cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retrograde ejaculation after anterior lumbar interbody fusion with and without bone morphogenetic protein-2 augmentation: a 10-year cohort controlled study.

Abstract Background context Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is a complication of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) techniques. Most commonly, this results from mechanical or inflammatory injury to the superior hypogastric plexus near the aortic bifurcation. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) has been used in spinal fusions and has been associated with inflammatory and neuroinflammatory adverse reactions, which may contribute to RE development after anterior lumbar surgery. Purpose While controlling for anterior approach technique, we compared the incidence of RE with and without rhBMP-2 exposure, in large, matched cohorts of patients after ALIF. Study design Retrospective analysis of 10 years of prospectively gathered outcomes data on consecutive-patient cohorts having the same anterior exposure technique for ALIF with and without rhBMP-2 use. Patient sample All male patients without baseline sexual incapacity and having ALIF for lumbar spondylosis or spondylolisthesis of the lowest one or two lumbar levels with and without rhBMP-2, from 2002 through 2011. Outcome measures Diagnosis of RE as a new finding after ALIF compared against BMP-2 exposure, comorbid conditions, and other urological complications after ALIF surgery. Methods From the comprehensive surgical database at a high volume, university practice, male subjects having ALIF at one (L5/S1) or two levels (L4/5, L5/S1) from 2002 to 2011 were identified. Baseline comorbid factors, postoperative urinary catheter/retention events, and RE events were recorded and comparative incidence compared. Results There were four consecutive-patient cohorts identified: one before rhBMP-2 use was adopted (n=174), two cohorts in which BMP-2 use was routine (n=88 and n=151), and one final cohort after BMP-2 use was discontinued from routine use (n=59). The cohorts with and without BMP-2 exposure were closely comparable for age, approach, levels of surgery, comorbid factors affecting RE. Of 239 patients with ALIF and exposure to BMP-2, RE was diagnosed in 15 subjects (6.3%), compared with an RE diagnosis rate of two of 233 control patients without BMP-2 exposure (0.9%; p=.0012). Urinary retention after bladder catheter removal was also more frequently observed in patients exposed to BMP-2 (9.7%) compared with control patients (4.6%; p=.043). Of the baseline comorbid factors, medical or surgical treatment for prostatic hypertrophy disease was associated with an increased risk of RE in the BMP-2 patients (p=.034). Conclusions This study confirms previous reports of a higher rate of RE in ALIF procedures using rhBMP-2 and an open anterior approach to the spine. This effect may be associated with an increased risk of postoperative urinary retention after BMP-2 exposure. The magnitude of the RE effect may be increased with concomitant prostatic disease treatments.
Endogenous Gs-Coupled Receptors in Smooth Muscle Exhibit Differential Susceptibility to GRK2/3-Mediated Desensitization

Although G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) have been shown to mediate desensitization of numerous GPCRs in studies using cellular expression systems, their function under physiological conditions is less well understood. In the current study, we employed various strategies to assess the effect of inhibiting endogenous GRK2/3 on signaling and function of endogenously expressed G s-coupled receptors in human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. GRK2/3 inhibition by expression of a Gbetagamma sequestrant, a GRK2/3 dominant-negative mutant, or siRNA-mediated knockdown increased intracellular cAMP accumulation mediated via beta-agonist stimulation of the beta-2-adrenergic receptor (beta 2AR). Conversely, neither 5'-( N-ethylcarboxamido)-adenosine (NECA; activating the A2b adenosine receptor) nor prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2; activating EP2 or EP4 receptors)-stimulated cAMP was significantly increased by GRK2/3 inhibition. Selective knockdown using siRNA suggested the majority of PGE 2-stimulated cAMP in ASM was mediated by the EP2 receptor. Although a minor role for EP3 receptors in influencing PGE 2-mediated cAMP was determined, the GRK2/3-resistant nature of EP2 receptor signaling in ASM was confirmed using the EP2-selective agonist butaprost. Somewhat surprisingly, GRK2/3 inhibition did not augment the inhibitory effect of the beta-agonist on mitogen-stimulated increases in ASM growth. These findings demonstrate that with respect to G s-coupled receptors in ASM, GRK2/3 selectively attenuates beta 2AR signaling, yet relief of GRK2/3-dependent beta 2AR desensitization does not influence at least one important physiological function of the receptor.
The development of a microcomputer CAD/CAM and decision support system for the manufacture of aerospace vehicles

Abstract Aircraft designing poses special problems in CAD (computer-aided design), because most CAD programs use basic geometric shapes as building blocks. Since it is difficult to describe aircraft components using basic geometric shapes, it is often necessary to input a large number of physical coordinates to describe the shape of aircraft components. By defining wings or fuselages using design parameters instead of physical coordinates, much time and energy is saved in the CAD process. A microcomputer program called AeroCAD was developed to simplify the aircraft design process. AeroCAD uses wing and fuselage design parameters as inputs. This makes it possible to design a wing or fuselage with a fraction of the values of conventional CAD programs. AeroCAD allows the user to build an aircraft from an existing database inventory of aircraft components; fuselage, wings, and tails. The inventory consists of components the user has previously created. The computer-generated aircraft can be rotated, translated, and scaled at the user's command. Another program was written so Numerical Control coding could be generated from AeroCAD's data base. This made it possible to manufacture a miniature aircraft. The milled model could then be used as a wind-tunnel model. AeroCAD was written for implementation on a microcomputer to take advantage of quick response times, ease of operation, printer output, and the ability to run AeroCAD on an inexpensive system. AeroCAD was written to have many useful features. The program can display normal color graphics or enhanced graphics on an IBM PC or PS/2.
Hospitalizations for asthma in an urban population: 1995–1999

Background Asthma hospitalizations occur commonly. Many are preventable if asthma is well controlled. Medications and demographic factors affect asthma hospitalization rates. Recent studies suggest that inhaled long-acting β-agonists (LABAs) may heighten risk of serious asthma exacerbation, particularly in African Americans. Objectives To further our understanding of the greater asthma morbidity associated with African American race and to investigate possible risk associated with LABAs. Methods In an ecologic analysis, asthma hospitalization rates in individuals aged 5 to 64 years were determined for Philadelphia zip codes in period 1 (1995–1997) and period 2 (1997–1999) and were studied for associations with asthma drug prescription rates, demographic factors, and numbers and types of asthma care providers. Results Higher hospitalization rates were found in African Americans vs Caucasians (45.7 vs 7.6 per 10,000) and in 5- to 17-year-olds vs 18- to 34- and 35- to 64-year-olds (30.4 vs 11.9 and 13.7 per 10,000). Hospitalizations were correlated directly with prescriptions for inhaled short-acting β-agonists (SABAs) in periods 1 ( r s = 0.61) and 2 ( r s = 0.60) and inversely with LABA prescriptions in periods 1 ( r s = −0.56) and 2 ( r s = −0.66). Higher SABA prescription rates were also correlated with greater proportions of African Americans per zip code in periods 1 ( r s = 0.58) and 2 ( r s = 0.53). At all poverty levels, African Americans had higher hospitalization rates than Caucasians. Asthma hospitalization was significantly associated with poverty area residence (relative risk [RR], 2.29) and with African American race (RR, 4.31) and age (RR, 1.15) as individual-level variables ( P Conclusions These data do not support the contention that LABA exposure is a major cause of asthma morbidity. Risk of asthma hospitalization is strongly associated with being African American.
Simulation of water čerenkov detectors using GEANT4

Abstract We present a detailed simulation of the performance of water Cerenkov detectors suitable for use in the Pierre Auger Observatory. Using geant 4, a flexible object-oriented simulation program, including all known physics processes, has been developed. The program also allows interactive visualization, and can easily be modified for any experimental setup.
Thickness dependence of critical currents and depth profiling of transport properties in high rate in-situ grown YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ films

YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ (YBCO) films are grown by in-situ electron beam evaporation at high deposition rates (100/spl sim/350 /spl Aring//sec). The YBCO films are found to consist of two regions as a function of thickness: a region on the bottom with defect-free microstructure reflecting layer-by-layer growth and at the top a defected type reflecting island-growth. We suggested a new phase stability to explain this growth behavior, with Ba-Cu-O liquid fluxes. The films show critical current density greater than 2 MA/cm/sup 2/ on crystal substrates. Depth profiling of the transport properties (critical current density and resistivity) has been performed by etching the layers, elucidating that it is the island-growth layer where high critical current density is being carried.
Haplotyping using SIMPLE: caution on ignoring interference.

To the Editor: Accurately inferred haplotypes can provide valuable information in genetic studies. In a recent article in Genetic Epidemiology, Skrivanek et al. [2003] describe a software package, SIMPLE, for multipoint linkage analysis. Although the focus of the report was on nonparametric linkage analysis using allele sharing statistics, haplotype analysis is also within the capability of SIMPLE. One particular feature of SIMPLE is its ability of accounting for interference. As we demonstrate below, through the analysis of a published Episodic Ataxia (EA) dataset [Litt et al., 1994], this is an important feature as ignoring interference may lead to obligatory multiple (double or more) recombinant haplotypes. Likelihood-based and rule-based methods are two types of approaches frequently employed to infer haplotypes of pedigree members based on their (partially) observed phase-unknown genotype data. Rule-based methods, such as the algorithm proposed by Qian and Beckmann [2002] for finding Minimum-Recombinant Haplotype Configurations (MRHCs), are fast. However, likelihood-based methods have their advantages that cannot be matched by rule-based methods. By examining the entire distribution (P(h|g)) of haplotype configurations (h) conditional on the observed genotypes (g), one can offer multiple haplotypes with probabilities larger than a certain investigator-set threshold for further consideration. This set of probable haplotypes may include only configurations each having a total number of recombinations exceeding that of any of the MRHCs, if all the MRHCs involve multiple recombinant haplotypes with smaller probabilities. Lin and Speed’s work [1997] is an example of a likelihood-based approach. Their algorithm uses the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodology to obtain (dependent) samples from the conditional distribution P(h|g). This algorithm is, in principle, applicable to pedigrees of arbitrary sizes and complexities. ‘‘An exploratory and experimental approach was taken’’ by Lin and Speed [1997], with runs consisting of only 100 iterations, for the analysis of the EA dataset. Even with such short runs, the two configurations estimated to have the highest probabilities are indeed among the two most, and the two second most, probable configurations of the EA dataset, respectively, as confirmed by Qian and Beckmann [2002]. The EA dataset was also analyzed using a different MCMC method, with simulated annealing, by Sobel et al. [1996], which produced a single haplotype configuration that is confirmed, also by Qian and Beckmann [2002], to be among the two second most probable configuration, which is about 1/4 as probable as the most probable one. In addition to the above-mentioned flexibility of likelihood-based approaches, realistic interference models, such as the chi-square model that has been demonstrated to fit human data adequately [Broman and Weber, 2000; Lin et al., 2001], can be incorporated into this type of approach. The set of chi-square models is indexed by an interference parameter, m, that specifies the strength of Genetic Epidemiology 25: 384–387 (2003)
CENTRAL GAUSSIAN CONVOLUTION SEMIGROUPS ON COMPACT GROUPS: A SURVEY

This is a survey article on Brownian motions on compact connected groups and the associated Gaussian convolution semigroups. The emphasize is on innite dimensional groups such as the innite dimensional torus and innite products of special orthogonal groups. We discuss the existence of Brownian motions having nice properties such as marginales having a continuous density with respect to Haar measure. We relate the existence of these Brownian motions to the algebraic structure of the group. The results we describe reect the conicting eects of, on the one hand, the innite dimensionality and, on the other hand, the compact nature of the underlying group.
SMALL SIGNAL ADMITTANCE OF METAL CHLOROPHYLL a|Hg PHOTOVOLTAIC SANDWICH CELLS

— …The ac admittances of metal I chlorophyll a|Hg sandwich cells are shown to depend upon the chlorophyll (Chi) layer thickness, the aggregation state of the Chi, the light-dark environment of the cells and the nature of the metal. The results suggest the presence of different but not independent charge transport processes in these cells. One process gives rise to a broad dispersion in the frequency dependent capacitance and conductance. This process is observed in all cells and is most readily ascribed to a hopping or tunneling of charge carriers across potential energy barriers. Another mechanism which is detected only with crystalline Chi and only with certain metal substrates is ascribed to interfacial polarization. A model circuit incorporating these interpretations yield calculated admittance data which approximate those measured experimentally.
Intravenous regional anesthesia and hematoma blocks for fracture reduction

Abstract Intravenous regional anesthesia, or the Bier block, is a method of providing analgesia for fracture or dislocation reduction. It has been proven safe and effective in many studies both children and adults. The hematoma block is another method of providing analgesi for fracture reduction with minimal equipment and resources. The technique, efficacy, and complications of both procedures arc reviewed.
The face lattice of ann-dimensional cube

We give necessary and sufficient conditions on a latticeL which guarantee its being the lattice of faces of then-dimensional cube.
Abstract A128: Racial and ethnic disparities in lung cancer incidence, United States 1998–2005

Background: Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women and the leading cause of cancer related death in the United States. Racial disparities in lung cancer incidence, treatment, mortality and survival have been documented. Advances in cancer surveillance, such as expansions in geographic coverage, allow for a more complete description of lung cancer incidence. This population‐based study examines racial and ethnic disparities in incidence of lung cancer for the United States by demographic, geographic, and tumor characteristics. Methods: We analyzed lung cancer incidence data obtained from cancer registries affiliated with Center for Disease Control9s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute9s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The combined data collected on new cases diagnosed during 1998–2005 cover approximately 81% of the U.S. population. We calculated age‐adjusted (2000 US standard) incidence rates, rate ratios, and 95% confidence intervals by demographic and tumor characteristics such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, U.S. Census Region, tumor grade, stage and histology. Results: A total of 1,296,933 lung and bronchial cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.S. from 1998 until 2005. The overall incidence rate was (69.2/100,000 persons). Rates were higher among men (88.5) than women (55.1). Among men, incidence rates were highest for blacks (111.1) followed by whites (87.7), Asian/Pacific Islanders (API) (53.4) and American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) (53.3). Among women, whites (56.3) had the highest incidence rates followed by blacks (53.1), API (37.4), and AI/AN (27.3). Compared to non‐Hispanics (71.8), Hispanics (37.5) had lower lung cancer incidence rates. More blacks were diagnosed at younger ages (40–59 years) compared to all other groups. At time of diagnosis, blacks have a higher percentage of distant disease (17%), and a higher percentage of poorly differentiated tumors (14%) compared to whites. Incidence rates differed amongst U.S. Census regions by race. Among whites, the highest lung cancer incidence rate was in the South (76.8) whereas rates among blacks (88.6), American Indians/Alaska Natives (61.5) & Hispanics (41.1) were highest in the Midwest. Conclusion: This report updates previous findings from population‐based studies describing U.S. disparities in lung cancer incidence. Differences in stage at diagnosis by race were also noted. We describe regional differences in incidence rates for certain racial and ethnic groups. These differences may reflect differences in tobacco use behaviors, early detection, treatment, or other unknown factors. Further investigation into the source of differences is warranted. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A128.
Decision making mechanisms and stopping times in a generalized information system

Abstract A mechanism for a decision maker ethically bound to pursue the best available course of action is studied. The model allows for feedback information to be input for each cycle of decision making. This type of information-feedback loop is relevant to many real decision making situations. Equations describing the updated expected utility in terms of the learning factor are given and a discussion follows as to when learning takes place. It is then shown that these estimates converge to the appropriate values. Moreover these estimators form a martingale or a submartingale, thus allowing the analysis of when and how the decision makers can terminate the feedback decision making loop. Several strategies are discussed as well as the corresponding probabilities of ending the loop in a finite amount of time.
Gestational age of previous twin preterm birth as a predictor for subsequent singleton preterm birth.

Objective We sought to determine an optimal gestational-age cutoff of preterm twin deliveries for predicting subsequent singleton preterm birth (PTB). Study Design We performed a retrospective study of women with a spontaneous twin delivery who subsequently had a singleton gestation. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined the risk of a spontaneous singleton PTB after a PTB of a twin gestation. Different gestational-age cutoffs of the previous twin PTB were evaluated. Results Among 255 women, previous twin PTB at Conclusion In women with a previous spontaneous twin PTB at
A direct digital frequency synthesizer with minimized tuning latency of 12ns

A downside for all direct digital synthesizer (DDS) architectures is that every DDS has a phase accumulator (PA) whose normalized phase value φ must be updated for each (sin 2πφ, cos 2πφ) output-pair produced, and such updating introduces a rather long carry-ripple. PA lengths of 32-b are commonplace and 48-b or longer PA can be found in commercial DDS products. When a DDS with high data-rate is needed, the long PA carry-ripple can present a serious bottleneck-one usually overcome by some form of PA pipelining-but then, only at the cost of a significant increase in “tuning latency” as well as added power consumption and chip-area. Ref. [1] explains how (for a mere 24-b PA) such pipelining introduces a 55-cycle latency, setting the system's frequency-hopping limit at 700/55 = 12.7MHz, for a DDS generating outputs at 700MHz. All such PA pipelining difficulties are completely eliminated by the architecture reported here.
Rigid fixation of malar fractures

The zygoma, or malar bone, is an aesthetically important prominence within the overall structure of the face. It is a ready target for both intentional and accidental trauma. Optimal repair of injuries involving the "malar complex" requires precise open fracture reduction and placement of rigid internal fixation devices through concealed incisions. Surgical approaches to the malar complex and techniques of reduction and rigid fixation of malar injuries are presented.
Adenovirally Mediated Gene Transfer of Functional Human Tissue–type Plasminogen Activator to Murine Lungs

As several forms of lung injury are associated with alveolar fibrin deposition, and fibrin has been pathogenically implicated in the lung fibrotic response, we sought to develop an in vivo gene transfer model of fibrinolytic protease overexpression. To this end, human tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) possesses a high degree of specificity for proteolytic activation of fibrin-bound plasminogen to its active form, plasmin. To construct an effective vector, the cDNA for human t-PA was inserted downstream of a cytomegalovirus early enhancer-promoter into the E1 position of a replication-deficient adenovirus. The adenovirally expressed t-PA was found to be of the expected size and appropriate functional activity both in vitro and in vivo. A single intratracheal instillation of the adenoviral-t-PA construct resulted in a dose- dependent, tissue-specific expression of increased levels of t-PA antigen (100-fold) and t-PA protease activity (4-fold) for at least 2 wk in whole lung lysates. The expressed protein localized to the bronchiolar epithelium and peribronchiolar alveolar cells and did not result in increases in total lung protein or alveolar cell counts at 3 d after instillation. In conclusion, a single intratracheal instillation of adenoviral-cytomegalovirus-t-PA construct will generate dramatic bronchoalveolar compartment overexpression of functional recombinant human t-PA for at least 2 wk. This vector can now be utilized for the determination of the therapeutic potential of t-PA in a number of in vivo model systems.
Search for an adenovirus etiology of human oral and pharyngeal tumors

A comparison and characterization of the type of cellular outgrowth from normal and malignant human oropharyngeal mucosal epithelium have been made. Biopsies were explanted on collagen substrates and maintained in Eagle's basal medium plus 30% fetal calf serum. Epithelial cells grown from a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx were maintained for over 6 months in three serial subcultures. Secondary cellular outgrowths from 25 different oropharyngeal tumors were studied for the presence of intranuclear T antigens induced by adenovirus types 7, 12, 18, 21 and 31 using the direct immunofluorescence technique. Antigens similar to the T antigen in adenovirus-induced hamster tumor cells were not observed. Sera from 88 patients were tested for the presence of antibodies against adeno 12 viral and T antigens by indirect fluorescent staining. Antibodies to adenovirus-12-induced T antigens were found at about the same frequency, namely 17%, 23% and 24% in the sera of patients with no malignancy, patients with oral or pharyngeal tumors and patients with tumor at other sites respectively. Nearly 44% of the sera contained antibodies against adeno 12 viral antigens. However, only 50% of these positive sera contained antibodies against adeno-12-induced T antigen. None of the viral negative sera had antibodies to the T antigen.
Ewald methods in molecular dynamics for systems of finite extent in one of three dimensions.

We describe a new method for the treatment of molecular-dynamics computer simulation for systems with long-range interactions when the system to be simulated is only infinite in two of the dimensions of the three-dimensional space. Such problems arise, for example, in the study of surfaces. We report a method to deal with these problems based on Ewald techniques but involving several new features. Numerical tests show that our methods are fast and accurate enough to be feasible for study of the systems of interest, though not quite as fast as the corresponding techniques for bulk systems. We report results of a simulation of water between two dielectric walls using the new methods.
Effect of extreme hypercapnia on hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in the immature rat.

To ascertain the effect of extreme hypercapnia on perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, 7-d-postnatal rats were exposed to unilateral common carotid artery occlusion followed by hypoxia with 8% oxygen combined with 3, 12, or 15% carbon dioxide (CO2) for 2 h at 37 degrees C. Survivors underwent neuropathologic examination at 30 d of postnatal age, and their brains were characterized as follows: 0 = normal; 1 = mild atrophy; 2 = moderate atrophy; 3 = cystic infarct with external dimensions 3 mm. The width of the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid artery occlusion also was determined on a posterior coronal section and compared with that of the contralateral hemisphere to ascertain the severity of cerebral atrophy/cavitation. CO2 tensions averaged 5.08, 11.1, and 13.2 kPa in the 3, 12, and 15% CO2-exposed animals, respectively, during hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Neuropathologic results showed that immature rats exposed to 3 and 12% CO2 had similar severities of brain damage. In contrast, rat pups exposed to HI combined with 15% CO2 were significantly more brain damaged than littermates exposed to 3% CO2. Specifically, eight of 14 animals exposed to 15% CO2 showed cystic infarcts (grades 3 and 4), whereas none of 14 littermates exposed to 3% CO2 developed cystic infarcts (p < 0.01). Analyses of coronal width ratios at each CO2 exposure provided results comparable with those of the gross neuropathology scores. Cerebral blood flow (CBF), measured at 90 min of HI, was lowest in those immature rats exposed to 15% CO2 compared with control (p = 0.04), with higher values in those rat pups exposed to 3 and 12% CO2. The findings indicate that 7-d-postnatal rats exposed to HI with superimposed 12% CO2 are neither less nor more brain damaged than littermates exposed to 3% CO(2) (normocapnia). In contrast, animals exposed to 15% CO2 are the most brain damaged of the three groups. Presumably, extreme hypercapnia produces more severe cardiovascular depression than is seen in animals subjected to lesser degrees of hypercapnia; the cardiovascular depression, in turn, leads to greater cerebral ischemia and ultimate brain damage.
Effect of butorphanol on equine antroduodenal motility

Six healthy six to eight-month-old horses were surgically prepared with Ag bipolar electrodes sutured to the gastric antrum and duodenum. Leads from the electrodes were exteriorised through a stab incision in the flank. During experimental sessions the horses were lightly restrained in stocks and electrode leads were connected to a physiograph to record antroduodenal myoelectrical activity. Intravenous (i.v.) injection of 0.05 mg/kg bodyweight (bwt) of the opioid agonist/antagonist, butorphanol was followed within 2 to 3 mins by a normal appearing period of repetitive spike activity, or phase III, of the migrating motor complex (MMC) on the duodenum. This was followed by a period of no spike activity, or phase I, of the MMC and then resumption of intermittent spike activity, or phase II, of normal duration. Pre-treatment with 15 micrograms/kg bwt of the non-selective opioid antagonist, naloxone, or with 1 mg/kg bwt of the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, tolazoline, did not block the myoelectrical response to butorphanol. It was concluded that a dose of butorphanol that has effective analgesic effects in a colicky horse resets the antroduodenal MMC without causing undesirable effects on antroduodenal motility. This particular effect of butorphanol might not be mediated by either a2-adrenergic or opioid receptors, although the latter question needs further investigation.
Importance of abortive shock capability with electrogram storage in cardioverter-defibrillator devices

AbstractObjectives. This study evaluates the ability of a third-generation cardioverter-defibrillator to abort energy delivery and the importance of electrogram storage in analyzing the aborted eve...
Activation of lipoprotein lipase by blood platelets

Abstract When an homogenate of human blood platelets is added to preparations of partially purified adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase, the lipase activity is markedly enhanced. The degree of activation is related to the amount of platelet homogenate in the reaction mixture. The lipoprotein lipase activator in platelets is heat labile, nondialyzable, partially resistant to papain, and present mostly in the particulate fraction of platelet homogenates.
One-dimensional spectra derived from an airborne hot-wire anemometer

Velocity fluctuations in the flight path direction were measured by a single hot-wire mounted in the wing tip of a light aircraft. Magnetic tape recordings were later analysed by standard means to produce one-dimensional spectra. These spectra exhibited the (– 5/3) power law behaviour over a range of several decades of wavenumber. Local isotropy was verified in the horizontal plane by flight paths into and perpendicular to the mean wind.
BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid cancer: A cost-utility analysis of preoperative testing.

Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with BRAF mutation carries a poorer prognosis. Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) reduces locoregional recurrences, and we hypothesize that initial total thyroidectomy (TT) with CND in patients with BRAF-mutated PTC is cost effective. Methods This cost-utility analysis is based on a hypothetical cohort of 40-year-old women with small PTC [2 cm, confined to the thyroid, node(−)]. We compared preoperative BRAF testing and TT+CND if BRAF-mutated or TT alone if BRAF-wild type, versus no testing with TT. This analysis took into account treatment costs and opportunity losses. Key variables were subjected to sensitivity analysis. Results Both approaches produced comparable outcomes, with costs of not testing being lower (−$801.51/patient). Preoperative BRAF testing carried an excess expense of $33.96 per quality-adjusted life-year per patient. Sensitivity analyses revealed that when BRAF positivity in the testing population decreases to 30%, or if the overall noncervical recurrence in the population increases above 11.9%, preoperative BRAF testing becomes the more cost-effective strategy. Conclusion Outcomes with or without preoperative BRAF testing are comparable, with no testing being the slightly more cost-effective strategy. Although preoperative BRAF testing helps to identify patients with higher recurrence rates, implementing a more aggressive initial operation does not seem to offer a cost advantage.
Enzymatic activities of some entomophthorous fungi

Abstract In vitro tests showed that the fungi Entomophthora apiculata, Entomophthora thaxteriana, Entomophthora virulenta and four strains of Entomophthora coronata are capable of producing lipolytic, chitinolytic, and proteolytic enzymes. The chitinolytic activity occurred over a wide range of p H from 3.2 to 9.5 with slight inhibition at p H 3.2. The presence of nutrients other than chitin in a medium suppresses either totally or partially chitinolytic activity. The chitinolytic enzyme is believed to be adaptive. Proteolytic activity occurred using gelatin and nonfat milk plus nutrient agar. A number of lipids were degraded by the test fungi, although the fungus has to be in direct contact with the lipid globule to decompose it completely.
Federal Expenditure-to-Revenue Ratios in the United States of America, 1971–85: An Exploration of Spatial Equity under the ‘New Federalism’

Previous studies of the spatial balance of combined budgets are reviewed. A new variant of the ACIR (Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations) state-level ‘federal expenditure-to-revenue ratio’ is suggested as an indicator of the relationship between the federal government and an individual state. Patterns of change in such ratios are examined for the period 1971–85, focusing on: Trends in spatial disparity, time series models, correlations with state income and unemployment, and changes associated with the ‘new federalism’. The main conclusion is that past notions about incremental or autoregressive behavior within a single spatial system may need to be modified for the post-1981 period.
Abstract 3523: Biochanin A enhances anticancer activity of temozolomide in glioblastoma multiforme

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most lethal form of primary brain tumor, classified as a Grade IV astrocytoma by World Health Organization (WHO). The poor prognosis of patients is a result of an extremely invasive and aggressive nature of this tumor. Temozolomide, an anticancer agent currently approved for the treatment of glioblastoma is only modestly effective as a single agent in enhancing patient survival. Therefore, it is imperative to design therapies which are safe and can more effectively target the progression of glioblastoma. Our laboratory has been investigating the anticancer properties of biochanin A, a bioactive isoflavone found in red clover and soy products. This compound shows anticancer potential against breast, oral, pancreatic and brain cancers. Previous studies from our laboratory show that biochanin A inhibits invasion in GBM cells. In this study we investigated the anticancer potential of combination of biochanin A and temozolomide on U-87 MG cells (human glioblastoma cell line). We hypothesized that this combination will enhance the efficacy of temozolomide towards inhibiting invasion and proliferation of glioblastoma cells. We performed colony formation assay to assess the cytotoxicity of treatment(s). Biochanin A (20μM and 70μM) enhances the effect of temozolomide in decreasing the number of colonies formed as determined by the colony formation assay. Further, we determined the effect of temozolomide (100μM) alone and in combination with biochanin A (20μM and 70μM) on cell signaling, invasive processes and transcription factors. Western blot analysis shows a decrease in the protein expression of p-EGFR, p-ERK, uPAR, MMP-2. Our results implicate that combining biochanin A with temozolomide can improve the anticancer effect of temozolomide on glioblastoma cells. These findings help us better understand how biochanin A can be used to seek new and more effective combination therapy. Further studies are aimed to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which this combination inhibits invasion of U-87 MG cells. This study was supported by in parts from NIH INBRE GRANT P20RR016454. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3523. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3523
Oviductal fluid and growth factors failed to enhance development of porcine embryos.

Abstract Porcine embryos (1-, 2- and 4-cell) were cultured in a basal medium consisting of Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer supplemented with oviductal fluid and several growth factors and observed for further development. Oviducts were flushed at either 48 h (Experiment 1) or 96 h (Experiment 2) after the onset of estrus. Observations were made every 48 h (Experiment 1) or 12 h (Experiment 2) until failure of the embryos to develop for 2 consecutive observations. Embryos were scored 0 = no development, 1 = cleavage, 2 = morula, 3 = blastocyst, or 4 = hatched blastocyst. In the first experiment, development of 1-, 2- and 4-cell embryos (n=282) in the basal medium supplemented with oviductal fluid (4:1) or 3 sets of growth factors, was less or equal to one cleavage stage. Those embryos cultured in the basal medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin (fatty acid free) (BSA) advanced to the blastocyst stage. In the second experiment, 96 h aged embryos (n=142) were cultured in the basal medium supplemented with IGF-1 and — 2 and EGF, or with BSA alone or with BSA and the three growth factors. In the treatments without BSA, the embryonic development was less than one cleavage, whereas in those treatments with BSA, embryos advanced beyond hatching and began to expand. We conclude that for culture of porcine embryos, supplementation with several growth factors or with oviductal fluid, in the concentration used in this study, was of little benefit at this stage of development. However, the type of BSA significantly affected development. More than 90% of the embryos reached the morula and blastocyst stages in medium than included BSA (fatty acid free).
Erratum to: Race May Not Effect Outcomes in Operatively Treated Tibia Fractures

The online version of the original article can be found under doi:10.1007/s11999-011-2142-1.J. Piposar, J. R. Fowler (&), S. RehmanDepartment of Orthopaedics, Temple University Hospital,6th Floor Outpatient Building, 3401 North Broad Street,Philadelphia, PA 19149, USAe-mail: fowler@temple.eduJ. P. GaughanBiostatistics Consulting Center, Temple UniversitySchool of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Changes of atrioventricular conduction with age in infants and children

Analysis of 100 His bundle electrograms obtained in infants and children revealed that all A-V conduction events, that is, the P-R, P-H, P-A, A-H and H-V intervals were age-dependent. A constant relation was observed in the various age groups when these intervals were expressed as a function of the P-R interval. The variability of the A-V conduction intervals within the various age groups and their cycle to cycle variability also remained constant with age. Since the variations of the P-R interval with age in infants and children are known, simple formulas can be derived that permit the calculation of the average value, “normal” range and cycle to cycle variability of the P-H, P-A, A-H and H-V intervals at any age.
Trust-Based Multi-objective Optimization for Node-to-Task Assignment in Coalition Networks

Placement of a large FPGA design now commonly requires several hours, significantly hindering designer productivity. Furthermore, FPGA capacity is growing faster than CPU speed, which will further increase placement time unless new approaches are found. Multi-core processors are now ubiquitous, however, and some recent processors also have hardware support for transactional memory (TM), making parallelism an increasingly attractive approach for speeding up placement. We investigate methods to parallelize the simulated annealing placement algorithm in VPR, which is widely used in FPGA research. We explore both algorithmic changes and the use of different parallel programming paradigms and hardware, including TM, thread-level speculation (TLS) and lock-free techniques. We find that hardware TM enables large speedups (8.1x on average), but compromises "move fairness" and leads to an unacceptable quality loss. TLS scales poorly, with a maximum 2.2x speedup, but preserves quality. A new dependency checking parallel strategy achieves the best balance: the deterministic version achieves 5.9x speedup and no quality loss, while the non-deterministic, lock-free version can scale to a 34x speedup.
An Optimization-Based Approach for the Design of PDE Solution Algorithms

We develop and analyze an optimization-based approach for the robust and efficient solution of PDE problems consisting of multiple physics operators with fundamentally different mathematical properties. Our approach relies on three essential steps: decomposition of the original problem into subproblems for which robust solution algorithms are available; integration of the subproblems into an equivalent PDE-constrained optimization problem; and solution of the resulting optimization problem either directly as a fully coupled algebraic system or in the null space of the PDE constraints. This strategy gives rise to a general approach for synthesizing robust solvers for complex coupled problems from solvers for their simpler physics components.
Broadening student perspectives in engineering design courses

The author gives an overview of an innovative multidisciplinary course, Design for Society, that has been offered since the spring of 1996 at Penn State Harrisburg. This course serves to introduce engineering technology and science students to the larger context of engineering and design. It attempts to broaden their perspectives on the potential for technology to serve human ends and to be seen as a useful set of tools to help society get to where it wants to be. At the same time, it shows the limitations to the viability of modern consumerist society and the need to rethink common beliefs and values. It provides some practical examples of how designers can take responsible actions for the betterment of society, both now and in the future.
Facilitating idiom acquisition in children with communication disorders: computer vs classroom

This study compared two methods for training idiom acquisition in children with communication disorders. Eight idioms were trained using a computer program in individual withdrawal sessions and eight idioms were trained using a classroom-based intervention model. Results indicate that both methods resulted in significant gains for explaining idioms presented in context. The classroom-based approach was significantly more successful than the computer-based instruction for explaining idioms tested in isolation. Gains in idiom acquisition did not generalize to untrained idioms suggesting that idioms should be taught directly.
Gay gang- and crime-involved men's experiences with homophobic bullying and harassment in schools

Homophobic language and harassment in American schools is pervasive. Although several studies suggest sexual minority youth engage in defensive violence to respond to homophobic bullying in schools, these encounters remain largely unexplored. Instead, extant literature focuses on these youths' likelihood of being bullied and the negative school or mental health outcomes associated with homophobic victimization. In this paper, I utilize in-depth interviews with 53 gay gang- and crime-involved men to present a descriptive portrait of their experiences with homophobic bullying and harassment in schools, and the ways they manage and respond to these events. This study moves beyond prior studies by detailing how, under what circumstances, and why gay youth may choose to ‘fight back’ against homophobic bullying. Specifically, fights were enacted to address disrespect and to build a reputation as someone who was not to be bullied; the goal of which was to curtail future harassment.
Field-Effect Transistors Based on Single Nanowires of Conducting Polymers

Field-effect transistors based on single nanowires of conducting polymers (i.e., polyaniline and polypyrrole) were fabricated and characterized. The 100-nm-wide and 2.5-μm-long conducting polymer nanowire field-effect transistors were turned “on” and “off” by electrical or chemical signals. A large modulation in the electrical conductivity of up to 3 orders of magnitude was demonstrated as a result of varying the electrochemical gate potential of these nanowires. Single nanowire conducting polymer field-effect transistors show higher electrical performance than field-effect transistors based on conducting polymer nanowire electrode junctions and thin films in terms of their transconductance (gm) and on/off current (Ion/Ioff) ratio. Furthermore, the performance of single nanowires conducting polymer field-effect transistors was found to be comparable to the silicon nanowire field-effect transistors. These results imply that it is possible to tune the sensitivities of these conducting polymer nanowires by s...
Reductive alkylation of illinois No. 6 coal. 1H and 13C n.m.r. spectra of the 13C-enriched alkylation products

Abstract The reductive alkylation of Illinois No. 6 coal has been carried out using potassium and naphthalene in tetrahydrofuran and methyl- 13 C and butyl-1 - 13 C iodides to alkylate the resultant polyanion. The soluble products of the reductive alkylation reaction were isolated by extraction and chromatography. Proton and carbon n.m.r. spectra were recorded. The intense resonance signal at δ3.95 which appears in the proton n.m.r. spectra of Illinois No. 6 coal butylated with unenriched butyl iodide is split into a doublet by the 13 C nuclei. Similar results were obtained for the methylation products. The chemical shift and coupling interaction establish that aryl ethers are a very important constituent of the alkylated coal. The carbon n.m.r. spectra of the coal alkylated with 13 C-enriched alkyl iodides are intense. The resonances of the C-alkylation products appear in a single broad band with a maximum intensity in spectral regions compatible with the formation of the reductive alkylation products of certain polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons or the base-catalysed alkylation of certain benzylic carbon atoms. The resonances of the N -alkylation products appear in two distinct bands. These resonances are tentatively assigned to amines produced as a result of reductive alkylation of heterocyclic compounds. The resonances of the 0-alkylation products appear in three distinct bands which can be assigned to alkyl aryl ethers, alkyl aryl ethers with substituents at the adjacent positions, and to alkyl carboxylates. The ratio of ethers to carboxylates in the soluble alkylation products was determined to be 7.8 for butylation and 8.0 for methylation. The Chromatographic fractions contain different amounts of C-, N-, and 0-alkylation products. This finding suggests that the coal structure is not highly uniform.
SU-FF-T-242: Evaluation of Tomo Quality Assurance™ (TQA™) Performance for Daily Quality Assurance

Purpose: To investigate and evaluate the utility of TomoTherapy Incorporated's Hi‐Art® treatment system Tomo Quality Assurance™ (TQA™) software application for daily quality assurance.Method and Materials: Data collected over a 5‐month period utilized the TQA™ predefined application modules, ‘Basic Dosimetry’, ‘Step Wedge Static’, and ‘System Monitor’. Each module contained multiple tests. ‘Basic Dosimetry’ provided rotational and dosimetric information. The ‘Step Wedge Static’ module measures IEC‐xyz coordinate offsets, and its transmission characteristics. The ‘System Monitor’ module records environmental and mechanical values. Tests modules are initiated by selecting preprogrammed routines located on the operator's console. The data is collect by the TQA™ software that compares the data with acceptance parameters. Results: Review of the data revealed results that provided useful information with one exception. TQA™ results revealed IEC‐z offset variations from −4.62 to +5.24 mm, with an average of 0.68 mm and σ = 2.79 mm. Tolerance for the IEC‐z offset is ±3 mm. The failing IEC‐z offset data could not be collaborated with checks of the z‐plane laser accuracy. Further investigation found that the step wedge phantom rested on the lateral (IECx) adjustment bar located at the head of the couch. The bar is elevated about 2–3 mm higher than the couch creating an alignment problem with the z‐plane laser. Incidental target failure necessitated a retrospective review of the data revealing abrupt changes in dosimetry prior to the failure. Conclusion: This investigation indicates that the TQA™ software is a functional tool with the exception that the IEC‐z offset is not a reliable indicator of actual conditions. It is believed that the presence of the lateral adjustment bar may create a problem with the test algorithm. Dosimetric data revealed some early indicators of the target failure. This could lead to preemptive replacement of the target to avoid treatment interruptions.