cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical and pathologic outcomes of fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy for FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer.

Abstract Objectives To describe the surgical and pathologic findings of fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy using a standardized surgical technique, and report the rate of post-trachelectomy adjuvant therapy that results in permanent sterility. Methods A prospectively maintained database of all patients with FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer admitted to the operating room for planned fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy was analyzed. Sentinel node mapping was performed via cervical injection of Technetium and blue dye. Results Between 6/2005 and 5/2008, 22 consecutive patients with FIGO stage IB1 cervical cancer underwent laparotomy for planned fertility-sparing radical abdominal trachelectomy. Median age was 33 years (range, 23–43). Histology included 13 (59%) with adenocarcinoma and 9 (41%) with squamous carcinoma. Lymph-vascular invasion was seen in 9 (41%) cases. Only 3 (14%) needed immediate completion radical hysterectomy due to intraoperative findings (2 for positive nodes, 1 for positive endocervical margin). Median number of nodes evaluated was 23 (range, 11–44); and 6 (27%) patients had positive pelvic nodes on final pathology — all received postoperative chemoradiation. Sixteen (73%) patients agreed to participate in sentinel node mapping which yielded a detection rate of 100%, sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 100% and false-negative rate of 17%. Eighteen of 19 (95%) patients who completed trachelectomy had a cerclage placed, and 9/22 (41%) patients had no residual cervical carcinoma on final pathology. Median time in the operating room was 298 min (range, 180–425). Median estimated blood loss was 250 ml (range, 50–700), and median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3–6). No recurrences were noted at the time of this report. Conclusions Cervical adenocarcinoma and lymph-vascular invasion are common features of patients selected for radical abdominal trachelectomy. The majority of patients can undergo the operation successfully; however, nearly 32% of all selected cases will require hysterectomy or postoperative chemoradiation for oncologic reasons. Sentinel node mapping is useful but until lower false-negative rates are achieved total lymphadenectomy remains the gold standard. Investigating alternative fertility-sparing adjuvant therapy in node positive patients is needed.
Seismic analysis and base isolation retrofit design of a steel truss vertical lift bridge

Abstract Bridges with steel superstructures are frequently ideal candidates for seismic retrofit utilizing base isolation. The seismic assessment and retrofit design of the Three Mile Slough Bridge included both the evaluation of a conventional retrofit scenario and a base isolation retrofit scenario. The structure is a five span riveted steel truss bridge with a vertical center lift span attached to the top of each 100 ft lifting tower by steel cables. The comprehensive analysis model had the following properties: 1. Non-linear springs captured soil–foundation structure interaction (SFSI); 2. Moment-curvature elements modeled reinforced concrete pier columns and capbeams; 3. In-elastic truss elements modeled isolation bearings; 4. Cable elements modeled the cable supporting the counterweight. This paper discusses a non-linear time history analysis using ADINA. Also, the modeling and evaluation of the performance in the isolation bearings is discussed.
Temporal anti-aliasing in computer generated animation

The desirability of incorporating temporal anti-aliasing, or motion blur, into computer generated animation is discussed and two algorithms for achieving this effect are described. The first approximates continuous object movement and determines intervals during which each object covers each pixel. Hidden surface removal is then performed, allowing the calculation of visible object intensity functions and subsequent filtering. The second form of algorithm detailed involves supersampling the moving image and then filtering the resulting intensity function to “multiply-expose” each output picture. The effects of filter types and the relationship of the algorithms to forms of spatial anti-aliasing are discussed.
INFLUENCE OF FLORAL OPTICAL PROPERTIES ON THE ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ENVIRONMENT OF POLLEN

A B S T R A C T Pollen in unopened flowers of most species is totally screened from solar ultraviolet-B radiation by imbricated petals that are largely opaque to UV-B. Following flower opening but before anther dehiscence, the anther walls of the species investigated filter out over 98% of the UVB radiation. Reflectance of UV from corollas of open flowers does not generally appear to add significantly to the solar UV-B radiation environment of pollen.
Laser diagnostics to identify locations where nitric oxide is produced within flames

ABSTRACT New laser diagnostics are proposed that make it possible to identify the locations within flames where the rate of production of nitric oxides, d[NO]/dt, is especially large. The method is based on measuring the terms on the right-hand side of the rate equation for thermal NO: The proposed method combines laser–induced fluorescence (LIF) to measure the oxygen atom concentration [O], laser Rayleigh scattering to quantify gas temperature, and an equilibrium assumption to determine [N2] from the temperature data. Previously, it has been possible to measure concentrations of NO with LIF, but this is not sufficient; what also is needed is a way to measure the rate of production of nitric oxides (d[NO]/dt) to identify locations where production of NO is excessive. The accuracy of the proposed LIF/Rayleigh scattering method was investigated by comparing results to those obtained with conventional sampling probes and equilibrium chemistry codes. Signal to noise and accuracy are discussed.
Roles of thrombin and platelet membrane glycoprotein IIb/IIIa in platelet-subendothelial deposition after angioplasty in an ex vivo whole artery model.

BACKGROUND Platelet deposition at the site of injury caused by balloon angioplasty is associated with acute closure and restenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS In a new ex vivo whole artery angioplasty model, we examined the roles of thrombin inhibition with D-Phe-Pro-ArgCH2Cl (PPACK) and inhibition of the platelet membrane fibrinogen receptor glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) with monoclonal antibody 7E3 on platelet deposition at the site of balloon injury. Fresh rabbit aortas were mounted in a perfusion chamber. One half of the mounted arterial segment was dilated with a standard angioplasty balloon catheter and the uninjured half served as the control segment. The vessels were perfused with human blood at physiological pressure and shear rates of 180-250 second-1 for 30 minutes. Platelet deposition was measured using 111In-labeled platelets and scanning electron microscopy. With heparin (2 units/ml) anticoagulation, 8.2 +/- 2.2 x 10(6) platelets/cm2 were deposited at the site of balloon injury compared with 0.7 +/- 0.2 x 10(6) platelets/cm2 on uninjured segments (p less than 0.02, n = 7). PPACK was tested at a concentration (10 microM) that totally inhibited platelet aggregation in response to thrombin. 7E3 was tested at a concentration (10 micrograms/ml) that totally inhibited platelet aggregation. Platelet deposition at the site of balloon injury was reduced 47% by PPACK and 70% by 7E3 compared with heparin. CONCLUSIONS At shear rates seen in nonstenotic coronary arteries, PPACK and 7E3 are more effective than heparin in reducing platelet deposition at the site of balloon injury. The significant inhibition of platelet deposition by PPACK demonstrates the importance of heparin-resistant thrombin in platelet thrombus formation. The 7E3 results suggest that approximately 70% of platelet deposition at the site of balloon injury is GPIIb/IIIa dependent and that the remaining 30% results from non-GPIIb/IIIa-mediated platelet-subendothelial adhesion. Finally, the ex vivo whole artery system is a useful model for studying platelet-vessel wall interactions under physiologically defined parameters.
Does the Diversionary Use of Force Threaten the Democratic Peace? Assessing the Effect of Economic Growth on Interstate Conflict, 1921-2001

A democratic leader, anticipating a “rally ‘round the flag effect,” may have an incentive to divert attention from domestic economic problems by becoming involved in military conflict abroad, undermining Immanuel Kant's prescription for “perpetual peace.” We assess the risk to the democratic peace by evaluating this diversionary incentive within a general dyadic model of interstate conflict, 1921–2001, using both directed and nondirected analyses. Our results indicate that economic conditions do affect the likelihood that a democracy, but not an autocracy, will initiate a fatal militarized dispute, even against another democracy. Economic growth rates sufficiently low to negate the democratic peace are, however, rare; and the behavior of five powerful democracies raises further doubts about the importance of diversions. We find no significant evidence that a bad economy makes a democratic state less likely to be targeted by others, nor does the timing of legislative elections influence the decision of democratic leaders to use force. Although economic conditions affect the likelihood of a fatal dispute for democracies, the influence is sufficiently small that Kant's hope for a more peaceful world does not seem misplaced.
Nuclear magnetic resonance studies of bone water.

Mineralized bone tissue has a significant water component. Bone water is associated with the collagen fibers or mineral fraction or occurring as pore water of the Haversian and lacuno–canalicular system. Among the multiple physiologic functions that include signaling and providing to bone its viscoelastic properties, bone water enables the transport of ions and nutrients to and waste products from the cells. In addition, it plays a key role during mineralization whereby collagen-bound water is gradually replaced by calcium apatite-like mineral. In this review it is shown how nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) allows the study of various physiologically relevant properties of bone water nondestructively. Isotope exchange experiments are described from which the apparent water diffusion coefficient can be calculated. The method is based on monitoring the migration of H2O into the D2O after immersion of the specimen in heavy water. Data obtained from rabbit cortical bone in the normal and mineral-depleted skeleton provide evidence for the hypothesized reciprocal relationship between bone water and mineral. Further, from the diffusion coefficient (Da = (7.8 ± 1.5) × 10−7 cm2/s) measured at 40°C it can be inferred that diffusive transport of small molecules from the bone’s microvascular system to the osteocytes occurs within minutes. Finally, whereas isotope exchange is not feasible in vivo, it is shown that bone water can be imaged by proton MRI.
Rapid adaptation of translational vestibulo-ocular reflex: Independence of retinal slip

Recently, we developed a novel paradigm to induce rapid adaptation of the translational vestibulo-ocular reflex (TVOR). 1,2 When monkeys were given repeated trials of brief head translation (0.4 second duration, 0.2 g peak acceleration) and were required to maintain fixation on a visual target, the initial eye speed of their TVOR (as early as 20 ms after the onset of head translation) systematically increased if the target’s position was world-fixed (TVOR condition) or systematically decreased if the target’s position was head-fixed (TVORC condition). The time course of adaptation is exponential (time constant less than 100 trials) and the adaptation is specific for stimulus direction and modality (linear or angular). Retinal slip has been implicated as an essential signal for angular VOR gain adaptation. 3 Here, we examine a possible role of retinal slip in TVOR adaptation. In darkness, monkeys were given repeated TVORC training trials in two conditions: with or without retinal slip during head translation. In the without-retinal-slip condition, the target was turned off before head translation; however, when the head movement was completed, the target was re-illuminated. Each trial lasted about 3 s with an inter-trial interval of 1 s. During the inter-trial interval, photographers’ safe lights were turned on to minimize dark adaptation. Search coils were surgically implanted in both eyes to record binocular eye movements. 4 FIGURE 1 shows that initial eye speed (i.e., open-loop interval of the TVOR: ∼first 90 ms) decayed exponentially (adapted) with successive trials ( p < 0.001) in both conditions (FIG. 1A, with retinal slip; FIG. 1B, without retinal slip). In the with-retinal-slip condition, the initial eye speed was reduced by 52 ± 3%. In the without-retinal-slip condition, the initial eye speed was reduced by 45 ± 3%, similar to the with-retinal-slip condition. The time constants of adaptation were 64 ± 4 trials (without retinal slip) and 76 ± 3 trials (with retinal slip). These
The influence of body mass index, age and gender on current illness: a cross-sectional study

Obesity poses a significant health risk, but health risk is not equivalent to actual health status. Further, age and gender might alter the effect of body weight on physical health. To determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), age, gender and current health status. Data from the 1988–1994, 2003–2004 and 2005–2006 National Health & Nutrition Examination Surveys were weighted to represent the US population. BMI, age, gender and current medication use were analyzed in a sample-adjusted 9071 women and 8880 men. The percentage of participants taking medication and the total number of medications taken. In both the 1988–1994 and 2003–2006 data sets, with few exceptions, medication loads did not increase significantly in overweight compared with normal-weight people. Medication loads increased significantly in obese compared with normal-weight people aged 40+, but only marginally at 25–39 years. Medication loads were higher in women than men, but significantly less so in people aged 55–70. First, medication loads, a measure of current health status, were increased in obese compared with the normal-weight people, but the effect was mainly at ages over 40 years. In addition, BMI category contributed less to medication loads at ages 25–39 than in older groups. Second, there was little difference in current health status in normal-weight versus overweight people at all ages. Finally, higher medication loads in women than men are more apparent in younger than older people. Although obesity does not substantially affect current health in young people, it is likely that the increased medication loads in obese compared with normal-weight older people originates at least in part from an increased BMI starting at a younger age. Thus, age, gender and onset of high BMI all require consideration when using BMI to assess current health status.
Gastric Heterotopia in the Rectum

Gastric heterotopia, which is not uncommonly seen, occurs anywhere in the alimentary tract as well as in the mediastinum, scrotum and spinal cord. Gastric heterotopia in the rectum, however, is rarely reported, with only about 40 cases published in the English literature. Although it is a rare entity, it may be the source for significant problems such as rectal bleeding, abdominal and rectal pain and malignancy. Therefore, it is important to recognize this entity. Here, we report an additional case of gastric heterotopia in the rectum of 65 year-old female and review the literature. doi:10.4021/jmc484w
Complex Deformities of the Cervical Spine

Cervical deformities arise from a multitude of causes, including genetic, congenital, inflammatory, degenerative, and iatrogenic etiologies. They often require surgical intervention for treatment of pain, progressive structural decompensation, and neurologic deterioration. Although congenital and hereditary causes of cervical deformity require specialized attention to particular clinical features and operative considerations, postsurgical (iatrogenic) cervical deformity after surgery is the most common single cause. Appropriate treatment involves careful selection of conservative and aggressive measures and familiarity with advanced surgical techniques that allow for the safe correction of these challenging deformities. Flexible deformities can be managed with single-staged procedures, whereas fixed deformities require two-staged or even three-staged procedures. Staged surgery for fixed cervical deformities can achieve up to 28 degrees of angular correction and 31% translational correction.
A novel approach for identifying the surface atoms of macromolecules

Abstract A significant number of atoms lie buried beneath the “molecular surface” of proteins and other biologic macromolecules. Interactions between ligands and these macromolecules are dominated by interactions with the “surface atoms”. Although interactions with the “buried” or interior atoms of the macromolecule certainly contribute to the total intermolecular interaction energy, many computer-assisted drug design (CADD) strategies can benefit from the identification of those atoms “on the surface” of proteins and other macromolecules. We have developed a simple, yet novel method to distinguish the surface atoms of macromolecules from the interior atoms which is based on computing the atomic contributions to the solvent-accessible surface (SAS) area. This report describes that method and demonstrates that it compares very favorably with four alternative methods.
Does the osteopathic internship have a future

Since 1984, a new set of realities has generated pressures that are transforming osteopathic graduate medical education (OGME) and forcing it to adapt to changing circumstances. Policy decisions were made that addressed these circumstances, and the impact of these choices moved OGME in new directions. Many of the changes were perceived as positive, but inherent weaknesses were exposed as well. While the appearance and structure of OGME have been significantly altered, nowhere are the changes more apparent than in the traditional osteopathic internship. Compared with 1990, today's osteopathic internship is markedly different in terms of its curriculum, its identity, and its place within residencies approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. As a direct consequence of decisions made to expand internship opportunities, the traditional osteopathic internship appears destined to vanish as a distinct educational experience.
Block copolymers of amino acids. II. Physicochemical data on copolymers containing L-alanine or L-phenylalanine

The water-soluble block copolymers, whose syntheses were described in the preceding paper, were subjected to ultracentrifugation, viscosity, optical rotatory dispersion circular dichroism, fluorescence, proton magnetic resonance, and infrared measurements. Discrepancies between Mn and Mw, and line broadening in the proton magnetic resonance spectra (attributed to the formation of rigid structures), support the conclusion (drawn in the preceding paper) that the block copolymers are aggregated in aqueous solution. It is shown that similar block copolymers reported in the literature are also aggregated.
General foundations for studying masking and swamping robustness of outlier identifiers

Abstract With greatly advanced computational resources, the scope of statistical data analysis and modeling has widened to accommodate pressing new arenas of application. In all such data settings, an important and challenging task is the identification of outliers. Especially, an outlier identification procedure must be robust against the possibilities of masking (an outlier is undetected as such) and swamping (a nonoutlier is classified as an outlier). Here we provide general foundations and criteria for quantifying the robustness of outlier detection procedures against masking and swamping. This unifies a scattering of existing results confined to univariate or multivariate data, and extends to a completely general framework allowing any type of data. For any space X of objects and probability model F on X , we consider a real-valued outlyingness function O ( x , F ) defined over x in X and a sample version O ( x , X n ) based on a sample X n from X . In this setting, and within a coherent framework, we formulate general definitions of masking breakdown point and swamping breakdown point and develop lemmas for evaluating these robustness measures in practical applications. A brief illustration of the technique of application of the lemmas is provided for univariate scaled deviation outlyingness.
Minimum wage and employment in the fast food industry

Recent empirical studies on the impact of minimum wage legislation generate results that are inconsistent with conventional economic theory. Employing a methodology that compares affected with unaffected areas, these investigations indicate that employment levels are not adversely affected by the imposition of a minimum wage. Two studies in particular focus on the fast food industry. Although one study has come under attack for improperly measuring employment, an interesting theoretical question remains. This paper derives the demand for labor function of a fast food outlet facing price and profit margin constraints dictated by the company. The results of a minimum wage constraint are consistent with current empirical literature.
Electrophysiological and biochemical characterization of the development of α1-adrenergic and 5-HT1 receptors associated with dorsal raphe neurons

Abstract Electrophysiological and quantitative autoradiographic receptor binding approaches were used to characterize the postnatal development of α1-adrenergic and serotonergic receptors in the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in rats. Dose—response data were obtained from extracellular records of the firing of DRN neurons recorded in midbrain slices perfused with artificial cerebral spinal fluid containing varying concentrations of the drugs investigated. These data indicated that DRN neurons, at all postnatal ages, are equally sensitive to the excitatory effects of phenylephrine (an α1-norepinephrine agonist) and the inhibitory effects of serotonin (5-HT). In contrast, LSD (a 5-HT agonist) was considerably more potent in neonates as compared to adults. With one exception, the autoradiographic binding data was found to be in agreement with the electrophysiological findings. There were no observed changes in the number of α1-adrenergic ([3H]prazosin) binding sites at different ages suggesting that cells in this region exhibit functionally mature α1-adrenergic responses at birth. Similarly, the number of [3H] LSD binding sites was found to increase in older animals consistent with the increased potency of LSD in older animals. Paradoxically, the number of [3H] 5-HT sites was observed to increase with age, a finding inconsistent with the functional data obtained using 5-HT in the slice. Hypotheses for the observed discrepancy are examined.
The Decline of Popular Politics: The American North, 1865-1928

In the 1984 presidential election, only half of the eligible electorate exercised its right to vote. Why does politics no longer excite many-of not most Americans? Michael McGerr attrributes the decline in voting in the American North to the transformation of political style after the Civil War. The Decline of Popular Politics vividly recreates a vanished world of democratic ritual and charts its disappearance in the rapid change of industrial society. A century ago, political campaigns meant torchlight parades, spectacular pageants staged by opposing parties, and crowds of citizens attired in military dress or proudly displaying their crafts at well-attended rallies. The intense partisanship of presidential campaigns and party newspapers made political choice easy for people from all walks of life. In the late 1860s and 1870s, however, the rise of liberalism led to a rejection of partisanship by the press and a move towards "educational," rather than spectacular, electioneering. This style then lost out at the turn of the century to the sensational journalism of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst, and the "advertised" campaigning of Mark Hanna and other politicians. McGerr shows how these new developments made it increasingly difficult for many Northerners to link their political impulses with political action. By the 1920s, Northern politics resembled our own public life today. A vital democratic culture had yielded to advertised campaigns, an emphasis on personalities rather than issues or partisanship, and low voter turnout.
Fast computation with memory circuit elements

Memory circuit elements — resistors, capacitors and inductors with memory — are electronic components with great potential in a wide range of applications. In particular, they are ideally suited to enhance all three major computing paradigms: binary, analog and quantum. Here, we consider how to achieve a faster computation with these elements. Specifically, we will show that a binary logic architecture combining memristive and memcapacitive elements requires considerably less steps to process information compared to architectures employing only memristive elements. In addition, we demonstrate that a network of memristive — as well as memcapacitive or meminductive — systems can solve a complex optimization problem — the maze problem — with unprecedented speed due to the analog parallelism afforded by these elements.
Approximation of time-dependent, multi-component, viscoelastic fluid flow

Abstract In this article we analyse a fully discrete approximation to the time dependent viscoelasticity equations allowing for multicomponent fluid flow. The Oldroyd B constitutive equation is used to model the viscoelastic stress. For the discretization, time derivatives are replaced by backward difference quotients, and the non-linear terms are linearized by lagging appropriate factors. The modeling equations for the individual fluids are combined into a single system of equations using a continuum surface model. The numerical approximation is stabilized by using an SUPG approximation for the constitutive equation. Under a small data assumption on the true solution, existence of the approximate solution is proven. A priori error estimates for the approximation in terms of the mesh parameter h, the time discretization parameter Δt, and the SUPG coefficient ν are also derived. Numerical simulations of viscoelastic fluid flow involving two immiscible fluids are also presented.
Eddy current probe response to open and closed surface flaws

A general theory of eddy current flaw response, appropriate to both standard low frequency and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) probes, is developed for simple two-dimensional and three-dimensional open and closed surface flaw geometries. This analysis, based on the assumption of a uniform interrogating field applied to the flaw by the probe, shows that flaw opening responses increase with the operating frequency of the probe. Experimental results using both types of probe confirm this result for realistic practical geometries, where variations of crack mouth opening displacement under load provide useful information about crack dimensions.
Voting on slavery at the Constitutional Convention

This paper provides the first empirical study of delegate voting behavior on issues of slavery at the U.S. Constitutional Convention. We analyze two categories of votes: those related to apportionment and those related to the regulation of the slave trade. Although it is widely believed that delegates voted consistent with the interests of their states on issues of slavery, we find that for votes on apportionment, the effect of state interests was enhanced by both the delegate’s personal interest and his religious background. For votes regulating the slave trade, state interests had a significant effect but only within specific regions.
Effect of distractors, age, and level of education upon psychomotor task learning

Abstract Learning new manual assembly or procedures in the presence of distractions is common across industry. This research investigated the impact of age and years of formal education upon learning a manual assembly task in the presence of visual and auditory distractors in males and females ranging in age between 18 and 65 years. Subject age was significant in all analyses of learning metrics, with the oldest subjects’ performance particularly affected by the dual distractor condition. Learning, as evidenced by significant regression functions, was demonstrated only in the no distraction condition. Results indicate that reduction or elimination of irrelevant verbal or visuospatial distractors, comparable to those studied, could benefit older workers during early learning of psychomotor tasks. Relevance to industry With greater numbers of adults changing careers in mid to late-life, the ability to efficiently learn novel skills will become increasingly important. Determination of resistance to distractors during these early phases of learning manual assembly or psychomotor tasks will aid industry professionals in designing worker selection protocols, work design, distractor mediation strategies or training programs for all ages of workers.
Methane and methanol diffusion flames in supercritical water

Abstract Our interest in understanding supercritical-water oxidation as a process for the destruction of hazardous wastes has led us to examine hydrothermal diffusion flames that can ignite in supercritical waterfuel-oxygen mixtures. We injected pure oxygen into water-methane and water-methanol mixtures at 275 bar, varying fuel concentrations from 1 to 50 mol % and temperatures from 380 to 510 °C. Measurements of minimum fuel concentrations required for the spontaneous ignition of diffusion flames in supercritical water are reported. The flames ignite at methane or methanol concentrations as low as 6 mol % at temperatures near 500 °C. The ignition-threshold concentrations rise as temperature is decreased to 400 °C. Visual and shadowgraph video records reveal an insensitivity of flame height to diminishing fuel concentration. In contrast, both luminosity and average flame temperature vary strongly with fuel concentration. Flame structures are detectable long after flame luminosity is no longer visible, with measured average flame temperatures within a few hundred degrees of ambient.
Lack of dose-response with Pancrease MT for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in adults.

Background Choosing the optimum pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy for patients with exocrine insufficiency remains a problem. An enteric coated enzyme microsphere pancreatic enzyme preparation (Pancrease) has been marketed with several levels of lipase activity, implying that there is a dose–response relationship between dose and effectiveness such that the high potency form appears to be the most cost effective. Methods In a randomized, single-blind, cross-over study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a commercial enzyme preparation with different amounts of lipase per dosage unit in adults with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Patients received a diet comprising 100 g fat each day for 6 days. With each meal (three per day) they received two capsules of either Pancrease MT4 (8000 unit lipase), Pancrease MT10 (20 000 units lipase), Pancrease MT16 (32 000 units lipase) or placebo. A 72-h quantitative faecal collection was carried out for the last 3 days of the 6-day period. Results There was a reduction in faecal fat excretion with each of the preparations compared to placebo. The difference failed to reach significance with the 8000 units lipase preparation (P>0.05) but was significant (P=0.02) with the 20 000 units lipase and the 32 000 units lipase preparations (faecal fat excretion: placebo=42.1±29 g, lipase 8000 =22.1 ± 7.3 g, lipase 20 000 =10.2±4.5 g and lipase 32 000 = 15.8±12.5 g, P < for 20 000 units and 32 000 units lipase compared to placebo). Conclusion A dose–response relationship between the amount of lipase administered with each meal and a reduction in faecal fat was not evident. The most potent preparation did not provide additional benefits compared to the less expensive lower potency dosage form.
Socioeconomic disparities in lung cancer treatment and outcomes persist within a single academic medical center

Abstract Background Socioeconomic disparities in treatment and outcomes of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are well established. To explore whether these differences are secondary to individual or institutional characteristics, we examined treatment selection and outcome in a diverse population treated at a single medical center. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with NSCLC stages I-III from 2000 to 2005 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Treatment selection was dichotomized as ‘standard’ (surgery for stage I-II; surgery and/or radiation therapy for stage III) or ‘other.’ Associations between patient characteristics (including socioeconomic status) and treatment selection were examined using logistic regression; associations between characteristics and overall survival were examined using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results A total of 450 patients were included. Twenty-eight percent of patients had private insurance, 43% had Medicare, and 29% had an indigent care plan. The likelihood of receiving ‘standard’ therapy was significantly associated with insurance type (indigent plan versus private insurance odds ratio [OR] 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04, 0.43 for stage I-II; OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.14, 1.00 for stage III). For patients with stage I-II NSCLC, survival was associated with age, sex, insurance type (indigent plan versus private insurance hazard ratio for death 1.98; 95% CI 1.16, 3.37), stage, and treatment selection. In stage III NSCLC, survival was associated with treatment selection. Conclusion Within a single academic medical center, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with stage I-III NSCLC are less likely to receive ‘standard’ therapy. Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with stage I-II NSCLC have inferior survival independent of therapy.
Amino-acid and glucose utilization of Leishmania donovani and L. braziliensis

The availability of a defined medium (STEIGER & STEIGER, 1976) has enabled studies on the nutritional requirements of promastigotes of L. donovani and L. braziliensis (STEIGER & STEIGER, 1977). As outlined elsewhere (STEIGER & MESHNICK, 1977), the present paper describes preliminary experiments dealing with the utilization of amino-acids and glucose by these two Leishmania species. The data are compared to those obtained with Trypanosoma (CROSS et al., 1975a,b; BRUN & JENNI, 1977) and are discussed in relation to the nutrition of Leishmania.
Atomistic calculation of the SiH3 surface reactivity during plasma deposition of amorphous silicon thin films

Abstract We report a direct, statistically significant calculation of the surface reactivity of the SiH 3 radical on hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) using molecular-dynamics simulations of repeated impingement of SiH 3 radicals on growth surfaces of smooth a-Si:H films over the temperature range 475–800 K. SiH 3 can either incorporate into the film by adsorbing onto a surface Si dangling bond or inserting into Si–Si bonds (sticking), or abstract surface H through Eley–Rideal (ER) or Langmuir–Hinshelwood (LH) pathways to produce SiH 4 gas, or react with another surface SiH 3 to desorb as Si 2 H 6 (recombination), or leave the film by reflection or desorption. The overall surface reaction probability, β , includes both radical sticking and recombination. In agreement with experimental measurements, β is almost constant over the temperature range studied, as are the probabilities for sticking and recombination, s and γ , respectively; the calculated mean value of β is 0.47 ± 0.03. Energetic analysis of the various surface reactions shows that radical adsorption, radical insertion, and ER abstraction are barrierless processes, which explains the measured temperature independence of β . LH abstraction is activated, but competes with disilane formation, yielding a temperature-independent γ . Also, LH abstraction leads to H elimination from a-Si:H during growth and can partly explain the experimentally measured temperature dependence of the H content in the a-Si:H film.
Innate immune detection of flagellin positively and negatively regulates salmonella infection.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a flagellated bacterium and one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis in humans. Bacterial flagellin is required for motility and also a prime target of the innate immune system. Innate immune recognition of flagellin is mediated by at least two independent pathways, TLR5 and Naip5-Naip6/NlrC4/Caspase-1. The functional significance of each of the two independent flagellin recognition systems for host defense against wild type Salmonella infection is complex, and innate immune detection of flagellin contributes to both protection and susceptibility. We hypothesized that efficient modulation of flagellin expression in vivo permits Salmonella to evade innate immune detection and limit the functional role of flagellin-specific host innate defenses. To test this hypothesis, we used Salmonella deficient in the anti-sigma factor flgM, which overproduce flagella and are attenuated in vivo. In this study we demonstrate that flagellin recognition by the innate immune system is responsible for the attenuation of flgM− S. Typhimurium, and dissect the contribution of each flagellin recognition pathway to bacterial clearance and inflammation. We demonstrate that caspase-1 controls mucosal and systemic infection of flgM− S. Typhimurium, and also limits intestinal inflammation and injury. In contrast, TLR5 paradoxically promotes bacterial colonization in the cecum and systemic infection, but attenuates intestinal inflammation. Our results indicate that Salmonella evasion of caspase-1 dependent flagellin recognition is critical for establishing infection and that evasion of TLR5 and caspase-1 dependent flagellin recognition helps Salmonella induce intestinal inflammation and establish a niche in the inflamed gut.
Associations between childhood asthma and ADHD : issues of psychiatric comorbidity and familiality

ABSTRACT Objective In this paper we evaluate the association between asthma and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), addressing issues of comorbidity and familiality by formulating and testing competing hypotheses. Method Subjects were 6− to 17-year-old boys with DSM-III-R ADHD ( N = 140) and normal controls ( N = 120) and their first-degree relatives. Information on asthma was obtained from the mothers in a standardized manner blind to the proband's clinical status. Results The risk for asthma did not meaningfully differ between ADHD and control children. Relatives of ADHD probands with and without asthma were at significantly greater risk for ADHD than relatives of normal controls. In contrast, the risk for asthma was significantly elevated only among relatives of children with ADHD plus asthma. Conclusions These findings argue against a substantial etiological or pathophysiological relationship between the two conditions but suggest that ADHD and asthma are independently transmitted in families. Thus, the observation of ADHD symptoms in an asthmatic child should not be dismissed out of hand as being a consequence of asthma since many asthmatic ADHD children may actually have ADHD.
Spatial auditory display: Comments on Shinn-Cunningham et al., ICAD 2001

Spatial auditory displays have received a great deal of attention in the community investigating how to present information through sound. This short commentary discusses our 2001 ICAD paper (Shinn-Cunningham, Streeter, and Gyss), which explored whether it is possible to provide enhanced spatial auditory information in an auditory display. The discussion provides some historical context and discusses how work on representing information in spatial auditory displays has progressed over the last 5 years.
Co8(CO)24C6, a bis(tricobalt nonacarbonyl)/dicobalt hexacarbonyl derivative of 2,4-hexadiyne from the reaction of dicobalt octacarbonyl with hexachlorocyclopropane

Abstract The reaction of dicobalt octacarbonyl with hexachlorocyclopropane in THF produced Co8(CO)24C6 whose structure (A) was determined by means of single crystal X-ray crystallography. The compound is obtained from hexane/benzene as black Co8(CO)24C6· 1 2 C6H6, crystallising in the triclinic space group P 1 with a = 15.57 ± 0.02 A, b = 16.32 ± 0.02 A, c = 9.77 ± 0.01 A, α = 99.78 ± 0.10°, β = 115.06 ± 0.10 °, γ = 74.39 ± 0.10 °. The final discrepancy index is RF = 10.25% for 2484 independent, nonzero reflections.
Cellular DDX21 RNA Helicase Inhibits Influenza A Virus Replication but Is Counteracted by the Viral NS1 Protein

Influenza A virus RNA synthesis is catalyzed by the viral polymerase comprised of the PA, PB1, and PB2 proteins. We show that the host DDX21 RNA helicase restricts influenza A virus by binding PB1 and inhibiting polymerase assembly, resulting in reduced viral RNA and protein synthesis. Later during infection, the viral NS1 protein overcomes this restriction by binding to DDX21 and displacing PB1. DDX21 binds to a region of the NS1 N-terminal domain that also participates in other critical functions. A virus mutant whose NS1 protein is unable to bind DDX21 exhibits reduced viral protein synthesis at both late and early times of infection, a phenotype converted to wild-type upon DDX21 knockdown. As sequential interaction of PB1 and NS1 with DDX21 leads to temporal regulation of viral gene expression, influenza A virus likely uses the DDX21-NS1 interaction not only to overcome restriction, but also to regulate the viral life cycle.
A Research into the Use of Temperature Nephogram in Measuring Substation Temperatures

This paper builds two temperature field models by using Inverse Distance Weighting and Kriging algorithms respectively and compares the accuracy of these two models. Then it analyzes the factors that influence the accuracy of temperature fields, which include the interpolating methods that are used, the accuracy of the plane coordinates and the number of measured points.
Methylation and mutational analysis of p27kip1 in prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND We have previously identified 12p12-13 as a region of frequent genetic loss in prostate carcinoma. A candidate tumor suppressor gene at this locus is the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1, which has been implicated as a marker of aggressive prostate carcinoma. Herein, we examine metastatic prostate tumors, xenografts, and cell lines for gene inactivation via mutational inactivation or promoter hypermethylation. METHODS Mutation analysis was performed on metastatic prostate tumors of 18 patients, eight prostate carcinoma cell lines, and 18 xenografts by PCR amplification of the entire open reading frame of p27kip1. PCR products were sequenced directly using internal primers. Methylation analysis was performed on four cell lines and nine xenografts using direct sequencing of cloned PCR products of bisulfite treated DNA. Presence of a CpG was consistent with methylation of that cytosine in the original sample. RESULTS With the exception of the previously reported homozygous deletion, no additional mutations were identified. Methylated CpG residues were identified in three xenografts (LuCAP23, LuCAP35, and PC82) and the methylated residues clustered at six sites; the cytosines 69, 149, 191, 286, 349, and 487 base pairs 5′ of the ATG start codon. However, no sample demonstrated promotor methylation in all sequenced clones and the number of methylated base pairs ranged from seven to three, not the level usually associated with gene silencing. CONCLUSIONS Mutational inactivation of p27kip1 is a rare event in metastatic prostate carcinoma. While CpG methylation does occur, it is an infrequent event and does not appear to be the mechanism of p27kip1 down regulation in prostate carcinoma. Prostate 48:248–253, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Occult Macular Dystrophy

Purpose To determine the basis for unexplained visual acuity loss in selected patients. Design Observational study of patients with unexplained reduced visual acuity. Methods We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate foveal structure in eight patients. These patients had corrected visual acuities of 20/25 to count fingers in one or both eyes and a normal ocular examination. We recorded foveal cone electroretinograms (ERGs) as an objective measure of foveal function. Results Seven patients showed reduced foveal thickness associated with thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), and five of these patients also had reduced foveal cone ERGs. One patient had normal tomograms and reduced foveal ERGs. Conclusions Unexplained reductions in visual acuity may result from photoreceptor loss or foveal malfunction without photoreceptor loss, which are indicators of occult macular dystrophy. OCT and the foveal cone ERG together appear to be sufficient to identify the basis for visual acuity loss in these patients.
Effects of Communication on Mobile Sensor Networks

The vague assumption of a fixed communication range has facilitated the development of major areas of study in mobile sensor networks such as connectivity, coverage, and self-deployment algorithms by providing a stable element as a foundation for their analysis, but more precise communication model is required in order to convert theoretical simulations into realistic applications. This paper studies the effects of more realistic communication models on mobile sensor networks/Ad-hoc networks taking into consideration multi-access interference and noise and their impact on the communication range of the nodes. The study shows that the communication range changes with the characteristics of the network (network parameters and node distribution). Simulation results justify our findings and future research directions are discussed.
Specification and estimation of the effect of ownership on the economic efficiency of the water utilities

Abstract A stochastic frontier cost function is used to specify the cost of inefficiency of publicly and privately owned urban water utilities in terms of their different ownership structures and firm-specific characteristics. A translog cost function is used to approximate the production technology. Both mean and variance of inefficiency are specified in the model as functions of firm-specific factors. Estimation is done in two steps, which does not require a set of stringent distributional assumptions as needed for the estimation of a standard frontier model. Results show that when the operation is small, privately owned water utilities are comparatively more efficient. Public water utilities are comparatively more efficient when the scale of operation is large. A generalized likelihood ratio test of the null hypothesis that the inefficiency effects are not firm-specific is rejected in favor of a firm-specific specification.
An overview of DR-LINK and its approach to document filtering

DR-LINK is an information retrieval system, complex in design and processing, with the potential for providing significant advances in retrieval results due to the range and richness of semantic representation done by the various modules in the system. By using a full continuum of linguistic-conceptual processing, DR-LINK has the capability of producing documents which precisely match users' needs. Each of DR-LINK's six processing modules add to the conceptual enhancement of the document and query representation by means of continual semantic enrichments to the text. Rich representations are essential to meet the retrieval requirements of complex information needs and to reduce the ambiguities associated with keyword-based retrieval. To produce this enriched representation, the system uses lexical, syntactic, semantic, and discourse linguistic processing techniques for distilling from documents and topic statements all the rich layers of knowledge incorporated in their deceptively simple textual surface and for producing a textual representation which has been shaped by all these levels of linguistic processing.