cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination of 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine and novel prodrugs in rat plasma by liquid chromatography

Abstract 3′-Azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (AZDU) is a nucleoside analog structurally similar to zidovudine (AZT) with proven activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method to quantitatively determine AZDU and its novel prodrugs in rat plasma simultaneously. A reversed-phase gradient elution HPLC method was developed to quantitate AZDU and its prodrugs, N 3 -pivaloyloxymethyl-3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (I), 5′-pivaloyloxymethyl-3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (II), 5′- O -valinyl-3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine hydrochloride (III) and 5′- O -phenylalanyl-3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine hydrochloride (IV), in rat plasma. AZDU and its prodrugs were analyzed using an octadecyl silane column with a mobile phase consisting of 0.04 μM sodium acetate buffer, pH 5.0, and acetonitrile, running in a segmented gradient manner at a flow rate of 2 ml/min. Acetonitrile was increased from 10 to 50% during the first 8 min by 5% per min, followed by 10% per min until it reached 90% acetonitrile. 3′-Azido-2′,3′-dideoxy-5-ethyluridine (CS-85) was used as an internal standard (25 μg/ml). Compounds were detected by UV absorption at 261 nm. Extraction recoveries for all compounds were greater than 80%. Retention times of AZDU, CS-85, prodrugs I, II, III and IV were 3.3, 5.2, 9.1, 8.8, 6.3 and 7.3 min, respectively. Calibration plots were linear over the range of 0.25–100 μg/ml for AZDU and prodrugs II, III, and IV and 0.5–100 μg/ml for prodrug I. The limit of quantitation was 0.25 μg/ml for prodrugs II, III and IV and 0.5 μg/ml for prodrug I. The intra- and inter-day variations were less than 10% and accuracies were greater than 90%. This method is rapid, sensitive and reproducible for the determination of AZDU and prodrugs in rat plasma.
Kinetics of reaction between O2 and Mn(II) species in aqueous solutions

Abstract The objective of this research is to assess critically the experimental rate data for O2 oxidation of dissolved Mn(II) species at 25°C and to interpret the rates in terms of the solution species of Mn(II) in natural waters. A species kinetic rate expression for parallel paths expresses the total rate of Mn(II) oxidation as Σki aij, where ki is the rate constant of species i and aij is the species concentration fraction in solution j. Among the species considered in the rate expression are Mn(II) hydrolysis products, carbonate complexes, ammonia complexes, and halide and sulfate complexes, in addition to the free aqueous ion. Experiments in three different laboratory buffers and in seawater yield an apparent rate constant for Mn(II) disappearance, kapp,j ranging from 8.6 × 10−5 to 2.5 × 10−2 (M−1s−1), between pH 8.03 and 9.30, respectively. Observed values of kapp exceed predictions based on Marcus outer-sphere electron transfer theory by more than four orders of magnitude, lending strong support to the proposal that Mn(II) + O2 electron transfer follows an inner-sphere path. A multiple linear regression analysis fit of the observed rates to the species kinetic rate expression yields the following oxidation rate constants (M−1s−1) for the most reactive species: MnOH+, 1.66 × 10−2; Mn(OH)2, 2.09 × 101; and Mn(CO3)22−, 8.13 × 10−2. The species kinetic rate expression accounts for the influence of pH and carbonate on oxidation rates of Mn(II), through complex formation and acid-base equilibria of both reactive and unreactive species. At pH ∼8, the greater fraction of the total rate is carried by MnOH+. At pH greater than ∼8.4, the species Mn(OH)2 and Mn(CO3)22− make the greater contributions to the total rate.
Neutron-scattering studies of the two magnetic correlation lengths in terbium.

Extensive neutron-scattering experiments have been performed in order to characterize the nature of the two correlation lengths observed in Tb, a phenomenon common to Ho as well as ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$. In the vicinity of the transition temeprature, each of those crystals exhibits an anomalous two-component q profile in the critical scattering; the usual broad peak and an unexpected additional narrow peak. In order to clarify the spatial origin of the narrow component, the (0,0,\ensuremath{\delta}) magnetic statellite peak of Tb has been closely examined using a very narrow neutron beam realized by a high spatial resolution reflectometer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which can produce well-defined beam widths of 0.3 mm and less. The small scattering angle (\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\approxeq}1.35 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}) and the narrow beam width result in an extraordinarily fine q and E resolution. As recently reported, we have confirmed that the intensity of the narrow component is enhanced near the edge of the crystal; it demonstrates that the major part is located within the near surface volume or ``skin'' of the crystal. A skin thickness of \ensuremath{\sim} 0.2 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM) is obtained by fitting the results to a model scatterer distribution which convolutes the beam profile. In contrast to the case of the central peak observed in ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$, this unusual spatial distribution establishes the narrow component as a distinct entity in the critical fluctuations. We have shown that the narrow component possesses a different temperature dependence of \ensuremath{\delta} from that of the broad one. Moreover, high E resolution scans show that the narrow component has a distinct energy width which is smaller than our resolution limit (\ensuremath{\sim}2 \ensuremath{\mu}eV FWHM), and that it is essentially temperature independent. We believe that this quasistatic character of the narrow component is the important key to understanding its physical origin.
Information Literacy in the Accounting Classroom: A Collaborative Effort

This article examines the teaching of information literacy skills to accounting students through a case study in which the authors, an accounting professor and a business librarian, collaborated to address students’ lack of knowledge about finding and incorporating credible, valid, and accurate sources of information into their research. Together, the authors developed a class project that required students in a governmental and nonprofit accounting class to identify a critical issue in the field, research the background of the issue, form an opinion, and, ultimately, select information sources that support their findings and arguments. The students then participated in a peer review process where they evaluated the work of their classmates. Using an information literacy score computed based on an analysis of student bibliographies, a statistically significant improvement from students’ first to final drafts was found. In addition, it was found that students became more comfortable evaluating the credibil...
Factors influencing estrus and conception in dairy heifers after prostaglandin F2-alpha☆

The influence of interval between insemination (AI) and estrus on subsequent fertility of PGF2alpha-treated (two injections of 25 mg, 11 days apart) heifers was assessed in two experiments. In Experiment I, 240 heifers were allotted to Control (AI 8 to 16 hr after estrus detection), PGF2alpha-E (AI 8 to 16 hr after estrus within five days of second PGF2alpha) or PGF2alpha-T (AI 80 hr after second PGF2alpha). In Experiment II, 130 heifers were assigned to control (AI as before) or PGF2alpha (AI 72 or 80 hr after second PGF2alpha) with half the PGF2alpha heifers receiving 100 microg GnRH 72 hr after first PGF2alpha. Heifers of both experiments that were bred at a predetermined time were arrayed by interval from AI to estrus. Conception rates of heifers detected in estrus from 32 hr before AI to 24 hr after AI did not differ (x2=3.35, df=5, P>0.5). The percentage of GnRH-treated heifers in estrus within five days (81.8%) was not (P>0.75) greater than those not receiving GnRH (77.3%) but they had higher (P<0.05) serum progesterone (P4) concentration at second PGF2alpha (3.17 vs 2.41 ng/ml). When P4 values were arrayed for both groups at 1 ng intervals, the percentage of heifers exhibiting estrus increased with increasing P4 level (P<0.05).
Measurement of absolute differential cross sections for the vibrational excitation of molecular nitrogen by electron impact in the 2 Π g shape resonance region

By means of a crossed-beam technique, we have conducted measurements of absolute differential cross sections for the vibrational excitation of the electronic ground state of ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$ by electron impact. The ${}^{2}{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{g}$ shape resonance region was treated, with the impact energies being those of the resonance's first four elastic scattering peaks---approximately 1.9, 2.1, 2.4, and 2.6 eV. The scattering angles covered were from 12$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ through 156$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, in 12$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ increments. Absolute integrated-excitation cross sections were computed from the differential cross sections. Our results show the expected strong $D$-wave character, and are compared with the recent results of others, both experimental and theoretical.
Tube formation in Drosophila egg chambers.

Abstract The reorganization of epithelial sheets into tubes is a fundamental process in the formation of many organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, gut, and neural tube. This process involves the patterning of distinct cell types and the coordination of those cells during the shape changes and rearrangements that produce the tube. A better understanding of the cellular and genetic mechanisms that regulate tube formation is necessary for tissue engineers to develop functional organs in vitro. The Drosophila egg chamber has emerged as an outstanding model for studying tubulogenesis. Synthesis of the dorsal respiratory appendages by the follicular epithelium resembles primary neurulation in vertebrates. This review summarizes work on the patterning and morphogenesis of the dorsal-appendage tubes and highlights key areas where mathematical modeling could contribute to our understanding of these processes.
Colloidal gold and biotin-avidin conjugates as ultrastructural markers for neural antigens

The use of two new reagents, biotin-avidin conjugates and colloidal gold particles, for ultrastructural immunocytochemistry has been reviewed, and their potential for immunocytochemistry in the central nervous system has been discussed. Although these compounds have been used very little in the C.N.S. in the past, with their high sensitivity, versatility, and potential for simultaneous localization of two antigens with two electron dense markers, these reagents may prove very useful for answering a number of neural questions. Colloidal gold adsorbed to immunoglobulins can be used for light microscopic observation, and owing to its high electron density and ability to readily adsorb to immunoglobulins, protein A, and antigen-carrier complexes, it also serves as an excellent immunomarker at the ultrastructural level. Several procedures have been described for the use of pre- and post-embedding immunostaining with colloidal gold particles. Different size gold particles, adsorbed to different antibodies can be used for pre- and post-embedding staining of different antigens in the same tissue. While at the light microscopic level only the large particles are visible as a pink haze, a fluorescent step can be added to allow easy identification and characterization of neurones labelled with any size colloidal gold, even if the pink colour of the gold is not visible. These same sections can subsequently be studied ultrastructurally. Unlike enzymatic methods, gold particles have less tendency to obscure ultrastructure. Biotin can be easily conjugated to immunoglobulins and, due to its high affinity for avidin (10(15) M-1) which has four biotin binding sites, can be localized with avidin markers, or biotin-avidin-marker complexes. Some procedures such as the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex are extremely sensitive. Biotin and avidin can be bound to a number of different markers including peroxidase, colloidal gold, and ferritin. Photomicrographs from our hypothalamic work have been used to illustrate the histological results of some of the procedures described.
Chemical microscopy of platinum metals and gold: Reactions with 4,4′-dipyridyldihydrochloride

It has been shown that an acid solution of 4,4′-dipyridyldihydrochloride can serve to identify low concentrations of most of the platinum metals and gold in 1-N hydrochloric acid solutions of their chlorides by the separation of characteristic micro crystalline precipitates. The reagent was most effective for palladium(II) and platinum(IV), which could be identified in a 20-μl drop of sample containing less than 0.6μg of metal. Under the conditions imposed, rhodium (III) was the only platinum metal which failed to yield a precipitate. By contrast, under similar conditions 2,2′-dipyridyl failed to yield a crystalline precipitate with rhodium(III), ruthenium (III), and iridium(III). Cupric ion caused the separation of a crystalline complex with 4,4′-dipyridyl reagent only at a relatively high metal concentration.
Long-term outcome from uterine fibroid embolization with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres: results of a multicenter study.

Purpose To determine the long-term outcome of uterine fibroid therapy (UFE) using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (TAGM). Materials This was a multicenter prospective study of patients undergoing UFE with TAGM, and during this phase of the study, the clinical outcomes 3 years after treatment were assessed. Measures of outcome included the Ruta Menorrhagia Questionnaire, patient self-assessments of symptoms and impact on activities, patient satisfaction and health-related quality of life as measured by the SF-12. Long-term re-intervention rates were also assessed. The data were analyzed at each interval compared to baseline using appropriate statistical tests. Results Of the 102 patients enrolled, 96 patients had complete baseline data and of these, 69 (72%) had known outcomes at 3 years after treatment. Sixty-one patients (64%) completed long-term follow-up without major intervention. An additional 8 patients (8.3%) underwent fibroid surgery (7 hysterectomies and 1 myomectomy). Among those without intervention, at 3 years after treatment, the mean Ruta Questionnaire Score was 19.3, compared to 47.9 at baseline and 24.5 at 3 months ( P Conclusions Over the long-term, UFE using TAGM is effective and safe, with high levels of durable symptom control, improved health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction.
The follow-up of patients after definitive resections for large bowel cancer.

The follow-up of patients with colorectal cancer is a representative model for the management of solid tumors. A program that integrates multidisciplinary care serves the best interests of patients in the areas of identification and management of recurrence, identification and prevention of metachronous disease, detection of independent new primary cancers, and establishment of programs for particular high-risk categories. Data evolving from such organized follow-up efforts will benefit the management of all patients.
Extended field of view sonography: a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of abdominal pregnancy.

Diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy continues to be a challenge, resulting in delays in diagnosis and decision making. We report 2 cases of abdominal pregnancy for which extended field of view sonography contributed to both diagnosis and management. The shortcomings of MRI with respect to localizing the site of placental attachment are also discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 32:207–210, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.20012
Infant GERD: Symptoms, Reflux Episodes & Reflux Disease, Acid & Non-acid Refllux—Implications for Treatment with PPIs

Davidson et al. have this year put a keystone in the arc of data regarding symptoms and reflux in very young children [1]. Taken together, the cumulative data on symptoms and reflux bear consequential implications for the role of gastric acid suppression in this age group; this new work supports hypotheses outlined in this journal several years ago [2]. Here, we will reconsider this area, summarizing what we now know and filling in the newer data, with a focus on children younger than a year of age—including infants (1–12 months of age), neonates (less than 1 month), and premature infants (born at less than 38 weeks gestational age). Attribution of symptoms as due to GER episodes or to GERD depends on the methods of detecting both the reflux and the symptoms.
The effect of a chilled coolant on the human pulp during cavity preparation

Abstract Class V cavity preparations in fifty-seven human teeth were carried out, employing coolants at varying temperatures. By the time the chilled water was converted to an air-water spray, the temperature of the spray increased approximately 20° F. The lowest temperature of the reservoir water was 33.8° F., but the lowest temperature of the air-water spray at the bur was 54.4° F. The flow rate of the air-water spray was 20.5 c.c. per minute. The specimens were divided into three groups according to the temperature of the coolant at the time of cavity preparation: Group I (54.5 to 57.6° F.), Group II (62.6 to 64.4° F.), and Group III (64.4° F.). Microscopic comparisons between the three groups were made by recording the incidence and intensity of cellular displacement, the inflammatory response in the superficial and deeper pulpal tissues, and the number of specimens predominating in leukocytes. No significant histopathologic differences between the three groups were noted. An explanation for the characteristic of “odontoblastic decimation” in the absence of odontoblastic displacement and infiltrating inflammatory cells remains obscure.
Some extensions of constraint propagation of label sets

Abstract The concept of constraint propagation of label sets is discussed. It is shown how this idea can be extended to environments in which the constraints and label sets are imprecise. This requires the introduction of fuzzy sets. An algorithmic procedure is provided for including default-type constraints into the constraint propagation problem.
Pharmacological inhibitions of glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2 compromise glutamate transport in photoreceptor to ON-bipolar cell synapses.

Abstract To maintain reliable signal transmission across a synapse, free synaptic neurotransmitters must be removed from the cleft in a timely manner. In the first visual synapse, this critical task is mainly undertaken by glutamate transporters (EAATs). Here we study the differential roles of the EAAT1, EAAT2 and EAAT5 subtypes in glutamate (GLU) uptake at the photoreceptor-to-depolarizing bipolar cell synapse in intact dark-adapted retina. Various doses of EAAT blockers and/or GLU were injected into the eye before the electroretinogram (ERG) was measured. Their effectiveness and potency in inhibiting the ERG b-wave were studied to determine their relative contributions to the GLU clearing activity at the synapse. The results showed that EAAT1 and EAAT2 plays different roles. Selectively blocking glial EAAT1 alone using UCPH101 inhibited the b-wave 2–24 h following injection, suggesting a dominating role of EAAT1 in the overall GLU clearing capacity in the synaptic cleft. Selectively blocking EAAT2 on photoreceptor terminals had no significant effect on the b-wave, but increased the potency of exogenous GLU in inhibiting the b-wave. These suggest that EAAT2 play a secondary yet significant role in the GLU reuptake activity at the rod and the cone output synapses. Additionally, we have verified our electrophysiological findings with double-label immunohistochemistry, and extend the literature on the spatial distribution of EAAT2 splice variants in the mouse retina.
Instrument servomechanisms with backlash, coulomb friction, and stiction

AN INSTRUMENT servomechanism is normally thought of as a small positioning device with low power consumption. A typical block diagram is shown in Fig. 1. A gear ratio of 1 to 1 is used in this paper for convenience. The load is shown as an inertia with coulomb friction but no viscous friction. It is further assumed that JL = 0. This might correspond to the common case in which the output member is just the wiper arm of a potentiometer. When there is backlash in the gear train the following sequence of events is normal. The motor drives (with backlash taken up), reducing the error: as the motor velocity decreases the load velocity also decreases, and continuous mechanical contact is maintained because JL ? 0, and the coluomb friction C provides adequate drag on the output. When the motor velocity becomes zero, the load velocity also becomes zero. If the error is not zero, the motor reverses but the load does not move because of the backlash. Thus, the error does not change and the motor is driven open-loop with a constant driving torque, or voltage, until the backlash is taken up. The load is then ?picked up? by the drive and both the output velocity and the error rate jump from zero to the instantaneous drive shaft velocity. This sequence is usually repeated a number of times.
Hand acceleration impulse bandwidth during target acquisition: implications for teleoperator bandwidth requirements

The purpose of this experiment was to provide data about bandwidth requirements for teleoperators. During teleoperation, user inputs are changes in forces applied to the master controller arising from changes in hand acceleration during execution of goal-directed trajectories, so human hand acceleration bandwidth sets an upper bound on teleoperator feedforward bandwidth requirements. Participants completed a set of computerized target acquisition tasks using a mouse, and the computer recorded the cursor trajectory. Movement time, positioning error, the number of acceleration-deceleration impulses, impulse bandwidth, impulse amplitude, and impulse period were calculated from the trajectory trace. The results obtained show that to completely capture hand trajectories, master controllers and slave arms must have acceleration bandwidth higher than 9.20 Hz. However, it may be that only the joints closest to the end-effector need to accommodate the highest bandwidths and "shoulder" joints may only need to accommodate 5.63 Hz acceleration bandwidth. >
Multiple gaps in care common among newly diagnosed HIV patients

The objective of this study was to identify frequency and predictors of gaps in care in a longitudinal cohort of HIV-infected patients in urban New England. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Providence, RI, of 581 newly diagnosed HIV patients >18 entering into care from 2004 to 2010, and followed their care through the end of 2011. The outcome of interest was gaps in care, defined as an interruption of medical care for >6 months. Time to the first gap was characterized using Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves. Anderson-Gill proportional hazards (AGPH) model was used to identify the risk factors of recurrent gaps in care. During the study period, 368 patients (63%) experienced at least 1 gap in care, 178 (30%) had ≥2 gaps, 84 (14.5%) had ≥3 gaps, and 21 (3.6%) died; 77% of the gaps were followed by a re-linkage with care The KM curves estimate that one-quarter of patients (95% CI = 22-29%) would experience ≥1 gap in care by Year 1; nearly one-half (CI = 45-54%) by Year 2; and 90% (CI = 93-96%) by Year 8. A prior gap was a strong predictor (HR = 2.36; CI = 2.16-2.58) of subsequent gaps; other predictors included age <25 (HR = 1.29; CI = 1.04-1.60), and no prescription of ART in first year of care (HR = 1.23; CI = 1.01-1.50). The results of this study suggest that a significant proportion of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients will experience multiple gaps in care and yet re-engagement is possible. Interventions should focus on both prevention of gaps as well as re-engaging those lost to follow-up.
Hierarchical Network Architectures of Carbon Fiber Paper Supported Cobalt Oxide Nanonet for High-Capacity Pseudocapacitors

We present a high-capacity pseudocapacitor based on a hierarchical network architecture consisting of Co3O4 nanowire network (nanonet) coated on a carbon fiber paper. With this tailored architecture, the electrode shows ideal capacitive behavior (rectangular shape of cyclic voltammograms) and large specific capacitance (1124 F/g) at high charge/discharge rate (25.34 A/g), still retaining ∼94% of the capacitance at a much lower rate of 0.25 A/g. The much-improved capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability may be attributed to the unique hierarchical network structures, which improves electron/ion transport, enhances the kinetics of redox reactions, and facilitates facile stress relaxation during cycling.
Social Validity of Peer Interaction Intervention Strategies in High School Classrooms: Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Actual Use.

Promoting social interaction among students with severe disabilities and their general education peers has long been a prominent focus of research and policy efforts. We asked 81 educators to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and actual use of 12 intervention strategies for increasing social interaction among high school students with and without severe disabilities. Although considerable variability was evident across individual strategies, general educators, special educators, and paraprofessionals generally shared similar views regarding the acceptability of these strategies. Recommendations for developing socially valid interventions for transition-aged youth are discussed.
Regime Insecurity and International Cooperation: Explaining China's Compromises in Territorial Disputes

Since the 1995-96 Taiwan Strait crisis, scholars and policymakers have become increasingly concerned about China's territorial ambitions. Yet China has also used peaceful means to manage conficts, settling seventeen of its twenty-three territorial disputes, often with substantial compromises. This article develops a counterintuitive argument about the effects of domestic confict on foreign policy to explain China's behavior. Contrary to the diversionary war hypothesis, this argument posits that state leaders are more likely to compromise in territorial disputes when confronting internal threats to regime security, including rebellions and legitimacy crises. Regime insecurity best explains China's pattern of compromise and delay in its territorial disputes. China's leaders have compromised when faced with internal threats to regime security, including the revolt in Tibet, the instability following the Great Leap Forward, the legitimacy crisis after the Tiananmen upheaval, and separatist violence in Xinjiang.
Image formation with an achromatic interferometer

Abstract The imaging characteristics of an achromatic interferometer employing diffraction gratings are described.
Echocardiographic features in a case of intrapericardial teratoma

An infant presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Ultrasound examination revealed a dense layer of echoes at the root of the aorta, a large anterior pericardial effusion, and coarse fluttering of the right ventricular wall. The clinical diagnosis of intrapericardial teratoma was confirmed by cineangiography and surgical resection. The pathological examination was consistent with benign teratoma. A postoperative ultrasound examination revealed absence of pericardial effusion and tumor echoes. This appears to be the first echocardiographic report of a pericardial tumor in an infant.
Daycase laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective study of post-discharge pain, analgesic and antiemetic requirements

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been performed as a day-case procedure for over a decade. This procedure can be associated with a high incidence of pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). There is a paucity of information regarding the post-discharge care of these patients. To determine the effectiveness and adequacy of take-home analgesic packs given to patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. A prospective study of 40 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy to evaluate post-operative pain, analgesia requirements and PONV following discharge. Data regarding unplanned admissions, patient satisfaction and GP attendance rates were also recorded. At 24 h, 65% of patients reported moderate pain, 23% severe pain and 25% of patients reported PONV. The rate of GP attendance for further analgesia or antiemetics was 12.5%. Unexpected admission rate was 10%. The incidence of PONV post-discharge suggests that adding an antiemetic to our take-home analgesic packs may improve patient comfort. The 2-day supply of diclofenac and co-codamol could also be extended as 65% of patients had moderate to severe pain. The information gathered shows the importance of post-discharge follow-up of ambulatory surgery patients.
994-99 Can Late Saphenous Vein Graft Closure Be Predicted by Quantitative Angiographic Analysis Before the Clinical Event?

Angiographic parameters predicting the likelihood of late occlusion of saphenous vein grafts (SVG) have been infrequently described. The Post-CABG Study, a 5-year trial aimed at reducing SVG closure in minimally symptomatic patients 1–11 years Post-CABG, offers a unique view into this event since this study requires an angiogram to document baseline graft patency. In this preliminary study we performed quantitative angiographic analysis (QAA Reiber) comparing the baseline Post-CABG study angiogram to an unscheduled “clinically driven” angiogram. Of 1253 enrolled patients with at least one patent SVG, 35 developed MI or unstable angina associated angiographically with a changed SVG lesion and either total or subtotal occlusion. Average patient age was 58 ± 2 (SEM)years; 97% were male. Years since SVG placement to baseline angiogram averaged 6.5 ± 0.4 (range 2–14). Time from the baseline to the unscheduled angiogram was 22 ± 2 mo (range 3–47). In 28 patients the involved graft was single and in 7 sequential. The SVG insertion segments involved the LCX in 17, RCA in 15 and LAD in 10. Results The initial lesion diameter at the site of the subsequent inciting lesion for all 35 patients averaged 2.58 ± 0.17 mm, or 29.5 ± 3.6% diam. stenosis. (This was defined as the most severe stenosis in any part of the graft in patients with subsequent total graft occlusion, and the exactly matched graft site in those with subtotal occlusion.) In 8 patients the baseline SVG was entirely normal. The initial lesion was g 50% stenosis in only 4 patients. At the time of the clinical event, the lesion had progressed to 87 ± 2.6% diam stenosis (N = 35). In 16 patients the causal lesion was subtotal, while in 19 the SVG was totally occluded. The mean native vessel — responsible graft anastomotic diameter was 2.33 ± 0.12 mm. Conclusion QAA of SVG in asymptomatic patients may not predict subsequent graft closure associated with acute coronary syndromes. The initial site of the lesion is typically of mild-moderate severity, and only later exhibits rapid progression to occlusion.
Semiconductors: Quantum optics by design

The observation of quantum optical effects in engineered semiconductor structures creates the opportunity to harvest these phenomena in designer devices.
Clay Minerals in a Limestone Soil Profile1

The clay minerals in a soil developed from Lenoir limestone (Ordovician) in Augusta County, Va., are kaolinite and chlorite. The Lenoir limestone contains clay partings consisting of hydrous mica, and the clay in the soil is considered to be residual from that in the parent limestone and modified by soil-forming processes (podzolic). X-ray diffraction patterns of the clay fraction (<2μ) from samples from different positions in the profile show a reduction in hydrous mica and an increase in kaolinite and chlorite content as the A horizon is reached. Partial chemical analyses of the whole soil and of the clay fractions are given, as well as pH and ion-exchange capacity determinations. The silica-alumina ratios are similar to those characteristic of podzolic soils, and excess silica in the A horizon accumulates as recrystallized quartz together with chert which is considered to be residual from the limestone. Mechanical analyses by the standard pipette method show that the quantity of clay in the soil varies from 17 percent at the surface to 61 percent at 26 inches (C horizon).
The effectiveness and clinical usability of a handheld information appliance.

Clinical environments are complex, stressful, and safety critical—heightening the demand for technological solutions that will help clinicians manage health information efficiently and safely. The industry has responded by creating numerous, increasingly compact and powerful health IT devices that fit in a pocket, hook to a belt, attach to eyeglasses, or wheel around on a cart. Untethering a provider from a physical “place” with compact, mobile technology while delivering the right information at the right time and at the right location are generally welcomed in clinical environments. These developments however, must be looked at ecumenically. The cognitive load of clinicians who are occupied with managing or operating several different devices during the process of a patient encounter is increased, and we know from decades of research that cognitive overload frequently leads to error. “Technology crowding,” enhanced by the plethora of mobile health IT, can actually become an additional millstone for busy clinicians. This study was designed to gain a deeper understanding of clinicians’ interactions with a mobile clinical computing appliance (Motion Computing C5) designed to consolidate numerous technological functions into an all-in-one device. Features of usability and comparisons to current methods of documentation and task performance were undertaken and results are described.
Subjective probability revisions under several cost-payoff arrangements

Abstract Human performance at a complex probabilistic inference task was evaluated in a simulated military threat-diagnosis context. Subjects' estimates of posterior probabilities were compared with theoretically optimal revisions calculated from a modification of Bayes' theorem. Cost-payoff arrangement was one variable. Subjects performing under a logarithmic cost-payoff arrangement came closest to being optimal in their estimates of posterior probabilities and were generally the least variable in their performance. Subjects who received a fixed amount for choosing correct hypotheses and nothing for choosing incorrect hypotheses (an all-or-nothing payoff) were the most cautious in their estimates of posterior probabilities. Subjects performing under a linear cost-payoff arrangement were the least optimal in their estimates of posterior probability and were extremely variable in their performance. In all three groups, costs and payoffs affected the size of confidence judgments (posterior probabilities) but not the ability to place highest posterior probabilities under true hypotheses. By this criterion, performance was identical in all groups. Amount of evidence to be evaluated was another variable. The experiment provided further evidence that subjects extract a smaller proportion of total diagnosticity from evidence as the amount of evidence increases. There was no evidence of interaction between payoff arrangement and amount of evidence being evaluated. Degree of prior uncertainty, a third variable, had little effect upon the degree of optimality of subjects' posterior probability estimates.
Abstract 4467: Targeting both PI3K/mTOR and EGFR pathways leads to synergistic anti-tumor activity in erlotinib resistant non-small-cell lung cancers.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC NSCLCs with EGFR mutations, such as a deletion in exon 19 (del E746-A750) or point mutation in exon 21 (L858R), are sensitive to TKI (gefitinib and erlotinib) treatments. However, acquired resistance to TKI therapy occurs in patients after 12-14 months. Approximately 50% of these resistant patients have developed secondary (gatekeeper) T790M mutation in EGFR; many other resistance mechanisms also have been described including a PIK3CA mutation and PTEN deletion. In this study, we characterize a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, PF-4979064, in combination with a pan-ErbB inhibitor, PF-299804 (dacomitinib) in erlotinib resistant NSCLC lines NCI-H1975 (harboring EGFR and PIK3CA mutation) and NCI-H1650 (harboring EGFR and PTEN deletion). As a clinically relevant concentration of PF-299804 only induces moderate anti-tumor activity in both H1975 and H1650 cells, PF-4979064 was added in a variety of cellular and animal studies to determine whether the combination was able to achieve a synergistic induction of anti-tumor activity. Results demonstrate that the combination of PF-4979064 and PF-299804 lead to a synergistic inhibition in cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth in both the NCI-H1975 and NCI-H1650 models. Our results further suggest that there is a rationale to examine a potential clinical development plan combining the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (PF-4979064) and dacomitinib (PF-299804) in NSCLC patients who have developed resistance to erlotinib and have a concomitant PIK3CA mutation or PTEN deletion. Citation Format: Pramod P. Mehta, Sangita M. Baxi, Marlena Walls, Stella Chen, Hengmiao Cheng, Gang Li, Tod Smeal, Min-Jean Yin. Targeting both PI3K/mTOR and EGFR pathways leads to synergistic anti-tumor activity in erlotinib resistant non-small-cell lung cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4467. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4467
Influence of thyroactive iodinated casein on B-aminopropionitrile-induced aortic ruptures of turkeys.

Turkeys were fed B-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) alone or in combination with iodinated casein which contained 0.04% thyroxine. More turkeys died with aortic rhexis in the latter group, presumably due to the higher blood pressure and aortic dp/dt max that occurred with this feeding regimen. In addition, mucopolysaccharide was more abundant and collagen less plentiful in the aortic wall, as compared to aortas of turkeys fed BAPN alone. The histologic appearance of thyroid glands also was altered by dietary regimens, and the thyroxine concentration of serum was significantly reduced by BAPN.
Belief functions and belief maintenance in artificial intelligence

The idea for this special issue first arose at the Fourth Workshop on Uncertainty in Artificial Intelligence (AI) held at Minneapolis, Minnesota, in July 1988. Jim Bezdek, the editor-in-chief of this journal, asked us if we were willing to act as guest editors. We thought it was a great idea for two reasons: (1) There was (and still is) considerable interest in the AI community on the Dempster-Shafer theory of belief functions, and (2) members of the AI community seemed to like the basic premises of the belief function approach but were not quite sure how to use them in real applications. As first-time guest editors usually do, we made up an ambitious schedule, which has since slipped quite a bit. However, thanks to Jim Bezdek, we will still make the targeted 1990 publication date. A lot of our gratitude in making this issue a reality goes to the referees for their thorough reviews and prompt responses. We thank them by name at the end of this introduction. With their help, we accepted the papers by Tom Strat, Didier Dubois and Henri Prade, and Greg Provan--for inclusion here. In addition, we invited Glenn Sharer and Judea Pearl to write position papers that would be published unrefereed. Both kindly consented to do so and, as this issue testifies, delivered on their promises. These two papers make significant contributions to the state of the art in belief function theory, semantics, and application.
Regular alcohol consumption mimics cardiac preconditioning by protecting against ischemia–reperfusion injury

Epidemiologic studies indicate that long-term alcohol consumption decreases the incidence of coronary disease and may improve outcome after myocardial infarction. Attenuation of ischemia–reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction improves survival. This study investigates the possibility that alcohol consumption can improve survival after myocardial infarction by reducing ischemia–reperfusion injury. Hearts were isolated from guinea pigs after drinking ethanol for 3–12 weeks and subjected to global ischemia and reperfusion. Hearts from animals drinking ethanol showed improved functional recovery and decreased myocyte damage when compared with controls. Adenosine A1 receptor blockade abolished the protection provided by ethanol consumption. These findings indicate that long-term alcohol consumption reduces myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and that adenosine A1 receptors are required for this protective effect of ethanol. This cardioprotective effect of long-term alcohol consumption mimics preconditioning and may, in part, account for the beneficial effect of moderate drinking on cardiac health.
The Soviet energy conservation dilemma

Abstract We have made an extensive analysis of the structure of energy-use in the USSR, since 1960. Based on this work, we find that the opportunities for energy conservation in the USSR are truely enormous. Were the energy intensities of the major activities in the USSR to fall to the levels of Western Europe, energy-use in the USSR in 1985 would have been one third lower than it actually was. The problems in obtaining increased efficiencies are more institutional than technical: the USSR has had little economic incentive to invest in more efficient energy-use. Energy prices are determined by a central pricing authority and have not kept pace with world energy prices or with the costs of domestic energy production. The dilemma for the USSR is that energy inefficiency is really a product of all the other inefficiencies in the Soviet economy and can only improve if the entire economy improves. Changes in the mix of goods produced could also lower Soviet energy-use in industry and for freight. However, economic reform may also bring a surge in the demand for personal mobility, home comfort, and greater activity in the service sector, important sectors of energy growth in the West. Thus economic structural change in the USSR will be a two edged sword.
A sustainable future for open textbooks? The Flat World Knowledge story

Many college students and their families are concerned about the high costs of textbooks. Ebooks have been proposed as one potential solution, open-source textbooks have also been explored. A company called Flat World Knowledge produces and gives away open-source textbooks in a way they believe to be financially sustainable. This article reports an initial study of the financial sustainability of the Flat World Knowledge open-source textbook model.
Asymmetric expansion of aortic aneurysms on computed tomography imaging.

Objective To investigate whether wall growth during aneurysm development spares the aortic wall between the intercostal or lumbar arteries or, alternatively, is uniform around the circumference. Methods Computed tomography scans of 155 patients with aortic aneurysms (40 thoracic, 50 thoracoabdominal, and 65 abdominal) in a single hospital of a large academic institution were retrospectively inspected. Computed tomography studies of 100 control subjects (40 thoracic and 60 abdominal) were also reviewed. In all 255 patients, the ratio of the arc length between the origins of the intercostal or lumbar arteries (interbranch arc length) to the remainder of the aortic residual circumference was calculated. These ratios were compared between all subjects with aneurysms and the controls at each vertebral body level and between those with thoracic or thoracoabdominal or abdominal aneurysms and controls at each vertebral body level. Results Interbranch arc lengths and residual aortic circumferences were larger in aneurysm patients than in control subjects, but the differences were statistically significant only at T4 and from T8 to L4 ( P = .009 to P P P = .004 to P P = .006 to P P = .008 to P P = .006 to P Conclusions Wall growth in aortic aneurysms is asymmetric, with greater aneurysmal growth in the anterior aorta wall and relative sparing of the portion of aortic wall between the intercostal or lumbar arteries. The mechanisms effecting this asymmetric growth have not been fully characterized.
Environmental partnerships : Opportunities and challenges

Partenerships among business, government and environmental organizations show considerable promise for improving both the environment and the economic health of American business and industry. There is nothing more potent than a coalition of diverse interests. The author presents case studies based on his participation in partnerships involving General Motors (GM) and two environmental organizations. While environmental partnerships promise significant rewards, there are a number of challenges to be addressed, including entrenched adversarial attitudes and a regulatory paradigm that encourages business managers and government regulators alike to focus on paper “compliance” rather than real-world performance. Overcoming these challenges will require that “win/lose” and “yes/no” be replaced by “win/win” and “how to.” It will require a new, market-driven paradigm that fully integrates environmental considerations into the business planning process and that relies on economic incentives to encourage business managers and government regulators to seek out real solutions to real problems.
Computational rank-based statistics

This review discusses two algorithms that can be used to compute rank-based regression estimates. For completeness, a brief overview of rank-based inference procedures in the context of a linear model is presented. The discussion includes geometry, estimation, inference, and diagnostics. In regard to computing the rank-based estimates, we discuss two approaches. The first approach is based on an algebraic identity that allows one to compute the (Wilcoxon) estimates using a L1 regression routine. The other approach is a Newton-type algorithm. In addition, we discuss how rank-based inference can be generalized to nonlinear and random effects models. Some simple examples using existing statistical software are also presented for the sake of illustration and comparison. Traditional least squares (LS) procedures offer the user an encompassing methodology for analyzing models, linear or nonlinear. These procedures are based on the simple premise of fitting the model by minimizing the Euclidean distance between the vector of responses and the model. Besides the fit, the LS procedures include diagnostics to check the quality of fit and an array of inference procedures including confidence intervals (regions) and tests of hypotheses. LS procedures, though, are not robust. One outlier can spoil the LS fit, its associated inference, and even its diagnostic procedures (i.e., methods which should detect the outliers). Rank-based procedures also offer the user a complete methodology. The only essential change is to replace the Euclidean norm by another norm, so that the geometry remains the same. As with the LS procedures, these rank-based procedures offer the user diagnostic tools to check the quality of fit and associated inference procedures. Further, in contrast to the LS procedures, they are robust to the effect of outliers. They are generalizations of simple nonparametric rank procedures such as the Wilcoxon one and two-sample methods and they retain the high efficiency of these simple rank methods. Further, depending on the knowledge of the underlying error distribution, this rank-based analysis can be optimized by the choice of the norm (scores). Weighted versions of the fit can obtain high (50%) breakdown. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.