cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic, immunological, and metabolic determinants of risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus in families.

Prospective studies of the relatives of people with Type 1 diabetes can provide insights into risk factors for processes leading to the ultimate destruction of the pancreatic islet 8-cells. Relatives ascertained through the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh diabetes registry were followed and rates of conversion to diabetes were determined. We studied the role of genetic and immunological markers, and used the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to study metabolic disturbances among first-degree relatives. A group of siblings was serotyped for the HLA-A and -B antigens, and the degree of HLA haplotype sharing with the diabetic sibling was established. Later, islet cell antibody (ICA) assays were performed, and subjects were followed to determine the predictive value of ICA testing for the subsequent development of diabetes. The rate of conversion to diabetes among the siblings was 14 times greater than the rate observed in the general population from which they come. This is comparable to rates observed by other centres following relatives of people with Type 1 diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance (by National Diabetes Data Group (USA) criteria) carried a three-fold greater risk for subsequent Type 1 diabetes than did a normal OGTT. Those relatives with detectable ICA were about 50 times more likely to convert to diabetes than were those without ICA. In a group of siblings in whom HLA haplotype sharing was determined, the prevalence of detectable ICA was greater among those who were HLA-identical to the diabetic sibling (9.9 %) than among those who were haplo-identical (5.3 %) or completely dissimilar (2.4 %) at the HLA-A and -B regions. Similarly, the incidence of Type 1 diabetes was greater among those who were HLA-identical (8.4 per 103 sibling-years), than among those who were not HLA-identical to the proband (4.2 per 103). The greatest risk for subsequent diabetes was found among HLA-identical siblings who were ICA-positive. Approximately 7 % of those who were HLA non-identical or haplo-identical and ICA-positive became diabetic within 5 years, while more than 30 % of HLA-identical siblings who were ICA-positive became diabetic during the 5 years after ICA were detected.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma

Objectives To discuss the presentation, treatment, and aggressiveness of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and AIDS-related primary central nervous system lymphoma, and to address the differences of these lymphomas in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative individual. Data Sources Published review articles, clinical studies, and abstracts pertaining to HIV and AIDS-related lymphomas. Conclusions Many believe that as the therapies and supportive care for HIV-positive individuals improve, the incidence of malignancy in this patient population will continue to increase. Great controversy exists surrounding the most effective therapies for AIDS-related lymphomas. These patients should be entered into clinical trials to test appropriate hypotheses and answer the remaining questions. Implications for Nursing Practice As the HIV epidemic continues and HIV-associated malignancies increase, the nurse must understand the co-morbidity associated with both diseases. Oncology nurses play many roles in caring for this patient population and their support and intervention contribute to the response of the patient.
Normalization of Ventricular Repolarization with Flecainide in Long QT Syndrome Patients with SCN5A:ΔKPQ Mutation

Background: The Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a genetic channelopathy with life-threatening implications. The LQT3 form of this disease is caused by mutations of the SCN5A sodium-channel gene. A specific mutation, SCN5A:ΔKPQ, is associated with repetitive reopenings of the sodium channel and prolonged inward current. This dominant inward current is manifest on the electrocardiogram as QT prolongation. Flecainide is a potent blocker of the open sodium channel. Methods and Results: The effect of flecainide on the duration of the QT-interval and the T-wave morphology was systematically evaluated in five male patients age 2–64 years having the SCN5A:ΔKPQ mutation. After baseline electrocardiograms were obtained, low-dose oral flecainide was administered for 48 hours. Serial electrocardiograms and blood flecainide levels were obtained during flecainide therapy. The QTc interval decreased on average by 104 ms, from a baseline value of 565 ± 60 ms to 461 ± 23 ms (P < 0.04) at a mean flecainide level of 0.28 ± 0.08 mg/L, with shortening of the QTonset interval (P < 0.003) and normalization of T-wave morphology. The effects of flecainide were compared with oral mexiletine in two patients, with flecainide showing greater QTc shortening and more complete normalization of repolarization. No adverse side effects or proarrhythmia were observed with flecainide in this study. Conclusion: Low-dose, oral flecainide consistently shortened the QTc interval and normalized the repolarization T-wave pattern in five LQT3 patients with SCN5A:ΔKPQ mutation. This preliminary study indicates that low-dose flecainide is a promising therapeutic agent for LQTS patients with the SCN5A:ΔKPQ sodium channel mutation. A.N.E. 2001;6(2):153–158
Optimal Vascular Protection: A Case for Combination Antihypertensive Therapy

Endothelial dysfunction is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. The endothelium mediates vascular tone, structure, and function by the release and regulation of multiple vasoactive substances that promote or inhibit vasodilation, vasoconstriction, cell growth, and other mechanisms. The effect of antihypertensive drugs on endothelial function may be an important indicator of their ability to reduce risks for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by various antihypertensive drugs is accurately measured with high-resolution ultrasound of flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. Calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to reverse endothelial dysfunction. The benefits of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium channel blockers on the endothelium are believed to derive from their effects on nitric oxide production and antioxidant effects, possibly independent of blood pressure reduction. Due to their complementary mechanisms of action, it has been hypothesized that the combination of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker will provide superior cardiovascular protection, in part by producing an additive effect of increased nitric oxide availability, when compared with either agent alone.
Tubulin genes are tandemly linked and clustered in the genome of trypanosoma brucei

Abstract We have isolated cDNA and genomic clones containing α- and β-tubulin genes from Trypanosoma brucei. Each clone has been mapped, and the identity of the tubulin genes has been established by cross-hybridization with cloned chicken tubulin genes and by hybridization-selection and translation of trypanosome tubulin mRNA. In contrast with the dispersed organization of tubulin genes in other organisms, trypanosome α- and β-tubulin genes are physically linked and clustered in tandem repeats of approximately 13–17 copies per haploid genome of alternating α- and β-tubulin sequences.
Study on Semi-Active Control for Leaf Spring Suspension Based on Virtual Prototyping

Conventional leaf spring suspension in heavy duty trucks can afford large carry capacity and better handling stability ability but less ride performance. In this paper a semi-active control was embed to the leaf spring suspension. The dynamics model of semi-active leaf spring suspension was built and analyzed. A full function heavy duty tractor using virtual prototyping was built and assembled in dynamics simulation software. A bumpy road test was performed to verify the performance of the proposed semi-active suspension. The results show that the semi-active leaf spring suspension proposed in this paper can improve the ride performance of the heavy duty trucks. The occupants in the vehicle cab will feel more comfortable.
Learning Leadership Online: A Synergy of the Medium and the Message:

Teaching leadership online is a new and often daunting enterprise for educators. However, the medium of computer conferencing is, in fact, useful for introducing students to the skills of self- and...
The Missing Link between Juvenile Delinquency and Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Attachment Theory Lens

The present paper reviews pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder, emphasizing the relational basis of the disorder and highlighting the missing link between juvenile delinquency and trauma. The first part of the paper defines trauma and the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, noting child-specific features. The second part reviews the literature emphasizing the relational and attachment relevant nature of trauma. The third part explores psychological mechanisms for how attachment relations could affect trauma responses. Attachment relations (1) shape core schemas of the world, others, and the self and (2) foster emotional engagement or disengagement, both of which have been associated with traumatic responses. The most empirically supported pediatric trauma treatment, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), acknowledges the attachment figure's influence and includes treating and training the parent and conjoint child-parent discussion. The next section reviews the noteworthy link between juvenile delinquency and trauma history. More awareness of trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents is recommended to effectively address juvenile delinquency. The review ends with a few helpful points for practicing pediatricians regarding childhood trauma.
Semantic feedback for interactive image retrieval

In this paper we present a semantic image retrieval system with integrated feedback mechanism. In our system, we propose a novel feedback solution for semantic retrieval: semantic feedback, which allows our system to interact with users directly at the semantic level. The learning process of the semantic feedback substantially improves the image retrieval performance of the proposed system. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach with experiments using 5,000 images from Corel database.
BRAND NAME AWARENESS AND IMAGE PERCEPTION OF WOMEN'S DAYTIME APPAREL '

The objectives were (1) to investigate brand name awareness and image perceptions of nationally known women's brand name apparel and (2) to identify these characteristics of female consumers which influence brand preferences. The statistical analysis of data collected from 130 female students and 75 working women indicated brand name awareness was influenced by subjects' occupational status and clothing expenditure. Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren showed more distinctive image characteristics than 12 other national apparel brands. Brand preference was affected by brand attributes, clothing interest, clothing expenditure, and age. A few marketing implications were suggested.
Experimental investigations of amino acid-layered double hydroxide complexes: Glutamate-hydrotalcite

XRD, TGA−DTA, compositional analyses, and 13C NMR data for hydrotalcite (HT) intercalated with the amino acid glutamic acid (GA) provide a detailed picture of the effects of synthesis pH, synthesis...
A spherical crystal imager for OMEGA EP.

A narrowband x ray imager for the Cu Kα line at ∼8 keV using a spherically bent quartz crystal has been implemented on the OMEGA EP laser at the University of Rochester. The quartz crystal is cut along the 2131 (211) planes for a 2d spacing of 0.3082 nm, resulting in a Bragg angle of 88.7°, very close to normal incidence. An optical system is used to remotely align the spherical crystal without breaking the vacuum of the target chamber. The images show a high signal-to-background ratio of typically >100:1 with laser energies ≥1 kJ at a 10-ps pulse duration and a spatial resolution of less than 10 μm.
Dermatomyositis presenting as a paraneoplastic syndrome with resolution of symptoms following surgical management of underlying breast malignancy

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the USA, with the lifetime incidence of 1 in 8 women. Dermatomyositis (DM) is an uncommon idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that can manifest as a paraneoplastic syndrome of an underlying malignancy. Here, we report a case of a patient who presented with breast cancer and DM symptoms. The patient's rash and muscle weakness progressed during the workup of her breast cancer, while she was already started on medical treatment of these symptoms with oral prednisone. Her cutaneous and musculoskeletal improved dramatically following the treatment of her breast cancer. Our case report describes the rapid progression and regression of her symptoms emphasizing the benefit of early diagnosis and treatment of DM as well as the underlying breast cancer.
Adiabatic coupling between conventional dielectric waveguides and waveguides with discrete translational symmetry

We study adiabatic transformation in optical waveguides with discrete translational symmetry. We calculate the reflection and transmission coefficient for a structure consisting of a slab waveguide that is adiabatically transformed into a photonic crystal waveguide and then back into a slab waveguide. The calculation yields high transmission over a wide frequency range of the photonic crystal waveguide band and indicates efficient coupling between the slab waveguide and the photonic crystal waveguide. Other applications of adiabatic mode transformation in photonic crystal waveguides and the coupled-resonator optical waveguides are also discussed.
Optimal Real-time Dispatch for Integrated Energy Systems

Optimal Real-time Dispatch for Integrated Energy Systems by Ryan Michael Firestone B.S. (Brown University) 1997 M.S. (University of Texas, El Paso) 2001 A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering- Mechanical Engineering in the Graduate Division of the University of California, Berkeley Committee in charge: Professor David Auslander, Chair Professor Paul Wright Professor Alex Farrell Spring 2007
Progress Report, Seismological Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 1949

In addition to those published during 1949 (list at end) the following research activities have been carried forward. Instrumental development under Benioff has included an experimental model seismometer using a capacity transducer. The pendulum is of the torsion type with an inertia reactor of approximately one kg mass. Damping is provided by a coil moving in a magnetic field with leads attached to the upper and lower torsion ribbons which are insulated from each other. In this way damping can be adjusted with an external resistance connected to the coil and any change in period brought about by reaction of the magnetic field on the coil is accounted for. The variable capacity consists of a fixed plate separated about one millimeter from a movable plate attached to a light boom on the cylinder. The mechanical magnification is approximately five. The seismometer capacitor serves to couple the grid and plate circuits of a tuned-grid tuned-plate oscillator. For small movements of the pendulum the'amplitude of oscillation varies very nearly linearly with the amplitude of the pendulum displacement. A voltage output of seismic frequency is derived from the oscillator grid leak and is coupled to a one-stage amplifier by means of a resistance-capacity network. The output of the amplifier is also coupled through a resistance-capacity network. The time constant of the coupling circuits are such as to respond to seismic waves up to 60 sec-period. A short-period galvanometer (0.1 to 0.3 sec) is used for recording.
Multidimensional Fourier transforms by systolic architectures

A method of formal transformation of a multidimensional DFT (discrete Fourier transform) algorithm to a form suitable for implementation with a systolic macropipeline is discussed. The suggested transformation of the original form of the DFT algorithm consists of one or several rotationlike transforms applied to the index set. The resulting 'completely systolized' form of the algorithm makes it possible to implement the N/sup M/-point (m-dimensional) DFT with a macropipeline containing M or (M-1) cascaded systolic/semisystolic arrays. Each array is an M-dimensional hypercube of the processing elements (PEs) of the multiply-add type; the internal structure of PEs in different arrays is slightly different. For given values of N and M, several design options exist, with hardware complexity of about the same value. The proposed systolic architecture makes it possible to obtain the throughput of N (one set of spectrum values every N array clocks) for any number of dimensions M. >
Network caching strategies for intermittently connected mobile users

This paper presents an evaluation of in-network caching strategies for efficient delivery of content to mobile devices that are intermittently connected to the network. Placement of content into in-network caches is formulated as an optimization problem that minimizes access latency under certain cost constraints. Several heuristic solutions (longest lifetime, split & longest lifetime and proportional probability to lifetime) are investigated via numerical examples and simulations. The results show that the proposed methods offer significant performance improvement over random caching and can approach the performance of exhaustive caching at every node with reduced storage cost.
The strawberry notch gene functions with Notch in common developmental pathways

Genetic and phenotypic analysis of strawberry notch suggests that its gene product is required during embryogenesis and oogenesis, and for the development of the eye, wing and leg. Several lines of evidence suggest that strawberry notch participates together with Notch in many common pathways. A number of strawberry notch mutant phenotypes are similar to those of Notch mutants and can be rescued by an extra copy of wild-type Notch. In addition, mutations in strawberry notch interact strongly with Notch mutants in a tissue-specific manner. Mutations in the strawberry notch and Notch loci also show very similar interactions with genes like Hairless, Delta, groucho, Serrate, and deltex that have all been proposed to participate in Notch related pathways. The genetic evidence presented here suggests that strawberry notch participates with members of the Notch pathway in facilitating developmentally relevant cell-cell communications.
Parallelism in mainstream enterprise platforms of the future

Today’s leading edge microprocessors feature over 200 million transistors. Moore’s Law continues to provide a doubling of the transistor density every two years. This has spawned several new changes in the features designed into commercially available microprocessors. Intel’s Itanium  Processor Family features massive on-chip execution resources as evidenced by the 6 integer units, 3 branch units, 2 floating point multiply-add units, and 2 load and 2 store units in the recently released Itanium 2 processor. Intel’s Xeon processor introduced simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) in a high volume microprocessor. IBM’s Power4 * microprocessor represents the first “SMP-on-a-chip” design for high-end enterprise servers—two processors with Level 2 (L2) cache are incorporated on each chip. Future microprocessors will offer higher levels of multiprocessor capability on chip as the transistor density increases. Computer manufacturers are incorporating these high-end microprocessors into large symmetric multiprocessing systems with 8, 16, 32 or even 64 processors. Another trend is the emergence of clustered commercially off the shelf (COTS) servers as credible supercomputing platforms. These trends provide compiler writers and application developers a wide range of platforms for developing parallel applications ranging from instruction level parallelism (ILP) in high-end microprocessors, to tightly coupled thread level parallelism (TLP) and massive message oriented parallelism in large-scale clusters. This talk will cover anticipated advances in semiconductor technology and relate those to trends in microprocessor design that will drive higher levels of parallelism in mainstream server platforms.
Synthesis and characterization of ETS-10: supported hollow carbon nano-polyhedrons nanosorbent for adsorption of krypton at near ambient temperatures

Hollow carbon nano-polyhedrons (HCNPHs) supported on Engelhard Titanosilicate-10 (ETS-10) were synthesized by wet impregnation technique using tetrahydrofuran as a solvent. Synthesized HCNPHs/ETS-10 nanosorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, N2-adsorption–desorption isotherm, BET surface area, and scanning electron microscopy to confirm the morphology and uniformity of carbon particles ranging from 50 to 70 nm in diameter. Sorption characteristics of this nanosorbent for krypton at various carbon loadings were determined using a bench-scale column apparatus. The dynamic sorption capacity of HCNPHs/ETS-10 nanosorbent calculated from the breakthrough curve, 0.75 mmol/kg, which was ~15 % higher than for that of activated carbon. The effect of temperature on the adsorption capacity was studied between 263–293 K. Operational capacity of the nanosorbent was found to be 0.45 mmol/kg at 263 K. The experimental results indicate that 10 wt% HCNPHs/ETS-10 nanosorbent showed promising results for krypton adsorption, indicating its potential as an economical and active sorbent for krypton removal from the off-gas streams resulting from operations for recycle of used nuclear fuel.
Infarct scar: a dynamic tissue

Infarct scar, a requisite to the rebuilding of necrotic myocardium following myocardial infarction (MI), has long been considered inert. Earlier morphologic studies suggested healing at the infarct site was complete within 6-8 weeks following MI and resultant scar tissue, albeit necessary, was acellular and simply fibrillar collagen. Utilizing molecular and cellular biologic technologies, recent studies indicate otherwise. Infarct scar is composed of phenotypically transformed fibroblast-like cells, termed myofibroblasts (myoFb) because they express alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and these microfilaments confer contractile behavior in response to various peptides and amines. These cells are nourished by a neovasculature and are persistent at the MI site, where they are metabolically active expressing components requisite to angiotensin (Ang) peptide generation, including converting enzyme, receptors for AngII and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. They continue to elaborate fibrillar type I collagen. Their generation of these peptides contribute to ongoing scar tissue collagen turnover and to fibrous tissue formation of noninfarcted myocardium. Infarct scar contraction accounts for its thinning and its tonus may contribute to abnormal ventricular chamber stiffness with diastolic dysfunction. Infarct scar is a dynamic tissue: cellular, vascularized, metabolically active and contractile. Pharmacologic interventions with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or AT1 receptor antagonist has proven effective in attenuating scar tissue metabolic activity and minimizing adverse accumulation of fibrous tissue in noninfarcted myocardium.
Which Way Does the Wind Blow? Analysing the State Context for Renewable Energy Deployment in the United States

Wind power is an important low-carbon technology and the most rapidly growing renewable energy technology in the US, but there is significant state-by-state variation in wind power distribution. This variation cannot be explained solely by wind resource patterns or US state policy and points to the importance of both local and central governance. We outline the national context for wind deployment in the US and then explore the sub-national, state-level factors shaping wind deployment patterns. We probe the socio-political context across four US states by integrating multiple research methods. Through comparative state-level analysis of the energy system, energy policy, public discourse as represented in the media and statelevel, energy policy stakeholders’ perceptions we examine variation in the context for wind deployment in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana and Texas. Our results demonstrate that differentpatternsofwinddeploymentanddifferentdebatesaboutwindpowerhaveemergedin each locale. Participants across the different states appear to frame the risks and benefits of wind power in significantly different ways. We discuss the impact of risks and benefit frames on energy policy outcomes. The comparative assessment highlights the complex interplay between central and local governance and explores the significant socio-political variation between states. The study contributes to the understanding of energy technology deployment processes,decision-makingandenergypolicyoutcomes.Copyright©2014JohnWiley&Sons,
Microstructure property relationships in Nb-Ti-Ta

The microstructures produced by conventional precipitation heat treatment of Nb-44.4 wt.%Ti-15.4 wt.%Ta have been observed and quantified. The precipitate morphology was found to be qualitatively the same as for similarly processed Nb-47 wt.%Ti providing that a prestrain in excess of 6.5-7 was applied prior to heat treatment. Heat treatments at 420 degrees C for 80 h produced approximately=10% more alpha -Ti than in the binary alloy but the J/sub c/ at 4.2 K was lower in the ternary. >
A drop dispersal model for rinsing

A new theory for convection-free rinsing of flat plates was developed to include the drop dispersal mechanism as well as the previously considered diffusion mechanism. Cases where carryover is unequal to dragout were also included in the model. Based on film distribution data, the model offers better agreement with rinse data. The effect of drain time on film distribution and bottom drop volume was also investigated.
Analysis of the Psychoactive Terpenoid Salvinorin A Content in Five Salvia divinorum Herbal Products

Study Objective. To determine the content of the hallucinogen salvinorin A in a variety of Salvia divinorum herbal products and to compare the content with the label claims of potency and purity. Design. Laboratory analysis. Setting. University-affiliated laboratory. Samples. Five herbal products containing Salvia divinorum. Measurements and Main Results. The samples were purchased from the Internet and local drug paraphernalia shops (“head shops”). High-performance liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography–gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy were used for the analysis. All five samples contained salvinorin A, a psychoactive compound found in Salvia divinorum; however, the salvinorin A concentrations we measured were much lower than those claimed on the product label. Vitamin E was also found in two samples and caffeine in one sample. Conclusion. The five salvinorin A herbal products were found to be subpotent, and three products contained adulterants. Any discrepancy between the advertised salvinorin A concentration and their actual concentration may pose a potential risk of both misuse and overdose. These concerns, and the recently reported teenage suicide that could have been related to salvia consumption, underscore the need for practitioners to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of salvia use.
Who has been a successful public intellectual

A stringent criterion for a public intellectual is proposed: persons who are simultaneously major creative intellectuals, and successful political leaders. Using data from the careers of 2700 philosophers throughout world history, and social scientists in recent centuries, the article concludes that three kinds of political failure by intellectuals are prominent: (1) failure to attain political office; (2) failure while in office; and (3) failure of political influence from adoption of one’s ideas. On the whole, major intellectuals are not good at politics; and politicians do not make outstanding intellectuals. The skills and pressures of the two spheres are too different.
Social Workers' Levels of Knowledge about Old Age and Perceptions of Service Delivery to the Elderly:

Following the assumption that practitioners' levels of knowledge and perceptions of their clients' characteristics affect the delivery of services, 200 clinical social workers were questioned regarding knowledge of and attitudes toward elderly persons. Palmore's (1977) Facts on Aging quiz provides the basis for determining whether respondents can be classified as high or low knowledgeables. Knowledge scores are found to be positively related to age, but not to sex of respondent, number of years with the MSW degree, or exposure to gerontology courses during graduate training. T-tests of mean scores and partial correlation coefficients (controlling for age) on 19 attitude items relating to various aspects of the elderly and their needs reveal few statistically significant differences between high and low knowledgeables. It appears that the high knowledgeables are less likely to see the elderly as a special group in terms of service delivery. However, this lack of clear difference between high and low knowle...
How Valid are Children's Language Tests?:

Seven independent studies of young children's performances were reviewed. Rather consistently, children's scores on a wide range of popular language tests and measures revealed large numbers of moderately high to high interrelationships which were unexpected, since the authors frequently claimed that their tests measured specific rather than general language skills. Data from two new investigations of different batteries of language tests given to 122 young handicapped children in the first investigation and 44 in the second were subjected to multivariate analyses, including regression analysis and factor analysis.Results from the first study showed that a few general rather than many specific linguistic abilities characterized the performances of the children; results from the second showed that only one general linguistic factor accounted for the subjects' performances. The construct and content validity of many of the tests studied appears untenable. Implications for use of the tests (accounting for mo...
Early discharge does not increase readmission or mortality after high-risk vascular surgery.

Purpose Clinical pathways aimed at reducing hospital length of stay following vascular surgery have been broadly implemented to reduce costs. However, early hospital discharge may adversely affect the risk of readmission or mortality. To address this question, we examined the relationship between early discharge and 30-day outcomes among patients undergoing a high-risk vascular surgery procedure, thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) repair. Methods Using Medicare claims from 2000 to 2007, we identified all patients who were discharged home following elective thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) and open repair for nonruptured TAAs. For each procedure, we examined the correlation between early discharge ( Results Our sample included 9764 patients, of which 7850 (80%) underwent open TAA repair, and 1914 (20%) underwent TEVAR. Patients discharged to home early were more likely to be female (66% early vs 56% late), Caucasian (94% early vs 91% late), younger (73 years early vs 74 years late), and have fewer comorbidities (mean Charlson score: 0.7 early vs 1.0 late) than patients discharged home late (all P Conclusions Discharging patients home early following uncomplicated TEVAR or open TAA repair is associated with reduced hospital costs without adversely impacting 30-day readmission or mortality rates. These data support the safety and cost-effectiveness of programs aimed at early hospital discharge in selected vascular surgery patients.
Evaluation of options for weld repair of Grade 91 piping and components: metallographic characterisation

Creep strength enhanced ferritic (CSEF) steels such as Grade 91 are the preferred materials for many of the high temperature boiler tubing and piping components used in modern power generating plants. Validation of temperbead welding techniques is particularly important for Grade 91 steel as accurate post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) has proven to be difficult in field applications. Even a well-controlled PWHT can degrade the base material strength, and a poorly performed heat treatment can lead to subsequent creep properties being below the minimum expected by codes. Successful demonstration of temperbead techniques for Grade 91 steel would alleviate these concerns and create additional options in designing a ‘well-engineered’ repair. This article presents the results from a project evaluating options for field repair of Grade 91 components. Metallographic characterisation of the welds produced is described with future publications providing results from cross-weld creep testing and post-test examination.
Characterization of Verticillium dahliae and V. tricorpus Isolates from Lettuce and Artichoke

Verticillium isolates collected from lettuce and artichoke were characterized for morphology, growth and pathogenicity. Several isolates were identified as Verticillium tricorpus based on morphological and cultural characteristics, including the production of dark resting mycelia, chlamydospores, microsclerotia, and yellow to orange pigmentation in culture. Compared with isolates of V. dahliae, these isolates also produced microsclerotia and conidia that were significantly larger and exhibited a distinct growth pattern at varying temperatures. Using database sequence information, primers were developed from the internal transcribed spacer region to produce a diagnostic 337-bp product specific to V. tricorpus and used to confirm the identification of isolates. Pathogenicity tests indicated that isolates of V. tricorpus were weak pathogens, causing a median disease severity (DS) of 3.5 on lettuce and 5.0 on artichoke. Although lettuce and artichoke inoculated with isolates of V. tricorpus exhibited reduced height and fresh foliar and root weight, the reductions were not statistically significant, unlike in plants inoculated with isolates of V. dahliae. Lettuce co-inoculated with isolates of V. tricorpus and V. dahliae exhibited reduced symptoms of Verticillium wilt and improved growth relative to those inoculated with V. dahliae alone. The early introduction of V. tricorpus in soil-drench inoculations appeared to provide better relief from subsequent V. dahliae inoculation than when the two species were co-inoculated simultaneously using the root-dip method, suggesting competitive exclusion as a plausible mechanism. A spore-polymerase chain reaction assay developed using cultured spores directly as template and primers specific to V. tricorpus confirmed the presence of V. tricorpus on inoculated roots. This work demonstrates the potential use of V. tricorpus to directly reduce the effect of V. dahliae on lettuce and artichoke and, to our knowledge, is the first reported characterization of V. tricorpus isolates collected from lettuce and artichoke.
Career awareness, retention and curriculum programs

Strategies have been developed for implementing various programs to provide students (K-12, junior colleges, and undergraduate schools) with an awareness of civil and transportation engineering careers, to retain students who have the interest, and to affect curriculums that relate the relevance of class materials to such careers. These programs were assembled under a conceptual framework referred to as the "ARC" (Awareness, Retention and Curriculum) model. Recommended action plans were subsequently devised to address specific issues at each defined developmental stage of the educational process. Although the principal focus of the research was to promote student awareness of civil engineering as a career option, the research results are applicable across the various engineering education disciplines. The study results include: a catalog describing existing techniques used to promote student awareness in engineering, mathematics, and science studies; insights into attitudes on civil engineering via focus groups; development of the conceptual ARC model and associated action plans; and the publication of a "user's guide" to implement the detailed strategies of the ARC model. A comprehensive Directory and Program of Services for existing programs was also prepared. The paper summarizes the overall research approach, describes the market research study, identifies the key findings, and explains the ARC model development and its application to the future engineering pool.
Composition, Microstructure, and Water Vapor Effects on Internal/External Oxidation of Alumina-Forming Austenitic Stainless Steels

A family of creep-resistant austenitic stainless steels based on alumina (Al2O3) scale formation (AFA alloys) for superior high-temperature oxidation resistance was recently identified. Excellent oxidation behavior was observed at 650 and 700 °C in air with 10% water vapor. However, particularly at 800 °C, the presence of water vapor greatly increased the tendency for internal oxidation of Al. Water vapor also enhanced subscale Al depletion in some AFA alloys relative to dry air exposure. Increased levels of Nb additions were found to significantly improve oxidation resistance, as were reactive element additions of Hf and Y. Computational thermodynamic calculations of the austenitic matrix phase composition and the volume fraction of MC, B2-NiAl, and Fe2Nb base Laves phase precipitates were used to interpret oxidation behavior in terms of two-phase oxidation theory, reservoir effect, and the third-element effect of Cr. Of particular interest was the enrichment of Cr in the austenitic matrix phase by additions of Nb, which aided the establishment and maintenance of alumina. Higher levels of Nb additions also increased the volume fraction of B2-NiAl precipitates, which served as an Al reservoir during long-term oxidation. Implications of these findings for the design of AFA alloys with increased upper use temperature limits are discussed.
Immersion graded index optics for passive solar concentrators

Immersion graded refractive index optics enable passive optical concentrators, but also present challenges in design, fabrication, and integration. In this paper, we describe two simple and scalable fabrication techniques and report on the performance of prototypes. We present two tileable designs and demonstrate a passive concentration of 3 Suns.
THE EFFECTS OF SOIL TEXTURE ON EXTRACTION OF VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGAL SPORES FROM ARID SITES

Extraction methods for vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores were compared using soils from arid habitats. The methods were wet-sieving and decanting, flotation-adhesion, two density gra? dient centrifugation techniques and differential water/sucrose centrifugation. In clay soils, all methods except differential water/sucrose centrifugation were statistically similar. Differential water/sucrose centrifugation extracted 185% more spores than the other methods. When comparing methods using soils of differing textures, the efficiency of extraction of Gigaspora spores was similar, but more Glomus spores were extracted with differential centrifugation. Exposure to a 2 m solution dehydrated 52% of exposed spores in 24 h. Following immersion of those spores in distilled water, 98% were hydrated after 24 h. The concentration of sucrose used in the differential centrifugation method appeared to cause little permanent damage to spores. We conclude that several methods should be compared initially when spores are extracted from new habitats to ascertain the optimum technique for the given soils.
A Mutation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Reverse Transcriptase and Decline in CD4 Lymphocyte Numbers in Long-Term Zidovudine Recipients

A nested polymerase chain reaction assay was used to define the sequence of a specific codon, amino acid 215, of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pol gene in DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and viral RNA from serum from 38 patients treated with zidovudine for > or = 2 years. After treatment for a mean of 34 months, 17 patients with sequences with a codon 215 mutation had a mean 50% decrease in CD4 cells, compared with 21 patients with sequences wild-type at codon 215, who had a mean 11% increase in CD4 cells (P < .0001). Patients with a mutation at 215 had a ninefold higher provirus burden in PBMC. Detection of the codon 215 mutation in plasma viral RNA preceded detection of the mutation in DNA from PBMC and decline in CD4 cells. The appearance of a mutation at codon 215 in the HIV reverse transcriptase gene in patients receiving zidovudine may be a marker for impending immunologic decline.
An Investigation of the Feeding, Sleeping, Crying, and Social Behavior of Infants

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the feeding, sleeping, crying, and social behavior of a group of young in fants reared in a fairly constant environ ment. Specifically, the problems were: 1. To obtain information on certain aspects of the feeding situations of each infant by means of observation records made by an observer 2. To obtain information on sleep of the infants by means of: (1) records kept by an observer on each infant while he was going to sleep and while he slept during the daytime; (2) records of length of sleep, probable causes of wakefulness, and treatment of wakefulness made by the observ er during two-week periods of night sleep; and (3) records on each child, kept daily by nurses on duty in the laboratory through out the period of infants' stay in the lab oratory, showing time of sleep and length of sleep 3. To obtain information on the crying behavior of infants by means of records taken during periods of the day when crying was most frequently observed 4. To obtain records on the behavior of the infants in situations where another infant or infants were near, and to separate from these records the behavior which seemed to involve social interactions with other Infants or adults and to analyze it DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECTS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT
Compositional analysis of grain and forage from MON 87427, an inducible male sterile and tissue selective glyphosate-tolerant maize product for hybrid seed production.

Conventional maize hybrid seed production has historically relied upon detasseling using either manual methods or semiautomated processes to ensure the purity of the hybrid cross. Monsanto Co. has developed biotechnology-derived MON 87427 maize with tissue-selective glyphosate tolerance to facilitate the production of hybrid maize seed. MON 87427 utilizes a specific promoter and intron combination to drive expression of CP4 EPSPS protein in vegetative and female reproductive tissues, conferring tolerance to glyphosate. This specific combination of regulatory elements also results in limited or no production of CP4 EPSPS protein in two key male reproductive tissues: pollen microspores, which develop into pollen grains, and tapetum cells that supply nutrients to the pollen. Thus, MON 87427 induces a male sterile phenotype after appropriately timed glyphosate applications. To confer additional benefits of herbicide tolerance and/or insect resistance, MON 87427 was combined with MON 89034 and NK603 by convent...
Physiology in Perspective: Sensing Our Environment Triggers Physiological and Evolutionary Adaptation

Sensing our external environment triggers physiological and evolutionary adaptations that are essential to the preservation of life. Physiological adaptations reflect more immediate interactions of living organisms with their environment. Indeed, physiological adaptations are triggered through
Tropical Infectious Diseases. Principles, Pathogens, & Practice, 2nd Edition.

This comprehensive two-volume text on tropical medicine is divided into three sections. Section I encompasses general principles and considerations including not only infectious agents but also noninfectious illnesses that one might encounter in the tropics, such as those caused by plant or animal toxins. In addition to the expected chapters on host-parasite interactions and immunology/host defense, the section on general principles also includes chapters on geographic, social, and cultural factors important in tropical medicine and the spread of disease as well as the role of nutrition. In keeping with current times, there is also a brief chapter reviewing global surveillance systems for emerging infectious diseases. The two chapters on treatment are heavily tabulated to allow for quick reference to both treatment choices and their potential toxicity.
Basic Biochemistry and Physiology

The living cell is a dynamic system which constantly undergoes change and reorganization of its molecular components. Moreover, it is not at physical and chemical equilibrium. Chemical reactions, distribution of many ions and molecules across the plasma membrane, and the organization of structural elements are not in the lowest possible energy state; hence, energy is required to maintain the dynamic and peculiarly ordered state of the cell. Heterotrophic organisms obtain energy by taking in organic (carbon-containing) compounds from their environment. These compounds are metabolically degraded to release energy in a form that is widely utilizable throughout the cell (eg, as ATP), or some are stored as food reserves upon transformation (eg, carbohydrate granules or lipid droplets). One of the fundamental processes essential to life is the conversion of carbohydrate or lipid to smaller compounds, with the release and conservation of energy as ATP. Since there is always some inefficiency in natural energy conversion processes, not all of the energy released during metabolism is conserved as chemical energy in the bonds of ATP, and some of the energy loss is in the form of heat. Thus, living systems lose some heat energy to their environment, especially during periods of intense metabolic activity. The major biochemical pathway for metabolic conversion of glucose and fatty acids to smaller molecules and ATP is shown in Figure 15.1. The major events are summarized here, but more detailed information is available in standard physiology and biochemistry texts. Only some concepts pertinent to our comparative analyses of protozoan biology are discussed.
Salt production, standardization, and specialization: An example from Drake’s salt works

Recent archaeological data from the Upper and Little salt licks at the Drake’s Salt Works Site Complex in northwestern Louisiana suggest that this saline was visited on an opportunistic or short-term basis. These sites, particularly the Little Lick, have standardized salt production vessels when compared to other salines, but both lack evidence of extended occupation, which was viewed as a likely prerequisite for full-time or prolonged seasonal specialization. This study also addresses several potential conditions that may have affected the development of salt production specialization in northwestern Louisiana. While the demand for salt may have been relatively high following European contact, the numerous and flood-prone salt deposits in this region made it difficult for producer specialization to develop.