cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic atrophy and diabetes mellitus following blunt abdominal trauma

Following pancreatic trauma, loss of uninjured parenchyma as a result of surgical management is expected, and atrophy of parenchyma following nonoperative management has been described. While endocrine insufficiency as a sequela of pancreatic trauma has been reported in adults, it is not a described entity in children. We report a case of pancreatic atrophy following blunt injury in an 8 year old boy who presented 3 years later with diabetes mellitus. Further analysis revealed significant genetic predisposition to diabetes.
Sulfhydryl and Disulfide Patterns Associated with Vernalization of Wheat

Analyses of plumules from seedlings of a winter wheat variety (Elgin) and a spring wheat variety (Red Bobs) indicated that SH and SS contents based on protein levels were similar in the whiter and spring wheat tissues grown at 20 C. Boll) varieties, when grown nt 3 C, contained greater concentrations of SH and SS groups, based on protein levels, than those present in the tissues grown at 20 C. The spring wheat tissues at 3 C maintained relatively constant levels of SH and SS during the growth period. Sulfhydryl (SH) and SS groups based on fresh weights were present in greater quantities in the tissues of the spring wheat grown at 20 C than in the winter wheat tissues grown at 20 C. The high SH and SS concentrations present in the warm-grown spring wheat tissues were due to a high concentration of protein extracted from that tissue. The SH and SS contents per unit fresh weight were quite similar in the cold-grown tissues of both varieties during the growth period. Both varieties at both temperatures showed a similar decrease in SH and SS contents, based on fresh weights, as maturation progressed. The spring wheats grown at 3 C and 20 C and the winter wheat grown at 3 C all showed similar characteristics and differed considerably from the winter wheat grown at 20 C. These data were positively correlated with the flowering potential of the wheat varieties.
The Effect of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception on Rapid Repeat Pregnancy in Adolescents: A Review

Repeat pregnancy within 2 years of a previous birth or abortion occurs in approximately 35% of recently pregnant female adolescents. The majority of these pregnancies are classified as unintended with about half ending in births and the remainder in abortions. Rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP) is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and continues a cycle of economic deprivation for young women and their families. Immediately following a pregnancy, most young women report an intention to avoid pregnancy in the near future, but many change their minds or become ambivalent within months. Lack of contraceptive use is more common among those teens that resume sexual intercourse earlier, live with a male partner, had a preterm delivery, or had an intended teen pregnancy. Adolescents who do not initiate a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method (intrauterine device or contraceptive implant) have up to a 35 times increased risk of RRP compared with their peers using LARC. Risk of RRP is decreased when LARC methods are initiated earlier after an abortion or within the postpartum period. This review will focus on the prevalence of RRP, the risk factors for RRP, and the effectiveness of strategies to reduce unintended RRP including counseling and early initiation of long-acting contraceptive methods.
Online simulations of global aerosol distributions in the NASA GEOS‐4 model and comparisons to satellite and ground‐based aerosol optical depth

We have implemented a module for tropospheric aerosols (GO CART) online in the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System version 4 model and simulated global aerosol distributions for the period 2000-2006. The new online system offers several advantages over the previous offline version, providing a platform for aerosol data assimilation, aerosol-chemistry-climate interaction studies, and short-range chemical weather forecasting and climate prediction. We introduce as well a methodology for sampling model output consistently with satellite aerosol optical thickness (AOT) retrievals to facilitate model-satellite comparison. Our results are similar to the offline GOCART model and to the models participating in the AeroCom intercomparison. The simulated AOT has similar seasonal and regional variability and magnitude to Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, and Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer observations. The model AOT and Angstrom parameter are consistently low relative to AERONET in biomass-burning-dominated regions, where emissions appear to be underestimated, consistent with the results of the offline GOCART model. In contrast, the model AOT is biased high in sulfate-dominated regions of North America and Europe. Our model-satellite comparison methodology shows that diurnal variability in aerosol loading is unimportant compared to sampling the model where the satellite has cloud-free observations, particularly in sulfate-dominated regions. Simulated sea salt burden and optical thickness are high by a factor of 2-3 relative to other models, and agreement between model and satellite over-ocean AOT is improved by reducing the model sea salt burden by a factor of 2. The best agreement in both AOT magnitude and variability occurs immediately downwind of the Saharan dust plume.
LPV Controller Interpolation for Improved Gain-Scheduling Control Performance

In this paper, a new gain-scheduling control design approach is proposed by combining LPV (linear parameter-varying) control theory with interpolation techniques. The improvement of gain-scheduled controllers can be achieved from local synthesis of Lyapunov functions and continuous construction of a global Lyapunov function by interpolation. It has been shown that this combined LPV control design scheme is capable of improving closed-loop performance derived from local performance improvement. The gain of the LPV controller will also change continuously across parameter space. The advantages of the newly proposed LPV control is demonstrated through a detailed AMB controller design example.
Grain Boundary Dopant and Heat Treatment Effects on the Electrical Properties of Polycrystalline ZnO

Simplified varistor systems of bismuth- and cobalt-doped zinc oxide are studied. A prior study has shown that the distributions of bismuth segregation at the grain boundaries in such samples can be controlled by varying microstructure and heat treatment. Current-voltage and deep level transient spectroscopy measurements were done to evaluate the corresponding electrical properties. Low leakage and α values of ~30 were attained, despite the nominal, two-component doping of these simplified varistors. Moreover, these samples show the signature defects that are found in many multi-dopant, commercial devices: two shallow bulk traps at ~0.14 eV and ~0.24 eV and one prominent interfacial trap at ~1 eV.
Dopaminergic modulation of serotonin metabolism in rat striatum: A study with dopamine uptake inhibitor GBR-12909

The dopamine (DA) uptake inhibitor, GBR 12909 (GBR) and a neonatal dopaminergic denervated rat model were used as tools to study the influence of DA on the serotonin (5HT) system in the striatum. The striatal levels of the amines and their acid metabolites (dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, DOPAC; 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5HIAA) were determined by HPLC. The administration of a single dose (20 mg/kg) of GBR failed to affect the steady-state levels of the amines or metabolites. Repeated administration of GBR (20 mg/kg/day) for 2 or 4 days decreased DA and DOPAC; only the 4-day regimen decreased 5HT and increased 5HIAA levels. The neonatal dopaminergic lesion with 6-hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) depleted (> 95%) DA and DOPAC and increased 5HT and 5HIAA levels in the striatum. Administration of GBR (20 mg/kg/day for 4 days) to lesioned animals failed to influence the lesion-induced increases in 5HT and 5HIAA levels. The results suggest GBR decreases the steady-state levels of DA, resulting in a compensatory increase in the turnover of 5HT that is dependent on the presence of intact dopaminergic terminals. Thus, the effect of GBR on 5HT turnover is indirect. The studies provide further support for a prominent dopaminergic influence on striatal 5HT metabolism.
Sunlight Regulates the Cutaneous Production of Vitamin D3 by Causing Its Photodegradation

Exposure to sunlight initiates the formation of vitamin D3 in skin as the UV B radiation in the solar spectrum causes the photoconversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3. A heat-induced isomerization then converts previtamin D3 to vitamin D3 over a period of days. A number of irradiation products of vitamin D3 are known to form upon irradiation with high intensity UV radiation, but the effect of subsequent exposures to sunlight on the vitamin D3 formed in skin is not known. To investigate this phenomenon, human skin containing vitamin D3 was exposed to sunlight in Boston. A model system of [3H]vitamin D3 in methanol was also used to study the effects of sunlight on vitamin D3 throughout the year. Vitamin D3 proved to be exquisitely sensitive to sunlight, and once formed in the skin, exposure to sunlight resulted in its rapid photodegradation to a variety of photoproducts, including 5,6-transvitamin D3, suprasterol I, and suprasterol II.
Additional reactions of levoglucosenone

Abstract Several new, [4 + 2] cycloaddition products of levoglucosenone have been synthesized, and the oxidation of products of this type has been accomplished by several methods, including epoxidation and osmium tetraoxide oxidation, producing interesting polycyclic molecules. Additions of long-chain hydrocarbons to levoglucosenone have also been investigated via Grignard reactions.
The 1998 Leonid multi-instrument aircraft campaign—an early review

The 1998 return of the Leonid shower was the target of the Leonid multi-instrument aircraft campaign (Leonid MAC), an unusual two-aircraft astronomical research mission executed near Okinawa, Japan. The prospect of a meteor storm brought 28 researchers of 7 nationalities together in a concerted effort to observe the shower by imaging, spectroscopic, and ranging techniques. This paper is a review of the major science issues that are behind the deployment of each of the present array of instruments and describes the interconnection of the various experiments. This was NASA's first astrobiology mission. The mission also aimed to study contemporary issues in planetary astronomy, in atmospheric sciences, and concerning the satellite impact hazard. First results of the participating observers are discussed and put in context, in preparation for the deployment of a planned second mission in November of 1999.
Unsteady Flow in the Obstructed Space Between Disks Corotating in a Cylindrical Enclosure

Time-resolved measurements of the circumferential velocity component were obtained with a laser-Doppler velocimeter in the space between the center pair of four disks corotating in air in an axisymmetric cylindrical enclosure. The separate influences on the flow of two obstructions of similar shapes but having different lengths were investigated. The results show that both obstructions significantly alter the mean and rms distributions of velocity in quantitatively different but qualitatively similar ways. Both obstructions also alter the characteristic frequencies of flow oscillations associated with large scale motions present in the flow, apparently of the type that arise in unobstructed configurations
Bone resorption without parathyroid hormone: influence of a low phosphorus diet.

The effect of a low phosphorus diet on bone resorption is studied in thyroparathyroidectomized rats. Bone resorption is estimated from the marrow cavity area of a cross-section of the tibia. The rate of calcium mobilisation from bone is estimated by serum specific activity of45Ca/40Ca after labelling of the diet. Bone resorption is increased by feeding a low phosphorus diet, suggesting a direct effect of hypophosphatemia stimulating bone resorption, independent of any action of parathyroid hormone.
Commute mode and mental health in major metropolitan areas

This research studies the relationship between travel behavior and mental health by exploring the association between commute mode and different mental health issues. Data were drawn from the 68 substate regions that have the most workers per square mile within the United States of America. Commute mode data were collected from the American Community Survey (ACS), while four separate metrics of mental health were collected from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). After analyzing through a Spearman’s rank-order correlation and a linear regression, both carpooling and public transportation were found to have a strong and statistically significant negative association with the mental health issues, while driving alone to work was found to have a strong and statistically significant positive association. Bicycling and walking were not found to have a significant association.
GRADE ‘lA’ DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION: A NOVEL GRADING

American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines define grade II diastolic function as E/A≥ 0.8-1.5; septal E/e'≥ 15, lateral E/e'≥ 12, average E/e'≥ 13 and differs from grade I (E/A < 0.8; E/e’<8) Mitral inflow pattern resembling grade 1 diastolic abnormality (normal filling pressure
Distinguishing water conservation from water savings in the western USA

Chronic water shortages are a serious and growing concern in the western USA. Water conservation is among the key strategies promoted to help affected communities bring their water demands into better balance with current and projected supplies. The term ‘water conservation’, however, has different meanings to different people at different times, and the muddled and inconsistent interpretation of associated terms – including ‘water efficiencies’, ‘water savings’, and ‘water use’ – can confuse and even impede progress towards intended conservation goals. The importance of evaluating proposed water conservation measures by considering the relevant water pathways, the basin-scale water balances, and applicable water law is discussed, and assessments of several typical water conservation actions are provided as examples. To help planners and policy-makers ensure that proposed water conservation measures are likely to achieve desired conservation objectives, this paper identifies the key aspects to take into a...
Specific Deletion of LDL Receptor-Related Protein on Macrophages Has Skewed In Vivo Effects on Cytokine Production by Invariant Natural Killer T Cells

Expression of molecules involved in lipid homeostasis such as the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) on antigen presenting cells (APCs) has been shown to enhance invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell function. However, the contribution to iNKT cell activation by other lipoprotein receptors with shared structural and ligand binding properties to the LDLr has not been described. In this study, we investigated whether a structurally related receptor to the LDLr, known as LDL receptor-related protein (LRP), plays a role in iNKT cell activation. We found that, unlike the LDLr which is highly expressed on all immune cells, the LRP was preferentially expressed at high levels on F4/80+ macrophages (MΦ). We also show that CD169+ MΦs, known to present antigen to iNKT cells, exhibited increased expression of LRP compared to CD169- MΦs. To test the contribution of MΦ LRP to iNKT cell activation we used a mouse model of MΦ LRP conditional knockout (LRP-cKO). LRP-cKO MΦs pulsed with glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide (αGC) elicited normal IL-2 secretion by iNKT hybridoma and in vivo challenge of LRP-cKO mice led to normal IFN-γ, but blunted IL-4 response in both serum and intracellular expression by iNKT cells. Flow cytometric analyses show similar levels of MHC class-I like molecule CD1d on LRP-cKO MΦs and normal glycolipid uptake. Survey of the iNKT cell compartment in LRP-cKO mice revealed intact numbers and percentages and no homeostatic disruption as evidenced by the absence of programmed death-1 and Ly-49 surface receptors. Mixed bone marrow chimeras showed that the inability iNKT cells to make IL-4 is cell extrinsic and can be rescued in the presence of wild type APCs. Collectively, these data demonstrate that, although MΦ LRP may not be necessary for IFN-γ responses, it can contribute to iNKT cell activation by enhancing early IL-4 secretion.
Negative muon capture in very light atoms

The transition rates for unbound muons to be captured into atomic bound states are calculated as functions of (1) incident muon center-of-mass energy, (2) muon principal quantum number n, and (3) muon (final) angular momentum l, for the hydrogen, helium, and lithium atoms. These rates reflect differences in electron binding energies. At muon energies of several hundred electron volts, lithium K-shell electrons are more likely to be ejected than the L-shell electron, while this behavior is reversed for energies ≲ 10 eV. However, in each case when the capture rate is folded with a muon stopping power function, the result is that more than half of the unbound muons are absorbed above 75 eV. Implications for experiments which look at muon transfer processes are noted.
Pulmonary toxicity of cyclophosphamide: a 1-year study

The development of cyclophosphamide-induced pulmonary lesions over a 1-year period was studied in mice. Male BALB/c mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide. Within 3 weeks there were scattered foci of intraalveolar foamy macrophages. With time, these foci increased in size and, 1 year later, occupied large areas in all lung lobes. There was also diffuse interstitial fibrosis. Chemical determination done 3, 12, 24, and 52 weeks after cyclophosphamide showed that lungs of animals treated with cyclophosphamide had significantly more hydroxyproline per lung than controls. One year after cyclophosphamide pressure-volume curves measured in vivo were shifted down and to the right and total lung volumes were decreased. A single injection of cyclophosphamide produced an irreversible and progressive pulmonary lesion.
Can increasing awareness of HIV seropositivity reduce infections by 50% in the United States?

Background In 2003, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an HIV prevention initiative that emphasized increasing the proportion of persons living with HIV who are aware of their positive serostatus. Previously, CDC set a national HIV prevention goal of reducing new infections by 50% by 2005, with increasing serostatus awareness a central goal. The objectives of this article are to examine the national epidemiologic consequences of increasing serostatus awareness and the important question of how far increasing awareness could lead toward achieving CDC's goal of a 50% reduction in incident infections. Methods Scenario analysis methods were used to project incident HIV infections over 1- and 10-year time horizons at varying levels of HIV seropositivity awareness. Because HIV transmission rates are several times higher for those who are unaware of their HIV seropositivity than for those who are aware, we modeled the effects of increasing awareness via HIV counseling and testing and moving people from the higher to the lower transmission category. Results Increasing awareness of HIV seropositivity via HIV counseling and testing in the United States from a baseline 75% to 95% has the potential of reducing new infections by as much as 32% in a single year. Achieving the national goal of 50% reduction seems out of reach, however. Conclusions Reduction of new infections by 50% in the United States requires a combination of prevention services to reduce further the already low HIV transmission rate from persons aware of their HIV seropositivity and HIV risk reduction interventions for at-risk persons. Counseling and testing alone seems insufficient to meet the 50% incidence reduction goal.
Urinary metabolites of organophosphate flame retardants and their variability in pregnant women

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are commonly added to consumer products to reduce their flammability. Based on levels of OPFRs in indoor environments, human exposure is likely chronic and ubiquitous. Animal studies suggest that exposure to some OPFRs may result in adverse health impacts, particularly for Tris (1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCPP); however, human data on the impacts of exposure to OPFRs are lacking. To design human studies, more information is needed on the stability of measured OPFRs in human samples over time. In this study, we sought to assess the degree of temporal variability of urinary TDCPP and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) metabolites throughout pregnancy in a cohort of women from central North Carolina. Eight pregnant women provided multiple urine samples: 3 during the 18th week of pregnancy, 1 during the 28th week, and 1 shortly after the child's birth. Bis (1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (BDCPP) and diphenyl phosphate (DPP), the respective metabolites of TDCPP and TPP, were measured in urine samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. BDCPP and DPP were each detected in 38 of 39 urine samples and were not normally distributed. Geometric mean BDCPP and DPP concentrations were 1.3ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR): 0.8, 2.7ng/mL) and 1.9ng/mL (IQR: 0.9, 3.5ng/mL), respectively. BDCPP and DPP were moderately to strongly reliable over one week (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.4, 0.7 and ICC=0.7; 95% CI: 0.5, 0.8, respectively), and over the entire pregnancy (ICC=0.5 95% CI: 0.3, 0.7 and ICC=0.6; 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7, respectively). These data suggest that exposures to TDCPP and TPP are widespread and variable for pregnant women, and that a single measure of BDCPP or DPP, taken in the second trimester, likely captures information on the rank order of exposure throughout pregnancy.
Compatibility of interfaces and fibers for SiC-composites in fusion environments

The use of SiC-composites in fusion environments is predicated on stability under neutron irradiation, on outstanding high-temperature mechanical properties, and on chemical inertness and corrosion resistance. However, SiC is susceptible to many forms of corrosion in water and in water vapor where silica formation is required as a protective layer because silica forms stable hydroxides that are volatile, even at low temperatures. SiC-composites have an additional concern that fine-grained fibers and weak interfaces provide the required fracture toughness, but these components may also exhibit susceptibility to corrosion that can compromise material properties. In this work we examine and review the compatibility of fibers and interfaces, as well as the SiC matrix, in proposed fusion environments including first wall, tritium breeding, and blanket modules and module coolants.
Affiliative and Aggressive Humor, Attachment Dimensions, and Interaction Goals

This study examined humor production in relation to attachment dimensions and interaction goals. Participants (N = 172) completed measures of attachment dimensions (anxiety, avoidance), humor production (affiliative humor, aggressive humor), and primary and secondary goals. Anxiety was negatively related to affiliative humor, whereas avoidance was positively related to aggressive humor. Affiliative humor was related to effectiveness and being playful in the interaction, as well as the secondary goals of arousal management and clarity. Aggressive humor was not related to any of the goals.
Cost analysis of alternative formulations for personnel scheduling in continuously operating organizations

Personnel-scheduling problems for continuously operating organizations have proven to be difficult to solve optimally. As a consequence, a number of alternative approaches have been devised for solving these problems. We provide computational results of a study of the staffing costs obtained using a prominent alternative formulation approach. The results demonstrate that excess staffing costs may result from the use of this approach. We subsequently develop a new local-search heuristic based on the simulated annealing algorithm to generate feasible integer personnel schedules in continuously operating organizations. The solution costs and computational effort associated with the new heuristic are shown to be generally superior to those of branch-and-bound integer programming.
Redox-Regulated Rotary Motion of a Bis(9-triptycyl)-TTFV System

A tetrathiafulvalene vinylogue (TTFV) unit was covalently linked to two benzyltriptycene molecular rotors to form a molecular gearset. Dynamic NMR studies showed that reversible redox reactions at the TTFV central unit exerted regulation over the rotational properties of the 9-triptycyl rotors.
Targeting Temporal Processing Deficits Through Fast ForWord®: Language Therapy With a New Twist

In the past 3 years, new computer-based language intervention models have been introduced into the communication sciences arena. The most prominent of these, the FastForWord® program (Scientific Learning Corporation, 1998), is an outgrowth of research that characterizes the relationship between language-learning impairment and temporal processing abilities. This article highlights the research history leading up to this innovation, describes the therapeutic protocol and client selection processes, discusses the pros and cons of clinical applications, and suggests future research directions relative to this new brand of language therapy.
Audiogenic seizure susceptibility of rats x-irradiated in utero during first one-third of pregnancy.

Abstract Groups of Sherman rats exposed in utero to a maternal dose of 250 r of X-radiation, during the first one-third of pregnancy, were tested for susceptibility to sound-induced seizures at a median age or 175, 230, or 258 days. There was no significant difference between any irradiated group and control animals of comparable age in either number of running attacks or seizures. A need for caution in generalizing from these findings to other samples of rats, tested at equivalent ages, has been noted. The suggestion by others of decreased susceptibility in 4-month-old offspring of Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to lower doses of X-radiation, on gestational day 5 or 10, was found to be inadequately supported by their data. Well-known differences in audiogenic seizure susceptibility in relation to age in normal animals, evident in the present study, underscore the importance of the age-at-testing variable in evaluating susceptibility in the prenatally X-irradiated rat, as well as the need for longitudinal studies in making that determination. Beyond its special consideration in seizure studies, the variable of test age appears to be of fundamental importance in elaborating the functional consequences of prenatal X-irradiation. The present report reduces the already limited number of behavioral changes said to occur in rats surviving X-irradiation during the preorganogenetic period. In view of the absence of light microscopic evidence of damage to their brains, a search for functional alterations in such animals would seem to be particularly challenging.
On the representation of turbulent stresses for computing blood damage

Computational prediction of blood damage has become a crucial tool for evaluating blood-wetted medical devices and pathological hemodynamics. A difficulty arises in predicting blood damage under turbulent flow conditions because the total stress is indeterminate. Common practice uses the Reynolds stress as an estimation of the total stress causing damage to the blood cells. This study investigates the error introduced by making this substitution, and further shows that energy dissipation is a more appropriate metric of blood trauma.
Depolarization Drives β-Catenin into Neuronal Spines Promoting Changes in Synaptic Structure and Function

Activity-induced changes in adhesion molecules may coordinate presynaptic and postsynaptic plasticity. Here, we demonstrate that β-catenin, which mediates interactions between cadherins and the actin cytoskeleton, moves from dendritic shafts into spines upon depolarization, increasing its association with cadherins. β-catenin's redistribution was mimicked or prevented by a tyrosine kinase or phosphatase inhibitor, respectively. Point mutations of β-catenin's tyrosine 654 altered the shaft/spine distribution: Y654F-β-catenin-GFP (phosphorylation-prevented) was concentrated in spines, whereas Y654E-β-catenin-GFP (phosphorylation-mimic) accumulated in dendritic shafts. In Y654F-expressing neurons, the PSD-95 or associated synapsin-I clusters were larger than those observed in either wild-type-β-catenin or also Y654E-expressing neurons. Y654F-expressing neurons exhibited a higher minifrequency. Thus, neural activity induces β-catenin's redistribution into spines, where it interacts with cadherin to influence synaptic size and strength.
Dilation of the aortic root in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1: The Prospective P2C2 HIV Multicenter Study

Abstract Background Vascular lesions have become more evident in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV)-infected patients as the result of earlier diagnosis, improved treatment, and longer survival. Aortic root dilation in HIV-infected children has not previously been described. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of aortic root dilation in HIV-infected children and to evaluate some of the potential pathogenic mechanisms. Methods Aortic root measurements were incorporated into the routine echocardiographic surveillance of 280 children of HIV-infected women: an older cohort of 86 HIV-infected children and a neonatal cohort of 50 HIV-infected and 144 HIV-uninfected children. Results By repeated-measures analyses, mean aortic root measurements were significantly increased in HIV-infected children versus HIV-uninfected children ( P values of ≤.04 and ≤.005 at 2 and 5 years of age, respectively, for aortic annulus diameter, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction). Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, stroke volume, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were not significantly associated with aortic root size. Left ventricular dilation, increased serum HIV RNA levels, and lower CD4 cell count measurements were associated with aortic root dilation at baseline. Conclusions Mild and nonprogressive aortic root dilation was seen in children with vertically transmitted HIV infection from 2 to 9 years of age. Aortic root size was not significantly associated with markers for stress-modulated growth; however, aortic root dilation was associated with left ventricular dilation, increased viral load, and lower CD4 cell count in HIV-infected children. As prolonged survival of HIV-infected patients becomes more prevalent, some patients may require long-term follow-up of aortic root size. (Am Heart J 2001;141:661-70.)
Coping with limited on-board memory and communication bandwidth in mobile-robot systems

Much effort has gone into studying navigation algorithms for mobile-robot systems. However, although mobile-robot systems often suffer from a lack of adequate on-board memory and communication bandwidth, little work has been done on techniques to solve these problems. Two algorithm-implementation strategies are examined to solve the memory-limitation and communication-bandwidth-limitation problems associated with the navigation of single or multiple robots in large dynamic environments. On-board main-memory-management mechanisms, cache policies, auxiliary-memory data structures, and two path planners are explored by simulations based on a new navigation algorithm. One- and two-level caches with one- and two-level planning, respectively, are investigated; these can easily be extended to schemes with more levels. The authors' results show that among the seven (three local and four global) cache policies studied, the predicted-window, aisle, and via-point policies overcame the above limitations without compromising robot performance. Therefore, one or more of these three policies can be used with implementation strategies to deal with the memory-limitation and communication-bandwidth-limitation problems encountered in real-world mobile-robot navigation. The authors' results can also be very useful in the domain of Intelligent Vehicle Highway Systems (IVHS), where the main memory of the on-board computer may be too small to hold all of the road network and other useful information. >
ELABORATION IN OBJECT DESCRIPTIONS THROUGH EXAMPLES

Examples are often used along with textual descriptions to help convey particular ideas - especially in instructional or explanatory contexts. These accompanying examples reflect information in the surrounding text, and in turn, also influence the text. Sometimes, examples replace possible (textual) elaborations in the description. It is thus clear that if object descriptions are to be generated, the system must incorporate strategies to handle examples. In this work, we shall investigate some of these issues in the generation of object descriptions.
Calibrating MODIS aerosol optical depth for predicting daily PM2.5 concentrations via statistical downscaling

There has been a growing interest in the use of satellite-retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) to estimate ambient concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter). With their broad spatial coverage, satellite data can increase the spatial–temporal availability of air quality data beyond ground monitoring measurements and potentially improve exposure assessment for population-based health studies. This paper describes a statistical downscaling approach that brings together (1) recent advances in PM2.5 land use regression models utilizing AOD and (2) statistical data fusion techniques for combining air quality data sets that have different spatial resolutions. Statistical downscaling assumes the associations between AOD and PM2.5 concentrations to be spatially and temporally dependent and offers two key advantages. First, it enables us to use gridded AOD data to predict PM2.5 concentrations at spatial point locations. Second, the unified hierarchical framework provides straightforward uncertainty quantification in the predicted PM2.5 concentrations. The proposed methodology is applied to a data set of daily AOD values in southeastern United States during the period 2003–2005. Via cross-validation experiments, our model had an out-of-sample prediction R2 of 0.78 and a root mean-squared error (RMSE) of 3.61 μg/m3 between observed and predicted daily PM2.5 concentrations. This corresponds to a 10% decrease in RMSE compared with the same land use regression model without AOD as a predictor. Prediction performances of spatial–temporal interpolations to locations and on days without monitoring PM2.5 measurements were also examined.
Rapid Thermal Oxide passivation using IC-grade processing

We report on Rapid Thermal Oxide (RTO) passivation films grown on both n- and p-type wafers using 300 mm IC tools, in order to determine state-of-the-art passivation performance with wafer-based silicon solar cell applications in mind. Films in the range of 1.2 to 15 nm were grown using Applied Materials' RadOx® process, a proprietary method employing hydrogen and oxygen radicals to enhance growth rate. Surface recombination velocities (SRVs) better than 30 cm/sec are reported for both substrate types. The 5 nm layers show the lowest SRV. These layers require process times on the order of 20 seconds. The results suggest that proper tool and process design may enable in-line oxide passivation with quality consistent with furnace-based systems and throughput consistent with high-volume solar cell manufacturing requirements.
Kirchhoff Approximation for a Cylinder Breaking Through a Plane Surface and the Measured Scattering

When considering the application of quantitative ray theory to the backscattering of sound at grazing incidence by a circular cylinder partially buried in sediment, the analysis is complicated by a transition in the number of reflected rays. For broadside insonification, the number of rays geometrically backscattered may be 0, 1, 2, or 3 depending on the exposure of the cylinder. A formulation for the scattering based on the Kirchhoff approximation is given, which avoids discontinuities associated with transitions in the number of rays. The formulation is tested for the experimentally simpler case of a steel cylinder hung through a free surface with a 30° grazing angle relative to the air-water interface. Tone burst insonification was used with a wave number radius product ka from 9.6 to 16. The measured dependence of the backscattering on exposure is similar to predictions except for extra features present for a slightly exposed cylinder. The approximation is also supported by comparison with an exact theory for backscattering by a half-exposed rigid cylinder in a flat pressure-release surface. Predictions for the dependence on exposure are also shown for the case of a cylinder emerging from a flat rigid surface.
Vaccine Protection against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus by Recombinant Strains of Herpes Simplex Virus

An effective vaccine for AIDS may require development of novel vectors capable of eliciting long-lasting immune responses. Here we report the development and use of replication-competent and replication-defective strains of recombinant herpes simplex virus (HSV) that express envelope and Nef antigens of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The HSV recombinants induced antienvelope antibody responses that persisted at relatively stable levels for months after the last administration. Two of seven rhesus monkeys vaccinated with recombinant HSV were solidly protected, and another showed a sustained reduction in viral load following rectal challenge with pathogenic SIVmac239 at 22 weeks following the last vaccine administration. HSV vectors thus show great promise for being able to elicit persistent immune responses and to provide durable protection against AIDS.
Screening Surgeons for HIV Infection: Assessment of a Potential Public Health Program

Objective:To develop a model to assess the impact of a program of testing surgeons for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on the risk of HIV acquisition by their patients.Design:A Monte Carlo simulation model of physician-to-patient transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection using three different rates of physician-to-patient transmission per percutaneous exposure event (0.15%, 0.3%, 0.6%). Data from the model were developed from a review of the medical literature and from subjective probability estimates when data were not available. We used this model to estimate on a national basis the annual number of cases of HIV transmission from surgeons to patients with and without surgeon testing and practice limitations.Results:The annual number of transmitted cases would range from 0.5 ( 0.3), assuming a surgeon HIV prevalence of 0.1% and a surgeon-to-patient transmission rate of 0.15%, to 36.9 (±11.6), assuming a surgeon HIV prevalence of 2% and a surgeon-to-patient transmission rate of 0.6%. After one screening cycle, a mandatory screening program would be expected to reduce the annual transmissions to 0.05 (± 0.03) and 3.1 ( 1. 1), respectively.Conclusion:Patients are at low risk of acquiring HIV infection from an infected physician during an invasive procedure. The potential costs of such a program extended beyond the costs of testing and counseling. In communities with high HIV prevalence, screening surgeons and limiting their practices may decrease patient access to care. A disability insurance program also would be required to protect surgeons and trainees performing invasive procedures. Screening surgeons for HIV infection would be a costly undertaking that would reduce but not completely eliminate this risk.
Oxygen isotopes in Samoan lavas: Confirmation of continent recycling

Lavas from the Samoan volcanic chain show the most enriched geochemical signatures ever documented in oceanic lavas (^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr as high as 0.7205). In order to test the hypothesis that their source contains a component of recycled upper continental crust, we measured oxygen isotope compositions of olivine phenocrysts from these lavas. Correlations between δ^(18)O of olivines (5.11‰–5.70‰) and ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr and ^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb of whole rocks, as well as Ce/Pb and Nb/Th ratios of whole rocks, indicate that (1) measured δ^(18)O are primary, mantle-derived values, and (2) the enriched mantle source of these lavas contains continental crust or its derivative sediments. The observed trend between δ^(18)O and ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr can be fit using either clastic marine sediment or continental crust values of δ^(18)O, Sr concentration, and ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr, but only those for clastic marine sediments are compatible with trace element modeling. We conclude that the enriched source for Samoan basalts was created by sedimentation of continent-derived material into a marine environment, followed by subduction and mixing with ambient mantle.
Super-Long Cavity, Monolithically Integrated 1-GHz Hybrid Mode-Locked InP Laser for All-Optical Sampling

A 1-GHz hybrid mode-locked monolithic semiconductor laser on an InP platform is demonstrated. Monolithic integration of the 4.1 cm laser with active quantum well and passive waveguide is achieved with 1-D photonic crystal mirrors.
The Burden of Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Disease in the United States.

Rationale: State-specific case numbers and costs are critical for quantifying the burden of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in the United States.Objectives: To estimate and project national and state annual cases of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease and associated direct medical costs.Methods: Available direct cost estimates of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease medical encounters were applied to nontuberculous mycobacterial disease prevalence estimates derived from Medicare beneficiary data (2003–2007). Prevalence was adjusted for International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, undercoding and the inclusion of persons younger than 65 years of age. U.S. Census Bureau data identified 2010 and 2014 population counts and 2012 primary insurance-type distribution. Medical costs were reported in constant 2014 dollars. Projected 2014 estimates were adjusted for population growth and assumed a previously published 8% annual growth rate of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease prevalence...
Involvement of nitric oxide synthase in skeletal muscle adaptation to chronic overload

The purpose of this study was to determine the necessity of nitric oxide (NO) for hypertrophy and fiber-type transition in overloaded (OL) skeletal muscle. Endogenous NO production was blocked by a...
Regulatory T-Cell Therapy in Transplantation: Moving to the Clinic

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential to transplantation tolerance and their therapeutic efficacy is well documented in animal models. Moreover, human Tregs can be identified, isolated, and expanded in short-term ex vivo cultures so that a therapeutic product can be manufactured at relevant doses. Treg therapy is being planned at multiple transplant centers around the world. In this article, we review topics critical to effective implementation of Treg therapy in transplantation. We will address issues such as Treg dose, antigen specificity, and adjunct therapies required for transplant tolerance induction. We will summarize technical advances in Treg manufacturing and provide guidelines for identity and purity assurance of Treg products. Clinical trial designs and Treg manufacturing plans that incorporate the most up-to-date scientific understanding in Treg biology will be essential for harnessing the tolerogenic potential of Treg therapy in transplantation.
Chemically Modified Plastic Tube for High Volume Removal and Collection of Circulating Tumor Cells.

In this preliminary effort, we use a commercially available and chemically modified tube to selectively capture circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood stream by immobilizing human anti-EpCAM antibodies on the tube's interior surface. We describe the requisite and critical steps required to modify a tube into a cancer cell-capturing device. Using these simple modifications, we were able to capture or entrap about 85% of cancer cells from suspension and 44% of cancer cells from spiked whole blood. We also found that the percentage of cells captured was dependent on the tube's length and also the number of cancer cells present. It is our strong belief that with the utilization of appropriate tube lengths and procedures, we can ensure capture and removal of nearly the entire CTC population in whole blood. Importantly after a patient’s entire blood volume has circulated through the tube, the tube can then be trypsinized to release the captured live CTCs for further analysis and testing.
User involvement for effective customization: an empirical study on voice networks

This paper addresses the role of customer involvement in effective customization of projects, products, or services. Relationships between variables such as project effectiveness, user involvement, supplier efficacy for service to the client, and project complexity are studied. The conditions necessitating involvement are also explored. The case of voice network customization is examined. A questionnaire is designed to measure the variables of the study. Factor analysis gives two factors of project complexity: project size/cost; and user inexperience. Findings provide evidence that user involvement is positively related to network project effectiveness. Supplier efficacy for service is positively and significantly related to user involvement and project effectiveness. The implication is that suppliers with a service-orientation can motivate user involvement and achieve client satisfaction, In addition, user inexperience is positively related to user involvement showing the importance of learning as a motivator for customer participation. >
Edmundo O'Gorman, Mexican National History and the ‘Great American Dichotomy’

Over a period of half a century, from the 1940s to the 1990s, Edmundo O'Gorman came to occupy a unique place in Mexican historiography. Though he might be considered as quasi-aristocratic in his thought and in his bearing, he spent his entire career as teacher and scholar at the popular Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), not at the more elitist El Colegio de Mexico. Unlike Daniel Cosio Villegas, with whom he is often paired as the leading Mexican historians of their generation, he was not politically engaged, nor was he a ‘cultural caudillo’; he appeared to shun the attractions of academic administration and power. He was, however, an avid intellectual organiser and provocateur, who relished debate and welcomed polemical interchanges with colleagues at home and abroad.