cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the monopolar electromyographic pin in myofascial pain therapy: automated twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ATOIMS) and electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS).

Objective: To show that the monopolar pin electrode has a role in the control of radiculopathy related myofascial pain and fibromyalgia using the automated twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ATOIMS SM ) and electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS SM ) methods. Method: A hand-held ATOIMS device facilitated the insertion, oscillation and retraction of the monopolar pin into motor end-plate regions. The device oscillated the pin at 2 Hz for three times in two seconds. ETOIMS method employed micro-stimulation at 2 Hz for two seconds/point. Obtaining muscle twitches were the goals of both treatments. This is a retrospective study of two patients with fibromyalgia who received these treatments. Patient #1 with chronic low back > neck pain, underwent treatments which included the L2-S1 myotomes and patient #2 with chronic neck pain > low back pain, received treatments to the bilateral C2-T1 myotomes. Both received treatments also to bilateral C 3 -S 1 paraspinal muscles. Treatments to both began with ETOIMS for two months and five months respectively. Following this period, they both received ATOIMS and ETOIMS to the same muscles in the same treatment session. The combined procedure sessions continued for the same treatment duration as for ETOIMS only sessions. Both patients recorded daily visual analog pain levels. Results: Significant reductions in pain levels occurred with the increase in number of ETOIMS treatment sessions. More significant pain level reductions occurred with combined ATOIMS & ETOIMS treatments than with ETOIMS only treatments. The monopolar pin served both procedures well and there were no complications. Conclusions: The monopolar pin has a very promising role in the management of radiculopathy related myofascial pain using the A TOIMS and ETOIMS methods.
Snap-on robotic wrist module for enhanced dexterity in endoscopic surgery

Burgeoning transendoscopic procedures, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), provide a promising means of treating early-stage gastric neoplasia in a minimally-invasive way. However, the remote locations of these lesions, coupled with their origination in the submucosal layers of the gastrointestinal tract, often lead to extreme technical, cognitive and ergonomic challenges which combat the widespread applicability and adoption of these techniques. Among these challenges is achieving the in vivo dexterity required to retract and dissect tissue. By leveraging workspace and force data obtained through clinical studies, we developed a modular, disposable, distally-mounted actuator (an ‘active endcap’) that can augment an endoscopist's distal dexterity in ways that are not achievable with the endoscope's built-in degrees-of-freedom. The device consists of a flexible articulating ‘exoskeleton’ manufactured via printed-circuit MEMS (PCMEMS) which engages and deflects electrosurgical tools that are passed through the endoscopic working channel. Embedded proprioceptive sensing is implemented on-board using distributed LED/phototransistor pairs and the principle of light intensity modulation (LIM). The distal degree-of-freedom is actuated using shape memory alloy (SMA) technology, and the actuation transmission system is fully contained within a 1-inch-long end cap that can be mounted on the distal end of the endoscope, thereby obviating the need for a mechanical connection to a proximal source. Proof-of-concept tests demonstrate that the actuator adds over 50 degrees of distal articulation to existing tools and can generate 450 mN of lateral force which has been clinically determined to be sufficient for performing circumferential incisions in ESD.
Sociodemographic Differences Among U.S. Children and Adults Exposed to Secondhand Smoke at Home: National Health Interview Surveys 2000 and 2010.

Objective.We examined the levels and change in prevalence of self-reported secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home, and analyzed sociodemographic differences in exposure among children (aged 0–17 years) and nonsmoking adults (aged ≥18 years) in the United States in 2000 and 2010.Methods.We included 18,731 children and 44,049 adults from the 2000 and 2010 National Health Interview Survey Cancer Control Supplements. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine the factors associated with exposure.Results.The prevalence of self-reported SHS exposure declined from 2,627 of 10,636 (24.7%) to 663 of 8,095 (8.2%) for children and from 2,863 of 23,665 (12.1%) to 897 of 20,384 (4.4%) for adults from 2000 to 2010. SHS exposure declined for all population subgroups between the two years, but differences were found. Compared with 2000, children aged 12–17 years in 2010 were no longer more likely than children aged 0–5 years to be exposed to SHS. Non-Hispanic black children and adults were more likely than no...
Improved Survival With Prostate Radiation in Addition to Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Men With Newly Diagnosed Metastatic Prostate Cancer

PurposeThere is growing interest in the role of local therapies, including external beam radiotherapy (RT), for men with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa). We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of men with mPCa treated with androgen deprivation (ADT) with and without prostate RT.MethodsThe NCDB was queried for men with newly diagnosed mPCa, all treated with ADT, with complete datasets for RT, surgery, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score. OS was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, Cox proportional hazards models, and propensity score-matched analyses.ResultsFrom 2004 to 2012, 6,382 men with mPCa were identified, including 538 (8.4%) receiving prostate RT. At a median follow-up of 5.1 years, the addition of prostate RT to ADT was associated with improved OS on univariate (P < .001) and multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.624; 95% CI, 0.551 to 0.706; P < .001) adjusted for age, year, race, ...
SU-G-BRB-05: Automation of the Photon Dosimetric Quality Assurance Program of a Linear Accelerator

Purpose: To develop an automated method to calculate a linear accelerator (LINAC) photon radiation field size, flatness, symmetry, output and beam quality in a single delivery for flattened (FF) and flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams using an ionization chamber array. Methods: The proposed method consists of three control points that deliver 30×30, 10×10 and 5×5cm2 fields (FF or FFF) in a step-and-shoot sequence where the number of monitor units is weighted for each field size. The IC Profiler (Sun Nuclear Inc.) with 5mm detector spacing was used for this study. The corrected counts (CCs) were calculated and the locations of the maxima and minima values of the first-order gradient determined data of each sub field. Then, all CCs for each field size are summed in order to obtain the final profiles. For each profile, the radiation field size, symmetry, flatness, output factor and beam quality were calculated. For field size calculation, a parameterized gradient method was used. For method validation, profiles were collected in the detector array both, individually and as part of the step-and-shoot plan, with 9.9cm buildup for FF and FFF beams at 90cm source-to-surface distance. The same data were collected with the device (plus buildup) placed on a movable platform to achieve a 1mm resolution. Results: The differences between the dosimetric quantities calculated from both deliveries, individually and step-and-shoot, were within 0.31±0.20% and 0.04±0.02mm. The differences between the calculated field sizes with 5mm and 1mm resolution were ±0.1mm. Conclusion: The proposed single delivery method proved to be simple and efficient in automating the photon dosimetric monthly and annual quality assurance.
Quaternary evolution and ice sheet history of contrasting landscapes in Uummannaq and Sukkertoppen, western Greenland

Abstract Constraining the history of the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) is important for improving our understanding of ice sheet dynamics and landscape evolution processes. We analyzed in situ cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al in 26 rock samples from two high-elevation landscapes adjacent to the GIS, minimally eroded by past glaciations and of differing character in Uummannaq (n = 16) and Sukkertoppen (n = 10), western Greenland. The Uummannaq region is characterized by a marine embayment with islands and peninsulas, where the margin of the GIS is marine-based, whereas the Sukkertoppen landscape resides within the wide terrestrial fringe outboard of the land-terminating portion of the southwestern GIS margin. We targeted landscapes for sampling with highly weathered surfaces adjacent to cold-based portions of extant ice caps (indicated by preservation of fragile, dead vegetation emerging from beneath retreating ice margins). Paired isotope results require differing surface histories between the two areas. Many surfaces in the Uummannaq region have minimum exposure durations up to ca. 300 kyr, but with no significant burial. Most surfaces in the Sukkertoppen region, however, yield complex exposure histories with minimum cumulative exposure durations up to ca. 100 kyr and minimum cumulative burial durations up to ca. 400 kyr, yielding minimum total surface histories of up to 500 ka. These findings suggest that parts of the Uummannaq landscape may have been continuously exposed throughout much of the middle and late Quaternary. On the other hand, the high-altitude surfaces in the Sukkertoppen region were largely preserved beneath minimally-erosive, cold-based ice during the same period. Data from the Uummannaq region thus stand in contrast not only to the Sukkertoppen region, but also to other sites surrounding Baffin Bay reported in previous studies. We hypothesize that surfaces in the Uummannaq region may have remained as nunataks above the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ice sheet surface, as well as prior glacial maxima, due to significant ice surface drawdown by the Uummannaq Ice Stream System (UISS).
Polarized Optomechanical Response of Silver Nanodisc Monolayers on an Elastic Substrate Induced by Stretching

A monolayer assembly of silver nanodisks (AgNDs) was fabricated on the surface of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer substrate using the Langmuir–Blodgett technique. Upon stretching the PDMS substrate, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectrum of the AgND monolayer is blue-shifted when the incident light excitation is polarized parallel to the stretching direction. Conversely, a red shift in the LSPR spectrum of the AgND monolayer is observed in the case of light polarization orthogonal to the stretching direction. The magnitude of the shift in the LSPR spectrum is proportional to the degree of stretching of the PDMS substrate. Stretching PDMS in one direction causes its shrinking in the orthogonal direction. Consequently, the interparticle distance between individual AgNDs on the PDMS surface increases in the same direction as the mechanical stretching and simultaneously decreases in the orthogonal direction. The different optical responses of the AgND assembly on the surface of stretche...
Treatment of A First Unprovoked Seizure

The Quality Standards Subcommittee of the AAN and Practice Committee of the CNS have reviewed published literature to determine when to begin treatment after a first unprovoked seizure, risk of recurrence, prevention of recurrence, development of chronic epilepsy, and side effects of AEDs.
Undergraduate Learning through Engaged Scholarship and University-Community Partnerships

The impact of university–community partnerships and involvement in engaged scholarship on student learning was examined through in-depth interviews with undergraduate members of a student-led, community-based research organization at a selective mid-Atlantic university. Students reported benefits of participation that included increasing critical thinking skills, changing perspectives, and practicing facilitation and decision-making skills. Students also reported experiences of enhancing learning by developing a deeper understanding and ownership of the project. Findings suggest the need for a deeper look at how students are interacting with communities and how that interaction can lead to enhanced learning outcomes.
Real-Time High-Frequency Impedance Monitoring of Human Skin Through Magnetic Coupling

In this paper, a simple and effective model for real-time high-frequency impedance monitoring of human body through magnetic coupling is proposed. The human body is considered as a parallel-connected $RC$ network representing the conductivity and the permittivity of the human body. The real-time monitoring system consists of a single layer air-core inductor as a sensor, a sine wave generator, and a high-frequency current transducer. The technique provides an easy and straightforward method to determine the parameters of the skin at high frequencies in contrast with the existing measurement methods. In addition, the method does not require applying current to the skin directly; hence, it does not cause any damage to the skin for excessive usage. Therefore, it is more suitable for the applications that require continuous skin impedance monitoring. The method is tested for five different individuals; the results are in good agreement with the impedance behavior of the previously conducted researches. The proposed system has a great potential to determine the real-time high-frequency parameters of the human body.
Chapter III-2 – Standards, Calibration, and Testing of PV Modules and Solar Cells

Publisher Summary Solar cells convert light to electricity; radiometry is a very important facet of photovoltaic (PV) metrology. Radiometric measurements have the potential to introduce large errors in any given PV performance measurement because radiometric instrumentation and detectors can have total errors of up to 5% even with careful calibration. Other errors can be introduced through means as subtle as misunderstanding the objective of a particular measurement or its potential limitations. Broadband radiometers, such as pyranometers and pyrheliometers can be difficult to use in PV measurements because of the large spectral response differences. The measurement problem is then reduced to obtaining calibrated reference cells. Historically, reference cells calibrated in sunlight have been called primary cells, and cells calibrated in solar simulators are called secondary cells. Historically, for space applications, primary reference cell calibrations have relied on measurements under spectral conditions as close to air mass 0 as possible with locations such as high-altitude balloons and aircraft and manned spacecraft. Primary terrestrial calibrations require stable, clear-sky conditions with total irradiances measured with an absolute cavity radiometer.
Chemodosimeters and chemoreactands for sensing ferric ions

AbstractThe role of iron (+2 and +3 oxidation states) in biological and medical applications and the environment is pivotal. Supramolecular analytical approaches to monitor and remediate iron, in particular, ferric ions (Fe3+) are an area of interest. The development of fluorescence chemosensors using supramolecular chemistry seems to have exponentially grown since the beginning of the twenty-first century. This article will focus on the chemodosimeter and chemoreactand approach which have been developed to target ferric ions. This review will focus on two broad areas; the first section will discuss the ‘traditional’ approach, i.e. small molecule recognition, in organic, mixed organic-aqueous and buffer-aqueous solutions. The second section will highlight the molecular sensors that have been either doped or attached to surfaces to prepare nano-chemical sensors.
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty in a patient with prostate cancer and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by a mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg due to obstructive fibrotic thromboembolic material in the pulmonary arteries. Malignancy is a significant risk for developing CTEPH. The option for inoperable CTEPH is largely medical with variable outcomes. Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a promising option for inoperable patients given distal-type CTEPH, co-morbidities, or residual pulmonary hypertension after surgery. We present a case of a patient with prostate cancer and CTEPH successfully treated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty.
An unexpected property of quadrilaterals

These notes discuss several related propositions in geometry that can be explored in a dynamic geometry environment. The propositions involve an unexpected property of quadrilaterals.
WORKSHOP ON MACROPHAGE-LYMPHOCYTE INTERACTION

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of a workshop on macrophage–lymphocyte interaction. The first topic discussed during the workshop was the practical problem of obtaining highly purified macrophage populations. No single technique is capable of generating lymphocyte-free populations, and all techniques possess certain limitations. The most commonly employed method is to separate adherent macrophages from non-adherent lymphocytes by allowing the macrophages to stick to glass or plastic surfaces. However, these adherent monolayers are never homogeneous and often contain sufficient lymphocytes to generate antigen or mitogen-induced responses. Residual lymphocyte contamination can often be eliminated by irradiating the starting population and then culturing the adherent cells for a prolonged period (4–7 days). This procedure either kills the remaining lymphocytes or renders most of them nonfunctional. Two techniques for recovering macrophages from surfaces were then discussed in the workshop.
Ranking Commercial Products with Harmful Environmental Effects

A brief introduction to goal programming is given. “Goals” are soft constraints that may be violated, but at a cost. The penalty costs may be cardinal numbers or just ordinal rankings. The methods of data envelopment analysis with goal constraints are explained.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Preventive Dentistry among Senior Dental Students in Yemen

Introduction There is a strong and increased worldwide interest on the aspects of prevention of oral disease and oral health promotion in dental education. However, some studies imply that dental students are not knowledgeable enough in this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of, attitude towards and practice on preventive dentistry among senior dental students in Yemen. Methods Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among senior dental students in six dental schools in Yemen. The questionnaire obtained personal information, and questions about knowledge on preventive dental care, attitudes towards and practice on preventive dentistry. Results Among 346 students who filled the questionnaire, a total of 91.6% has good knowledge about fissure sealant effectiveness, only 34.7% knows about the importance of fluoride toothpaste compared to brushing technique in preventing caries, with significant gender difference (p=0.005). Odds of good knowledge among non-Qat chewers was 1.9 (95%CI: 1.26-4.42). Multivariable regression analysis indicated that female gender was associated with higher positive attitudes (OR: 2.03, 95%CI:1.21-3.36,p=0.007). Attitudes were significantly associated with Qat chewing (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.04-3.66, p=0.03), type of university (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.36-0.94, p=0.02), and mothers' level of education (OR = 1.91, 95%CI: 1.05-3.47, p=0.03). There was a high percentage of competency in practicing preventive measures among students (80.9%). Conclusions Dental education should emphasize the overall aspects of preventive dentistry with early exposure of preventive dental training in order to improve students' knowledge and attitudes and consequently practice on preventive care.
Synthesis and Structure of (E,E)-[6.2]-(2,5)thiophenophane-,5-diene: a new monomer for cyclopolymerization.

Abstract Synthesis and characterization of the title compound (1 is described. UV and variable temperature 1H-NMR spectroscopy are used to deduce structural detail of 1 in solution and results are compared to its x-ray structure. 1 shows structural features favorable for cyclopolymerization to form polymers containing stacked aromatic rings.
2D Ray Tracing Analysis of a Dynamic Metasurface Antenna as a Smart Motion Detector

We present a ray-tracing analysis of a smart motion detector based on a dynamically reconfigurable metasurface antenna (DMA). A DMA consists of an array of metamaterial radiators excited by a single-port waveguide or cavity. By incorporating simple switchable components into each element and addressing them individually, DMAs can generate a myriad of spatially distinct radiation patterns and alter them as a function of an applied voltage. These patterns have the potential to probe all regions of a room or set of rooms and detect motion, even when operating over an extremely narrow bandwidth. Through the acquisition of time-resolved measurements, the DMA sensor can retrieve temporal signatures and distinguish between different sources of movements. We investigate this sensing paradigm using a ray tracing simulation. We first replicate the trends obtained from recent experiments using our simulation platform to ensure that numerical ray tracing generates data that is a faithful representation of the real-life physics. We then demonstrate that temporal signals obtained in this manner carry information about the nature of the movement. Specifically, by using power spectra and filtering, we are able to extract features that correspond to specific motion patterns. These results constitute the first step toward incorporating DMAs into a smart sensor equipped with learning algorithms that can distinguish between human and non-human motion with high fidelity.
The timing of locomotor propulsion in healthy adults walking at multiple speeds

Abstract In computational models of human walking, both magnitude and timing of locomotor propulsion are important for mechanical and metabolic efficiency, suggesting that these are likely tightly controlled by the neuromuscular system. Studies of actual human walking have focused primarily on magnitude-related measures of propulsion, often ignoring its timing. The purpose of this study was to quantify the timing of onset and peak propulsion relative to contralateral heel strike (HS) in healthy, young adults walking at multiple speeds. Propulsion was quantified at the ground-level using the anterior component of the anteroposterior ground reaction force, the limb-level using individual limb power, and the joint-level using ankle power. Contrary to common computational models, most of our timing-related measures indicated that propulsion occurred after contralateral HS. Timing-related measures of propulsion also changed with walking speed – as speed increased, individuals initiated propulsion earlier in the support phase. Timing of locomotor propulsion is theoretically important for walking performance, especially metabolic efficiency, and could therefore provide important clinical information. This study provides a set of relatively simple metrics that can be used to quantify propulsion and benchmark data that can be used for future comparisons with individuals or populations with gait impairments.
Palliative medical management of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction with “triple therapy”: Dexamethasone, octreotide, and metoclopramide at a comprehensive cancer center.

125Background: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a complication of advanced malignancy. For inoperable patients, symptoms are often treated using analgesics, anticholinergics, and anti-emetics. ...
Optimizing earth moving operations via reinforcement learning

Earth moving operations are a critical component of construction and mining industries with a lot of potential for optimization and improved productivity. In this paper we combine discrete event simulation with reinforcement learning (RL) and neural networks to optimize these operations that tend to be cyclical and equipment-intensive. One advantage of RL is that it can learn near-optimal policies from the simulators with little human guidance. We compare three different RL methods including Q-learning, actor-critic, and trust region policy optimization and show that they all converge to significantly better policies than human-designed heuristics. We conclude that RL is a promising approach to automate and optimize earth moving and other similar expensive operations in construction, mining, and manufacturing industries.
Maps, Mirrors, and Participants: Design Lenses for Sociomateriality in Engineering Organizations.

When you use a computer it also uses you, and in that relationship forms a new entity of melded agencies, a "centaur" inseparably human and nonhuman. Networks of interaction in an organization similarly form "organizational centaurs", melding humans, technologies, and organizations into an inseparable sociomateriality. By developing a convex optimization toolkit for conceptual engineering we sought to shape these centaurs. How do organizations go from a high-level concept ("let's make an airplane") to a "design", and in that process what blurred lines between humans and computers bring opportunities for research? We present three metaphors that have been useful lenses across our field sites: considering design models as maps shows how centaurs apportioned legitimacy; looking at design models as mirrors illuminates how they sought validation in their perspectives; and treating design models as participants recognizes their opinions and agency as equivalent to other entities in these centaurs.
Accuracy of Parallel Seismic Test Performance on Steel H-Piles in Layered Soils

AbstractParallel Seismic (PS) method is a straightforward Nondestructive Testing (NDT) method capable of providing valuable information of unknown bridge foundations made of various common construc...
What are activated and reactive glia and what is their role in neurodegeneration

In injury and disease, microglia and astrocytes - two major non-neuronal cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) - undergo morphological, transcriptional, and functional changes, which can underlie pathogenesis and dysfunction of the CNS. Microglia, the brain's tissue resident parenchymal macrophages, are described as becoming "activated" as they deftly change their production of different inflammatory mediators, alter the surveillance behavior of their cellular protrusions, and differentially influence the function of astrocytes. For their part, astrocytes - the most abundant glial cell type - are said to become "reactive", which implies (perhaps inappropriately) causality for the changes astrocytes undergo. Reactive astrocytes variably undergo process hypertrophy, decrease their normal homeostatic functions such as facilitating synapse formation, and in some cases act to form a tissue scar in response to insult. But what do these terms "activation" and "reactivity" mean, anyway? And how do these changed microglia and astrocytes contribute to neurodegenerative disease (ND)? Here, we describe our current understanding of the role of activated and reactive microglia and astrocytes in ND, as well as our current understanding about what these states are and might mean. We survey the earliest description of these cells by histopathologists, their transcriptomic identities, and finally our mechanistic understanding of their functions in ND.
Vibration and dynamics analysis of electric vehicle drivetrains

The importance of the vibration and dynamics of electric vehicle drivetrains has increased because of noise and durability concerns. In this study, the important dynamic responses of drivetrains, i...
Determinants of conductance of a bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel.

Abstract Through molecular dynamics (MD) and free energy simulations in electric fields, we examine the factors influencing conductance of bacterial voltage-gated sodium channel NavMs. The channel utilizes four glutamic acid residues in the selectivity filter (SF). Previously, we have shown, through constant pH and free energy calculations of pKa values, that fully deprotonated, singly protonated, and doubly protonated states are all feasible at physiological pH, depending on how many ions are bound in the SF. With 173 MD simulations of 450 or 500 ns and additional free energy simulations, we determine that the conductance is highest for the deprotonated state and decreases with each additional proton bound. We also determine that the pKa value of the four glutamic residues for the transition between deprotonated and singly protonated states is close to the physiological pH and that there is a small voltage dependence. The pKa value and conductance trends are in agreement with experimental work on bacterial Nav channels, which show a decrease in maximal conductance with lowering of pH, with pKa in the physiological range. We examine binding sites for Na+ in the SF, compare with previous work, and note a dependence on starting structures. We find that narrowing of the gate backbone to values lower than the crystal structure's backbone radius reduces the conductance, whereas increasing the gate radius further does not affect the conductance. Simulations with some amount of negatively charged lipids as opposed to purely neutral lipids increases the conductance, as do simulations at higher voltages.
Disciplinary Differences in Student Use of Library-Provided Materials in Dissertations

Citation analysis is a valuable approach for collection managers to provide evidence of collection use and direct future collection growth. Researchers at East Carolina University reviewed nearly 2...
The population prevalence of solitary confinement.

Solitary confinement is a severe form of incarceration closely associated with long-lasting psychological harm and poor post-release outcomes. Estimating the population prevalence, we find that 11%...
Proteomics in Diagnostic Pathology : Profiling and Imaging Proteins Directly in Tissue Sections

Direct tissue profiling and imaging mass spectrometry (MS) provide a molecular assessment of numerous expressed proteins within a tissue sample. MALDI MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization) analysis of thin tissue sections results in the visualization of 500 to 1000 individual protein signals in the molecular weight range from 2000 to over 200,000. These signals directly correlate with protein distribution within a specific region of the tissue sample. The systematic investigation of the section allows the construction of ion density maps, or specific molecular images, for virtually every signal detected in the analysis. Ultimately, hundreds of images, each at a specific molecular weight, may be obtained. To date, profiling and imaging MS has been applied to multiple diseased tissues, including human non-small cell lung tumors, gliomas, and breast tumors. Interrogation of the resulting complex MS data sets using modern biocomputational tools has resulted in identification of both disease-state and patient-prognosis specific protein patterns. These studies suggest that such proteomic information will become more and more important in assessing disease progression, prognosis, and drug efficacy. Molecular histology has been known for some time and its value clear in the field of pathology. Imaging mass spectrometry brings a new dimension of molecular data, one focusing on the disease phenotype. The present article reviews the state of the art of the technology and its complementarity with traditional histopathological analyses.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli L-threonine dehydrogenase by 2,3-butanedione. Evidence for a catalytically essential arginine residue.

Incubation of homogeneous preparations of L-threonine dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli with 2,3-butanedione, 2,3-pentanedione, phenylglyoxal, or 1,2-cyclohexanedione causes a time- and concentration-dependent loss of enzymatic activity; plots of log percent activity remaining versus time are linear to greater than 90% inactivation, indicative of pseudo-first order inactivation kinetics. The reaction order with respect to the concentration of modifying reagent is approximately 1.0 in each case suggesting that the loss of catalytic activity is due to one molecule of modifier reacting with each active unit of enzyme. Controls establish that this inactivation is not due to modifier-induced dissociation or photoinduced nonspecific alteration of the dehydrogenase. Essentially the same Km but decreased Vmax values are obtained when partially inactivated enzyme is compared with native. NADH (25 mM) and NAD+ (70 mM) give full protection against inactivation whereas much higher concentrations (i.e. 150 mM) of L-threonine or L-threonine amide provide a maximum of 80-85% protection. Amino acid analyses coupled with quantitative sulfhydryl group determinations show that enzyme inactivated 95% by 2,3-butanedione loses 7.5 arginine residues (out of 16 total)/enzyme subunit with no significant change in other amino acid residues. In contrast, only 2.4 arginine residues/subunit are modified in the presence of 80 mM NAD+. Analysis of the course of modification and inactivation by the statistical method of Tsou (Tsou, C.-L. (1962) Sci. Sin. 11, 1535-1558) demonstrates that inactivation of threonine dehydrogenase correlates with the loss of 1 "essential" arginine residue/subunit which quite likely is located in the NAD+/NADH binding site.
Influence of Vegetable Oil Based Alternate Fuels on Residue Deposits and Components Wear in a Diesel Engine

A 25-75 blend (v/v) of alkali-refined sunflower oil and diesel fuel, a 25-75 blend (v/v) of high oleic safflower oil and diesel fuel, a non-ionic sunflower oil-aqueous ethanol microemulsion, and a methyl ester of sunflower oil were evaluated as fuels in a direct injected, turbocharged, intercooled, 4-cylinder Allis-Chalmers diesel engine during a 200-hour EMA cycle laboratory screening endurance test. Engine performance on Phillips 2-D reference fuel served as baseline for the experimental fuels. This investigation employed an analysis of variance to compare CRC carbon and lacquer ratings and wear of engine parts for all tested fuels. The paper deals with carbon and lacquer formation and its effect on long-term engine performance as experienced during the operation with the alternate fuels. Significantly heavier deposits than for the diesel fuel were observed for the microemulsion and 25-75 sunflower oil blend. particularly on the exhaust and intake valve stems, on the piston lands, and in the piston grooves. In all tests engine wear was not significant. The final dimensions of the measured elements did not exceed the manufacturer's initial parts specifications.
Scheler, Heidegger and the Hermeneutics of Value

In this paper, the author examines two different phenomenological frameworks for values: Heideggerâ€™s hermeneutic phenomenology and Schelerâ€™s phenomenology. Given the popularity of hermeneutic phenomenology inspired by Heideggerâ€™s efforts, the author openly questions if values can be accommodated in that framework. The author suggests that those paying attention to the lived-experience of values consider Schelerâ€™s phenomenology of value as a more refined alternative to make sense of value-experience and cultural practices more generally. Keywords Ethics, Givenness, Heidegger, Scheler, Value
Trombocitopenia asociada a infección con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (HIV-1): Tratamiento con danazol

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del danazol para el tratamiento de la trombocitopenia asociada con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (HIV-1). Pacientes y Metodos : Estudio retrospectivo, diseno serie de casos. Se identificaron 8 pacientes con trombocitopenia asociada a infeccion con HIV-1 que fueron tratados con danazol (300-800 mg/dia) por mas de 3 meses. El seguimiento fue de 3 meses a 2 anos. Se definio respuesta favorable al tratamiento como un incremento en el recuento de plaquetas por encima del 25% con referencia a los valores pre-tratamiento. Resultados: El recuento de plaquetas promedio (± desviacion estandar) antes de la terapia con danazol fue de 51±24 x 109/L, con un rango de 19-88 x 109/L. Siete (87%) de los 8 pacientes tuvieron respuestas favorables al danazol. Los recuentos promedio a 12 y 24 meses de terapia fueron 104± 108 x 109/L, y 112± 28 x 109/L, respectivamente. Se observo una tendencia al incremento de los recuentos plaquetarios durante el tratamiento con danazol. Conclusion: Danazol puede ser de utilidad en el tratamiento de la trombocitopenia asociada a HIV-1.
Calcium Channel Autoantibodies and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on calcium channel autoantibodies and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Electrophysiologic evidence of neuromuscular dysfunction is observed in 50% of patients with ALS, and passive transfer of immunoglobulin fractions from such patients to Balb/c mice increases both Ca2+ entry into motoneurons and spontaneous miniature end plate potential frequency measured at neuromuscular junctions. The mechanism for these effects involves antibody-mediated changes in voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) function. Antibodies to L-type voltage-gated calcium channels are detectable in a significant number of patients with sALS. These autoantibodies are likely cross-reactive with epitopes common to other VGCCs that may be relevant to disease pathogenesis. While their role in disease is still unclear, their potential importance is suggested by in vitro studies.
Extended summaries of several articles from the March Optics & PhotonicsNews special issue on fiber optics

In anticipation of the annual Optical Fiber Communication Conference to be held 17–22 March 2002 in Anaheim, California, the Optical Society of America’s Optics & Photonics News (OPN) is publishing a special March issue, including a supplement, dedicated to fiber optics. Here are extended summaries of several articles from the OPN special issue that we think will interest JON readers.
How HIV changes its tropism: evolution and adaptation?

Purpose of review To present recent information on the evolution of coreceptor use from CCR5 alone to CCR5 and CXCR4, the impact CCR5 inhibitors have on this process, and new insights into HIV-1 binding to CD4 and CCR5.
Characterization of sodium and potassium adsorption on a faceted Al(111) surface using He-atom scattering

He-atom scattering was used to characterize the adsorption properties of Na and K on a faceted Al(111) surface, to gain information about the differences in the growth of alkali metals at different temperatures, and to study the interaction between the He atoms and the surfaces. At 100 K, both Na and K were observed to grow in a layer-by-layer mode on top of the surface, whereas at 300 K, the alkalis intermix with the substrate and do not grow in a layer-by-layer mode. For adsorption at 300 K, the He-atom scattering from facets indicated that the primary step direction on the surface changes from being parallel to [10] to being parallel to [2]. The He-atom scattering potentials of the alkali overlayers were in general quite smooth (evidenced by a small non-specular diffraction intensity) but were more corrugated for the intermixed structures compared to the on-surface structures and for Na compared to K. The former was attributed primarily to the larger in-plane metallic bonding for the on-surface structures.
Network reduction in the Transmission-Constrained Unit Commitment problem

This paper examines a preprocessing technique for a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation of the Transmission-Constrained Unit Commitment problem (TC-UC). Incorporating transmission constraints into the Unit Commitment problem can significantly increase the size and difficulty of the problem. By examining the structure of the transmission network, variables that have no impact on the quality of the overall solution can be identified and removed. This preprocessing can reduce the time needed to solve the linear programming relaxation of the MILP, and as a result, the MILP itself. Illinois's transmission network was used to test the benefit of the proposed technique. Preprocessing was able to remove 30% of the buses in the transmission network. This reduction led to a significant decrease in the time needed to solve a 24h TC-UC problem. An added benefit of the preprocessing is that symmetry can be introduced into the problem. Identifying this symmetry and exploiting it can improve overall solution times even further.
Evaluating performance in Chicago public high schools in the wake of decentralization

Abstract This research analyses the changes in performance for Chicago high schools between 1989 and 1994 following the introduction of site-based management in 1988. The purpose of this paper is to assess whether this decentralization improved performance or not. We modeled the change from centralized to decentralized control following Grosskopf, Hayes, Taylor & Weber, 1999 (Anticipating the consequences of school reform: a new use of DEA, Management Science ), and used cost indirect output distance functions to model decentralized control. Malmquist productivity index results show very little improvement in productivity with sample achieved improvements off-setting realized declines. Second stage regression results, though, provide some evidence of small improvements in efficiency over this time period. Thus, the overall results are mixed.
Maintenance Therapy Containing Metformin and/or Zyflamend for Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Case Series

Metformin is derived from galegine, a natural ingredient, and recent studies have suggested that metformin could enhance the antitumor effects of hormone ablative therapy or chemotherapy and reduce prostate cancer-specific mortality. Zyflamend is a combination of herbal extracts that reduces inflammation and comprises turmeric, holy basil, green tea, oregano, ginger, rosemary, Chinese goldthread, hu zhang, barberry, and basil skullcap. We propose a maintenance regimen with metformin and/or Zyflamend that targets cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment to keep the cancer dormant and prevent it from activation from dormancy. Herein, we report the clinical course of four patients who experienced a clinical response after treatment with metformin and/or Zyflamend.
The distribution of zero crossings for self-excited oscillators∗

Abstract It is shown that the problem of the distribution of zero crossing times for a Markov process can be formulated as a boundary value problem involving Kolmogorov's backward equation. The distribution of zero crossing times for self-excited oscillators with small damping subjected to a small white noise disturbance is shown to be approximately Gaussian. An asymptotic expansion of the mean and variance of zero crossing times is developed from Kolmogorov's backward equation.
Growth in Gaussian elimination

Etude d'une conjecture de J.H. Wilkinson relative un probleme d'optimisation sous contrainte dans l'elimination de Gauss
Quasielastic Electron Scattering in EuO: A Possible Explanation for the Observed "Paramagnetic" Spin-Polarized Photoemission

Photoemission secondary-electron energy distributions and yield measurements for (100) EuO show that "quasielastic" rather than inelastic electron scattering dominates the photoemission escape process for electrons excited within a few eV of threshold. In this "quasielastic" scattering regime (with a large effective escape depth \ensuremath{\sim} 50-100 \AA{}), it is suggested that the spin polarization need not be conserved in the photoemission escape process, and that reported "paramagnetic" spin-polarized photoemission at 10 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is possibly due to quasielastic spin-flip scattering.
Semicircadian Rhythm in Plasma Levels of Prolactin During Early Gestation in the Rat

Blood was collected following decapitation of 280 Sprague-Dawley rats with 4- day estrous cycles, which were killed at 3 hr intervals from 3 AM of proestrus to midnight of day 4 of gestation (day after finding of sperm in the vaginal smear was considered day 1 of gestation). Groups of rats also were killed at 30 min intervals from 2–7 PM of proestrus. Plasma was stored frozen until analysed by radioimmunoassay for prolactin. The plasma concentrations of prolactin showed a distinct semicircadian rhythm during the first 4 days of gestation. Peaks of prolactin were observed late in the periods of light and dark with nadirs at noon and between 9 PM and midnight. The proestrus peak of prolactin was present, but extended 12 hr longer than the interval reported for unmated rats. A peak of prolactin also was observed on the afternoon of estrus. (Endocrinology 90: 1125, 1972)
Correlation and Spectral-Density Roughness Analysis of Surfaces Processed With Gas-Cluster Ion Beams

Autocorrelation, height-difference correlation, and power spectral density are used to characterize various surfaces exposed to gas-cluster ion beams (GCIB), as well as for detailed comparison with simulated surfaces which are based on models with stochastic impact and surface mobility mechanisms. This work demonstrates a close correspondance between detailed statistical analysis of AFM images from actual surfaces and the results of the same types of analysis of simulated surfaces. Surface roughness prior to and after GCIB treatment is always found to be essentially fractal in nature. Phenomenological models with both continuum surface mobility and Monte Carlo impact accumulations are presented. Accurate simulation of smoothing requires a combination of these models.
In vivo regulation of somite differentiation and proliferation by Sonic Hedgehog.

In vertebrates, somite differentiation is mediated in part by Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), secreted by the notochord and the floor plate. However, Shh-null mice display close to normal expression of molecular markers for dermomytome, myotome, and sclerotome, indicating that Shh might not be required for their initial induction. In this paper, we have addressed the capacity of Shh to regulate in vivo the expression of the somite differentiation markers Pax-1, MyoD, and Pax-3 after separation of paraxial mesoderm from axial structures. We show that Pax-1, which is lost under these experimental conditions, is rescued by Shh. In contrast, Shh maintains, but cannot induce MyoD expression, while Pax-3 expression is independent of the presence of axial structures or Shh. Finally, we demonstrate that Shh is a potent mitogen for somitic cells, supporting the idea that it may serve to expand subpopulations of cells within the somite.