cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft Tissue Management for Implants in the Aesthetic Zone

While implant success depends on a multitude of factors, soft tissue management is critical to the aesthetic success of anterior implant tooth replacement in the partially edentulous patient. The peri-implant soft tissue appearance should emulate and match natural periodontal aesthetics. Ideally, peri-implant soft tissues blend imperceptibly with and mimic the surrounding periodontal soft tissues of the natural dentition. Achieving that goal requires an understanding of periodontal and peri-implant anatomy and an appreciation for factors that influence soft tissue contours around teeth and dental implant restorations. In addition to mastering surgical objectives and techniques, clinicians must be able to evaluate and accurately diagnose the existing periodontal condition.
Isometries and Equivalences Between Point Configurations, Extended To $\varepsilon$-diffeomorphisms

In this paper, we deal with the Orthogonal Procrustes Problem, in which two point configurations are compared in order to construct a map to optimally align the two sets. This extends this to $\varepsilon$-diffeomorphisms, introduced by [1] Damelin and Fefferman. Examples will be given for when complete maps can not be constructed, for if the distributions do match, and finally an algorithm for partitioning the configurations into polygons for convenient construction of the maps.
Optimizing peer referrals for public awareness using contextual bandits

Programs that reward people for referring their friends are increasingly being used to raise awareness about important topics. With a fixed budget for referral incentives, a natural goal for such referral programs is to maximize the number of people reached. Unlike a typical influence maximization problem, however, the social network of potential adopters is unknown apriori. Further, people's response to a referral incentive can depend on various factors such as their preference for the content, size of their social network, and their estimated value for sharing. Therefore, we introduce an incentive-aware variant of the influence maximization problem and formalize it under an online learning setting. Given the lack of initial information about the social network or how people respond to referral incentives, we use an explore-exploit strategy and present a contextual bandit agent CoBBI that optimizes the incentives for each user by learning from the results of its past actions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CoBBI on data from a real-world referral program for raising land rights' awareness among farmers. Compared to a wide range of baselines, we find that CoBBI is consistently more cost-effective, across a wide range of influence probabilities and people's response to incentives.
Quantum-classical hybrid algorithm using an error-mitigating N -representability condition to compute the Mott metal-insulator transition

Quantum algorithms for molecular electronic structure have been developed with lower computational scaling than their classical counterparts, but emerging quantum hardware is far from being capable of the coherence, connectivity, and gate errors required for their experimental realization. Here we propose a class of quantum-classical hybrid algorithms that computes the energy from a two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM). The 2-RDM is constrained by $N$-representability conditions, constraints for representing an $N$-electron wave function, which mitigate noise from the quantum circuit. We compute the strongly correlated dissociation of doublet ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ into three hydrogen atoms. The hybrid quantum-classical computer matches the energies from full configuration interaction to 0.1 kcal/mol, one-tenth of ``chemical accuracy,'' even in the strongly correlated limit of dissociation. Furthermore, the spatial locality of the computed one-electron RDM reveals that the quantum computer accurately predicts the Mott metal-insulator transition.
Biological control of Phytophthora blight and growth promotion in sweet pepper by Bacillus species

Abstract Phytophthora capsici is one of the most important pathogens impacting the production of horticultural crops including pepper (Capsicum annuum). Pepper growers rely heavily on pesticides, but toxicity hazards to farm-workers, consumers, non-target organisms as well as environmental contamination cause great concern. Furthermore, the development of pesticide resistance is problematic. The objective of this study was to evaluate isolates of three Bacillus spp. [B. vallismortis (Ps), B. amyloliquefaciens (PsL) and B. thuringiensis (IMC8)] as biological control agents for P. capsici disease management. These isolates inhibited P. capsici mycelial growth invitro and reduced P. capsici disease severity in plants grown in Phytophthora-infested soil in greenhouse environment. In addition, the three bacterial isolates promoted plant growth by increasing plant height, shoot weight, root length, root weight and chlorophyll content. Out of the three isolates, PsL displayed the best potential in reducing P. capsici disease severity and in promoting plant growth in Phytophthora-infested soil and both PsL and Ps were significantly better than the fungicide metalaxyl (Ridomil®, Syngenta, Greensboro, NC) in reducing disease severity and promoting plant growth in greenhouse environment. In addition, mixtures of IMC8 + Ps, IMC8 + PsL and IMC8 + Ps + PsL reduced P. capsici disease severity and promoted plant growth similar to the fungicide metalaxyl used at label recommended rates. These three isolates IMC8, Ps and PsL displayed potential as alternative products for disease management and C. annuum plant growth promotion.
Inference in Social Networks from Ultra-Sparse Distance Measurements via Pretrained Hadamard Autoencoders

Analysis of large-scale networks is hampered by limited data as complete network measurements are expensive or impossible to collect. We present an autoencoder based technique paired with pretraining, to predict missing topology information in ultra-sparsely sampled social networks. Randomly generated variations of Barabasi-Albert and power law cluster graphs are used to pretrain a Hadamard Autoencoder. Pretrained neural network is then used to infer distances in social networks where only a very small fraction of intra-node distances are available. Model is evaluated on variations of Barabasi-Albert and Powerlaw cluster graphs as well as on a real-world Facebook network. Results are compared with a deterministic Low-rank Matrix Completion (LMC) method as well as an autoencoder trained on partially observed data from the test-network. Results show that pretrained autoencoder far outperforms LMC when the number of distance samples available is less than 1%, while being competitive for higher fraction of samples.
A Neuroskeletal Atlas: Spatial Mapping and Contextualization of Axon Subtypes Innervating the Long Bones of C3H and B6 Mice

Nerves in bone play well-established roles in pain and vasoregulation and have been associated with progression of skeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, fracture, arthritis, and tumor metastasis. However, isolation of the region-specific mechanisms underlying these relationships is limited by our lack of quantitative methods for neuroskeletal analysis and precise maps of skeletal innervation. To overcome these limitations, we developed an optimized workflow for imaging and quantitative analysis of axons in and around the bone, including validation of Baf53b-Cre in concert with R26R-tdTomato (Ai9) as a robust pan-neuronal reporter system for use in musculoskeletal tissues. In addition, we created comprehensive maps of sympathetic adrenergic and sensory peptidergic axons within and around the full length of the femur and tibia in two strains of mice (B6 and C3H). In the periosteum, these maps were related to the surrounding musculature, including entheses and myotendinous attachments to bone. Three distinct patterns of periosteal innervation (termed type I, II, III) were defined at sites that are important for bone pain, bone repair, and skeletal homeostasis. For the first time, our results establish a gradient of bone marrow axon density that increases from proximal to distal along the length of the tibia and define key regions of interest for neuroskeletal studies. Lastly, this information was related to major nerve branches and local maps of specialized mechanoreceptors. This detailed mapping and contextualization of the axonal subtypes innervating the skeleton is intended to serve as a guide during the design, implementation, and interpretation of future neuroskeletal studies and was compiled as a resource for the field as part of the NIH SPARC consortium. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)..
Dynamic Course of Action Analysis with Uncertainty of Information in Wargaming Environment

Human information interaction (HII) focuses on the ability to capture, communicate, and understand the problems, tasks, ideas, and concepts which can be applied to ultimately generate courses of action (CoA) and make decisions. The complexities in each part of HII make it a challenging area to research. One of these challenges is the inherent variability that comes with human decision makers. Another challenge is the nuances of the interactions needed to solve the problem or complete a task. Additionally, there is also the challenge of the imperfect nature of information. These challenges, like the elements of HII, are intertwined, which adds to the complexity of the problem. Previous research in the information element and its imperfect nature has led to work in creating an uncertainty of information (UoI) paradigm, which is represented as a numerical value. A strength of the UoI concept is the descriptors which are used to express the causal reasoning behind the uncertainty. These descriptors are taken from Gershon’s terminology and act as taxonomies to enable an easier way of understanding and communicating uncertainty, particularly for decision making. As this research is expanded, the utilization of human computer interaction (HCI) as a technique that allows for the investigation of UoI and the elements of HII dynamically is extremely important. The HCI technique utilized for this work is the wargaming simulation environment. Through wargaming, we can investigate and understand how CoA and their corresponding decisions (when there is UoI) are made so that the mission objectives are optimally achieved.
Immunotherapy in Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Head and neck cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide with the most common histology being squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). While the majority of patients present at a stage where curative intent therapy is possible, when patients recur and/or develop metastatic disease, outcomes are generally poor, especially with systemic therapy alone, and they lag behind other solid tumors. Over the last decade immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of oncology, and anti-PD-1-based therapy has changed the standard of care in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC as well. With these gains have come new questions to continue to move the field forward. In this review, we discuss the tumor immune microenvironment and predictive biomarkers and current status and future directions for immunotherapy in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer.
Toxic Effects from Ivermectin Use Associated with Prevention and Treatment of Covid-19.

Toxic Effects from Ivermectin Use The Oregon Poison Center received calls at a rate of 0.25 per month in all of 2020, as compared with 21 calls in August 2021 alone, regarding toxic effects from iv...
Risk of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy in the community.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to estimate the risk of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) retinopathy and its risk factors among incident users in the community. METHODS Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP), a record-linkage system, a cohort of incident users of HCQ was identified from 27 counties in the American upper Midwest. HCQ retinopathy was defined based on characteristic paracentral automated 10-2 visual field (10-2 AVF) defects and parafoveal retinal photoreceptor layer changes on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Cumulative incidence rates were estimated adjusting for competing risk of death. Risk factors for HCQ retinopathy were examined using Cox models. RESULTS The study included 634 incident HCQ users (mean age at initial HCQ use was 53.7 years; 79% females; 91% white). Most common indications for HCQ were rheumatoid arthritis (57%) and systemic lupus erythematous (19%). The average follow-up length was 7.6 years. Eleven patients developed HCQ retinopathy (91% females: 91% white). The majority used HCQ for rheumatoid arthritis (91%). The cumulative incidence rate at year 5 was 0% which increased to 3.9% (95% CI 2.0-7.4%) by 10 years. Taking a HCQ dose ≥5mg/kg was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.59 (95% CI 1.09, 11.84) compared with lower doses. There was a 48% increase (HR: 1.48; 95% CI 1.03-2.14) in the risk of HCQ retinopathy for each 100 grams of HCQ cumulative dose. CONCLUSION The risk of HCQ retinopathy at ten years of use is lower compared with previous prevalence-based estimations. A dose ≥5mg/kg was associated with higher HCQ retinopathy risk.
A quantitative test of different magnetic field models using conjunctions between DMSP and geosynchronous orbit

We report here on a study which tests the magnetic field line mapping between geosynchronous orbit and the ionosphere. The mapping is determined both observationally and from five magnetospheric magnetic field models. The mapping is tested observationally by comparing electron energy spectra obtained by the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer (MPA) at geosynchronous orbit and by the DMSP spacecraft. Because the orbits are nearly perpendicular, in general, the spectra match well for only a few seconds providing a good determination of when DMSP crosses the geosynchronous drift shell. In this way the mapping between geosynchronous orbit and the ionosphere can be determined to better than one degree. We then compare the measured magnetic footpoints of geosynchronous orbit with the footpoints predicted by five magnetospheric field models: Tsyganenko-89, Tsyganenko-87, Tsyganenko-82, Oslen-Pfitzer, and Hilmer-Voigt. Based on a set of over 100 measured magnetic conjunctions we find that, in general, there are significant differences between the mappings predicted by various magnetic field models but that there is no clear ``winner`` in predicting the observed mapping. We find that the range of magnetic latitudes at which we measure conjunctions is much broader than the range of latitudes which the models can accommodate. This lack of range is common to all magnetic field models tested. Although there are certainly cases where the models are not sufficiently stretched, we find that on average all magnetic field models tested are too stretched. This technique provides an excellent opportunity for testing future magnetic field models and for determining the appropriate parameterizations for those models. 21 refs., 4 figs.
Fast, variable system delay correction for spiral MRI

Purpose Time-varying system delays and eddy currents can substantially reduce the image quality of spiral images. A new method is proposed to estimate variable system delays for spiral-based trajectories. Methods This approach requires a minor modification of a conventional stack-of-spirals sequence and analyzes data collected on three overlapping orthogonal cylinders. Results Initial results are presented for acquired and synthesized phantom data and in vivo data. Conclusion The proposed method includes gradient coupling effects, requires no phantom measurements or specialized hardware, is robust to off-resonance effects, and estimates independent continuous delays for each gradient channel over the data-sampling period. Magn Reson Med 71:773–782, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An analysis of air transport results in the sick newborn II. Antenatal and neonatal referrals.

Abstract The neonatal intensive-care unit at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center admits approximately 350 infants each year. At least half of these infants are referred, and, since 1973, there has been a steady increase in antenatal referrals. In 1975, in utero referrals exceeded neonatal referrals. The entire perinatal population of two referring hospitals was retrospectively evaluated in order to compare neonatal and in utero transfers. The neonatal transfers had a higher-than-predicted mortality rate, while the in utero referrals had not only a lower-than-predicted mortality rate, but the survivors had a shorter hospital stay. The combined neonatal/perinatal regionalization program resulted in a perinatal mortality rate of eight and 7.6 per 1,000 births in the two hospitals during the study period.
A comparison of the role of dynorphin in the hippocampal mossy fiber pathway in guinea pig and rat

Several behavioral studies in rat (Gallagher, 1988) have suggested that opioids in the hippocampus could play an important role in learning and memory. However, in this species, very few reports specifically address the issue of physiological actions of opioids released by the mossy fibers which constitute the principal source of dynorphin and enkephalin in the hippocampus. In the guinea pig high frequency stimulation of mossy fibers causes a transient heterosynaptic inhibition of neighboring mossy fibers (Weisskopf et al., 1993) or perforant path synapses in the dentate (Wagner et al., 1993), which is mediated by the synaptic release of dynorphin that activates presynaptic kappa receptors. We show here that neither exogenous nor endogenous dynorphin affect mossy fiber excitatory postsynaptic potentials in the Sprague-Dawley rat, which is consistent with the finding that kappa receptor binding in the mossy fiber termination zone is dense in the guinea pig and sparse in this rat. More surprisingly, although kappa receptor binding is found in the rat dentate gyrus molecular layer and in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer, dynorphin had no action on perforant path field responses, somatic potassium currents or evoked monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents in CA3 cells. This lack of action appears to be an exception among rodents as dynorphin significantly inhibited mossy fiber responses in the hamster, mouse, and even another strain of rat, Long-Evans. Unlike the kappa mediated actions, the mu opioid receptor agonist DAMGO inhibited Sprague-Dawley mossy fiber responses, as it does in guinea pig. In contrast to other investigators, however, we found that the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone had no effect on Sprague-Dawley mossy fiber LTP.
Specific protein synthesis in cellular differentiation. V. A secretory defect of chorion formation in the Grcol mutant of Bombyx mori.

Abstract When homozygous, the Gr col mutation of Bombyx mori causes the production of an eggshell in which most proteins are underrepresented to varying degrees. Neither the relative rates nor the timing of chorion protein synthesis appear to be affected; instead, the mutant phenotype results from the post-translational loss of normally synthesized proteins. The extent of loss of each protein correlates with its developmental timing, being maximal at early to middle stages. At the same stages, secretion appears to be deficient: chorion proteins overaccumulate within mutant cells, and slowly disappear. A preliminary electron microscopic examination has revealed the presence of mutant-specific cytoplasmic vesicles. The deficient complement of secreted proteins fails to form the highly ordered structure characteristic of normal chorion.
Flip chip assembly utilizing anisotropic conductive films: a feasibility study

There is a persistent effort to miniaturize, reduce costs and search for environmentally friendly alternatives in the semiconductor industry. With the many advantages of flip chip assembly technology, it is predicted to be utilized for a larger percentage of all semiconductor packaging in the future. Anisotropic conductive films (which are generally used to assemble die to glass for liquid crystal displays) are now being investigated as a replacement for traditional Pb-Sn solder bump flip chip assembly applications. In this study, the goal was to determine which parameters are critical to develop a robust and reliable assembly process of a die to an organic substrate (FR5). Design of Experiments was used to determine which process parameters were critical in meeting reliability requirements. Reliability testing included -55C to 125C liquid-liquid thermal shock and autoclave (121C 1 atm. Pressure). Additional parts were also assembled and subjected to multiple Sn-Pb and Sn-Ag reflow profiles to study the effect of BGA solder reflow on the ACF film. The results show that Ni bump thickness and bonding pressure are critical parameters (for assembly on organic substrates) in maintaining a robust product through extensive reliability testing. Experiments have shown that anisotropic conductive films may be a viable option as a cost effective, lead free flip chip assembly alternative.
(S)-α-Benzyl-prolinium cis-[(S)-α-benzyl-prolinato]dichloridopalladium(II).

The title complex salt, (C12H16NO2)[PdCl2(C12H14NO2)], is of inter­est with respect to organic and organometallic catalysis. The compound crystallizes as very small orange–red irregular prisms and the asymmetric unit contains three crystallographically distinct cation–anion pairs. The coordination geometry about the palladium atoms is square-planar with the chloride ligands cis to one another. The structure displays N—H⋯Cl and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonding such that the N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds align the cation–anion pairs in a linear fashion along [001], with the O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds connecting these linear strands along [100] and [010].
Glycogen and glycogen-metabolizing enzymes in the squirrel monkey uterine cervix.

Abstract The uterine cervical squamous stratified epithelium of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciurea) was studied for localization of glycogen, phosphorylases, glycogen synthetase, and branching enzyme, 2 weeks after ovariectomy, with and without subsequent treatment with physiologic and hyperphysiologic levels of estradiol benzoate. All the above substances were virtually absent 2 weeks following ovariectomy and did not reappear unless the animals were sufficiently stimulated with estrogen to give the full histologic response of proliferation and cornification. In responding animals there was a tendency for glycogen and enzymes to be located close to the cervical squamocolumnar junction and to diminish toward the ectocervix. Following 3 months' continuous treatment with a very large dose of estrogen, small amounts of glycogen and of phosphorylase activity were observed in the epithelium, but glycogen synthetase and branching enzyme could not be demonstrated.
Protracted intravenous fluorouracil infusion with radiation therapy in the management of localized pancreaticobiliary carcinoma: a phase I Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial.

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of fluorouracil (5-FU) administered as a protracted intravenous (IV) infusion with concurrent radiation in patients with pancreaticobiliary carcinoma.METHODSTwenty-five patients with recurrent, residual, or unresectable carcinoma of the pancreas or biliary tract were treated on a phase I trial of protracted IV infusions of 5-FU, beginning at 200 mg/m2/d, concurrent with radiation therapy (59.4 Gy in 33 fractions over 6 to 7 weeks). Chemotherapy began on the first day of radiation and continued through the entire course of treatment. After each cohort of five patients had been treated and observed, the daily dose was escalated in 25-mg/m2 increments until dose-limiting toxicity was encountered. An additional cohort of five patients was treated at the MTD. Clinical examination and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate response and patterns of progression.RESULTSThe MTD of 5-FU was 250 mg/m2/d. The dose-limiting toxic...
Synthesis and Assembly of Simian Virus 40 I. Differential Synthesis of Intact Virions and Empty Shells

Abstract Intact virions and empty shells of simian virus 40 may be rapidly separated from each other and from cell contaminants by a procedure employing a CsCl cushion. This approach permits quantitation of their respective syntheses in infected cells labeled with radioactive amino acids. As much as 5 to 10% of the total acid-precipitable radioactive lysine in infected cell extracts was incorporated into viral particles in a two-hour pulse late in infection. Evidence for multiple origins of empty shells is presented. Some of the empty shells result from breakdown of intact virions. However, empty shells can also form independently of intact virions. First, labeling for periods of 15 min to 2 hr late in the course of infection results in preferential incorporation of 3H-lysine into empty shells. Secondly, treatment with the deoxyribonucleic acid inhibitor cytosine-β-d-arabinofuranoside late in infection results in a 50% inhibition in the rate of formation of intact virions with minimal reduction in the rate of appearance of empty shells.
Doublet method for very fast autocoding

Background Autocoding (or automatic concept indexing) occurs when a software program extracts terms contained within text and maps them to a standard list of concepts contained in a nomenclature. The purpose of autocoding is to provide a way of organizing large documents by the concepts represented in the text. Because textual data accumulates rapidly in biomedical institutions, the computational methods used to autocode text must be very fast. The purpose of this paper is to describe the doublet method, a new algorithm for very fast autocoding.
THE BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY OF RESOURCE CONSUMPTION: WHY "BEING GREEN" IS SO HARD

The life histories and behavior of humans, like those of other species, are shaped by natural selection. Some life history traits that heighten our resource consumption arise from an unusual combination of high intelligence and extreme sociality; as humans evolved, we have become ever smarter and more efficient about extracting resources for ourselves. We humans are doing what other species do, extracting resources from the environment to survive and reproduce— but we have become so good at it that we are having an ever-increasing impact on populations of other species. The reactions of other species depend in part on their life history, shaped by their evolutionary past: have they repeatedly confronted extremes? Changes? Or, if they have had a long history of relatively little change in important environmental variables, how can they cope? Further, their life histories and ecologies are strong determinants of the most efficient human extraction techniques. Understanding life histories, both of other species and of our own, is important for a sustainable future.
Impact of Childhood Cancer on Emerging Adult Survivors' Romantic Relationships: A Qualitative Account

ABSTRACT Introduction Research focusing on the long‐term sequelae of diagnosis and treatment for childhood cancer suggests that although the majority of survivors are not at increased risk for psychopathology, many experience persistent problems in other domains that greatly affect quality of life (QoL). One such domain is social functioning. To date, little is known about the impact of childhood cancer on social functioning and related QoL during emerging adulthood, the developmental period that spans the late teens and early twenties and is characterized, in part, by explorations in love and romantic relationships. Aim To document emerging adult survivors' perceptions of their romantic relationships through a descriptive qualitative study. Main Outcome Measures Recurrent themes from interviews were extracted via qualitative content‐based analysis. Methods Eighteen female survivors of childhood cancer, ages 18–25, participated in a phone interview focused on past and present romantic partnerships. Results Themes from coded transcripts included redefined life priorities and perspective, concerns with disclosure of cancer history and emotions, negative body image as a result of illness and treatment side effects, and worries about fertility and health of future children. Survivors related these concerns to their histories of childhood cancer and discussed the impact on the development and maintenance of romantic relationships. Conclusions Overall, survivors reported a number of relationship concerns that have the potential to interfere with their ability to move toward emotional and physical intimacy in relationships, a key task of emerging adulthood. These findings suggest a number of testable hypotheses for future research, have the potential to inform the construction of new measures that more accurately evaluate social functioning of childhood cancer survivors, and emphasize the importance of ongoing assessment by health care providers of developmentally salient issues like love/romance. Thompson AL, Long KA, and Marsland AL. Impact of childhood cancer on emerging adult survivors' romantic relationships: A qualitative account. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.
Supramolecular Materials Comprising Nucleic Acid Biopolymers

We have generated a supramolecular self-assembling film by exchanging the counter-ions of the phosphate moieties in nucleic acid with those of cationic amphiphiles as didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (or DDAB). SAXS and WAXS data for all film samples showed similar harmonic peaks suggesting a lamellar multilayer structure with layers of nucleic acids being separated by lipid bilayers of DDAB. AFM height images also showed that double stranded nucleic acid film can form the step or plateau type of structure and shorter nucleic acid film showed shorter step feature. Moreover, the length and the molecular structure of DNA and RNA can be used to manipulate the mechanical properties of these self-assembled films.
Diagnostic Testing: The Search for Real Evidence

A cornerstone in the quest for evidence is the use of diagnostic tests to determine the underlying issue for any symptoms seen in a patient. Clearly, diagnosis is not the final outcome in any patient scenario, but rather the beginning. The purpose of diagnostic testing is to provide evidence that will guide the health care provider in decision-making that will lead to achieving positive patient outcomes. This article provides a process by which a diagnostic test can be evaluated within the parameters of a patient condition. Through a thorough understanding of the test, the critical care nurse can be more effective in educating the patient, preparing the patient, and anticipating postprocedure nursing interventions for the patient undergoing diagnostic testing.
Noninvasive corneal stromal collagen imaging using two-photon-generated second-harmonic signals

Purpose To investigate the feasibility of using femtosecond-pulse lasers to produce second-harmonic generated (SHG) signals to noninvasively assess corneal stromal collagen organization. Setting The Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, California, USA. Methods Mouse, rabbit, and human corneas were examined by two-photon confocal microscopy using a variable-wavelength femtosecond lasers to produce SHG signals. Two types were detected: forward scattered and backward scattered. Wavelength dependence of the SHG signal was confirmed by spectral separation using the 510 Meta (Zeiss). To verify the spatial relation between SHG signals and corneal cells, staining of cytoskeletons and nuclei was performed. Results Second-harmonic-generated signal intensity was strongest with an excitation wavelength of 800 nm for all 3 species. Second-harmonic-generated forward signals showed a distinct fibrillar pattern organized into bands suggesting lamellae, while backscattered SHG signals appeared more diffuse and indistinct. Reconstruction of SHG signals showed two patterns of lamellar organization: highly interwoven in the anterior stroma and orthogonally arranged in the posterior stroma. Unique to the human cornea was the presence of transverse, sutural lamellae that inserted into Bowman's layer, suggesting an anchoring function. Conclusions Using two-photon confocal microscopy to generate SHG signals from the corneal collagen provides a powerful new approach to noninvasively study corneal structure. Human corneas had a unique organizational pattern with sutural lamellae to provide important biomechanical support that was not present in mouse or rabbit corneas.
Microstructural design of PCA austenitic stainless steel for improved resistance to helium embrittlement under HFIR irradiation

Abstract Several variants of Prime Candidate Alloy (PCA) with different preirradiation thermal-mechanical treatments were irradiated in HFIR and were evaluated for embrittlement resistance via disk-bend tensile testing. Comparison tests were made on two heats of 20%-cold-worked type 316 stainless steel. None of the alloys were brittle after irradiation at 300 to 400°C to ~44 dpa and helium levels of 3000 to ~3600 at. ppm. However, all were quite brittle after similar exposure at 600°C. Embrittlement varied with alloy and pretreatment for irradiation to 44 dpa at 500°C and to 22 dpa at 600°C. Better relative embrittlement resistance among PCA variants was found in alloys which contained prior grain boundary MC carbide particles that remained stable under irradiation.
Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), a negative regulator of luteinizing/chorionic gonadotropin hormone-induced steroidogenesis in Leydig cells: central role of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR).

Gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25) is a testis-specific gonadotropin-regulated RNA helicase that is present in Leydig cells (LCs) and germ cells and is essential for spermatid development and completion of spermatogenesis. Normal basal levels of testosterone in serum and LCs were observed in GRTH null (GRTH−/−) mice. However, testosterone production was enhanced in LCs of GRTH−/− mice compared with WT mice by both in vivo and in vitro human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation. LCs of GRTH−/− mice had swollen mitochondria with a significantly increased cholesterol content in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Basal protein levels of SREBP2, HMG-CoA reductase, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR; a protein that transports cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane) were markedly increased in LCs of GRTH−/− mice compared with WT mice. Gonadotropin stimulation caused an increase in StAR mRNA levels and protein expression in GRTH−/− mice versus WT mice, with no further increase in SREBP2 and down-regulation of HMG-CoA reductase protein. The half-life of StAR mRNA was significantly increased in GRTH−/− mice. Moreover, association of StAR mRNA with GRTH protein was observed in WT mice. Human chorionic gonadotropin increased GRTH gene expression and its associated StAR protein at cytoplasmic sites. Taken together, these findings indicate that, through its negative role in StAR message stability, GRTH regulates cholesterol availability at the mitochondrial level. The finding of an inhibitory action of GRTH associated with gonadotropin-mediated steroidogenesis has provided insights into a novel negative autocrine molecular control mechanism of this helicase in the regulation of steroid production in the male.
Use of a streamer chamber to study particle-nuclei interactions

Abstract The use of a streamer chamber to detect all charged particles and nuclear fragments from high energy particle-nuclei collisions is discussed. Performance results from a recent experimental run using this technique are presented.
Medical nomenclature and common conventions for trauma registries

A trauma registry has been created containing lexicons of terms arranged to foster the adoption of standardized and extensible terminology for the nature and mode of injury. Identification of attribute sets for the nature-of-injury (body region:detailed part:type of injury) and for the mode-of-injury (mechanism:agent:activity:intent:setting) allows the assembly of a clear, concise, easily usable, and extensible format for representing the appropriate level of detail for nomenclature or classification. This ability allows the use of a common list of terms that is adaptable for case records used in patient care as well as in trauma registry statistics. Several examples of reports using these attributes are shown.
Glass transition behaviors of interfacially polymerized polyamide barrier layers on thin film composite membranes via nano-thermal analysis

Abstract Thin film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membranes enjoy widespread use in desalination, but their sensitivity to oxidizing agents such as chlorine remains a continuing challenge. In contrast to many reports on the chemical aspects associated with decreased membrane performance after chlorine exposure, studies on the fundamental physical properties of the polyamide barrier layer (PBL) of TFC membranes are scarce. This omission is mostly due to the lack of techniques capable of characterizing such interfacially polymerized PBLs, which are ultrathin and insoluble. The focus of this study is the development of an AFM-based nano-thermal analysis technique that provides the first-ever result for the direct measurement of the glass transition temperature ( T g ) of the PBL on several commercial TFC RO membranes. Moreover, the technique is utilized to study the changes in T g of the PBL after exposure to chlorine solutions as a function of concentration and duration at constant pH. Results indicate significant and systematic reduction in T g of the PBL with increasing chlorine concentration and exposure time.
Evaluation of Programs With Numerous Jurisdictional Implementations Selection of Sample for In-Depth Analysis

This article explores the problem of evaluating programs with numerous jurisdictional implementations. Typically, budget and time constraints may not allow evaluation of every instance of program implementation. Therefore, a method is needed to guide the selection of a sample of implementations, the analyses of which are generalizable to the program population as a whole. Two sample selection techniques are introduced: cluster analysis and an optimization technique. The techniques are applied to select a sample of states to evaluate the national benefits and costs of the Residential Conservation Service.
Installable unit deployment descriptor for autonomic solution management

Today's enterprise solutions consist of multiple components whose deployment must be coordinated across multiple, heterogeneous hosting environments, including operating systems, application servers, databases and other middleware. The requirements of software components on their hosting environments and their interdependencies must be fully specified in order to enable an autonomic management of solutions during their life cycle. The installable unit deployment descriptor illustrated in this paper supports a fully declarative specification of a solution and provides a foundation for autonomic deployment services, as well as for the exchange of solution data across different tools and management applications.
'Mark one or more': Counting and projecting by race on US Census 2000 and beyond

In 1997, the US Government revised its standards for the collection of data on race. Previous US government practice dating back to the first US Census in 1790 forced people into mutually exclusive categories. The new policy allows people to identify themselves as being of more than one race. The 2000 Census is the first major national data collection exercise to use this new system and its results will reveal both the promise and the perils of the new system. On the positive side, the new scheme allows people who think of themselves as 'mixed' to be counted as such in official data. However, multiple race responses complicate efforts to count minority populations eligible for civil protection and voting rights laws. Furthermore, the new systems pose new opportunities and challenges for social scientists concerned with the measurement of ethnic and racial inequality. The paper ends with a discussion of the implications of the new rules for the imagination of America's ethno-racial future through populatio...
A comparison of methods for stopping intermediary metabolism of developing rat brain.

— Freeze-blowing (Veechet al. 1973), focussed microwave irradiation (Stavinohaet al. 1973) and immersion in liquid nitrogen were compared as methods for stopping metabolism in order to assay in vivo levels of intermediary metabolites in developing rat brain. Freeze-blowing was superior at all ages (5. 10, 15 and 20 days post-natal). The differences between this method and immersion in liquid nitrogen were quite small in the youngest rats and increased with age. reflecting the increased time needed to freeze larger brains. Brains frozen by immersion in liquid nitrogen showed evidence of increased anaerobic metabolism, with increased fructose 1.6-diphosphate. dihydroxyacetone phosphate and lactate and decreased glucose 6-phosphate and creatine phosphate concentrations. When brain metabolism was stopped by microwave irradiation there were many differences from freeze-blown brain. Increases in fructose 1.6-diphosphate. dihydroxyacetone phosphate, ADP and AMP, and decreased in ATP and creatine phosphate were especially striking. The differences between microwave irradiation and freeze-blowing were not attributable simply to anoxia. Rather, the changes produced by this method seem to reflect the different thermal characteristics of the various enzymes which must be denatured to stop metabolism of the substrates measured. Unlike freezing in liquid nitrogen, the efficacy of microwave irradiation was not a simple function of head size, in that better results were achieved with 15- and 20-day-old than 5- or 10-day-old rats. Many glycolytic and Krebs cycle intermediates, as well as glutamate and aspartate, progressively increased over the course of development. The reasons for these increases are uncertain but are probably-related to the concomitant rises in rates of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in brain.
Proteome Analysis of Subsarcolemmal Cardiomyocyte Mitochondria: A Comparison of Different Analytical Platforms

Mitochondria are complex organelles that play critical roles in diverse aspects of cellular function. Heart disease and a number of other pathologies are associated with perturbations in the molecular machinery of the mitochondria. Therefore, comprehensive, unbiased examination of the mitochondrial proteome represents a powerful approach toward system-level insights into disease mechanisms. A crucial aspect in proteomics studies is design of bioanalytical strategies that maximize coverage of the complex repertoire of mitochondrial proteins. In this study, we evaluated the performance of gel-based and gel-free multidimensional platforms for profiling of the proteome in subsarcolemmal mitochondria harvested from rat heart. We compared three different multidimensional proteome fractionation platforms: polymeric reversed-phase liquid chromatography at high pH (PLRP), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and isoelectric focusing (IEF) separations combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and bioinformatics for protein identification. Across all three platforms, a total of 1043 proteins were identified. Among the three bioanalytical strategies, SDS-PAGE followed by LC-MS/MS provided the best coverage of the mitochondrial proteome. With this platform, 890 proteins with diverse physicochemical characteristics were identified; the mitochondrial protein panel encompassed proteins with various functional roles including bioenergetics, protein import, and mitochondrial fusion. Taken together, results of this study provide a large-scale view of the proteome in subsarcolemmal mitochondria from the rat heart, and aid in the selection of optimal bioanalytical platforms for differential protein expression profiling of mitochondria in health and disease.
Target Space Duality and Stringy Black Holes

Target space duality symmetry of the SL(2,ℝ)/U(1) background leads to stringy properties of the black hole. For a Euclidean space-time the semi-infinite cigar is transformed to an infinite funnel. High and low temperatures of the black hole are related. For a Lorentzian space-time, duality interchanges regions I and V in the Kruskal–Szekeres coordinates, that is, duality exchanges the horizon with the singularity. As a result, a signal can be sent out of the singularity. Such a signal is associated with the string winding modes. The mass of the black hole and the consequence of a tachyon disturbance are discussed.
Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: Classification, functional syndromes, diagnosis and medical treatment.

Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) comprise 2–3% of all GI endocrine tumors and are increasing in frequency. These include gastrinomas, somatostatinomas, nonfunctional NETs, gangliocytic paragangliomas, and poorly differentiated NE carcinomas. Although, the majority are nonfunctional, these tumors are a frequent cause of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and can cause other clinical hormonal syndromes (carcinoid, Cushing's, etc.). In this chapter, their epidemiology, clinical aspects, localization, diagnosis and medical treatment are reviewed including the latest advances in each area.
Tacit Cooperation, Strategic Uncertainty, and Coordination Failure: Evidence from Repeated Dominance Solvable Games

Abstract This paper reports an experiment designed to discover how the prospect of future interaction influences people's ability to tacitly cooperate in repeated dominance solvable games. The experiment varies two treatment variables: whether the constituent game is solvable by strict or iterated dominance and whether prospective interaction is finitely or randomly terminated. Specifically, we introduce a special repeated matching protocol consisting of an initial phase terminated randomly and a terminal phase of T periods. We call this protocol T-death. The T-death protocol allows us to observe a pair's behavior in both a sequence of infinite continuation games and a sequence of finite continuation games. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C720, C920, 1120, 1400.
Symbol grounding: A new look at an old idea

Symbols should be grounded, as has been argued before. But we insist that they should be grounded not only in subsymbolic activities, but also in the interaction between the agent and the world. The point is that concepts are not formed in isolation (from the world), in abstraction, or "objectively." They are formed in relation to the experience of agents, through their perceptual/motor apparatuses, in their world and linked to their goals and actions. This paper takes a detailed look at this relatively old issue, with a new perspective, aided by our work of computational cognitive model development. To further our understanding, we also go back in time to link up with earlier philosophical theories related to this issue. The result is an account that extends from computational mechanisms to philosophical abstractions.