cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of anemia in newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer: a multivariate analysis of southwest oncology group study 8894.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Previously reported association of anemia with shorter survival in newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer may simply reflect extent of disease. The impact of anemia on response to androgen deprivation is not known. We examined the prognostic value of anemia in a multivariate analysis that included disease extent and other tumor and demographic covariates in 957 patients starting hormonal therapy for metastatic prostate cancer as part of Southwest Oncology Group study 8894.Materials and Methods: The multivariate associations of disease and patient measures with anemia (hemoglobin less than 12 gm/dl) were evaluated with a logistic regression model. The associations between hemoglobin and survival and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated using a proportional hazards model, and included indicators for quartiles of hemoglobin and baseline covariates. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) normalization (PSAN, or PSA of 4 ng/ml or less) was evaluated with a logistic model.Results: Quarti...
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of inhaled trichloroethylene and its oxidative metabolites in B6C3F1 mice.

Abstract A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for inhaled trichloroethylene (TCE) was developed for B6C3F1mice. Submodels described four P450-mediated metabolites of TCE, which included chloral hydrate (CH), free and glucuronide-bound trichloroethanol (TCOH-fand TCOH-b), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and dichloroacetic acid (DCA). Inhalation time course studies were carried out for calibration of the model by exposing mice to TCE vapor concentrations of either 100 or 600 ppm for 4 h. At several time points, mice were euthanized and blood, liver, kidney, lung, and fat were collected and analyzed for TCE and its oxidative metabolites. Peak blood TCE concentrations were 0.86 and 7.32 μg/mL, respectively, in mice exposed to 100 and 600 ppm TCE. The model overpredicted the mixed venous blood and tissue concentrations of TCE for mice of both exposure groups. Fractional absorption of inhaled TCE was proposed to explain the discrepancy between the model predictions and the TCE blood time course data. When fractional absorption (53%) of inhaled TCE was incorporated into the model, a comprehensive description of the uptake, distribution, and clearance of TCE in the blood was obtained. Fractional uptake of inhaled TCE was further verified by collecting TCE in exhaled breath following a 4-h constant concentration exposure to TCE and validation was provided by testing the model against TCE blood concentrations from an independent data set. The submodels adequately simulated the distribution and clearance kinetics of CH and TCOH-fin blood and the lungs, TCOH-bin the blood, and TCA and DCA, which were respectively detected for up to 43 and 14 h postexposure in blood and livers of mice exposed to 600 ppm TCE. This is the first extensive tissue time course study of the major metabolites of TCE following an inhalation exposure to TCE and the PBPK model predictions were in good general agreement with the observed kinetics of the oxidative metabolites formed in mice exposed to TCE concentrations of 100 and 600 ppm.
Random-walk calculation of conductivity in continuum percolation.

Random walks are used to obtain the diffusion constant for continuum percolation models of composite materials in two and three dimensions. An Einstein relation is then used to find the conductivity. The same calculation gives the dielectric constant for the composite. First-passage-time methods and special boundary conditions are used for systems where both materials have finite conductivity, where one component is a superconductor, and where one component does not conduct. The percolation models consist of randomly placed overlapping spheres in three dimensions or disks in two dimensions. Our results are consistent with known results where applicable and are far better than effective medium theories. Estimates for anomalous diffusion exponents at percolation were also found.
Secretin inhibits gastric emptying in rats via a capsaicin-sensitive vagal afferent pathway.

In awake rats, fitted with chronic gastric fistulas, secretin (30 and 300 pmol intraperitoneal, i.p.) inhibited gastric emptying of a non-nutrient liquid by 16% (NS) and 38% (P < 0.01) respectively. Functional ablation of vagal, but not spinal, capsaicin-sensitive afferents reversed the action of secretin by 61%. Inhibition of gastric emptying induced by cholecystokinin (CCK) (30 pmol i.p.) was reversed by around 50% by ablation of either the vagal or spinal capsaicin-sensitive afferent pathway. These results suggest that hormones released after a meal can inhibit gastric emptying via activation of visceral afferent pathways.
Ascending Subgraph Decompositions in Oriented Complete Balanced Tripartite Graphs

In 1987, Alavi, Boals, Chartrand, Erdos, and Oellermann conjectured that all graphs have an ascending subgraph decomposition (ASD). Though different classes of graphs have been shown to have an ASD, the conjecture remains open. In this paper we investigate the similar problem for digraphs. In particular, we will show that any orientation of a compete balanced tripartite graph has an ASD.
Sputtered Nickel Films and the Synthesis of Ammonia

I HAVE recently found that when a film which has been sputtered from a nickel cathode in an atmosphere of nitrogen is afterwards heated to 150° C. or more in hydrogen, ammonia is produced. The process undoubtedly consists in the reduction of a nitride of nickel formed in sputtering: the quantity of ammonia—10–20 mgm. for a film of perhaps 200 sq. cm.—checks reasonably well with the amount of nitrogen absorbed in sputtering. Heating in a large excess of hydrogen, with added nitrogen, has not as yet been found to increase appreciably the yield of ammonia, so the process does not appear to be catalytic in the ordinary sense—for the pressures and temperatures tried so far.
Multiple wavelength resonant grating filters at oblique incidence with broad angular acceptance

Multilayer, multimode waveguides are utilized in resonant grating filters having a broadened angular acceptance bandwidth for multiple wavelengths at a single oblique angle of incidence. It is shown that the waveguide grating structure should support a few leaky modes in order to support a multiwavelength resonant filter at oblique incidence with broadened angle acceptance at each wavelength.
Single product multistage production with material handler and central storage

A system of two machines running in batches and a central buffer used for storing raw materials, work-in-process, and finished products is considered. The system maintains enough WIP to assure no stockout will happen in the inventories. Each machine has a finite production rate greater than or equal to the demand rate and thus operates with periodic start-ups and shut-downs. For the special case when the cycle time of both machines are equal to the interval between raw material deliveries, the best policy given limited storage space is determined, and total production cost as a function of set-up costs, carrying cost, storage cost, and material handling cost is presented. A heuristic is developed that determines ‘optimal cycle time’ such that the capacity of the central buffer is not exceeded, and at the same time the overall costs are minimized.
Rockcopy and squishycopy

As purveyors of the language, claiming to be communication experts, we need to heal ourselves of a growing disease. This disease, becoming prevalent with the spread of computer technology, is the dreaded "use of jargon." Fellow communicators, many of us are using the terms "hardcopy" and "softcopy" when we speak of computer documentation.
Shallow-Water Acoustics

Extracting a signal from noise can be complicated, especially along a coastline filled with marine life, shipping lanes, undersea waves, shelves, and fronts that scatter sound.
Probabilistic prediction of barrier-island response to hurricanes

[1] Prediction of barrier-island response to hurricane attack is important for assessing the vulnerability of communities, infrastructure, habitat, and recreational assets to the impacts of storm surge, waves, and erosion. We have demonstrated that a conceptual model intended to make qualitative predictions of the type of beach response to storms (e.g., beach erosion, dune erosion, dune overwash, inundation) can be reformulated in a Bayesian network to make quantitative predictions of the morphologic response. In an application of this approach at Santa Rosa Island, FL, predicted dune-crest elevation changes in response to Hurricane Ivan explained about 20% to 30% of the observed variance. An extended Bayesian network based on the original conceptual model, which included dune elevations, storm surge, and swash, but with the addition of beach and dune widths as input variables, showed improved skill compared to the original model, explaining 70% of dune elevation change variance and about 60% of dune and shoreline position change variance. This probabilistic approach accurately represented prediction uncertainty (measured with the log likelihood ratio), and it outperformed the baseline prediction (i.e., the prior distribution based on the observations). Finally, sensitivity studies demonstrated that degrading the resolution of the Bayesian network or removing data from the calibration process reduced the skill of the predictions by 30% to 40%. The reduction in skill did not change conclusions regarding the relative importance of the input variables, and the extended model's skill always outperformed the original model.
Physiological Concentrations of Estradiol Attenuate Endothelin 1–Induced Coronary Vasoconstriction In Vivo

Background Estrogens are cardioprotective hormones and are reported to have antianginal properties. We examined the effect of physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol on coronary reactivity in anesthetized female farm pigs. Methods and Results Epicardial coronary cross-sectional area (CSA) was assessed by two-dimensional intravascular ultrasound, average coronary peak flow velocity (APV) by intravascular Doppler velocimetry, and coronary blood flow (CBF) was calculated. Dose-response curves to intracoronary endothelin-1 (ET-1, 1 pmol/L to 10 nmol/L), the selective ET B receptor agonist sarafotoxin (1 pmol/L to 10 nmol/L), and serotonin (0.1 nmol/L to 1 μmol/L) were assessed before and after a 10-minute infusion of intracoronary estradiol (1 nmol/L). Before estradiol administration, ET-1 induced significant dose-dependent decreases in CSA, APV, and CBF. Estradiol attenuated ET-1–induced epicardial vasoconstriction ( P P =.05) and CBF ( P =.012). In an additional five pigs, vehicle (DMSO) had no effect on ET-1–induced coronary vasoconstriction. Before estradiol administration, sarafotoxin induced no net change in CSA but induced increases in APV and CBF, the extent of which did not change significantly after estradiol. Serotonin induced small decreases in CSA but increased APV and CBF. Estradiol did not influence serotonin-induced changes in CSA, APV, or CBF. Conclusions We conclude that estradiol attenuates ET-1–induced vasoconstriction, possibly through effects on the ET A receptor, because selective ET B receptor-induced stimulation with sarafotoxin remained unchanged. Such an effect on the ET A receptor may relate to the antianginal properties of estrogens.
Remarks on the Scattering of X-Rays by Gases and Crystals

\textsection{} \textsection{}1 and 2: Woo's most recent formulas for the separation of the diffusely scattered radiation from polyatomic gases and simple crystals into coherent and incoherent radiation are discussed. It is shown that Woo's formulas for the total scattered radiation reduces to the author's respective classical formulas when $\ensuremath{\alpha}(=\frac{h}{\mathrm{mc}\ensuremath{\lambda}})$ is made zero. This removes the objection made by the author in a previous note. It is shown that the incoherent scattered radiation depends upon the root mean square of the $E'\mathrm{s}$ while the coherent radiation depends upon the arithmetic mean of the $E'\mathrm{s}$, thus giving a mathematical distinction between the incoherent and coherent radiation even in the classical theory. \textsection{}3: Evidence is presented in favor of the true atom form factor $f$ of an atom in a crystal (sylvine) being a function of the temperature of the crystal. The average electron distribution about the center of an atom in a crystal must be a function of the violence of the thermal agitation of the atom. At 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K the electron distribution in an atom of sylvine is more diffuse than in an atom of argon. As the temperature rises above 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K the electron distribution becomes less diffuse and finally becomes like that of argon at about room temperature. \textsection{}4: It is shown that the ${S}_{g}={(S+\frac{{F}^{2}}{Z})}_{c}$ relation can be replaced by a relation between experimental quantities alone---otherwise, an empirical relation. \textsection{}5: A digression on the philosophy of physics in which it is noted that the empirical relation of \textsection{}4 contains no vestige of the Thomson or any other theory of x-rays. This supports the view that physical laws express relations between pointer readings. \textsection{}6: The classical theory for the diffuse scattering of x-rays by a crystal consisting of atoms of several kinds is worked out and a formula obtained. By the use of Woo's method, the formulas for the coherent and incoherent radiation are also obtained. The restrictions upon these formulas are discussed.
Structural Studies of Racemates and Quasiracemates : Chloro, Bromo, and Methyl Adducts of 2-Phenoxypropionic Acid

Quasiracemic compounds derived from the enantiopure Cl, Br, and CH3 analogues of 2-phenoxypropanoic acid crystallize to give approximate centrosymmetry supramolecular assemblies. Each quasiracemate forms the anticipated heterodimers via O−H···O carboxyl interactions that lead to two distinct packing motifs in space group P21 with Z′ = 2 (Cl/Br and Br/CH3) or 8 (Cl/CH3 and Br/CH3). The Z = 2 quasiracemates are isostructural with (rac)-Cl and (rac)-Br, while the Z′ = 8 structures form molecular patterns that resemble the packing preferences of (rac)-CH3. The Br/CH3 quasiracemate was retrieved as concomitant polymorphs.
Earned readiness management for scheduling, monitoring and evaluating the development of complex product systems

Abstract How should the development of a complex product system (CPS) be managed in a manner that focuses on process milestones, which is responsive to changes in technology and requirements; based on maturity measures; and applied in an interactive manner, in addition to facilitating timely feedback? This is considered to be an important question in project management. Project management tools and techniques have been inadequate for monitoring technology development in a CPS. If the technologies are not properly matured by a specific period of time, the progress of the project can be in detriment. To address this important gap, the objective of this study is to develop a new maturity-focused methodology for scheduling, monitoring and evaluating the development of a system. We present Earned Readiness Management (ERM) for system scheduling, monitoring and evaluation which was developed and validated using a case study. Future research on ERM is also discussed in this paper.
An antiproton catalyst for inertial confinement fusion propulsion

This paper discusses the concept of an inertial confinement fusion propulsion system involving an antiproton catalyst (for antiproton-induced fission). It is argued that, when the two processes, fusion and antimatter annihilation, are combined into one system, a viable candidate propulsion system for planetary exploration emerges. It is shown that as much as 7.6 GW of power, well within the requrements for interplanetary travel, can be achieved using existing driver technologies and available quantities of antiprotons.
An algorithm for quadratic zero-one programs

We present an algorithm for the quadratic zero-one minimization by reformulation of the problem into an equivalent concave quadratic minimization. We then specialize an algorithm proposed by Kalantari and Rosen [13], which globally minimizes a concave quadratic function over arbitrary polytopes. The algorithm exploits the special structure of the problem. Given a set of conjugate directions to the Hessian, we construct a linear convex envelope over a “tight” containing parallelopiped, by solving 2n linear programs each solvable in O(n) time, n being the dimension of the problem. A bound on the maximum difference in the value of the quadratic function and the convex envelope may be obtained, which provides a global measure of underestimation. A branch-and-bound method is presented in which subproblems are defined by fixing a variable at zero or one. For each subproblem, we obtain a lower bound by minimizing the linear convex envelope over the feasible region of the subproblem. Computational experience with the algorithm is also presented.
Molecular weight scaling in critical polymer solutions

In this letter we address the long-standing controversy which originated from differences between the experimental and theoretical values of the scaling exponent (n) for the critical amplitude ξ0 of the correlation length in polymer solutions. Using small-angle neutron scattering we examine the dependence of ξ0 on polymer molecular weight in polystyrene-methylcyclohexane-d14 solutions. We find that the experimental values of ncr = 0.195 ± 0.010 in the critical region of phase demixing as well as nmf = 0.255 ± 0.009 in the mean-field domain around the Θ temperature agree with the predictions of scaling theory (ncr = 0.185, nmf = 0.25).
Carl Schmitt's Ultimate Emergency: The Night of the Long Knives

Though the ideas of Carl Schmitt about emergency powers have been the subject of considerable commentary 1 recently, the writers do not reference his culminating article on emergencies. That piece ...
Alkali-rare earth niobates with the tungsten bronze-type structure

Abstract A new series of alkali-rare earth niobates of the type A 2 + RE 3+ Nb 5 O 15 is described. These materials are solid solutions with a tetragonal bronze-like structure, and exhibit dielectric anomalies from −120°C to +300°C. The dielectric properties of these phases are examined in terms of the crystal chemistry of the tetragonal bronze-type structure.
Manipulating light with photonic crystals

Within the past several years we have witnessed the emergence of a new class of materials which provide capabilities along a new dimension for the control and manipulation of light. These materials, known as `photonic crystals,' are viewed ideally as a composite of a periodic array of macroscopic dielectric scatterers in a homogeneous dielectric matrix. A photonic crystal affects the properties of a photon in much the same way that a semiconductor affects the properties of an electron. Consequently, photons in photonic crystals can have band structures, localized defect modes, surface modes, etc. This new ability to mold and guide light leads naturally to many novel applications of these materials in a variety of fields including optoelectronics, telecommunications, medicine and pharmaceuticals. An introductory survey including recent exciting developments in the field of photonic crystals is presented.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Spark: modular, composable shaders for graphics hardware

In creating complex real-time shaders, programmers should be able to decompose code into independent, localized modules of their choosing. Current real-time shading languages, however, enforce a fixed decomposition into per-pipeline-stage procedures. Program concerns at other scales -- including those that cross-cut multiple pipeline stages -- cannot be expressed as reusable modules.We present a shading language, Spark, and its implementation for modern graphics hardware that improves support for separation of concerns into modules. A Spark shader class can encapsulate code that maps to more than one pipeline stage, and can be extended and composed using object-oriented inheritance. In our tests, shaders written in Spark achieve performance within 2% of HLSL.
In vitro inhibition of alveolar macrophage phagocytosis by ozone: absence of a role for serum or mode of ozone administration

Cell culture conditions which protected rat lung fibroblasts from O3-induced injury were tested for their protection potential in retaining the phagocytic activity of O3-exposed rat alveolar macrophages. Conditions which protected fibroblasts from O3-related loss of 51Cr were ineffectual in preventing O3-related loss of macrophage phagocytic activity. It is suggested that the macrophage phagocytic function may be especially sensitive to H2O2 generated by the O3.
Elasticity of Mafic Rocks from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Summary Compressional wave velocities are reported to pressures of 10 kb fOf 57 cores of rock dredged from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 22° N and 4° S latitude. Shear wave velocities are reported to pressures of 10 kb for 9 rock cores. The rocks studied consist of basalt, altered basalt, dolerite and chlorite-rich greenstones. Compressional wave velocities for all of the rocks, with the possible exception of the dolerites, are similar to reported velocities of the oceanic crust over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge crest. None of the rocks appear to be abundant constituents of the oceanic layer (Layer 3). Relationships between bulk density and velocity are given at pressures of 0.4, 1, 2, 6 and 10 kb. The least squares solution at 10 kb, Yp= 2.53p - O'76, falls between Birch's solutions for mean atomic weights 21 and 22.
Split quantification and the status of adjunction in the theory of grammar

This article provides new evidence in favor of recognizing adjunction as a grammatical operation distinct from complementation. I first introduce a case of split quantification in French that has received little attention in the literature. It consists of a quantificational expression the restriction of which is made up of the element comme ‘as’ followed by a bare common noun. I refer to this construct as QCN. I then compare QCN with two well-known cases of split quantification: quantification at a distance in French (QAD) and the so-called was-fur/wat voor split quantification construction found in German and Dutch. I argue that a coherent account of those properties of French QCN that contrast with those of French QAD and German was-fur sentences can only emerge from a theory of phrase structure that recognizes that arguments and adjuncts are subject to different requirements within the workspace. I show that if one assumes that QCN restrictor phrases are QP-modifying adjuncts that need not be present in the derivation while their QP host is undergoing Merge or Move (but can be introduced at a later stage in the derivation when their host is acting as the complement or specifier of some other projection), the patterns of locality restrictions observed for QCN as well as the scopal properties of this construction can be accounted for. This, I claim, constitute strong evidence against theories of phrase structure that do not recognize adjunction as a grammatical operation distinct from complementation.
Distinct roles of E2F proteins in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal hyperplasia

Intimal hyperplasia (IH) and restenosis limit the long-term utility of bypass surgery and angioplasty due to pathological proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into the intima of treated vessels. Consequently, much attention has been focused on developing inhibitory agents that reduce this pathogenic process. The E2F transcription factors are key cell cycle regulators that play important roles in modulating cell proliferation and cell fate. Nonselective E2F inhibitors have thus been extensively evaluated for this purpose. Surprisingly, these E2F inhibitors have failed to reduce IH. These findings prompted us to evaluate the roles of different E2Fs during IH to determine how selective targeting of E2F isoforms impacts VSMC proliferation. Importantly, we show that E2F3 promotes proliferation of VSMCs leading to increased IH, whereas E2F4 inhibits this pathological response. Furthermore, we use RNA probes to show that selective inhibition of E2F3, not global inhibition of E2F activity, significantly reduces VSMC proliferation and limits IH in murine bypass grafts.
Equal transfer of both parental T7 DNA strands to progeny bacteriophage.

THE extent of transfer of parental DNA to progeny phage has been the subject of a number of studies1–8. These investigations have shown that approximately half the parental DNA (isotopically labelled) can be found among the progeny phage. In addition, certain experiments have suggested that, at least in the case of T4 phage, only one of the two DNA strands transmits the genetic information to the progeny virus9,10. In the case of T7 phage, however, the available data in the literature suggest that significantly less than 50 per cent of the parental DNA is transmitted to the progeny. Mackal and Kozloff2 reported, for various experiments, 32, 18, 12 and 9 per cent transmission of parental label to progeny. Recently, Miller5 reported 26 per cent transfer. For the closely related bacteriophage T3, Watson and Maaloe3 reported 46, 38, 38, 38 and 32 per cent of the parental DNA label transferred to the progeny in five separate experiments.
Electrophysiological measurement of binaural beats: effects of primary tone frequency and observer age.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the electrophysiological binaural beat steady state response as a gauge of temporal fine structure coding, particularly as it relates to the aging auditory system. The hypothesis was that the response would be more robust in a lower, than in a higher, frequency region and in younger, than in older, adults. DESIGN Two experiments were undertaken. The first measured the 40 Hz binaural beat steady state response elicited by tone pairs in two frequency regions: lower (390 and 430 Hz tone pair) and higher (810 and 850 Hz tone pair). Frequency following responses (FFRs) evoked by the tones were also recorded. Ten young adults with normal hearing participated. The second experiment measured the binaural beat and FFRs in older adults but only in the lower frequency region. Fourteen older adults with relatively normal hearing participated. Response metrics in both experiments included response component signal-to-noise ratio (F statistic) and magnitude-squared coherence. RESULTS Experiment 1 showed that FFRs were elicited in both frequency regions but were more robust in the lower frequency region. Binaural beat responses elicited by the lower frequency pair of tones showed greater amplitude fluctuation within a participant than the respective FFRs. Experiment 2 showed that older adults exhibited similar FFRs to younger adults, but proportionally fewer older participants showed binaural beat responses. Age differences in onset responses were also observed. CONCLUSIONS The lower prevalence of the binaural beat response in older adults, despite the presence of FFRs, provides tentative support for the sensitivity of this measure to age-related deficits in temporal processing. However, the lability of the binaural beat response advocates caution in its use as an objective measure of fine structure coding.
Particle in an external electromagnetic field. II. The exact velocity in a constant and uniform field.

The purpose of this paper is to use Clifford algebraic techniques to solve for the relativistic velocity of a charged particle in constant electric and magnetic fields of arbitrary orientation. This problem already has standard methods of solution, but the application of the present method provides a means of critically comparing previous work on this topic.
Oxides of Nitrogen Emissions from a Burning Fuel Mist

An essentially monosized ambient temperature and pressure fuel mist in air was generated by vaporizing and then condensing n-dodecane in nitrogen gas and later adding oxygen. Drop size was determined from the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern produced by passing a light beam through the mist. Oxygen concentration in the air around the drops, overall air-fuel ratio and fuel burning rale were measured. Oxides of nitrogen from the laminar mist flames, expressed as an emission index—milligrams of NOx as NO per gram of fuel burned—ranged from 0.1 to 3 and increased rapidly as droplet size was varied from 6 to 20 μm, The rate of increase for sizes from 20 to 35 μm was less rapid. Heterogeneous burning, with visible centers of combustion in a non-luminous flame was observed for all drop sizes. Probe results showed NOx was formed in the thick flame zone. The NO2 /NOx mole ratio increased with drop size, reaching 0.99 for the drops of 35 μm diameter.
Digital frequency and Q tuning technique for low-voltage active filters

A digital frequency and Q tuning technique is proposed for low-voltage (1 V) active RC biquad filters that uses programmable capacitor arrays (PCAs). The proposed technique does not require any peak detectors, which are difficult to implement at low voltages. Instead, it uses a small number of analogue comparators, a digital comparator and binary counters to adjust the PCAs.
One in four people may develop symptomatic hip osteoarthritis in his or her lifetime

Summary Objective To estimate the lifetime risk of symptomatic hip osteoarthritis (OA). Design We analyzed data from the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project [a longitudinal population-based study of OA in North Carolina, United States ( n =3068)]. The weighted baseline sample comprised 18% blacks and 54% women, and the mean age was 63 years (range=45–93). Symptomatic hip OA was defined as a Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) radiographic score of ≥2 (anterior–posterior pelvis X-rays) and pain, aching or stiffness on most days, or groin pain, in the same hip. Lifetime risk, defined as the proportion who developed symptomatic hip OA in at least one hip by age 85, among people who live to age 85, was modeled using logistic regression with repeated measures (through generalized estimating equations). Results Lifetime risk of symptomatic hip OA was 25.3% [95% confidence interval (CI)=21.3–29.3]. Lifetime risk was similar by sex, race, highest educational attainment, and hip injury history. We studied lifetime risk by body mass index (BMI) in three forms: at age 18; at baseline and follow-up; and at age 18, baseline and follow-up and found no differences in estimates. Conclusion The burden of symptomatic hip OA is substantial with one in four people developing this condition by age 85. The similar race-specific estimates suggest that racial disparities in total hip replacements are not attributable to differences in disease occurrence. Despite increasing evidence that obesity predicts an increased risk of both hip OA and joint replacement, we found no association between BMI and lifetime risk.
IV contrast selection for MDCT : Current thoughts and practice

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review studies evaluating how contrast concentration affects MDCT of the body and to report IV contrast infusion protocols from MDCT angiography and MDCT of abdominal tumors.CONCLUSION. Higher concentrations (350 mg I/mL or greater) may improve visualization of small abdominal arteries. However, preliminary data comparing 300 mg I/mL to higher concentrations for MDCT of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer have shown that higher concentrations may not increase tumor conspicuity.
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy: the challenge continues

Hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinemia is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children. Recent discoveries in the molecular and biochemical regulation of insulin secretion have dramatically increased our understanding of the disorders responsible for syndromes of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of disorders of the KATP channel, activating mutations of glucokinase and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and other disorders that may be associated with specific phenotypes and permit appropriate targeted therapies. Despite these advances, much remains to be learned. We do not understand the mechanisms or defects in many instances, including defective carbohydrate glycosylation syndromes and perinatal hypoxia, both of which may be associated with hyperinsulinemia. Most importantly, preoperative distinction between diffuse and focal lesions cannot be always reliably made even after selective arterial infusion with calcium, glucose or a sulfonylurea with concurrent hepatic venous sampling for insulin. The ability to distinguish diffuse from localized lesions has profound implications for therapeutic approaches, prognosis and genetic counseling. To date, about 50% of individuals with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy can be correctly categorized. Thus, the challenge continues. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and characterization of the prostaglandins by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Abstract Prostaglandins of the A, B, E and F series, together with 8-iso-E1, have been separated and characterized by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry through the use of TMSi and MO-TMSi derivatives. These derivatives are suitable for work with GLC systems with flame ionization detectors. Additional derivatives must be sought for detection by electron capture techniques.
Theory of acoustic properties near the cholesteric-twisted-grain-boundary-A phase transition in liquid crystals.

A theory of sound propagation and attenuation near the cholesteric\char21{}twisted-grain-boundary-A phase transition in liquid crystals is presented. A mode-coupling formalism is used to investigate the behavior of the viscosities at the transition. Pretransitional effects are predicted in both the speed of sound and ultrasonic attenuation. The speed of sound is found to exhibit an isotropic dip, and the attenuation coefficient is anisotropic only in the prefactors, having isotropic critical exponents. These results are in qualitative agreement with experiment.
Eicosanoid biosynthesis : Differential inhibition of cytochrome P450 epoxygenase and ω-hydroxylase

Abstract Biphenyl 4 and vinyldibromide 8 were prepared on a multigram scale and shown to be comparatively specific arachidonic acid epoxygenase and ω-hydroxylase inhibitors, respectively, in rat kidney microsomal fractions.
INSIGHT AND MENTAL ILLNESS: LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES RELATED TO PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT

ABSTRACTMental illness results in loss of productivity, loss of life, and emotional grief and loss. Lack of insight into illness is common among psychiatric disorders. Knowledge and application of ethical principles and legal issues are significant in the treatment of mental illness.
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE CAN AFFECT COPING BEHAVIOR

Books can provide a source of psychological relief from the various pressures and concerns that stem from the things that happen to children. Bibliotherapy can be used to solve actual and existing problems and pressures or it may be used as a means of preventing a particular problem becoming a “hard case.” Books that are used for therapeutic purposes should exemplify good literature and should be used in a manner that is based on sound educational and psychological principles. Finding of studies in which researchers sought to change attitudes through the use of trade books and a bibliography of children's literature that could be used for therapeutic purposes are included.
Perceiving Nasal Patency through Mucosal Cooling Rather than Air Temperature or Nasal Resistance

Adequate perception of nasal airflow (i.e., nasal patency) is an important consideration for patients with nasal sinus diseases. The perception of a lack of nasal patency becomes the primary symptom that drives these patients to seek medical treatment. However, clinical assessment of nasal patency remains a challenge because we lack objective measurements that correlate well with what patients perceive.The current study examined factors that may influence perceived patency, including air temperature, humidity, mucosal cooling, nasal resistance, and trigeminal sensitivity. Forty-four healthy subjects rated nasal patency while sampling air from three facial exposure boxes that were ventilated with untreated room air, cold air, and dry air, respectively. In all conditions, air temperature and relative humidity inside each box were recorded with sensors connected to a computer. Nasal resistance and minimum airway cross-sectional area (MCA) were measured using rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry, respectively. General trigeminal sensitivity was assessed through lateralization thresholds to butanol. No significant correlation was found between perceived patency and nasal resistance or MCA. In contrast, air temperature, humidity, and butanol threshold combined significantly contributed to the ratings of patency, with mucosal cooling (heat loss) being the most heavily weighted predictor. Air humidity significantly influences perceived patency, suggesting that mucosal cooling rather than air temperature alone provides the trigeminal sensation that results in perception of patency. The dynamic cooling between the airstream and the mucosal wall may be quantified experimentally or computationally and could potentially lead to a new clinical evaluation tool.
Vessels in ferns: structural, ecological, and evolutionary significance

We have studied macerated xylem of ferns, supplemented by sections, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in a series of 20 papers, the results of which are summarized and interpreted here. Studies were based mostly on macerations, but also on some sections; these methods should be supplemented by other methods to confirm or modify the findings presented. Guidelines are cited for our interpretations of features of pit membranes. Fern xylem offers many distinctive features: (1) presence of numerous vessels and various numbers of tracheids in most species; (2) presence of vessels in both roots and rhizomes in virtually all species; (3) presence of specialized end walls in vessels of only a few species; (4) multiple end-wall perforation plates in numerous species; (5) lateral-wall perforation plates in numerous species; (6) porose pit membranes associated with perforation plates in all species; and (7) pit dimorphism, yielding wide membrane-free perforations alternating with extremely narrow pits. Multiple end wall perforation plates and lateral wall perforation plates are associated with the packing of tracheary elements in fascicles in ferns: facets of tips of elements contact numerous facets of adjacent elements; all such contacts are potential sites for conduction by means of perforations. This packing differs from that in primary xylem of dicotyledons and monocotyledons. Porosities in pit membranes represent a way of interconnecting vessel elements within a rhizome or root. In addition, these porosities can interconnect rhizome vessel elements with those of roots, a feature of importance because roots are adventitious in ferns as opposed to those of vascular plants with taproots. Fully-formed or incipient (small-to-medium sized porosities in pit membranes) perforation plates are widespread in ferns. These are believed to represent (1) ease of lysis of pit membranes via pectinase and cellulase; (2) numerous potential sites for perforation plate formation because of fasciculate packing of tracheary elements; (3) evolution of ferns over a long period of time, so that lysis pathways have had time to form; (4) lack of disadvantage in perforation plate presence, regardless of whether habitat moisture fluctuates markedly or little, because ferns likely have maintaining integrity of water columns that override the embolism-confining advantage of tracheids. Although all ferns share some common features, the diversity in xylem anatomy discovered thus far in ferns suggests that much remains to be learned.
A small molecule Smac-mimic compound induces apoptosis and sensitizes TRAIL- and etoposide-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) suppresses apoptosis through binding and inhibiting active caspases-3, -7 and -9 via its baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domains. During apoptosis the caspase inhibition by IAPs can be negatively regulated by a mitochondrial protein second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspase (Smac). Smac physically interacts with multiple IAPs and relieves their inhibitory effect on caspases-3, -7 and -9. Recently, a small molecule Smac-mimic compound (Smac-mimic), which potentiates TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mediated cell death in glioblastoma T98G cells and HeLa cells, was identified and characterized. To determine the efficacy of this compound in breast cancer cells, we first measured protein expression of three IAPs: XIAP, cIAP-1, and cIAP-2 in nine independent breast cancer cell lines. Three cell lines were chosen: a high IAPs expressing line MDA-MB-231, and two low IAPs expressing lines, T47D and MDA-MB-453. The cell lines were tested for their sensitivity to Smac-mimic alone or in combination with TRAIL or etoposide. Acting alone, Smac-mimic was quite potent with a cytotoxic IC50 of 3.8 nM in high IAPs expressing MDA-MB-231 cells, but was inactive at a much higher concentration in low IAPs expressing T47D and MDA-MB-453 cells. In fact, as low as 2.5 nM of Smac-mimic alone was sufficient to activate caspase-3 and induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. In combinational treatments with TRAIL or etoposide, Smac-mimic significantly sensitized cells to growth suppression in MDA-MB-231 cells, but to a lesser extent in T47D and MDA-MB-453 cells. Furthermore, it significantly synergized MDA-MB-231, but not T47D cells to apoptosis induced by either TRAIL or etoposide. Thus, in these cell lines, Smac-mimic acts in an apparent IAPs dependent manner to induce apoptosis alone as well as sensitizes breast cancer cells to TRAIL or etoposide induced apoptosis via caspase-3 activation.
Interpreting longitudinal spirometry: weight gain and other factors affecting the recognition of excessive FEV1 decline.

Background Excessive FEV1 loss in an individual or a group can reflect hazardous exposures and development of lung disease. However, multiple factors may affect FEV1 measurements. Methods Using medical screening data collected in 1884 chemical plant workers between 1973 and 2003, the influence of multiple factors on repeated measurements of FEV1 was examined. Results The FEV1 level was associated with age, height, race, sex, cigarette smoking, changes in body weight, and spirometer model. After controlling for these factors, longitudinal FEV1 decline averaged 23.8 ml/year for white males; an additional loss of 8.3 ml was associated with one pack-year smoking and 5.4 ml with a one pound weight gain. Depending on the spirometer model, FEV1 differed by up to 95 ml. Conclusions The study results provide quantitative estimates of the effect of specific factors on FEV1, and should be useful to health professionals in the evaluation of accelerated lung function declines. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:782–789, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Evidence for Proteasome Involvement in Polyglutamine Disease: Localization to Nuclear Inclusions in SCA3/MJD and Suppression of Polyglutamine Aggregation in vitro

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), is one of at least eight inherited neurodegenerative diseases caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the disease protein. Here we present two lines of evidence implicating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in SCA3/MJD pathogenesis. First, studies of both human disease tissue and in vitro models showed redistribution of the 26S proteasome complex into polyglutamine aggregates. In neurons from SCA3/MJD brain, the proteasome localized to intranuclear inclusions containing the mutant protein, ataxin-3. In transfected cells, the proteasome redistributed into inclusions formed by three expanded polyglutamine proteins: a pathologic ataxin-3 fragment, full-length mutant ataxin-3 and an unrelated GFP-polyglutamine fusion protein. Inclusion formation by the full-length mutant ataxin-3 required nuclear localization of the protein and occurred within specific subnuclear structures recently implicated in the regulation of cell death, promyelocytic leukemia antigen oncogenic domains. In a second set of experiments, inhibitors of the proteasome caused a repeat length-dependent increase in aggregate formation, implying that the proteasome plays a direct role in suppressing polyglutamine aggregation in disease. These results support a central role for protein misfolding in the pathogenesis of SCA3/MJD and suggest that modulating proteasome activity is a potential approach to altering the progression of this and other polyglutamine diseases.
Transition/integration engineering: the program management TIE between developer and user

The author describes the transition/integration engineering (TIE) effort for a major (almost $3 B) development program. TIE planning and implementation efforts, improving interactions between development and user personnel, and issues relating to transitioning a very large (pecabit) database are addressed. Recommendations for program managers responsible for the transition/integration activity are provided, based on the findings obtained. >
A review of state-of-the-art numerical methods for simulating flow through mechanical heart valves

In nearly half of the heart valve replacement surgeries performed annually, surgeons prefer to implant bileaflet mechanical heart valves (BMHV) because of their durability and long life span. All current BMHV designs, however, are prone to thromboembolic complications and implant recipients need to be on a life-long anticoagulant medication regiment. Non-physiologic flow patterns and turbulence generated by the valve leaflets are believed to be the major culprit for the increased risk of thromboembolism in BMHV implant recipients. In this paper, we review recent advances in developing predictive fluid–structure interaction (FSI) algorithms that can simulate BMHV flows at physiologic conditions and at resolution sufficiently fine to start probing the links between hemodynamics and blood-cell damage. Numerical simulations have provided the first glimpse into the complex hemodynamic environment experienced by blood cells downstream of the valve leaflets and successfully resolved for the first time the experimentally observed explosive transition to a turbulent-like state at the start of the decelerating flow phase. The simulations have also resolved a number of subtle features of experimentally observed valve kinematics, such as the asymmetric opening and closing of the leaflets and the leaflet rebound during closing. The paper also discusses a future research agenda toward developing a powerful patient-specific computational framework for optimizing valve design and implantation in a virtual surgery environment.