cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preventing Respiratory Failure After Cardiac Surgery Using Post-extubation Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure Therapy.

OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to evaluate if an extubation protocol for all post-operative cardiac patients in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit using intermittent bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) could reduce the rate of re-intubation. METHODS A total of 1,718 patients undergoing cardiac surgery from May 2012 to April 2016 were analyzed. Patients from May 2014 to April 2016 were included in a post-extubation BiPAP therapy protocol that included one hour of BiPAP followed by three hours of a nasal cannula for 24 hours after extubation in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. The protocol cohort was retrospectively compared to a control group (nasal cannula only) from May 2012 to April 2014. All demographic and outcome data were analyzed from our institution's Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Cardiac Database. RESULTS There was no statistical difference in the rate of re-intubation between the BiPAP group (n = 35; 4.07%) and the control group (n = 34; 3.96%; p = 0.9022). Sub-group analysis of the 69 re-intubated patients identified several significant risk factors: prior valve surgery (p = 0.028), chronic lung disease (p = 0.0343), emergent operation (p = 0.0016), longer operating room time (p = 0.0109), cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.0086), higher STS predicted risk of mortality score (p = 0.0015). Re-intubation was associated with higher 30-day mortality rates (p = 0.0026), prolonged cardiothoracic intensive care unit length of stay (p < 0.0001), and hospital length of stay (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION While a BiPAP protocol did not show a significant difference in re-intubation rates after cardiac surgery, the subgroup analysis of re-intubated patients showed several significant risk factors for re-intubation. Early identification of these risk factors when considering extubation may help teams avoid associated morbidity and mortality outcomes.
Ungated nonenhanced radial quiescent interval slice‐selective (QISS) magnetic resonance angiography of the neck: Evaluation of image quality

BACKGROUND Standard-of-care time-of-flight (TOF) techniques for nonenhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NEMRA) of the carotid bifurcation and other cervical arteries often provide nondiagnostic image quality due to motion and flow artifacts. PURPOSE To perform an initial evaluation of an ungated radial quiescent-interval slice-selective (QISS) technique for NEMRA of the neck, in comparison with 2D TOF and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA). STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION Sixty patients referred for neck MR angiography. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Ungated radial QISS at 3T. ASSESSMENT Three radiologists scored image quality of 18 arterial segments using a 4-point scale (1, nondiagnostic; 2, fair; 3, good; 4, excellent), and two radiologists graded proximal internal carotid stenosis using five categories (<50%, 50-69%, 70-99%, occlusion, nondiagnostic). STATISTICAL TESTS Friedman tests with post-hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; unweighted Gwet's AC1 statistic; tests for equality of proportions. RESULTS Ungated radial QISS provided image quality that significantly exceeded 2D TOF (mean scores of 2.7 vs. 2.0, 2.7 vs. 2.2, and 2.9 vs. 2.3; P < 0.001, all comparisons), while CEMRA provided the best image quality (mean scores of 3.6, 3.7, and 3.5 for the three reviewers). Interrater agreement of image quality scores was substantial for CEMRA (AC1 = 0.70, P < 0.001), and moderate for QISS (AC1 = 0.43, P < 0.001) and TOF (AC1 = 0.41, P < 0.001). Compared with TOF, QISS NEMRA provided a significantly higher percentage of diagnostic segments for all three reviewers (91.0% vs. 71.7%, 93.5% vs. 72.9%, 95.5% vs. 85.2%; P < 0.0001) and demonstrated better agreement with CEMRA for grading of proximal internal carotid stenosis (AC1 = 0.94 vs. 0.73 for reviewer 1, P < 0.05; AC1 = 0.89 vs. 0.68 for reviewer 2, P < 0.05). DATA CONCLUSION In this initial study, ungated radial QISS significantly outperformed 2D TOF for the evaluation of the neck arteries, with overall better image quality and more diagnostic arterial segments, and improved agreement with CEMRA for grading stenosis of the proximal internal carotid artery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1798-1807.
Graph-Theoretic Partitioning of RNAs and Classification of Pseudoknots

Dual graphs have been applied to model RNA secondary structures with pseudoknots, or intertwined base pairs. In a previous work, a linear-time algorithm was introduced to partition dual graphs into maximal topological components called blocks and determine whether each block contains a pseudoknot or not. This characterization allowed us to efficiently isolate smaller RNA fragments and classify them as pseudoknotted or pseudoknot-free regions, while keeping these sub-structures intact. In this paper we extend the partitioning algorithm by classifying a pseudoknot as either recursive or non-recursive. A pseudoknot is recursive if it contains independent regions or fragments. Each of these regions can be also identified by the modified algorithm, continuing with our current research in the development of a library of building blocks for RNA design by fragment assembly. Partitioning and classification of RNAs using dual graphs provide a systematic way for study of RNA structure and prediction.
Spheres, Kähler geometry and the Hunter–Saxton system

Many important equations of mathematical physics arise geometrically as geodesic equations on Lie groups. In this paper, we study an example of a geodesic equation, the two-component HunterSaxton (...
Discussing Prognosis and Shared Decision-Making

When making high-stakes decisions with their patients, surgeons may have only one opportunity to get a life-changing conversation right. These loaded conversations cover immense ground. Bad news, emotion, prognosis, treatment choices, and patient goals all play a part in coming up with the right plan for each individual patient. Surgeons and patients may overlook important factors when the language and process of informed consent is substituted for decision-making. "Best Case/Worst Case" is a communication tool based in scenario planning that promotes shared decision-making in high-stakes surgical conversations and is discussed at length in this review.
Peptic Ulcer Disease

Which of the following complications of chronic duodenal ulcer represents an absolute indication for operation? A. Hemorrhage. B. Obstruction. C. Intractability. D. Perforation. E. None of the above.
Strichartz estimates for the Schrödinger equation on products of compact groups and odd-dimensional spheres

Abstract We generalize the framework developed in (Anal. PDE 13 (4) (2020) 1173-1219) to prove certain Strichartz estimates which are scale-invariant up to an e -loss on any product of compact groups and odd-dimensional spheres. Some partial results toward such Strichartz estimates on a general compact globally symmetric space are also given, including a kernel estimate sharp up to an e -loss near rational times and near corners of a maximal torus.
Impact of arsenic and phosphorus concentration on oxygen content in heavily doped silicon single crystal

Abstract This study investigates the impact of the arsenic and phosphorus concentration on the oxygen content in heavily doped silicon crystals. The resistivity and the oxygen measurements were made on 200 mm crystals grown with the Czochralski method. The oxygen concentration, measured by Gas Fusion Analysis, decreases with the increase of dopant concentration. Two mechanisms related to the effect of the arsenic and phosphorus concentration on the oxygen contents are discussed: one is the possible inhibition of the oxygen segregation inside the silicon crystal due to the lattice deformation and the other is the oxygen evaporation enhancement from the melt through dopant-oxides formation.
Hitchhiking on the Frontier: Accelerating Eusociality and other Improbable Evolutionary Outcomes by Trait Hitchhiking in a Boom-and-Bust Feedback Loop

Here I analyze the brush-fire cycle behind the brushy frontier of a grassland, seeking evolutionary feedback loops for large grazing animals and their hominin predators. Several months after a lightning strike, the burn scar grows enough new grass to expand the carrying capacity for grass-specialized herbivores, which evolved from mixed feeders in Africa during the early Pleistocene. The frontier subpopulation of grazers that discovers the auxiliary grassland quickly multiplies, creating a secondary boom for its hominin predators as well. Following this boom, a bust occurs several decades later when the brush returns; it squeezes both prey and predator populations back into the core grassland. This creates a feedback loop that can repeatedly shift the core's gene frequencies toward those of the frontier subpopulation until fixation occurs. Any brush-relevant allele could benefit from this amplifying feedback loop, so long as its phenotypes concentrate near where fresh resources can suddenly open up, back in the brush. Thus, traits concentrated in the frontier fringe can hitchhike; improved survival is not needed. This is natural selection but utilizing selective reproductive opportunity instead of the usual selective survival. Cooperative nurseries in the brush's shade should concentrate the alleles favoring eusociality, repeatedly increasing their proportion via trait hitchhiking in the feedback loop.
Clinical Guideline Highlights for the Hospitalist: Anaphylaxis Management in Adults and Children.

GUIDELINE TITLE Anaphylaxis-A 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis RELEASE DATE: April 2020 PRIOR VERSION: Anaphylaxis - a 2019 practice parameter and GRADE analysis DEVELOPER: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) FUNDING SOURCE: None TARGET POPULATION: Adult and pediatric patients with anaphylaxis.
Lobbying Inside (and) Out: Interest Group Behavior onSocial Media

This project asks whether existing patterns of lobbying are replicated online. We theorize that business and professional groups will be less likely to engage in social media use and will be more likely to use social media platforms as a form of inside lobbying, building and reinforcing relationships with policymakers. In contrast, we expect that citizens’ advocacy groups will be most likely to engage in an online form of outside lobbying, using social media to inform the public and build grassroots support for their policy agendas. Using an original dataset of Twitter and Facebook posts from interest groups, we find that outside lobbying messages are more frequent than inside lobbying messages on social media across all groups. Citizens’ groups are significantly more likely to engage in social media use overall, and they are more likely to use it for both inside and outside lobbying messages than other types of groups.
The Distribution of Voting Rights to Shareholders

This is the first comprehensive study of the distribution of voting rights to shareholders. Only those owning stock on the record date may vote. Firms, however, reveal that date after the fact 91% of the time. With controversial votes, firms are more likely to do the opposite, and this is associated with a lower passage rate for shareholder-initiated proposals. The NYSE sells non-public record-date information to select investors. When stocks go ex vote, prices decline and trading volume surges, suggesting that investors are buying marginal votes. These trends are most pronounced with controversial votes.
Outcome of Lung Re-Transplant in Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction

Purpose Lung transplant patients eventually develop CLAD and require re-transplant. This study aims to examine the outcome of lung re-transplant in CLAD patients and compare between bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) and restrictive allograft syndrome (RAS). Methods This is a retrospective observational study. Adult patients (>18 yo) with diagnosis of BOS or RAS underwent lung re-transplant were identified from SRTR database. The primary outcome is graft failure. Numerical data were reported in mean and standard deviation. Categorical data were reported in count and percent. T-test and Chi-square were performed to compare between 2 groups. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curves were performed to compare survival of RAS and BOS. Results 934 patients underwent lung re-transplant were included. 782 patients have BOS. There was no significant difference in age, mPAP or history of smoking between BOS and RAS. LAS was significantly higher in RAS (60.03±19.39 vs 54.19±17.6). Time on waitlist is significantly longer in BOS (165±286 vs 83±147). Time from first transplant is significantly longer in BOS (1876±1432 vs 1616±1221). There was no difference in airway dehiscence rate, primary graft dysfunction at 72 hrs or length of stay. Rate of intubation at 72 hrs is significantly higher in RAS (34.48% vs 56.18%). Post op ECMO rate is higher in RAS (8.55% vs 3.45%). Hemodialysis rate is higher in RAS (18.37% vs 11.57%). Rate of acute rejection treatment in first year is significantly higher in BOS (29.51% vs 18.89%). Time to graft failure is significant higher in BOS (1258±1334 vs 834±834). K-M survival curves of RAS and BOS stratified by 5-year predicted graft survival was performed. BOS had higher 5 year graft survival although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.21). Conclusion Patients with RAS have worse clinical condition prior to re-transplant. They also have higher rate of post op ECMO and require longer ventilator support. Patients with BOS have higher 5 year survival of graft than RAS (not significant).
Penalized Latent Dirichlet Allocation Model in Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) quantifies RNA transcripts at individual cell level, providing cellular-level resolution of gene expression variation. The scRNA-seq data are counts of RNA transcripts of all genes in species’ genome, which are of very high dimension and contain excessive zero counts. In order to better reduce the data dimension and extract robust and interpretable biological information, we develop a penalized Latent Dirichlet Allocation (pLDA) model for scRNA-seq data. The method is adapted from the generative probabilistic model LDA originated in natural language processing. pLDA models the scRNA-seq data by considering genes as words, cells as documents, and latent biological functions as topics. It imposes a penalty to reflect the characteristics in scRNA-seq that only a small subset of genes are expected to be topic-specific, which increases the robustness of the estimation and interpretability of the results. We apply pLDA to scRNA-seq datasets from both Drop-seq and SMARTer v1 technologies, and demonstrate improved performances in cell-type classification. The topics identified by pLDA are interpretable with biological functions.
Drug–Nutrient Interactions in the Elderly

Abstract Dietary supplement use has steadily increased among the elderly to improve or maintain overall health and for specific reasons, such as to promote bone or heart health. The use of medicinal products is also high among the elderly, thus increasing the risk for drug–nutrient interactions (DNI). Although, DNI are well recognized, their importance is slowly getting recognition as a potential factor that may affect outcomes in the elderly with multiple comorbidities requiring multiple medications, in the background of declining functional reserves, altered nutritional status, and aging-associated physiological changes that alter the disposition (absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination) of the drug or nutrient and its effect on the body. Nearly half of patients using dietary supplements with prescription drugs are at risk of some interaction, with a third considered clinically significant, particularly with drugs with a narrow therapeutic index. These interactions may go undetected as the majority of patients do not disclose their supplement use to healthcare professionals. Increasing recognition of such interaction may help reduce these adverse effects. In this chapter, we will summarize different types of DNI, highlight aging-associated alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that increase predisposition to DNI, and discuss issues in regulating dietary supplements that can potentially improve their safety.
Modeling Rapport for Conversations About Health with Autonomous Avatars from Video Corpus of Clinician-Client Therapy Sessions

In human face-to-face conversations, non-verbal behaviors (NVB), such as gaze, facial expressions, gestures, and body postures, can improve communication effectiveness, by creating a smooth interaction between the interlocutors - called rapport. During human interactions with embodied conversational agents (ECAs) (a.k.a. virtual humans), a key issue for the success of the interaction is the ability of an ECA to establish and maintain some level of rapport with its human counterpart. This need is particularly important for ECAs who interact in contexts involving socio-emotional content, such as education and entertainment, or in the role of health assistants delivering healthcare interventions, as in the context of this study. Because clinical psychologists are trained in establishing and maintaining rapport, we designed an ECA that learns offline from such an expert, which NVBs to display, when to display them, when not to display them, in real time. We describe our data-driven machine learning approach to modeling rapport from a corpus of annotated videos of counseling sessions, that were conducted by a licensed practicing clinical psychologist with role-playing patients. Results of a randomly controlled experiment show that, in its role of delivering a brief screening health intervention, our ECA improved user’s attitude, intention to (re-)use the ECA system, perceived enjoyment, perceived sociability, perceived usefulness, social presence, and trust.
Comparative assessment of ActiGraph data processing techniques for measuring sedentary behavior in adults with COPD

Objective.The ActiGraph is commonly used for measuring sedentary behavior (SB), but the best data processing technique is not established for sedentary adults with chronic illness. The purpose of this study was to process ActiGraph vertical axis and vector magnitude data with multiple combinations of filters, non-wear algorithm lengths, and cut-points and to compare ActiGraph estimates to activPAL-measured sedentary time in sedentary adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Approach.This study was a secondary analysis of adults ≥50 years (N = 59; mean age: 69.4 years;N = 31 males) with COPD. Participants woreActiGraph GT9XandactivPAL3for 7 d. ActiGraph vertical axis and vector magnitude data were processed using combinations of filters (normal, low frequency extension (LFE)), non-wear algorithm lengths (60, 90, 120 min), and cut-points for SB previously validated in older adults (two for vertical axis and three for vector magnitude data). The Bland-Altman method was used to assess concordance between sedentary time measured with 30 ActiGraph techniques and activPAL-measured sedentary time.Main results. Agreement between the two devices was moderate to strong for all techniques; concordance correlations ranged from 0.614 to 0.838. Limits of agreement were wide. The best overall technique was vector magnitude data with LFE filter, 120 min non-wear algorithm, and <40 counts/15 s SB cut-point (concordance correlation 0.838; mean difference -11.7 min d-1).Significance. This analysis supports the use of ActiGraph vector magnitude data and LFE filter in adults with COPD, but also demonstrates that other techniques may be acceptable with appropriate cut-points. These results can guide ActiGraph data processing decisions.
Estimation of Utility Values for Computing Quality-adjusted Life Years Associated With Homelessness.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data-driven evidence about the burden of homelessness, and lack of a holistic measure of effectiveness for evaluating interventions targeting homelessness. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) can help holistically capture the burden of homelessness, and facilitate the valuation and comparison of interventions designed to address homelessness. OBJECTIVE: This study estimated utility values required to compute the QALYs associated with homelessness, and also examined individual-level characteristics that affect these values. RESEARCH DESIGN: The study is cross-sectional and derived from a large national survey conducted during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. SUBJECTS: A sample of 6607 middle- and low-income adults in the United States. MEASURES: A self-completion standard gamble survey was used to estimate utility values associated with homelessness. Linear regression was used to analyze the association between individual-level characteristics and these utility values. RESULTS: The study estimated the average utility value associated with homelessness as 43.4% among the study participants. This implies that 1 year of life as a homeless individual is perceived to be equivalent to less than half a year of life as a stably housed individual in good health. The study also found that individuals who have experienced homelessness and financial distress value life as a homeless person considerably less than those who have not had these experiences. CONCLUSIONS: The method developed in this study can be used to estimate QALYs in studies evaluating homelessness interventions, thereby establishing the societal value of these interventions and informing policy and budgetary decision-making. Future studies estimating the utility values associated with homelessness in the general population, as well as specific homeless groups, are required to provide more generalizable evidence.
Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: Point-Fine Needle Aspiration First.

This article does not include an abstract. Please see the accompanying Counterpoint by Erica S. Alexander.
Minimizing distortion for multi-path video streaming over ad hoc networks

We present a video distortion model analyzing the performance of multi-path routing for low latency video streaming, in congestion-limited ad hoc networks. In such environments, a single node transmitting multimedia data may have an impact on the overall network conditions and may need to limit its rate to achieve the highest sustainable video quality. For this purpose, optimal routing which seeks to minimize congestion and distributes traffic over multiple paths is attractive. To predict the end-to-end rate-distortion tradeoff, we develop a model which captures the impact of quantization and of packet loss on the overall video quality. Network simulations are performed to confirm the validity of the model in different streaming scenarios over different numbers of paths.
General Approaches to Stepwise Identification of Unusual Values in Data Analysis

One of the general goals in data analysis is the identification of unusual values. This can be done indirectly (after performing a robust analysis) or directly (via some detection procedure). This paper summarizes the backwards-stepping approach to the detection of unusual values in a data set. This approach has the advantages of simplicity of application, flexibility, and resistance to masking effects. Application to univariate, multivariate, and regression data, as well as other problems, is discussed. Simulations are used to investigate the properties of this strategy for data analysis. It is shown that identification of unusual values using appropriate detection procedures can be considerably more effective than indirect detection using a robust analysis.
Characterization and scanning probe spectroscopy of radiation-pressure induced mechanical oscillation of a microcavity

Microcavities can enter a regime where radiation pressure causes oscillation of mechanical cavity eigenmodes. We present a detailed experimental and theoretical understanding of this effect, and report direct scanning probe spectroscopy of the micro-mechanical modes.
Systematics and Evolution

Studies that rely on genetic and molecular information to answer evolutionary questions fall roughly into two categories: (1) the reconstruction of evolutionary relationship (including the timing of lineage divergence); and (2) the emergence of a novel structure. The former endeavor is referred to as “molecular systematics,” and as “molecular anthropology” when applied to humans and other primates. The assumption that differences accrue within lineages after they diverge from a common ancestor leads to the assumption that the degree of molecular similarity is reflected in the degree of evolutionary relatedness. Whether or not such change occurs in a clock-like manner remains a matter of debate. The reliability of molecular, rather than morphological, studies to inform about evolutionary relatedness also relies on the appeal of a “law of large numbers”: it is possible to analyze thousands, or even millions, of molecules compared to a pitifully small number of morphological features. The concern of developmental evolutionary biology (“evo-devo”) is the identification of molecular elements – for example, transcription factors or other types or classes of proteins and “genes,” as well as epigenetic and non-Mendelian factors – that provide insight about the processes of development of structure and form. Rather than imparting significance to a particular RNA, DNA, or amino acid sequence, the focus is on signal transduction pathways and the regulation of development, namely, the origination of structure. In this chapter, an attempt will be made to summarize the main aspects of these fields of inquiry, including their assumptions, and to suggest avenues of future inquiry that might bring these disciplines together to provide some better information about evolution. Keywords: African apes; Anthropoidea; Clade; Derived feature; Hominids; Hominoids; Homology; Large-bodied hominoids; Lesser (small-bodied) hominoids; Monophyletic group; Outgroup; Phylogeny reconstruction; Primitive feature; Primitive retention; Sister taxon; Systematics; Taxic; Taxon (plural: taxa)
NG2 cells (polydendrocytes): Listeners to the neural network with diverse properties

NG2 cells (polydendrocytes) are the fourth major non-neuronal cell type in the central nervous system parenchyma. They exhibit diverse properties, ranging from their well-established role as oligodendrocyte precursors to their ability to respond to neurotransmitters released by synaptic and non-synaptic mechanisms. The functional diversity of NG2 cells has prompted the question of whether they represent a single cellular entity or multiple distinct cell populations. This review first summarizes recent findings on the nature and mechanism underlying the diversity of NG2 cells with regard to their proliferative and differentiation behavior. This will be followed by a synopsis of observations on how their microenvironment, particularly neuronal activity, influences their dynamic behavior, and how these changes in NG2 cells could in turn influence neural function and animal behavior. GLIA 2014;62:1195–1210
Isolation of Group H Streptococcal Competence Factor

Competence factor (CF) was purified 600-fold from culture filtrates of competent group H streptococcus, strain Challis, by fractionation on a carboxymethyl-Sephadex column. The preparation did not contain orcinol- or diphenylamine-positive material, and CF activity was destroyed by trypsin. An examination of its chemical composition revealed 10 amino acids, muramic acid, glucosamine, and glucose.
Seepage from canals having variable shape and partial lining

Abstract The numerical models presented here are solutions to the steady two-dimensional flow through a porous medium from canals of variable shape with partial lining. Two main cases are studied. The first case is the seepage flow from canals with impervious lining on their sloping sides. The second case is for seepage from canals in which the impervious lining is located on the base of the canal and the sides are unlined. The Baiocchi transformation and method is used to develop a boundary value problem which is then solved by the finite-difference successive over-relaxation method with projection. A sample problem of each case is presented. The discharge rates and free surfaces of the seepage flows are obtained through the numerical scheme, and are compared with available analytical results.
COMPARISON OF 3 INVESTIGATIONAL ASSAYS FOR THE FREE FORM OF PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN

AbstractPurpose: Measuring percent free/total prostate specific antigen (PSA) versus total PSA alone has been shown to enhance the stratification of cases with and without prostate cancer. We compared the diagnostic performance of 3 free PSA assays when values were interchanged over a common total PSA denominator.Materials and Methods: Archival sera from 123 consecutively accrued patients (25 with prostate cancer, 98 with no evidence of malignancy) who had pre-biopsy total PSA levels from 2.0 to 20.0 ng./ml. were obtained from our specimen bank. Serum specimens were analyzed using the Hybritech Tandem R, sup [dagger] Dianon Systems sup [double dagger] and Chiron ACS 180 sup [section] free PSA assays. Total PSA was measured using the Hybritech Tandem R total PSA assay. Linear regression was performed to evaluate the correlation and agreement among assays. Sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection were calculated to compare diagnostic performance.Results: The required percent free PSA cutoffs were dif...
Influence of Serum on Cultured Murine Tooth Organ Allotransplants

Previous investigations indicated that in vitro culture of fetal tooth germs before allotransplantation prolonged graft survival. This study assessed the influence of different sources of serum in culture medium on post-transplant development of neonatal tooth organs. The results indicate that recipient-strain serum, but not donor-strain serum or calf serum, increased tooth survival compared with that of uncultured controls, which were rejected by the fourteenth post-transplant day. The survival curve for cultured tooth organs was shifted to the right by two days. No tooth transplant survived beyond three wk.
LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT DEXTRAN IN OPEN HEART SURGERY: EFFECT ON COAGULATION FACTORS AND ON RED CELL ANTIBODY ACTIVITY.

Low molecular weight (40,000) dextran is being extensively used in open heart surgery to minimize the amount of donor blood required and to inhibit red cell aggregation. At equal concentrations, its effects on blood coagulation were less than those of standard dextran plasma substitutes; but in the very high concentrations used in open heart surgery its effects were greater. Addition of low molecular weight dextran to normal plasma caused a gross precipitate and striking inhibition of coagulation. Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) and fibrinogen were partially removed with the precipitate. Patients subjected to open heart surgery had lower levels of these two clotting factors in their plasma when dextran was used, but it is not certain whether this loss occurred in vivo, or during separation of the plasma from red cells (and precipitate) prior to testing. No proof was obtained in this series of cases that low molecular weight dextran increased the tendency to bleed, but the results indicate that this would be a likely possibility with the use of larger amounts. The low molecular weight dextran had a slight tendency to induce red cell aggregation by itself. It potentiated the aggregative effect of Polybrene and the agglutinating effect of a saline Rh antibody. On the other hand, it inhibited agglutination of red cells induced by an Rh antibody in a high protein medium. It thus appears likely that high concentrations of low molecular weight dextran in the blood of a patient could lead to erroneous conclusions in compatibility tests.
Missing Indirect Flight Muscles in Anastrepha suspensa with Droopy Wing Syndrome

The droopy wing syndrome and the indirect flight musculature of Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are described. The syndrome is characterized by the absence of certain indirect flight muscles or of some bundles of these muscles.
Crest instabilities of gravity waves. Part 3. Nonlinear development and breaking

The ‘almost-highest wave’, which is the asymptotic form of the flow in a steep irrotational water wave of less than the limiting height, was recently shown to be unstable to infinitesimal disturbances (see Longuet-Higgins & Cleaver 1994). It was also shown numerically that the lowest eigenfrequency is asymptotic to that of the lower superharmonic instability of a progressive wave in deep water (Longuet-Higgins, Cleaver & Fox 1994). In the present paper these calculations are revised, indicating the presence of more than one such instability, in agreement with recent calculations on steep periodic and solitary waves (Longuet-Higgins & Tanaka 1997).The nonlinear development of the fastest-growing instability is also traced by a boundary-integral time-stepping method and the initial, linear growth rate is confirmed. The subsequent, nonlinear stages of growth depend as expected on the sign of the initial perturbation. Perturbations of one sign lead to the familiar overturning of the wave crest. Perturbations of the opposite sign lead to a smooth transition of the wave to a lower progressive wave having nearly the same total energy, followed by a return to a wave of almost the initial wave height. This appears to be the beginning of a nonlinear recurrence phenomenon.
CGRP- and cholinergic-containing fibers project to guinea pig outer hair cells

MU33, an antibody to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), was used to investigate the magnitude of CGRP-containing nerve fiber endings, compared to acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-containing nerve fiber endings on outer hair cells (OHCs). Results showed that CGRP-containing nerve fiber immunoreactivity mimicked the AChE fiber OHC staining pattern across the cochlea suggesting that CGRP can function as both a medial efferent (contacting primarily OHCs) and as a lateral efferent (contacting primarily inner hair cell afferents) neurotransmitter.
Model of the thermodynamics of the chiral restoration transition

Abstract Results of lattice gauge calculations for the energy density of quarks and gluons at finite temperature are analyzed. We compare with a model of dropping hadron masses. The relation to the analysis of space-like correlation is discussed.
Multifunctional Adhesive Joints for Composites Using Aligned Carbon Nanotube Nanofoam Films

In this study, the effects of using aligned multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanofoam films as adhesive reinforcements to enhance the shear strength of composite joints are examined. The MWCNT reinforced adhesive nanofoam films are used to bond carbon/epoxy composite adherends. Mechanical characterization of the samples is performed using single lap joint samples to measure average shear strengths experimentally. Shear strength and other multifunctional properties of such nano-adhesives are discussed employing the results obtained in this work.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Spatio-Temporal Characterization of Nonlinear Propagation

We use Spatially Resolved Spectral Interferometery (SRSI) to investigate nonlinear propagation of ultrashort pulses in Kerr materials. SRSI provides phase and amplitude information from two spatial dimensions and fully characterizes the temporal profile of pulses.
The ecology of malnutrition in a rural community in Tanzania.

The remote and immediate causes of protein deficiency in a Southwest Tanzanian community were examined. The inadequate nutrition of infants and children was attributable to a variety of factors which included the cultural background of the tribe, the land tenure system, poor agricultural practices, endemic, parasitic and communicable diseases, child rearing practices, and a series of historical events. A vicious circle of malnutrition, ill health, decreased productivity, poverty and more malnutrition has been established. Providing immediate food sufficiency was considered to be inadequate because of the complexity of the situation. A variety of relief measures would be required. These included administrative, legislative and political changes, the use of better agricultural methods, the promotion of health community development, education and the introduction of economic incentives. A systematic examination of the many factors influencing nutritional status of communities is required if remedial measures...
Interdomain Communication between the Thiolation and Thioesterase Domains of EntF Explored by Combinatorial Mutagenesis and Selection

Thiolation (T) domains are protein way stations in natural product assembly lines. In the enterobactin synthetase, the T domain on EntF is recognized in cis by its catalytic partners: the EntF condensation (C), adenylation (A), and thioesterase (TE) domains. To assess surface features of the EntF T domain recognized by C, A, and TE, regions of the EntF T domain were submitted to shotgun alanine scanning and Ent production selection, which revealed residues that could not be substituted by Ala. EntF mutants bearing Ala in such positions were assayed in vitro for Ent production with EntEB, and for A-T, C-T, and T-TE communications. We concluded that G1027A and M1030A are specifically defective in acyl transfer from T to TE. These residues define an interaction surface between these two in cis domains in an NRPS module.
Prediction of Oxygen Storage Capacity and Stored NOx by HEGO Sensors for Improved LNT Control Strategies

In the absence of on-line emission measurements, the control of lean burn engine aftertreatment system must be implemented by using models of feedgas emissions and the aftertreatment subsystems, together with measured variables such as mass air flow rate, feedgas and tailpipe relative air-to-fuel ratios, etc. In particular, accurate estimation of stored oxygen and NOx in the LNT is of critical importance. When the ambient conditions (such as humidity, LNT brick temperature, and sulfur poisoning) change or the engine components age, oxygen storage capacity and NOx amount in the LNT vary significantly, and the performance of the control system that relies on these variables may deteriorate if the accuracy of the estimate deteriorates with the change in hardware. In this paper, we show that voltage trajectories of a tailpipe HEGO sensor can provide sufficient information to predict oxygen capacity during storage phase and stored NOx during purge phase of an lean NOx trap (LNT). This result can be used to provide accurate prediction of the termination time of purge operation, leading to improved control strategies for LNT operation. This finding also indicates that more expensive UEGO sensors can be avoided without tangible performance penalty on LNT control.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Polyimide Multi-Layer Substrate for High-Density Semiconductor Package

We have developed a polyimide multi-layer substrate for semiconductor package. Interstitial via holes filled with conductive paste make the electrical connection in any layers in the multi-layer substrate to realize high-density wiring. The substrate shows reliable resistance to moisture and heat. Use of polyimide film make the substrate considerable thin compared to the conventional method using glass-epoxy. The present multi-layer substrate can be applied to a promising interposer for high-density semiconductor such as multi-chip module and stacked chip.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The safety and efficacy of chronically implanted subdural electrodes: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND The popularity of subdural electrodes for the presurgical evaluation of patients with intractable seizures is increasing. However, few reports have prospectively dealt with their efficacy and safety. METHODS We conducted a 5-year prospective study of patients evaluated by the California Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, who subsequently underwent subdural electrode implantation at one of two institutions. Efficacy was examined by ultimate outcome with regards to postsurgery resection seizure frequency. Fifty-five patients underwent 58 implant procedures and postresection outcomes were available in 47 patients. Safety was defined by the incidence of expected and unexpected complications, and neuropathologic examination of tissue specimens. RESULTS The most common expected adverse effects during implant were fever ≤102° (41%), cerebrospinal fluid leakage (19%), headache (15%), and nausea (4%). There were no infections. Unexpected adverse events included fever > 102°F (5%), migraine (5%), iatrogenic electrode dysfunction (5%), and temporalis muscle fibrosis (5%). The incidence of pathologic findings suggestive of foreign body reaction was 10%. There were no permanent sequelae. Surgical outcomes were excellent in all (≥75% seizure reduction) with 50% seizure free regardless of the focus. CONCLUSIONS Subdural electrodes are a safe, easy, and efficacious tool for evaluating seizure foci prior to resective surgery. They should no longer be considered investigational devices.
Automated processing of radioisotopic scans

The use of the computer as a radiological tool has received much attention within the past few years. A constantly expanding population, a demand for improved medical care, a limited number of radiologists, and the substantial number of films to be viewed have contributed to the interest. Computer diagnosis could provide the radiologist with speedier analysis, more accurate measurements, and greater percentage of correct diagnoses. A major step in the automated processing of radiographic images is extraction of significant features from a background of irrelevant detail. Many algorithms, including template matching, contour trace, region enumeration, linguistic approaches, and statistical analysis have been applied to this problem with varying success. In order to implement an automated system of scene analysis, the pictorial information is represented in a digital form and processed on an IBM 360/50.
Selective impairment of knowledge underlying prenominal adjective order: evidence for the autonomy of grammatical semantics

English speakers have strong preferences for the order in which adjectives can occur before a noun — e.g. big brown dog vs. *brown big dog. These ordering preferences are based on a restricted set of semantic features which include fairly abstract functional distinctions like “descriptive” vs. “classifying” as well as information about adjective categories like “size” vs. “color”. Other perceptual and conceptual features of adjective meaning — e.g. particular colors like “brown” vs. “black” —do not influence the syntactic behavior of the words. According to the “grammatically relevant semantic subsystem” hypothesis proposed by Pinker [Pinker S. Learnability and Cognition. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1989], it is reasonable to suppose that the features of adjective meaning that constrain their linear order reside at a different level of mental representation than the features that are invisible to syntax. If this is true, then it is possible that the two components of meaning could be impaired independently of each other by brain damage. This paper reports a series of experiments that confirmed this prediction. Six of 16 brain-damaged subjects failed a test that assessed their knowledge of the semantic principles that determine prenominal adjective order. However, all of the subjects performed within normal limits on a second test that assessed their knowledge of the grammatically irrelevant perceptual and conceptual features of the same adjectives that were used in the first test. In addition, all of the subjects performed well on a third test that assessed their knowledge of the basic syntactic structure of English noun phrases (NPs). Taken together, these results suggest that the brain-damaged subjects who failed the first test have impaired knowledge of the grammatically relevant semantic features that influence prenominal adjective order; in contrast, they have well-preserved knowledge of grammatically irrelevant aspects of adjective meaning and of basic elements of NP syntax. This study therefore provides support for the view that there is an independent level of representation in the mind/brain for grammatical semantics.
Silica encapsulation and magnetic properties of FePt nanoparticles.

Core–shell nanoparticles have emerged as an important class of functional nanostructures with potential applications in many diverse fields, especially in health sciences. We have used a modified aqueous sol–gel route for the synthesis of size-selective FePt@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles. In this approach, oleic acid and olyel amine stabilized FePt nanoparticles are first encapsulated through an aminopropoxysilane (APS) monolayer and then subsequent condensation of triethoxysilane (TEOS) on FePt particle surface. These well-defined FePt@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles with narrow size distribution become colloidal in aqueous media, and can thus be used as carrier fluid for biomolecular complexes. In comparison, the scarce hydrophilic nature of oleic acid monolayers on FePt particle surface yields an edgy partial coating of silica when only TEOS is applied for the surface modification. The synthesized core–shell nanoparticles were characterized by direct techniques of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), EDS and indirectly via UV–vis absorption and FTIR studies. The FePt@SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit essential characteristics of superparamagnetic behavior, as investigated by SQUID magnetometry. The blocking temperatures (TB) of FePt and FePt@SiO2 (135 and 80 K) were studied using zero field cooled (ZFC)/field cooled (FC) curves.
Stone-Tool Production and Exchange in the Eastern Maya Lowlands: the Consumer Perspective Form Pulltrouser Swamp, Belize

Ongoing controversy over the identification of mesoamerican centers as the locus for specialized production of stone tools is addressed by reference to a consumer locality in the eastern Maya Lowlands. Lithic data from Pulltrouser Swamp are used to shed light on the production intensity and scale of a distribution system centered at Colha, Belize. Debitage analyses of technological attributes, use wear, and metric dimensions contrast two contexts of lithic procurement at Pulltrouser Swamp: direct procurement of raw material and indirect procurement of finished tools. Each procurement context results in debitage with different variable states. Characterization of the Colha chert lithic material at Pulltrouser Swamp as a consumer assemblage is supported further by the results of a discriminant analysis in which an experimental "consumer" assemblage is classified with the Colha chert. Such characterizations of lithic assemblages are more robust methodologically and more informative substantively than attempts at the quantification of production or usage rates. The implications of scalar differences in production systems are discussed.