cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The History and Development of Projectile Technology Research

Projectile technology refers to launched weapons used in both hunting and warfare. In the present context, analyses are limited to discussion of spears, spearthrowers, arrows, and bows. Thrusting spears, which are not actually projectile weapons in that they never leave the hand of the operator during use, are often referred to as lances. Some archaeologists prefer the term “dart” for spears propelled with the aid of a spearthrower. Without entering a semantic debate, in this chapter, the word “dart” will be reserved for light, slim pointed projectiles such as are used with blowguns, and the word “spear” will be retained to describe the more massive, longer, robust weapons which are thrown by hand or with a spearthrower. Other projectile technologies used by prehistoric hunters, for example, bolas, slingshots, and boomerangs, were more restricted in terms of geographic extent and specialized use and are not the subject of the present analyses. Also, guns, which are frequently used for hunting by contemporary ethnographic groups, many of which also use spears and/or arrows, are not a subject of particular emphasis here.
Avengers, Conquerors, Playmates, and Lovers: Roles Played by Child Sexual Abuse Perpetrators:

Children often do not disclose significant details of their sexually abusive experiences, nor can they account for the behavior of perpetrators. Yet such information is important for effective prac...
The effects of topographic surveying technique and data resolution on the detection and interpretation of geomorphic change

Abstract Change detection of high resolution topographic data is commonly used in river valleys to quantify reach- and site-scale sediment budgets by estimating the erosion/deposition volume, and to interpret the geomorphic processes driving erosion and deposition. Field survey data are typically collected as point clouds that are often converted to gridded raster datasets and the ultimate choice of grid resolution is left to the user. This choice may have important implications for both the quantification and interpretation of geomorphic change. Here we used concurrent topographic data collected by terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry to quantify the influence of grid resolution and sampling technique on (a) the sediment budget and (b) the presence and role of geomorphic processes (i.e., alluvial, colluvial, aeolian, and fluvial transport) driving topographic change at four sites along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA. We found that while both techniques produced similar estimates for site-scale sediment budgets, the magnitude of detected topographic change was dampened at coarser pixel resolutions. An overall decrease in the areal extent of erosion and deposition were observed, respectively, when coarsening pixel size from 5 cm to 1 m among all sites. Coarser resolution data tended to affect interpretation of landscape change along the margins of river valleys. For example, when changing from 5 cm to 1 m pixel resolution, the inferred contribution of aeolian changes to total site-scale geomorphic change increased in area by 7.9%, whereas the inferred contribution of alluvial and colluvial processes decreased in area by 97.9% and 88.2%, respectively. More generally, we found that coarsening pixel sizes disproportionately attributed geomorphic change to one or more of the most common processes operating at a site. We also found that coarsening pixel resolution amplified the net sediment imbalance at the site scale, driving the imbalance at erosional sites further into erosion and vice versa for depositional sites. Our results have implications both for point cloud data collection and for raster dataset processing. We argue that selecting the finest obtainable resolution is not always warranted to accurately quantify and interpret geomorphic change, because remote sensing technique, topographic data resolution, and analysis procedure can be optimized to capture the spatial scale of those processes driving landscape change. However, in landscapes at or near sediment equilibrium (i.e., equal amounts of erosion and deposition), the finest obtainable topographic data resolution is warranted to avoid amplifying sediment imbalance and erroneously inferring that sites are trending toward erosion or deposition.
Novel algorithms for LDD motif search.

Motifs are crucial patterns that have numerous applications including the identification of transcription factors and their binding sites, composite regulatory patterns, similarity between families of proteins, etc. Several motif models have been proposed in the literature. The (l,d)-motif model is one of these that has been studied widely. However, this model will sometimes report too many spurious motifs than expected. We interpret a motif as a biologically significant entity that is evolutionarily preserved within some distance. It may be highly improbable that the motif undergoes the same number of changes in each of the species. To address this issue, in this paper, we introduce a new model which is more general than (l,d)-motif model. This model is called (l,d1,d2)-motif model (LDDMS) and is NP-hard as well. We present three elegant as well as efficient algorithms to solve the LDDMS problem, i.e., LDDMS1, LDDMS2 and LDDMS3. They are all exact algorithms. We did both theoretical analyses and empirical tests on these algorithms. Theoretical analyses demonstrate that our algorithms have less computational cost than the pattern driven approach. Empirical results on both simulated datasets and real datasets show that each of the three algorithms has some advantages on some (l,d1,d2) instances. We proposed LDDMS model which is more practically relevant. We also proposed three exact efficient algorithms to solve the problem. Besides, our algorithms can be nicely parallelized. We believe that the idea in this new model can also be extended to other motif search problems such as Edit-distance-based Motif Search (EMS) and Simple Motif Search (SMS).
Evaluation, Validation, and Implementation of the Idylla System as Rapid Molecular Testing for Precision Medicine.

The Idylla Mutation Test System is an automated, PCR-based mutation testing system. The advantages of this system can greatly impact the delivery of precision medicine. We describe our evaluation, validation, and implementation of this system for routine testing of BRAF, EGFR, KRAS, and NRAS using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer samples. All four Idylla test systems showed excellent concordance with reference methods. The analytical sensitivity ranged from 94.66% to 100%, depending on the cartridge, and specificity was 100%. A few discordant results were noted and further investigated: KRAS Q61L was misclassified as Q61H; KRAS Q61R was not identified; there was a false-negative EGFR double mutation (L861Q and G719A); and there was a false-negative EGFR double mutation (T790M and exon 19 deletion). The limit of detection was determined to be 1% or 5% for the variants with available reference material. The turnaround time was shortened by 7 days on average. Idylla testing of a cohort of 25 non–small-cell lung cancer samples with insufficient material for next-generation sequencing testing delivered results for all cases and identified actionable results for eight cases. In addition, patient care would have been changed in four of these cases: targeted therapies were identified in two cases, and repeated biopsies would have been avoided in two cases. The Idylla molecular testing system is an accessible, rapid, robust, and reliable testing option for both routine and challenging formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens.
Suppression of glycogen synthase expression reduces glycogen and lipid storage during mosquito overwintering diapause.

Abstract During diapause in mosquitoes, efficient storage and utilization of energy are crucial for surviving prolonged periods of developmental arrest and for maximizing reproductive success once diapause is terminated and development recommences. In Culex pipiens, glycogen rapidly accumulates during early diapause (7–10 days after adult eclosion) and it is used to maintain energy homeostasis during the first month of diapause. In this study, a gene encoding glycogen synthase, which converts glucose residues into a polymeric chain for storage as glycogen, was characterized. After dsi-RNA directed against glycogen synthase was injected into mosquitoes programmed for diapause (reared under short day lengths), Cx. pipiens were fed 1% d -[13C6]glucose, and the knockdown effects after 7-days were monitored by measuring 13C-labeled carbohydrate accumulation using solid-state NMR. The use of 13C cross-polarization magic-angle spinning spectrum showed a 46% reduction of 13C-labeled glycogen and a 6% reduction in lipid accumulation in glycogen synthase knockdown adult females. In addition, the suppression of glycogen synthase dramatically increased the mortality rate of diapausing Cx. pipiens by 88% at 30-days post injection. These findings indicated that glycogen synthase plays a critical role in regulating glycogen and lipid storages during overwintering diapause, and its function is essential for successful overwintering and survival of Cx. pipiens.
A Proof-of-Concept for Linking the Global Meteorological Model, MPAS-a with the Air Quality Model, CMAQ

Researchers who perform air quality modeling studies usually do so on a regional scale. Typically, the boundary conditions are generated by another model which might have a different chemical mechanism, spatial resolution, and/or map projection. Hence, a necessary conversion/interpolation takes place which introduces additional error. In a broader sense, air pollution is a global issue, thus, limited area modeling on the regional scale is not well suited to represent long-range transport from key source regions in other parts of the world. We have developed a prototype system to link the Model for Prediction Across Scales—Atmosphere (MPAS-A) with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to address these shortcomings. Pollutant transport is conducted within MPAS-A, rather than in CMAQ, to provide consistency with the meteorological processes. A coupler has been constructed to facilitate data exchange between the two models. Initial test simulations show reasonable results when compared with observational data.
LIMITED DIAGNOSTIC AND PROGNOSTIC SIGNIFICANCE OF HEPATIC VENOUS PRESSURE GRADIENT IN FONTAN PHYSIOLOGY

Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a robust prognostic tool in the management of patients with viral and alcoholic cirrhosis, but its utility is unknown in patients with Fontan associated liver disease (FALD). Limited data suggest that HVPG may be normal in patients with FALD. Based on the
MinSearch: An Efficient Algorithm for Similarity Search under Edit Distance

We study a fundamental problem in data analytics: similarity search under edit distance (or, edit similarity search for short). In this problem we try to build an index on a set of n strings S = s1, ..., sn, with the goal of answering the following two types of queries: (1) the threshold query: given a query string t and a threshold K, output all si ∈ S such that the edit distance between si and t is at most K; (2) the top-k query: given a query string t, output the k strings in S that are closest to t in terms of edit distance. Edit similarity search has numerous applications in bioinformatics, databases, data mining, information retrieval, etc., and has been studied extensively in the literature. In this paper we propose a novel algorithm for edit similarity search named MinSearch. The algorithm is randomized, and we can show mathematically that it outputs the correct answer with high probability for both types of queries. We have conducted an extensive set of experiments on MinSearch, and compared it with the best existing algorithms for edit similarity search. Our experiments show that MinSearch has a clear advantage (often in orders of magnitudes) against the best previous algorithms in query time, and MinSearch is always one of the best among all competitors in the indexing time and space usage. Finally, MinSearch achieves perfect accuracy for both types of queries on all datasets that we have tested.
Reporting a Case with Literature Review: Sunitinib Use for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Associated with Necrotizing Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis with Aspergillus Flavus

Sunitinib associated chronic necrotizing cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis has rarely been reported in literature. This article describes a patient with biopsy proven papillary renal cell carcinoma initially treated by radical nephrectomy. He presented about 8 months later with progressively worsening abdominal pain, headache, weight loss of 40 pounds and investigation revealed extensive retroperitoneal and mediastinal lymphadenopathy with brain metastasis. He was evaluated by oncology and started on cycles of sunitinib with dexamethasone, which he took for about 6+ months. He presented to the hospital in respiratory distress requiring intubation and ICU admission and CT scan of thorax revealed a new large consolidation with necrosis and a cavity. Given suspicion of opportunistic fungal infection with sunitinib, he was started on empiric Vancomycin, Zosyn and Voriconazole. He underwent bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage and cultures revealed Aspergillus flavus. Subsequently serum and BAL (Bronchoalveolar Lavage) galactomannan were reported positive as well. Given poor prognosis, patient’s family elected for comfort measures. Enhanced clinical surveillance and implementation of prophylactic strategies based on risk stratification would aid in the prevention, early diagnosis and management of these infections.
Perioperative Nimodipine to Improve Cranial Nerve Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE Nimodipine has emerged as a promising strategy for protection of cranial nerves following vestibular schwannoma (VS) resections. Our goal was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of clinical studies to determine the therapeutic efficacy of nimodipine in improving facial nerve and cochlear nerve function. DATABASE REVIEWED We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Clinical Trial Registry, Clinicaltrials.gov, World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and EU Clinical Trials Registry to identify clinical studies up to May 11, 2020. METHODS We included studies evaluating perioperative administration of nimodipine as a strategy to prevent or treat facial nerve or cochlear nerve dysfunction following VS resections. Primary outcomes included preservation or recovery of House-Brackman scale for facial nerve function and Hearing and Equilibrium Guidelines for cochlear nerve function at the latest follow-up visit. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and administration strategies of nimodipine. RESULTS Nine studies (603 patients) met inclusion, of which seven studies (559 patients) were included in the quantitative analysis. Overall, nimodipine significantly increased the odds of cranial nerve recovery compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] 2.87, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [2.08, 3.95]; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that nimodipine was only effective for cochlear nerve preservation (OR 2.78, 95% CI [1.74, 4.45]; I2 = 0%), but not for facial nerve function (OR 4.54, 95% CI [0.25, 82.42]; I2 = 33%). CONCLUSION Although there is evidence supporting the perioperative role of nimodipine for VS resections, more studies are warranted to help clarify the effects of nimodipine therapy on cranial nerve preservation.
Investigating Regional Specificity of Alzheimers Disease Pathology in the 5xFAD Mouse Model

Alzheimers disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognition and memory. Mouse models such as 5xFAD, incorporate mutations found in familial or early-onset (EOAD) AD; these mutations increase the production of the toxic A{beta} species that contributes to plaque formation in the brain. However, not all brain regions in the 5xAD animals accumulate plaques to the same degree. For example, the cerebellum appears to be resistant to AB plaque formation, while other regions such as the cortex and subiculum develop copious plaques. The mechanism(s) underlying this regional specificity remains unclear. Thus, we used a fluorescent antibody to APP/A{beta} to quantify the amount of these proteins in several brain regions of interest, including subiculum, cortex, and cerebellum. We found that the cerebellum had less APP/A{beta} than the other regions quantified, which demonstrates a correlation between the levels of APP/A{beta} and plaque formation. Taken together, this suggests that the regional specificity of AD pathology may be a result of different levels of protein expression.
Implementing PDSA Methodology for Pediatric Appendicitis Increases Care Value for a Tertiary Children's Hospital.

Introduction We used the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) framework to develop and implement an evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) within an urban, tertiary children's referral center. Methods We developed an evidence-based CPG for appendicitis using iterative PDSA cycles. Similar CPGs from other centers were reviewed and modified for local implementation. Adjuncts included guideline-specific order sets and operative notes in the electronic medical record system. Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmissions, hospital costs, and patient and family experience (PFE) scores. Our team tracked outcome, process, and balancing measures using Statistical Process Charts. Outcome measures were compared over 2 fiscal quarters preimplementation and 3 fiscal quarters postimplementation, using interrupted time series, student t test, and chi-square tests when appropriate. Results LOS for simple (uncomplicated) appendicitis decreased to 0.87 days (interquartile range [IQR] 0.87-0.94 days) from 1.1 days (IQR 0.97-1.42 days). LOS for complicated appendicitis decreased to 4.96 days (IQR 4.95-6.15) from 5.58 days (IQR 5.16-6.09). This reduction equated to an average cost-savings of $1,122/patient. Thirty-day readmission rates have remained unchanged. PFE scores increased across all categories and have remained higher than national benchmarks. Conclusion Development and Implementation of a CPG for pediatric appendicitis using the PDSA framework adds value to care provided within a large tertiary center.
Modulating Oncolytic Adenovirus Immunotherapy by Driving Two Axes of the Immune System by Expressing 4-1BBL and CD40L.

Oncolytic viruses can have utility for direct killing of cancer cells but may also serve to activate the immune system against cancer cells. While viruses alone can serve as immune stimulators, there is great interest in arming oncolytic viruses with the genes for immune stimulatory proteins to amplify their effects. In this work, we have tested the efficacy of a conditionally-replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) with and without selected immunostimulatory payloads in an immune competent mouse model of melanoma. Empty CRAd657 was compared to the same vector expressing mouse CD40L or mouse 4-1BBL. When CRAd657-m4-1BBL and CRAd657-mCD40L were injected into B16-hCAR murine melanoma tumors, both single vectors delayed tumor growth and prolong survival when compared to empty CRAd657. However, combined injection of both CRAd-4-1BBL and CRAd-CD40L mediated significantly better control of tumor growth. All of the payloads increased immune cell infiltration into tumors and notably reduced expression of PD-1 exhaustion marker on T cells. However, recruitment of CD8+ T cells was higher with 4-1BBL alone while CD40L expression induced more CD4+ T cell infiltration. Notably, the combination of CRAd657-4-1BBL and CRAd657-CD40L induced higher anti-TRP-2 tumor-associated antigen T cell responses than empty or single gene vectors. This combination also caused depigmentation in areas adjacent to the tumor sites in more animals. These data indicate that driving two axes of the immune system with combined immune stimulatory payloads can lead to improved anti-cancer immune responses and better tumor control in an immune competent model of cancer.
Glucose attenuation of deficits in memory retrieval in altered light:dark cycles

Previous studies in rats show that disrupting circadian light-dark rhythms leads to impairments in memory. In particular, both phase delays and phase advances of the light:dark cycle initiated after inhibitory (passive) avoidance training result in impaired retention. The present study examined this phenomenon in mice and, using a retrieval design, examined whether glucose or epinephrine could attenuate deficits in memory. Groups of mice were first trained on an inhibitory avoidance task during the light portion of the illumination cycle. They were then maintained for a 72-h train-test interval either under the same schedule of illumination or one with a phase advance of 4 h. Thirty minutes before testing, groups were injected with saline, glucose (1, 10, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg), or epinephrine (0.1 mg/kg). The results showed that (1) retention was significantly impaired in phase-shifted mice relative to nonphase-shifted controls and (2) both glucose (100 mg/kg) and epinephrine attenuated the deficit in memory. These findings indicate that altered illumination schedules disrupt memory in mice as well as in rats. In addition, they suggest that glucose may be a useful treatment to attenuate deficits in memory associated with impaired biological rhythms.
Management patterns and predictors of mortality among US patients with cancer hospitalized for malignant bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND Malignant bowel obstruction affects an estimated 3% to 15% of patients with cancer, with a mean survival of <4 weeks reported in patients with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction. In the current study, the authors assessed predictors of survival and the influence of treatment modality in US patients with cancer who were hospitalized for malignant bowel obstruction. METHODS All the US cancer patients hospitalized with malignant bowel obstruction in 2006 and 2010 were included. Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Malignant bowel obstruction diagnoses and treatment variables were identified using Clinical Classifications Software codes based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with a logistic model, weighted chi-square test, and a generalized linear model. RESULTS The authors identified 942,014 and 1,103,528 hospitalizations for malignant bowel obstruction in 2006 and 2010, respectively. Medical management, upper gastrointestinal obstruction, health insurance coverage, and obesity were found to be significantly associated with better hospital survival. Multivariate analysis also demonstrated significantly increased odds of death with male sex, advanced age, AJCC stage IV disease, multiple comorbid conditions (except acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), and weight loss. There were no significant differences with stratification based on the location and etiology of the obstruction (primary tumor vs metastatic). CONCLUSIONS Malignant bowel obstruction is a common cause of death in hospitalized patients with advanced cancer in the United States. The odds of death are especially high in older patients and those with concurrent medical illnesses. Lack of insurance coverage, significant weight loss, and surgical management also appear to be associated with higher mortality in this population. Cancer 2015;121:1772–1778. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Inner City Youth and Drug Dealing: A Review of the Problem

Reviewed existing literature on drug dealing and inner city adolescents that underscores a serious and worsening problem. Around one in six urban adolescents have had some involvement in drug dealing, with rates even higher for African-American males over 16. For inner city teenagers, there are a range of problems associated with drug dealing, including juvenile arrest, involvement in violence (as victims and perpetrators), substance abuse, behavioral and emotional difficulties, academic failure and dropout. In terms of etiology, three influences have received the most attention: family dysfunction, economic factors, and perceptions of drug dealing that promote involvement in it. In general, there is limited recognition of the severity of the problem of drug dealing and inner city adolescents, corresponding to an almost total lack of efforts to prevent or address it. Efforts are needed at individual, family, group, school, community, and mass media levels to address this serious and escalating problem.
School-Based Body Mass Index Screening and Parental Notification in Late Adolescence: Evidence From Arkansas's Act 1220.

Abstract Purpose In 2003, Arkansas enacted Act 1220, one of the first comprehensive legislative initiatives aimed at addressing childhood obesity. One important provision of Act 1220 mandated that all children attending public schools be screened for their body mass index (BMI) and the information sent home to their parents. Since then, eight other states have adopted similar school-based BMI screening and notification policies. Despite their widespread adoption and implementation, there is a dearth of empirical studies evaluating such policies, particularly for adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether adolescents, who had been previously screened in early adolescence, experienced changes in their health outcomes if they continued to receive screening and reporting throughout late adolescence (11th and 12th grades). Methods Secondary data from the Centers for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed using the method of difference-in-differences. Changes in outcomes between 10th and 12th grade were compared between a group of students who received screenings throughout 11th and 12th grades versus a later comparison group who were exempt from screening and reporting requirements in 11th and 12th grades. Results BMI screening and parental notification during late adolescence, given prior screening and notification in early adolescence, was not significantly related to BMI-for-age z -scores, the probability of being in a lower weight classification or exercise and dietary intake behaviors. Conclusions Exposing 11th and 12th graders to BMI screening and reporting, given that they had been exposed in prior grades, was not associated with adolescents' health outcomes.
When is it fetal distress

Abstract The value of prepartum fetal movement patterns as a sign of fetal health was compared with intrapartum fetal heart rate patterns. Prepartum rather than intrapartum surveillance appeared to be the most effective technique to avoid perinatal deaths. Furthermore, it is argued that, except for true birth trauma, the occurrence of cerebral palsy is seldom related to intrapartum factors.
FUNCTION OF MALATE SYNTHETASE AND ISOCITRITASE IN THE GROWTH OF BACTERIA ON TWO-CARBON COMPOUNDS

Reeves, Henry C. (Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa.) and Samuel J. Ajl. Function of malate synthetase and isocitritase in the growth of bacteria on two-carbon compounds. J. Bacteriol. 83:597–601. 1962.—Escherichia coli, grown in a glucose-citrate medium under anaerobic conditions, is devoid of the enzymes malate synthetase and isocitritase. It has been demonstrated that the adaptation of such cells to aerobic growth in a medium containing acetate as the sole carbon source involves at least two separate events. The first appears to be an adaptation which permits the oxidative dissimilation of acetate and involves primarily the synthesis of condensing enzyme. The second, which also precedes all division, is the synthesis of isocitritase and malate synthetase. Finally, a definite correlation has been found to exist between the synthesis of isocitritase and malate synthetase and the lag period prior to cell proliferation.
Death is the mother of beauty: Mind, metaphor, criticism.

In this book, Mark Turner shows that the languages of literature and everyday life are different expressions of the same universal mechanisms of the mind. Drawing on the languages and metaphors of kinship and causation, and on myriad examples in English literature from Chaucer to Wallace Stevens, he argues convincingly that all our thinking with language depends on a restricted range of deep metaphors and inference patterns.
Examining Activity Patterns and Biological Confounding Factors: Differences between Fibrocartilaginous and Fibrous Musculoskeletal Stress Markers

The present study examines a sample of 105 hunter–gatherer California Amerinds to determine whether fibrocartilaginous musculoskeletal stress markers (MSMs) are better for activity reconstructions than fibrous MSMs. Femoral and humeral head diameters were measured as proxies to body size. All data were analysed for statistical significance using non-parametric tests. Fibrous MSMs of the left deltoideus, left and right hip adductors, and left and right tibial soleus correlate positively with body size proxies. For fibrocartilaginous MSMs, the right humeral teres minor insertion negatively correlates with humeral head diameter. Both types of MSMs correlate positively with age. More upper limb fibrocartilaginous MSMs display asymmetry than do upper limb fibrous MSMs. Lower limb sex differences were found at the same MSM sites that correlated with body size. Upper limb sex differences at the right teres major, a fibrous site, and the right triceps brachii, a fibrocartilaginous site, seem to reflect activity patterns. Results suggest that fibrocartilaginous MSMs are more useful in reconstructing activity patterns because they display more asymmetry in upper limbs and are less affected by body size than are fibrous MSMs. Yet, correlations with age and a lack of variability at fibrocartilaginous MSM sites may hinder their utility in activity reconstructions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer-assisted technologies in lung cancer diagnosis and staging

Abstract A paradigm for digital image processing in radiological diagnosis and an appropriate algorithmic instrumentation toolset for the implementation of image processing methods on inexpensive computers and workstations are outlined briefly. Examples of computer-assisted technologies for lung cancer differential diagnosis are given that exhibit considerable increase in diagnostic accuracy. Multimodal image processing and data fusion in lung cancer diagnosis are discussed and a ‘road map’ for examining lung cancer patients is suggested on the basis of clinical experience in the use of different modalities for lung cancer staging.
906-67 Is Mitral Annulus Motion During Early Diastole Active or Passive? Clinical Evidence of Elastic Recoil

It has been postulated that elastic recoil plays an important role in LV filling and its absence or reduction contributes to diastolic dysfunction. Early diastolic motion of the mitral annulus is related to LV recoil. We hypothesized that if elastic recoil promotes LV filling then peak annular velocity should precede peak mitral filling and that diastolic dysfunction would alter this relationship. In order to elucidate this issue we studied the motion of the mitral annulus using Doppler Tissue Imaging (DTI) and compared it with Pulsed Doppler of the mitral inflow in 10 patients with diastolic dysfunction (Group 1) and 10 age-matched controls (Group 2). Methods Group 1 comprised patients with LVH n = 8 and cardiomyopathy n = 2. Mean age was 57 ± 15 years. All were in sinus rhythm. Mitral inflow pulsed Doppler and DTI mitral annular velocities were recorded from the apical 4ch view using an ultrasound machine with DTI capabilities. The following measurements were obtained: peak early diastolic annular velocity (Ea), peak E wave of mitral inflow (Em), time difference between the onset of annular motion and onset of mitral flow (Δo) and time difference between peak Ea, and peak Em(Δpeak). Results Peak Ea peak Em Δo Δpeak Group 1 7.3 ± 2 cm/s 94 ± 30 cm/s -1.5 ± 12 msee 7.5 ± 19 msec Group 2 11.3 ± 3 cm/s 61 ± 18 em/s -1 ± 15 msec -22 ± 15 msec p 0.009 0.01 ns 0002 Conclusion 1) In patients with diastolic dysfunction the peak early velocity of annular motion is lower despite higher mitral filling velocities. 2) In normals, the peak velocity of annular motion precedes peak mitral filling. This is reversed in patients with abnormal diastolic function. 3) These data suggest that LV recoil contributes significantly to normal early LV filling.
Socioeconomic determinants of smoking behavior during pregnancy

Abstract Medical researchers and public health experts contend that smoking by pregnant women leads to health risks for their offspring as well as themselves. Social science researchers have produced a number of useful studies concerning factors determining smoking choices during pregnancy. This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence based on the widely cited National Longitudinal Survey of Youth. The purpose of the paper is to describe and estimate multivariate models that reveal socioeconomic patterns in smoking behavior. Our results indicate that factors influencing the choice to smoke include age, employment status, earnings, race, and the individual's propensity to seek prenatal care. These estimates provide guidance with respect to constituencies that might be suitable targets for public policies intended to curtail smoking during pregnancy.
Titanium alloy fatigue fracture facet investigation by selected area electron channeling

Flat regions (facets) found on fracture surfaces caused by initiation and propagation of fatigue cracks through the titanium alloys IMI-685 tested with and without a 5 min load dwell and Ti-11 have been examined using selected area electron channeling. The crystallographic planes of the facets have been identified as being near basal for the IMI-685 and more random for the Ti-11. None of the dwell specimens showed a pure basal facet orientation. The plastic zone size was also assessed and found to correlate approximately with stress intensity, allowing confirmation of crack initiation sites as determined by fractography. One case of beta to alpha-beta transformation crystallography is also examined. A partial channeling map for titanium is presented.
Phosphorylated and nucleotide sugar metabolism in relation to cell wall production in Avena coleoptiles treated with fluroride and peroxyacetyl nitrate.

Coleoptile sections of Avena sativa L. were pretreated with sodium fluoride or peroxyacetyl nitrate at levels which inhibit auxin-induced growth but did not affect glucose uptake or CO2 production when postincubated for 30 minutes in a 14C-glucose medium without auxin. Labeling of metabolites involved in cell wall synthesis was measured. Peroxyacetyl nitrate decreased labeling, and it was concluded that the pool size of uridine di-phosphoglucose, sucrose, and cell wall polysaccharides decreased compared to control. The changes suggest that peroxyacetyl nitrate inactivated sucrose and cell wall synthesizing enzymes including cellulose synthetase and decreased cell growth by inhibiting production of cell wall constituents. Fluoride treatment had no effect on production of cell wall polysaccharides, with or without indoleacetic acid stimulation of growth. The only change after fluoride treatment was a decrease in uridine diphosphoglucose during incubation without indoleacetic acid, a decrease that disappeared when indoleacetic acid was present. It was concluded that some other aspect of cell wall metabolism, not determined here, was involved in fluoride-induced inhibition of growth.
Laparoscopy in pediatric urology

Laparoscopy in pediatric urology is a rapidly evolving field that is becoming part of the operative repertoire of an increasing number of pediatric urologists. This article summarizes the latest ideas and issues in the expanding field of laparoscopy in pediatric urology. New methods of obtaining laparoscopic access and retraction are discussed. Laparoscopic experiences in urologic reconstruction, diag-nosis and treatment of the nonpalpable testis, renal surgery, ureteral reimplantation, varicocelectomy, hydrocelectomy, and herniorrhaphy are reviewed. Articles assessing the safety of a pneumoperitoneum in patients with a ventri-culoperitoneal shunt are also discussed.
Evaluation of different methods for determination of properties of chlorine-based sanitizers

Abstract Chlorine-based sanitizers, such as electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water, are used for the sanitation of food contact surfaces and the prevention of cross contamination in various food processing settings. Several different chlorine species are present in EO water, and these chlorine species are important to the antimicrobial efficacy. Measurements of free and total chlorine, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), hypochlorite ion (OCl−) and chloride were conducted on chlorinated water and EO water solutions using a variety of commercially available methods. The chlorinated and EO water solutions differed by pH, initial free chlorine concentration, chloride concentration and organic compound concentration. It was discovered that these factors influenced the methods used to measure the various chlorine species by differing amounts. The data from this study will help in determining the appropriate methods of measuring free chlorine, total chlorine and chloride in chlorine-based sanitizers under various conditions.
Comparison of Microdilution and Broth Dilution Techniques for the Susceptibility Testing of Yeasts to 5-Fluorocytosine and Amphotericin B

Microdilution and broth dilution techniques were compared for the susceptibility testing of 50 clinical yeast isolates to 5-fluorocytosine and amphotericin B. Good correlation between methods was obtained with all isolates except Cryptococcus neoformans.
Calculation and emotion in foreign policy: the Cuban case

At the very outset it is necessary to give some analytical clarification to the distinction between "calculated" and "emotional" decisions. The discussion which follows does not pretend to be either inclusive or definitive. It is clearly not a theory of decisionmaking. It is simply an introduction to the terminology and model used in this paper. We may think of two "styles" of decisionmaking. Let us call the first "calculated" style and the second "emotional" style. Decisions made in the calculated style are characterized by a range of processes which mediate between the impulse or stimulus to act and the act itself. Thus, attempts to gather information, perceive alternative courses of action, relate alternatives to consequences, and relate consequences to organizational or personal goals are necessary in the calculated style. On the other hand, decisions made in the emotional style are characterized by the direct relationship of action to impulse. This style allows for no n Analytical Clarification
Managing the 1987 Mine Workers' Strike**

The 1987 mine workers' strike was obviously a major confrontation between the National Union of Mineworkers and mine management. This article, however, seeks to demonstrate that divisions within management (especially in the Anglo-American Corporation) had important implications not only for the outcome of the strike but also for the potential for institutionalisation on the mines of an industrial relations system based on negotiation rather than confrontation. Disagreement about management styles ran through Anglo-American Corporation from head office down to individual mine managers and their respective industrial relations staffs. While the settlement of the 1987 strike represented a short-term victory for authoritarian mine managements and defeat for the union, in the longer term it kept open the possibility of an industrial relations system with full union participation.
Science and Family Therapy

Family therapists are being exhorted to adopt a social constructionist epistemology and to abandon science as a valid form of knowing. Epistemological objections to science are usually directed at 'positivism', an outmoded view that is largely discredited among practising scientists. Contemporary science, is, rather, constructionist, differing from other constructionist approaches only in ways of arbitrating between world views. Criticisms aimed at science apply to all forms of discourse, including family therapy. I conclude that science has failed family therapy at the practical, not the philosophical level.
Calcium as a mediator of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced apoptosis.

Abstract Cellular calcium has been implicated in induction of apoptosis. We have shown that 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -induced apoptosis is associated with a sustained increase in concentration of intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) resulting from depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca 2+ stores and activation of the voltage-insensitive Ca 2+ entry pathway [1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , intracellular Ca 2+ and apoptosis in breast cancer cells, in: A.W. Norman, R. Bouillon, M. Thomasset (Eds.), Vitamin D: Chemistry, Biology and Clinical Applications of the Steroid Hormone, University of California, Riverside, 1997, pp. 473–474; Vitamin D and intracellular calcium, in: P. Quinn, V. Kagan (Eds.), Subcellular Biochemistry: Fat-Soluble Vitamins, Plenum Press, New York, 1998, pp. 271–297; 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 and calcium signaling, in: A.W. Norman, R. Bouillon, M. Thomasset (Eds.), Vitamin D Endocrine System: Structural, Biological, Genetic and Clinical Aspects, University of California, Riverside, 2000, pp. 715–718; 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 triggers calcium-mediated apoptosis in breast cancer cells, in: A.W. Norman, R. Bouillon, M. Thomasset (Eds.), Vitamin D Endocrine System: Structural, Biological, Genetic and Clinical Aspects, University of California, Riverside, 2000, pp. 399–402; Endocrine 9 (1998) 321]. This study was undertaken to investigate mechanism of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells and compare effects of the hormone on Ca 2+ and apoptosis in cancer and normal human mammary epithelial cells. The treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 induced a sustained increase in [Ca 2+ ] i and activated the Ca 2+ -dependent proapoptotic proteases, μ-calpain and caspase-12, as evaluated with antibodies to active (cleaved) forms of the enzymes and the calpain substrate. The selective inhibition of Ca 2+ binding sites of μ-calpain decreased apoptotic indices in the 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -treated cells. 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 did not induce apoptosis in normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), as evaluated by DNA fragmentation (TUNEL), loss of the plasma membrane asymmetry (Annexin V assay) and morphological criteria. In these cells, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 triggered a transient Ca 2+ response, which was not accompanied by the calpain and caspase activation. HMEC, but not MCF-7 cells expressed the Ca 2+ binding protein calbindin-D 28k and buffered Ca 2+ increases induced by a Ca 2+ ionophore ionomycin. In conclusion, we have identified the novel apoptotic pathway in breast carcinoma cells treated with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 : increase in [Ca 2+ ] i →μ-calpain activation → caspase-12 activation → apoptosis. Our findings also imply that differences of Ca 2+ regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer versus normal mammary epithelial cells underlay resistance of normal cells and susceptibility of cancer cells to 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -induced Ca 2+ -mediated apoptosis.
Preface to the Special Issue on Child and Adolescent Attachment

The implications of John Bowlby’s attachment theory resound through the mental health community. While we know now that much of what Bowlby posited was true, we are still discovering the value of such findings for our clinical work with children and adolescents. Our special issue in Clinical Social Work Journal explores how attachment theory is being used in clinical settings throughout the country. It presents articles relevant to work with infants and toddlers, children and adolescents and families. How can we translate what we know about attachment theory and research into practice? Our special issue authors have attempted to answer this question.
CT of the airways

Intrathoracic diseases which affect the conductive airways, from the trachea to the alveolar ducts, are often manifested by morphologic changes in these structures. Computed tomography (CT), by virtue of its high contrast resolution and ability to avoid superimposition of structures, has proven to be very effective in detecting abnormalities of the airways. The trachea and the main, lobar, segmental and subsegmental bronchi can be directly visualized, as they course in a perpendicular, parallel or oblique direction with respect to the plane of section. Valuable information may be obtained regarding possible changes in caliber, intraluminal defects, wal1 thickening, and extrinsic pathology. Even disease affecting very small, peripheral airways, such as the terminal and respiratory bronchioles, can be appreciated on CT, particularly with the application of high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning. A spectrum of pathologie conditions affecting the centra1 and peripheral airways wil1 be discussed. However, recognition of these findings on CT requires a sound knowledge of the normal CT anatomy of the tracheobronchial free. Technical considerations for imaging the airways are also addressed, since abnormalities may go undetected unless these factors are optimized.
Preparation of single-source precursors to nanocrystalline gallium arsenide and gallium antimonide. X-ray crystal structures of [Et2GaAs(SiMe3)2]2, [Et2GaSb(SiMe3)2]2 and Et2b(SiMe3)2 ☆

Abstract The 1:1 mole ratio reaction of Et2GaCl with As(SiMe3)3 leads to the isolation of [Et2GaAs(SiMe3)2]2 (1), while the analogous reaction with Sb(SiMe3)3 results in the formation of [Et2GaSb(SiMe3)2]2 (2). The mixed-pnicogen compound Et2 GaAs(SiMe 3 ) 2 Ga(Et) 2 S b(SiMe3)2 (3) was obtained from both the equilibration of 1 and 2, as well as the 2:1:1 mole ratio reaction of Et2GaCl with As(SiMe3)3 and Sb(SiMe3)3. X-ray crystal structures are reported for 1, 2 and 3, as well as a variable temperature 1H-NMR study of 2 and 3. The dimer 2 was found to exhibit a dimer/trimer equilibrium in solution. Thermolysis of all three compounds results in the formation of GaAs, GaSb or GaAsxSb(1−x) through a β-hydride elimination pathway.
To answer or not to answer: that is the question for cell phone users

People are constantly making decisions to answer or ignore cell phone calls based on inferences derived from partial information about the incoming call. To gain an understanding of this information deficit we conducted a survey study of cell phone call handling practices. The results highlight the type and extent of information desired about incoming cell phone calls. It also shows that desired information is largely unknown and often misattributed by the receiver. Our findings can be used by designers to prioritize the presentation of additional types of call related information on cell phone displays, and in so doing, empower users to make informed call handling decisions.
Almost periodic Schrödinger operators IV. The maryland model

The analysis of discrete Schrodinger operators of the form (hu)(n) = u(n + 1) + u(n − 1) + λ tan(παn + θ) u(n) is discussed. Depending on Diophantine properties of α, the spectrum may be dense point, singular continuous or a mixture of the two.