cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pharmacokinetic model describing the removal of circulating radiolabeled antibody by extracorporeal immunoadsorption.

Extracorporeal immunoadsorption is a new technique for removal of circulating radiolabeled antibody from the peripheral blood (1) to reduce background activity for improved tumor imaging, and (2) to reduce whole-body and marrow toxicity when high doses of radiolabeled antibodies are used for antitumor therapy. A pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe plasma disappearance of111In -KC-4G3 prior to, during, and after immunoadsorption in humans. The model is developed based on a two-compartment open model, and during immunoadsorption a third compartment is added for removed radioactivity by the immunoadsorption column. Goodness-of-fit statistics indicate a good fit of the model to the data. The resulting pharmacokinetic parameters for a selected patient are V1=2.64L, Vss=3.64 L, t1/2α=3.77hr, and t1/2β hr. The immunoadsorption clearance (CL1A=19.3 ml/min) was 21-fold greater than the patient's plasma clearance (CL10=0.899 ml/min), indicating a very effective immunoadsorption process. The model predicts an increase in plasma radioactivity upon termination of immunoadsorption, probably due to redistribution of radioactivity from the extravascular compartment to the plasma in response to the rapid decline in plasma radioactivity during immunoadsorption. Two series of simulations were performed to examine the influence of onset time and duration of immunoadsorption. In series one the onset time was varied and in series two immunoadsorption duration was varied. In series one, the predicted radioactivity amounts adsorbed by the immunoadsorption column ranged from 75% of the injected dose (4-hr onset) to 52% of the injected dose (24-hr onset). In series two, immunoadsorbed radioactivity ranged from 32% (2-hr duration) to 64% of the injected dose (12-hr duration). When instituted as early as 4 hr, the predictions suggest that earlier immmoadsorption onset improves the effectiveness of radioactivity removal, relating to higher early circulation concentrations, and longer immunoadsorption periods remove more radioactivity, but also result in larger predicted radioactivity redistribution from tissue to plasma. To employ the immunoadsorption procedure for tumor imaging and therapy optimally, the data and our predictions indicate that a compromise must be made that will balance immunoadsorption onset and duration against tumor radioactivity uptake and subsequent radioactivity redistribution from tissues back to plasma. Together with biologic considerations providing sufficient antigenantibody interaction and dependent on the utilized radioisotope, these data support the utility of extracorporeal immunoadsorption during the radioimmunodetection of cancer and for future therapeutic applications.
Analysis of the natural modes of the 3-D eddy current problem based on the finite integration technique

Low-frequency, broadband electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensors have been shown to be highly effective at detecting and classifying buried conducting targets. Even the simplest inductive sensors are capable of easily detecting the presence of buried metal. It is difficult, however, for most inductive sensors to discriminate between targets of interest, and the ubiquitous metallic clutter that might be buried alongside it. One attractive solution to this discrimination problem is to invert the broadband frequency data collected by the EMI sensor, finding a pole-expansion representation of the scattering transfer function known as its discrete spectrum of relaxation frequencies (DSRF). A target's low-frequency scattering behavior can then be compactly described by a set of relaxation frequencies that are the poles of the transfer function and their coefficients that are the corresponding amplitudes. Discrimination can be achieved by comparing the inverted data to a dictionary that contains the theoretical DSRFs of targets of interest. In this paper, a computational method will be presented for modeling the DSRF of arbitrarily-shaped three-dimensional conducting targets.
Maspin Regulates Endothelial Cell Adhesion and Migration through an Integrin Signaling Pathway

Maspin has been identified as a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for its anti-angiogenic property is unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of maspin on endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and migration in a cell culture system. We found that maspin was expressed in blood vessels ECs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Maspin significantly enhanced HUVEC cell adhesion to various matrix proteins. This effect was dependent on the activation of integrin β1, which subsequently led to distribution pattern changes of vinculin and F-actin. These results indicated that maspin affects cell adhesion and cytoskeleton reorganization through an integrin signal transduction pathway. Analysis of HUVECs following maspin treatment revealed increased integrin-linked kinase activities and phosphorylated FAK levels, consistent with increased cell adhesion. Interestingly, when HUVECs were induced to migrate by migration stimulatory factor bFGF, active Rac1 and cdc42 small GTPase levels were decreased dramatically at 30 min following maspin treatment. Using phosphorylated FAK at Tyr397 as an indicator of focal adhesion disassembly, maspin-treated HUVECs had elevated FAK phosphorylation compared with the mock treated control. The results were a reduction in focal adhesion disassembly and the retardation in EC migration. This study uncovers a mechanism by which maspin exerts its effect on EC adhesion and migration through an integrin signal transduction pathway.
Use of emission spectroscopy for real-time assessment of relative wall erosion rate of BHT-200 hall thruster for various regimes of operation

Abstract Radiation emission due to Boron atoms sputtered from the Boron–Nitride ceramic walls of a BHT-200 Hall thruster was measured as a diagnostic for real time assessment of thruster wall erosion and to determine the effects of various operation conditions on thruster lifetime. Boron neutral 249.677 and 249.773 nm lines were measured using a high-resolution spectrometer. Spectral measurement results and the accompanying analysis and discussion are presented in this study. From the spectral measurements it was observed that the Boron emission intensity significantly increases for increased discharge voltage pointing to a large increase in the thruster wall erosion rate. Additionally, the measurements show that for the nominal discharge voltage and the applied magnetic field intensity, there is an optimum propellant flow rate for minimum Boron emission, thus minimum wall erosion rate. The variation in the current to the magnet coils showed that the Boron emission intensity increases for increased magnetic field and the Boron emission intensity shows similar behavior to that of the Xenon single ion emission line intensity at 248.911 nm. The findings of the study show that emission spectroscopy can be used in determining the optimum operational parameters for minimum wall erosion for SPT type Hall thrusters.
By-wire cars turn the corner

The basic concept of by-wire sounds simple enough: replace the car's mechanically linked hydraulic systems-steering and braking, for example-with electronic ones. By-wire systems began to be installed well over a decade ago, first in military and then in commercial aircraft. In a "true" by-wire system, there would be no hydraulic backup to the electronic system; therein lies a cause for carmakers' concern. Drivers count on the fact that the brakes and steering work when and how they are supposed to, thanks to hydraulic systems. Car makers just don't know how drivers will react to the wires, computers, and microcontrollers. Another basic hurdle automakers face is that no industry-wide standard exists for a by-wire system. There is no set specification for the electronic control of a safety-critical system like braking or steering. While automakers agree that having such a standard will help both in winning public confidence in by-wire systems and in designing and implementing such systems, they have yet to agree on one. What's more, this standard needs to work for all safety-critical functions under the by-wire umbrella. This paper describes how by-wire systems work in aiding the driver in steering, stabilising and braking the car. The barriers to implementing such systems are outlined.
Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Control of Cable Pilus Gene Expression in Burkholderia cenocepacia

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an important member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex, a group of closely related bacteria that inhabits a wide variety of environmental niches in nature and that also colonizes the lungs of compromised humans. Certain strains of B. cenocepacia express peritrichous adherence organelles known as cable pili, thought to be important in the colonization of the lower respiratory tract. The genetic locus required for cable pilus biogenesis is comprised of at least five genes, designated cblB, cblA, cblC, cblD, and cblS. In this study a transcriptional analysis of cbl gene expression was undertaken. The principal promoter, located upstream of the cbl locus, was identified and characterized. By using lacZ transcriptional fusions, the effects of multiple environmental cues on cbl gene expression were examined. High osmolarity, temperature of 37°C, acidic pH, and low iron bioavailability were found to induce cbl gene expression. Northern hybridization analysis of the cbl locus identified a single, stable transcript corresponding to cblA, encoding the major pilin subunit. Transcriptional fusion studies combined with reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicated that the stable cblA transcript is the product of an mRNA processing event. This event may ensure high levels of expression of the major pilin, relative to other components of the assembly pathway. Our findings lend further insight into the control of cable pilus biogenesis in B. cenocepacia and provide evidence for regulation of cbl gene expression on both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.
Marriage and Rural Economy: Western Europe Since 1400 . Edited by Isabelle Devos and Liam Kennedy. [Comparative Rural History of the North Sea Area, No. 3.] Turnhout: Brepols, 1999. Pp. 292. €55.00.

Originating in a 1998 seminar in Cambridge, England, the historical essays in this volume explore the connections between the economy, marriage, and demographic change in the rural populations of eight northwestern European countries. Only one of the essays (Richard Smith's, on England) reaches as far back as the medieval era, and one (Theo Engelen's, on European nuptiality) deals primarily with the twentieth century. The other essays concern the period 1600â€“1900, and the bulk of these employ data from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The editors describe the collection as â€œ[presenting] the current state of research on the European Marriage Patternâ€ (p. 13), that is, on the distinctive patternâ€”relatively high ages at first marriage, relatively high proportions of the population not marryingâ€”attributed to northwestern Europe in John Hajnal's seminal 1965 essay (â€œEuropean Marriage Patterns in Historical Perspective.â€ In Population in History, edited by David Glass and D. E. C. Eversley, 101â€“43. Chicago: Aldine.). Hajnal's research hypothesized the pattern, but did not concern itself with the reasons for its existence; by contrast, the present essays seek to describe and interrelate the geographic and temporal variants of the basic pattern, and the long-term changes in the economic contexts in which they appeared. On the whole, these essays perform their task admirably: the editors should be thanked for holding their team together as well as they have, and for producing a volume that does not have the patchwork quality of many conference-based collections.
EFFECTS OF INCREASING ORAL READING Generalization Across Reading Tasks

In this study, individual performance in reading aloud was manipulated experimentally, and the associated effects of these manipulations on comprehension measures were examined for individual cases. Results revealed that large but not small increases in reading aloud from text are indicative of improved performance on traditional comprehension tasks. Additional analyses revealed that criterion levels of oral reading performance are related to accuracy in answering comprehension questions.
Cardiolipin synthase expression is essential for growth at elevated temperature and is regulated by factors affecting mitochondrial development

Cardiolipin (CL) is a unique dimeric phospholipid localized primarily in the mitochondrial membrane. In eukaryotes, the enzyme CL synthase catalyses the synthesis of CL from two lipid substrates, CDP-diacylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. In earlier studies, we reported the purification of CL synthase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the cloning of the gene CRD1 (previously called CLS1) that encodes the enzyme. Because CL is an important component of the mitochondrial membrane, knowledge of its regulation will provide insight into the biogenesis of this organelle. To understand how CL synthesis is regulated, we analysed CRD1 expression by Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from cells under a variety of growth conditions. CRD1 expression is regulated by mitochondrial development factors. CRD1 levels were 7- to 10-fold greater in stationary than in logarithmic growth phase, and threefold greater in wild-type than in ρ0 mutants. Expression was somewhat elevated during growth in glycerol/ethanol versus glucose media. In contrast, CRD1 expression was not regulated by the phospholipid precursors inositol and choline, and was not altered in the regulatory mutants ino2, ino4 and opi1. Mutations in cytochrome oxidase assembly, which led to reduced Crd1p enzyme activity, did not affect CRD1 expression. The crd1 null mutant makes a truncated CRD1 message. Although the null mutant can grow on both fermentable and non-fermentable carbon sources at lower temperatures, it cannot form colonies at 37°C. In conclusion, CRD1 expression is controlled by factors affecting mitochondrial development, but not by the phospholipid precursors inositol and choline. Expression of CRD1 is essential for growth at elevated temperatures, suggesting that either CL or Crd1p is required for an essential cellular function.
Non-Composted Municipal Solid Waste Processing Byproduct Effect on Soil Reclamation

ABSTRACT A new garbage processing technology has been developed that sterilizes and separates inorganic and organic components of municipal solid waste. The non-composted byproduct of this process, Fluff®, has the potential to be utilized as a soil amendment to improve soil conditions in highly degraded soils. A study was initiated to evaluate Fluff as a soil amendment for establishing native grasses on disturbed US Army training lands. The Fluff was incorporated into a sandy loam soil at Fort Benning Military Reservation, GA on two sites: a moderately degraded and a highly degraded soil. The Fluff was incorporated at rates of 0, 18, 36, 72, and 143 Mg ha− 1 to assess the effects on soil properties for two growing seasons. The addition of Fluff improved available plant nutrients and soil pH levels at both sites. Also, Fluff reduced the level of soil bulk density and increased soil concentration of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). Because no adverse environmental effects were detected and Fluff improved soil p...
A deubiquitinase negatively regulates retro-translocation of nonubiquitinated substrates

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane–bound E3 ubiquitin ligases promote ER-associated degradation (ERAD) by ubiquitinating a retro-translocated substrate that reaches the cytosol from the ER, targeting it to the proteasome for destruction. Recent findings implicate ERAD-associated deubiquitinases (DUBs) as positive and negative regulators during ERAD, reflecting the different consequences of deubiquitinating a substrate prior to proteasomal degradation. These observations raise the question of whether a DUB can control the fate of a nonubiquitinated ERAD substrate. In this study, we probed the role of the ERAD-associated DUB, YOD1, during retro-translocation of the nonubiquitinated cholera toxin A1 (CTA1) peptide, a critical intoxication step. Through combining knockdown, overexpression, and binding studies, we demonstrated that YOD1 negatively controls CTA1 retro-translocation, likely by deubiquitinating and inactivating ubiquitinated ERAD components that normally promote toxin retro-translocation. YOD1 also antagonizes the proteasomal degradation of nonglycosylated pro-α factor, a postulated nonubiquitinated yeast ERAD substrate, in mammalian cells. Our findings reveal that a cytosolic DUB exerts a negative function during retro-translocation of nonubiquitinated substrates, potentially by acting on elements of the ERAD machinery.
Memory Distortion and False Memory Creation

The 1990s have brought to public attention thousands of cases that began when a grown-up daughter or son walked into a therapist's office seeking help for depression, low self-esteem, or any of a number of life's problems. Many of these cases grew to involve memories of childhood sexual abuse recovered while in therapy--memories that did not exist, or at least were not remembered, before therapy began. Many of these cases also involved families torn violently apart. What should we make of these new-found memories? Are they true memories that were successfully revived in therapy? Are they false memories that were unwittingly planted? Are they symbolic expressions--historically false but representing some deep underlying truth? Insights from cognitive psychology may shed some light. Much of the litigation that has resulted from the emergence of "repressed memories" has been hazardous to the patients, and their families, as well as to the therapists who treat them.
Hydrothermal Formation and Properties of Chromium Oxide Film

Aluminum borate (9Al2O3·2B2O3) whiskers were coated with uniform films of chromium-containing deposits by using a hydrothermal technique in which a mixture of CrCl3, Na2C4H4O6, NaPH2O2 and H3BO3 is used as the coating solution. The morphology and characteristics of hydrothermal deposits were affected by composition of coating solution, temperature and reaction time. After 2-8 hours of heating at 800-850°C in air, smooth films composed mainly of hexagonal Cr2O3 were formed on whisker surface and the thickness was 0. 01-0. 02 μm.
Farthest Centroids Divisive Clustering

A method is presented to partition a given set of data entries embedded in Euclidean space by recursively bisecting clusters into smaller ones. The initial set is subdivided into two subsets whose centroids are farthest from each other, and the process is repeated recursively on each subset. An approximate algorithm is proposed to solve the original integer programming problem which is NP-hard. Experimental evidence shows that the clustering method often outperforms a standard spectral clustering method, albeit at a slightly higher computational cost. The paper also discusses improvements of the standard K-means algorithm. Specifically, the clustering quality resulting from the K-means technique can be significantly enhanced by using the proposed algorithm for its initialization.
Critique of trials in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and fungal allergy

Treatment of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) emerged from uncontrolled published series of patients on prolonged oral glucocorticosteroids. Oral steroids remain the mainstay of treatment, but dose regime and duration have never been standardized. Oral steroids are problematic due to frequency of relapse, lack of steroid action on airway fungal burden and toxicities. Prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials of inhaled corticosteroids (n=1) or oral itraconazole (n=2) in patients with asthma and ABPA have shown efficacy for the latter drug only. Itraconazole is an effective steroid-sparing agent with anti-inflammatory aspects. Use of inhaled budesonide with itraconazole can lead to adrenal suppression due to inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450. Despite combined use of oral steroids and itraconazole in ABPA, relapses and steroid dependence or toxicity have led to examination of alternative agents in uncontrolled case reports and series. Reports of nebulized amphotericin B in several patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and ABPA suggest a potential benefit. Voriconazole has also been used with some success but also some toxicity. Both itraconazole and voriconazole have also been used in some CF-ABPA patients as monotherapy with mixed results. A recent report described treatment of refractory CF-ABPA with monthly high-dose intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone, also with mixed results. No controlled trials of voriconazole, inhaled amphotericin, or IV pulse steroids have been published. Future studies should focus on controlled trials of antifungal and immunomodulatory agents since conventional steroid therapy remains problematic.
An estradiol-induced protein synthesized in the ventral medial hypothalamus and transported to the midbrain central gray.

Estradiol (E2) facilitates the lordosis reflex that occurs in response to flank stimulation in female rats. Lordosis appears to be regulated in part by the synthesis of proteins in the ventral medial hypothalamus (VMH) that are transported to the midbrain central gray (MCG). We developed a strategy involving microinfusion of radioactive amino acids, followed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, to identify proteins that may be regulated by E2 in the VMH and transported to the MCG. A mixture of 35S-methionine and 35S-cysteine (2:1, total 500–1000 microCi), suspended in 1 microliter PBS, was infused bilaterally into the VMH over a period of 2 hr into matched pairs of ovariectomized female rats, one of which was given a Silastic implant containing E2 at the beginning of infusion or 1 week earlier. The rats were sacrificed 12 hr after the end of infusion, and several brain regions were obtained by microdissection. Samples were analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, entailing isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and SDS-PAGE (molecular-weight separation) in the second dimension, followed by fluorography. We could routinely separate at least 250 spots. We consistently found a protein spot with an apparent molecular weight of 70 kDa, pI of about 5.9, which almost always appeared in the VMH and MCG of rats given E2 replacement but very rarely in samples from ovariectomized rats given no E2 replacement. A spot immediately acidic to this protein (70 kDa, pl about 5.8) appeared to vary inversely with this E2-induced protein.
Daily Cranberry Juice for the Prevention of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Pregnancy: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

Purpose: We compared the effects of daily cranberry juice cocktail to those of placebo during pregnancy on asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infections.Materials and Methods: A total of 188 women were randomized to cranberry or placebo in 3 treatment arms of A—cranberry 3 times daily (58), B—cranberry at breakfast then placebo at lunch and dinner (67), and C—placebo 3 times daily (63). After 27.7% (52 of 188) of the subjects were enrolled in the study the dosing regimens were changed to twice daily dosing to improve compliance.Results: There were 27 urinary tract infections in 18 subjects in this cohort, with 6 in 4 group A subjects, 10 in 7 group B subjects and 11 in 7 group C subjects (p = 0.71). There was a 57% and 41% reduction in the frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria and all urinary tract infections, respectively, in the multiple daily dosing group. However, this study was not sufficiently powered at the alpha 0.05 level (CI 0.14–1.39 and 0.22–1.60, respectively, incidence ra...
Improving the Effectiveness of XML Retrieval with User Navigation Models

Structured documents (predominantly encoded in XML) utilize markup dialects for several purposes, such as conveying logical structure, or providing rendering instructions. XML structure can also help users to navigate within documents to satisfy their information needs. However, including the user's structural preferences in the ranking of retrieved elements remains a key challenge in XML retrieval. In this paper, we propose an approach for including structural preferences in the ranking of XML elements by improving the structural relevance (SR) of results. SR is an evaluation measure which relies on graphical navigation models to capture the structural preferences of users. We propose several algorithms to post-process search engine output to improve the SR of the output. Experimental results (using data, assessments, and search engines from INEX 2007 and 2008) demonstrate the effect of different combinations of post-processing algorithms and navigation models on the effectiveness of systems.
ADANSONIAN ANALYSIS AND DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID BASE COMPOSITION OF SOME GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA

Colwell, R. R. (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.), and M. Mandel. Adansonian analysis and deoxyribonucleic acid base composition of some gram-negative bacteria. J. Bacteriol. 87:1412–1422. 1964.—The deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) base compositions and S values for a minimum of 134 coded properties were determined for representative cultures of the genera Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas, Aeromonas, Vibrio, Aerobacter, Escherichia, Alcaligenes, and Flavobacterium. Those cultures having a high degree of similarity by the criterion of numerical taxonomy were found to have similar DNA base compositions. The relative affinities of clusters of cultures suggest taxonomic relations. Eleven species of Xanthomonas might be a single species, and V. metschnikovii was shown to be more closely related to enteric bacteria than to other vibrios which, in turn, were found to be like pseudomonads. Aeromonas was found to be intermediate in similarity to enterics and pseudomonads and divisible into at least two, but possibly three, species. F. aquatile was unlike any of the other organisms studied, and its DNA also differed greatly in composition from other representatives of the genus.
Histoplasmosis in Indianapolis

Recurrent outbreaks of histoplasmosis in Indianapolis since 1978 have expanded our understanding of histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis has emerged as the leading opportunistic infection in patients with AIDS from Indianapolis. Clinical manifestations of histoplasmosis are influenced by host factors. Underlying lung disease predisposes to chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis, and immunosuppressive medications or disorders predispose to dissemination. Inflammatory manifestations, including arthritis, erythema nodosum, and pericarditis, commonly occur with acute histoplasmosis. Diagnosis of histoplasmosis requires understanding of the accuracy and limitations of cultural and serological methods. More recently, radioimmunoassay for polysaccharide antigen has offered a new diagnostic approach. Amphotericin B remains the gold standard for treatment and is highly effective, even in immunocompromised individuals. Itraconazole shows promise as an alternative to amphotericin B for treatment of less severely ill patients. The role of fluconazole in therapy remains unknown until ongoing clinical trials are completed. Histoplasmosis cannot be cured in individuals with AIDS and in a small proportion of other individuals with other underlying immunosuppressive conditions. In such cases, long-term maintenance treatment is required to prevent relapse. Antigen detection has proven useful for following progress during treatment and for identifying relapse.
An Atmospheric Undular Bore along the Texas Coast

Abstract An unusual cloud feature was noted over the south Texas coast on the morning of 14 March 1997. This feature shares some characteristics with the “morning glory” bores that are seen along the coast of northern Australia.
The Ultraviolet Spectra of Isoflavones, Flavanones and Dihydroflavonols

Isoflavones, flavanones and dihydroflavonols all give similar UV spectra as a result of their having little or no conjugation between the A- and B-rings. They are all readily distinguished from flavones and flavonols by their UV spectra, which typically exhibit an intense Band II absorption with only a shoulder or low intensity peak representing Band I.
Comparisons of SDR performance of gibbons and three species of New World monkeys on a spatial task

The successive discrimination reversal (SDR) performances of four gibbons were obtained on a spatial task and compared with performances of squirrel, owl, and capuchin monkeys previously obtained on the same task. The gibbon’s performance was notably inferior to that of the capuchin and rather more closely resembled that of the owls and squirrels. The value of interspecies SDR performance comparisons in establishing a behavior taxonomy is discussed.
Ventilator weaning after staged anteroposterior spine fusion in a ventilator-dependent patient with congenital scoliosis: a case report.

Study Design. Ventilator weaning after staged revision anteroposterior spine fusion in a ventilator-dependent child with congenital scoliosis is reported. Objective. To describe the improvement of pulmonary performance after deformity correction in a patient with severe deformity and severe restrictive lung disease. Summary of Background Data. The effect of scoliotic deformity correction on postoperative pulmonary function is debatable. Recent prospective studies suggest that corrective surgery, especially that involving violation of the chest cage, adversely affect pulmonary function in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. For patients with severe deformity and severely compromised preoperative pulmonary function, the effect of deformity correction has not been well studied. Methods. A 15-year-old ventilator-dependent girl with progressive congenital thoracic scoliosis of 130° and a forced vital capacity of 18% underwent staged revision anteroposterior spine fusion. Anterior release, multiple vertebral osteotomies, apical vertebrectomy, and multiple internal thoracoplasties were performed. Five weeks later, when she was medically stable, she underwent posterior reconstruction with multiple vertebral osteotomies, apical vertebrectomy, and translation and cantilever corrective techniques using Isola instrumentation. Results. The patient’s pulmonary function was stable 6 months after surgery, and her forced vital capacity was 19%. Currently, 1 year after surgery, she has been weaned to night-only ventilation. Her walking ability has improved. Her spine is well balanced with a thoracic scoliosis of 40°, and she is neurologically intact. Conclusions. Surgical correction of a severe thoracic spinal deformity in the setting of severe restrictive lung disease can be performed successfully with stabilization of pulmonary volumes and improvement in pulmonary performance.
Targeted therapies in the treatment of colorectal cancer: what managed care needs to know.

Objective This review is designed to explore the disease, its current treatment, the expanding field of antiangiogenic treatments, and the implications of these advances for the managed care patient. Data sources This article is based, in part, on presentations given by the authors in a continuing education symposium presented during the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.s 16th Annual Meeting and Showcase, April 1, 2004, in San Francisco. Conclusions Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the United States, and the second-leading non.gender-specific cause of cancer deaths. If the cancer is caught soon enough (before node involvement and metastasis occur), there is a strong chance of survival; however, only slightly more than one third of cases are detected that soon. Emerging treatments that target only the cancer cells are increasing the length of survival for those who are diagnosed at later stages of the disease.
A model for detailed binary topological relationships

A model of binary topological relationships between n-dimensional spatial objects is extended to account for detailed spatial relationships. Binary topological relationships are defined in terms of...
Electronic Intervention to Improve Structured Cancer Stage Data Capture

Purpose:Cancer staging is critical for prognostication, treatment planning, and determining clinical trial eligibility. Electronic health records (EHRs) have structured staging modules, but physician use is inconsistent. Typically, stage is entered as unstructured free text in clinical notes and cannot easily be used for reporting.Methods:We created an Epic Best Practice Advisory (BPA) decision support tool that requires physicians to enter cancer stage in a structured module. If certain conditions are met, the BPA is triggered as a hard stop, and the physician cannot chart until staging is complete or a reason for not staging is selected. We used Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology to inform the intervention and compared preexisting staging rates to rates at 4, 8, and 12 months postintervention.Results:For 12 months before BPA implementation, 1,480 of 5,222 (28%) patients had cancer stage structured within the Epic problem list. From 1 to 4 months after the BPA 2,057 of 1,788 (115%) cases were staged in Epi...
Antifungal activity of substituted aurones

Abstract Novel antifungals are in high demand as there is a growing resistance to antifungals currently in use. In particular, opportunistic fungal infections caused by Candida spp. are on the rise with infections by this genus accounting for the most severe fungal infections following chemotherapy, implantation procedures, and in patients with HIV/AIDS. A series of simple aurone analogs were synthesized and screened for antifungal activity versus Candida spp. Several compounds displayed activity at 100 μM, with two having IC50 values below 20 μM for three species of Candida. One of the compounds tested here also exhibits anti-biofilm activity for mid-maturation growth.
Apparent Flexural Rigidity of Single Flagella Depends on Inter-Doublet Shear Stiffness

Motile cilia and flagella are whip-like subcellular organelles that bend actively to propel cells or move fluids. Normal motile functions of cilia and flagella play a critical role in many developmental and physiological processes, while ciliary dysfunction is associated with a number of ciliopathies. Efficient bending deformation of cilia and flagella depends on coordinated interactions between active forces from an array of motor proteins and passive mechanical resistance from the complex cytoskeletal structure (the axoneme). However, details of this coordination, especially axonemal mechanics, remain unclear. We investigated two major biophysical parameters, flexural rigidity and inter-doublet shear stiffness, of single flagella in the unicellular alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Combining theoretical analysis with optical tweezers and counterbend experiments, we demonstrated that the apparent flexural rigidity of the axoneme depends on both the intrinsic flexural rigidity and the elastic inter-doublet shear stiffness. By comparing wild-type flagella with specific structural mutants, we found that the lack of nexin-dynein regulatory complexes (N-DRC) or dynein arms significantly reduces inter-doublet shear stiffness. The quantitative understanding of axonemal mechanics will ultimately lead to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for cilia-related disorders.
Soft-switching push-pull converter with parallel resonant link and buck-boost capability

A partial resonant push-pull converter with buck-boost capability is proposed. Magnetizing inductance of the three-winding transformer and three capacitors are used to form a parallel LC resonant link. The capacitors create a Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) condition at turn-on and reduce the turn-off loss for all switches. Although the converter is not current-fed, there is no dc offset in the input current, thereby eliminating the saturation problem that is common to conventional push-pull converters. An analytical approach is developed to establish a relationship between link parameters, input and output voltages, and link frequency. Experimental results are included to corroborate the design and operation.
Polybenzimidazole based random copolymers containing hexafluoroisopropylidene functional groups for gas separations at elevated temperatures

Abstract Polybenzimidazoles (PBIs) are attractive membrane materials for H2/CO2 separation at hydrocarbon fuel derived synthesis gas operating conditions due to their exceptional physicochemical stability and promising permselectivity character. PBI molecular structure modification is a viable approach to disrupt chain packing altering the free-volume architecture which results in improved gas transport characteristics. This work is focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel PBI random copolymers for application as elevated temperature H2/CO2 membranes. The co-polymerization route is expected to result in tailorable permeability and selectivity by combining the high H2 permeability aspect of the highly disrupted loosely packed hexafluoroisopropylidene diphenyl group containing PBI segments (6F-PBI) with the highly selective tightly packed phenylene group containing PBI segments (m-PBI). 6F/m-PBI copolymers with varying 6F-PBI and m-PBI ratios having high inherent viscosity were synthesized. The structure and ratio of the 6F- and m-PBI fractions were confirmed using FTIR and NMR spectroscopic techniques. The measured gas transport properties of copolymer thin films cast in controlled environment were measured as a function of the operating conditions. The H2 permeability increased while H2/CO2 selectivity decreased as the 6F-PBI copolymer fraction was increased.
Longevity and turnover of roots in the shortgrass steppe: influence of diameter and depth

We used minirhizotrons to determine patterns of root longevity andturnover for the perennial bunchgrass Bouteloua gracilisinthe shortgrass steppe of eastern Colorado, USA. We hypothesized that rootlongevity would be partially controlled by root diameter, following previouslyobserved patterns in woody plants. In addition, we hypothesized that rootturnover would be greatest in surface soil horizons and decrease with depth dueto variation in soil moisture availability and temperature. Root longevity wascorrelated with root diameter. Median life span of roots > 0.4mm was approximately 320 days, while roots < 0.2mmhad a median life span of 180 days. There was approximately a 6%decreasein the likelihood of mortality with a 0.10-mm increase inroot diameter, controlling for the effect of depth in the soil profile. Rootlength production and mortality were highest in the upper20 cm of the soil profile and decreased with depth.However,because root length density also decreased with depth, there were nosignificantdifferences in turnover rate of root length among sampling intervals. Turnoverwas approximately 0.86 yr−1 based on root length production,while turnover was 0.35 yr−1 using root length mortality as ameasurement of flux. The imbalance between turnover estimates may be aconsequence of the time the minirhizotrons were in place prior to imaging or mayresult from our lack of over-winter measures of mortality. Our worksuggests that Bouteloua gracilis roots have complex lifehistory strategies, similar to woody species. Some portion of the root systemishighly ephemeral, while slightly larger roots persist much longer. Thesedifferences have implications for belowground carbon and nitrogen cycles in theshortgrass steppe.
Filling the Void: A Grounded Theory Approach to Addressing Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Urban Schools:

This research addresses the problem of teacher shortages in urban, high-needs schools. A grounded theory methodology was used to expand insights related to teacher recruitment and retention by coll...
Resources for LSHSS Authors

Purpose In this article, the Editor-in-Chief of Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools (LSHSS) highlights key resources for authors wishing to publish their work in LSHSS.
Rational design of patchy colloids via landscape engineering

We present a new data-driven inverse design platform for self-assembling materials that we term “landscape engineering”. The essence of the approach is to sculpt the self-assembly free energy landscape to favor the formation of target aggregates by rational manipulation of building block properties. The approach integrates nonlinear manifold learning with hybrid Monte Carlo techniques to efficiently recover self-assembly landscapes, which we subsequently optimize using the covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES). We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique in the design of anisotropic patchy colloids to form hollow polyhedral capsids. In the case of icosahedral capsids, our approach discovers a building block possessing a 76% improvement in the assembly rate over an initial expert-designed building block. In the case of octahedral clusters, our platform produces a building block with a 60% yield despite being challenged with a poor initial building block design incapable of forming stable octahedra.
Applying Objectification Theory to the Relationship Between Sexual Victimization and Disordered Eating

There is an established relationship between sexual victimization (SV) and disordered eating (DE); however, few theory-based studies exist that adequately examine this relationship. Previous resear...
Effect of Rear Wheel Suspension on Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair Shock and Vibration Attenuation.

Abstract Background Suspension systems are designed to reduce shock and vibration exposure. An aftermarket rear-wheel suspension system is now available for manual tilt-in-space wheelchairs. Objective To compare quantifiable shock and vibration on a rigid manual tilt-in-space wheelchair to published data on manual wheelchairs and to determine whether aftermarket rear suspension system will significantly decrease shock exposure when traversing common obstacles. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Research laboratory. Participants Ten healthy non-wheelchair users. Methods Subjects seated in a manual tilt-in-space wheelchair were pushed over 4 different obstacles (an exterior door threshold, truncated domes, 2-cm descent, and 2-cm ascent) with the chair as manufactured and with the suspension system installed. Main Outcome Measurements Superior/inferior and anterior/posterior accelerations were assessed at the seat pan with and without the use of ISO 2631-1 standards. Peak accelerations were analyzed from the door threshold, 2-cm descent and 2-cm ascent. Root mean square acceleration (RMSa) values were analyzed from the truncated domes, and vibration dose value (VDV) was analyzed for all surfaces. Results There were no differences in time spent over the 4 obstacles between rigid and suspended conditions (P ≥ .064). Suspension decreased the peak acceleration at the rear wheel when it initially impacted the door threshold, and when the rear wheel traversed the 2-cm descent and ascent (P ≤ .043). ISO 2631-1 frequency weighting, placing emphasis on frequencies most harmful to humans, also supports suspension reducing peak accelerations at the rear wheel both when it initially impacted and left the door threshold, and when the rear wheel descended 2 cm (P ≤ .049). Suspension also reduced the truncated dome RMSa as well as the door threshold, 2-cm descent, and total VDV (P ≤ .041). Conclusions The results indicate that rigid manual tilt-in-space wheelchairs respond to rough surfaces in a similar fashion to previously studied rigid wheelchairs. Furthermore, the aftermarket suspension system reduces some aspects of shock and vibration exposure, also consistent with previously studied suspension systems. Level of Evidence NA
Epidemic Childhood Obesity: Not Yet the End of the Beginning

After 35 years of unremittingly bad news about childhood obesity, a plateau in overall prevalence and a statistically significant decline among 2- to 5-year-olds had been suggested in national data from earlier this decade.1–3 News reports in 2014 celebrated “the first clear evidence that America’s youngest children have turned a corner in the obesity epidemic.”4 Perhaps Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s $500 million prevention initiative, and growing public awareness had finally begun to pay off. Unfortunately, this optimistic picture was not to be, according to an article in this issue of Pediatrics . Using nationally representative data from 1999 to 2016, Skinner et al5 examined changes in body weight status (ranging from overweight to class III obesity [BMI ≥140% over the 95th percentile]) among children ages 2 to 19 years. The study revealed that obesity prevalence did not decrease for any age group and continued upward among many subgroups. Of particular concern, previously documented racial and ethnic disparities, especially at the most extreme weight categories, showed no sign of abating. For instance, class III obesity is … Address correspondence to David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD, Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: david.ludwig{at}childrens.harvard.edu
Immuno-Pharmacologic Purging of Breast Cancer from Bone Marrow

High dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow support (ABMS) has produced high complete response rates and durable remissions for patients with advanced breast cancer1,2,3. Breast cancer commonly metastasizes to bone marrow. Twenty eight percent of women with newly diagnosed breast cancer and no evidence of metastases, had tumor cells detected in their bone marrow using immuno-histochemical methods4. The possibility of infusing clonogenic tumor into patients receiving autologous marrow-supported chemotherapy regimens stimulated our efforts to develop a bone marrow purging regimen for breast cancer.
Some Examples of 13C NMR Applications to Oil Shales

Some examples are given of the use of solid state13C NMR techniques to study oil shales. These include the use of13C NMR for oil shale resource evaluation and for oil shale thermal decomposition. In addition, the use of13C NMR for evaluating petroleum source rock potential illustrated. NMR measurements of the fraction of aliphatic carbon in an oil shale are shown to correlate with the fraction of carbon converted to oil upon Fischer assay. Similar measurements on oil shales as a function of depth of burial can be used to assess the thermal maturation of the source rock. Interrupted decoupling experiments have been conducted on oil shales heated to various temperatures. The results of these measurement are discussed.