cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scarless abdominal fat graft harvest for neurosurgical procedures: technical note.

Background Abdominal fat grafts are often harvested for use in skull base reconstruction and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repairs, and for operations traversing the nasal sinuses or mastoid bone. Although the endoscopic transnasal surgery has gained significant popularity, in part because it is considered “scarless,” a common adjunct, the abdominal fat graft, can result in a disfiguring scar across the abdomen. Objective This is the first report of a scarless abdominal fat graft technique for skull base reconstruction. Methods Ten patients with a median age of 56.5 years (range: 45–73 years) underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal tumor resection with intraumbilical fat graft harvest. Careful circumferential fat dissection at the umbilicus, with progressive retraction of the graft, was crucial to ensure maximal visualization and to prevent injury to the subcutaneous vessels and rectus fascia. Results Following reconstruction of the sellar skull base, all patients did well postoperatively with no evidence of CSF leak. At 12-week follow-up for all patients, there was no evidence of scar, intracavity hematoma, or wound infection. Conclusions Fat graft harvest through an intraumbilical incision results in a scar-free abdominal harvest, and is a useful procedural adjunct to complement “scarless” brain surgery.
Conservation style of the extra invariant for Rossby waves

Abstract We consider the dynamics of a system of Rossby waves with nonlinear interaction. It has been shown that such a system–besides the energy and momentum (enstrophy)–has an extra invariant, which is conserved approximately in the limit of small wave amplitudes. This invariant implies the anisotropy of the inverse cascade, when the energy is transferred from small scale eddies to the large scale zonal jets. The invariant has a quadratic (in wave amplitudes) term, which has a universal form, and a cubic term, whose form depends on the form of nonlinear interaction between Rossby waves. In this paper, we show that it is impossible to extend the extra invariant by higher order nonlinear terms (fourth order and higher) to obtain an exact conservation law. This fact holds irrespective of the form of nonlinearity (including the three-wave interaction). The extra invariant is similar to the adiabatic invariants in the theory of dynamical systems. We also show that on a “long time scale”, the cubic part of the invariant can be dropped (without sacrificing the accuracy of conservation), so that the extra invariant is given by the universal quadratic part. Finally, we show that the extra invariant mostly represents large scale modes, even to a greater extent than the energy. The presence of a small dissipation destroys the conservation of the enstrophy, which is based on small scale modes. At the same time, the extra invariant, along with the energy, remains almost conserved.
Preparation of ethyl 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoates from 1H-2-benzopyran-1-ones: A new method

Lithio ethyl acetate is a superior reagent for the transformation of 1H-2-benzopyran-1-ones to naphthoates.
Dissolution of a harm reduction track for opiate agonist treatment: longitudinal impact on treatment retention, substance use and service utilization.

Abstract Background There is great need to sustain harm reduction programmes for opiate-dependent persons, given variable retention of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) enrolees. Resource challenges may lead some health organizations to discontinue such programmes, though just as programmatic evaluation may determine efficacy and cost-effectiveness so to does it aid in examining impacts of programme dissolution. Methods This retrospective evaluation investigated impacts of the dissolution of a ‘Minimal Services' (MS) harm reduction programme for substance-abusing OAT clientele at an urban U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Centre. Targeted clinical data concerning treatment retention, substance use and service utilization was abstracted from medical records of MS-assignees ( N =32) and a matched comparison group of standard OAT enrolees. Chart reviewers gathered data for a two-year period encompassing baseline, transitional, and dissolution study phases. Results Relative to matched-controls, MS-assignees exhibited: (1) disproportionately poor treatment retention over the two-year period; (2) high and temporally stable rates of documented substance use across study phases, and (3) increased utilization of resource-laden VAMC services after MS dissolution. Conclusion Collective results suggest MS programme dissolution was associated with adverse conditions for assignees and the larger treatment setting, and reinforce the need for pragmatic, humane treatment policies to facilitate retention of opiate-dependent persons.
MALE HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY INCLUDING “ANDROPAUSE”

Adult onset male hypogonadism and the testosterone deficiency of the aging male often are under-recognized entities. The etiologies, presentation, and diagnosis of hypogonadism and andropause in the adult male are presented. The expected therapeutic goals, potential treatment risks, and management of androgen replacement therapy for the adult man are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of the various androgen delivery systems currently available and under investigation are discussed.
Single-dose cefotaxime versus 3 to 5 dose cefoxitin for prophylaxis of vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy

We evaluated a single 1-g dose regimen of cefotaxime versus the standard three to five 2-g cefoxitin regimen for prophylaxis in vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy to determine whether acceptable rates of morbidity could be achieved. The antibiotics were administered as follows: cefotaxime, 1 g im or iv on call to the operating room; cefoxitin, 2 g im or iv on call to the operating room, followed by 2 g intravenously at 6 hourly intervals for up to 24 h. The patients received a povidone-iodine vaginal preparation immediately before surgery; vaginal packs, when used, contained no antimicrobial agents. Surgical procedures were comparable for each antibiotic and surgery group. The results showed that among cefotaxime treated subjects who underwent hysterectomy only 1 of 37 (2.7%) vaginal cases and 5 of 60 (8.3%) abdominal cases developed operative site infections requiring parenteral antibiotics. For cefoxitin, 3 of 41 (7.3%) vaginal cases and 6 of 41 (14.6%) abdominal cases, similarly, required antibiotics. The incidence of postoperative infections was not different between regimens, irrespective of the type of hysterectomy, but considerable cost-savings by reduced drug and administration expenses were realized with the single-dose cefotaxime regimen.
The influence of accelerated curing on the properties used in the prediction of chloride ingress in concrete using a Nernst–Planck approach

Abstract This paper examines the use of accelerated aging as an expedited method to determine the material property inputs for service life modeling. When the samples are cured in saturated lime water, it is noticed that accelerated aged specimens at 50 ± 2 °C consistently showed higher porosity, a greater chloride diffusion coefficient, and greater permeability. Service life predictions modeled using material properties of specimens when aging was accelerated could result in the prediction of corrosion initiation at a time that was up to 30% earlier than using properties of conventionally cured specimens at the same equivalent age.
Tools for Language: Patterned Iconicity in Sign Language Nouns and Verbs

When naming certain hand-held, man-made tools, American Sign Language (ASL) signers exhibit either of two iconic strategies: a handling strategy, where the hands show holding or grasping an imagined object in action, or an instrument strategy, where the hands represent the shape or a dimension of the object in a typical action. The same strategies are also observed in the gestures of hearing nonsigners identifying pictures of the same set of tools. In this paper, we compare spontaneously created gestures from hearing nonsigning participants to commonly used lexical signs in ASL. Signers and gesturers were asked to respond to pictures of tools and to video vignettes of actions involving the same tools. Nonsigning gesturers overwhelmingly prefer the handling strategy for both the Picture and Video conditions. Nevertheless, they use more instrument forms when identifying tools in pictures, and more handling forms when identifying actions with tools. We found that ASL signers generally favor the instrument strategy when naming tools, but when describing tools being used by an actor, they are significantly more likely to use more handling forms. The finding that both gesturers and signers are more likely to alternate strategies when the stimuli are pictures or video suggests a common cognitive basis for differentiating objects from actions. Furthermore, the presence of a systematic handling/instrument iconic pattern in a sign language demonstrates that a conventionalized sign language exploits the distinction for grammatical purpose, to distinguish nouns and verbs related to tool use.
METRIC SELECTION FOR SOFTWARE DEFECT PREDICTION

Real-world software systems are becoming larger, more complex, and much more unpredictable. Software systems face many risks in their life cycles. Software practitioners strive to improve software quality by constructing defect prediction models using metric (feature) selection techniques. Finding faulty components in a software system can lead to a more reliable final system and reduce development and maintenance costs. This paper presents an empirical study of six commonly used filter-based software metric rankers and our proposed ensemble technique using rank ordering of the features (mean or median), applied to three large software projects using five commonly used learners. The classification accuracy was evaluated in terms of the AUC (Area Under the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) Curve) performance metric. Results demonstrate that the ensemble technique performed better overall than any individual ranker and also possessed better robustness. The empirical study also shows that variations among rankers, learners and software projects significantly impacted the classification outcomes, and that the ensemble method can smooth out performance.
On realization of reliable link layer protocols with guaranteed sustainable flows for wireless communication

Despite major developments in link-layer design to address reliability issues associated with the wireless communication (in a presence of heavy noise), these efforts fall short on many fronts. This includes a clear demonstration regarding the viability of a truly reliable link-layer capable of providing a minimal level of guaranteed sustainable flows for the higher layers. In this paper, we present an analytical and experimental study to design and implement a reliable wireless link-layer that provides sustainable flow control. We develop an experimental platform using Software Radio Defined (SDR) technology with the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) frontend to capture and measure the behavior of an error process imposed on a wireless channel. Next, we design a Reliable And StablE (RASE) link-layer protocol to provide reliability (by achieving optimal throughput) and stability (by ensuring a sustainable traffic flow) for realtime and non-realtime wireless communications. We then incorporate the RASE protocol into the SDR-USRP platform to investigate the level of throughput and realtime stability achieved in comparison with the IEEE802.11 ARQ and the FEC-based HARQ protocols. We demonstrate experimentally that RASE provides 20%-50% improved reliability. In addition, realtime video communication experiments show a 2-8dB PSNR gain in playback quality.
Calibration of a camera and light source by fitting to a physical model

This paper describes the calibration of a camera-and-plane-of-light ranging system. Equations are derived which relate the image coordinates in the camera to the external coordinate system. These equations contain coefficients which are functions of the geometrical parameters of the camera/light-source system (focal length, pixel spacing, camera-to-plane-of-light distance, etc.). Several pictures are taken of a test block at different distances, and the geometrical parameters in the equations are varied to achieve a best (least squares) fit to the data. The resulting equations have a remaining error of less than one pixel, and have been used successfully on a parts-acquisition robot.
Safety and Efficacy of Ranolazine for the Treatment of Chronic Angina Pectoris

Coronary heart disease is a global malady and it is the leading cause of death in the United States. Chronic stable angina is the most common manifestation of coronary heart disease and it results from the imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand due to reduction in coronary blood flow. Therefore, in addition to lifestyle changes, commonly used pharmaceutical treatments for angina (nitrates, s-blockers, Ca2+ channel blockers) are aimed at increasing blood flow or decreasing O2 demand. However, patients may continue to experience symptoms of angina. Ranolazine is a relatively new drug with anti-anginal and anti-arrhythmic effects. Its anti-anginal mechanism is not clearly understood but the general consensus is that ranolazine brings about its anti-anginal effects by inhibiting the late Na+ current and the subsequent intracellular Ca2+ accumulation. Recent studies suggest other effects of ranolazine that may explain its anti-anginal and anti-arrhythmic effects. Nonetheless, clinical trials have proven the efficacy of ranolazine in treating chronic angina. It has been shown to be ineffective, however, in treating acute coronary syndrome patients. Ranolazine is a safe drug with minimal side effects. It is metabolized mainly in the liver and cleared by the kidney. Therefore, caution must be taken in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function. Due to its efficacy and safety, ranolazine was approved for the treatment of chronic angina by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006.
Making the most of fMRI at 7 T by suppressing spontaneous signal fluctuations.

Abstract The presence of spontaneous BOLD fMRI signal fluctuations in human grey matter compromises the detection and interpretation of evoked responses and limits the sensitivity gains that are potentially available through coil arrays and high field systems. In order to overcome these limitations, we adapted and improved a recently described correlated noise suppression method (de Zwart et al., 2008), demonstrating improved precision in estimating the response to ultra-short visual stimuli at 7 T. In this procedure, the temporal dynamics of spontaneous signal fluctuations are estimated from a reference brain region outside the area targeted with the stimulus. Rather than using the average signal in this region as regressor, as proposed in the original method, we used principal component analysis to derive multiple regressors in order to optimally describe nuisance signals (e.g. spontaneous fluctuations) and separate these from evoked activity in the target region. Experimental results obtained from application of the original method showed a 66% improvement in estimation precision. The novel, enhanced version of the method, using 18 PCA-derived noise regressors, led to a 160% increase in precision. These increases were relative to a control condition without noise suppression, which was simulated by randomizing the time-course of the nuisance–signal regressor(s) without altering their power spectrum. The increase of estimation precision was associated with decreased autocorrelation levels of the residual errors. These results suggest that modeling of spontaneous fMRI signal fluctuations as multiple independent sources can dramatically improve detection of evoked activity, and fully exploit the potential sensitivity gains available with high field technology.
Rapid terrain database generation using image differencing and 3D terrain editing tools

The ability to rapidly and inexpensively generate terrain databases to replicate actual terrain is critical to insuring correlation between the results from live, virtual, and constructive simulations used in testing and evaluating weapons, sensors, and battlefield command and control systems. In this paper we describe a technique for producing battlefield terrain data sets from oblique aerial photos and other nontraditional data sources using image differencing and 3D terrain editing tools. This technique uses a feedback loop to calculate terrain data parameters from differences between actual sensor imagery and synthetic imagery of replicated terrain created by an image generator. The technique is especially well suited for updating knowledge of battlefield situations from reconnaissance and remotely piloted vehicle sensors. It also holds promise for automation and real-time data reduction of battlefield sensor feeds and improved now-time situational awareness. W e will present the algorithms and approach utilized in the Image Differencing technique. We will also describe the software developed to implement the approach. Lastly we will present the results of experiments and benchmarks conducted to measure the effectiveness and progress made toward real-time terrain database generation.
Mix-ratio sampling: Classifying multiclass imbalanced mouse brain images using support vector machine

Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a classifier designed to achieve optimized classification accuracy. It has been applied to numerous applications associated with images. Yet challenges remain when applying SVM on segmenting mouse brain images. This is due to the fact that each high-resolution mouse brain image is a very large data set and it is a multiclass classification problem with extremely imbalanced data size for different classes. To address these issues, a mix-ratio sampling approach for SVM is proposed which determines various over-sampling ratios for different minority classes. In addition, to improve the imaging classification accuracy, spatial information is incorporated into the classification problem. Five mouse Magnetic Resonance Microscopy (MRM) images are collected to test the accuracy of classifying 21 brain structures. The first comparison experiment demonstrates the SVM with mix-ratio sampling method relieves the imbalance problem for multiclass more effectively and efficiently than the SVM with simple over-sampling method. In the second comparison experiment, another classifier, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is used to compare against SVM based on the same mix-ratio sampled data and the results indicate that SVM shows better classification performance than ANN. Thirdly, the cross validation is conducted to demonstrate SVM with mix-ration sampling can classify multiclass imbalanced data with high accuracy.
Relationship of formulation and dosing interval to fluctuation of serum theophylline concentration in children with chronic asthma

Completeness of absorption and fluctuations in serum theophylline concentration were examined in 14 children, 8 to 17 years of age (mean 12.4), with chronic asthma treated in variable sequence with a slowrelease formulation at eight- and 12-hour intervals, and plain tablets every six hours. The total fraction absorbed for the slow-release formulation was 0.98±0.07 (mean ± SEM) during the eight-hour and 0.99±0.04 during the 12-hour regimens. Observed fluctuations in serum concentration were closely approximated by predictions determined from absorption of single doses in adult volunteers. Available single-dose absorption data then were used to compare predicted fluctuations in serum concentration among nine formulations (18 brand names) for eight- and 12-hour dosing in an average child and adult (elimination half-lives of 3.7 and 8.2 hours, respectively). Although predicted peak concentrations were less than twice the trough for all products when given at 12-hour intervals to an average nonsmoking adult, only two of the nine formulations (both from the same manufacturer) were likely to maintain predicted fluctuations within the 10 to 20 μg/ml therapeutic range during 12-hour dosing intervals in an average child. Most children and those adults with rapid elimination generally will require eight-hour dosing with the other products.
Synthesis of 1-(pentalfluorophenyl)-β-carboline

Abstract Thermal condensation of tryptamine with pentafluorobenzaldehyde in ethanol afforded 1-(pentafluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (I, 51% yield), together with two by-products (IIa, 9% yield and IIb, 14% yield) which were produced by nucleophilic substitution of an aromatic fluorine atom by the tryptamine amino group. In solvent acetic acid, the same reactants gave 2-acetyl-1-(pentafluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-β-carboline (III, 64% yield) as the main product, together with a reduced yield (20%) of I. Dehydrogenation of I with selenium dioxide provided 1-(pentafluorophenyl)-β- carboline (IV) in 84% yield; III also gave IV in 72% yield. Partial dehydrogenation of I with potassium permanganate provided 1-(pentafluorophenyl)-3,4-dihydro-β-carboline (V, 80% yield) but V could not be obtained from III. Indole itself provided (pentafluorophenyl)bis(3-indolyl)methane (VI, 82% yield) by simple reflux with pentafluorobenzaldehyde in propanol. In solvent acetic acid, the yield of VI was 78%.
Direct determination of bromide, nitrate, and iodide in saline matrixes using electrostatic ion chromatography with an electrolyte as eluent

A new ion chromatographic method that is applicable to the direct determination of UV-absorbing inorganic anions in saline matrixes is described. An octadecylsilica column modified with a zwitterionic surfactant (3-(N,N-dimethylmyristylammonio)propanesulfonate) is used as the stationary phase, and an electrolytic solution is used as the eluent. Under these conditions, the matrix species (such as chloride and sulfate) are only retained weakly and show little or no interference. It is proposed that a binary electrical double layer (EDL) is established by retention of the eluent cations on the negatively charged (sulfonate) functional groups of the zwitterionic surfactant (forming a cation-EDL) and by retention of eluent anions on the positively charged (quaternary ammonium) functional groups of the zwitterionic surfactant (forming an anion-EDL). Sample anions are able to distribute into the cation-EDL and to form ion pairs with the EDL cations, while at the same time experiencing repulsion from the anion-ED...
Wind Tunnel Measurements of Shuttle Orbiter Global Heating with Comparisons to Flight

An aerothermodynamic database of global heating images was acquired of the Shuttle Orbiter in the NASA Langley Research Center 20-Inch Mach 6 Air Tunnel. These results were obtained for comparison to the global infrared images of the Orbiter in flight from the infrared sensing aeroheating flight experiment (ISAFE). The most recent ISAFE results from STS-103, consisted of port side images, at hypersonic conditions, of the surface features that result from the strake vortex scrubbing along the side of the vehicle. The wind tunnel results were obtained with the phosphor thermography system, which also provides global information and thus is ideally suited for comparison to the global flight results. The aerothermodynamic database includes both windward and port side heating images of the Orbiter for a range of angles of attack (20 to 40 deg), freestream unit Reynolds number (1 x 10(exp 6))/ft to 8 x 10(exp 6)/ft, body flap deflections (0, 5, and 10 deg), speed brake deflections (0 and 45 deg), as well as with boundary layer trips for forced transition to turbulence heating results. Sample global wind tunnel heat transfer images were extrapolated to flight conditions for comparison to Orbiter flight data. A windward laminar case for an angle of attack of 40 deg was extrapolated to Mach 11.6 flight conditions for comparison to STS-2 flight thermocouple results. A portside wind tunnel image for an angle of attack of 25 deg was extrapolated for Mach 5 flight conditions for comparison to STS-103 global surface temperatures. The comparisons showed excellent qualitative agreement, however the extrapolated wind tunnel results over-predicted the flight surface temperatures on the order of 5% on the windward surface and slightly higher on the portside.
Considering cooperation: Empiricism as a foundation for unifying the behavioral sciences

Economics and evolutionary biology share a long history of interaction and parallel development. This pattern persists with regard to how the two fields address the issues of selfishness and cooperation. The recent renewed emphasis on empiricism in both fields provides a solid foundation on which to build a truly scientific unification of the behavioral sciences.
Corpus development activities at the center for spoken language understanding

This paper describes eight telephone-speech corpora at various stages of development at the Center for Spoken Language Understanding. For each corpus, we describe data collection procedures, methods of soliciting callers, protocol used to collect the data, transcriptions that accompany the speech data, and the expected release date. The corpora are available at no charge to academic institutions.
Mood disorders in Asians

Mood disorders are disorders that have a disturbance in mood as the predominant feature. They are common psychiatric disorders and are associated with significant distress and functional impairment. As the theory of mood disorders is based on the philosophy of mind/body dichotomy in the West, it contradicts the holistic tradition of medicine in the East. This may partially explain why many Asians with mood disorders emphasize their physical symptoms in discussions with their treatment providers. In the development of the DSM and ICD diagnostic systems, it is presumed that the diagnostic categories are applicable to all races and ethnicities. Similarly, many consider pharmacological and psychological treatment approaches to mood disorders universally applicable. To effectively treat Asians with mood disorders, clinicians need to customize biological and psychosocial interventions in consideration of patients' potential genetic and cultural differences.
Role of depleted flux tubes in steady magnetospheric convection: Results of RCM‐E simulations

[1] We present results of a simulation of an idealized steady magnetospheric convection (SMC) event during steady southward IMF BZ using a version of the Rice Convection Model that is coupled to an equilibrium magnetic field solver (RCM-E) and compare that to a simulation of a substorm growth phase. In contrast to the 1-hour growth phase, the 5-hour SMC event is modeled by placing a plasma distribution with substantially depleted entropy parameter PV5/3 on the RCM's high-latitude boundary. We find that the modeled large-scale configuration on the nightside during the SMC event differs significantly from the growth phase simulation. First, in the magnetotail tailward of X ≈ −10 RE, the magnetic field is dipole-like associated with thick plasma sheet. Second, near geosynchronous orbit, the magnetic field is more stretched associated with the strongly enhanced partial ring current and the inner edge of the plasma sheet moves well inside geosynchronous orbit. Third, the electric field shows strong shielding or even overshielding during the SMC; while a penetration electric field emerges in the growth phase simulation. Fourth, the ground magnetogram calculation shows large horizontal magnetic field disturbances in a much thicker auroral zone which is mainly attributed to Hall currents. Meantime, fairly negative magnetic disturbance emerges in the mid and low latitudes which is mainly attributed to the partial ring current approximately extended to terminators. Contrary to previous studies, our simulation does not produce a deep BZ minimum during strong magnetospheric convection, which implies that the pressure balance inconsistency may be dramatically alleviated if the inner magnetosphere is continuously fed with under-populated flux tubes. We also suggest that strong magnetic field without BZ minimum in the plasma sheet may explain why SMCs can last for hours without a substorm expansion since certain instabilities may not build up to threshold in such a configuration.
UNIFORM ATTRACTORS OF NONAUTONOMOUS DISCRETE REACTION–DIFFUSION SYSTEMS IN WEIGHTED SPACES

We study the asymptotic behavior of nonautonomous discrete Reaction–Diffusion systems defined on multidimensional infinite lattices. We show that the nonautonomous systems possess uniform attractors which attract all solutions uniformly with respect to the translations of external terms when time goes to infinity. These attractors are compact subsets of weighted spaces, and contain all bounded solutions of the system. The upper semicontinuity of the uniform attractors is established when an infinite-dimensional reaction–diffusion system is approached by a family of finite-dimensional systems. We also examine the limiting behavior of lattice systems with almost periodic, rapidly oscillating external terms in weighted spaces. In this case, it is proved that the uniform global attractors of nonautonomous systems converge to the global attractor of an averaged autonomous system.
Distributed Mixed Sensor Aircraft Tracking

A combination of geographically distributed small acoustic arrays and imaging sensors can be used to passively detect and track low-flying aircraft. Lincoln Laboratory has developed detection and tracking algorithms to illustrate this concept and has demonstrated them in real-time using an experimental test bed. This paper describes the algorithms, the test bed system and experimental results. The experiments are believed to represent the first real-time demonstration of a distributed mixed sensor tracking system of this type.
Geometrical analysis of 3D dislocation dynamics simulations of FCC micro-pillar plasticity

Abstract A geometrical analysis of 3D dislocation dynamics simulations of FCC micro-pillar plasticity shows that the insertion of jogged dislocations before relaxation or enabling cross-slip during plastic flow are prerequisites for the formation of potentially strong natural pinning points and single arm dislocation sources. Absent these conditions, we argue that mobile dislocation starvation will occur naturally in the course of plastic flow and lead to a state in which plastic flow is controlled by the nucleation of dislocations, most likely at the free surfaces.
Mechanism of valvular incompetence in aortic sinus dilatation

A series of model experiments demonstrated that aortic sinus dilatation results in diastolic valvular incompetence only when compensatory valvular elongation was insufficient mechanically to effect valve coaptation. Since abnormalities of fluid dynamics were not responsible for leakage, simple restriction of the aortic root by a ligature could abort the aortic incompetence.
Impact of Consolidation Radiation Therapy in Stage III-IV Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma With Negative Post-Chemotherapy Radiologic Imaging

Purpose While consolidation radiation therapy (i.e., RT administered after chemotherapy) is routine treatment for patients with early-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the role of consolidation RT in stage III-IV DLBCL is controversial. Methods and Materials Cases of patients with stage III-IV DLBCL treated from 1991 to 2009 at Duke University, who achieved a complete response to chemotherapy were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and were compared between patients who did and did not receive RT, using the log-rank test. A multivariate analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards model. Results Seventy-nine patients were identified. Chemotherapy (median, 6 cycles) consisted of anti-CD20 antibody rituximab combined with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP; 65%); cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP; 22%); or other (13%). Post-chemotherapy imaging consisted of positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) (73%); gallium with CT (14%); or CT only (13%). Consolidation RT (median, 25 Gy) was given to involved sites of disease in 38 (48%) patients. Receipt of consolidation RT was associated with improved in-field control (92% vs. 69%, respectively, p = 0.028) and event-free survival (85% vs. 65%, respectively, p = 0.014) but no difference in overall survival (85% vs. 78%, respectively, p = 0.15) when compared to patients who did not receive consolidation RT. On multivariate analysis, no RT was predictive of increased risk of in-field failure (hazard ratio [HR], 8.01, p = 0.014) and worse event-free survival (HR, 4.3, p = 0.014). Conclusions Patients with stage III-IV DLBCL who achieve negative post-chemotherapy imaging have improved in-field control and event-free survival with low-dose consolidation RT.
DDT & the American Century: Global Health, Environmental Politics, and the Pesticide that Changed the World (Review)

DDT and the American Century: Global Health, Environmental Politics, and the Pesticide That Changed the World. David Kinkela. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2011. In 1972, the American Environmental Protection Agency banned most domestic uses of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and over the following two decades worldwide usage of the chemical declined as well. DDT's fall has proven almost as controversial as the environmental and health effects of the pesticide while it remained in widespread use. Some environmentalists lamented the continued use of DDT in developing tropical countries following the ban, while critics of the chemical backlash accompanying the "greening" of America blamed knee-jerk environmentalism for creating a new holocaust of malaria among the world's poorest populations. David Kinkela's study of the rise, fall, and aftermath of DDT cuts through the rhetoric surrounding the pesticide, examining the cultural and social, as well as the health and environmental issues entangled with DDT's history. Kinkela's account follows DDT from its military applications during the Second World War, to its role in American overseas development programs, through the nation's eventual rejection of the chemical. Part of the book's story is the familiar account of an almost religious belief on the part of Americans in the power and omnipotence of twentieth-century technology. DDT became a tool of agricultural and health policy, both in the United States and abroad, and those who used it often viewed the chemical as a one-size-fits-all weapon in the war on insects and disease: "Variations in climate and geography, as well as the social, economic, and political disparities among nations were thought to be irrelevant in the contest against insects pests" (92). Kinkela notes that the American ban did nothing to prohibit the use of DDT in foreign public health campaigns. He also adroitly explains the ways in which the chemical and its systems of application were becoming less effective during the 1960s and early 1970s due to environmental particularities - from the inherent challenges of the mosquito eradication ideal to growing insect resistance - and thereby illustrates the ways in which debates over the benefits and harms of banning DDT often ignored the reality of its changing effectiveness in favor of partisan politics and institutional agendas. Whereas Kinkela admits his study is "a narrative that explores a global history from an American perspective," it is the detailed exploration of DDT's links to American foreign policy and aid that provide a significant contribution to the history of technology and environmentalism (9). …
Mixed-state sensitivity of several quantum-information benchmarks

We investigate an imbalance between the sensitivity of the common state measures - fidelity, trace distance, concurrence, tangle, von Neumann entropy, and linear entropy - when acted on by a depolarizing channel. Further, in this context we explore two classes of two-qubit entangled mixed states. Specifically, we illustrate a sensitivity imbalance between three of these measures for depolarized (i.e., Werner-state-like) nonmaximally entangled and maximally entangled mixed states, noting that the size of the imbalance depends on the state's tangle and linear entropy.
Siderophore production by marine-derived fungi

Siderophore production by marine-derived fungi has not been extensively explored. Three studies have investigated the ability of marine-derived fungi to produce siderophores in response to iron limitation [(Vala et al. in Indian J Mar Sci 29:339-340, 2000; Can J Microbiol 52:603-607, 2006); Baakza et al. in J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 311:1-9, 2004]. In all, 24 of 28 marine fungal strains were found to secrete hydroxamate or carboxylate siderophores; no evidence was found for production of catecholate siderophores. These studies did not determine the structures of the iron-binding compounds. More recently, a study of the natural products secreted by a marine Penicillium bilaii revealed that this strain produced the rare catecholate siderophore pistillarin when grown under relatively high iron concentrations (Capon et al. J Nat Prod 70:1746-1752, 2007). Additionally, the production of rhizoferrin by a marine isolate of Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC36112) is reported in this manuscript. The current state of knowledge about marine fungal siderophores is reviewed in light of these promising results.
The Risk of Cardiac Complications in Surgical Patients with Bifascicular Block: A Clinical and Electrophysiologic Study in 98 Patients

Ninety-eight patients with ECG evidence of bifascicular block who had undergone general anesthesia and surgery have been followed up. His bundle electrogram was recorded in all patients prior to the surgery. On the basis of electrophysiologic studies, patients were classified in two groups: normal H-V group (47 patients) and prolonged H-V group (51 patients). The prolonged H-V group presented a significantly greater incidence of organic heart disease and cardiac symptoms. Correspondingly, there was a significantly higher incidence of cardiac intra- and postoperative complications in patients with prolonged H-V interval, but none of the patients developed complete heart block. Ventricular fibrillation and not the occurrence of complete heart block, was the cause of sudden cardiac death in three patients who had a prolonged H-V interval and severe organic heart disease. Patients with bifascicular block, undergoing anesthesia and surgery, even in the presence of presumable risk factors, do not require prophylactic pacing. The H-V duration represents a more accurate predictor of major cardiac intra- and postoperative complications than the surface recordings, but only in patients with symptomatic heart disease. These data support the concept that high-risk patients can be identified clinically and thus preoperative determinations of H-V intervals should not be recommended.
Thermodynamic basis for sequence-specific recognition of ssDNA by an autoantibody.

11F8 is a sequence-specific DNA binding monoclonal autoantibody previously isolated from an autoimmune lupus-prone mouse [Stevens, S. Y., and Glick, G. D. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 560-568]. This antibody, like many other lupus anti-DNAs, localizes to kidney tissue and eventually leads to renal damage through a process that first involves the binding of DNA antigens. A series of experiments were conducted to investigate the thermodynamic and structural basis by which this antibody discriminates between specific, noncognate, and nonspecific sequences. Sequence-specific binding occurs with a minimal dependence on the polyelectrolyte effect along with a favorable binding enthalpy reflecting the presence of base stacking and contacts to DNA bases. This favorable binding enthalpy apparently is derived from desolvation at the binding interface and is consistent with recent models of the nonclassical hydrophobic effect. Noncognate recognition is also driven by the nonclassical hydrophobic effect, but is accompanied by highly unfavorable entropies that are responsible for reduced affinity relative to the high-affinity consensus sequence. Nonspecific recognition is driven completely by the polyelectrolyte effect involving extensive electrostatic interactions with the phosphate backbone. Collectively, the data demonstrate the ability of 11F8 to adapt its mode of binding to the available DNA surface and provide a thermodynamic model for sequence-specific recognition of single-stranded DNA. The salient features of this model employ the paradigms invoked to explain protein.dsDNA, protein.RNA, and antibody.antigen binding.
Infrared Studies of the Bipolar Nebula OHO739

The M9 giant, OHO739 is embedded in a bipolar nebula, as evidenced by far-red photographs and OH maser studies (Cohen and Frogel 1977, Morris et al. 1982). It is a bright infrared source, whose spectrum shows deep 3.1 μm ice and 10μm silicate absorption. We have made infrared studies of this object with the aim of studying the structure and density distribution of the circumstellar disk. This paper presents some preliminary results of this study.
Alkyl nitrate (C1-C3) depth profiles in the tropical Pacific Ocean

This paper reports the first depth profile measurements of methyl, ethyl, isopropyl and n-propyl nitrates in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Depth profile measurements were made at 22 stations during the Project Halocarbon Air Sea Exchange cruise, in warm pool, equatorial, subequatorial, and gyre waters. The highest concentrations, up to several hundred pM of methyl nitrate, were observed in the central Pacific within 8 degrees of the equator. In general, alkyl nitrate levels were highest in the surface mixed layer, and decreased with depth below the mixed layer. The spatial distribution of the alkyl nitrates suggests that there is a strong source associated with biologically productive ocean regions, that is characterized by high ratios of methyl:ethyl nitrate. However, the data do not allow discrimination between direct biological emissions and photochemistry as production mechanisms. Alkyl nitrates were consistently detectable at several hundred meters depth. On the basis of the estimated chemical loss rate of these compounds, we conclude that deep water alkyl nitrates must be produced in situ. Possible sources include free radical processes initiated by radioactive decay or cosmic rays, enzymatically mediated reactions involving bacteria, or unidentified chemical mechanisms involving dissolved organic matter.
Magnetic Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites Reinforced with Core-Shell Structured Fe@FeO Nanoparticles: Fabrication and Property Analysis

Epoxy resin nanocomposites reinforced with various loadings of core−shell structured nanoparticles (Fe@FeO) are prepared using a surface wetting method. Nanoparticle loading effect on the viscosity of epoxy monomers is well-correlated to Cross’ rheological model. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results reveal that the glass transition temperature is increased by 10 °C with the addition of nanoparticles, which is surprisingly independent of the particle loadings. The saturation magnetization (Ms) of the 20 wt % Fe@FeO/epoxy nanocomposites is 17.03 emu/g, which is about 15.8% of that of the pure nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the coercivity increases from 62.33 to 202.13 Oe after the nanoparticles are dispersed in the epoxy matrix. The electrical conductivity percolation is found to be around 5−10 wt %, where the resistance of the nanocomposites sharply decreases by 6 orders of magnitude. Thermal stability and tensile properties of the pristine epoxy and nanocomposites are also investigated in this work.
Transformation-deficient mutants of piliated Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Abstract Seven transformation-deficient mutants of piliated, competent Neisseria gonorrhoeae were isolated by screening them for their inability to be transformed by chromosomal DNA after chemical mutagenesis. Three distinct classes of mutants were obtained, each of which was piliated, as determined by electron microscopy. One class exhibited abnormal colony morphology and was unable to take up DNA into a DNase-resistant state. A second class was morphologically normal and took up DNA into a DNase-resistant state normally, but was deficient in both chromosomal and plasmid transformation; mutations in these mutants may affect entry of DNA into the cell proper. A third class was similar to the second but was fully competent for plasmid transformation, suggesting that there was a defect in a late stage of chromosomal transformation.
Synthesis of cobalt oxide nanocrystal self-assembled materials

©1999 Materials Research Society. The original publication is available at: http://www.mrs.org/
Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Protein EBNA3A Is Critical for Maintaining Lymphoblastoid Cell Line Growth

To evaluate the role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 3A (EBNA3A) in the continuous proliferation of EBV-infected primary B lymphocytes as lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs), we derived LCLs that are infected with a recombinant EBV genome that expresses EBNA3A fused to a 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4HT)-dependent mutant estrogen receptor hormone binding domain (EBNA3AHT). The LCLs grew similarly to wild-type LCLs in medium with 4HT despite a reduced level of EBNA3AHT fusion protein expression. In the absence of 4HT, EBNA3AHT moved from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and was degraded. EBNA3AHT-infected LCLs were unable to grow in medium without 4HT. The precise time to growth arrest varied inversely with cell density. Continued maintenance in medium without 4HT resulted in cell death, whereas readdition of 4HT restored cell growth. Expression of other EBNAs and LMP1, of CD23, and of c-myc was unaffected by EBNA3A inactivation. Wild-type EBNA3A expression from an oriP plasmid transfected into the LCLs protected the EBNA3AHT-infected LCLs from growth arrest and death in medium without 4HT, whereas EBNA3B or EBNA3C expression was unable to protect the LCLs from growth arrest and death. These experiments indicate that EBNA3A has a unique and critical role for the maintenance of LCL growth and ultimately survival. The EBNA3AHT-infected LCLs are also useful for genetic and biochemical analyses of the role of EBNA3A domains in LCL growth.
Posterior endodontic surgery: anatomical considerations and clinical techniques.

Summary. The use of endodontic surgery enhances the retention of many teeth which would otherwise be extracted. This applies to the posterior region as well as the anterior region of the oral cavity. However, because of variations in regional and radicular anatomy in the posterior, and the need to establish adequate access through proper flap design in a more confined area, it is necessary that the practitioner should have a thorough understanding of the principles of posterior endodontic surgery.