified primary CRCs diagnosed between 1986 and 1997. Temporal changes were evaluated for the periods 1986–1988, 1989–1991, 1992–1994, and 1995–1997. Age-adjusted incidence and relative 1-, 3-, and 5-yr survival were calculated, along with 95% CI. Results We identified 144,284 individuals with CRC during 1986–1997, 51.5% of whom were men. In individuals of white ethnicity, the age-adjusted incidence rates for rectosigmoid and left CRC fell over time. In addition, in white men (but not in white women), the age-adjusted incidence rates for right CRC declined. In individuals of African American/black ethnicity, the age-adjusted incidence rates for rectosigmoid and right CRC showed no significant change over time. For all sites, no significant differences in survival were seen over time in whites or blacks. Conclusions The decrease in age-adjusted incidence rates over time is consistent with a decrease in CRC burden, especially among whites. However, the lack of improvement in survival over time in whites and blacks indicates that despite advances in screening and treatment, to date, no survival benefit has occurred.
Complete Pathologic Response After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer Is Associated With Enhanced Survival

Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagogastrectomy has become the standard of care for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. This report analyzes our experience with this treatment approach. Methods From January 1998 through December 2003, all patients from a single institution receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by esophagogastrectomy were reviewed for operative mortality, morbidity, long-term survival, and factors affecting survival. Only patients preoperatively staged with both computed tomographic scans and endoscopic ultrasound were included. Results There were 162 patients (142 men, 20 women), and the median age was 61 years (range, 22 to 81 years). Histopathology was adenocarcinoma in 143 patients and squamous cell in 19. Pretreatment clinical stage was II in 28 patients (17%), III in 111 (68%), and IV (M1a) in 23 (14%). Ivor Lewis esophagogastrectomy was the most common procedure, occurring in 132 patients. Operative mortality and morbidity was 4.9% and 37%, respectively. Pathologic response was complete in 42 patients (26%), near complete in 27 (17%), partial in 88 (54%), and unresectable in 5 (3%). Five-year survival for overall, complete, near complete, and partial response patients was 34%, 55%, 27%, and 27%, respectively (p = 0.013). Patients whose lymph nodes were rendered free of cancer showed improved overall and disease-free survival compared with patients having persistently positive lymph nodes (p = 0.019). Conclusions Esophagogastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can be performed with low mortality and morbidity. Patients with complete pathologic response have significantly improved long-term survival compared with patients with near complete and partial responses. Future efforts should be directed at understanding determinants of complete responses.
Zinc and cadmium uptake by the freshwater marsh plant Cyperus esculentus grown in contaminated sediments under reduced (flooded) and oxidized (upland) disposal conditions

Abstract Zinc and cadmium uptake by the freshwater marsh plant Cyperus esculentus from 15 highly contaminated freshwater sediments under reduced (flooded) and oxidized (upland) disposal conditions was investigated in the greenhouse. The sediments were collected from waterways in the Great Lakes area and transported to the laboratory, where each sediment was mixed thoroughly and divided in half. One‐half of the sediment was maintained in a reduced (flooded) state and the other half was air‐dried and ground (oxidized‐upland condition). Cyperus esculentus var. sativus was grown from tubers planted in both sediments and allowed to grow to maximum vegetative growth (90 days). The moisture content of the oxidized sediments was maintained between field capacity and the wilting point of the plant. The plants were harvested and analyzed for zinc and cadmium. Disposal condition was shown to significantly influence zinc and cadmium uptake. Zinc and cadmium uptake was generally greater from upland disposal conditions...
Dalmeny Disease in an Alpaca (Lama pacos): Sarcocystosis, Eosinophilic Myositis and Abortion

Abstract Disseminated eosinophilic myositis was diagnosed in an alpaca that had been imported to the USA from Peru 5 years earlier. The myositis was associated with macroscopically visible large sarcocysts that were characterized histologically by septate compartments containing bradyzoites, and ultraIstructurally by cyst walls composed of anastomosing villous protrusions. Two hours before death, the alpaca aborted an 8-month-gestation fetus, but no lesions were found in the uterus, placenta or fetus. Additional macroscopical findings included haemoabdomen and myofibre haemorrhage, degeneration and necrosis. It is believed that this is the first described case of clinical disease associated with a Sarcocystis sp. (probably S. aucheniae ) in camelids.
Are sexually transmitted infections increasing in adolescents

In 2008, to most, it is not shocking news to hear that adolescents are having sex. However, in recent months, it may have shocked many to hear findings from a highly publicized national study stating that one in four adolescent girls (aged between 14 and 19 years) in the USA are infected with one of four common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [1]. For those working in areas related to adolescent sexual health, these statistics were not likely surprising. For over a decade, compared to older adults, adolescents (15to 19-years old) and young adults (20to 24-years old) have had disproportionately higher rates of STIs [2]. The striking rate of STIs in the adolescent population often begets two questions: are STIs increasing in adolescents and why are STI rates so high among this population? Here, I provide a brief overview of adolescent sexual behaviors, the current status of STI and HIV rates in adolescents, and a summary of adolescent STI surveillance data compiled over the past 20 years, to assess whether STIs are increasing in adolescents, as well as providing some potential explanations for why STI rates are so high in the adolescent population.
Variation in Gill-Net and Angling Catchability with Changing Density of Northern Pike in a Small Minnesota Lake

Abstract The variation in the catchability coefficients (q) of gill netting and angling was monitored while manipulating the density of a population of northern pike Esox lucius during a series of nettings. The nettings removed nearly one-half of the population of northern pike age 2 and older from a small Minnesota lake. Estimates of q differed among age-classes of fish, thereby corroborating the size selectivity of the multimesh experimental gill nets. The results showed that gill-net catch rates tracked the declining population size of northern pike relatively closely. However, daily estimates of q declined during the removals, indicating hyperdepletion in catch rates. The decline in q contrasts with the results of several previous studies, which showed inverse relationships between q and density, and was most likely a result of gear size selectivity and fish behavior. Changes in age and size structure stemming from our intensive nettings helped cause the declining catchability. Angling catch rates wer...
Preparation and partial characterization of highly purified primary cultures of neurons and non-neuronal (glial) cells from embryonic chick cerebral hemispheres and several other regions of the nervous system.

Abstract Purified cultures of neurons and non-neuronal (glial) cells were prepared from the cerebral hemispheres of 10-day chick embryos by a method previously used for embryonic chick sympathetic ganglia16. This technique separates these cell types on the basis of both: (1) differences in the adhesiveness of neurons and non-neuronal cells to a collagen substrate; and (2) the capacity of neurons to form homotypic aggregates. Purity of the cerebral non-neuronal cultures was determined to be ≥ 99.5% by microscopic examination, while that of the cerebral neuronal cultures was only 92%. Modification of the technique by periodic redissociation of the neuronal aggregates during cell separation increased the purity of the neuronal cultures to ≥ 97% as determined both by microscopic examination and by measurement of levels of butyrylcholinesterase, an enzyme present in the non-neuronal cells. Highly purified cultures of neurons were also prepared from the optic lobes of 10-day chick embryos (≥ 98%), but attempts to obtain non-neuronal cultures of reasonable density from this tissue were unsuccessful. In addition, highly purified non-neuronal cultures (≥ 99.5%) were prepared from the dorsal root ganglia of 12-day chick embryos, but cultures enriched with dorsal root neurons could only be partially purified (82%). Specific activity of butyrylcholinesterase in cerebral non-neuronal cells was found to vary inversely with the density of non-neuronal cells.
SOME CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH RANDOM INTERVENTION TIMES

We consider the problem of optimally tracking a Brownian motion by a sequence of impulse controls, in such a way as to minimize the total expected cost that consists of a quadratic deviation cost and a proportional control cost. The main feature of our model is that the control can only be exerted at the arrival times of an exogenous uncontrolled Poisson process (signal). In other words, the set of possible intervention times are discrete, random and determined by the signal process (not by the decision maker). We discuss both the discounted problem and the ergodic problem, where explicit solutions can be found. We also derive the asymptotic behavior of the optimal control policies and the value functions as the intensity of the Poisson process goes to infinity, or roughly speaking, as the set of admissible controls goes from the discrete-time impulse control to the continuoustime bounded variation control.
Possible palindromic DNA

Abstract Using a computer to examine 767 proteins, we discovered 40 proteins, many of them small, which may be coded by substantially palindromic double-stranded DNA. These 40 proteins include the hormone somatostatin and the structural protein collagen.
RACIAL PREJUDICE AMONG KOREAN MERCHANTS IN AFRICAN AMERICAN NEIGHBORHOODS

Many Korean immigrants in the United States have established small retail businesses in black communities. Relations between these merchants and neighborhood residents and customers have been problematic in a number of cities. Using in-depth interview data on a sample of Korean merchants in Washington, D.C., this article examines merchants' racial attitudes and reported interactions with African Americans. Drawing on middleman minority theory, I show how Koreans' middleman role and immigrant status condition their daily experiences with and attitudes toward African Americans and how constructions of group differences are used to advance middleman interests.
Modeling Long-Term Plutonium Transport in the Savannah River Site Vadose Zone

Improved understanding of flow and radionuclide transport in vadose zone sediments is fundamental to future planning involving radioactive materials. To that end, long-term experiments were conducted at the Savannah River Site (SRS), where a series of lysimeters containing sources of different Pu oxidation states were placed in the shallow subsurface and exposed to the environment for 2 to 11 yr. After the experiments, Pu activity concentrations were measured along vertical cores from the lysimeters. Plutonium distributions were anomalous in nature—transport from oxidized Pu sources was less than expected, and a small fraction of Pu from reduced sources moved more. Studies conducted with these lysimeter sediments indicated that surface-mediated, oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions may be responsible for the anomalies. This hypothesis is tested by performing transient Pu transport simulations that include retardation and first-order redox reactions on mineral surfaces within a steady-state flow field. These simulations affirm the consistency of the surface-mediated, redox hypothesis with observed Pu activity profiles below the source. Such profiles are captured well by a steady-state, net downward flow model. The redox model explains how Pu(V/VI) sources release activity that moves downward more slowly than expected, and how Pu(III/IV) sources result in a small fraction of activity that moves downward farther than expected. The calibrated parameter values were robust and well defined throughout all simulations. Approximate retardation factors for Pu(V/VI) were 15, and for Pu(III/IV) were 10,000. For these values, k o averaged 2.4 × 10 −7 h −1 ; k r averaged 7.1 × 10 −4 h −1 (standard deviations are 1.6 × 10 −7 h −1 and 1.6 × 10 −4 h −1 respectively).
Impact of Celiac Autoimmunity on Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective Children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) are at increased risk for celiac disease (CD); however, the benefits of screening for IgA tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (TG), a marker for CD, are unclear. Study design We compared 71 screening-identified TG+ with 63 matched TG– children with TIDM. Growth, bone density, and diabetes control measures were obtained. Results The group was 10 ± 3 years of age, 46% male, with TIDM for 4 ± 3 years. Z scores for weight (0.3 ± 1 vs 0.7 ± 0.8, P = .024), body mass index (BMI) (0.3 ± 0.9 vs 0.8 ± –0.8, P = .005), and midarm circumference (0.3 ± 1.1 vs 0.6 ± 0.9, P = .031) were lower in the TG+ group. Bone mineral density and diabetes control measures were similar. When limiting the analysis to the 35 TG+ subjects with biopsy changes of CD, the BMI Z score was lower than the control group (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 0.7 ± 0.7, P = .05). Conclusions In children with TIDM, screening-identified evidence of CD is associated with altered body composition, but not bone mineral density or diabetes control. Further study is needed to determine the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment of CD in TIDM children.
Histological and ultrastructural study of the muscular and nervous systems in Hydra. I. The muscular system and the mesoglea.

The myonemes of the epithelio-muscular cells of Hydra viridis were studied with the electron microscope. The myonemes are formed from fibers running parallel to the long axis of the polyp. The myoneme is a mixture of thick (200 A diameter) filaments and thin (60 A diameter) filaments. There was no indication of regular organization or spacing of the filaments. The filaments were attached to the membranes of the epithelio-muscular cells at their ends. In these regions there were junctions between adjacent cells similar to the intercalated discs of vertebrate cardiac muscle. The possible role of these junctions in the transmission of an impulse along the length of the body column is discussed. The mesoglea consists of organized fibers dispersed in an amorphous ground substance. The pattern of organization of the fibers of the mesoglea is possibly a spiral and may be responsible for some of the morphogenic phenomena in Hydra which follow a spiral pattern.
SHORT-TERM RETENTION OF OBJECT DISCRIMINATIONS IN EXPERIENCED AND NAIVE RHESUS MONKEYS

2 groups of adult rhesus monkeys, one learning-set-sophisticated (LS-S) and one learning-set-naive (LS-N), were trained on 360 object-quality discrimination problems. Each set of 6 daily problems was followed by one retention trial on each of the original problems. The order of the presentation of the retention trial was counterbalanced. The LS-S Ss had significantly higher acquisition scores and retained a greater absolute number of items than the LS-N Ss. But when the retention scores were adjusted for level of performance on Trial 6 of acquisition, the LS-N animals showed a significantly higher retention score. No serial or sequential effects were found and the results were interpreted as indicating that the learning-set procedure overloaded the short-term memory mechanism of both naive and sophisticated animals, thus eliminating sequence effects. The rapid forgetting of the characteristics of individual items in a learning-set situation would facilitate learning-set performance.
Lack of a Benign Interpretation Bias in Social Anxiety Disorder

Cognitive models of social anxiety posit that recurrent interpretation of ambiguous information as threatening maintains symptoms (e.g. Clark & Wells, 1995, pp. 69-93, Social phobia: Diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. New York: Guilford Press; Rapee & Heimberg, 1997, pp. 741-756, Behavior Research and Therapy, 35). However, biased interpretation may also be represented as a failure to make a benign interpretation of the ambiguous event. Furthermore, interpretation bias can be characterized by both an online (automatic) component and an offline (effortful) component (Hirsch & Clark, 2004, pp. 799-825, Clinical Psychology Review, 24). To measure both benign and threat biases, as well as examine the effect of social anxiety on offline versus online interpretations, Beard and Amir (2009, pp. 1135-1141, Behaviour Research and Therapy, 46) developed the Word Sentence Association Paradigm (WSAP). In the current study, we administered the WSAP to a group of participants diagnosed with social anxiety disorder (SAD) as well as to a group of non-anxious control (NAC) participants. We found that participants with SAD demonstrated a lack of benign online bias, but not an online threat bias when compared to NACs. However, when examining offline biases, SAD patients endorsed social threat interpretations and rejected benign social interpretations to a greater degree than non-anxious individuals. Our results, when taken together, clearly implicate the role of reduced bias toward benign information in SAD.