cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marrow failure and aging: The role of "Inflammaging".

Abstract Despite aging and the enormous cellular output required of the marrow every day of the lifespan, most aged patients do not suffer significant marrow failure or cytopenias, an attestation to the proliferative capacity of this system. However, as marrow and its hematopoietic stem cells age, a reduction in ability to maintain homeostasis after stress or with exposure to prolonged chronic inflammation, so-called “inflammaging,” may contribute to cytopenias, inadequate immune responses, and dysplasia/leukemia. In some instances, these changes may be intrinsic to the stem cell but in others, there may be extrinsic environmental influences. In this review, the role of aging as it relates to stem cell changes, immune function, and anemia are reviewed.
Summary of Engineering Equations in This Book

This chapter lists which equations tested in this book were the most successfully replicated and hence more like engineering equations than simple cursory results one model tested in one time period. These are summarized to give policy makers the best and most reliable (i.e., most replicable) estimates available for determining the likely policy effects of deficit—financed fiscal stimulus programs, the effects of crowd out on those programs, and the extent to which increases in loanable funds can eliminate the crowd out problems associated with deficit-financed fiscal stimulus programs.
Improved Pedestrian Safety at Signalized Intersections Operating the Flashing Yellow Arrow

In some jurisdictions, protected left-turn phasing has been replaced with the flashing yellow arrow (FYA) for protected/permissive left turns (PPLTs) to reduce delay. However, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the conflict between pedestrians and the permissive left-turning vehicle. This presentation summarizes the results of research conducted with a high-fidelity, motion-based driving simulator and mobile eye-tracking equipment to study the effects of the opposing traffic, the presence and walking direction of pedestrians, and the number of section heads to display the FYA on driver performance. To accomplish this research, a six-intersection simulated environment was created. In total, 27 subjects completed the course, allowing the analysis of 620 permissive left-turn maneuvers. Eye-glance durations for the intersection approach and turning maneuver were captured for left-turn pavement bay markings, the signal indication, the pedestrian and vehicle waiting area, and the pedestrian signal heads. The total glance durations for each of these areas were analyzed. The following results were obtained: 1) the increased presence of pedestrians led drivers to focus more attention on these crossing pedestrians; 2) as the number of opposing vehicles increased, drivers spent less time fixating on pedestrians; 3) Four to seven percent of drivers did not focus on pedestrians in the crosswalk; and 4) there did not appear to be a difference between any variable and the presence of a three- or four-section head. In terms of practice, the results suggest that it may be desirable to limit the permissive operation when pedestrians are present. Moreover, the findings may indicate that the additional cost of four-section heads is not justified.
Kinetics of unfolding and refolding of proteins. I. Mathematical analysis.

Abstract A mathematical method for the phenomenological analysis of unimolecular reaction kinetics is presented. Starting from the solution to the differential equations of the system, equations have been developed to relate the unknown parameters inherent to any reaction mechanism, such as the microscopic rate constants for individual reaction steps, to the experimental quantities obtained from the rate of change of average physical properties of the system. Provided that kinetic measurements can be made in both forward and reverse directions, all unknown parameters can be evaluated for many simple mechanisms, and for some of them characteristic relations between observable quantities can be established, which can serve as criteria for immediate rejection. The results will be applied in the following papers to experimental studies of denaturation and renaturation of several proteins.
Boot camp for cognitive systems

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has implemented a program to build the first instance of a complete cognitive agent. The program, called Personalized Assistant that Learns (PAL), is expected to yield new cognitive technology of significant value not only to the military, but also to the business and academic sectors. (Gunning 2004) With traditional engineering projects, evaluation can be done in a straightforward manner determining if the documented requirements of the system have been met. Agent-based capabilities and other network centric capabilities (e.g., web services) complicate matters because the environment that they will operate under constantly changes. Add to that complication, the ability to learn new capabilities, and testing whether or not a new agent is ready to be deployed becomes a problem beyond the current state of art and practice. In this paper an initial experiment design is discussed as well as a description of a broader approach for evaluation in transitioning cognitive systems that learn into an operational environment.
Maximum likelihood estimation of point scatterers in synthetic aperture radar data

The motivation for this research is the recognition of objects from the relative locations of radar point scatterers on the object. Point scatterers are modeled as damped exponential signals. Parametric estimation of the exponential parameters determines the point scatterer locations. Maximum likelihood estimation of exponential parameters in white Gaussian noise provides good results in many exponential estimation problems. In fact, the exponential parameters are estimated with touch better than Fourier resolution. In the case of SAR, however, the white noise is estimated to be quite large even in relatively noiseless images. This is due to energy that is not well modeled by damped exponentials. This unmodeled energy distorts the estimated point scatterer locations. This paper proposes that the unmodeled energy be modeled as unknown colored noise and that maximum likelihood estimation of scatterer locations in unknown colored noise will provide more accurate scatterer locations. New methods for estimating exponential parameters in unknown colored noise are applied to SAR data. These methods efficiently model the points scatterers in SAR data. The new methods achieve a higher estimation accuracy than maximum likelihood estimation of exponentials in white noise.
Rural nurse administrators: Essentials for practice

The rural practice setting has unique nursing and health care needs that significantly impact the role of rural nurse executives. This article describes aspects of the rural environment pertinent to rural nursing and helps identify the special competencies needed by nurses who work as managers and executives in rural settings.
Cooperative Strategy: Managing Alliances, Networks, and Joint Venture -2/E

Strategic alliances are increasingly common, as many organizations look towards various partnering arrangements. This second edition of Strategies of Cooperation extends the first edition's clear and comprehensive survey of strategic alliances. Presenting different disciplinary perspectives (economics, strategy, organization theory) and numerous examples from the corporate world. The text has been thoroughly revised and updated, taking account of new theoretical models, and its coverage of case studies has been extended. It will be ideal for business students and managers alike wishing to understand the challenges of managing alliances.
Towards a Unique Theory of International Criminal Sentencing

International criminal law currently lacks a robust procedure for sentencing convicted defendants. Legal scholars have already critiqued the sentencing procedures at the ad hoc tribunals, and the Rome Statute does little more than refer to the gravity of the offense and the individual circumstances of the criminal. No procedures are in place to guide judges in exercising their discretion in a matter that is arguably the most central aspect of international criminal law - punishment. This paper argues that the deficiency of sentencing procedures stems from a more fundamental theoretical deficiency - the lack of a unique theory of punishment for international crimes, specific to criminals responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Many of the familiar theories of punishment in the municipal context - rehabilitation, deterrence, and the like - are ill-suited for the international context. Consequently, the procedural vortex in sentencing can only be filled once a sui generis theory of punishment is adopted by international criminal law that gives appropriate weight to retributive considerations. The paper concludes by suggesting the following procedural changes: return the sentencing phase in international trials, create an international sentencing commission, and draft non-binding international sentencing guidelines.
Training and model generation for a syntactic curve network parser

This report describes a syntactic pattern recognition system which permits automatic model generation as well as efficient and effective model matching. The system uses a perspective invariant boundary curve segmentation that is uniform for all shapes. Boundary curves are categorized by attributes that vary gently with changes in viewing perspective. This enables automatic construction of the essentially finite state models used to model object shapes. The process is completed by a fast parser for pattern grammars made possible using an extension of the finite state machine. The system represents an effective compromise between a 2D matcher and a more general but computationally expensive 3D matcher, using the characteristic view/stable position paradigm as [1].
Drosophila syntaxin is required for cell viability and may function in membrane formation and stabilization.

The role of the Drosophila homologue of syntaxin-1A (syx) in neurotransmission has been extensively studied. However, developmental Northern analyses and in situ hybridization experiments show that SYX mRNA is expressed during all stages and in many tissues. We have isolated new mutations in syx that reveal roles for syx outside the nervous system. In the ovary, SYX is present in the germarium, but it is predominantly localized to nurse cell membranes. Mitotic recombination experiments in the germ-line show SYX is essential for oogenesis and may participate in membrane biogenesis in the nurse cells. In the early embryo, a large contribution of maternally deposited RNA is present, and the protein is localized at cell membranes during cellularization. After the maternal contribution is depleted, zygotically produced SYX assists secretion events occurring late in embryogenesis, such as cuticle deposition and neurotransmitter release. However, SYX is also required in larval imaginal discs, as certain hypomorphic mutant combinations exhibit rough eyes and wing notch defects indicative of cell death. Furthermore, recombinant clones that lack syx cause cell lethality in the developing eye. We propose that, similar to its roles in cuticle secretion and neurotransmitter release, SYX may mediate membrane assembly events throughout Drosophila development.
Gender and Racial Differences: Development of Sixth Grade Students' Geometric Spatial Visualization within an Earth/Space Unit.

This study investigated sixth-grade middle-level students' geometric spatial development by gender and race within and between control and experimental groups at two middle schools as they participated in an Earth/Space unit. The control group utilized a regular Earth/Space curriculum and the experimental group used a National Aeronautics and Space Administration-based curriculum. The quantitative data sources included the Lunar Phases Concept Inventory, Geometric Spatial Assessment, and the Purdue Spatial Visualization–Rotation Test. The results indicated the experimental males and females, and the students of color and white students in the experimental group showed significant gains in their understanding of geometric spatial visualization from pre- to post-implementation. However, for the control group, the significant gains were limited to the males and the white students. The findings reveal that support is needed for males, females, and all racial groups to have the opportunity to develop their spatial reasoning, which in turn, increases students' scientific understanding.
Radiocarbon Ages of Soils and Charcoal in Late Wisconsinan Loess, South-Central Nebraska

The Farmdale Soil occurs below late Wisconsinan loess throughout the U.S. Midwest. At the La Sena site in the central Great Plains, humates in the Farmdale Interstadial Soil have a corrected age of 21,000 yr B.P. Humates in a buried Bt horizon and a bulk sample of overlying loess 2.5 m above the Farmdale Interstadial Soil have ages of 17,000 and 19,000 yr B.P., respectively. In the Republican River Valley Picea (spruce) charcoal is common in the lower meter of Peoria loess. Near Bloomington, Nebraska, humates from burned organic matter only 60 cm above the base of Peoria loess have a corrected age of ca. 19,000 yr B.P.
Life stress, psychological symptoms and weight reducing behavior in adolescent girls: A prospective analysis

Daily and major life stress, psychological symptoms, and dieting were measured in 143 adolescent girls ages 14–18 at the beginning and end of a 4-month prospective study. Two hypothetical relations among the variables were examined; (1) that weight reducing in adolescents is predicted by stress and psychological symptoms prospectively, versus (2) that stress and psychological symptoms are a consequence of increased weight-reducing efforts. Stress and symptoms were related to weight reducing in cross-sectional correlations. Multiple regressions and LISREL analyses showed that future levels of psychological stress, but not symptoms, were predicted by weight-reducing behavior when baseline scores were controlled. The hypothesis that negative psychological functioning predicts more dieting in the future was not supported. Besides potential physical health hazards of weight reducing during adolescence and its apparent status as a risk factor for eating disorders, this indicates that weight reducing also may have some negative psychological impact on the young dieter.
Induction of arthroconidia in Trichosporon

Factors influencing the production of arthroconidia in 24 strains of Trichosporon referable to 7 species were investigated. The best medium for T. beigelii (= T. cutaneum), an etiological agent of human disease, was dextrose-salts agar.
Pelagic Sargassum community metabolism: Carbon and nitrogen

Abstract The production, nitrogen fixation, and release rates and fate of dissolved organic matter of a pelagic Sargassum community have been investigated at eight stations in the Gulf Stream and the Sargasso Sea. Net production and gross nitrogen fixation rates of Sargassum and epiphytes varied significantly between stations, 328 ± 114μg C (g dry wt) −1 h −1 and 18 ± 7.4μg N g −1 h −1 , respectively. The net release rates of dissolved organic carbon (287 ± 150μg DOC g −1 h −1 ) also showed the same variability between stations. On the other hand, the community carbon and nitrogen content, 268 ± 4.8 and 16.9 ± 2.4 mg g dry wt −1 , respectively, remained constant at all stations. The results of chemical measurements indicate that ≈ 0–50 % of the gross production was lost as a result of photosynthate release. From 14 C-tracer experiments it was found that the planktonic and epiphytic heterotrophs mineralized 50–70 % of the photosynthate released by Sargassum and epiphytic algae. Based on the community gross production and fixation rates, carbon and nitrogen content, the amount of nitrogen required for the observed production rates, the Sargassum community appears to obtain a substantial part (40%) of its nitrogen from nitrogen fixation.
Histological predictors of active Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of gastritis. No single test is 100% accurate forH. pylori diagnosis. In order to determine whether the presence of typical histological features ofH. pylori gastritis may yield diagnostic information, we compared antral histology by H&E stain to the presence of organisms as detected on Thiazine stain of antral specimens, CLOtest, urea breath test and anti-H. pylori serology in 50 consecutive patients. Patients were diagnosed as having activeH. pylori infection if at least two of these tests were positive. Patients with only one test positive (N=5) were considered indeterminate forH. pylori and were excluded, resulting in 19 patients (42%) being classified asH. pylori positive. All slides were reviewed by a single blinded expert gastrointestinal pathologist and graded 0 (none) to 3 (severe) for the presence of acute (polymorphonuclear cells) or chronic (lymphocytes, monocytes, plasma cells) inflammation, lymphoid aggregates, and intestinal metaplasia. Active infection was associated with the presence of both acute and chronic inflammation (P<0.0001) but not lymphoid aggregates (P=0.09) or intestinal metaplasia (P=0.10). The best positive predictors of infection were the presence of any acute inflammation (PPV=86%) and the combination of any acute and chronic inflammation (PPV=92%). The best negative predictor was absence of chronic inflammation (NPV=100%). The presence of moderate to severe (grade 2 or 3) acute or chronic inflammation were each 100% predictive of infection. Moderate to severe chronic inflammation had both 100% sensitivity and specificity for activeH. pylori infection, while moderate to severe acute inflammation was only 26% sensitive but 100% specific. The presence of any acute, or the combination of acute and chronic gastritis, is predictive of activeH. pylori infection. Moreover, the predictive value correlates closely with the severity of the inflammation. The absence of chronic inflammatory cells rules out activeH. pylori infection. These findings support the use of H&E histology-determined features in conjunction with other tests to diagnoseH. pylori infection.
State of the Science: β-Blockers and Reduction of Perioperative Cardiac Events

This article evaluates the current literature concerning the use of perioperative beta-blockade to reduce cardiac events in hopes that it may provide direction to clinicians or demonstrate gaps in medical knowledge, thus revealing areas suitable for future study. The current standard of practice for the use of perioperative beta-blockade in preoperative patients is outlined in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. Findings differ as to the risk and benefit of using beta-blockers perioperatively to reduce cardiac events. Further research is needed to support the ACC/AHA recommendations. It is essential that the decision to use beta-blockade be made on a case-by-case basis with adequate risk stratification as part of the criteria.
Optimizing the design of a solar cooling system using central composite design techniques

This paper presents the development of a method to optimize a solar-assisted cooling system with limited budget constraints. Regression analysis is used to identify the relationship between the solar fraction and the system factors according to the data provided by experiments. In order to obtain an accurate model to estimate the problem using small number of experimental trials, the method of central composite design (CCD) from design of experiment (DE) is used as a key technique. The experimental trials are conducted in the transient energy system simulation (TRNSYS) tool. Finally, the optimization problem is formulated and solved by including the model as the objective function, the physical constraints of the system factors, and the budget limit. A case study was conducted to apply this optimization method to the design of a solar-assisted double-effect absorption cooling system installed in a small-sized office building in West Lafayette, IN, USA. The results show the developed optimal model strongly agrees with the physical system model in TRNSYS. This optimization method can be generally applied to different types of solar cooling systems, and other renewable energy systems.
Translational Pain Research: Achievements and Challenges

Abstract The achievements in both preclinical and clinical pain research over the past 4 decades have led to significant progress in clinical pain management. However, pain research still faces enormous challenges and there remain many obstacles in the treatment of clinical pain, particularly chronic pain. Translational pain research needs to involve a number of important areas including: 1) bridging the gap between pain research and clinical pain management; 2) developing objective pain-assessment tools; 3) analyzing current theories of pain mechanisms and their relevance to clinical pain; 4) exploring new tools for both preclinical and clinical pain research; and 5) coordinating research efforts among basic scientists, clinical investigators, and pain-medicine practitioners. These issues are discussed in this article in light of the achievements and challenges of translational pain research. Perspective The subjective nature of clinical pain calls for innovative research approaches. As translational pain research emerges as an important field in pain medicine, it will play a unique role in improving clinical pain management through coordinated bidirectional research approaches between bedside and bench.
Americans' Knowledge of Ideology, 1980-1992

This article uses recent National Election Studies to assess what Americans know about ideology. Although Converse's study of mass belief systems made knowledge of ideological terms an indicator of ideological sophistication, scholars have tended to ignore what ordinary citizens know about ideology. Although only a small portion of the public is completely ignorant of ideology, most Americans do not know very much about it. Three factors—opportunity, motivation, and cognitive ability—affect what people know about the central continuum of U.S. politics. Widespread ignorance of ideology impedes citizens' ability to link their own ideological orientations to their votes for presidential candidates.
Quantitative Spatial Reasoning for General Intelligence

One of the basic requirements of an intelligent agent is the ability to represent and reason about space. While there are a number of approaches for achieving this goal, the recent gains in efficiency of the Satisfiability approach have made it a popular choice. Modern propositional SAT solvers are efficient for a wide variety of problems. However, conversion to propositional SAT can sometimes result in a large number of variables and/or clauses. Diagrams represent space as collections of points (regions) while preserving their overall geometric character. This representation allows reasoning to be performed over (far fewer number of) regions instead of individual points. In this paper, we show how the standard DPLL algorithm augmented with diagrammatic reasoning can be used to make SAT more efficient when reasoning about space. We present DPLL-S, a complete SAT solver that utilizes diagrammatic representations when reasoning about space, and evaluate its performance against other SAT solvers.
Coproporphyrin Excretion in Amniotic Fluid and Urine from Premature Infants: A Possible Maturation Defect

Coproporphyrin Excretion in Amniotic Fluid and Urine from Premature Infants: A Possible Maturation Defect
CSF Monoamine Metabolite and Beta Endorphin Levels in Recently Detoxified Alcoholics and Healthy Controls: Prediction of Alcohol Cue‐Induced Craving?

Background: Abnormalities in central neurotransmitter systems have been described in alcohol-dependent individuals and may contribute to alcohol craving. This study compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of monoamine metabolites and beta endorphin levels in samples from early-onset alcohol-dependent patients (n= 20), late-onset alcohol-dependent patients (n= 14), and healthy controls (n= 23). It also evaluated whether these CSF measures levels predicted the degree of craving experienced in response to an alcohol cue. Methods: Individuals meeting DSM-III and -IV R-criteria for alcohol dependence, 1 to 3 months postdetoxification, and healthy controls underwent a lumbar puncture. Patients also completed a cue exposure test day between 3 and 15 days later. Results: Alcohol-dependent patients had lower CSF levels of the norepinephrine metabolite MHPG compared with the healthy subjects, but this difference disappeared when differences in age between the groups were accounted for. No other group comparisons between patients and healthy subjects reached significance. CSF levels of the dopamine metabolite HVA were significantly higher in the early-onset patients compared with the late-onset patients and controls. The CSF measures did not predict the precue levels of craving, or the increase in craving after alcohol cue exposure. Conclusions: These results are inconclusive about the role of monoaminergic dysregulation in recovering alcoholics. They also question the utility of these CSF measures to predict alcohol cue reactivity in patients who have been sober at least 1 month.
Abstract IA39: Squamous cell lung cancer 2014.

Despite the robust progress in developing molecularly targeted therapies for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, patients with other types of lung cancer have not benefitted much to date from molecularly targeted therapy. While in the past this was due to a lack of knowledge of the molecular underpinnings of other lung cancer types, large-scale genomic surveys have now demonstrated that relevant and targetable genomic alterations can be found in all histologies of lung cancer. Here I discuss recent data from genomic analyses of squamous cell lung cancer, the second most common type of non-small cell lung cancer and describe potential therapeutic targets in this disease with an emphasis on Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors. I will summarize preclinical and early clinical studies and discuss how further progress in targeted therapy for squamous cell carcinomas can be made. Citation Format: Peter S. Hammerman. Squamous cell lung cancer 2014. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer; 2014 Jan 6-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2014;20(2Suppl):Abstract nr IA39.
Multiple ionization of helium clusters by long wavelength laser radiation

We applied the method known as Fermion Molecular Dynamics to the description of a small cluster of helium atoms interacting with a short pulse of intense, long wavelength laser radiation, for both linear and circular polarization. We discuss the results of these calculations, elucidating questions relating to the mechanisms of multiple ionization in small clusters.
3-T MRI-based adaptive brachytherapy for cervix cancer: Treatment technique and initial clinical outcomes

Abstract Purpose To report the techniques and initial clinical outcomes for MRI-based adaptive brachytherapy (MRIB-ABT) using 3-T MRI. Methods and Materials All patients who underwent MRIB-ABT between January 2008 and June 2012 for cervical cancer using 3-T MRI for at least three fractions were retrospectively reviewed. The institutional standard for initiation of brachytherapy planning was 100% of dose at point A and 160% at the vaginal surface with five fractions of 500–550 cGy at Point A. The dose distribution was modified to enhance coverage of the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and to spare the organs at risk (OAR) by altering dose specification distances around the tandem and the percentage of the Point A dose around the ring or ovoids. Results Eighteen patients (FIGO stages IB = 4, II = 12, III = 1, and IVA = 1) underwent eighty-two 3-T MRI-based insertions. All patients received 3D conformal, external beam radiation (45–50.4 Gy). The median gross tumor volume pretreatment was 38 cm 3 (2–165 cm 3 ) compared with 4.8 cm 3 (1–9 cm 3 ) at the first high–dose rate fraction with a median volume reduction of 88%. Dose specification at the level of Point A was altered in 51% of 3-T MRI fractions from the standard 20 mm (range, 14–18 mm) and in 8% at the ring surface to optimally cover the HR-CTV and spare the OAR. The 2-year local control, disease-specific survival, and overall survival are 100%, 100%, and 93%, respectively. Conclusions MRIB-ABT using 3-T MRI for treatment of cervix cancer allows for customized alterations in dose specification that minimize dose to the OAR and maximize coverage of the HR-CTV.
Consistent condom use in the heterosexual relationships of young adults who live in a high-HIV-risk neighbourhood and do not use "hard drugs".

This study was set up to determine the predictors of condom use in the heterosexual non-commercial sexual relationships of young adults who neither inject drugs nor use cocaine heroin or crack in a neighborhood with widespread drug-use-connected HIV. The analytic sample is 279 young adults aged 18-24 who have never injected drugs and who have not used heroin cocaine or crack in the last year. They were recruited in the Bushwick neighborhood of New York City July 1997 to September 1999. A face-to-face interview included items about their sociodemographic background substance use and sexual networks. Sexual relationship and self-reported consistent (100%) condom use over the prior year with the partner in a given relationship was examined. Subjects had 337 heterosexual noncommercial relationships. Consistent condom use was reported in 32% of these relationships. In multiple logistic regression consistent condom use was more likely it in relationships that are not very close (odds ratio [OR] = 3.92; 95% confidence interval = 2.08 7.52); in the relationships of subjects whose peer norms support condom use (OR = 1.94; 95% CI = 1.43 2.69 who are not problem drinkers (OR = 8.70; 95% CI = 2.22 58.8) and (perhaps as a result of measurement issues) who are men (OR = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.04 3.68). In conclusion consistent condom use remains uncommon among youth in this high-risk neighborhood. It is thus important to keep HIV from entering the sexual networks of youth in communities like this through programs aimed at drug injectors and their sexual partners. Programs to increase condom use among young adults should focus on strengthening norms that promote safer sex to protect oneself and others. In addition assistance should be provided to youth who are problem drinkers. (authors)
The Etiology of Urolithiasis in HIV Infected Patients

ABSTRACTPurpose: It is commonly thought that urinary lithiasis in HIV infected patients on protease inhibitor therapy is composed primarily of the protease inhibitor itself. Since many HIV infected patients on protease inhibitors presenting to our institution had nonprotease inhibitor stones, we investigated potential underlying metabolic abnormalities that may account for the lithogenesis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all HIV infected patients on protease inhibitors with renal colic and evidence of nephrolithiasis who presented to our institution between June 1996 and January 2001. Patients were evaluated for stone composition and metabolic abnormalities of blood and urine when possible.Results: A total of 24 patients were identified, and all were or had been on protease inhibitors (indinavir 14, ritonavir 3, nelfnavir 2, unspecified 5). Of the 14 patients on indinavir only 4 (28.6%) had indinavir containing stones. The remaining stones in this group and in those not on indinavir con...
Remote interrogation and monitoring of implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Context: The rate of ICD implantation of has grown substantially after results of primary and secondary prevention trials have demonstrated mortality superiority over pharmacologic therapy. Although transtelephonic monitoring is routine for pacemaker follow-up there is no systematically collected data supporting remote interrogation and monitoring (RIM) of ICD patients. Objective: To prospectively measure the physician and patient acceptability, diagnostic value and safety of systematic periodic RIM of ICDS. Methods: 124 patients with single chamber ICDs were monitored by remote RIM and by annual outpatient ICD analysis. Patients could initiate additional remote interrogations due to symptoms and physicians could increase the frequency of remote interrogations to monitor elective replacement indicators or if the device was identified as requiring more frequent follow-up. Outpatient clinic analysis was used to investigate abnormal remote interrogations. Main Outcome Measures: SF-36 and patient satisfaction surveys were obtained at baseline, at 3 and 6 months. Results: 570 transmissions (5.1 + 2.4 per patient) were received and showed 54 delivered and 22 aborted ICD therapies and 30 episodes of NSVT. SF-36 results were no different at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Out of the total patients enrolled in the study, 93–99% of patients indicated complete or high satisfaction with remote interrogation in the five measures used to gauge satisfaction. Conclusions: Remote ICD interrogation provides frequent, convenient, safe and comprehensive monitoring. Device and patient related problems were reliably detected and reduced the frequency of outpatient visits. Patients were highly satisfied with the convenience and ease of use of the system.
Analysis of the human regulators of complement activation (RCA) gene cluster with yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs).

Abstract The human regulators of complement activation gene cluster (RCA cluster) have been partially characterized with yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). While the data confirm many points previously elucidated, the finer resolution of YAC mapping has allowed the discovery and/or localization of partial gene duplications, the determination of gene orientations, and the measurement of gaps between known genes. Here nine overlapping YACs that encompass a genomic region of 800 kb, encoding four RCA genes and three gene-like elements, are described. The encoded genes and two of the gene-like elements share the same orientation and are ordered (5′ to 3′) DAF, CR2, CR1, MCP-like, CR1-like, and MCP. A C4bp-like region lies upstream from DAF and is likely to correspond to one recently observed by F. Pardo-manuel, J.Rey-Campos, A. Hillarp, B. Dahlback, and S. Rodriguez de Cordoba (1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 4529–4533). MCP-like, a new genetic element, was discovered and found to be homologous to the 5′ portion of the MCP gene. Two large gaps of 85 kb (between CR2 and DAF) and 110 kb (between DAF and the C4bp-like element) could carry additional RCA genes. The arrangement of CR1, MCP-like, CR1-like, and MCP, in that order, strongly suggests that this region was generated by a single duplication of neighboring CR1 CR1 -like and MCP MCP -like forerunners. The RCA YACs will now serve as convenient DNA sources for the subcloning and further characterization of this region.
The effect of hot beverages, cold beverages, and chewing gum on oral temperature.

BACKGROUND A prospective blood donor's oral temperature is affected by external stimuli such as drinking a hot or cold beverage or chewing gum. These stimuli can cause a deferral or an inappropriate acceptance for a certain unknown time. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Ten volunteer subjects were exposed to each of the three stimuli in separate studies. Oral and tympanic membrane temperatures were taken before exposure, immediately after exposure, and at various times until the subject's temperature returned to baseline. RESULTS The drinking of a hot beverage caused an immediate mean temperature elevation of 2.6 degrees F which would lead to deferral for 7 of 10 subjects. All subjects were acceptable for blood donation (temperature <99.6 degrees F) by 5 minutes. A cold beverage lowered the temperature; the temperature in 6 subjects returned to baseline by 10 minutes and that in 4 did so by 30 minutes. Gum chewing caused minimal temperature elevations; only 1 donor's temperature reached 99.6 degrees F, and it was at acceptable levels for blood donation by 5 minutes. CONCLUSION Drinking a hot beverage and, to a much lesser degree, gum chewing can lead to a deferral for elevated temperature, but subjects were acceptable by 5 minutes. Cold beverages are of more concern, because they suppress the temperature for a short time and could theoretically lead to acceptance of a febrile, possibly infectious donor.
Reactions Toward Mental, Physical, and Substance‐Abuse Disorders

In this study, participants read 3 separate vignettes describing a hypothetical sibling with each of the following disorders: substance abuse, schizophrenia, and a physical illness. As hypothesized, and consistent with attribution theory, the hypothetical patient with a substance-abuse disorder was perceived as having the most control over his or her illness and the associated symptoms, and the patient described as having a physical illness was perceived as having the least control over his or her illness. Also in support of attribution theory, the hypothetical patient described as having a substance-abuse disorder elicited the most negative emotional reactions from participants, and the patient described as having a physical illness elicited the least negative emotional reactions. Again in support of attribution theory and study hypotheses, participants reported the most willingness to help a physically ill hypothetical sibling.
Cleveland Clinic experience with interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been considered the gold standard therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The problems associated with the TURP, which have been extensively described, include significant bleeding, TUR syndrome, incontinence, stricture, bladder neck contracture, and sexual dysfunction. The desire for simpler, less morbid alternative therapies to TURP has led to an eruption of research and development in the last decade. This is fueled by the continued research for more economical alternatives in our current high cost health care system.
Fear of aging: A precipitating factor in late onset anorexia nervosa

Two women with first onset of anorexia nervosa at ages 37 and 41 years presented with certain common clinical features. Both had presented a facade of social adjustment during their adult life, while maintaining a very dependent and enmeshed relation with their parents
Sentencing Female Drug Offenders: Reexamining Racial and Ethnic Disparities

This study analyzes the relationship between race/ethnicity and sentencing outcomes for female drug offenders in Florida. Grounded in the focal concerns perspective, the research examines whether, in the specific case of drug offenders, minority women are treated more harshly than White women. Interaction models are estimated to determine the influence of drug offense type on racial and ethnic sentencing disparities. Differences in sentencing outcomes are also examined following significant policy changes in the state. In general, the findings suggest that minority female drug offenders are disadvantaged at both the incarceration and sentence length decisions. It also appears that perceptions of dangerousness associated with female offenders' race/ethnicity and offense are incorporated into sentencing authorities' patterned responses. That is, the level of disparity between Black, Hispanic, and White females is conditioned by type of drug offense in the interaction models. The changes in sentencing policy...
Biological False-Positive Syphilis Test Results for Women Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Regardless of the nontreponemal test used for the screening and diagnosis of syphilis, biological false-positive results (BFPs) are documented in 1%-2% of all cases. An association between BFPs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in men has been suggested. We conducted a cohort study to determine whether a similar association between HIV seropositivity and BFPs exists for women. Among 156 HIV-seropositive women, 9 (5.8%) had a BFP for syphilis. Among 633 HIV-seronegative women, only 1 (0.2%) had a BFP. When the 25 HIV-seropositive patients and 55 HIV-seronegative patients with reactive rapid plasma reagin tests and microhemagglutination assays for antibodies to Treponema pallidum were excluded from the calculations, 6.9% and 0.2% of HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative women, respectively, had BFPs (P < .001; odds ratio, 39.45; 95% confidence interval, 6.4-879.0). An association was found between injection drug use and BFPs for the population of HIV-infected women but did not entirely account for the differences between this group and the HIV-seronegative group.
Myocardial Infarction After Normal Responses to Maximal Exercise

The unexpected occurrence of acute myocardial infarction shortly after performance of a multistage test of maximal exercise by a normal 42-year-old subject is described. There was no evidence of infarction after this exhausting effort, but symptoms occurred immediately on exposure to hot water while he was taking a shower a few minutes later. Cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation occurred after ECG evidence of acute infarction. Following successful defibrillation and coronary care, there was satisfactory recovery from massive anterior wall infarction. Incidence, possible pathophysiological mechanisms, and precautions are cited.
First‐world clinical anthropology and third‐world health issues

Golde, Peggy & Demitri B. Shimkin, eds. Clinical Anthropology: A New Approach to American Health Problems. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 1983. xxi + 456 pp. $17.75 (paper). Morgan, John H., ed. Third World Medicine and Social Change: A Reader in Social Science and Medicine. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 1983. ix + 317 pp. $26.25 (cloth), $14.00 (paper).
Decay of 102Ag and levels in 102Pd

Abstract The decay of the 102 Ag isomers has been investigated using magnetic-lens, scintillation and solid-state spectrometers. Half-lives of 13±0.4 and 7.7±0.5 min were assigned to the 5 + and 2 + spin isomers, respectively. Beta rays of 4.06, 3.37, 3.07, 2.26, 1.90, 1.50, 1.00 and 0.65 MeV end-points and gamma rays of 0.558, 0.727, 0.86, 1.01, 1.28, 1.60, 1.70, 1.80, 2.07, 2.79, 3.23 and 3.33 MeV were observed, and a large amount of K-capture was found. The isomeric tansition proceeds by means of the internal conversion process. A partial decay scheme has been proposed on the basis of the γ-γ, γ-γ-γ, β-γ, and X-ray-γ coincidences.
Dislocation structures and mechanisms of strain hardening in cyclically deformed Ni3Al + B single crystals

Abstract The evolution of dislocation substructures and their correlation with stress response in Ni3Al + B single crystals fatigued at room temperature has been studied. Fatigue was conducted at total strain amplitudes of 0.05%–0.2%. Hysteresis loops showing cyclic strain hardening and tension/compression flow stress asymmetry were recorded. The magnitude of stress asymmetry was dependent on the applied cyclic strain. A dislocation structure composed of jogged superdislocations and superdislocation dipoles was observed. The dislocation dipoles were mainly formed by non-conservative motion of jogged superdislocations during the cyclic hardening stage. The dragging of jogs, the interaction between dislocations and the impedance of dislocation motion by dislocation dipoles (point defect clusters) are the major contributors to cyclic strain hardening in Ni3Al + B single crystals. The separation between superpartial dislocations in a paired superdislocation was observed to fluctuate away from the equilibrium spacing during cyclic straining. The extent of the fluctuation became even more pronounced as the applied cyclic strain increased. This phenomenon may explain the cyclic strain dependence of tension-compression flow stress asymmetry found in fatigued Ni3Al + B single crystals.
Influence of biophysical factors and differences in Ojibwe reservation versus Euro-American social histories on forest landscape change in northern Wisconsin, USA

Landscape ecology studies have demonstrated that past modifications of the landscape frequently influence its structure, highlighting the utility of integrating historical perspectives from the fields of historical ecology and environmental history. Yet questions remain for historically-informed landscape ecology, especially the relative influence of social factors, compared to biophysical factors, on long-term land-cover change. Moreover, methods are needed to more effectively link history to ecology, specifically to illuminate the underlying political, economic, and cultural forces that influence heterogeneous human drivers of land-cover change. In northern Wisconsin, USA, we assess the magnitude of human historical forces, relative to biophysical factors, on land-cover change of a landscape dominated by eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) forest before Euro-American settlement. First, we characterize land-cover transitions of pine-dominant sites over three intervals (1860–1931; 1931–1951; 1951–1987). Transition analysis shows that white pine was replaced by secondary successional forest communities and agricultural land-covers. Second, we assess the relative influence of a socio-historical variable (“on-/off-Indian reservation”), soil texture (clay and sand), and elevation on land-cover transition. On the Lake Superior clay plain, models that combine socio-historical and biophysical variables best explain long-term land-cover change. The socio-historical variable dominates: the magnitude and rate of land-cover change differs among regions exposed to contrasting human histories. Third, we developed an integrative environmental history-landscape ecology approach, thereby facilitating linkage of observed land-cover transitions to broader political, economic, and cultural forces. These results are relevant to other landscape investigations that integrate history and ecology.
Use of a Variable Rate Spray Bar to Minimize Wheel Path Bleeding for Asphalt-Rubber Chip Seal Applications

Chip seals constructed in areas with a combination of high truck traffic volume and high climatic temperatures are susceptible bleeding in the wheel paths and raveling in nonwheel path areas. These failures arise from inherent differences in traffic loading in the two areas. Addressing this problem calls for the binder application rate for the two regions to be varied and using asphalt binders with a high stiffness at high temperatures to prevent bleeding. No well-established design methods that yield a different binder application rate exists. Although equipment for applying variable binder rates exists, there is limited performance data, and no guidelines for calibrating the equipment in the field exist. This paper presents the findings of field studies in which both uniform and variable application rates were used to construct asphalt-rubber chip seals in California. The results show that using different binder application rates in and out of wheel paths can mitigate bleeding and raveling. The paper also presents a new field calibration test method for both conventional and variable rate distributor spray bars.