cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bone health assessment via digital wrist tomosynthesis in the mammography setting

Abstract Bone fractures attributable to osteoporosis are a significant problem. Though preventative treatment options are available for individuals who are at risk of a fracture, a substantial number of these individuals are not identified due to lack of adherence to bone screening recommendations. The issue is further complicated as standard diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on bone mineral density (BMD) derived from dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which, while helpful in identifying many at risk, is limited in fully predicting risk of fracture. It is reasonable to expect that bone screening would become more prevalent and efficacious if offered in coordination with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) exams, provided that osteoporosis can be assessed using a DBT modality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to explore the feasibility of using digital tomosynthesis imaging in a mammography setting. To this end, we measured density, cortical thickness and microstructural properties of the wrist bone, correlated these to reference measurements from microcomputed tomography and DXA, demonstrated the application in vivo in a small group of participants, and determined the repeatability of the measurements. We found that measurements from digital wrist tomosynthesis (DWT) imaging with a DBT scanner were highly repeatable ex vivo (error = 0.05%–9.62%) and in vivo (error = 0.06%–10.2%). In ex vivo trials, DWT derived BMDs were strongly correlated with reference measurements (R = 0.841–0.980), as were cortical thickness measured at lateral and medial cortices (R = 0.991 and R = 0.959, respectively) and the majority of microstructural measures (R = 0.736–0.991). The measurements were quick and tolerated by human patients with no discomfort, and appeared to be different between young and old participants in a preliminary comparison. In conclusion, DWT is feasible in a mammography setting, and informative on bone mass, cortical thickness, and microstructural qualities that are known to deteriorate in osteoporosis. To our knowledge, this study represents the first application of DBT for imaging bone. Future clinical studies are needed to further establish the efficacy for diagnosing osteoporosis and predicting risk of fragility fracture using DWT.
Abstract P26: Re-analyzing randomized trials with incorporation of COVID-19 risk associated with cancer therapy

Background: Cancer therapy may put patients at risk of mortality from COVID-19. The impact of abbreviated treatment courses on outcomes in the setting of COVID-19 is unknown. We incorporated COVID-19-associated risks in re-analysis of practice-defining randomized trials in oncology that compared different radiation therapy (RT) regimens. Methods: We extracted individual patient level data (IPLD) from published survival curves from randomized trials in rectal cancer (Dutch TME, TROG 01.04), early stage breast cancer (CALGB 9343, OCOG hypofractionation trial, FAST-Forward, NSABP B-39), and localized prostate cancer (CHHiP, HYPO-RT-PC). Trials were simulated with incorporation of varying risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality associated with receipt of therapy. Results: IPLD from 14,170 patients were re-analyzed. In scenarios with low COVID-19-associated risks (0.5% infection risk per fraction [IRF], 5% case fatality rate [CFR]), fractionation did not significantly affect outcomes. In locally advanced rectal cancer, short-course RT appeared preferable to long-course chemoradiation (TROG 01.04) or RT omission (Dutch TME) in most settings. While moderate hypofractionation in early stage breast cancer (OCOG hypofractionation trial) and prostate cancer (CHHiP) was not associated with survival benefits in the setting of COVID-19, more aggressive hypofractionation (FAST-Forward, HYPO-RT-PC) and accelerated partial breast irradiation (NSABP B-39) were associated with improved survival in higher risk scenarios (≥5% IRF; ≥ 20% CFR). In settings where RT can be omitted, such as favorable early stage breast cancer in the elderly (CALGB 9343), RT was associated with worse survival in higher risk pandemic scenarios (≥5% IRF, ≥ 20% CFR). Conclusions: Our framework, which can be adapted to dynamic changes in COVID-19 risk, provides a flexible, quantitative approach to assess the impact of treatment recommendations across oncology. The magnitude of potential benefit from abbreviated RT courses depends on the degree of hypofractionation and local COVID-19-associated risk. Abbreviated RT courses should be prioritized when possible and are increasingly beneficial in higher risk pandemic settings. With increased understanding and precautions against COVID-19 that can minimize risks for patients, our results support the continued use of evidence-based treatments for cancer patients in the COVID-19 era. Citation Format: Shervin Tabrizi, Lorenzo Trippa, Daniel Cagney, Ayal A. Aizer, Shyam Tanguturi, Steffen Ventz, Geoffrey Fell, Jennifer R. Bellon, Harvey Mamon, Paul Nguyen, Anthony V. D9Amico, Daphne Haas-Kogan, Brian M. Alexander, Rifaquat Rahman. Re-analyzing randomized trials with incorporation of COVID-19 risk associated with cancer therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P26.
Assessing the Employment Effects of California’s Paid Family Leave Program

Until recently, it was impossible to study how paid family leave mandates would impact employment in the USA. This changed in 2004 when California implemented the USA’s first paid family leave legislation. California’s program provides us with a quasi-natural experiment to study how the implementation of paid family leave affected employment in the state. This paper uses several difference-in-difference, fixed-effects regressions on a large panel of business establishments to study the impact California’s program had on establishment-level employment. Most model specifications show that the law is correlated with an increase in employment in firm establishments in the state.
Early auditory cortical processing predicts auditory speech in noise identification and lipreading.

Abstract Individuals typically exhibit better cross-sensory perception following unisensory loss, demonstrating improved perception of information available from the remaining senses and increased cross-sensory use of neural resources. Even individuals with no sensory loss will exhibit such changes in cross-sensory processing following temporary sensory deprivation, suggesting that the brain's capacity for recruiting cross-sensory sources to compensate for degraded unisensory input is a general characteristic of the perceptual process. Many studies have investigated how auditory and visual neural structures respond to within- and cross-sensory input. However, little attention has been given to how general auditory and visual neural processing relates to within and cross-sensory perception. The current investigation examines the extent to which individual differences in general auditory neural processing accounts for variability in auditory, visual, and audiovisual speech perception in a sample of young healthy adults. Auditory neural processing was assessed using a simple click stimulus. We found that individuals with a smaller P1 peak amplitude in their auditory-evoked potential (AEP) had more difficulty identifying speech sounds in difficult listening conditions, but were better lipreaders. The results suggest that individual differences in the auditory neural processing of healthy adults can account for variability in the perception of information available from the auditory and visual modalities, similar to the cross-sensory perceptual compensation observed in individuals with sensory loss.
Dynamic reconfiguration of magneto-elastic lattices

Abstract The dynamic reconfiguration of two-dimensional (2D) magneto-elastic structures is studied with the goal of enabling the design of reconfigurable architectured materials. Changes in magnetization modify the energy landscape of hexagonal lattices and lead to their reconfiguration as a result of the application of a dynamic input. Such reconfiguration significantly alters the dynamics of the structure and its mechanical properties. Energy landscapes and the dynamics of reconfiguration are analyzed through the detailed study of a unit cell and the description of loci of equilibrium within the energy landscape, as well as numerical simulations on finite lattices undergoing reconfiguration. Results show the occurrence of a transition front propagating within the 2D structures according to a triangular pattern bounded by transition bands that separate different orientation domains within the structure.
Musings on Hardware Advances and New Directions

This chapter is an edited version of a rambling tutorial talk given at the 9th ICMRM in 2007, followed by a longer discussion of modern permanent magnets being used for NMR. All of this is supposed to be couched in ‘ nuts and bolts ’ terms, but that is a phrase which is often applied to my presentations regardless of the subject – it should not be taken too literally. NMR/MRI is an extremely broad fi eld, both in terms of the physics that is the basis for the fi eld as well as its applications. In these senses, it is truly unique among all techniques. It was the aim of the tutorial lectures to provide suffi cient background for a better understanding of the varied presentations given at the conference. One dominant discipline that uses NMR is NMR spectroscopy for analytical chemistry and biochemistry. This was made possible when chemical shift was discovered shortly after the inception of the fi eld. MRI, which can be thought of as spatially resolved NMR as opposed to chemically resolved NMR of NMR spectroscopy, is a relative latecomer to the fi eld; it has been around for roughly 50% of the approximately 60 year history of NMR. Then, there is the original ‘ physically resolved ’ NMR, where the contrast mechanism consists of any number of relaxation parameters that are affected by molecular structure and motion. Thus, the parameter space for NMR/MRI can be thought of as shown in Figure 1.1 . The three regions are the three overall contrast mechanisms (chemical, physical, spatial), and the intersections of the regions contain some of the most interesting applications. For this audience, they include velocity and diffusion imaging (as described by some of the chapters in the Transport section of this book), NMR well logging (as described by Lizhi Xiao in Chapter 31 ), and NMR elastography.
Management of Uveitis in Pediatric Patients

Uveitis refers to inflammation involving the uvea or middle coat of the eye. This condition occurs uncommonly, particularly in persons aged ≤16 years. However, pediatric uveitis deserves special consideration for reasons that include the relatively poor prognosis, unique systemic associations, and various age-related treatment considerations.
LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES OF FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS

TRAUMA RESEARCH GROUP OF UCLA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE IS ENGAGED IN ITS SIXTH YEAR OF INVESTIGATING INJURIES SUSTAINED IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS. STUDY WAS MADE OF 290 COLLISIONS CONTAINING 464 FRONT SEAT CAR OCCUPANTS; OF 405 INJURED OCCUPANTS, 141 RECEIVED THEIR LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES AGAINST INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE OCCUPANT'S MOST SERIOUS INJURY WAS RELATED TO CAR MODEL YEAR, AGE OF OCCUPANT, VEHICLE WEIGHT, AND ESTIMATED IMPACT SPEED. STATISTICALLY, REGRESSION ANALYSIS SHOWS VERY STRONG CORRELATION OF THESE VARIABLES AND COLLISION INJURY. IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT THE NUMBER OF LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES DROPS STEEPLY FOR VEHICLES FROM 1957 THROUGH 1967. REAR SEAT OCCUPANT INJURIES WERE NOT CONSIDERED. /AUTHOR/
Design of Robust Line-of-Sight Pointing Control System for the Scole Configuration

The design of a robust compensator is considered for the SCOLE configuration using a frequency-response shaping technique based on the LQG/LTR procedure. An additive perturbation formulation is used to obtain robustness to modeling errors. A satisfactory compensator is obtained by including the rigid modes and three elastic modes in the design model.
Managing the CD-ROM collection development process : Issues and alternatives

Cet article presente les problemes et les alternatives que pose le developpement des collections de CD-ROM. Les problemes cites se rapportent surtout a la selection, a l'evaluation et a la creation de collections ou de politique de gestion des collections de CD-ROM. Il traite egalement de la gestion financiere de ces collections, de la mise en reseau et de l'impact, sur les differents departements, de l'offre de bases de donnees CD-ROM aux utilisateurs de bibliotheques
Hipparcos, the New Reduction of the Raw Data

List of Figures. List of Tables. List of Acronyms. Preface. Introduction. Dedication. Part I The Hipparcos mission. 1. THE HIPPARCOS MISSION. 1.1 Overture. 1.2 The mission. 1.3 The published data. 1.4 Concepts of the new reduction. 2. HIPPARCOS ASTROMETRY 2.1 From positions and velocities to astrometric data. 2.2 The Hipparcos astrometric data 2.3 Reconstruction of the along-scan rotation phase. 2.4 Grid distortions 2.5 Astrometric-parameter solutions. Part II Exploring the Hipparcos astrometric data. 3. INDIVIDUAL, SINGLE STARS. 3.1 Precisions and accuracies. 3.2 Correlations. 3.3 Parallaxes. 3.4 Proper motions. 3.5 Disturbed solutions. 3.6 Comparison with the ICRS. 4. THE ASTROMETRIC DATA FOR COMPOSITE IMAGES AND ORBITAL BINARIES. 4.1 The modulated signal for small-separation double stars. 4.2 Astrometric parameters for double stars. 4.3 Double stars with two catalogue entries. 4.4 Variable-brightness of one component. 4.5 Multiple systems. 4.6 Orbital motions. 5. GROUPS OF SINGLE STARS. 5.1 Solving for common parameters. 5.2 Application to star clusters. 5.3 Calibrating luminosities. 5.4 Conclusions. 6. KINEMATICS OF THE SOLAR NEIGHBOURHOOD. 6.1 Systematic motions. 6.2 The distribution of nearby stars. Part III Hipparcos Photometric data. 7 THE PHOTOMETRIC DATA. 7.1 The Hipparcos photometric pass bands. 7.2 Formal errors and variability indicators. 7.3 Variability analysis. 7.4 Newly discovered variables. Part IV Hipparcos attitude modelling. 8. A FREE-FLOATING RIGID BODY IN SPACE. 8.1 Dynamics of a rigid body in space. 8.2 The internal torques and inertia tensor. 8.3 External torques acting on the satellite. 8.4 Non-rigidity. 9. THE TORQUES ON HIPPARCOS AS OBSERVED OVER THE MISSION. 9.1 Relation between attitude and torque reconstruction. 9.2 Solar radiation torques. 9.3 Magnetic torques and the remaining torque variations. 9.4 Predictability of the environmental torques. 10. FULLY-DYNAMIC ATTITUDE FITTING. 10.1 Outline of the method. 10.2 The integration engines. 10.3 Implementing the gyro data. 10.4 Implementing the star mapper data. 10.5 Implementing the Image Dissector Tube (IDT) transit data. 10.6 Conclusions. Part V Summary of calibration results. 11. THE MISSION TIMELINE. 11.1 Trend analysis and anomalies. 11.2 Data coverage and detector response. 12. PAYLOAD CALIBRATIONS. 12.1 The optical transfer function. 12.2 Large-scale geometric-distortion calibration. 12.3 Photometric calibrations. 13. SPACECRAFT-PARAMETER CALIBRATIONS. 13.1 The on-board clock. 13.2 Gyro characteristics. 13.3 Thruster firings and the Centre of Gravity. Part VI The next generation. 14. GAIA. 14.1 Introduction. 14.2 The spacecraft and payload. 14.3 The mission plan. 14.4 The astrometric data reduction.
bcl-2 and p53 expression in resectable pancreatic adenocarcinomas: Association with clinical outcome

The bcl-2 proto-oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene are important determinants of tumor cell susceptibility to apoptosis. bcl-2 and mutant p53 proteins inhibit apoptosis in vitro and can provide prognostic information in certain tumor types. We analyzed bcl-2 and p53 expression in archival pancreatic (n = 35) and ampullary (n = 6) adenocarcinomas, resected for cure, and their relationship to overall survival. Patients were treated with 5-fluorouracil and irradiation either pre- (n = 21) or postoperatively (n = 15); 5 patients received surgery alone. Using specific monoclonal antibodies, cytoplasmic bcl-2 and nuclear p53 proteins were detected in 22 of 40 (55%) and 20 of 37 (54%) tumors, respectively. No relationship was found between bcl-2 and p53 expression. Neither bcl-2 nor p53 correlated with histological response to preoperative chemoradiation. Lymph node involvement predicted poor overall survival (P = 0.02). A trend toward improved survival was seen in well-differentiated (P = 0.08) tumors and in those with increased bcl-2 expression (P = 0.06). p53 expression was not related to clinical outcome. In a multivariate analysis, nodal status was the single most important predictor of overall survival. Of note, the combined variable of bcl-2 expression and histological grade was a stronger prognostic variable than nodal status alone. Unlike nodal status, these features can potentially be evaluated in preoperative biopsy specimens.
Real time digital signal processing applications with IBM-PC and TMS 320

The use of the IBM personal computer to control the Miller profiler to perform real-time deep level transient spectroscopy measurements is described. The implementation of a real-time recursive adaptive line enhanced on the Texas Instruments TMS320 programmable digital signal processor is also presented. The software logic and flow of each of the adaptive stochastic programs, the TMS320 processing program and the IBM control and display program, are presented. A schematic diagram of the TMS320-based hardware model is included. >
Co-localization of glutamate and tubulin in putative excitatory neurons of the hippocampus and amygdala: An immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract Tubulin and glutamate were immunohistochemically localized in the hippocampus and amygdala of rats using monoclonal antibodies to gamma-Glu-Glu (Glu-1) and glutaraldehyde-fixed glutamate (Glu-2), respectively. Glu-2 was shown to be selectively immunoreactive for glutaraldehyde-fixed Glu using enzyme-linked immunoassays and inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassays. Glu-1 was immunoreactive with tubulin on immunoblots of brain homogenates. However, only tubulin with a glutamate carboxyterminal appeared to be immunoreactive with Glu-1 since tubulin from Chinese hamster ovary cells was not immunoreactive on immunoblots unless the tubulin was first treated with carboxypeptidase. Intense immunocytochemical staining by Glu-1 of hippocampus and amygdala was co-localized in the same neurons as the immunocytochemical staining for glutaraldehyde-fixed Glu produced by Glu-2. The distribution of immunostaining in the brain by Glu-1 was very similar to the distribution of immunostaining produced by Glu-2. The major difference was that glutamate-like immunoreactivity, visualized by Glu-2 staining, was intense in the nuclei of neurons, while nuclei were unstained by Glu-1. The distribution of immunostaining by these monoclonal antibodies was very similar to that reported in previous studies using other antibodies to Glu. All granule cells in the area dentata of the hippocampus exhibited intense immunoreactivity with both antibodies. Immunoreactivity was also observed in the stratum lucidum of CA3, the zone of termination of mossy fiber axons of granule cells. The majority of pyramidal cells in CA1, and many pyramidal cells in CA3 of the hippocampus were immunoreactive. In addition, it appeared that all of the pyramidal cells in the subiculum exhibited immunoreactivity. Light, diffuse immunoreactivity was observed in the neuropil of the hippocampus and subiculum. Most perikarya in the amygdala were characterized by light to moderate Glu-1 immunoreactivity and moderate to intense Glu-2 immunoreactivity. Fairly intense Glu-1 and Glu-2 immunoreactivity was seen in some neurons of the lateral nucleus, basolateral nucleus, lateral subdivision of the central nucleus, and the periamygdaloid cortex. The morphology of immunostained neurons in the lateral and basolateral nuclei indicates that the majority of these cells correspond to the pyramidal class I neurons described in previous Golgi studies. The findings of this investigation, as well as previous studies using the same Glu-1 antibody, suggest that the immunoreactive substances recognized by this antibody in aldehyde-fixed brain are alpha- and beta-tubulin with a carboxy-terminal glutamate, although the possibility exists that some of the staining represents the distribution of a form of fixative-modified glutamate. This tubulin-like immunoreactivity is co-localized with glutamate-like immunoreactivity and is associated with putative excitatory neurons in the hippocampus and amygdala.
A methodology for determining mechanical properties of freestanding thin films and MEMS materials

Abstract We have developed a novel chip-level membrane deflection experiment particularly suited for the investigation of sub-micron thin films and microelectro-mechanical systems. The experiment consists of loading a fixed–fixed membrane with a line load applied at the middle of the span using a nanoindenter. A Mirau microscope interferometer is positioned below the membrane to observe its response in real time. This is accomplished through a micromachined wafer containing a window that exposes the bottom surface of the specimen. A combined atomic force microscope/nanoindenter incorporates the interferometer to allow continuous monitoring of the membrane deflection during both loading and unloading. As the nanoindenter engages and deflects the sample downward, fringes are formed and acquired by means of a CCD camera. Digital monochromatic images are obtained and stored at periodic intervals of time to map the strain field. Stresses and strains are computed independently without recourse to mathematical assumptions or numerical calibrations. Additionally, no restrictions on the material behavior are imposed in the interpretation of the data. In fact, inelastic mechanisms including strain gradient plasticity, piezo and shape memory effects can be characterized by this technique. The test methodology, data acquisition and reduction are illustrated by investigating the response of 1-μm thick gold membranes. A Young's modulus of 53 GPa , a yield stress of 55 MPa and a residual stress of 12 MPa are consistently measured. The post-yield behavior leading to fracture exhibits typical statistical variations associated to plasticity and microcrack initiation.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Vesicles Enhance Attachment, and the Leucine-Rich Repeat BspA Protein Is Required for Invasion of Epithelial Cells by “Tannerella forsythia”

ABSTRACT The human oral cavity harbors more than 500 species of bacteria. Periodontitis, a bacterially induced inflammatory disease that leads to tooth loss, is believed to result from infection by a select group of gram-negative periodontopathogens that includes Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and “Tannerella forsythia” (opinion on name change from Tannerella forsythensis pending; formerly Bacteroides forsythus). Epithelial cell invasion by periodontopathogens is considered to be an important virulence mechanism for evasion of the host defense responses. Further, the epithelial cells with invading bacteria also serve as reservoirs important in recurrent infections. The present study was therefore undertaken to address the epithelial cell adherence and invasion properties of T. forsythia and the role of the cell surface-associated protein BspA in these processes. Further, we were interested in determining if P. gingivalis, one of the pathogens frequently found associated in disease, or its outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) could modulate the epithelial cell adherence and invasion abilities of T. forsythia. Here we show that epithelial cell attachment and invasion by T. forsythia are dependent on the BspA protein. In addition, P. gingivalis or its OMVs enhance the attachment and invasion of T. forsythia to epithelial cells. Thus, interactions between these two bacteria may play important roles in virulence by promoting host cell attachment and invasion.
Outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for complications of branch retinal vein occlusion.

Abstract Objective To investigate outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for complications of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Design Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Participants The medical records of all patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for complications of BRVO at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 1998 were reviewed. Thirty-six eyes from 36 consecutive patients were identified. Main outcome measures Visual acuity outcomes include preservation of preoperative visual acuity and visual acuity greater than or equal to 20/40, 20/200 and 5/200. When preoperative retinal detachment was present, the anatomic outcome assessed was complete retinal attachment. Postoperative event rates of retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and cataract were tabulated. All outcomes were assessed at 6 months. Results Surgical indications included nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage (17 patients), traction retinal detachment involving the macula (15), and ERM (4). Mean follow-up was 19 months. Preoperatively, best-corrected vision was greater than or equal to 20/200 in 19/36 (53%) eyes. Six months postoperatively, best-corrected vision was greater than or equal to 20/40 in 12/36 (33%) eyes, greater than or equal to 20/200 in 27/36 (75%) eyes, and greater than or equal to 5/200 in 31/36 (86%) eyes. Postoperative complications included retinal detachment (2/36; 6% eyes), ERM (3; 8%), vitreous hemorrhage (2; 6%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (1; 3%), central retinal vein occlusion (1; 3%), and central retinal artery occlusion (1; 3%). Clinical features associated with better visual outcome include better preoperative visual acuity ( P = 0.05), absence of preoperative afferent pupillary defect ( P = 0.01), and absence of preoperative macular edema ( P = 0.08). Conclusions Following surgery, retinal attachment and improved visual acuity were achieved in the majority of patients. Pre-existing pathology and postoperative complications may limit final vision in eyes with BRVO.
Micromechanical modelling of polymeric composites

Abstract The community of scientists and engineers associated with composite materials has reached a level of understanding of composite material systems such that we can now consider how composite material systems should be made, not just how they can be made. In particular, we can now address this question not only for quasi-static stiffness characteristics, but also in order to achieve long-term performance characteristics such as desired remaining strength and life, resistance to environment, and reliability and safety. However, this opportunity presents challenges that are substantial and complex. The present paper addresses an approach to the problem of combining our understanding, and our fundamental science and technology, in such a way that we can make such global predictions with reasonable accuracy for engineering utility. The approach proposed is the use of micromechanical models that represent the strength of composite material systems in terms of the parameters that control the manner in which the systems are synthesized and manufactured.
Transvenous intracardiac echocardiography.

Abstract A specially designed ultrasonic transducer, 0.2 mm in length and 0.75 mm in diameter, operating at 7.5 megahertz and mounted on a thin flexible coaxial cable was advanced to the distal tip of a right heart or transseptal catheter in 20 patients during cardiac catheterization. Left atrial, aortic root and right atrial cavity size, pulmonary arterial diameter at various sites, right ventricular wall thickness and the width of a pericardial effusion were demonstrated. Tricuspid, pulmonary, and aortic valves were seen and their motion displayed. With the transducer positioned at the tip of a transseptal needie it could be recognized when it made contact with the interatrial septum. Puncture into the left atrium, avoidlng such structures as the aorta, was facilitated in this fashion. No complications were encountered in any patient. Intracardiac echocardiography appears to be a safe, valuable adjunct to both conventional echocardiography and cardiac catheterization. Furthermore, recordings of structures that may be difficult or impossible to obtain with routine external echocardiography may be made possible.
A Krein-Milman type theorem for certain unbounded convex sets

Bessaga and Pelczynski [2] demonstrated in 1966 that every closed bounded convex set in a dual separable Banach space is the closed convex hull of its extremal points. Asimow [l] has extended Choquet’s notion of well-capped cones to closed convex sets, and has proved that any well-capped closed convex set is equal to the closed convex hull of its extremal points and extre- ma1 rays. In this investigation we consider the case of a closed (unbounded) convex set in a dual separable Banach space and establish a sufficient condition for such a set to be the closed convex hull of its extremal points and extremal rays. The main result is a more general statement (see Proposition 3.1 and corollaries). The criterion alluded to is the property that the closed convex set be well pseudocapped, a more general property than that of being well capped as in Asimow [I] and Choquet [4]. The concepts of dentable sets and denting points [17] are used to obtain well pseudocapped sets. An example shows that the class of sets for which the main result holds, but for which the theory of Asimow does not, is not vacuous. Another example demonstrates that if the denting condition is omitted, then the result doesn’t hold.
Critical factors for implementing ISO 14001 standard in United States industrial companies

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present the results of an empirical study carried out on a sample of certified industrial companies that operate in the United States, with the aim of identifying some of the critical factors for successful implementation of the ISO 14001 registration process. The paper reveals that it takes most of the companies between 8 to 19 months to obtain ISO 14001 certification. In addition, the ISO 14001 elements requiring the greatest effort are: identifying environmental aspects, environmental management system (EMS) documentation, training, EMS audits, operational control, environmental management program, objectives and targets, and document control. The survey also reveals that high certification cost and lack of other available resources are the greatest obstacles for implementing the ISO 14001 standard.
Reactions of Gases with Irradiated Organic Solids: III. Reactions of Propionamide, n-Butyramide, Isobutyramide, Methacrylamide, Valeramide, and Stearamide with Sulfur Dioxide

Abstract The reactions of γ-irradiated propionamide, n-butyramide, isobutyramide, methacrylamide, valeramide, and stearamide with sulfur dioxide have been studied by ESR spectroscopy, gas absorption measurements, and X-ray diffraction. Sulfur dioxide reacts with the radicals originally generated in the irradiated material to give sulphonyl radicals. These propagate in a chain reaction in which further sulfur dioxide is absorbed. In some cases the original radicals can be recovered from the corresponding sulphonyl radicals. The mechanism of the reactions is discussed.
nuSketch battlespace: a demonstration

Sketching provides a natural means of interaction for many spatially-oriented tasks. One task where sketching is used extensively is when military planners are formulating battle plans, called Courses of Action (COAs). This paper describes a system we have built, nuSketch Battlespace (nSB), which provides a sketching interface for creating COAs. The system is described in the paper "Sketching for Military Courses of Action" in these proceedings. The demonstration will highlight:How we engineer around the need for recognition in sketching systems (a key feature of the nuSketch approach to multimodal interfaces), so that we can focus instead on understanding.The use of comic graphs to manipulate multiple states and the relationships between them, for developing and visualizing complex plansThe spatial reasoning carried out by nuSketch Battlespace, including the use of qualitative topology and Voronoi diagrams in computing spatial relationships, and our methods for path-finding and position-findingThe use of analogy to generate enemy intent hypotheses based on previously drawn sketches
A megawatt excimer laser of small discharge volume (3.8 cm3)

We demonstrated intense laser action form a 14 cm gain length, 3.8 cm3 active volume XeCl laser. The laser peak power of 1.3 MW was comparable with the best results obtained from a similar small active volume excimer laser, and the laser energy of 40 mJ per pulse obtained from our device was considerably higher.
Pragmatic language deficits in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The nature of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as described in the Fourth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994] indicates a potential association with language disorder, particularly in the area of social language skills (pragmatics). However, to date there have been relatively few studies examining this language-behavior relationship in children with ADHD. The purpose of this paper is to provide a description of social/pragmatic language deficits and to present a theoretical model of potential associations between pragmatic language deficits and ADHD. Previous studies of language skills in children with ADHD are examined within this theoretical framework and the clinical implications of the proposed association are discussed. MRDD Research Reviews 1999;5:207–214. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Can privatization of U.S. highways improve motorists' welfare?

Abstract We assess the welfare effects of highway privatization accounting for government's behavior in setting the sale price, firms' strategic behavior in setting tolls, and motorists' heterogeneous preferences for speedy and reliable travel. We find motorists are able to benefit from privatization by negotiating tolls with private providers that increase their consumer surplus. Surprisingly, we find that by obtaining tolls and service that align with their varying preferences, motorists may be better off negotiating with a monopolist than with duopoly providers or under public–private competition. Toll regulation may be counterproductive because it is likely to treat motorists as homogeneous.
Influence of storage temperature on rate of potato tuber tissue infection caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary estimated by digital image analysis.

Potato tubers were inoculated with two biotypes ofPhytophthora infestans then stored at 3,7, 10 and 15°C. Image analysis quantified average reflective intensity (ARI) of diseased tissue from cut surfaces of sample tubers. Tuber tissue infection and infection rate were measured by calculating Mean ARI of samples. Average tuber tissue infection and infection rate was minimal at 3°C (P.i.-US8 orP.i.-US1). Tuber tissue infection increased at temperatures >3°C, from 220 Mean ARI seven days after inoculation (dai) to 190–150 Mean ARI 50 dai (depending on cultivar and biotype ofP. infestans). Rate of tuber tissue infection caused byP.i.-US1 at 7°C was about zero in cv. Snowden but greater than −0.2 ARI day−1 (cvs Russet Burbank and Superior). Rate of late blight infection in tuber tissue generally increased with temperature from −0.2 ARI day−1 (at 7°C) in all cultivars to a maximum of −0.8 ARI day−1 (10°C).
Design and measurement of quality improvement indicators in ambulatory pulmonary care: creating a "culture of quality" in an academic pulmonary division.

Background Quality improvement (QI) measures often are cited as goals for individual practices and medical centers and may someday form a component of reimbursement guidelines. Relatively few QI metrics relevant to ambulatory pulmonary medicine have been published. We describe the development and implementation of a QI program in an academic pulmonary division, including progress to date and lessons learned. Methods Metrics for the pulmonary QI Dashboard were developed based on an extensive literature review. Patients were identified through International Classification of Diseases-based billing databases, and results data were obtained from a manual and automated review of the electronic medical record. The performance of the division was monitored and presented in regular faculty meetings. Quarterly, confidential, individual scorecards gave each clinician feedback about his or her performance and compared the feedback to that of the faculty of the entire division. Results Significant improvements were found in many QI measures during a 2-year period. The number of patients with asthma who received appropriately prescribed inhaled corticosteroids increased from a baseline of 76 to 92% to 98%. Flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine administration documentation for patients with COPD increased from baseline values of 11 to 32% and 11 to 34%, respectively, to 90% and 93%, respectively. The COPD Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease pharmacotherapy guidelines adherence increased substantially for patients with all disease stages. Chest CT scan results notification documentation improved from a baseline of 67 to 76% to 98%. Comparison between baseline and QI periods yielded statistically significant increases for these indicators. Conclusions QI measures for an ambulatory pulmonary practice can be designed, implemented, and monitored. Key components include a well-structured electronic medical record, measurable outcomes, strong QI leadership, and specific interventions, such as providing feedback through QI review meetings and individual "report cards."
LOCAL HYPERTHERMIA, HYPERFRACTIONATED RADIATION, AND CISPLATIN IN PREIRRADIATED RECURRENT LYMPH NODE METASTASES OF RECURRENT HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Large tumor size is a negative prognostic variable for attaining complete regression (CR) with local hyperthermia (HT) and radiotherapy (RT). Such poor prognosis lesions (i.e., >7 cm(2) or >14 cm(3)) have an expected CR rate of similar to 30+/-8%. To improve on this result we added cisplatin to HT and RT with standard fractionation (std Fx) in an earlier study, and observed a 19% CR rate in head and neck (HN this resulted in early closure of this trial concluding that hyperfractionated RT had no (over std Fx RT) benefit in this combined modality approach.
Single Lipoplex Study of Cationic Lipoid–DNA, Self-Assembled Complexes

A flow fluorometric analysis (using a commercial flow cytometer) of individual cationic lipoid–DNA complexes is presented. Such single lipoplex studies have the advantage of providing detailed characterization of heterogeneous ensembles of lipoplex preparations that cannot be obtained with methods that provide only population averages. Specifically, the composition (amount of lipoid and the lipoid–DNA ratio) was determined for statistically large ensembles (103–104 particles) under a variety of conditions, including DNA:lipoid mixing ratio, lipoid dispersion method (extruded, vortexed), DNA morphology (linear, supercoiled), and concentration. In addition, the kinetics of formation were assessed for several conditions. Under essentially all conditions, two distinct regimes were observed, and on the basis of present and past data, these were identified as (1) coexistence of multilamellar lipoplexes and DNA-coated vesicles and (2) highly fused multilamellar complexes. The former outcome is favored by excess ...
Electrostatic origin of the unidirectionality of walking myosin V motors

Understanding the basis for the action of myosin motors and related molecular machines requires a quantitative energy-based description of the overall functional cycle. Previous theoretical attempts to do so have provided interesting insights on parts of the cycle but could not generate a structure-based free energy landscape for the complete cycle of myosin. In particular, a nonphenomenological structure/energy-based understanding of the unidirectional motion is still missing. Here we use a coarse-grained model of myosin V and generate a structure-based free energy surface of the largest conformational change, namely the transition from the post- to prepowerstroke movement. We also couple the observed energetics of ligand binding/hydrolysis and product release to that of the conformational surface and reproduce the energetics of the complete mechanochemical cycle. It is found that the release in electrostatic free energy upon changing the conformation of the lever arm and the convertor domain from its post- to prepowerstroke state provides the necessary energy to bias the system towards the unidirectional movement of myosin V on the actin filament. The free energy change of 11 kcal is also in the range of ∼2–3 pN, which is consistent with the experimentally observed stalling force required to stop the motor completely on its track. The conformational-chemical coupling generating a successful powerstroke cycle is believed to be conserved among most members of the myosin family, thus highlighting the importance of the previously unknown role of electrostatics free energy in guiding the functional cycle in other actin-based myosin motors.
Rapid intensity fluctuations of light scattered by glasses.

We report the first observation of the fine structure in the angular-dependent intensity of light elastically scattered by a highly transparent sample of chemical-vapor-deposition silica glass. The effect was found to be caused by small, isotropic structure defects, distributed randomly throughout the sample. The single-scattering model along with appropriate statistical theory provides the interpretation of the observed specklelike patterns with characteristic strong intensity fluctuations. The scatterer dimension was estimated to be less than 400 \AA{}.
Reducing urinary tract infections in colon and rectal surgery.

BACKGROUND:Urinary tract infection is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Colon and rectal surgery has been shown to be an independent risk factor for urinary tract infection. Decreased length of the indwelling urinary catheter may play a role in decreasing the rate
"Apocatalase" of catalase-negative staphylococci.

Crystalline catalase of high purity and activity was prepared from a heme-requiring Staphylococcus aureus mutant, JT/52, grown in the presence of heme. A crystalline protein was obtained from the same cells grown without heme. This enzymatically inactive protein and the catalase cross-react strongly when tested by a variety of immunochemical tests.
Absorption spectra of diatomic molybdenum nitride (MoN), molybdenum oxide (MoO), and molybdenum dimer (Mo2) molecules isolated in Ar, Ne, and Kr matrices☆

Abstract MoN and MoO molecules produced in a hollow cathode discharge have been trapped in Ne, Ar, and Kr matrices at 4.2 and 13 K and investigated by optical spectroscopy. Bands attributed to MoN were identified in the red and blue spectral regions and assigned by comparison with gas phase results to the A 4 π → X 4 Σ − ( a ) and B 4 Σ → X 4 Σ − ( a ) transitions, respectively. The ground state of Mo 14 N has been identified as 4 Σ − with ω e = 1040 cm −1 in an Ar matrix. Absorptions assigned to MoO in the red spectral region form the (0-0) and (1-0) bands of at least one electronic transition, but could not definitely be correlated with the gas phase results. The ground state vibrational frequency for Mo 16 O in an Ar matrix is 893.5 cm −1 . Additionally, Mo 2 absorptions centered at 19 305 cm −1 were shown to be part of a vibrational progression with an average spacing of 181 cm −1 .
Multiple tachykinin receptors

Abstract The recent isolation of substance K and neuromedin K, two new mammalian tachykinins, suggests the possible existence of multiple receptor sub-types for substance P and related tachykinins. Receptor binding data using radiolabelled substance P, substance K and eledoisin demonstrate that each ligand binds to different sites in peripheral tissues and brain. Furthermore, each site has a unique ligand selectivity pattern and brain distribution. For example, the substantia nigra is enriched in substance K sites but not in substance P and eledoisin-neuromedin K receptors. This suggests the existence of three tachykinin receptor sub-types in brain and peripheral tissues for substance P, substance K and neuromedin K, respectively.
Murine arylsulfatase C: evidence for two isozymes

SWR/J mice posses high arylsulfatase C, estrone sulfatase, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfatase activities in liver, spleen and kidney compared to A/J mice. This internstrain activity variation appears to be determined by at least 1 autosomal gene. Murine arylsulfatase C activity occurs in both hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms which differ with respect to certain biochemical properties and exhibit different subcellular distributions. The hydrophilic isozyme is a major component in kidney and brain extracts and a minor isozyme in liver and spleen extracts. The hydrophobic arylsulfatase C isozyme appears to be identical to steroid sulfatase. The hydrophilic arylsulfatase C isozyme does not possess steroid sulfatase activity; however, hydrophilic and hydrophobic arylsulfatase C share certain properties, suggesting that they may be structurally related. The autosomal gene(s) affects both arylsulfatase isozymes.
Mel-5 : a novel antibody for differential diagnosis of epidermal pigmented lesions of the skin in paraffin-embedded sections

Histological evaluation of epidermal melanocytes on routine staining is difficult and cannot be made with accuracy. Widely known antibodies such as S-100 and HMB-45 are unreliable for normal epidermal melanocytes. Furthermore, S-100 stains other cells including Langerhans' cells. Results of incubation with DOPA are inconsistent and the procedure is time-consuming. We have evaluated the use of Mel-5, an antibody that was developed against melanoma and melanocytes. This antibody is a mouse monoclonal antibody that specifically detects a 75 kDa glycoprotein usually expressed by normal melanocytes, naevi and melanoma cells in routinely fixed paraffin sections. Histological differentiation between pigmented actinic keratosis in photodamaged skin and lentigo maligna can be difficult. The atypical keratinocytes, particularly in the basal layer, can be confused with atypical melanocytes, especially if they are pigmented. Similarly, distinctions between lichen planus-like keratosis and lichenoid melanoma in situ and lentigo maligna and lentigo may be difficult. Use of Mel-5 in such cases has shown consistent results in separating melanocytic from non-melanocytic lesions. This antibody is also helpful in evaluating biopsies of patients with vitiligo, post-inflammatory pigmentary alteration and regressed or regressing melanocytic lesions. Furthermore, Mel-5 is an invaluable tool in quantification of epidermal melanocytes in research projects.
Greening in the Red Zone: Green Space and Disaster Resistance, Recovery and Resilience

Keywords: commentary, community gardening, community gardens, development, ecology and environment, botany and plants, urban anthropology