cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing Resource Use and Outcomes between Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices and Orthotopic Heart Transplant in the United States from 2006-2014: A Nationally Representative Sample of Emergency Department Visits

Purpose With advances in mechanical circulatory support and orthotopic heart transplants (OHT) remaining a limited resource, there has been a dramatic increase in Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implantation. There is minimal data comparing emergency department (ED) resource utilization and outcomes between these populations. We examined national estimates of VAD and OHT-related ED visits and evaluated admissions, resource utilization, and mortality. Methods This study is an epidemiological analysis comparing national estimates of ED visit-level data from the 2006-2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) in patients with VADs vs OHT, identified using ICD-9 codes. The primary outcome was death; secondary outcomes included median inflation-adjusted charge and hospital admission. We tested the hypothesis that resource utilization and mortality are higher in ED visits for VAD patients compared to OHT patients. Results 17,356 VAD-related ED, and 138,133 OHT-related visits were identified. Patients with VADs were more likely to be male (74% vs 70%, p=0.001) and ≥ 65 yo (39% vs 38%, p=0.0004). VADs were more likely to have a primary diagnosis of bleeding (25% vs 2%) and less likely to have acute respiratory disease (6% vs 20%, p Conclusion Patients with VADs presenting to the ED represent a population with greater morbidity, mortality and resource utilization compared to OHT. A more developed understanding of those factors that drive mortality and resource use is imperative for improving outcomes in this high-risk population.
Development and validation of natural language processing (NLP) algorithm for detection of distant versus local breast cancer recurrence and metastatic site.

2043Background: Electronic health records (EHR) are used for retrospective cancer outcomes analysis. Sites and timing of recurrence are not captured in structured EHR data. Novel computerized metho...
Story-Go-Round: Augmented Reality Storytelling in the Multidisciplinary Classroom

Project-based courses in Art + Design and Computer Science curriculum foster innovation spaces that require creative thinking and multidisciplinary problem solving for unorthodox scenarios through the interplay of technology, arts, and design thinking. “Story-Go-Round” is a physical development platform for producing augmented digital experiences, designed exclusively as an assignment to tell stories through interactive control and gameplay via circular rotating sets. We propose a miniature mechanical and replaceable “carousel-like” stage linked to a game engine, which controls the rotation using a motor as well as streaming live camera feeds of the stage directly into the game environment.The assignment is inspired by the historical aspects of replaceable computer media such as game cartridges, and early animation devices such as the zoetrope and animated concertina. The stage component is open to continuous physical interaction for an evolving set design, like the process used in stop motion animation set building. The assignment asks students to develop a seamless circling narrative by understanding material and spatial choices and their impact as seen through the camera as well as inside the game engine as logically meaningful and visually important components. The narrative can evolve around a defined theme, or simply focus on engaging and innovative play.In groups, students complete the stage design by curating resources and assembling found objects, fabricating custom environments, through hand-skills, digital fabrication and simple electronics. They then proceed to produce digital assets, animation and interactivity, including and not limited to game mechanics, control schemes and augmented reality. The assignment lowers the intimidation factor by reenacting the forgiving process of making dioramas and integrating this with foundational skills in game design and programming, and the breadth of digital making. The benefit of this assignment is to think outside the box and leave the comfort zone in order to innovate, collaborate, and learn.
Non-communicable Diseases in Pregnant and Postpartum Women Living with HIV: Implications for Health Throughout the Life Course.

The development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in pregnant women living with HIV can be a harbinger of future NCD-related morbidity and mortality. This review focuses on the NCDs that complicate pregnancy and the postpartum period, including hypertensive complications, hyperglycemic disorders, excessive gestational weight gain, and bone mineral density losses. For each disease process, we explore the role of HIV as a possible driver of excess risk, the immediate consequences of these complications on pregnancy outcomes and maternal and infant health, and possible implications for long-term women’s health. Countries with the highest burden of HIV also shoulder a high burden of NCDs that complicate pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders, hyperglycemic disorders, weight gain, and osteopenia. This double burden of disease is a significant public health threat for reproductive-age women, with the potential for serious short- and long-term consequences for both women and their infants. Additionally, as the global first-line antiretroviral therapy regimens increasingly include integrase inhibitors, unhealthy weight gain associated with this drug class poses additional risk for NCD-related pregnancy complications and their persistence postpartum. Further research is needed to better define prevalence of NCD complications in pregnancy, elucidate HIV-specific and traditional factors associated with poor outcomes, and to develop interventions to reduce risk and avoid downstream complications in those at highest risk.
Teaching beyond the Textbook: Integrating Formerly Incarcerated Individuals into Criminal Justice Learning Environments

Criminal justice educators must create a learning environment that explores issues of justice from diverse perspectives. While textbooks offer students a foundation of knowledge regarding the event...
Assessing States' Intimate Partner Violence Offender Treatment Standards using a Principles of Effective Intervention Framework.

Court-ordered treatment programs are a widely used response to intimate partner violence (IPV) and many states have developed standards to guide programs. The current study provides an update to Ma...
COVID-19 preventive measures and restaurant customers’ intention to dine out: the role of brand trust and perceived risk

This study examined the roles of perceived preventive measures and brand trust on the intention to dine out at restaurants during the reopening period in the United States. A total of 587 participants, recruited through a market research company completed the data. Multiple regression was used for data analysis. The results indicated that perceived importance of preventive measures enhanced customers’ intention to dine out via brand trust. Perceived risk moderated the relationship between perceived importance of preventive measures and brand trust. The study provided significant implications for restaurant operation during the reopening period.
The regulatory subunits of PI3K, p85α and p85β, differentially affect BRD7-mediated regulation of insulin signaling.

Bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) has been shown to interact with the regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p85, in the insulin signaling pathway. Here, we show that upregulation of hepatic BRD7 improves glucose homeostasis even in the absence of either p85 isoform, p85α or p85β. However, BRD7 leads to differential activation of downstream effector proteins in the insulin signaling pathway depending on which isoform of p85 is present. In the presence of only p85α, BRD7 overexpression increases phosphorylation of insulin receptor upon insulin stimulation, without increasing the recruitment of p85 to insulin receptor substrate. Overexpression of BRD7 also increases activation of Akt in response to insulin but does not affect basal phosphorylation levels of Akt. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is increased by overexpression of BRD7. On the other hand, in the presence of only p85β, BRD7 overexpression does not affect phosphorylation levels of insulin receptor, and Akt phosphorylation is not affected by insulin stimulation following BRD7 upregulation. However, BRD7 overexpression leads to increased basal phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3β. These data demonstrate that BRD7's action on glucose homeostasis does not require the presence of both p85 isoforms, and p85α and p85β have unique roles in insulin signaling in the liver.
Preference for Flavored Wheat Straw by Lambs Conditioned with Intraruminal Infusions of Starch Administered at Different Times After Straw Ingestion

We hypothesized that the development and extinction of preferences for flavored foods paired with infusions of starch depends on the delay between food ingestion and starch administration and on the frequency of starch administration. To test this hypothesis, we divided 24 lambs into three groups of 8 lambs/group. On even days, half of the lambs were offered chopped wheat straw flavored with a distinctive flavor, whereas the other half received straw with a different flavor. Starch (12% of the daily DE required by the lambs) was infused into the rumen immediately after lambs began to eat straw in Group 1 (150 g starch), immediately after lambs began to eat straw (75 g) and 30 min later (75 g) in Group 2, and when straw refusals were collected 1 h after lambs began to eat straw in Group 3 (150 g). On odd days, the flavors were switched and infusions of starch were replaced with water. After 8 d of conditioning, starch infusions were suspended, and lambs were offered a choice of wheat straw with the two distinctive flavors. All lambs acquired strong preferences for flavored straw paired with starch (P< .001), but the delay between straw ingestion and starch infusion affected preferences (P<.05). Lambs that received starch 1 h after beginning to eat straw (Group 3) had lower preferences than lambs that received starch immediately after beginning to eat straw (Groups 1 and 2). Lambs that received two starch infusions (Group 2) did not show higher preferences for flavored straw than lambs that received only one starch infusion immediately after beginning to eat (Group 1). Lambs in our study retained preferences for at least 17 d when eating straw was no longer reinforced with starch (P<.001). However, preferences were less persistent for lambs that received starch immediately after beginning to eat straw (Group 1) than for lambs that received starch in two pulses (Group 2) or lambs that received starch 1 h after beginning to eat straw (Group 3). Collectively, our results support the hypothesis that the delay between food ingestion and starch administration affects food preferences of lambs. These findings suggest that manipulating the chemical characteristics of foods, which affects the kinetics of forage degradation in the rumen, can increase food preferences in ruminants.
Taking aim at HIV replication.

Impressive progress has been made in the development of drugs that inhibit human immunodeficiency virus replication. A new study indicates that mycophenolic acid, a selective inhibitor of lymphocyte proliferation, might also be useful in controlling viral replication through several mechanisms (pages 762–768 ).
The molecular mobility of supercooled amorphous indomethacin as a function of temperature and relative humidity

Purpose. To determine the relaxation times of supercooled indomethacin as a function of temperature and relative humidity above Tg, and to analyze the results in the context of being able to predict such behavior at various storage conditions.
Current opinion on the role of testosterone in the development of prostate cancer: a dynamic model

Since the landmark study conducted by Huggins and Hodges in 1941, a failure to distinguish between the role of testosterone in prostate cancer development and progression has led to the prevailing opinion that high levels of testosterone increase the risk of prostate cancer. To date, this claim remains unproven. We present a novel dynamic mode of the relationship between testosterone and prostate cancer by hypothesizing that the magnitude of age-related declines in testosterone, rather than a static level of testosterone measured at a single point, may trigger and promote the development of prostate cancer. Although not easily testable currently, prospective cohort studies with population-representative samples and repeated measurements of testosterone or retrospective cohorts with stored blood samples from different ages are warranted in future to test the hypothesis. Our dynamic model can satisfactorily explain the observed age patterns of prostate cancer incidence, the apparent conflicts in epidemiological findings on testosterone and risk of prostate cancer, racial disparities in prostate cancer incidence, risk factors associated with prostate cancer, and the role of testosterone in prostate cancer progression. Our dynamic model may also have implications for testosterone replacement therapy.
The effect of transverse shear on the postbuckling and growth characteristics of delaminations in composites

A geometrically nonlinear formulation for the behavior of composite delaminated beams of arbitrary stacking sequence, and with the effects of transverse shear deformation included, is presented. The formulation is based on a first-order shear deformation kinematic model, which incorporates the bending-stretching coupling effect and also assumes an arbitrary initial imperfection. The nonlinear differential equations are solved by Newton's method using a finite-difference scheme. The growth of the delamination is also studied by applying the J-integral in order to derive a formula for the energy release rate, which includes transverse shear. Results are presented which illustrate the shear effect, especially with respect to the ratio of the in-plane extensional over shear modulus and with respect to the ratio of plate length over thickness. It is seen that transverse shear can affect largely the displacement profiles, rendering the structure more compliant, and can promote growth by increasing the energy release rate, but this latter effect is moderate and mainly noticeable only at the later stages in the postbuckling regime.
Chemical bioregulation of carotenogenesis in phycomyces blakesleeanus

Abstract 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)Triethylamine (CPTA) and three N,N -diethylalkylamines affected carotenogenesis in Phycomyces blakesleeanus wild type NRRL 1555 and carA mutants C2, C3 and C152. The mode of action of the N,N -diethylalkylamines appears to be similar to that of CPTA, but differ in relative effectiveness. In all cases, carotenogenesis was stimulated and lycopene accumulated as the major pigment with concomitant increase of γ-carotene. N,N -Diethylbutylamine and N,N -diethylhexylamine seem to be more effective than CPTA in inducing carotenogenesis in Phycomyces wild type NRRL 1555 and carA mutants.
Effects of nuclear parity violation in deuterium atoms and elastic electron-deuteron scattering

The effects of nuclear parity violation on atomic deuterium parity violation experiments and elastic electron-deuteron scattering are treated. Since the hadronic isoscalar axial neutral weak current is very small in the Weinberg-Salam theory, the effects of nuclear parity violation are important in parity violation measurements which test the vector coupling to the electron and the axial (isoscalar) coupling to the deuteron. Such measurements have been proposed as a test of the Weinberg-Salam theory. A consistent treatment of the effect requires a modification of the impulse approximation to restore gauge invariance. It is found that parity nonconservation caused by nuclear parity violation is of the same order of magnitude as that caused by the anomaly-induced isoscalar axial neutral weak current or as that due to radiative corrections.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{2}\mathrm{H}(e,{e}^{\ensuremath{'}})^{2}\mathrm{H}$; parity-violating form factors, "nucleon-only" impulse approximation constrained by gauge invariance; induced isoscalar axial neutral weak current, radiative corrections.
Lens epithelial inhibition by PMMA optic: Implications for lens design

It has been a clinical impression that posterior chamber lens implants in some way inhibit opacification of the posterior lens capsule after extracapsular cataract extraction. The mechanism of this inhibition is unclear; it may be related to mechanical contact or blockage of migration of lens epithelial cells, or possibly to the leeching of toxic factors from the lens itself. A better understanding of the exact mechanism of opacification inhibition may have important clinical implications for intraocular lens design. For example, some lens designs that facilitate Nd:YAG capsulotomy by physically separating the posterior chamber lens and the posterior capsule may result in less inhibition and in fact more opacification of posterior capsules. We performed in vitro tissue culture studies of the effect of the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) optic of a planoconvex intraocular lens on cultured rabbit lens epithelium. These studies demonstrated both inhibition of lens epithelial migration beneath the PMMA optic (plano side down) as well as metaplasia and necrosis of lens cells growing directly beneath the optic. The clinical implications of these studies for intraocular lens design are discussed.
Supply chain security: an overview and research agenda

Purpose – Supply chain security (SCS), as a component of an organization's overall supply chain risk management strategy, has become a critical factor for businesses and government agencies since September 11, 2001, yet little empirical research supports policy or practice for the field. Therefore, this paper develops and presents a categorization of SCS based on existing research. This categorization of supply chain literature can help academics and practitioners to better understand SCS and also helps to identify a research agenda. Setting a research agenda for SCS will help academic and practitioner research focus on critical issues surrounding SCS.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers thoroughly reviewed the literature on SCS, including academic publications, white papers, and practitioner periodicals. The literature was then categorized according to the approach to SCS and the practical implications of this categorization are presented. In addition, this categorization was used to identify re...
The coming revolution in interactive digital video

Presentation de huit articles relatifs aux possibilites offertes par le stockage et l'acces interactif aux documents codes numeriquement. Exemple d'application a la documentation d'un musee
Mental status as a predictor of response to memory training in older adults

The present study assessed the association between rated mental status and response to a memory‐training program. A commonly used general measure of cognitive impairment, the Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), was administered to 102 elderly participants enrolled in a 2‐week memory‐training program. The program used two visual‐imagery mnemonics (name‐face recall and list learning by the “method of loci"). The MMSE scores were positively related to improvement in recall performance. Individuals with relatively mild deficits (those scoring below 29) showed less improvement than those scoring 29 and 30. Differences in ability to benefit from training were also noted between the two mnemonic devices, suggesting a more rapid fall off in ability to benefit from training with a more complex mnemonic, the method of loci.
Some inequalities related to Sobolev norms

In this paper, we study some properties related to the new characterizations of Sobolev spaces introduced in Bourgain and Nguyen (C R Acad Sci, 343:75–80, [2006]), Nguyen (J Funct Anal 237: 689–720, [2006]; J Eur Math Soc 10:191–229, [2008]). More precisely, we establish variants of the Poincare inequality, the Sobolev inequality, and the Rellich–Kondrachov compactness theorem, where \({\int_{\mathbb{R}^N} |\nabla g|^p \;dx}\) is replaced by some quantity of the type $$I_{\delta} (g) =\mathop{\int\limits_{\mathbb{R}^N}\int\limits_{\mathbb{R}^N}}_{|g(x) - g(y)| > \delta}\frac{\delta^p}{|x-y|^{N+p}}\, dx \, dy.$$
High Yield Selective Acylation of Polyamines: Proton as Protecting Group

An advance in the selective acylation of polyamines having identical or similar amine functions is reported. While nucleophilicity differences between the various amine functions are slight, the corresponding conjugate acids exhibit pKa values over a significant range. We have used proton as polyamine protecting group: the monoamine resulting from single deprotonation of a polyammonium compound has allowed for high yields of selective acylation.
An empirical investigation of forces influencing productivity and the rate of convergence among states

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the productivity performance of state economies in the U.S. over the past two decades and, in particular, to identify the degree to which convergence has occurred in productivity. A key element of this analysis is the identification of the contribution of factor inputs, as well as human capital, gender composition of employment, and shifting industrial mix by state during the period 1969–88. The findings provide strong evidence of convergence even when controlling for other factors.
Scaling of entanglement at a quantum phase transition for a two-dimensional array of quantum dots

Using the Hubbard model, the entanglement scaling behavior in a two-dimensional itinerant system is investigated. It has been found that, on the two sides of the critical point denoting an inherent quantum phase transition (QPT), the entanglement follows different scalings with the size, just as an order parameter does. This fact reveals the subtle role played by the entanglement in QPT as a fungible physical resource.
Annotating enzymes of unknown function: N-formimino-L-glutamate deiminase is a member of the amidohydrolase superfamily.

The functional assignment of enzymes that catalyze unknown chemical transformations is a difficult problem. The protein Pa5106 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been identified as a member of the amidohydrolase superfamily by a comprehensive amino acid sequence comparison with structurally authenticated members of this superfamily. The function of Pa5106 has been annotated as a probable chlorohydrolase or cytosine deaminase. A close examination of the genomic content of P. aeruginosa reveals that the gene for this protein is in close proximity to genes included in the histidine degradation pathway. The first three steps for the degradation of histidine include the action of HutH, HutU, and HutI to convert l-histidine to N-formimino-l-glutamate. The degradation of N-formimino-l-glutamate to l-glutamate can occur by three different pathways. Three proteins in P. aeruginosa have been identified that catalyze two of the three possible pathways for the degradation of N-formimino-l-glutamate. The protein Pa5106 w...
Challenges in using photosensitive embedding material to planarize multi-layer coils for actuator systems

Microfabricated electromagnetic actuators require substantial building heights. Fabricating such devices not only demands great resist thicknesses for forming micromolds for electroplating, but also embedding technologies for creating intermediate planes. This paper investigates the process for producing embedding layers using the epoxy-based photoresist SU-8. The results were applied towards the integration of multi-layer coils in a high aspect ratio electromagnetic microactuator.
A reflection on partial coherence in electron microscopy.

The concept of partial coherence, which originated in light optics, is investigated in the case of dark-field electron microscopy. Two atoms arbitrarily arranged in the object space are considered as sources of the secondary waves. The influence of lens aberrations is taken into account. The real degree of coherence γr is calculated for the STEM as well as the CTEM. In the case of atomic resolution, the finite size of the atoms significantly influences the degree of coherence, so that it becomes a function of the image coordinate. Analytical expressions are obtained for γr which are valid at present-day resolutions for both the CTEM and STEM. The dark-field intensity distribution in the detector plane of a STEM is calculated for an object consisting of two atoms in different configurations and for different positions of the scanning spot.
Telecommunications policy in Pakistan

Abstract The telecommunications in Pakistan is currently going through a period of transition as technological advances and liberalization of the industry move the industry into position to compete in an increasingly competitive world and regional environment. This paper surveys these developments with emphasis on the policies initiated by the government in recent years. In particular, attention is given to identifying the main patterns of growth in the telecommunications sector, and in assessing the manner in which these patterns have been affected by government policy. This paper concludes with speculation as to the impact current and future technological advances will have on the sector, with an appraisal made of the likely direction of future public policy.
Quantitative integration of the Salmonella microsuspension assay with supercritical fluid extraction of model airborne vapor-phase mutagens

Abstract Vapor-phase mutagens are potentially a major class of toxic contaminants in ambient and indoor air. These compounds are not routinely analyzed due to a lack of an established integrated methodology to quantitatively trap, extract and test the compounds in a bioassay. In a previous report, we emphasized the trapping of volatile and semi-volatile mutagens and the extraction of these compounds using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2). In the present study, we discuss the use of a bioassay for the quantitation of the model mutagens, ethylene dibromide (EDB) and 4-nitrobiphenyl (4-NB), trapped from an airstream. The compounds EDB and 4-NB were released into a controlled airstream, trapped on XAD-4 adsorbent, and were extracted using supercritical CO2. The extract was tested in a microsuspension modification of the Ames Salmonella/microsome test adapted for volatile compounds. Linear dose-response relationships were obtained for supercritical CO2-extracted EDB using tester strain TA100 (±S9) and for 4-NB using tester strains TA98 and TA100 (−S9). Standard dose-response curves with known amounts of the compounds were also determined for comparison with measured amounts of the model compounds collected in an airstream. The gas chromatographic (GC)- and bioassay-determined quantities of EDB and 4-NB were highly correlated, accurate and precise. For example, bioassay-determined EDB concentrations were within 10% of the GC-determined concentrations. Our results demonstrate that the integrated methodology for vapor-phase mutagens developed in this study would be useful for quantitative analysis of these and related airborne vapor-phase mutagenic compounds.
A picoampere A/D converter for biosensor applications

Detection and analysis of biological and biochemical signals via compact sensor systems require low-power and compact analog-to-digital converter (ADC) systems. Here we present a highly sensitive flash current-mode ADC (IADC) design with resolution down to 15 pA. The IADC's small-size and low-power capabilities allow integration for stand-alone biological or chemical microsensor applications.
Early successional vegetation assembly in a spatially variable hydrologic regime

Mitigation wetlands are intended to replace the ecological conditions of wetlands lost to development or drainage, resulting in a theoretical expectation that the replacement wetland will support a species composition and diversity comparable to a reference standard. I analyze a freshwater mitigation wetland in central Ohio, USA to evaluate factors that influence spatial patterns of plant community assembly in terms of floristic quality and diversity. Soil seed bank, bulk density, organic content, and pH are evaluated, along with average depth, exposure time, depth variance, and spatial location within the wetland basins, for their relationship with plant community characteristics in the first three years after wetland creation. The plant community was highly variable during the study period, with general trends toward greater diversity and more hydrophilic vegetation. The spatial distribution of nonnative cover, planted cover, mean coefficient of conservatism, and diversity in the third-year plant commun...
Electrical stimulation of sacral dermatomes can suppress aberrant urethral reflexes in felines with chronic spinal cord injury.

Aims Uncoordinated reflex contractions of the external urethral sphincter (EUS) are a major component of voiding dysfunction after neurologic injury. Patterned stimulation of sacral afferent pathways can reduce abnormal EUS reflexes after acute spinal cord injury (SCI); however, effectiveness following chronic SCI is unknown. Methods Four adult male cats were implanted with bilateral extradural sacral root electrodes to allow bladder activation and underwent subsequent spinal transection (T10–12). Nine weeks after SCI urethral and bladder pressures were recorded with and without sacral afferent stimulation. Surface electrodes were applied to sacral and lumbar dermatomes and stimulus amplitude set below the muscle fasciculation threshold. The stimulation pattern was varied by on/off times of fixed frequency at each location. Results Reflexive EUS contractions were observed in all animals after chronic SCI. Patterned sacral dermatome stimulation reduced EUS reflex rate and amplitude in two of four cats. Suppression was dependent on both the stimulus location and pattern. Sacral locations and a stimulation pattern of (0.75 sec on, 0.25 sec off, 20 Hz) were effective in both responder animals. Conclusions Patterned sacral dermatome stimulation can reduce abnormal urethral reflexes following chronic SCI. Reflex suppression is dependent on both the stimulation location and stimulus pattern. Reduction of reflexive EUS activity after chronic SCI with this non-destructive and non-invasive approach may provide an advance for the treatment of detrusor-sphincter-dyssynergia. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 92–97, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overview of benign prostatic hypertrophy

Pathogenesis and therapy of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) are reviewed. Elevated prostate dihydrotestosterone concentrations, increased 5 alpha-reductase activity in the hypertrophic prostate, and prostate atrophy following castration all suggest a significant role for dihydrotestosterone in the pathogenesis of BPH. An increasing plasma estrogen/testosterone ratio with age, and the presence of estrogen receptors in the prostatic stroma, indicate that estrogen also may be involved in the development of BPH. Symptomatic improvement of BPH with androgen withdrawal therapy (including castration, antiandrogens, GnRH agonists, and 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors), as well as effective estrogen withdrawal with tamoxifen, strongly supports the endocrine pathogenesis of BPH.
Pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic effects of central venous and left atrial sympathomimetic drug administration in the dog

Systemic vasopressor or inotropic therapy may exacerbate existing pulmonary hypertension; the optimal agent and route of administration in this situation are unknown. The systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic effects of four sympathomimetic agents (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine) during central venous and left atrial administration were investigated in the anesthetized dog. All four drugs increased both systemic and pulmonary artery pressures. Dopamine and epinephrine increased cardiac output and reduced systemic vascular resistance. Phenylephrine decreased cardiac output and increased systemic vascular resistance and left atrial pressure. Norepinephrine did not significantly affect cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, or left atrial pressure. None of the four drugs affected pulmonary vascular resistance. The ratio of systemic to pulmonary vascular resistance decreased with epinephrine and increased with phenylephrine. There were no hemodynamic differences related to the route of infusion for any of the four drugs. However, pulmonary arterial concentrations of the three drugs measured (dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) were markedly lower during left atrial compared to central venous drug administration; systemic drug concentrations were similar or increased during left atrial compared to central venous drug administration. It is concluded that the relative effects on the systemic and pulmonary circulations differ for the four drugs; rational choice of a vasopressor will depend upon the hemodynamic situation and the desired effect. Left atrial catecholamine administration is effective in decreasing pulmonary arterial drug concentrations and may decrease adverse pulmonary effects in clinical practice.
Lucy wortham james award. Cytologic detection and diagnosis of cancer. Its contributions and limitations

The use of cytology for the detection and diagnosis of cancer has been a rapidly developing area of pathology. Cytology has been used for mass screening of asymptomatic people, for selective screening of individuals at high risk, and for diagnosis in patients suspected of having cancer. The only area in which mass screening has proved to be cost effective in reducing morbidity and mortality rates is cancer of the uterine cervix. Selective high risk screening has been proposed for endometrium, lung, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract and oral cavity. Field trials have been performed for each site and some are still operational. While a degree of success has been achieved in identifying patients with early and asymptomatic cancer, cost effectiveness has not as yet been demonstrated and it seems unlikely that it will be. The cytologic diagnosis of cancer of these sites in symptomatic patients is highly effective for lung and bladder cancer. It has been somewhat less effective for gastrointestinal cancer. It is also of value in identifying cancer cells in effusions and for cancer staging. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy for the diagnosis of cancer has been used for over half a century, but in more recent years it has gained wider usage and is now used to diagnose tumors of almost any organ. It is highly cost effective, does not require hospitalization or anesthetic, and is rapid and accurate. Some of the indications and limitations of cellular diagnosis of cancer are presented.
Through-the-wall target localization using dual-frequency CW radars

A simple through-the-wall radar system for moving target localization is proposed. This scheme is based on trilateration and range estimation from three independent dual-frequency CW radar units. The dual-frequency technique uses phase comparison of the transmitted and received CW signals to provide an estimate of the range-to-motion. The difference in frequency of the two CW carriers determines the maximum unambiguous range of the target. The range estimates from the three independent CW radar units are then combined using trilateration for target localization. The composition and thickness of the wall, its dielectric constant, and the angle of incidence all affect the characteristics of the signal propagating through the wall. The propagating signal slows down, encounters refraction, and is attenuated as it passes through the wall. If unaccounted for, the non-line-of-sight propagation due to refraction and the slowing down of the waves will introduce a bias in the estimated target location. Our scheme takes into account the presence of the wall and corrects for its refraction and speed of propagation effects. Proof of concept is provided using simulated data. The results show that the proposed dual-frequency CW radar system is able to correctly locate and track moving targets behind walls.
Redox changes in the mouse carotid body during hypoxia

Abstract The carotid body of the mouse is ideally suited for in vitro photometric and fluorometric studies using transillumination. It is small, thin and translucent. Photometric recordings were made by using a dual wavelength method. Wavelengths of 550 nm (maximal absorbance, MA) and 540 nm (isosbestic point, IP) were employed to study cytochromec, 600 nm (MA) and 620 nm (IP) for a pigment presumed to be cytochromeaa3, 580 nm (MA) and 570 or 542 nm (IP) tp control for possible effects of hemoglobin (Hb). Exposure of the organ to NaCN (10–50 nM) reduced cytochromesc and putativeaa3. Hypoxia (produced by superfusing with an medium equilibrated with 100% N2) reduced cytochromec but tended to oxidize the presumed cytochromeaa3. These effects were apparent at a medium pO2 of 100 torr or less. Fluorometry revealed reduction of NADH under both cyanide exposure and hypoxia. There was little or no interference by Hb when the preparations were carefully washed of remaining red cells. The precise site of the recorded mitochondria is unknown: they could have been located in the parenchymall cells (type I and/or II), nerve terminals, smooth muscle fibers, etc. Resolution of this point will need using dissociated carotid body cells. Further, the possible presence of a special respiratory pigment responding at a wavelength similar to that exciting cytochromeaa3 has not been discarded. Its study would require isolating carotid body mitochondria.
Reinfection rates after 1-stage revision shoulder arthroplasty for patients with unexpected positive intraoperative cultures

Background Recent studies have detailed the significance of indolent infections in revision shoulder arthroplasty, but little information is available to guide treatment strategies regarding patients with positive cultures without overt signs of infection. The primary purpose of this study was to determine recurrence rates of infection for patients undergoing revision shoulder arthroplasty who were not treated for infection but had positive intraoperative cultures. Materials and methods We retrospectively reviewed the results of 17 patients undergoing revision of a failed shoulder joint replacement with at least 1 positive intraoperative culture who were not treated for infection because of limited signs of infection before or at the time of revision surgery. These patients underwent 1-stage revision surgery without an extended intravenous antibiotic regimen. Results The recurrence rate of infection for the 17 patients was 5.9%. The most common pathogen cultured at revision surgery was Propionibacterium acnes (10 of 17 [56%]), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (6 of 17 [35%]). Conclusion We found that low-virulence and clinically unexpected infections treated with 1-stage revision have a low risk for recurrent infection. This study suggests that intensive antimicrobial treatment strategies may not be necessary to reduce recurrent infections in patients with positive intraoperative cultures, without overt clinical signs of infection before or during the revision surgery.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 171

Abstract Experimental data pertaining to all nuclei with mass number A=171 have been evaluated. Level schemes from both radioactive decay and reaction studies are presented, along with associated tables of experimental data and adopted properties for levels and transitions.
Reconciling with valuable partners by long-tailed macaques

In primates and other social mammals, opponents in aggressive conflicts have been reported to seek one another out after fights for various types of friendly interaction. In long-tailed macaques, these friendly reunions have been shown to restore aspects of the social relationship of the opponents to their preconflict state, and they have thus been interpreted as reconciliations. Although postconflict reconciliation would seem to be adaptive to gregarious animals that establish individualized social relationships, its occurrence is variable among species, groups and dyads. Some of this variation probably reflects costs and benefits of reconciling in different situations. One factor that might influence the benefit of reconciliation and hence its occurrence is the value of the social partner as a social or ecological resource: reconciliation should occur more often after fights with valuable social partners. We conducted an experiment to test this hypothesis using pairs of monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) as their own controls. First, baseline rates of reconciliation after experimenter-induced conflict were measured. Then, the value of the relationship, at least in the test context, was increased by training each pair of monkeys to perform a simple cooperative task in which each got access to food only if the partner fed nearby simultaneously. Finally, the reconciliation rate was measured again after training and compared to its baseline value. In 6 of 7 dyads, the reconciliation rate increased after training, and the median reconciliation rate after training was 3 times higher than at baseline. While the results are consistent with the value hypothesis, there are other potential explanations. Comparison of friendly behavior when there had been no prior aggression in baseline and post-training phases, however, suggested that the increase in reconciliation rate was neither the result of a general increase in compatibility nor the result of anticipated conflict in the cofeeding context.
P2Y6 and vascular inflammation

In this issue of Blood , Riegel and colleagues demonstrate that inflammatory stimuli induce the expression of the P2Y6 receptor on the vascular endothelium where it serves to enhance systemic inflammatory responses.[1][1] The vascular endothelium plays an important role in orchestrating
An alternating pulsed magnetic field gradient apparatus for NMR self-diffusion measurements

Abstract An apparatus is described for the application of alternating pulsed magnetic field gradients for NMR self-diffusion measurements. In contrast with previous methods, this is done using a single set of quadrature coils and a single power supply. In addition, an NMR probe configuration is described which allows a gas flow temperature-regulated system along with the gradient coil to be placed within a 44-mm magnet gap. Some results and observations indicate that residual magnetic field gradients, which are produced by the pulsed gradients, are not due to induced eddy currents and are nonlinear. Calculations of the magnetic field gradient for a rotated gradient coil including image currents in the magnet pole faces are included. The effects of gradient coil orientation on anisotropic diffusion measurements in magic-angle-oriented systems are discussed.
Radon and Asbestos: A Study of Agenda Setting and Causal Stories

Employing Kingdon's model of agenda setting (1984) and Stone's notion of causal stories (1989), this article examines how public concerns about radon and asbestos reached the congressional agenda. Several conclusions about agenda setting and causal stories are offered: First, scientific consensus about health risks was a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for radon and asbestos to achieve agenda status. Second, media involvement and the presence of policy entrepreneurs were critical factors in the agenda setting process. Third, differing incentives within the policy stream (for radon) and the political stream (for asbestos) affected the speed by which agenda setting occurred, as well as the shaping of formal policy.
The number of subcenters in large urban areas

Abstract We review and test Fujita and Ogawa's [Regional Science and Urban Economic 12 (1982) 161–196] model of urban spatial structure. The central theoretical prediction is that the number of employment subcenters rises with population and commuting costs. Simple Poisson regressions for a sample of 62 large American urban areas provide strong support for the theory, and these two variables alone account for nearly 80% of the variation in the number of subcenters. The results imply that an urban area with low congestion develops its first subcenter when its population reaches 2.68 million and its second subcenter at a population of 6.74 million.
An Analytical Explanation for the X-43A Flush Air Data Sensing System Pressure Mismatch Between Flight and Theory

Following the successful Mach 7 flight test of the X-43A, unexpectedly low pressures were measured by the aft set of the onboard Flush Air Data Sensing System s pressure ports. These in-flight aft port readings were significantly lower below Mach 3.5 than was predicted by theory. The same lower readings were also seen in the Mach 10 flight of the X-43A and in wind-tunnel data. The pre-flight predictions were developed based on 2-dimensional wedge flow, which fails to predict some of the significant 3-dimensional flow features in this geometry at lower Mach numbers. Using Volterra s solution to the wave equation as a starting point, a three-dimensional finite wedge approximation to flow over the X-43A forebody is presented. The surface pressures from this approximation compare favorably with the measured wind tunnel and flight data at speeds of Mach 2.5 and 3.
Stability of the Rel Homology Domain Is Critical for Generation of NF-κB p50 Subunit

The NF-κB transcription factor p50 and the Rel protein-specific transcription inhibitor p105 are both encoded by the nfkb1 gene. The p50 protein is incorporated within the N-terminal portion of p105 and is a unique product of proteasomal processing. Because proteasome-mediated proteolysis generally results in complete degradation of the substrate, how p50 survives the proteasomal processing remains unknown. Survival of proteasomal processing has also been observed recently for the yeast transcription factors SPT23 and MGA2, but the mechanism is also unclear. Here we show evidence that stability of the Rel homology domain (RHD) within the N-terminal portion of the NF-κB 1 protein is required for p50 generation. We demonstrated that proteolysis initiated at an internal location of the NF-κB 1 protein, which normally generates p50, degrades the N-terminal portion of the NF-κB 1 protein when the RHD is destabilized. Our findings highlight the critical role of the unique structure of the RHD for the survival of p50 during proteosomal processing.
Electrical conductivity modeling of carbon‐filled liquid‐crystalline polymer composites

Electrically conductive resins are needed for bipolar plates used in fuel cells. Currently, the materials for these bipolar plates often contain a single type of graphite powder in a thermosetting resin. In this study, various amounts of two different types of carbon, carbon black and synthetic graphite, were added to a thermoplastic matrix. The resulting single-filler composites were tested for electrical conductivity, and electrical conductivity models were developed. Two different models, the Mamunya and additive electrical conductivity models, were used for both material systems. It was determined how to modify these models to reduce the number of adjustable parameters. The models agreed very well with experimental data covering a large range of filler volume fractions (from 0 to 12 vol % for the carbon black filled composites and from 0 to 65 vol % for the synthetic graphite filled composites) and electrical conductivities (from 4.6 × 10−17 S/cm for the pure polymer to 0.5 S/cm for the carbon black filled composites and to 12 S/cm for the synthetic graphite filled composites). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3293–3300, 2006