cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decrease in operative risk of reoperative valve surgery

We analyzed the risk of valve re-replacement in 640 patients reoperated on between 1980 and 1992. This represented 17% of total valve operations (640/3,764) during that period. A univariate and logistic multivariate analysis was carried out for four sequential periods for the 640 re-replacement patients to determine if changing methods of perfusion and myocardial protection affected recent results. There were 323 female and 317 male patients with a mean age of 58 years (range, 17 to 84 years). Ninety-seven (15%) had coronary artery bypass grafting, 135 (21%) were 70 years old or older, 377 (59%) were in New York Heart Association functional class III or less, and 263 (41%) were in functional class IV. The aortic valve was re-replaced in 245, the mitral valve in 289, and both aortic and mitral synchronously in 106. Four periods were analyzed: 1980 through 1982, 1983 through 1985, 1986 through 1988, and 1989 through 1992. The overall operative mortality was 65 of 640 patients (10%), falling from 12/73 (16%) in 1980 through 1982 to 23/268 (8%) in 1989 through 1992 (p = 0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis documented that New York Heart Association functional class was highly significant for operative mortality; operative mortality was 4% for functional classes I through III, and 19% for functional class IV (p < or = 0.001). The requirement for coronary bypass was of borderline significance (p = 0.05), and year of operation was also significant. Mortality for re-replacement of aortic valve fell from 15% to 10%, double valve from 20% to 9%, and mitral valve from 16% to 6%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Concurrent error detection in high speed carry-free division using alternative input data

Rapid advancements in technology demand innovative computation algorithms and hardware structures to achieve high performance. High speed dividers are commonly designed using SRT division methods. Recently, a high speed carry-free divider design using redundant binary representation has been presented. Based on the carry-free division algorithm and a more general cell fault mode instead of stuck-at fault model, this paper presents a concurrent error detection scheme using alternating input data. The key to the detection of faults is determining that at least one input combination exists for which the error does not result in alternating outputs. Results show that, with a low hardware overhead, the divider circuit is capable of detecting single/multiple transient faults in one cell during the real-time operation and enhancing its reliability significantly. >
Designing fibre channel fabrics

The fibre channel standard, developed by the ANSI X3T9.3 task group, defines a serial I/O channel for interconnecting a number of peripheral devices and computer systems. In this paper we consider how fibre channel switches can be cascaded to form a fibre channel fabric. We begin with an analytical model of topology performance that provides a theoretical upper bound on fabric performance and a method for the practical evaluation of fabric topologies. Next, we present simulation results for a single fibre channel switch having 16 ports and a specific high-level architecture. Finally, we consider cascades of this switch, and discuss some subtleties, such as different routing strategies, deadlocks and unfairness.
The Hare and the Tortoise Revisited: The New Politics of Consumer and Environmental Regulation in Europe

There has been an important shift in the pattern of divergence between consumer and environmental protection policies in Europe and the United States. From the 1960s through the mid 1980s American regulatory standards tended to be more stringent, comprehensive and innovative than in either individual European countries or in the European Union (EU). However, since around 1990 the obverse has been true; many important EU consumer and environmental regulations are now more precautionary than their American counterparts.The ‘new’ politics of consumer and environmental regulation in Europe are attributable to three inter-related factors: a series of regulatory failures within Europe, broader and stronger political support for more stringent and comprehensive regulatory standards within Europe and the growth in the regulatory competence of the European Union.In many respects, European regulatory politics and policies since the 1990s resemble those of the United States during the 1970s. Thus health, safety and environmental politics and policies in the United States are no longer as distinctive as many scholars have portrayed them.
Brief Novelty Exposure Facilitates Dentate Gyrus LTP in Aged Rats

Aging is associated with a decreased capacity for dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell depolarization as well as reduced perforant path activation. Although it is well established that the maintenance of DG long-term potentiation (LTP) over days is impaired in aged, as compared to young animals, the threshold for inducing this LTP has never been investigated in aged, awake animals. In addition, although exposure to novelty prior to theta-burst stimulation (TBS) increases both the induction and longevity of DG LTP in adult rats, the effects of exposure to novelty on LTP in aged rats have never been investigated. Here, we report that although TBS delivered in the home cage induces robust and long-lasting DG LTP in young rats, TBS fails to induce DG LTP in aged rats. Interestingly, delivery of TBS to aged rats exploring novel environments induces robust and long-lasting LTP, with the induction, but not the longevity, of this LTP being similar in magnitude to that observed in young rats delivered TBS in the home cage. These results indicate that although TBS-induced DG LTP is impaired in aged, as compared to young rats, TBS during exploration of novel environments is sufficient to rescue age-related deficits in DG LTP. We discuss these observations in the context of previous findings suggesting that the facilitation of LTP by exposure to novel environments results as a consequence of reduced network inhibition in the DG and we suggest that, in spite of age-related changes in the DG, this capacity persists in aged rats and represents a nondietary and nonpharmacological way to facilitate DG LTP during aging.
Interobserver Reproducibility of Criteria for Vertebral Body Exclusion

We studied reproducibility of the ISCD vertebral exclusion criteria among four interpreters. Surprisingly, agreement among interpreters was only moderate, because of differences in threshold for diagnosing focal structural defects and choice of which vertebra among a pair discordant for T-score, area, or BMC to exclude. Our results suggest that reproducibility may be improved by specifically addressing the sources of interobserver disagreement. Introduction: Although DXA is widely used to measure vertebral BMD, its interpretation is subject to multiple confounders including osteoarthritis, aortic calcification, and scoliosis. In an attempt to standardize interpretation and minimize the impact of artifacts, the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) established criteria for vertebral exclusion, including the presence of a focal structural defect (FSD), discrepancy of >1 SD in T-score between adjacent vertebrae, and a lack of increase in BMC or area from L1 to L4. Whereas the efforts of the ISCD represent an important advance in BMD interpretation, the interobserver reproducibility with application of these criteria is unknown. We hypothesized that there would be substantial agreement among four interpreters regarding application of the exclusion criteria and the final lumbar spine T-score. Materials and Methods: Each interpreter read a set of 200 lumbar DXA scans obtained on male veterans, applying the ISCD vertebral body exclusion criteria. Results: Surprisingly, agreement among interpreters was only moderate. Differences in interpretation resulted from differing thresholds for recognition of FSD and the choice of excluding the upper or lower vertebral body for the criteria requiring comparison between adjacent vertebrae. Conclusions: Despite their apparent simplicity, the ISCD vertebral exclusion criteria are difficult to apply consistently. In principle, appropriate refinement of the exclusion criteria may significantly improve interobserver agreement.
Cardiac pentastomiasis and tuberculosis: The worm-eaten heart

We report an autopsy case of disseminated tuberculosis and a coexisting, extremely rare parasitic zoonosis: pentastomiasis. The parasite was incidentally found in the pericardial sac and epicardium, associated with tuberculous pericarditis, in a 43-year-old woman from Georgia with presumptive Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The cuticle was the only remaining intact structure of the parasite. The internal organs had undergone autolysis, but recognizable features were apparent. Gross and microscopic findings were highly suggestive of pentastomid species. The ultrastructure of the cuticle was consistent with a pentastomid arthropod. This is one of the few cases of visceral pentastomiasis reported in North America, and the first known example of heart involvement. The association of the parasitic infection and tuberculous pericarditis makes the case even more unusual.
Absorbable Biologically Based Internal Fixation

Absorbable devices for use in internal fixation have advanced over the years to become reliable and cost-effective alternatives to metallic hardware. In the past, biodegradable fixation involved a laborious implantation process, and induced osteolysis and inflammatory reactions. Modern iterations exhibit increased strength, smoother resorption, and lower rates of reactivity. A newer generation manufactured from silk has emerged that may address existing limitations and provide a greater range of fixation applications.
Thoughts on Grammar Intervention in AAC

Abstract In this article, I propose that, for several reasons, grammar should be an early focus of communication interventions for young children using augmentative and alternative communication (A...
Species boundaries, phylogeography and conservation genetics of the red‐legged frog (Rana aurora/draytonii) complex

The red-legged frog, Rana aurora , has been recognized as both a single, polytypic species and as two distinct species since its original description 150 years ago. It is currently recognized as one species with two geographically contiguous subspecies, aurora and draytonii ; the latter is protected under the US Endangered Species Act. We present the results of a survey of 50 populations of red-legged frogs from across their range plus four outgroup species for variation in a phylogenetically informative, ∼ 400 base pairs (bp) fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Our mtDNA analysis points to several major results. (1) In accord with several other lines of independent evidence, aurora and draytonii are each diagnosably distinct, evolutionary lineages; the mtDNA data indicate that they do not constitute a monophyletic group, but rather that aurora and R. cascadae from the Pacific northwest are sister taxa; (2) the range of the draytonii mtDNA clade extends about 100 km further north in coastal California than was previously suspected, and corresponds closely with the range limits or phylogeographical breaks of several codistributed taxa; (3) a narrow zone of overlap exists in southern Mendocino County between aurora and draytonii haplotypes, rather than a broad intergradation zone; and (4) the critically endangered population of draytonii in Riverside County, CA forms a distinct clade with frogs from Baja California, Mexico. The currently available evidence favours recognition of aurora and draytonii as separate species with a narrow zone of overlap in northern California.
The metabolism of ftorafur in the beagle dog and rhesus monkey.

1. Ftorafur, a fluorinated pyrimidine nucleoside antimetabolite, is metabolized by the beagle dog and rhesus monkey to 5-fluorouracil, which is subsequently biotransformed to the corresponding nucleosides, to α-fluoro-β-ureidopropionic acid, to urea and to CO2.2. In the dog, urea was the primary urinary metabolite while in the monkey, α-fluoro-β-ureidopropionic acid predominated.3. The dog and monkey excrete about 35% of the recovered dose as CO2.4. The possibility that ftorafur is a relatively inactive transport form of 5-fluorouracil is discussed.
The Bacterial Tryptophan Reverse Mutation Assay With Escherichia Coli WP2

Abstract The Escherichia coli WP2 tryptophan reverse mutation assay detects trp– to trp+ reversion at a site blocking a step in the biosynthesis of tryptophan prior to the formation of anthranilic acid. The different WP2 strains all carry the same AT base pair at the critical mutation site within the trpE gene. The assay is currently used by many laboratories in conjunction with the Ames Salmonella assay for screening chemicals for mutagenic activity. In general the WP2 strains are used as a substitute for, or as an addition to Salmonella strain TA102 which also carries an AT base pair at the mutation site. The assay is also recommended together with the Ames assay for data submission to regulatory agencies. National and international guidelines have been established for performing these mutagenicity assays. The E. coli WP2 assay procedures are the same as those described elsewhere in this volume for the Ames Salmonella assay (Mortelmans and Zeiger, 2000) with the exception that limited tryptophan instead of limited histidine is used. This chapter is an addendum to the previous chapter and the reader should refer to the previous chapter for details regarding experimental procedures and assay design.
Adaptive path planning for flexible manufacturing

Path planning needs to be fast to facilitate real-time robot programming. Unfortunately, current planning techniques are still too slow to be effective, as they often require several minutes, if not hours of computation. To overcome this difficulty, the author presents an adaptive algorithm that uses past experience to speed up future performance. It is a learning algorithm suitable for automating flexible manufacturing in incrementally-changing environments. The algorithm allows the robot to adapt to its environment by having two manipulation schemes. For minor environmental change, the author uses an object-attached experience abstraction scheme to increase the flexibility of the learned experience; for major environmental change, the author uses an on-demand experience repair scheme to retain those experiences that remain valid and useful. Using this algorithm, one can effectively reduce the overall robot planning time by re-using the computation result for one task to plan a path for another. >
Effects of fire retardant chemical and fire suppressant foam on shrub steppe vegetation in northern Nevada

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of fire retardantchemical (Phos-Chek G75-F*) and fire suppressant foam (Silv-Ex) application,alone and in combination with fire, on Great Basin shrub steppe vegetation. Wemeasured growth, resprouting, flowering, and incidence of galling insects onChrysothamnus viscidiflorus andArtemisia tridentata. These characteristics were notaffected by any chemical treatment. We measured community characteristics,including species richness, evenness, and diversity, and number of stems ofwoody and herbaceous plants in riparian and upland plots. Of these characteristics, only species richness and number ofstems/m2 clearly responded to the chemicaltreatments, and the response was modified by fire. In general, speciesrichness declined, especially after Phos-Chek application. However, by the endof the growing season, species richness did not differ between treated andcontrol plots. Acanonical variate analysis suggested that burning had agreater influence on community composition than did the chemical treatments.In general, riparian areas showed more significant responses to the treatmentsthan did upland areas, and June applications produced greater changes inspecies richness and stem density than did July applications. *Use of Trade Names does not imply endorsement by the U.S.Government.
Computed Tomographic Angiography

Sixty four slice coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), while traditionally employed as a substitute for stress testing in symptomatic patients, has increasing application in the “asymptomatic” population, and is additive to coronary artery calcium scanning. 1. Patients with atypical symptoms are often misclassified as “symptomatic”; CTA provides accurate information regarding obstruction, as well as risk stratification based on calcified and non-calcified plaque. 2. Using tomographic intravascular analysis (TIVA), CTA provides non-calcified and calcified plaque characterization, similar to intravascular ultrasound. High risk plaques, including thin cap fibroatheromas and plaque rupture, may be identified, as well as totally non-calcified plaque that may or may not result in measurable narrowing. 3. In the truly asymptomatic population, CTA is appropriate in younger patients with a family history of premature coronary disease, in whom coronary calcium screening is not even recommended and whose risk may be established by demonstration of non-calcified plaque. Stress testing is often used for risk stratification in patients with multiple risk factors; CTA is a more appropriate tool and should replace stress testing in this capacity. 4. Totally non-calcified plaque resulting in any measurable narrowing justifies aggressive medical treatment. 5. Non-calcified plaque quantitation and reduction in radiation and contrast will be required for CTA to replace coronary calcium screening.
Appendix A: Spectral Estimation

This appendix contains sections titled: Windowing Scaling and Noise Bandwidth Averaging An Example Mathematical Background This appendix contains sections titled: References
Transplantation of the biceps femoris to the patella by the medial route in poliomyelitic quadriceps paralysis.

1. The biceps femoris, when transplanted to the patella by the medial route in order to compensate for quadriceps paralysis, gives as good a functional result as when transplanted by other methods. 2. The objectionable complication of patellar dislocation is completely eliminated when the biceps femoris transplantation is done by the medial route.
Neurogenic Potential of Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing VEGF

Numerous signaling molecules are altered following nerve injury, serving as a blueprint for drug delivery approaches that promote nerve repair. However, challenges with achieving the appropriate temporal duration of recombinant protein delivery have limited the therapeutic success of this approach. Genetic engineering of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance the secretion of proangiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may provide an alternative. We hypothesized that the administration of VEGF-expressing human MSCs would stimulate neurite outgrowth and proliferation of cell-types involved in neural repair. When cultured with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explants in vitro, control and VEGF-expressing MSCs (VEGF-MSCs) increased neurite extension and proliferation of Schwann cells (SCs) and endothelial cells, while VEGF-MSCs stimulated significantly greater proliferation of endothelial cells. When embedded within a 3D fibrin matrix, VEGF-MSCs maintained overexpression and expressed detectable levels over 21 days. After transplantation into a murine sciatic nerve injury model, VEGF-MSCs maintained high VEGF levels for 2 weeks. This study provides new insight into the role of VEGF on peripheral nerve injury and the viability of transplanted genetically engineered MSCs. The study aims to provide a framework for future studies with the ultimate goal of developing an improved therapy for nerve repair.
Molecular diagnosis and personalized medicine of colorectal cancer

Personalized medicine, in concert with targeted oncologic therapy, has become one of the most active, rapidly advancing, and clinically challenging pursuits in cancer treatment. A major concern for molecular geneticists and clinicians must be to focus upon prioritizing those issues that are most important for research and targeted management in these most prolific days of cancer medicine. In no area of medicine is this more apparent than in cancer medicine, where arrays of specific genetic alterations have been used to manage various types of malignancies. The discoveries that form our understanding of cancer have substantially accelerated over the past decade. These emerging findings have significantly affected the traditional practice of oncology and have resulted in a subspecialized multidisciplinary approach to patient care that incorporates personalized therapies such as targeted molecular therapy, prognosis, risk assessment, and prevention, all of which are primarily based on molecular diagnostics and imaging. This presentation, using colorectal cancer as a model, updates readers on recently acquired knowledge of molecular pathology and emphasizes new uses for that knowledge in the changing landscape of specialized multidisciplinary care and personalized medicine. Novel therapeutic agents against specific genetic, molecular, and antigenic targets are discussed, as is the process for deciding whether to use these agents.
The Use of the Cytocentrifuge in the Diagnosis of Meningitis

A retrospective case-control records review was conducted to determine the usefulness of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytocentrifuge in the diagnosis of meningitis. Over a two-year period, 7,114 records were reviewed, from which 53 cases of aseptic meningitis (AM) and 22 cases of bacterial meningitis (BM) were obtained. Twenty-four cases, judged to be free of meningeal disease, obtained during a three-week period in July 1982, were used as controls. The mean percent polymorphonuclear leukocytes by cytocentrifuge was 14.5% +/- 25.4% in controls, 34.2% +/- 29.6% in AM patients, and 86.4% +/- 13.3% in BM patients. Statistically significant differences existed between the means of each group when compared overall (P less than 0.001) and when each group's mean was compared pair-wise to the two other group means in the study (P less than 0.01 to P less than 0.001). Knowledge of the percent PMNs by cytocentrifuge may be useful in distinguishing patients with meningitis, particularly bacterial, from those free of meningeal disease.
On the Total Hemolymph (Blood) Cell Counts of Insects II. Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera

This paper is a report of further studies made upon the total hemolymph cell counts of insects. Thus far counts have been obtained only from nymph-possessing species, previous reports having to do with counts from the field cricket and from other heterometabolous Orthoptera, Odonata, Hemiptera and Homoptera (1934, 1935). The counts described here are all from larva-possessing (holometabolous) species. Hollande (1930) states that Aghar (1928) determined total counts in Pieris brassicae L. and Aporia crataegi L.; with this exception, the authors have found no report in the literature of total hemolymph cell counts from holometabolous insects.
Observations on the Behavior of Penned Mule Deer

A small herd of Rocky Mountain mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus hemion-us ) was kept in an enclosure during the fall months of 1955 in order to secure known aged embryos. As a subsidiary project the behavior of this herd was observed. It was felt that this ancillary study would be useful to us and possibly to others for future use in handling confined mule deer. This investigation was made possible through the cooperation of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Fish and Game Department, Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, and the Research Council of Montana State University to whom grateful acknowledgement is made. We are indebted to Artemus R. Davis for technical assistance during the project. Materials and Methods —A corral at the National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana, was made available for this project. The corral was roughly 130 feet long by 45 feet wide, running in a NE-SW direction, with a partitioned area 23 feet from one end used as an isolation pen for the buck. A plank fence 7–8 feet high surrounded the entire enclosure. This fence and the partition fence were covered with burlap to a height of 7 feet leaving a gap of one foot at the base of the fence. An enclosed observation tower was built above one corner of the buck's pen overlooking the does' corral. The floor of this hut was about seven feet above ground level, and in it was kept all essential equipment. Alfalfa hay and stock pellets were provided by the Montana Fish and Game Department. Hay was invariably fed first each morning, stock pellets were usually fed then also, and hay might be fed again in the late afternoon depending on the weather. An electric water heater kept the water tank open throughout the observations. A reading of …
Mouse strain variability in the expression of the hematopoietic stem cell antigen Ly-6A/E by bone marrow cells

The cell surface molecule Ly-6A/E provides a convenient marker for primitive stem cells in the hematopoietic tissues of both fetal and adult mice. However, previous studies have shown that Ly-6A/E expression by lymphocytes is variable depending on the haplotype of the Ly-6 locus. Therefore, strain-specific variation in Ly-6A/E expression by bone marrow (BM) cells was investigated. The results show that Ly-6a mice have, on average, 50% of the number of BM cells expressing Ly-6A/E relative to that for Ly-6b mice. Furthermore, among the 5% of BM cells that do not express antigens characteristic of mature T, B, myeloid, or erythroid lineages, which include the primitive hematopoietic stem cell compartment, Ly-6a mice have, on average, more than fivefold fewer Ly-6A/E+ cells relative to that for Ly-6b mice. Isolation of Ly-6A/E- and Ly-6A/E+ cells from mice of both haplotypes showed that, whereas 99% of the marrow repopulating activity (MRA) of C57BL/Ka (Ly-6b) mice could be recovered in the Ly-6A/E+ fraction, only about 25% of the MRA of BALB/c (Ly-6a) was recoverable in the same population. On a per-cell basis, the Ly-6A/E+ cells that were isolated from BALB/c mice were essentially equivalent in MRA to those isolated from C57BL/Ka mice. Thus, whereas a large percentage of the hematopoietic stem cells of Ly-6a mice do not express the Ly-6A/E molecule, the antigen may be used to isolate a subset of stem cells from these mice. These results show that hematopoietic stem cell phenotype can vary between mouse strains and imply that caution should be exercised in the identification of human stem cell antigens such as CD34, because a similar variability may occur between individual humans. To further explore the influence of Ly-6 haplotype on Ly-6A/E expression by specific cell subsets, lymph-node lymphocytes from a panel of mouse strains were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry for correlated expression of Ly-6A/E, CD4, and CD8. All Ly-6a strains examined had less than 20% Ly-6A/E+ cells, and those cells were predominantly CD8+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the Ly-6b strains had greater than 30% Ly-6A/E+ cells, and those cells included CD4+, CD8+, and B lymphocytes.
Orchard worker localisation relative to a vehicle using radio ranging and trilateration

Safe navigation of labour-aiding robots in commercial orchards will rely on accurate and continuous worker localisation. In this work, an ultra-wideband radio-based system localises a worker via trilateration of four range measurements between antennas on a vehicle and an antenna carried on the worker's belt. Performance results are presented from measurements inside ‘work zones’ around the vehicle, in open space and in an orchard. At walking speed in open space, when body placement allowed full line-of-sight (LOS) between belt and vehicle antennas, position estimate availability was 99.7% and the distance root mean square error (DRMS) was 57.9 cm. Completely blocked LOS resulted in signal outages and unacceptable performance (11.1% availability; 819.7 cm DRMS). In the orchard, full-LOS performance was similar to that in open-space: 99.3% availability and 63.4 cm DRMS error bound. Orchard trees enabled multipath signal propagation, so blocked-LOS performance was far better than in open-space (60.2% availability; 123.6 cm DRMS). Antenna motion effects were studied in open-space and orchard experiments without body interference. Motion introduced non-collocation errors (individual ranges measured at slightly different positions); DRMS error in open space and orchard were 1.6 and 2.2 times larger than respective static errors. In all experiments the 95th percentiles of the errors were almost twice as large as the DRMS errors. Sporadic large errors and signal outages could be addressed by two belt antennas and filtering. The results indicate that radio ranging offers a practicable approach to orchard worker localisation relative to a nearby vehicle operating at slow walking speeds.
Are blondes really dumb

Discrimination based on appearance has serious economic consequences. Women with blonde hair are often considered beautiful, but dumb, which is a potentially harmful stereotype since many employers seek intelligent workers. Using the NLSY79, a large nationally representative survey tracking young baby boomers, this research analyzes the IQ of white women and men according to hair color. Blonde women have a higher mean IQ than women with brown, red and black hair. Blondes are more likely classified as geniuses and less likely to have extremely low IQ than women with other hair colors, suggesting the dumb blonde stereotype is a myth.
How Do Students Get Help with Research Assignments? Using Drawings to Understand Students' Help Seeking Behavior

Abstract This study explores undergraduate students' help seeking behavior in relation to writing papers that require research. Two hundred and twenty-two undergraduate students were asked to draw the steps that they went through when completing a recent assignment. Many students answered additional written questions about the challenges they faced in completing these assignments. Nine students were also interviewed about their processes. Thirty-six percent of students depicted getting help in their drawings, while 100% of students interviewed described getting help. Analysis revealed four primary areas of interest: (1) whom students go to for help, (2) the timing of help seeking, (3) students' needs in relation to getting help, and (4) the research and study habits of students who get help. Students most commonly received help from peers and family members, and they usually received help after they had already drafted their papers. Students rarely got help from librarians, although approximately one third described how tasks related to research were the most challenging part of completing their assignments. A number of strategies are presented for encouraging students to seek library help for research assignments.
Consideration of exposure-response relationships during clinical trials of new drugs

The purpose of clinical trial is to provide solid evidences on its effectiveness and safety of a new drug,which can be used by regulatory agencies to make approval decisions.Clinical trials contain studies on clinical pharmacology,dose-escalation,and proof of concepts,in which the exposure-response information is at the heart of any determination of the safety,and confirmative test.Based on the time course of clinical trials and their logic relationships,we in this paper discussed the information obtained from exposure-response studies as well as the importance of exposure-response relationships on the drug evaluation.Our goals are to improve the quality of clinical trials,lower the risk of clinical failure and accelerate the marketing of the drug products.
Importance of non-patient transfer activities in nursing-related back pain. I: Questionnaire survey

Work and personal factors associated with occupational back pain were investigated based upon responses to questionnaires administered to hospital nurses. Factor analysis of outcome measures developed two indices of occupational back pain: "pain factor" and "impact factor." Factor analysis also separated reported work activities into five groups. By logistic regression, frequency of "carrying and pushing" and "patient care activity" were associated with occupational back pain. These findings suggest that research and training should not focus on patient transfers only, but must emphasize nonpatient contact activities performed by nurses.
Genetic Analysis of HIV by In Situ PCR-Directed Laser Capture Microscopy of Infected Cells

Behind the exponential expansion of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, there is a continuous and progressive molecular evolution of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. In this regard, the molecular analysis of viral strains infecting several anatomic compartments in humans has become critical to understanding AIDS-related pathologies and to improving emerging therapeutic protocols. Laser capture microdissection provides outstanding results in the genetic analysis of HIV-1 variants detectable in AIDS patients. The ability of the instrument to microdissect infected cells from a heterogeneous tissue compartment allows the investigator to obtain critical information regarding the genetic nature of a specific viral strain. To perform laser capture microdissection with better accuracy, a priori detection techniques may provide useful information about HIV distribution in the tissue specimen. An in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on a serial slide results in a detailed map of the viral infection specific for the case under analysis. The knowledge of HIV distribution in the tissue section is critical for improving the dissection of infected cells by laser capture microscopy. This chapter describes laser capture microdissection and in situ PCR and its role in the analysis of the genetic nature of HIV-1 variants and quasispecies.
Mammalian African trypanosome VSG coat enhances tsetse’s vector competence

Tsetse flies are biological vectors of African trypanosomes, the protozoan parasites responsible for causing human and animal trypanosomiases across sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, no vaccines are available for disease prevention due to antigenic variation of the Variant Surface Glycoproteins (VSG) that coat parasites while they reside within mammalian hosts. As a result, interference with parasite development in the tsetse vector is being explored to reduce disease transmission. A major bottleneck to infection occurs as parasites attempt to colonize tsetse’s midgut. One critical factor influencing this bottleneck is the fly’s peritrophic matrix (PM), a semipermeable, chitinous barrier that lines the midgut. The mechanisms that enable trypanosomes to cross this barrier are currently unknown. Here, we determined that as parasites enter the tsetse’s gut, VSG molecules released from trypanosomes are internalized by cells of the cardia—the tissue responsible for producing the PM. VSG internalization results in decreased expression of a tsetse microRNA (mir-275) and interferes with the Wnt-signaling pathway and the Iroquois/IRX transcription factor family. This interference reduces the function of the PM barrier and promotes parasite colonization of the gut early in the infection process. Manipulation of the insect midgut homeostasis by the mammalian parasite coat proteins is a novel function and indicates that VSG serves a dual role in trypanosome biology—that of facilitating transmission through its mammalian host and insect vector. We detail critical steps in the course of trypanosome infection establishment that can serve as novel targets to reduce the tsetse’s vector competence and disease transmission.
Uptake of 18F-DCFPyL in Paget’s Disease of Bone, an Important Potential Pitfall in Clinical Interpretation of PSMA PET Studies

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted PET imaging is an emerging technique for evaluating patients with prostate cancer (PCa) in a variety of clinical contexts. As with any new imaging modality, there are interpretive pitfalls that are beginning to be recognized. In this image report, we describe the findings in a 63-year-old male with biochemically recurrent PCa after radical prostatectomy who was imaged with 18F-DCFPyL, a small molecule inhibitor of PSMA. Diffuse radiotracer uptake was noted throughout the sacrum, corresponding to imaging findings on contrast-enhanced CT, bone scan, and pelvic MRI consistent with Paget's disease of bone. The uptake of 18F-DCFPyL in Paget's disease is most likely due to hyperemia and increased radiotracer delivery. In light of the overlap in patients affected by PCa and Paget's, it is important for nuclear medicine physicians and radiologists interpreting PSMA PET/CT scans to be aware of the potential for this diagnostic pitfall. Correlation to findings on conventional imaging such as diagnostic CT and bone scan can help confirm the diagnosis.
Vitamin K3 Selectively Induces Apoptosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells with Constitutive Activation of IKKα/NF-kB Activation.

Abstract Although the cytotoxic effect of vitamin K3 (VK3) on human cancer cells has been repeatedly reported, no clear conclusions from either in vitro or in vivo tests have so far been made for VK3 as an anticancer agent due to marked inter-tumor variability of efficacy in response to VK3 treatment. Here, we report that sensitivity of neoplastic cells to VK3-induced killing depends on IKKα expression/NF-kB activation in the cells. We tested the sensitivity to VK3 of 14 leukemic cell lines established from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The 14 lines were classified into three groups: IKKα +/NF-kB+, IKKα +/NF-kB−, IKKα−/NF-kB−. IKKα +/NFkB+ cell lines that are generally resistant to doxorubicin are more sensitive to VK3 induced cell death than are the IKKα +/NFkB− lines that are usually sensitive to doxorubicin. The median of IC 50 values of VK3 and doxorubicin as tested by WST analysis for IKKα +/NFkB+ cells were 3.92 mM and 1.58 mM, respectively, compared to IKKα +/NFkB− cells (7.3 mM of VK3 and 0.71 mM of doxorubicin, p
Mapping the cognitive structure of astrophysics by infomap clustering of the citation network and topic affinity analysis

In this paper we use the information theoretic Infomap algorithm (Rosvall and Bergstrom in Proc Natl Acad Sci 105(4):1118---1123, 2008) iteratively in order to cluster the direct citation network of the Astro Data Set (publications in 59 astrophysical journals between 2003 and 2010.) We obtain 22 clusters of documents from the giant component of the network that we interpret as constituting `topics' in the field of astrophysics. Upon investigation of the content of the topics we find a grouping of topics by shared features of their `journal signature', that is the journals that are most characteristic for a topic due to their popularity and distinctiveness. These groups of topics match sub disciplines within the field. We generate a cognitive map of the field using a topic affinity network that shows what topics are disproportionally well connected (by citations) to other topics. The topology of the topic affinity network highlights a high-level organization of the field by sub-discipline and observational distance of the research object from Earth.
Some mathematical problems motivated by medical imaging

Pf(..." t) I f ..., E sn-1, t E R . =t In the expression above denotes the inner product of a vector ~ E Rn and a unit vector in with denoting the unit sphere in This problem arises in a variety of fields ranging from wave propagation, statistics. geophysics, X-ray medical imaging and magnetic resonance imaging. More of these applications probably still lie in the future as people working in different fields find ways of inter,pretingcertain measurements pertaining to an unknown function f as related to such "sections" or "tomos" through the "object", For the first work in this direction credit belongs to H.Lorentz in the 3-dimensional case (see [IJ), and to 3.Radon in the general case of arbitrary dimension [2), For a general review of the field the reader can consult [2,3,4,5,6). To set up the scene for our considerations, observe the so called "central projection theorem" relating the one-dimensional Fourier transform of PfC",,') to the n-dimensional Fourier transform of f(x). If the latter is defined by
Important considerations when using the Shack-Hartmann method for testing highly aspheric optics

The Shack-Hartmann (S-H) method is a good candidate for general aspheric metrology because the lenslet array can be designed to accommodate the dynamic range associated with wildly aspheric wavefronts. However, when the S-H method is used in this fashion several issues must be taken into consideration. First, while the sensitivity and dynamic range of the instrument can be increased by allowing the spots to shift several lenslet sub-apertures, real lenslets are not thin lenses with zero aperture so the spots will not shift in exact proportion to the average phase gradient across the lenslet as is commonly expected. Second, if the wavefront is sufficiently aspheric, any relay optics will induce additional aberrations, which can be accounted for with proper calibration and reverse raytracing. Another limitation of the S-H method is that spots cannot overlap or cross. While this is a limitation on the divergence of the phase distribution or wavefront curvature the problem can be avoided if we guarantee that the beam has no caustic between the lenslet array and detector. Finally, the single biggest problem in aspheric metrology is losing the light or vignetting. One general way to address this problem is to image the part onto the lenslet array with a large numerical aperture. In this way, rays leaving the part can have some range of angles that are guaranteed to make it through the system. This presentation will discuss these issues and methods for overcoming them. Experimental results will also be presented to demonstrate the effects.
BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION ADOPTION: EVIDENCE FROM THE SMART HOME INDUSTRY

What role does the board of directors play in fostering organisational innovation? This study contributes to this conversation by exploring the relationship between board characteristics and business model innovation adoption. Drawing from resource dependence theory and using the smart home business model as our context, we examined the relationship among board size, CEO duality and proportion of outside directors on the likelihood of business model innovation adoption. Our analysis of 96 firms indicates that both board size and CEO duality significantly increase the likelihood of business model innovation adoption. Our findings highlight the important resource provision role boards play in promoting organisational innovation.
Cochlear signal analysis for broadband spectrum sensing in cognitive radio networks

The biological inner ear, or cochlea, is a sophisticated signal processing system that performs spectrum analysis over an ultra-broadband frequency range of ∼20 Hz to 20 kHz with exquisite sensitivity and high energy efficiency. Electronic cochlear models, which mimic the exponentially-tapered structure of the biological inner ear using transmission lines or filter cascades, have been shown to be fast and extremely efficient spectrum analyzers at both audio and radio frequencies. We have previously used this model to create single-chip RF spectrum analyzers, and have recently developed improved output encoding methods for such cochlea-like analyzers. A prototype analyzer has been designed in the UMC 65 nm RF-CMOS process. It includes a bidirectional cochlea model with 50 parallel exponentially-spaced output stages and analyzes the radio spectrum from 0.8–8.3 GHz. The outputs are encoded as delta-sigma (ΔΣ) modulated digital signals that are demodulated and analyzed in real-time by a digital back-end implemented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The resulting system is expected to be useful as a broadband spectrum sensor in cognitive radio networks.
Dipole Approximation to Predict the Resonances of Dimers Composed of Dielectric Resonators for Directional Emission

In this paper we develop a fully-retarded, dipole approximation model to estimate the effective polarizabilities of a dimer made of dielectric resonators. They are computed from the polarizabilities of the two resonators composing the dimer. We analyze the situation of full-cubes as well as split-cubes, which have been shown to exhibit overlapping electric and magnetic resonances. We compare the effective dimer polarizabilities to ones retrieved via full-wave simulations as well as ones computed via a quasi-static, dipole approximation. We observe good agreement between the fully-retarded solution and the full-wave results, whereas the quasi-static approximation is less accurate for the problem at hand. The developed model can be used to predict the electric and magnetic resonances of a dimer under parallel or orthogonal (to the dimer axis) excitation. This is particularly helpful when interested in locating frequencies at which the dimer will emit directional radiation.
Resting-state functional connectivity in the rat cervical spinal cord at 9.4 T.

Purpose Numerous studies have adopted resting-state functional MRI methods to infer functional connectivity between cortical regions, but very few have translated them to the spinal cord, despite its critical role in the central nervous system. Resting-state functional connectivity between gray matter horns of the spinal cord has previously been shown to be detectable in humans and nonhuman primates, but it has not been reported previously in rodents. Methods Resting-state functional MRI of the cervical spinal cord of live anesthetized rats was performed at 9.4 T. The quality of the functional images acquired was assessed, and quantitative analyses of functional connectivity in C4-C7 of the spinal cord were derived. Results Robust gray matter horn-to-horn connectivity patterns were found that were statistically significant when compared with adjacent control regions. Specifically, dorsal-dorsal and ventral-ventral connectivity measurements were most prominent, while ipsilateral dorsal-ventral connectivity was also observed but to a lesser extent. Quantitative evaluation of reproducibility also revealed moderate robustness in the bilateral sensory and motor networks that was weaker in the dorsal-ventral connections. Conclusions This study reports the first evidence of resting-state functional circuits within gray matter in the rat spinal cord, and verifies their detectability using resting-state functional MRI at 9.4 T. Magn Reson Med 79:2773-2783, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Help Avoid Skin Necrosis After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Nipple-areola ischemia and skin flap necrosis are complications that may occur after nipple-sparing mastectomy. The rate of these complications is dependent on many factors including age, comorbidities, and incisional pattern. Furthermore, the extent and occurrence of these complications may be dependent on the pattern of the arterial blood supply to the nipple-areolar complex. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in choosing the ideal candidate for a nipple-sparing mastectomy, by characterizing the vascular pattern of the nipple-areolar complex. This imaging technique will help guide the physician on the most appropriate incisional pattern that minimizes the risk of vascular compromise to the nipple while also delineating the blood flow pattern to the nipple as unilateral or bilateral.
Lectures on Computing Cohomology of Arithmetic Groups

Let G be the reductive \(\mathbb {Q}\)-group \(R_{F/\mathbb {Q}} \mathrm {GL}_{n}\), where \(F/\mathbb {Q}\) is a number field. Let Γ⊂G be an arithmetic group. We discuss some techniques to compute explicitly the cohomology of Γ and the action of the Hecke operators on the cohomology.