cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Major Hemorrhage Among White and Black Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background Data on racial disparities in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major hemorrhage (HEM) after percutaneous coronary intervention are limited. Factors contributing to these di...
Statins Enhance Killing of Multiple Myeloma Cells By the BCL-2 Inhibitor Venetoclax and the MCL-1 Inhibitor S63845

The BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax has begun to change the landscape of therapy for diverse blood cancers. Combining venetoclax with standard of care agents has led to impressive response rates, and increased depth and durability of response compared to monotherapy. However, there is a continuing need to develop safe and effective combinations in multiple myeloma (MM), where the BELLINI triple combination trial (venetoclax-dexamethasone-bortezomib) was closed to accrual due to adverse events. We reported that HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors (statins), a safe and widely prescribed class of drugs, enhance the efficacy of venetoclax in human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines and in a retrospective study of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (JS Lee et al., Sci. Transl. Med.2018, 10(445)). In MM, the subset with t11;14 translocation is BCL-2-dependent and sensitive to venetoclax, whereas other MM subtypes are more dependent on MCL-1. Here we show that statins sensitize MM cell lines and primary cells to killing by either venetoclax or the MCL-1 inhibitor S63845. The compound pitavastatin is particularly potent, active in vitro at a concentration (100 - 300 nM) that is clinically achievable. In OPM2 cells, pitavastatin synergizes with venetoclax and increases apoptosis in triple combination with dexamethasone. Pitavastatin also potentiates venetoclax killing in dexamethasone-resistant MM1R cells. In MCL-1-dependent MM cells, statins increase sensitivity to S63845. Notably, statins do not increase killing of normal human lymphocytes by either venetoclax or S63845. Statin responsiveness in MM cell lines correlates with p53-independent upregulation of PUMA, BAX and BAK, and gene editing experiments suggest that all three contribute to the apoptotic mechanism. Statin-induced apoptosis and PUMA expression are rescued by addition of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate, and recapitulated by an inhibitor of geranylgeranyl-transferase I. Together these findings establish a mechanistic framework to explain how statins promote apoptosis by BH3 mimetic drugs like venetoclax and S63845. Further, these results highlight the potential of statins to enhance therapeutic efficacy of BCL-2 and MCL-1 inhibitor regimens in MM, with possibly lesser toxicity than other combination strategies. Disclosures Boise: Genentech Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Venetoclax is a BCL-2 inhibitor that is approved for some indications. I will discuss the use of venetoclax for multiple myeloma, a disease for which venetoclax is not approved.
Effect of Federal Incumbent Activity on CBRS Commercial Service

Federal Communications Commission rules for the 3.5 GHz citizens broadband radio service (CBRS) permit commercial systems to share 150 MHz of bandwidth with federal and other incumbents. To protect the federal incumbents, a spectrum coordinator—the spectrum access system (SAS)—uses a standardized algorithm to suspend some commercial transmissions when a nearby incumbent (e.g., a shipborne radar) becomes active. Using propagation models based on those employed by the SAS for interference management, this paper quantifies the impact of federal incumbent activity on commercial service, in terms of both the numbers of transmissions affected and their service area. These metrics are also used to examine the tradeoff between commercial coverage and immunity to incumbent activity as a function of commercial base station antenna height. We find that, in some cases, the reduction in coverage from lowering antenna heights is more than offset by the gain in immunity to incumbent activity.
Risk Factors for Infection after Prostate Biopsy in the United States

Abstract Objectives To characterize trends in the incidence and severity of post-biopsy infection using nationally representative data, given that population-based data have revealed an increasing incidence of post-prostate biopsy infections through 2007. Little is known about contemporary trends in prostate biopsy related infections and associated risk-factors, particularly considering the increased focus on preventative strategies. Methods We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked data from 2001 to 2015 and recorded 30-day infection rate and emergency department, hospital and, ICU admissions. We performed an adjusted analysis to account for the effect of age, demographic data, surgeon volume, rectal swab use, and biopsy year. Results We found that the overall rate of post-biopsy infections increased from 2001 (5.9%) to 2007 (7.2%) but remained stable through 2015. Despite this, post-biopsy emergency room visits rose from 0.2% to 0.5% (95% CI 0.2%-0.4%, p Conclusions While the overall rate of post-biopsy infections has stabilized since 2007, admissions to the emergency room, hospital, and ICU continue to rise. Increased surgeon volume was associated with a decreased risk of infection.
Elements of the Endomucin Extracellular Domain Essential for VEGF-Induced VEGFR2 Activity

Endomucin (EMCN) is the type I transmembrane glycoprotein, mucin-like component of the endothelial cell glycocalyx. We have previously shown that EMCN is necessary for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) internalization and downstream signaling. To explore the structural components of EMCN that are necessary for its function and the molecular mechanism of EMCN in VEGF-induced endothelial functions, we generated a series of mouse EMCN truncation mutants and examined their ability to rescue VEGF-induced endothelial functions in human primary endothelial cells (EC) in which endogenous EMCN had been knocked down using siRNA. Expression of the mouse full-length EMCN (FL EMCN) and the extracellular domain truncation mutants ∆21-81 EMCN and ∆21-121 EMCN, but not the shortest mutant ∆21-161 EMCN, successfully rescued the VEGF-induced EC migration, tube formation, and proliferation. ∆21-161 EMCN failed to interact with VEGFR2 and did not facilitate VEGFR2 internalization. Deletion of COSMC (C1GalT1C1) revealed that the abundant mucin-type O-glycans were not required for its VEGFR2-related functions. Mutation of the two N-glycosylation sites on ∆21-121 EMCN abolished its interaction with VEGFR2 and its function in VEGFR2 internalization. These results reveal ∆21-121 EMCN as the minimal extracellular domain sufficient for VEGFR2-mediated endothelial function and demonstrate an important role for N-glycosylation in VEGFR2 interaction, internalization, and angiogenic activity.
Estimation of in situ hydrocarbon saturation of porous rocks from borehole measurements of spontaneous potential

AbstractIt has been previously shown that Nernst’s equation is not reliable for the interpretation of spontaneous potential (SP) measurements acquired in hydrocarbon-bearing rocks. We have examined...
Antimicrobial Stewardship Optimization in the Emergency Department: The Effect of Multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Testing and Targeted Educational Intervention.

BACKGROUND Antibacterial agents are often prescribed for patients with suspected respiratory tract infections even though these are most often caused by viruses. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) PCR result availability and antimicrobial stewardship education on antibiotic prescription rates in the adult emergency department (ED). METHODS We compared rates of antibacterial and oseltamivir prescriptions between 2 nonconsecutive influenza seasons among ED visits, wherein the latter season followed the implementation of a comprehensive educational stewardship campaign. In addition, we sought to elucidate the effect of RPP-PCR on antibiotic prescriptions, with focus on result availability prior to the conclusion of emergency department encounters. RESULTS Antibiotic prescription rates globally decreased by 17.9% in the FS-17/18 cohort compared to FS-14/15 (P < 0.001), while oseltamivir prescription rates stayed the same overall (P = 0.42). Multivariate regression across both cohorts revealed that patients were less likely to receive antibiotics if RPP-PCR results were available before the end of the ED visit or if the RPP-PCR result was positive for influenza. Patients in the educational intervention cohort were also less likely to receive an antibiotic prescription. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence that RPP-PCR results are most helpful if available prior to the end of the provider-patient interaction. Further, these data suggest that detection of influenza remains an influential result in the context of antimicrobial treatment decision making. In addition, these data contribute to the body of literature which supports comprehensive ASP interventions including leadership and patient engagement.
Applying the Vulnerability Stress Adaptation Model of Marriage to Couples Raising an Autistic Child: A Call for Research on Adaptive Processes.

Parents of children on the autism spectrum are particularly susceptible to strain in their romantic relationships due to unique risk factors. While some relationships deteriorate, however, others endure and thrive. The Vulnerability Stress Adaptation (VSA) Model of Marriage (Karney & Bradbury, 1995; Fig. 1) offers a framework to explain, not only poor marital outcomes, but also the process by which degradation of relationships occurs over time. The VSA Model posits that a combination of internal (within-person) vulnerabilities and external stressors influence relationship quality and, in turn, stability, by affecting couples’ abilities to collaborate to adapt to stressors and solve problems (i.e., adaptive processes). With robust theoretical grounding, this review comprehensively summarizes and integrates literature pertaining to the romantic relationships of couples raising an autistic child through the lens of the VSA Model. Vulnerabilities, stressors, and adaptive processes relevant to these couples are identified, and empirical evidence pertaining to the proposed pathways in the VSA Model is explored. The body of research reviewed provides support for many of the proposed pathways in the VSA Model, especially related to certain stressors (i.e., child behavior problems) and vulnerabilities (i.e., parent depression), yet it falls short in exploring mechanisms by which these factors beget marital dysfunction (i.e., through adaptive processes). Additional gaps and methodological limitations in the literature are highlighted, and recommendations for future research are provided.
Temperature and Latitude Correlate with SARS-CoV-2 Epidemiological Variables but not with Genomic Change Worldwide

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease has spread quickly and massively around the entire globe, causing millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. The disease poses a serious...
Outcome of the Development of Early Restrictive Physiology after Heart Transplantation

Purpose Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is one of the major factors limiting long-term survival. A severe form of CAV is small vessel disease which results in restrictive cardiac physiology (RCP). This RCP causes a very stiff heart which leads to significant reduction in cardiac index and elevation of cardiac pressures. The pathophysiology behind this RCP is most likely due to small vessel CAV with scarring and fibrosis. The outcome of patients with this RCP has not been well established. Methods Between 2010 and 2017 we assessed 23 heart transplant patients who developed RCP defined by right atrial pressure ≥ 15 mmHg, pulmonary artery diastolic pressure ≥ 15 mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge ≥ 15 mmHg, and cardiac index ≤ 2.2 mm. Subsequent outcomes after diagnosis of RCP were 3-year survival, freedom from CAV (angiographic stenosis>30%), non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF-MACE: MI, new CHF, PCI, ICD implant, stroke), development of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and re-hospitalizations. 1-year freedom from acute cellular rejection (ACR) was also assessed as risk factors for the development of RCP. The study group was compared with a case-controlled group 2:1 matched by age, gender, and era. Results The average time from transplant to the diagnosis of RCP was 1.5 ± 1.4 years. The RCP group compared to control had significantly lower subsequent 3-year survival, 3-year freedom from CAV, NF-MACE and hospitalizations. There was also a lower freedom from 1-year cellular rejection episodes and DSA in the RCP group compared to control. (See table) Conclusion Heart transplant patients who develop early RCP appear to have significantly reduced survival. ACR and DSA are associated with the development of RCP. As these patients do not appear to have a reversible cause, appropriate patients may be assessed for re-transplantation.
Predicting Parallelism and Quantifying Divergence in Experimental Evolution

The degree that the environment determines what genes contribute towards adaptation is a fundamental question in microbial evolution. Microbial populations are often experimentally passaged in different environments and sequenced in order to identify candidates for adaptation in a particular environment. However, there remains the need to develop an appropriate statistical framework to identify genes that acquired more mutations in one environment over the other (i.e., divergent evolution). Here we demonstrate how the evolutionary outcomes among replicate populations in the same environment, known as parallel evolution, can be leveraged to construct an intuitive statistical test for identifying the genes that contribute towards divergent evolution. To accomplish this task, we examined publicly available evolve-and-resequence experiment datasets and found that the distribution of mutation counts among genes can be predicted using an ensemble of independent Poisson random variables. Building on this result, we propose that the degree of divergent evolution at a given gene between populations from two different environments can be modeled as the difference between two Poisson random variables, known as the Skellam distribution. We then propose and apply a statistical test to identify specific genes that contribute towards divergent evolution.
A Method to Optimize and Automate the Distribution of Radiology Studies

The role of Radiology is fundamental to the ruling in or ruling out of the disease hypothesis. Physicians order diagnostic imaging studies, technologists perform the image capture process, and radiologists analyze the images and clinical information and generate a report of their findings. The radiology report is used by the requesting physician in establishing the patient’s diagnosis and planning the path of treatment. In the radiology department each of these steps involves the use of complex integrated medical software systems to manage clinical information and images. The performance and usability of these systems is critical to the timely treatment of patients. This paper focuses on reducing radiology report turnaround times by integrating advanced algorithms and automation in the information systems responsible for managing radiology workflows.
Formal Barriers to Simple Algorithms for the Matroid Secretary Problem.

Babaioff et al. [BIK2007] introduced the matroid secretary problem in 2007, a natural extension of the classic single-choice secretary problem to matroids, and conjectured that a constant-competitive online algorithm exists. The conjecture still remains open despite substantial partial progress, including constant-competitive algorithms for numerous special cases of matroids, and an $O(\log \log \text{rank})$-competitive algorithm in the general case. Many of these algorithms follow principled frameworks. The limits of these frameworks are previously unstudied, and prior work establishes only that a handful of particular algorithms cannot resolve the matroid secretary conjecture. We initiate the study of impossibility results for frameworks to resolve this conjecture. We establish impossibility results for a natural class of greedy algorithms and for randomized partition algorithms, both of which contain known algorithms that resolve special cases.
COMPETITION OR COOPERATION IN URBAN SERVICE DELIVERY

Inter-municipal cooperation is now as common among US local governments as for profit privatization. This article uses data from a national survey in 2007 to explore the benefits of cooperation - economies of scale, service coordination across the metropolitan region and greater community control. While privatization reforms have focused on harnessing the benefits of a competitive market, cooperation may be the new frontier where economies of scale and efficiency gains can be achieved with governments working together in a new form of collaborative service delivery.
Isolated blood vessel assays.

One of the most versatile and accessible types of isolated tissue used in pharmacology is the isolated blood vessel. Arteries and veins contain a wide range of receptor types mediating contraction, relaxation, and endothelial function. The protocols in this unit describe methods for measuring agonist response as changes in blood vessel tension.
Microbial ecophysiology of whey biomethanation: intermediary metabolism of lactose degradation in continuous culture.

The intermediary carbon and electron flow routes for lactose degradation during whey biomethanation were studied in continuous culture. The chemostat was operated under lactose-limited conditions with a 100-h retention time. The carbon balance observed for lactose degradation was 4.65 mmol of CH4, 4.36 mmol of CO2 and 1.15 mmol of cellular carbon per mmol of lactose consumed, with other intermediary metabolites (i.e., acetate, lactate, etc.) accounting for less than 2% of the lactose consumed. The carbon and electron recoveries for this biomethanation were 87 and 90%, respectively. 14C tracer studies demonstrated that lactose biomethanation occurred in three distinct but simultaneous phases. Lactose was metabolized primarily into lactate, ethanol, acetate, formate, and carbon dioxide. During this hydrolytic phase, 82% of the lactose was transformed into lactate. These metabolites were transformed into acetate and H2-CO2 in a second, acetogenic, phase. Finally, the direct methane precursors were transformed during the methanogenic phase, with acetate accounting for 81% of the methane formed. A general scheme is proposed for the exact carbon and electron flow route during lactose biomethanation, which predicts the prevalent microbial populations in this ecosystem.
The Rise and Demise of the Technology-Specific Approach to the First Amendment

This article examines how analytical, technological, and doctrinal developments are forcing the courts to reconsider their media-specific approach to assessing the constitutionality of media regulation. In particular, it offers a comprehensive reevaluation of the continuing validity of the Broadcast Model of regulation, which contains features, such as licensing and direct content regulation, that normally would be considered paradigmatic violations of the First Amendment. Specifically, the analysis assesses the theoretical coherence of the traditional justification for extending a lesser degree of First Amendment protection to broadcasting than to other media (i.e., the physical scarcity of the electromagnetic spectrum) as well as the alternative constitutional justification based on the supposed unique pervasiveness and accessibility of broadcasting announced in FCC v. Pacifica Foundation. In particular, I discuss how the scarcity doctrine in effect allows the culture of regulation that pervades broadcasting to become the constitutional justification for more regulation. The analytical weaknesses in the current constitutional analysis are exacerbated by the deployment of alternative transmission and filtering technologies that are undermining the empirical foundations of current doctrine. I also trace the weakening of the traditional justifications as a doctrinal matter, as evidenced by the recent reluctance of the courts and the FCC to place any reliance on them. The article then offers a critique of recent proposals by Cass Sunstein and Owen Fiss that attempt to use civic republican principles to uphold the constitutionality of the Broadcast Model. My analysis yields three core criticisms: First, Fiss's and Sunstein's proposals fail to come to grips with autonomy as a free speech value. Second, their theories ultimately prove to be quite problematic from the standpoint of implementation. Third, their theories fail to offer any plausible explanation of how to overcome certain technological obstacles. Thus, even if one were to accept all of the arguments offered by Sunstein and Fiss, it remains difficult, if not impossible, to see how their theories would bring about the world that they seek. The article closes by exploring several possible explanations for the persistence of the media-specific approach to the First Amendment.
Heavy ion collisions

The study of heavy ion collisions is motivated by the desire to probe properties of nuclear matter under unusual. conditions. Depending on the energy of the beam and the impact parameter of the collision, different phenomena are observed. A survey of typical experimental data and their interpretations are presented. For heavy ion collisions at low energies, the reaction is dominated by irreversible, non-equilibrium processes. Both the time-dependent mean-field theory and the statistical tranport theory are employed for understanding these reactions. At high energies, the main part of heavy ion reactions is due to the multiple scatterings between the projectile nucleons and the target nucleons. We discuss both the linear cascade model and the statistical model.
Care Theory and "caring" systems of agriculture

Care Theory is a growing schoolof ethics that starts with the assumption ofthe relational nature of human beings. Incontrast, the dominant assumption of theautonomous view of human nature has made itdifficult to integrate ``relational'' aspects ofreality into the realm of political actionrelated to agriculture. Variables such ascommunity attachment, community vitality andrichness, and environmental ``fit'' cannot beincorporated into policy because such variablesare perceived to be tainted by ``attachment,''and compromise rational judgement. Feministagricultural theorists parallel Care Theory andhave the potential of extending Care Theory tohuman-nature relations. Both taken togetherenrich each other and through that process,contribute to our understanding of the moralchoices embedded in agricultural systems,particularly hog production systems, the focusof this paper.
Guidance of aortic ablation using optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: There is a significant need for an imaging modality that is capable of providing guidance for intravascular procedures, as current technologies suffer from significant limitations. In particular, laser ablation of in-stent restenosis, revascularization of chronic total occlusions, and pulmonary vein ablation could benefit from guidance. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a recently introduced technology, is similar to ultrasound except that it measures the back-reflection of infrared light instead of sound. This study examines the ability of OCT to guide vascular laser ablation. Methods: Aorta samples underwent laser ablation using an argon laser at varying power outputs and were monitored with OCT collecting images at 4frames. Samples were compared to the corresponding histopathology. Results: Arterial layers could be differentiated in the images sequences. This allowed correlation of changes in the OCT image with power and duration in addition to histopathology. Conclusions: OCT provides real-time guidance of arterial ablation. At 4 frames, OCT was successfully able to show the microstructural changes in the vessel wall during laser ablation. Since current ablation procedures often injure surrounding tissue, the ability to minimize collateral damage to the adjoining tissue represents a useful advantage of this system. This study suggests a possible role for OCT in the guidance of intravascular procedures.
Attosecond Free Electron Pulses for Diffraction and Microscopy

In synthesized gratings of optical fields, free non-relativistic electrons compress to pulses of ~15 attosecond duration. Such pulses have potential to advance ultrafast electron diffraction and microscopy to the domain of attosecond electron dynamics.
Genome Length as an Evolutionary Self-adaptation

There is increasing interest in evolutionary algorithms that have variable-length genomes and/or location independent genes. However, our understanding of such algorithms both theoretically and empirically is much less well developed than the more traditional fixed-length, fixed-location ones. Recent studies with VIV (Virtual Virus), a variable length, GA-based computational model of viral evolution, have revealed several emergent phenomena of both biological and computational interest. One interesting and somewhat surprising result is that the length of individuals in the population self-adapts in direct response to the mutation rate applied, so the GA adaptivelv strikes the balance it needs to successfully solve the problem. Over a broad range of mutation rates, genome length tends to increase dramatically in the early phases of evolution, and then decrease to a level based on the mutation rate. The plateau genome length (i.e., the average length of individuals in the final population) generally increases in response to an increase in the base mutation rate. Furthermore, the mutation operator rate and adapted length resulting in the best problem solving performance is about one mutation per individual. This is also the rate at which mutation generally occurs in biological systems, suggesting an optimal, or at least biologically plausible, balance of these operator rates. These results suggest that an important property of these algorithms is a considerable degree of self-adaptation.
A new formulation discontinuous Galerkin Surface Integral Equation method for time-harmonic wave scattering problem

This paper presents a new formulation Discontinuous Galerkin Surface Integral Equation (IEDG) method, which allows non-conformal mesh and square-integrable, L2, trial and test functions during simulations. Most of the important, it gives a more accurate solution of electric/magnetic currents distributted on PEC-dielectric boundary. This is very benificial in solving periodic PEC-dielectric structure, such as large-scale FSS radomes. In the end, Numerical calculations are carried out to validate the accuracy of this method.
Relationship between critical reflection and quality improvement proposal scores in resident doctors.

Medical Education 2011: 45: 149–154 Objectives Transformative learning theory supports the idea that reflection on quality improvement (QI) opportunities and the ability to develop successful QI projects may be fundamentally linked. We used validated methods to explore associations between resident doctors’ reflections on QI opportunities and the quality of their QI project proposals. Methods Eighty-six residents completed written reflections on practice improvement opportunities and developed QI proposals. Two faculty members assessed residents’ reflections using the 18-item Mayo Evaluation of Reflection on Improvement Tool (MERIT), and assessed residents’ QI proposals using the seven-item Quality Improvement Project Assessment Tool (QIPAT-7). Both instruments have been validated in previous work. Associations between MERIT and QIPAT-7 scores were determined. Internal consistency reliabilities of QIPAT-7 and MERIT scores were calculated. Results There were no significant associations between MERIT overall and domain scores, and QIPAT-7 overall and item scores. The internal consistency of MERIT and QIPAT-7 item groups were acceptable (Cronbach’s α 0.76–0.94). Conclusions The lack of association between MERIT and QIPAT-7 scores indicates a distinction between resident doctors’ skills at reflection on QI opportunities and their abilities to develop QI projects. These findings suggest that practice-based reflection and QI project development are separate constructs, and that skilful reflection may not predict the ability to design meaningful QI initiatives. Future QI curricula should consider teaching and assessing QI reflection and project development as distinct components.
An enhanced bridging domain method for linking atomistic and continuum domains

Bridging domain method (BDM) is a multiscale method which couples molecular dynamics (MD) with finite element simulations. In this paper, using numerical study we show that time integration step size and the discretization of Lagrange multipliers can highly impact the capability of BDM in removing spurious reflections. We present a technique to enhance the performance of bridging domain method and to alleviate the effects of the two aforementioned factors on the BDM. In our technique, the total displacement field of the atoms located in the overlapping zone is decomposed into a coarse and a fine field. The equations of motion of fine scale oscillations are first obtained and then modified to include a damping term. The damping condition effectively filters out and removes the fine scale oscillations that cannot pass into the continuum domain; hence eliminates the spurious wave reflections. Using numerical examples, we show that the proposed enhancement significantly improves the performance of bridging domain method. This is specially significant when discontinuities such as cracks are present in the domain or when the integration time step is small. HighlightsThe performance of bridging domain method is numerically verified.A technique is developed to enhance the performance of bridging domain method.The total displacement field is decomposing into fine and coarse scale fields.The equations of motion of fine scale oscillations are derived.The fine scales are removed by inserting a damping term in their equations of motion.
Bounds on enhanced turbulent flame speeds for combustion with fractal velocity fields

Rigorous upper bounds are derived for large-scale turbulent flame speeds in a prototypical model problem. This model problem consists of a reaction-diffusion equation with KPP chemistry with random advection consisting of a turbulent unidirectional shear flow. When this velocity field is fractal with a Hurst exponentH with 0<H<1, the almost sure upper bounds suggest that there is an accelerating large-scale turbulent flame front with the enhanced anomalous propagation lawy=CHt1+H for large renormalized times. In contrast, a similar rigorous almost sure upper bound for velocity fields with finite energy yields the turbulent flame propagation law\(y = \mathop C\limits^ \sim _H t\) within logarithmic corrections. Furthermore, rigorous theorems are developed here which show that upper bounds for turbulent flame speeds with fractal velocity fields are not self-averaging, i.e., bounds for the ensemble-averaged turbulent flame speed can be extremely pessimistic and misleading when compared with the bounds for every realization.
Ideal pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis

Abstract The characteristics of the "ideal" pharmacotherapeutic agent for managing the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis and the advantages and disadvantages of the pharmacotherapeutic agents that are currently available are reviewed. Decongestants, mast cell stabilizers, anticholinergics, intranasal steroids, and oral antihistamines and their place in the therapeutic armamentarium of the clinician are discussed. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:S386-7)
Biometric recognition using frequency domain methods

Verifying a user’s identity is critical in access control applications. Most current authentication systems are password based making them susceptible to problems such as forgetting the password and passwords being stolen. One way to overcome these problems is to employ biometric recognition which typically involves two stages; a training stage and a recognition stage. During the training, samples of a subject’s biometric signatures are used to create a biometric template. During recognition, the subject’s live biometric is matched against a database of stored templates to identify the subject. In a highly controlled setting where the training and recognition environments are very similar, biometric matching can be relatively easy leading to good recognition performance. However, the reality is that the biometrics from the same person may differ considerably between training and recognition. For example, a face image might appear very differently because the illumination levels between an indoor enrollment session and an outdoor verification session may be extremely different.
The effect of learning style on doctoral course completion in a Web-based learning environment

Abstract One hundred and fifty-nine doctoral students, majoring in Computing Technology in Education (CTE), were tracked during the coursework phase in a Web-based learning environment. At the beginning of the coursework, each student completed a demographic data form and Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (LSI). Due to the type of program, it was hypothesized that students would primarily fall into Kolb's Converger and Assimilator categories, and learning style would predict completion of the required courses. Results indicated 84.3% (n=134) of all students finished the required coursework. One hundred and twenty-four of the students (78%) fell into the predicted categories and, of these, 87.1% (n=108) finished the coursework. Students not falling into the predicted categories (n=35) had a 74.3% (n=26) completion rate. An examination of the means scores for both groups indicated that students with a preference for Abstract Conceptualization dropped out of the program at significantly lower rates, t(157)=1.667, p=.045(one-tailed), than students with other preferred learning strategies. The implications are clear. First, students, for the most part, are able to adapt their personal learning styles in order to succeed in a Web-based learning environment. Second, students with a preference for systematic planning and an intellectual understanding of a situation are more likely to succeed than students preferring concrete experience and interaction with other students. Institutions offering programs of this type should be prepared to address learning style issues when developing and offering such programs.
Private, Small Groups, or Communal: Dipterocarpus Wood Resin Tree Tenure and Management in Teun Commune, Kon Mum District, Ratanakiri Province, Northeastern Cambodia

Dipterocarpus wood resin is an important non-timber forest product for the ethnic Brao and Tampuon people from Teun Commune, Ratanakiri Province, northeastern Cambodia. While wood resin tree tenure is typically private, whether in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, or Malaysia, in Teun Commune wood resin trees are managed privately, by small groups, and communally, thus providing a unique opportunity for comparing the conditions of wood resin trees managed under different tenure arrangements. This study indicates that wood resin trees managed by small groups and communally are in better condition than those managed privately. Locals believe that this is because everyone has more of an interest in not damaging communally managed trees, and that members of the communities are subject to social factors that influence the behavior of wood resin tappers. The long-term impacts of logging on wood resin tree management are also discussed.
Is It Time to Abandon the Use of Amphotericin B Bladder Irrigation

In this article, we review the issues surrounding funguria and its management. With this background, the value of bladder irrigation with amphotericin B for the management of funguria is directly examined. Amphotericin B bladder irrigation is used frequently in clinical practice. Although its use is not standardized, there are multiple studies that attempt to show the impact on funguria management. These bladder irrigations have been used either for treatment of funguria or (less commonly) as a diagnostic test in attempts to identify upper urinary tract disease. Despite their widespread therapeutic use and relative safety, it is not clear from our experience and a review of the literature that amphotericin B bladder irrigations have any diagnostic or therapeutic value. The patient may be best served by removal of the urinary catheter, if possible, rather than by instillation of bladder irrigation with amphotericin B.
Effect of degassing temperature on the microstructure of a nanocrystalline Al-Mg alloy

Abstract The microstructural evolution of a nanocrystalline Al–Mg alloy was investigated to determine the effects of degassing temperature. Al 5083 powder was ball-milled in liquid nitrogen to obtain a nanocrystalline structure, then vacuum degassed to remove contaminants. The degassed powder was consolidated by cold isostatic pressing and then forged to produce bulk, low-porosity material. The material microstructure was analyzed at different stages using optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and density measurements. The impurity concentration of the final product was also measured. The forged material exhibited a bimodal grain size distribution, consisting of both ultra fine and coarse grains. The bimodal distribution was attributed to the presence of residual coarse grains in the as-milled powder. Higher degassing temperatures resulted in higher density values and lower hydrogen content in the consolidated materials, although these materials also exhibited more extensive grain growth.
Clinical staging and operative reporting for multi-institutional trials in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND A Strategic Planning Conference (jointly supported by NCI and NIDCD) was convened to consider potential improvements in surgical patient data for multi-institutional trials. The thesis underlying this project is that inadequacies in staging, pretreatment patient stratification, and the details of surgical resection may have obscured the detection of treatment effect. The goals of this project were multiple: (1) to consider the utility of new clinical stratification variables, (2) to increase the precision of tumor staging, and (3) to improve operative reporting for multi-institutional trials in head and neck cancer. CONCLUSIONS The conference attendees came to a number of important conclusions: (1) TNM status is inadequate for describing head and neck cancer in a multi-institutional trial setting. A detailed anatomic reporting scheme is proposed; (2) comorbidity measures should be included as patient descriptors, especially those that meet the criteria "definitely important and easy to obtain"; (3) surgical reporting in multi-institutional trials should use a format that is compatible with computer analysis and use the same items as the revised (anatomic) staging system; (4) the surgeon should be personally responsible for data coding and should interact directly with the pathologist in marking the surgical specimen; (5) pathologic reporting should use an anatomic template identical to the staging and operative reporting formats.
Evaluation of Fast Technology Analysis (FTA) Cards as an improved method for specimen collection and shipment targeting viruses associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex

Abstract In order to improve the analytic quality of respiratory specimens collected from cattle for nucleic acid-based diagnosis, a study was undertaken to verify realtime PCR efficiency of specimens collected and stabilized on FTA Cards™, filter paper which is treated chemically. Nucleic acids collected using FTA Cards without the need for a cold-chain or special liquid media handling provided realtime PCR results consistent (96.8% agreement, kappa 0.923 [95% CI = 0.89–0.96]) with the same specimens collected using traditional viral transport media and shipped on ice using the U.S. Department of Transportation mandated liquid handling requirements. Nucleic acid stabilization on FTA Cards was evaluated over a temperature range (−27 °C to +46 °C) for up to 14 days to mimic environmental conditions for diagnostic sample handling between collection and processing in a routine veterinary laboratory. No significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) was observed in realtime PCR cycle threshold values over the temperature range and time storage conditions for Bovine Viral Diarrhea virus, Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus, Bovine Coronavirus, and Bovine Herpesvirus I. The four viruses evaluated in the study are associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex where improvements in ease and reliability of specimen collection and shipping would enhance the diagnostic quality of specimens collected in the field, and ultimately improve diagnostic efficiency.
Subsequent-grades assessment of pedagogies in remedial mathematics

ABSTRACT The lower remedial mathematics course at UIC was taught in fall 1995 using four different pedagogies; we examined students' grades in subsequent mathematics courses. Some measures were indistinguishable, but there were also statistically significant patterns. For example, two traditional lecture formats led to higher adjusted-means than two more time-intensive experimental methods. Other observed features were independent of method; for example, no version of the lower course led to substantial success through the calculus level.
Early Behavioral Research on Populations

Synopsis. Research on populations of rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Baltimore beginning in 1943 suggested the hypothesis that aggressive behavior could regulate the numbers in a city block where food and shelter were adequate. A program of experiments using wild rats or laboratory mice justified publication ofthe aggressive behavior hypothesis in 1949. Continued research by Davis, Calhoun, Christian and graduate students showed that the number of rats in a city block returned towards an asymptote after a reduction in number, and that the introduction of alien rats was followed by a decline. Communication about the level of population was achieved by signals (visual, olfactory, auditory and tactile) that determined social status. Rates of reproduction declined and rates of mortality increased as the population increased. Various physiological mechanisms were explored but the mechanisms of communication were little studied before 1955.
A simplified method for right atrial catheter insertion

Using the technique described, Hickman catheters can be inserted by a single operator at low cost and risk. The simplicity of insertion and removal with this method makes the use of this device preferable to standard temporary central venous catheters in most instances.
A New Briquetting Technique

A briquetting technique which overcomes one of the major problems of pellet preparation, that is, seizure and galling of the die assembly, has been developed for the preparation of powder samples. A new product—“ Spec-Cap ” is utilized in the briquetting technique. The Spec-Cap, shown in Fig. 1, is a 30-mm diameter shell with a 5/16-in. skirt of 0.0125-in. aluminum and an exterior coating of lacquer. In preparing the pellet, the cap is filled with powder and then centered in a 1¼-in. diameter briquetting mold assembly. As the diameter of the Spec-Cap (30 mm) is less than the diameter of the mold (31.8 mm), the metal, upon pressing, forms a slight roll-over or lip on the pressed face. The powder is, therefore, totally contained within the cap and not allowed to extrude between the walls of the die. The height of the cap is reduced in size depending upon the compactability of the powder. The coating of lacquer on the exterior acts as an antifriction surface and prevents die seizure. Unpainted caps require application of lubricant to either the cap or die. The thin-gage aluminum allows maximum energy for compacting the sample rather than compressing the metal. The pellets have uniform diameter. Spec-Caps of 0.009- and 0.0125-in. aluminum were tested, and the latter was selected for use. Although the roll-over or lip is not as large with the thicker aluminum, the pellets exhibit greater rigidity. Figure 2 shows a sample of bauxite prepared with the Spec-Cap. Sample weight for this material averages 4.9 g.
Age‐related alterations of gene expression patterns in human CD8+ T cells

Aging is associated with progressive T-cell deficiency and increased incidence of infections, cancer and autoimmunity. In this comprehensive study, we have compared the gene expression profiles in CD8+ T cells from aged and young healthy subjects using Affymetrix microarray Human Genome U133A-2 GeneChips. A total of 5.2% (754) of the genes analyzed had known functions and displayed statistically significant age-associated expression changes. These genes were involved in a broad array of complex biological processes, mainly in nucleic acid and protein metabolism. Functional groups, in which downregulated genes were overrepresented, were the following: RNA transcription regulation, RNA and DNA metabolism, intracellular (Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear) transportation, signaling transduction pathways (T-cell receptor, Ras/MAPK, JNK/Stat, PI3/AKT, Wnt, TGFbeta, insulin-like growth factor and insulin), and the ubiquitin cycle. In contrast, the following functional groups contained more up-regulated genes than expected: response to oxidative stress and cytokines, apoptosis, and the MAPKK signaling cascade. These age-associated gene expression changes may be responsible for impaired DNA replication, RNA transcription, and signal transduction, possibly resulting in instability of cellular and genomic integrity, and alterations of growth, differentiation, apoptosis and anergy in human aged CD8+ T cells.
19-O-Methylangustoline from Camptotheca acuminata

Abstract From the seeds of Camptotheca acuminata , a new indole alkaloid 19- O -methylangustoline was isolated, and its 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra assigned unambiguously through the use of NOE, APT, HETCOR, CSCM ID and selective INEPT NMR spectroscopy. The alkaloid was cytotoxic in the P-388 test system.
Evaluation of crosslinked poly(caprolactone) as a biodegradable, hydrophobic coating

Crosslinked poly(caprolactone) (PCL) was examined as a hydrophobic coating for hydrophilic substrates. Both thin (10 μm) solution-cast and thick (0·4 mm) laminated coatings were tested for water barrier properties by measuring the weight change after exposure of coated specimens to distilled water (23°C and 80°C) and to a 100% relative humidity environment (23°C). Filter paper, Mater-Bi®, and a PCL/high-amylose corn starch blend were used as substrates. A thin, solution-cast poly(3-hydroxy butyrate-co-3-hydroxy valerate (PHBV) coating (11·6% HV content) was also tested on a paper substrate. Results showed that the laminated PCL coating was an effective water barrier at room temperature, except for the very hydrophilic Mater-Bi® substrate. The thin PCL coating was more effective than the PHBV coating for the paper substrate. For the other two substrates, the thin PCL coating acted as a semipermeable membrane, resulting in an increase in water absorption over the uncoated substrate. The PCL coatings were not effective in the 80°C water exposure, which is above the crystalline melting temperature of PCL.