cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CT Fluoroscopy Guidance for Transbronchial Needle Aspiration: An Experience in 35 Patients

Objective To demonstrate the usefulness of real-timeguidance with CT fluoroscopy to improve the yield of transbronchialneedle aspiration (TBNA). Design Prospective, observational. Setting A tertiary-care, university-affiliated medical center. Methods From December 1998 to April 2000, 35 patients underwent CTfluoroscopy-guided TBNA. Patients with subcarinal and precarinal lymphnodes were only included if a previous attempt was nondiagnostic, asthe initial yield in this setting with conventional TBNA is high. TBNAwas performed using standard technique in a CT-scan suite. Needlelocation was confirmed with fluoroscopy without IV contrast being used. Specimens were evaluated on-site for adequacy. Results The procedure had to be aborted in three patientsbefore TBNA could be performed. Samples were obtained in 32 patients. Samples were nondiagnostic in four patients. Adequate tissue wasobtained in 28 of 32 patients (87.5%). Twenty-two patients had aspecific benign or malignant diagnosis made, and 6 patients hadlymphocytes only on the specimen. In follow-up, only one of these sixpatients proved to have a malignancy. All procedures were performedwithin a regular interventional CT time slot of 1 h. No TBNA sideeffects were noted. Conclusion TBNA under CTfluoroscopic guidance is easy to perform. The yield in all accessiblelymph node stations is high.
Problems, needs, and useful strategies in older adults self-managing epilepsy: Implications for patient education and future intervention programs

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine, in a sample of older adults diagnosed with epilepsy, perceived self-management problems and needs encountered since diagnosis, as well as strategies used to address problems and needs.
Wisconsin Go Local: The Prelude

The state of Wisconsin was one of four states awarded a Go Local contract by the National Library of Medicine shortly before the national program was discontinued. This article describes an unusual perspective on the local and institutional context necessary to initiate a Go Local project, as well as the planning and groundwork an academic medical center library, its partners, and stakeholders needed to undertake before the project could begin.
Differences between screening sites in a glaucoma screening program

objective To determine the differences in demographic variables, glaucoma risk factors, and visual acuity by type of screening site. methods We conducted glaucoma screenings throughout the city of Baltimore. A questionnaire collected information about age, race, and risk factors: having a relative with glaucoma, having diabetes, having a past eye injury or surgery, and not having an eye examination within two years. We also tested visual acuity and visual fields. We categorized screening sites into work places, senior centers, health fairs, and church groups, and created age-race groups by combining age and race categories. results This study is based on 1,366 people screened at 42 different sites. The majority of people screened were African-American (65%) and female (58%), with a mean age of 48 years. We found significant age and race differences between the screening sites. After stratifying by age-race groups, we found statistically significant associations between screening sites and not having a rec...
Structure factors of vector-order-parameter systems containing random topological defects.

The spatial correlation function of a vector-order-parameter field and its Fourier transform is derived analytically for a relaxational (N,D) ordering process following a quench (model A) with 1\ensuremath{\le}N\ensuremath{\le}D, where N and D are the dimensionality of the order parameter and space, respectively. An assumption that the topological defects are randomly distributed is used. The correlation function C(r) behaves at short distance as 1-${\mathit{ar}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$, where \ensuremath{\delta}=1 at N=1 and \ensuremath{\delta}=2 at N\ensuremath{\ge}3, and a logarithmic correction exists for N=2 such as C(r)\ensuremath{\simeq}1-(b-c lnr)${\mathit{r}}^{2}$. The short-distance behavior is also characterized by a power-law tail of the structure factor, S(k)\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{k}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}(\mathit{N}+\mathit{D})}$. The long-distance behavior is approximately Gaussian. The structure factor agrees with simulations over all length scales.
Synthesis of Silicon Containing Benzaldehydes and Conversion to Schiff's Bases

Abstract Synthesis of the first silicon substituted benzaldehyde derivatives is described. Reduction of tetramethyldiphenyldisiloxane-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid chloride with tri-t-butoxylithiumaluminum hydride gives tetramethyldiphenyl-disiloxane-4,4′-dicarboxyaldehyde in 40% yield. Synthesis and characterization of Schiff's base derivatives are described.
Information retrieval with query hypergraphs

Current information retrieval models are optimized for retrieval with short keyword queries. In contrast, in this dissertation we focus on longer, verbose queries with more complex structure that are becoming more common in both mobile and web search. To this end, we propose an expressive query representation formalism based on query hypergraphs. Unlike the existing query representations, query hypergraphs model the dependencies between arbitrary concepts in the query, rather than dependencies between single query terms. Query hypergraphs are parameterized by importance weights, which are assigned to concepts and concept dependencies in the query hypergraph, based on their contribution to the overall retrieval effectiveness. Query hypergraphs are not limited to modeling the explicit query structure. Accordingly, we develop two methods for query expansion using query hypergraphs. In these methods, the expansion concepts in the query hypergraph may come either from the retrieval corpus alone or from a combination of multiple information sources such as Wikipedia or the anchor text extracted from a large-scale web corpus. We empirically demonstrate that query hypergraphs are consistently and significantly more effective than many of the current state-of-the-art retrieval methods, as demonstrated by the experiments on newswire and web corpora. Query hypergraphs improve the retrieval performance for all query types, and, in particular, they exhibit the highest effectiveness gains for verbose queries.
The Crystal Structure of Oprg from Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, a Potential Channel for Transport of Hydrophobic Molecules Across the Outer Membrane.

Background The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria provides a barrier to the passage of hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds into the cell. The OM has embedded proteins that serve important functions in signal transduction and in the transport of molecules into the periplasm. The OmpW family of OM proteins, of which P. aeruginosa OprG is a member, is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. The biological functions of OprG and other OmpW family members are still unclear. Methodology/Principal Findings In order to obtain more information about possible functions of OmpW family members we have solved the X-ray crystal structure of P. aeruginosa OprG at 2.4 A resolution. OprG forms an eight-stranded β-barrel with a hydrophobic channel that leads from the extracellular surface to a lateral opening in the barrel wall. The OprG barrel is closed off from the periplasm by interacting polar and charged residues on opposite sides of the barrel wall. Conclusions/Significance The crystal structure, together with recent biochemical data, suggests that OprG and other OmpW family members form channels that mediate the diffusion of small hydrophobic molecules across the OM by a lateral diffusion mechanism similar to that of E. coli FadL.
Do predator cues influence turn alternation behavior in terrestrial isopods Porcellio laevis Latreille and Armadillidium vulgare Latreille

Terrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Oniscidea) make more alternating maze turns in response to negative stimuli, a navigational behavior that corrects divergence from a straight line. The present study investigates this behavioral pattern in two species, Porcellio laevis Latreille and Armadillidium vulgare Latreille, in response to short-term vs. long-term exposure to indirect cues from predatory ants. Neither isopod species increased the number of alternating turns in response to short-term indirect exposure to ants, but both species made significantly more alternating turns following continuous indirect exposure to ants for a period of one-week. These results are surprising given differences in behavioral and morphological predator defenses between these species (the Armadillidiidae curl into defensive postures when attacked, whereas the Porcellionidae flee). The marked similarity in alternating turn behavior of the two families suggests evolutionary conservation of antipredator navigation mechanisms.
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND ENERGY DISPERSIVE X‐RAY ANALYSIS OF CHALK SECRETING LEAF GLANDS OF OF PLUMBAGO CAPENSIS

Chalk secreting leaf glands of Plutmbago capensis Thunb. were examined by polarized reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. There are about 23 glands per mm2 on the lower leaf surface and none on the upper surface. Each gland measures 20-30,um in diam and consists of four small secretory cells surrounded by four subsidiary cells. Secretion of chalk is apparently through a pore in the surface of each secretory cell. The secreted material was crystalline and x-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of two minerals: calcite (CaCO8) and nesquehonite (MgCO3 3H20). Energy dispersive x-ray analysis revealed the presence of magnesium, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, and calcium in the epidermal cells. However, only calcium and magnesium and traces of silicon were detected in the secreted material. A distribution analysis showed calcium and magnesium to be uniformly distributed through the secreted material.
γ-Tubulin and microtubule organization in plants

In animal cells, microtubule assembly is usually initiated at one specialized structure, the centrosome. By contrast, in plant cells, microtubule assembly begins at a variety of locations within the cell. A member of the tubulin gene family, gamma-tubulin, is localized to the centrosome in animal cells and is important in the assembly of microtubules in vivo. Recent reports have identified gamma-tubulin genes in plants and have described the complex intracellular distribution of the encoded polypeptides. Here, Harish Joshi and Barry Palevitz comment upon how this information may help elucidate the organizing principles of the complex arrays of microtubules in plant cells.
Orotidylate decarboxylase activity in Schizophyllum commune

Abstract Orotidylate decarboxylase (OMP decase) activity was measured in mycelial macerates of Schizophyllum commune by a modification of the method of Beckwith et al. , 1962 . The uracil-requiring strains used in this study belong to two complementation groups: URA-1 and URA-2 . OMP decase activities in ura-2 homokaryons and ura-2 × ura-2 uracil-requiring dikaryons were comparable to levels in wild-type homokaryons and dikaryons. No significant OMP decase activity was detected in ura-1 strains. The ura-1 strains of S. commune may be excellent candidates for transformation with a cloned OMP decase gene from yeast and/or S. commune .
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PROLIFERATION AND CELL CYCLE LENGTH DURING DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAT RETINA

The rat retina has been a useful model system for the study of the development of the central nervous system (CNS). In order to fa- cilitate future studies on the mechanisms that con- trol retinal growth, we have quantified the prolif- eration of retinal cells and the length of the cell cycle throughout development. For each day dur- ing development, the number of mitotic and post- mitotic cells per retina, the proportion of cycling cells, S phase length, and cell cycle length were determined through quantification of cell num- bers and 3H-thymidine labeling. As retinal devel- opment proceeds, the proportion of cycling cells decreases, and cell cycle length increases, in part due to an increase in S phase length. 0 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Newer concepts of cancer of the colon and rectum: delayed hypersensitivity responses of patients with carcinoma of the colon and other solid tumors.

Eighty-nine patients were skin-tested with four delayed allergens: old tuberculin, mumps, streptokinase-streptodornase, andTrichophyton. Forty-eight of these patients, including 43 with carcinoma of the colon, had nonreticuloendothelial tumors. Patients with tumors were otherwise in good health. There were significant differences between the delayed skin sensitivity of patients with cancer and those without cancer, and between the responses to challenge with streptokinase-streptodornase of patients with metastases and those without metastases. The presence of cancer decreased responsiveness, and metastases limited responsiveness still further.
Therapeutic options for adenomyosis: a review

To review the literature on various therapeutic modalities for uterine adenomyosis. Reviews, case-controlled studies and reports from November 1949 until August 2006 written in English or summarized in English abstracts retrieved from Medline and Pubmed using the key words: adenomyosis and adenomyosis therapy. Symptoms of adenomyosis may be alleviated by antiprostaglandins, sex hormones, danazol and GnRH analogs. Minor surgical procedures for therapy include endomyometrial ablation, laparoscopic myometrial electrocoagulation and adenomyoma excision. Patient’s age and symptoms, desired fertility, site and extent of lesion and surgeon’s skills should be considered in choosing the appropriate procedure. Endomyometrial ablation is effective for lesions deeper than the endometrial–myometrial junction whereas the efficacy of hysteroscopic ablation is limited to foci 2–3 mm deep. Focal and diffuse disease may be managed by laparoscopic electrocoagulation or myometrial excision with preservation of fertility but risk of recurrence exists. Uterine artery embolization assumingly invokes infarction and necrosis. Encouraging results reported in some cases warrant expanding its use for more experience. Hysterectomy is the ultimate solution for women with deep myometrial involvement or if future fertility is not desired. Various therapeutic options for adenomyosis, including few minimally invasive procedures became available in the last two decades but need evaluation and improvement.
The characterization of a black light device: a hazard evaluation process.

The results of an occupational hazard evaluation process to assess the potential ultraviolet radiation exposure from broad-band sources of optical radiation are compared with the American Conferenc...
Tow impregnation during resin transfer molding of bi-directional nonwoven fabrics

A model has been developed for analyzing resin impregnation of fiber tows during resin transfer molding of bi-directional nonwoven fiber performs. The model is based on the existence of two main regions of resin flow: the macropore space formed among fiber tows and the micropore space formed among individual fiber filaments within a tow. The large difference in permeability between these two regions of flow leads to the potential for void formation during resin transfer molding. The model was formulated for both constant flow rate and constant pressure mold filling. For ambient pressure mold filling, the model predicts a difference in the size of the voids and distribution between axial tows (oriented along the flow direction) and transverse tows (oriented in the transverse direction). When vacuum is imposed on the mold, the model predicts the same resin impregnation behavior for both axial and transverse tows. Furthermore, given sufficient time, voids generated under vacuum mold filling will eventually collapse because of the absence of an opposing internal void pressure. In addition to insights on void formation, the model also provides a basis for the study of the relationship between resin transfer molding parameters and the resin impregnation process.
PRODUCTION OF THE PIONIC ATOM IN HEAVY ION COLLISIONS

Abstract We estimate the production cross section of negative pions from the target in heavy-ion reactions into the atomic orbits of the projectile's Coulomb field. The cross section is appreciable for high-energy heavy-ion collisions with heavy projectiles and targets. It favors production of pions in the lower atomic orbits with the target nucleus excited collectively. We argue that it is very likely that these pions will be ionized by the target's Coulomb field, leading to a peak of the π − spectrum near the projectile velocity. For those pions which remain in the orbits, correlation measurements of the pionic X-rays and the projectile residue could also signal the existence of the process. We point out that both the pion condensate mode and the isovector magnetic dipole mode of the target nucleus could be excited via this process. This investigation, therefore, offers interesting possibilities for studying these excitations.
Compartmentalization of Intraalveolar and Systemic Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor and the Pulmonary Inflammatory Response

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), a monokine produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, is an activator of phagocytic functions and may modulate host responses during infection. To determine the effects of LPS on TNF activity and the pulmonary inflammatory response in vivo, we challenged rats systemically or intratracheally with LPS. Intravenous LPS significantly increased serum TNF content from nondetectable levels in control specimens to peak levels at 90 min, which declined to baseline by 3 h. In response to intratracheal LPS, levels of TNF both in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and associated with alveolar macrophages increased significantly from near nondetectable levels in control animals. Increases in TNF levels were confined to the LPS-challenged compartment. Intravenous LPS resulted in a decrease in the number of peripheral blood neutrophils and in sequestration of these cells within the pulmonary vasculature. In contrast, intratracheal LPS elicited a marked intraalveolar inflammatory response.
Guaranteed cost control via optimal parametric LQ design

For an optimal parametric linear quadratic (LQ) control problem, a design objective is to determine a controller of constrained structure such that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and an associated performance measure is optimized. In the presence of system uncertainty, the system obtained by parametric LQ design is further required to be robust in terms of maintaining the closed-loop stability with a guaranteed cost bound. This problem, referred to as robust optimal parametric LQ control with a guaranteed-cost bound, is addressed. A design method is proposed for finding an optimal controller that simultaneously guarantees robust stability and performance over a specified range of parameter variations. A versatile numerical algorithm is given for computing the robust optimal gains. The usefulness of the design method is demonstrated by the design of robust control of a VTOL helicopter. >
Is it possible to demonstrate compliance with the regulations for high-level-waste repositories?

The regulations that currently govern repositories for spent fuel and high-level waste require demonstrations that are sometimes described as impossible to make. To make them will require an understanding of the current and the future phenomena at repository sites; it will also require credible estimates of the probabilities that the phenomena will occur in the distant future. Experts in many fields{emdash}earth sciences, statistics, numerical modeling, and the law{emdash}have questioned whether any amount of data collection can allow modelers to meet these requirements with enough confidence to satisfy the regulators. In recent years some performance assessments have begun to shed light on this question because they use results of actual site investigations. Although these studies do not settle the question definitively, a review of a recent total-system assessment suggests that compliance may be possible to demonstrate. The review also suggests, however, that the demonstration can be only at the ``reasonable`` levels of assurance mentioned, but not defined, in the regulations.
The Reality of Differences between Small Communities in Michoacán, Mexico

Tsimshian narrative is in mythic time, ours in standard, historical time. The Tsimshian case is one permeated by supernatural powers and events, the other is one either lacking in supernatural elements altogether, or, at the very best, one that would be very humdrum seen from a Tsimshian point of view. The most intransigent datum seems to be that Tsimshian is a nonliterate society, and ours, one with reading and writing, so that a metastructure based upon the opposition of nonreading--or, better, the aprimitive, areading--and reading seems an impossibility. It is, however, precisely in this difficulty that the solution can be discerned, for the absence of reading and writing in Tsimshian or any other society does not equate to the absence of literature, it merely means that their literature is not written or
An efficient method to identify differentially expressed genes in microarray experiments

Motivation: Microarray experiments typically analyze thousands to tens of thousands of genes from small numbers of biological replicates. The fact that genes are normally expressed in functionally relevant patterns suggests that gene-expression data can be stratified and clustered into relatively homogenous groups. Cluster-wise dimensionality reduction should make it feasible to improve screening power while minimizing information loss. Results: We propose a powerful and computationally simple method for finding differentially expressed genes in small microarray experiments. The method incorporates a novel stratification-based tight clustering algorithm, principal component analysis and information pooling. Comprehensive simulations show that our method is substantially more powerful than the popular SAM and eBayes approaches. We applied the method to three real microarray datasets: one from a Populus nitrogen stress experiment with 3 biological replicates; and two from public microarray datasets of human cancers with 10 to 40 biological replicates. In all three analyses, our method proved more robust than the popular alternatives for identification of differentially expressed genes. Availability: The C++ code to implement the proposed method is available upon request for academic use. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Heparin cofactor II inhibits arterial thrombosis after endothelial injury

Heparin cofactor II (HCII) is a plasma protein that inhibits thrombin rapidly in the presence of dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, or heparin. HCII has been proposed to regulate coagulation or to participate in processes such as inflammation, atherosclerosis, and wound repair. To investigate the physiologic function of HCII, about 2 kb of the mouse HCII gene, encoding the N-terminal half of the protein, was deleted by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Crosses of F1 HCII +/‐ animals produced HCII‐/‐ offspring at the expected mendelian frequency. Biochemical assays confirmed the absence of dermatan sulfate‐dependent thrombin inhibition in the plasma of HCII ‐/‐ animals. Crosses of HCII‐/‐ animals produced litters similar in size to those obtained from heterozygous matings. At 1 year of age, HCII-deficient animals were grossly indistinguishable from their wild-type littermates in weight and survival, and they did not appear to have spontaneous thrombosis or other morphologic abnormalities. In comparison with wild-type animals, however, they demonstrated a significantly shorter time to thrombotic occlusion of the carotid artery after photochemically induced endothelial cell injury. This abnormality was corrected by infusion of purified HCII but not ovalbumin. These observations suggest that HCII might inhibit thrombosis in the arterial circulation.
APPLICATIONS OF SYMBOLIC DYNAMICS ON AN INFINITE ALPHABET

Symbolic dynamics are often used to study the behavior of other dynamical systems. This paper describes the dynamics of some interesting examples of one-dimensional dynamical systems using symbolic dynamics on an infinite alphabet.
Evolution of the hormonal control of animal performance: Insights from the seaward migration of salmon

Synopsis The endocrine system is the key mediator of environmental and developmental (internal) information, and is likely to be involved in altering the performance of animals when selection has favored phenotypic plasticity. The endocrine control of performance should be especially pronounced in animals that undergo a developmental shift in niche, such as occurs in migratory species. By way of example, I review the developmental and environmental control of the preparatory changes for seawater entry of juvenile salmon (known as smolting) and its hormonal regulation. There is a size threshold for smolt development in juvenile Atlantic salmon that results in greater sensitivity of the growth hormone and cortisol axes to changes in daylength. These hormones, in turn, have broad effects on survival, ion homeostasis, growth and swimming performance during entry into seawater. Migratory niche shifts and metamorphic events are extreme examples of the role of hormones in animal performance and represent one end of a continuum. A framework for predicting when hormones will be involved in performance of animals is presented. Endocrine involvement in performance will be more substantial when (1) selection differentials on traits underlying performance are high and temporally discontinuous over an animal’s lifetime, (2) the energetic and fitness costs of maintaining performance plasticity are less than those of constant performance, (3) cues for altering performance are reliable indicators of critical environmental conditions, require neurosensory input, and minimize effects of lag, and (4) the need for coordination of organs, tissues and cells to achieve increased performance is greater. By examining these impacts of selection, endocrinologists have an opportunity to contribute to the understanding of performance, phenotypic plasticity, and the evolution of life-history traits.
Java Simulation Library (JSL): an open-source object-oriented library for discrete-event simulation in Java

This paper describes the design and functionality of an open-source object-oriented library for executing discrete-event simulation models in the Java programming language. The structure of the library is described in terms of its packages, class structure, and functionalities. The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the library so that practitioners and researchers can better use the library for simulation modelling. In addition, the expository nature of this paper can help new users or students learn the basics of discrete-event simulation from the library's design. The capabilities of the library are illustrated through a number of source-code examples.
Aerobiology of Agricultural Pathogens

Although propagules of plant pathogens are dispersed by wind, rain, soil water, insects, and even humans, this chapter focuses on the airborne spread of those pathogens. In general, spores of most fungal pathogens are adapted for airborne transport; however, much of the aerobiological research on agricultural pathogens has focused on a limited number of fungi that cause economically important diseases. The chapter examines a few of the significant fungal pathogens that are dispersed by the aerobiological pathway. Today, rust fungi still remain among the most serious agricultural pathogens. The major vehicles for disease spread are the uredospores, which are easily carried by wind from one plant to another, giving rise to epidemics. The major dispersal agents of smut fungi are the asexual teliospores. The chapter talks about many plant pathogens that can propagate on hosts at various distances and can cause extensive damage and economic loss; thus, the focus on plant pathogens as anticrop weapons is understandable. The ultimate goal of forecasting is to reduce costly and environmentally hazardous pesticide applications during periods when disease occurrence is not likely. Aerobiological studies must be part of any effort to understand the distribution and epidemiology of agricultural pathogens that rely on air currents for dispersal.
Higher weight in adolescence and young adulthood is associated with an earlier age at multiple sclerosis onset

Background:Growing evidence suggests an association between adolescent obesity and increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).Objective:The objective of this paper is to investigate whether weight or body mass index (BMI) in adolescence and young adulthood was associated with age at MS symptom onset.Methods:Our cohort is comprised of a sub-group of 184 women enrolled in the New York State MS Consortium registry. Individuals were asked to recall their weight at the time of first menstruation and at age 25. BMI was calculated accordingly for age 25. Regression analyses were carried out to investigate the association between weight or BMI and age at onset.Results:Weight at menarche was significantly related to younger age at symptom onset (β = −0.073, p = 0.001). These results were also found at age 25 for weight (β = −0.080, p < 0.001) and BMI (β = −0.448, p = 0.001). Significantly earlier disease onset (26.9 years ±9.9) was observed in individuals who were overweight at 25 compared to those who were not ove...
A linear GaN UHF SSPA with record high efficiency

This paper discusses a highly efficient linear UHF solid state power amplifier (SSPA) developed for avionics and space applications. Predistortion linearization combined with high-voltage gallium nitride (GaN) FET technology allows the simultaneous achievement of both linearity and record high linear efficiency (70%). This amplifier will produce over 100 W of linear output power as well as a power added efficiency (PAE) at saturation approaching 90 percent. This paper describes the power amplifier design approach and presents measured test data.
Applying Empirically Supported Treatments to Complex Cases: Ethical, Empirical, and Practical Considerations

Among the factors contributing to the underutilization of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) are practitioners’ concerns about the appropriateness of ESTs for complex patients who are thought to differ in significant ways from the samples in clinical trials. Such patients may challenge our best available treatments and may raise important ethical, practical, and empirical questions. The present article reviews features that may make a case complex and considers influences on the clinician’s decision to provide, modify, or abandon an EST with such cases. Given a dearth of data to inform this decision, we highlight several questions faced by clinicians that are in need of investigation. We suggest avenues for future work that may enhance efforts to disseminate and effectively provide ESTs.
Expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 in small intestine from pregnant and postpartum rats.

We analyzed the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (mrp2) in the small intestine of control female rats and in rats during late pregnancy (19–20 days of pregnancy) and lactatio...
Polymer Microring Resonators for High-Frequency Ultrasound Detection and Imaging

Polymer microring resonators fabricated by nanoimprinting are presented as a means of ultrasound detection. Acoustic waves impinging on a ring-shaped optical resonator cause strain in the ring dimensions, modulating optical output. Basic acoustic and optical characteristics of the microring sensor are presented. Measurements at several frequencies show a high sensitivity and low noise-equivalent pressure. The angular response is determined by sensing the optoacoustic excitation of a 49 mum polyester microsphere and shows wide-angle sensitivity. A 1D array consisting of four microrings is demonstrated using wavelength multiplexing for addressing each element. The high sensitivity, bandwidth, and angular response make it a potentially useful sensor platform for many applications including high-frequency ultrasonic and photoacoustic imaging.
Changes in proposed mechanisms of action during an acceptance-based behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder

Based on the theory that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is maintained through a reactive and fused relationship with one's internal experiences and a tendency towards experiential avoidance and behavioral restriction, an acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT) was developed to specifically target these elements. Since ABBT has been shown to be an efficacious treatment in previous studies, the current study focuses on proposed mechanisms of change over the course of therapy. Specifically, the current study focuses on session-by-session changes in two proposed mechanisms of change: acceptance of internal experiences and engagement in meaningful activities. Overall, clients receiving ABBT reported an increase in the amount of time spent accepting internal experiences and engaging in valued activities. Change in both acceptance and engagement in meaningful activities was related to responder status at post-treatment and change in these two proposed mechanisms predicted outcome above and beyond change in worry. In addition, change in acceptance was related to reported quality of life at post-treatment.
FORAGING STRATEGIES AND NICHE DYNAMICS OF COEXISTING SHOREBIRDS AT STOPOVER SITES IN THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Abstract Shorebirds encounter variable and unpredictable food resources at stopover sites during migration through interior North America. We studied foraging strategies and niche dynamics of American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana), Long-billed Dowitchers (Limnodromus scolopaceus), Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla), and Western Sandpipers (C. mauri) at stopover sites in 60 playa lakes of the southern Great Plains. Those species were selected because they are common in our study area during migration and represent a wide range of morphological classes. Overall foraging niches (linear combination of diet diversity, prey size, foraging-method diversity, and water depth) of avocets and dowitchers were segregated from each other and from Least and Western sandpipers. Overall foraging niches of Least and Western sandpipers were similar. Examination of single niche dimensions showed that avocets and dowitchers consumed larger prey and foraged in deeper water than did Least and Western sandpipers. Within t...
Analyzing Mathematics and AP Statistics Assessment Items in Terms of the Levels of Thinking Skills They Assess.

This study is a part of a large study that investigated the Assessment Practices of Mathematics Teachers who also teach AP Statistics. In this paper I investigate the thinking skills that assessment items used mathematics and AP Statistics classroom assess. Two teachers who were teaching mathematics and AP Statistics participated in this study. Each teacher was observed 12 times in class. Artifacts were also collected from each teacher, mainly oral questions and written questions. A mathematics taxonomy framework was used to analyze the characteristics of the assessment items. The results of the study indicated that assessment questions (oral and written) in AP Statistics and mathematics mostly assessed recall of factual information, comprehension of factual information and routine use of procedures.
Polycentrism and Gargantua

How should governments publicly provide goods and services? One option is to do so polycentrically – through multiple, autonomous, local decision-making centers. Alternatively governments may organize public good provision monocentrically – through a singular, centralized, higher-level decision-making center. We call the former arrangement “polycentrism” and the latter one “gargantua.” This paper investigates the costs and benefits of polycentrism and gargantua. We argue that polycentrism is superior. Polycentric provision permits localities to discover and deploy the efficient scale of public good provision, small or large. Gargantua precludes small-scale provision as an option even when it’s efficient. To investigate our argument we consider governments’ consolidation of public education in the United States.
A 68Ga labeled bioorthogonal probe for multistep labeling of cancer biomarkers

1076 Objectives There is clinical interest in the use of readily available positron emitting isotopes to image affinity ligands in vivo via positron emission tomography (PET). Our aim is to evaluate a 68Ga-labeled bioorthogonal tetrazine dextran probe that is highly reactive with trans-cyclooctene (TCO) modified monoclonal antibodies for multistep imaging applications. Previous work has demonstrated that stoichiometric amplification of secondary imaging agents can be achieved by increasing the primary monoclonal antibodies. Methods The probe was prepared by coupling tetrazine NHS ester and diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) modified dextran T10. The tetrazine-DTPA-dextran was radiolabelled with 68Ga (IGG-30, Eckert & Ziegler) and its stability was tested in human blood serum. LS174T human colon cancer cells overexpressing A33 antigen were labeled with TCO modified anti-A33 antibodies and subsequently exposed to 68Ga labeled tetrazine-DTPA-dextran. Radiolabel uptake was quantified and compared to cells that received a control antibody lacking TCO. AF647 modified tetrazine-DTPA-dextran was prepared for confocal microscopy. Subcutaneous xenograft bearing mice were injected with TCO-Anti-A33 bearing AF750 and then the 68Ga-labeled probe, followed by PET imaging, nuclear counting and fluorescence imaging of tissue samples. Results 68Ga was rapidly chelated to tetrazine-DTPA-dextran without purification (RP > 99 %). Radio binding assay and confocal imaging demonstrated specific binding in vitro. Tumor was identified in vivo with PET. The tumor-to-muscle uptake (%ID/g) ratio was 3.9 ± 1.8. Strong fluorescence signal was observed in excised tumor. Conclusions Preliminary PET studies demonstrated the ability of 68Ga-labeled tetrazine-DTPA- dextrans to target A33 biomarkers in implanted LS174T xenografts. The bioorthogonal reaction and targeting efficiency were proved. After a two-step mechanism, the polymer concentrated in tumor region. Signal amplification may be achieved by further studies of dosing and clearance profile.
Digital health: Hype to reality

Digital Health is concerned with improving human health by utilizing such high profile applications of wearable and implantable technology, web and email, mobile technology and social networking, and data management and analytics. The changes that these technologies could bring to our lives have been well articulated, but there is a gap between the benefits that are envisioned and the challenges to attaining them. Today, health care delivery is changing through the use of tools that connect patients, physicians, payers, and life sciences companies. Notably, recent Deloitte Center for Health Solutions studies look at the quantitative impact of remote patient monitoring (RPM) and tele-health, revealing that there are substantial financial benefits to the implementation of such technologies. In order to realize the fundamental transformation of the health care system, there will need to be changes on the part not only of health care providers, but also of life sciences manufacturers and of patients/consumers.
Deterministic and Stochastic Mathematical Modeling of Melanopsin's Light Response in ipRGCs and HEK Cells

Melanopsin, a visual pigment expressed in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), primarily affects non-image forming vision with a hypothesized G-protein phototransduction pathway similar to the phototransduction pathway found in Drosophila photoreceptors. The biochemical cascade underlying the light response in ipRGCs has not yet been fully elucidated. A deterministic and stochastic mathematical model of the hypothesized pathway is developed to probe key elements of the pathway. The rate constants, initial conditions and parameters are fit to voltage clamp data from ipRGCs and also calcium imaging data from HEK cells transfected with mouse melanopsin. Sensitivity analysis reveals key steps in the phototransduction pathway, independent of the experimental conditions, as well as key differences attributable to the different experimental conditions.
Application of the Wheat-Gifford-Wasley Taxonomy to Eastern Ceramics

In a recent issue of this Journal a trio of Southwestern archaeologists proposed a new scheme of ceramic taxonomy that might, if widely followed, restore the possibility of intercommunication between specialists in North American archaeology (Wheat, Gifford, and Wasley 1958). I became interested in this scheme some time before its publication as a possible solution to certain typological difficulties in the Lower Mississippi Valley. One of the authors, James Gifford, encouraged my efforts to apply it to pottery so different from that for which it was devised, and, as an unforeseen result of numerous consultations with him, and with Stephen Williams, Gordon R. Willey, and Watson Smith, the present paper emerged.
“Reflections of a Law Professor on Instruction and Research in Public Administration”: An Exchange

Teachers of public administration will welcome the challenging and provocative article of Professor Kenneth Culp Davis, “Reflections of a Law Professor on Instruction and Research in Public Administration,” which appeared in the September issue of the Review. It is my purpose to reply to some of his criticisms, to agree with him in some regards, and to discuss some of the issues which he raises. I am in entire agreement with him about the merits of the case method in teaching public administration, and I imagine that there would be little disagreement by other teachers of the subject, though as yet the collection and publication of cases suitable for undergraduate instruction has not reached the point where the use of texts of the conventional type may be discontinued. One of the first efforts to prepare and publish cases on public administration was undertaken fifteen years ago by the Committee on Public Administration of the Social Science Research Council when I was a member of its staff, and resulted in three volumes which were published in 1940 and the following years. The Stein collection is a vast improvement over the earlier case studies, and is being widely used, particularly in graduate courses. The cases were produced by the cooperative efforts of teachers of public administration at a number of leading universities.
Tunneling characteristics of Au-alkanedithiol-Au junctions formed via nanotransfer printing (nTP).

Construction of permanent metal–molecule–metal (MMM) junctions, though technically challenging, is desirable for both fundamental investigations and applications of molecule-based electronics. In this study, we employed the nanotransfer printing (nTP) technique using perfluoropolyether (PFPE) stamps to print Au thin films onto self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanedithiol formed on Au thin films. We show that the resulting MMM junctions form permanent and symmetrical tunnel junctions, without the need for an additional protection layer between the top metal electrode and the molecular layer. This type of junction makes it possible for direct investigations into the electrical properties of the molecules and the metal–molecule interfaces. Dependence of transport properties on the length of the alkane molecules and the area of the printed Au electrodes has been examined systematically. From the analysis of the current–voltage (I–V) curves using the Simmons model, the height of tunneling barrier associat...
Theoretical Limits of Hydrogen Storage in Metal–Organic Frameworks: Opportunities and Trade-Offs

Because of their high surface areas, crystallinity, and tunable properties, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted intense interest as next-generation materials for gas capture and storage. While much effort has been devoted to the discovery of new MOFs, a vast catalog of existing MOFs resides within the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), many of whose gas uptake properties have not been assessed. Here we employ data mining and automated structure analysis to identify, “cleanup,” and rapidly predict the hydrogen storage properties of these compounds. Approximately 20 000 candidate compounds were generated from the CSD using an algorithm that removes solvent/guest molecules. These compounds were then characterized with respect to their surface area and porosity. Employing the empirical relationship between excess H2 uptake and surface area, we predict the theoretical total hydrogen storage capacity for the subset of ∼4000 compounds exhibiting nontrivial internal porosity. Our screening identifies...
Proof Without Words: Perfect Numbers and Sums of Odd Cubes

SummaryWe show wordlessly that every even perfect number greater than six is a sum of consecutive odd cubes.
Activation of apoptosis associated with enforced myc expression in myeloid progenitor cells is dominant to the suppression of apoptosis by interleukin-3 or erythropoietin

The inappropriate expression of c-myc in cells deprived of growth factors has recently been implicated in the activation of programmed cell death (apoptosis). The studies described here examine the ability of interleukin-3 (IL-3) or erythropoietin (Epo) to suppress apoptosis that occurs in association with enforced myc expression during cell cycle arrest of a murine IL-3-dependent myeloid progenitor cell line, 32D. G1 arrest was observed when culturing 32D cells to high density in medium supplemented with IL-3, or at subconfluent densities in medium supplemented with Epo. Under both conditions, endogenous c-myc expression was downregulated and viability was maintained. In clones of cells in which c-myc is constitutively expressed from a retroviral vector, enforced c-myc expression was associated with the activation of apoptosis at high cell densities. Similarly, enforced c-myc expression was deleterious to cell survival when these cells were cultured in Epo, as apoptosis was evident within 6 hours. The results support the concept that inappropriate c-myc expression activates apoptosis and that neither IL-3 nor Epo can suppress this program under these conditions.
Ultrasmooth metal halide perovskite thin films via sol–gel processing

We demonstrate that lead halide perovskite thin film formation displays the characteristics of a sol–gel process. By performing a solvent exchange at different times, the stages of the sol–gel process are elucidated and their sensitivity to processing conditions are examined. For CH3NH3PbI3, the reaction and aging kinetics are found to be extremely rapid, complete within 10 s, and a competing formation of a highly crystalline PbI2:N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) complex introduces additional complications relative to a well-behaved sol–gel process. Perovskite formation from strongly polar solvents can be described, in most cases, by the sol–gel processing of PbI2 regarding other solution components as additives. Understanding the details of additive and environmental influences on the sol–gel properties allow us to exploit fundamental concepts of sol–gel engineering to direct solvent and surfactant choices to control particle size and demonstrate multiple widely employed lead halide perovskite films (CH3NH3PbI3, CH3NH3PbBr3, and CsPbBr3) with unprecedented surface roughness of less than 2 nm.