cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peritoneal leukocyte response following placement of polyglycolic acid intestinal sling in patients with rectal carcinoma.

The intestinal sling procedure has been used successfully without the observance of pelvic infections. This procedure involves the implantation of polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh to hold the bowel out of the pelvis to prevent radiation enteritis. We previously showed that PGA mesh has no intrinsic bactericidal activity. Since phagocytic leukocytes produce reactive oxygen intermediates during respiratory burst that are associated with oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity, we examined peritoneal cell types and their respiratory burst activity isolated from patients with biopsy-confirmed rectal carcinoma who underwent the intestinal sling procedure (N=12) compared with patients who did not (N=13). There was no significant difference in the cell types within the peritoneal cavity over the 7-day postoperative period examined. However, there was a significant increase in the ability of leukocytes isolated from mesh patients to produce hydrogen peroxide in the absence of an exogenous stimulus (P <0.05),as measured by flow cytometric quantitation of oxidation of the hydroperoxide-sensitive dye, 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA). Despite the higher endogenous DCFH oxidation by leukocytes from mesh patients, the cells retained the ability to oxidize DCFH following treatment with a membrane-active stimulant for respiratory burst activity, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. These observations suggest that PGA mesh used for the intestinal sling procedure stimulates the respiratory burst activity of peritoneal leukocytes during the postoperative period in which bacterial proliferation and colonization occur. The stimulation of reactive oxygen intermediates involved in oxygen-dependent bactericidal activity by PGA mesh may be one of the mechanisms underlying the lack of infections observed with the use of PGA mesh in contaminated settings.
Defending the Land: Sovereignty and Forest Life in James Bay Cree Society

Defending the Land: Sovereignty and Forest Life in James Bay Cree Society. RONALD NIEZEN. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1998. xii + 148 pp., figures, references.
GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF GENETIC DIFFERENTIATION WITHIN THE RESTRICTED RANGE OF THE ENDANGERED STEPHENS' KANGAROO RAT DIPODOMYS STEPHENSI

Abstract Using mtDNA variation in the kangaroo rat Dipodomys stephensi, we found no support for the hypothesis that a species with an historically restricted range will exhibit low levels of genetic polymorphism and little genetic structure. Dipodomys stephensi has long been restricted to a few interior coastal valleys in southern California encompassing an area of approximately 70 × 40 km; however, we found high levels of genetic variation over much of its range and significant genetic structure both within and between regions. We also found evidence for a recent range expansion. Dipodomys stephensi is a federally endangered species that is separated from D. panamintinus, its presumed sister taxon, by a mountain range to the north. We assessed genetic variation by sequencing 645 bases of the mitochondrial d-loop from 61 individuals sampled from 16 locations across the species range and rooted their relationship using two D. panamintinus individuals. Despite its limited geographic range, the level of mtDN...
Self-concept and body-image of children during physical illness

Abstract The authors explored children's understanding of their physical illnesses and their effects on body-image and self-concept. A majority of 19 hospitalized boys of latency age realistically understood the nature of their illness and their treatment when health care personnel provided them with adequate information. Interviews and psychological tests showed that acute physical illness did not have a significant impact on general self-concept but did alter body-image in 37% of the children during the period of acute illness.
Coping with high dimensionality in massive datasets

A massive dataset is characterized by its size and complexity. In its most basic form, such a dataset can be represented as a collection of n observations on p variables. Aggravation or even impasse can result if either number is huge. The more difficult challenge is usually associated with the case of very high dimensionality or ‘big p’. There is a fast growing literature on how to handle such challenges, but most of it is in a supervised learning context involving a specific objective function, as in regression or classification. Much less is known about effective strategies for more exploratory data analytic activities. The purpose of this article is to put into historical perspective much of the recent research on dimensionality reduction and variable selection in such problems. Examples of applications that have stimulated this research are discussed along with a sampling of the latest methodologies to illustrate the onslaught of creative ideas that have surfaced. From a practitioner's perspective, the most effective strategy may be to emphasize the role of interdisciplinary teamwork with decisions on how best to grapple with high dimensionality emerging from a mixture of statistical thinking and consideration of the circumstances of the application. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 95–103 DOI: 10.1002/wics.141 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Do neighborhood conditions affect high school dropout and college graduation rates

Abstract This article estimates the effects of neighborhood conditions on the educational attainment of young people. Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to measure the background characteristics of young people and their educational attainment at age 25 and the U.S. Census to describe the characteristics of the neighborhoods in which respondents lived between ages 14 and 18, the paper estimates neighborhood effects separately for blacks and whites and tests for nonlinearities and important interactions in these effects. We find that neighborhood characteristics influence educational attainment among young people, but do so differently for black and white youth. Among black youth, growing up in neighborhoods with wealthier residents, more two parent families, and a greater percentage of workers in professional or managerial occupations leads to a substantial decrease in the high school dropout rate. These neighborhood characteristics do not affect the probability of graduating from college, however. Neighborhood effects among black youth occur primarily among those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Among white youth, neighborhood conditions positively affect the probability of graduating from college but do not significantly affect the high school dropout rate. These effects are concentrated among those from relatively advantaged backgrounds.
A Cyberinfrastructure Framework for Comparative Effectiveness Research in Healthcare

Comparative effectiveness research is necessary for improving clinical outcomes and reducing costs for major public health problems including chronic disease conditions. However, current methods for conducting comparative effectiveness research are faced with limitations including insufficient data, data aggregation issues, and high costs among others. In this paper, we propose a cyberinfrastructure-based solution that includes tools for gathering large high-quality data sets and supporting mechanisms for various methods of CE research. We describe the requirements of the cyberinfrastructure and discuss the mechanisms through which cyberinfrastructure can support current CE research methods.
Characterization of the murine cytomegalovirus m136 gene

The 230-kbp murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) genome is predicted to encode 182 open reading frames (orfs). One gene whose functional role is not known is encoded by the 762-bp m136 orf. Sequence analysis of rat cytomegalovirus (RCMV) strains Maastricht and English revealed homologous orfs, pr136, and ORF HJ4, respectively. Conservation of these orfs suggested that m136 and the RCMV homologs might play a role during virus replication. Expression of an epitope tagged form of m136 (m136-V5) yielded a polypeptide of 34 kDa that localized to the perinuclear region of transfected mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Three independently generated MCMV m136 mutants were isolated and characterized. Mutations were introduced into the m136 orf by inserting either a β-glucuronidase (m136-β-gluc) or a guanosine phosphoribosyl transferase (m136-gpt) expression cassette into a unique BglII site, or by inserting a gpt cassette into a deleted region (Δm136) of m136. No differences were observed in viral yield, plaque size, and plaque morphology between the parental strain and any of the m136 mutant viruses. In vivo analysis using a SCID mouse virulence model showed a consistently measurable attenuated phenotype for all three m136 mutants. The results showed that although the m136 gene was not essential for replication in vitro or in vivo, an intact m136 gene was necessary to yield wild type virulence during infection of the host.
Features of Preschoolers' Relationships

Successful peer interaction during early childhood is related to school adjustment and social, emotional and cognitive development. To foster adjustment and development teachers need to know the features of positive peer relationships. The purpose of this study was to observe the features of children's relationships in naturally occurring groups of 4‐year‐olds. Twenty‐two target children having multiple peer relationships were observed during free‐play for 6 weeks. The targets were in 7 different classrooms consisting of 126 children. A MANOVA was used to analyze the differential behavior across relationship type. The targets interacted most often with the best friend, and more often with associates than acquaintances. Fantasy play, a group activity, was engaged in with the best friend and associates. Intimacy, through self‐disclosure, increased with the closeness of the relationship. Less disagreement and more social comparison occurred with best friends. Implications for teachers are discussed.
Inheritance of somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration from primary (type 1) callus in maize

Genetic factors controlling the differential expression of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration of maize from tissue culture were studied in two crosses. Inbred, hybrid, F2 and backcross generations developed from crossing maize inbred A188 with two commercially important inbred maize lines (B73 and Mo17) demonstrated genetic and environmental effects on somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration when immature zygotic embryos were cultured on MS medium. Additive gene effects were more important in both crosses than dominant gene effects for precent somatic embryogenesis and percent or number of plants regenerated per embryo when generation means were analyzed. In backcross generations of each cross, cytoplasmic, maternal and/or paternal effects were significant for frequency of somatic embryos three weeks after culture as well as frequency, or number of plants regenerated per embryo, nine weeks after culture. Analysis of genetic variances suggests at least one gene (or block of genes) controls the expression of the frequency of somatic embryogenesis in these crosses. Differences in somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration between B73 and Mo17 are discussed.
Isolation and characterization of rat glomerular epithelial cells in vitro

Isolation and characterization of rat glomerular epithelial cells in vitro. Rat glomeruli were isolated by a graded sieving technique, and the nature and purity of the preparation were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A great majority of the glomeruli (86.0 ± 6.0%) were not encapsulated, and there was very little contamination of the preparations with tubular fragments. By supplementing tissue culture medium with conditioned medium (CM) and insulin, we were able to grow single cells from dissociated rat glomeruli. From these single cells, we were able to clone and maintain in culture three distinct cell types. Also, with this specialized medium, we were able to clone these three cell types from outgrowths of whole golmeruli. One of these cell types was characterized as glomerular epithelial cells (GEC). GEC, as opposed to the other two cloned cell types obtained in this study, had cilia on their surfaces and also possessed receptors for complement (C3) in vitro. Low concentrations of the aminonucleoside of puromycin (AMNS), which have been shown to be specifically cytotoxic to GEC in vivo , were found to be cytotoxic to GEC but not to the other two glomerular cells in vitro . In addition, GEC did not contain antihemophilic factor (factor VIII), a marker for endothelium, nor were they able to phagocytose polystyrene spherules in vitro, as can mesangial cells in short-term culture.
Susceptibility of various cell culture systems to pseudorabies virus

A comparative study was carried out to determine the susceptibility of five different cell lines to pseudorabies virus (PRV), a herpes virus of pigs. The cell systems tested were swine testicle (ST), mink lung (ML), equine dermal (ED), porcine kidney (PK15), and bovine turbinate (BT) cells. Virus titers obtained were 10(4.88), 10(4.38), 10(3.75), 10(2.63), and 10(0.25) for ML, ST, PK15, BT and ED cells, respectively indicating that ML, ST, and PK15 are optimal cell lines for the growth of PRV whereas BT and ED are not very sensitive.
Pollination biology in hybridizing Baptisia (Fabaceae) populations

In their classic study, Alston and Turner (American Journal of Botany, vol. 50, 159-173, 1963) documented extensive hybridization among four morphologically distinct Baptisia species native to East Texas. While Alston and Turner found putative F1 hybrids in great numbers, they found no evidence of backcrossing. In this study prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive barriers between two of these species, B. leucophaea and B. sphaerocarpa, were investigated and found to be quite weak. Flowering times overlap and bumble bees were observed visiting both species and intermediate hybrids. While pollinator constancy in flights between B. leucophaea and B. sphaerocarpa was moderately strong, significant levels of constancy were not observed in flights involving hybrids and either parental species. Thus, backcrossing was not impeded by pollinator behavior. Further, hybrid pollen was highly stainable (93.5%) and able to effectively set seed in crossing experiments with both parental species. Pollinator behavior was compared in experimental populations with and without hybrid ramets and found to differ between these two treatments. Hybrids were found to facilitate pollinator movement between species. In total, these results suggest that reproductive isolation is not responsible for the rarity of backcrossing in naturally hybridizing B. leucophaea and B. sphaerocarpa populations.
Operator product expansions at large distances and Regge asymptotic behavior

Abstract The class of theories is considered in which the simplest high-energy scattering processes are described by the exchange of a Regge pole or cut and in which light-cone behavior is described by operator product expansions. The scattering processes are those in which an initial particle interacts with an initial cluster of other particles to produce a final particle and final cluster. The high energy limit is that in which the energy of the initial particle relative to the energy of any particle in the clusters becomes large with fixed masses, momentum transfers and cluster subenergies. It is shown that these limits can be completely characterized by an operator statement on the product of the interpolating fields of the initial and final particles, independently of the initial and final clusters. Given then that these limits correspond to large distance limits in space-time, operator product expansions are obtained which describe in an operator manner the behavior of a product A ( x ) B (0) of local fields in the large distance limit x 0 → ∞ with x 2 fixed. This provides an exact operator picture of a Regge pole being built out of an infinite set of elementary spin exchanges. The crucial ingredient in the derivation is the factorization property of Regge poles or Regge cut discontinuities. The leading light-cone contribution to the scattering amplitude will then have the same factorization properties. The operator expansion is derived first for single particle matrix elements, first using commutativity of the Regge and scaling limits and second using diagonalized Bethe-Salpeter equations for the matrix elements of the local fields in the light-cone expansion. It is then deduced for single-double particle matrix elements using the second method where now helicity sums play an important role. It is finally derived for arbitrary matrix elements. Non-leading Regge poles and Regge cuts can be similarly described by using also non-leading light-cone singularities.
Microglia Key Innate Immune Cells of the Brain

Microglia are the histiocytes of the central nervous system. These long-lived cells undergo very little turnover in normal physiological states; however, in pathological conditions, increased egress from the bone marrow and chemoattractive signals in the brain can substantially modulate the indigenous population. Although they were initially conceived of as "resting" cells, recent data suggest that they would be more aptly described as "surveillance" cells. Microglia are specifically adapted to sense various types of danger and differentially react with a classical or alternative reparative response. Our understanding of macrophage function has shifted away from focusing on cell lineage to a more systems-based biology of gene networks accomplishing the detoxification and immune functions. With our greater appreciation of microglial involvement in the innate immune response, we have entered a new era in which the modulation of microglia can be proposed as a means of modulating neurological disease.
Comprehensive Management of the Paranasal Sinuses in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

Objective The endonasal route often provides the most direct and safe approach to skull base pathology. In this article we review the literature with regard to management of the paranasal sinuses in the setting of skull base surgery. Methods We describe our institutional experience and review the literature of concurrent management of the sinusitis in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery. Results Patients should be optimized preoperatively to ensure the endonasal route is a safe corridor to enter the intracranial cavity. Often the paranasal sinuses can be surgically addressed at the same time as endoscopic skull base surgery. We describe the technical details of management of the paranasal sinuses when addressing skull base pathology. Conclusions Careful management of the paranasal sinuses throughout the peri-operative course is paramount to optimizing sinonasal function and safety.
Savings in America: Building Opportunities for All

Savings policy in the United States is at a critical juncture. The U.S. personal saving rate has declined from 10.8 percent in 1984 to zero in 2005. The national saving rate, which includes government and business savings, is the lowest among the G-20 countries and has decreased significantly in recent decades. These low levels of saving generally suggest lower growth rates of income and standards of living in the future. This paper considers barriers in current policies that confront households trying to save more. These include the complexity of laws affecting retirement and saving plans, and the exclusion of many households from using incentives that are worth the most to those facing the highest tax rates. It also discusses the effect of asset tests in welfare and education policies and other institutional barriers that discourage saving, especially for low- and moderate-income families. Without advocating any particular savings policy or reform, this paper discusses several proposed policies to build assets for all Americans. These include new initiatives such as universal children's accounts and enhanced Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). The paper also explores improvements to existing programs such as matched subsidies for retirement savings, and an enhanced, refundable tax credit for low-income savers. Although many of these ideas have not been fully developed and are open to debate on their merits, we believe they form an important part of the discussion about how to boost savings in the United States.
Evolution and reuse of formal specifications using decision structures

In this paper, we discuss the use of knowledge structure, called the decision space, for the evolution of formal specifications. Because evolution is a particularly intense form of reuse, what we say will also impact on reusability. We demonstrate our approach using a formal specification, written in the Z formal specification language, for an aerospace application known as the RSDIMU (Redundant Strapped Down Inertial Measurement Unit). We show that articulating the decision structure and associating it with the artifact produced can be used in the subsequent evolution of the specification. We propose a representation which separates domain knowledge into a decision/issue space and an object space and the solution space into object instances, Z schemas and resolved issues, We show the effect of several changes to the RSDIMU specification and demonstrate how different methods of resolving an issue change the focus of attention within the specifications. >
The quick, No-Twist, No-Kink portal confluence reconstruction

An aggressive surgical approach remains the best palliation and chance for 5-year survival in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Increasingly, this approach has involved partial or total resection of the portal vein (PV) or superior mesenteric vein (SMV) in combination with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Many studies have suggested that such resections done successfully are associated with an increased survival relative to nonresected patients, comparable with that of patients undergoing uncomplicated pancreaticoduodenectomy alone. Successful performance of portal resection remains extremely challenging because of the risk of uncontrolled bleeding and the difficulty encountered in preventing twisting or kinking of the reconstructed vessel. Prolonged partial or complete portal and mesenteric venous occlusion generally result in the development of bowel edema that makes the subsequent reconstruction more difficult. Recently, we and others have examined results of an aggressive surgical approach in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma. In our series, 43% of patients underwent partial portal vein resection with minimal additional blood loss, operative time, and postoperative complications, including pancreatic fistulae (unpublished observation). Our technique of portal vein resection, which preserves the anatomic relationship of the vessels in that region, allowing an easier reconstruction without kink or rotation of the portal-mesenteric confluence, is presented.
Evaluation of Antral Follicle Growth in the Macaque Ovary during the Menstrual Cycle and Controlled Ovarian Stimulation by High-Resolution Ultrasonography

To date, ultrasonography of monkey ovaries is rare and typically of low resolution. The objectives of this study were to use state-of-the-art, high-resolution, transabdominal ultrasonography with real-time Doppler capabilities to: (1) determine whether one can reliably detect in real time the large dominant follicle, the corpus luteum (CL), and small (<2 mm) antral follicles on the ovaries of rhesus monkeys during the natural menstrual cycle; and (2) predict the follicular response of rhesus ovaries to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols. Rhesus monkeys were selected for transabdominal ultrasonography using a GE Voluson 730 Expert Doppler System at discrete stages of the menstrual cycle. Subsequently, serial ultrasound scanning was employed to observe growth of antral follicles and the CL. Finally, females were scanned to assess follicular growth during COS. The dominant structure and small antral follicles (<2 mm) were reliably visualized in real time. The follicle destined to ovulate could be identified by size differential by day 3 of the follicular phase. The number of small antral follicles present before onset of COS protocol correlated positively with the number of metaphase II-stage oocytes collected after treatment. The results of this study demonstrate that the population dynamics of antral follicle pools can be noninvasively evaluated in monkeys during natural and pharmacologic ovarian cycles.
Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer: current controversies and future prospects.

Carcinoma of the breast remains the most common cancer in women in the United States. It is exceeded only by lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. In 1980, the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD) held a consensus development conference that addressed the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer (1). In 1985, another conference was held that addressed the survival benefit associated both with adjuvant chemotherapy and with adjuvant hormonal therapy for women with primary breast cancer (2). In 1990, at the time of the last consensus development conference (3), breast cancer appeared to be increasing modestly nationally, partly because of increased detection of early breast cancer by the growing use of screening mammography. The mortality rate in 1990 appeared to be absolutely flat. The consensus conference held 10 years ago concluded that breast conservation therapy was appropriate for the management of primary breast cancer. It further concluded that adjuvant systemic therapy provided benefit to women regardless of lymph node status and that it should be recommended based on risk and benefit as judged by a complex of prognostic factors, including size of the primary tumor and lymph node status. These conclusions were based on large, randomized clinical trials. Every major advance in the management of breast cancer has emerged from clinical trials. Without continued basic research in breast cancer, there will be no future for clinical trials. At the present time, breast cancer in the United States appears to be at a plateau of frequency when it is age adjusted. The encouraging news is that mortality from breast cancer in this country and in many European countries has been falling for the last 8 years, which probably reflects the benefit of both adjuvant tamoxifen and screening mammography. The last decade has brought major clinical trials addressing the significance of duration in the administration of adjuvant tamoxifen, the role of anthacyclines in adjuvant chemotherapy, the role of taxanes, the significance of chemotherapy dose and intensity, the significance of chemotherapy duration, and predictive factors for response to adjuvant therapy. These clinical trials provide the datasets that enable this conference to address these current controversies. The questions that have been chosen for the panel to address meet two criteria: 1) They are of crucial interest to breast cancer patients and their healthcare team, and 2) a body of scientific evidence exists to allow an informed consensus.
Spatial integration for a nonlinear path tracking control law

A nonlinear spatial path tracking control law, called the /spl epsi/-controller (C/sub /spl epsi//), was developed for autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) such as the USU T-series and ODIS (omni-directional inspection system) wheeled mobile robots (WMRs). It is essentially a SISO regulator operating on the normal spatial deviation, /spl epsi/, of the robot from the desired path. As our performance expectation of C/sub /spl epsi// is entirely spatial a logical choice of the regulator should avoid any reference to time. We present a spatial integrator PI (SI-PI) regulator for C/sub /spl epsi// which is devoid of any time references while its structure includes some of the robot dynamics. It is also shown that the control action taken by this regulator represents the work done in moving the robot through an error vector field. The regulator gains are designed using a validated nonlinear Simulink/spl trade//StateFlow model. The experimental results presented show the effectiveness of the proposed SI-PI regulation scheme in the path tracking control of the ODIS WMR.
Examining the relationship between ovarian reserve, as measured by basal FSH levels, and the risk of poor obstetric outcome in singleton IVF gestations

background: The higher prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW) following infertility treatment may relate to the treatment itself or indicate that subfertility predisposes to a higher risk. Our aim was to examine whether basal FSH levels are related to the risk for PTB and LBW among pregnancies resulting from IVF. methods: We studied a retrospective cohort in the 2008 National Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Database, including all women who underwent a fresh non-donor IVF cycle resulting in a singleton live birth having a recorded basal serum FSH value (n ¼ 14 262). The FSH value used was either the maximum basal or clomiphene-stimulated serum level. Log binomial models were created to assess the associations between FSH and PTB (,37 weeks), and between FSH and LBW (,2500 g), adjusting for maternal age, ethnicity, gravidity/ parity, history of PTB, smoking, BMI and infant gender. results: Data for 14 086 patients were analyzed. FSH levels were inversely related to the risk of PTB and LBW. Women in the highest quartile of FSH levels (≥9 mIU/ml) had the longest adjusted mean gestational age (271.2 days), the lowest adjusted relative risk (RR) of PTB [0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76 –1.01], the highest adjusted mean birthweight (3249 g) and the lowest adjusted RR of LBW (0.89, 95% CI: 0.73 –1.04). conclusions: The inverse relationship between maximal basal FSH levels and the risk for PTB and LBW in singleton IVF gestations suggests that diminished ovarian reserve is not the primary mediator of the increased prevalence of PTB and LBW in IVF pregnancies.
Growth Rate Toxicity Phenotypes and Homeostatic Supercoil Control Differentiate Escherichia coli from Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium share high degrees of DNA and amino acid identity for 65% of the homologous genes shared by the two genomes. Yet, there are different phenotypes for null mutants in several genes that contribute to DNA condensation and nucleoid formation. The mutant R436-S form of the GyrB protein has a temperature-sensitive phenotype in Salmonella, showing disruption of supercoiling near the terminus and replicon failure at 42°C. But this mutation in E. coli is lethal at the permissive temperature. A unifying hypothesis for why the same mutation in highly conserved homologous genes of different species leads to different physiologies focuses on homeotic supercoil control. During rapid growth in mid-log phase, E. coli generates 15% more negative supercoils in pBR322 DNA than Salmonella. Differences in compaction and torsional strain on chromosomal DNA explain a complex set of single-gene phenotypes and provide insight into how supercoiling may modulate epigenetic effects on chromosome structure and function and on prophage behavior in vivo.
Real-Time Magnetic Resonance–Guided Aortic Valve Replacement Using Engager Valve

Purpose New-generation stented bioprostheses coupled with better imaging modalities are expanding the clinical utility of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance (rtCMR) -guided TAVR using the Medtronic Engager aortic valve system in a preclinical model. Description The Engager delivery device was slightly modified to make it CMR-compatible. Ten Yucatan swine underwent rtCMR-guided transapical TAVR. Postplacement phase-contrast and first-pass perfusion CMR sequences were used to evaluate for aortic regurgitation and myocardial perfusion, respectively. Evaluation Real-time CMR provided excellent visualization of cardiac anatomy during TAVR. Nine of 10 animals had proper valve placement in the aortic annulus as determined by CMR and confirmed by necropsy inspection. Postplacement phase-contrast scans confirmed no intravalvular or paravalvular leaks. Perfusion scans demonstrated sufficient coronary flow. Roentgenographs confirmed proper placement of the prostheses. Conclusions The Engager valve can be implanted transapically under rtCMR guidance with a modified, CMR-compatible delivery device in a preclinical model. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance allowed for accurate preplacement evaluation, real-time guidance, and postplacement functional assessment.
Developing a Patient-Centered Radiology Process Model

Abstract Purpose There has been increasing interest in the process of care that patients experience. To keep step with the rest of medicine, our specialty should be designing metrics that assess the overall experience of patients seeking care in radiology departments. A recent memo from the ACR chair calls for more work in this area. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-centered model for the experience of radiologic care, which may be helpful in addressing this need. Methods Using principles of multiattribute utility theory and psychometric theory as well as recent literature, a model was developed for a patient-centered index that could be used in radiology facilities. Results A model was developed that concisely incorporates patient-centeredness of both radiologists and staff members (communication with patient and referrers, competence, and pain control) as well as patient- and process-related issues such as costs, procedural morbidity, access to care, appointment duration, waiting, timing of appointments, cleanliness of facility, and coordination with clinical services. The overall radiology process model was constructed as a set of nested models, which allow more integrated detail within the domains of patient experience. Conclusions This model and others like it may help the ACR develop quality metrics to reasonably quantify the patient experience.
A review of the thermal conductivity of graphite reinforced metal matrix composite materials

The characteristics of graphite reinforced metal matrix composites are increasingly important in a wide range of technologies. This study presents a review of the experimental and analytical investigations of the thermal conductivity of these materials. Most of the published studies deal with the mechanical properties of these materials, however, there have been limited studies characterizing the thermal properties of some of these materials. The effective thermal conductivity is of particular importance for design and applications and experimental data are summarized and compared with accepted models of composite properties. On the basis of this review, it is evident that the thermal properties of graphite fiber reinforced metal matrix composite materials have not been adequately investigated. Modeling techniques based on limited experimental data have identified some of the important parameters, but no single model adequately predicts either the longitudinal or the transverse conductivity of these materials. The study concludes with recommendations for emerging and continuing areas of investigation.
High-Temperature W Diode Lasers Emitting at 3.3µm

W lasers based on type-II antimonides were recently operated nearly to room temperature under the conditions of cw optical pumping. However, the development of electrically pumped mid-infrared lasers has not yet reached the same level of performance. This is largely related to the more challenging task of simultaneously optimizing the doping/transport and gain/optical properties of the devices. Here we report a demonstration of type-II mid-IR diode lasers employing W active quantum wells. Laser structures with 5 or 10 active periods sandwiched between broadened-waveguide separate confinement regions and quaternary optical cladding layers were processed into 100-µm-wide stripes, cleaved into 1-mm-long cavities, and mounted junction side down. For 0.5-1 µs pulses at a repetition rate of 200 Hz, lasing was obtained up to a maximum operating temperature of 310 K, where the emission wavelength was 3.27 µm. The threshold current densities were 110 A/cm2and 25 kA/cm2 at 78 and 310 K, respectively. The characteristic temperature, To, was 48 K for temperatures between 100 and 280 K. Operation in cw mode was obtained to 195 K, with threshold current densities of 63 A/cm2and 1.4 kA/cm2at 78 and 195 K, respectively, with To = 38 K between 78 and 195 K. Significant further improvements in the operating characteristics are expected once the optimization of the designs and fabrication procedures is complete.
A Cross-Entropy Based Approach for UAV Task Allocation with Nonlinear Reward

This paper presents an approach based on the cross-entropy method to solve the multi-agent task allocation problem. The approach is designed to generate plans for any general nonlinear reward structure and constraints eciently to enable rapid replanning. The problem is formulated as an nonlinear integer programming optimization problem with constraints. The cross-entropy based algorithm is then used to solve the optimization problem and is shown to be computationally ecient with good performance when compared to other approximate nonlinear optimization algorithms.
Rational Design of Nickel Phosphide Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts: Controlling Particle Size and Preventing Sintering

The size-dependent catalytic activity of Ni2P for hydrodesulfurization (HDS) remains unstudied because the traditional temperature programmed reduction (TPR) method used in catalyst preparation results in highly polydisperse Ni2P particles. The ability to control the Ni2P particle size in the range 5–20 nm by varying the quantity of oleylamine in solution-phase arrested precipitation reactions is reported. Particles were introduced to a high surface area silica support (Cab-O-Sil, M-7D grade, 200 m2/g) via incipient wetness, and HDS activity was probed against dibenzothiophene (DBT). All samples were less active than TPR prepared materials, and the smallest particles were the least active, contrary to expectation. This is attributed in part to particle sintering under HDS conditions. Sintering occurs independently of wt% loading of catalyst, time, incipient wetness procedure, and ionic additives, at all temperatures greater than 200 °C. Sintering is minimized by encapsulation of Ni2P nanoparticles in a me...
Halogen Photoelimination from Monomeric Nickel(III) Complexes Enabled by the Secondary Coordination Sphere

Endothermic halogen elimination reactions, in which molecular halogen photoproducts are generated in the absence of chemical traps, are rare. Inspired by the proclivity of mononuclear Ni(III) complexes to participate in challenging bond-forming reactions in organometallic chemistry, we targeted Ni(III) trihalide complexes as platforms to explore halogen photoelimination. A suite of Ni(III) trihalide complexes supported by bidentate phosphine ligands has been synthesized and characterized. Multinuclear NMR, EPR, and electronic absorption spectroscopies, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, have been utilized to characterize this suite of complexes as distorted square pyramidal, S = 1/2 mononuclear Ni(III) complexes. All complexes participate in clean halogen photoelimination in solution and in the solid state. Evolved halogen has been characterized by mass spectrometry and quantified chemically. Energy storage via halogen elimination was established by solution-phase calorimetry measurements; in al...
FPIN's Clinical Inquiries. Management of acute achilles tendon rupture.

There are no clear evidence-based criteria to decide which patients should undergo operative vs. nonoperative management of acute Achilles tendon rupture.
Melanogenesis by human uveal melanocytes in vitro.

Purpose. To study melanogenesis by cultured human uveal melanocytes, and the relationship between melanin production by uveal melanocytes in vitro with the degree of iris pigmentation in vivo. Methods. Melanin content, melanin production, and tyrosinase activity of cultured uveal melanocytes derived from eyes of various iris color were measured at different stages of cultivation. Results. Cultured uveal melanocytes maintained a constant level of melanin content, expressed tyrosinase activity, and produced measurable amounts of melanin in vitro. Melanosomes in different stages were seen ultrastructurally. Melanin production correlated directly with the degree of iris pigmentation of the eyes from which the uveal melanocytes were isolated. Tyrosinase activity of cultured uveal melanocytes from black versus white donors was significantly different, but, among white donors, there was no correlation with iris pigmentation or with melanin production in vitro. Conclusion. Cultured uveal melanocytes can produce melanin in vitro. Cultured uveal melanocytes isolated from eyes of different iris color maintained their inherent capacity for malanogenesis. Therefore, cultured uveal melanocytes are an excellent model system for studying melanogenesis in uveal melanocytes in vitro
Ultrafast pump-probe measurements of dense plasma conditions using an ultra-bright X-ray laser

In this presentation, we will review recent progress in high-energy density physics using the world's brightest x-ray source, the Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC's free electron X-ray laser. These experiments investigate laser-driven matter in extreme conditions where powerful x-ray scattering and imaging techniques have been applied to visualize the formation of dense plasma states. The major research areas include dynamic compression experiments of solid targets to determine structural properties and to characterize the equation of state of matter in planetary interior conditions. The second area includes studies of extreme fields produced by high-intensity laser radiation where fundamental questions of laboratory plasmas can be related to astrophysical phenomena. These studies take advantage of the unique properties of the LCLS x-ray beam. Small x-ray foci achieve high intensity or high spatial resolution, high photon flux for dynamic structure factor measurements in single shots, and high spectral bandwidth to resolve plasmon (Langmuir) waves. We will further describe new studies on dense cryogenic hydrogen that have begun providing fundamental insights into the physical properties of fusion plasma conditions.
Precision analysis of the photomultiplier response to ultra low signals

Abstract A new computational model for the description of the photon detector response functions measured in conditions of low light is presented, together with examples of the observed photomultiplier signal amplitude distributions, successfully described using the parameterized model equation. In extension to the previously known approximations, the new model describes the underlying discrete statistical behavior of the photoelectron cascade multiplication processes in photon detectors with complex non-uniform gain structure of the first dynode. Important features of the model include the ability to represent the true single-photoelectron spectra from different photomultipliers with a variety of parameterized shapes, reflecting the variability in the design and in the individual parameters of the detectors. The new software tool is available for evaluation of the detectors’ performance, response, and efficiency parameters that may be used in various applications including the ultra low background experiments such as the searches for Dark Matter and rare decays, underground neutrino studies, optimizing operations of the Cherenkov light detectors, help in the detector selection procedures, and in the experiment simulations.
Review of the Literature on Cultural Competence and End-of-Life Treatment Decisions: The Role of the Hospitalist

Objective To determine whether any associations exist between cultural (racial/ethnic, spiritual/religious) competence and end-of-life treatment decisions in hospitalized patients and the potential impact of those associations on hospitalists’ provision of care. Data Sources and Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases were searched using the following search terms: cultural competence, race, ethnicity, minority, African American, Hispanic, end of life, palliative care, advanced care planning, inpatient, religion, spirituality, faith, hospitalist, and hospice. We identified studies in which spirituality/religion or race/ethnicity was used as a variable to study their potential impact on end-of-life treatment decisions in hospitalized patients. Results In only 13 studies was spirituality/religion or race/ethnicity used to study its effect on end-of-life decisions in hospitalized patients. African American patients tended to prefer the use of life-sustaining treatments at the end of life, and race/ethnicity did not appear to affect decisions to withhold or withdraw certain types of life-sustaining technology. Specific spiritual needs were identified both within and outside organized religions when members of those religions were hospitalized at the end of life. Conclusions End-of-life care may present unique challenges and opportunities in culturally discordant hospitalist-patient relationships. Culturally competent health care in an increasingly diverse population requires awareness of the importance of culture, particularly spirituality/religion and race/ethnicity, in the care of hospitalized patients at the end of life.
Causal inferences from many experiments

ABSTRACTThe underlying statistical concept that animates empirical strategies for extracting causal inferences from observational data is that observational data may be adjusted to resemble data that might have originated from a randomized experiment. This idea has driven the literature on matching methods. We explore an un-mined idea for making causal inferences with observational data – that any given observational study may contain a large number of indistinguishably balanced matched designs. We demonstrate how the absence of a unique best solution presents an opportunity for greater information retrieval in causal inference analysis based on the principle that many solutions teach us more about a given scientific hypothesis than a single study and improves our discernment with observational studies. The implementation can be achieved by integrating the statistical theories and models within a computational optimization framework that embodies the statistical foundations and reasoning.
Practitioners: Culturally and linguistically diverse students are coming and they may need special education services:

The following is a best practice approach when working with families that are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) and their children who may need services in special education. A review of issues concerning changes in demographic diversity, the relationship between culturally and linguistically diverse children and special education are presented as well as. Culturally sensitive suggestions are offered as means of providing appropriate services for working with this specific population. These suggestions are intended for use by teachers, school counselors, educational diagnosticians and school psychologists and are by no mean exhaustive, but do provide useful approaches in order for effective provision of services for this multicultural/ multifaceted population and their families.