cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Pleiotropic Effects of Statins in Endocrine Disorders.

Background The 3-Hydroxy-3-MethylGlutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, better known as statins, are used extensively in the treatment of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk reduction. They have also demonstrated a variety of non-lipid lowering, or pleiotropic effects. Pertaining to the endocrine system the benefits of statins can extend to patients with the polycystic ovarian syndrome and thyroid disease. However, there is also increasing evidence that statin use can lead to deleterious effects in different organs, including worsening glycemia and the development of diabetes mellitus. Objective The aim of this review is to describe the most relevant and updated evidence regarding the pleiotropic effects of statins in endocrine disorders. Methods We did a systematic review of scientific articles published in PubMed regarding the effects of statins on the different aspects of the endocrine system up until June 5th of 2018. Results We identified preliminarily 61 publications, of which 4 were excluded due to having abstract format only, and 5 were excluded for not containing pertinent information to the study. Conclusion Several aspects of the endocrine system have been shown to be influenced by the pleiotropic effects that statins exert, however, the benefits of statins on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality largely outweigh this deleterious effect, and statin therapy should continue to be recommended.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Neurosurgical Practice Guidelines

Background In the last 20 yr, the rate of neurosurgical guideline publication has increased. However, despite the higher volume and increasing emphasis on quality there remains no reliable means of measuring the overall impact of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Objective To utilize citation analysis to evaluate the dispersion of neurosurgical CPGs. Methods A list of neurosurgical guidelines was compiled by performing electronic searches using the Scopus (Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands) and National Guideline Clearinghouse databases. The Scopus database was queried to obtain current publication and citation data for all included documents and categorized based upon recognized neurosurgical specialties. The h-index, R-index, h2-index, i10-index, and dissemination index (D-Index) were manually calculated for each subspecialty. Results After applying screening criteria the search yielded 372 neurosurgical CPGs, which were included for bibliometric analysis. The overall calculated h-index for neurosurgery was 56. When broken down by subspecialty trauma/critical care had the highest value at 35, followed by spine and peripheral nerve at 30, cerebrovascular at 28, tumor at 16, pediatrics at 14, miscellaneous at 11, and functional/stereotactic/pain at 6. Cerebrovascular neurosurgery was noted to have the highest D-Index at 3.4. Conclusion A comprehensive framework is useful for guideline impact analysis. Bibliometric data provides a novel and adequate means of evaluating the successful dissemination of neurosurgical guidelines. There remains a paucity of data regarding implementation and clinical outcomes of individual guidelines.
Minimal and zero liquid discharge with reverse osmosis using low-salt-rejection membranes.

Abstract Minimal and zero liquid discharge (MLD/ZLD) are wastewater management strategies that are attracting heightened attention worldwide. While conventional reverse osmosis (RO) has been proposed as a promising technology in desalination and MLD/ZLD processes, its application is limited by the maximum hydraulic pressures that current RO membranes and modules can withstand. In this study, we develop low-salt-rejection RO (LSRRO), a novel staged RO process, that employs low-salt-rejection membranes to desalinate or concentrate highly saline feed streams, requiring only moderate hydraulic pressures. Based on process modeling, we demonstrate that LSRRO can overcome the hydraulic pressure limitations of conventional RO, achieving hypersaline brine salinities (>4.0 M NaCl or 234 g L−1 NaCl) that are required for MLD/ZLD applications, without using excessively high hydraulic pressures ( ≤ 70 bar ). In addition, we show that the energy efficiency of LSSRO is substantially higher than traditional thermally-driven phase-change-based technologies, such as mechanical vapor compressor (MVC). For example, to concentrate a saline feed stream from 0.1 to 1.0 M NaCl, the specific energy consumption ( S E C ) of 4-stage LSRRO ranges from 2.4 to 8.0 kWh of electrical energy per m3 of feedwater treated, around four times less than that of MVC, which requires 20–25 kWhe m−3. Furthermore, compared to osmotically mediated RO technologies that require bilateral countercurrent stages to treat hypersaline brines, LSRRO is eminently more practical as it can be readily implemented by using ‘loose’ RO or nanofiltration membranes in conventional RO. Our study highlights LSRRO’s potential for energy efficient brine concentration using moderate hydraulic pressures, which would drastically improve the energetic and economic performance of MLD/ZLD processes.
Broadening State Capacity: Fiscal and Mobility Consequences of the Introduction of the Income Tax

We examine the fiscal and mobility consequences of the introduction of the income tax, a major investment in modern state capacity. Drawing on archival data, we introduce a novel panel dataset of U.S. states between 1900 and 2010. Our research design exploits the staggered introduction of the income tax across states, while accounting for the potentially selective timing of adoption. We find that tax broadening increased revenue and expenditure more in per capita terms than in absolute terms, with revenue per capita increasing by 15 percent in the long run. Furthermore, we find that the introduction of the income tax led to significant outmigration to non-income-tax states, particularly by high earners. We provide evidence that migration respondsmore to tax increases starting froma zero rate than to equivalent increases starting from a positive rate.
Forest Refugia Theory, Density Dependence and Stress Syndrome and the Proto-Pan

Bonobos and chimpanzees diverged three million years ago, a period during which the world went through major climatic changes due to glaciations in the south and north hemispheres. This phenomenon resulted in the aridification of the tropics, which shrank the tropical forests in Africa and left only pockets of forest refuges. The scientific consensus is that the shrinking of tropical forests likely caused bonobos and chimpanzees to diverge. Conventional logical conjectures locate the center from which the species diverged into two different strands would be around Gombe (Tanzania). Geographically, Gombe is at the edge of the distribution of the Pan (both bonobo and chimpanzee). The chapter compares genetic distances between subpopulations and, with the finding that bonobos at the edges of the species distribution maintain the same genetic distance from the populations located at the geographic center argues that the subpopulations were once around the center and inverts the route of Pan migration to move from the center to outer areas of the region. Explaining why glaciations or its subsequent aridification of the tropical forest caused Pan to diverge, the chapter provides density-dependence and stress syndrome as the most probable causes.
What do SoTL practitioners need to know about learning

What does someone embarking on a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) project need to know about how students learn? And how can the SoTL novice reconcile their goals to improve teaching and learning with the vastness of the literature on the science of learning? In this article, we consider the complexity of this literature and its intersection with SoTL. We also review several popular books and websites that might be used by the SoTL novice as entry points for grounding their SoTL studies, informing the questions they ask and narrowing the literature they read. In these brief reviews, we offer practical tips and advice on how to use these resources effectively so that one does not have to become an expert in the science of learning to perform outstanding SoTL research.
Development and evaluation of a list mode neutron coincidence collar for spatial response measurements of fresh fuel assemblies

Abstract The capabilities of current safeguards neutron instrumentation can be expanded by acquiring and analyzing data in new ways. A new List Mode Collar (LMCL) was created by retrofitting a traditional safeguards neutron coincidence counting system, the Neutron Coincidence Collar, with newly developed preamplifiers on each of its 18 3He tubes in active interrogation mode. By applying list mode data acquisition (LMDA) and analysis, a signal from each 3He tube can now be recorded and analyzed to determine the neutron count rate measured in each individual 3He tube. Further, the count rate distribution across all 3He tube locations in the system can be determined. This is the first time that a full list mode method has been implemented using a traditional neutron coincidence collar and spatial response data has been obtained. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate a laboratory demonstration list mode neutron coincidence collar (LMCL) that can extract a greater number of useful signatures than are currently generated using the current collar. A new analysis method called the “List Mode Response Matrix” has also been developed for use in combination with these measurements to improve the detection of missing fuel pins (partial defects) during the nondestructive assay of fresh nuclear fuel assemblies, although analysis algorithms will be reported separately from this experimental evaluation. In this paper, 18 channel spatial response data are presented for a 252Cf source moving within the LMCL detector cavity. LMDA, combined with the addition of multiple preamplifiers, facilitates this capability by increasing the number of signals that can be measured simultaneously; allowing for in-depth analysis of neutron coincidence events to determine the location and distribution of nuclear material within the measurement geometry. This approach enables a spatial response measurement to form a “pattern” or item signature unique to the fissioning source’s distribution; in the case of the LMCL, the distribution of fresh low-enriched uranium fuel within the assembly. A major benefit provided by LMDA is that this can all be achieved from a single measurement pulse train in offline analysis. To experimentally demonstrate this concept, a Mirion Technologies (Canberra) model JCC-71 Neutron Coincidence Collar has been retrofitted with new electronics designed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This paper presents the results from the experimental evaluation of the laboratory demonstration system. The results indicate equivalent performance of the LMCL to the original collar in addition to improved spatial response capabilities, while maintaining the original system footprint.
Determining the optimal duration for premature ventricular contraction monitoring

Background Premature ventricular contractions (VPC) have hour-to-hour and day-to-day variation. High VPC burden correlates with cardiomyopathy. Objective To determine the optimal duration for ambulatory electrocardiogram monitoring for accurate assessment of VPC burden. Methods Our group performed a retrospective analysis on patch monitors used for any indication with overall VPC burden ≥5.0% between February 1, 2016, and February 1, 2020. We generated cumulative daily VPC averages for each day of wear and performed linear regression analysis between each cumulative daily average and overall burden. Patients were divided into groups based on low or high VPC frequency, and the analysis was repeated. Split-sample validation was used to internally validate the overall prediction model. Results A total of 116 patches representing 107 patients (mean age: 64.5; female: 48%) were analyzed. Mean overall VPC burden was 13.4% ± 7.5% (range: 5.0%–42.0%). Day 1 R2 was 60%, P Conclusion Mobile telemetry for a period of ∼7 days accurately reflects overall VPC burden. Measurement of VPC burden for only 24–48 hours may not accurately reflect total burden. Monitoring for 2 weeks or longer adds little additional VPC information.
Enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of a fine-grained Mg-9Al-1Zn alloy: the role of bimodal grain structure and β-Mg17Al12 precipitates

ABSTRACT A good combination of mechanical properties and corrosion performance is desired when employing Mg alloys in engineering applications. Therefore, it is essential to investigate both the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of processed Mg alloys to determine the optimum combinations of materials properties. This study investigates the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of AZ91 (Mg–9Al–1Zn, wt.%) alloys in chloride-containing environments under different processing conditions. The findings revealed that the AZ91 alloy exhibits good mechanical properties combined with high corrosion resistance after microstructure modification through equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). This microstructure was characterized by a bimodal grain structure with the formation of a high volume fraction of well dispersed β-Mg17Al12 precipitates. The superior mechanical properties of the AZ91 alloy after ECAP process were mainly attributed to the combined effect of significant grain refinement and high volume fraction of fine β-Mg17Al12 precipitates that provided grain boundary and precipitation strengthening and promoted a more uniform plastic deformation. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the fine-grained AZ91 alloy was related to the presence of a highly protective oxide layer, the formation of a highly adherent and compact layer of corrosion products, and the development of uniform corrosion with shallow corrosion pits. This simultaneous improvement in strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance of fine-grained AZ91 alloys can serve as a guide for future alloy design and represents a promising alternative for industrial applications.
Abstract B41: Role of AIB1 in YAP-TEAD signaling in the progression of early-stage breast cancer

AIB1 is an oncogenic transcription coactivator that is overexpressed and amplified in breast cancer and is known to interact with TEAD. AIB1, like YAP, is critical to the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer, yet it is unclear to what extent the AIB1-TEAD interaction promotes the progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Herein, we confirm by ChIP and ChIP-seq that AIB1 is recruited to the chromatin with TEAD in complex with the YAP oncogene. In doing so, AIB1 potentiates YAP activity on a subset of TEAD target genes known to be critical to driving epithelial-to-mesenchymal and invasive behaviors in early-stage and advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Loss of AIB1 reverts the oncogenic phenotype conferred by YAP and attenuates 3D matrix invasion, migration, and endothelial extravasation, suggesting AIB1 may act as an oncogene in triple-negative breast cancer through YAP-TEAD. We find AIB1-YAP coregulation of a subset of oncogenic target genes that is determined by relative enrichment and global proximity of Oct1/POU2F1 binding motifs within target promoters. Thus, AIB1 is critical to maintaining YAP driven EMT and invasive phenotypes during the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Max Harley Kushner, Garrett Graham, Ghada Sharif, Will Kietzman, Eric Glasgow, Surojeet Sangupta, Anton Wellstein, Anna Tate Riegel. Role of AIB1 in YAP-TEAD signaling in the progression of early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Hippo Pathway: Signaling, Cancer, and Beyond; 2019 May 8-11; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(8_Suppl):Abstract nr B41.
Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children utilizing venous sinus stenting

BackgroundVenous sinus stenting (VSS) is an accepted and minimally invasive treatment for adult idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) associated with lateral sinus stenosis (LSS). The efficacy...
Analysis of Costs, Length of Stay, and Utilization of Emergency Department Services by Frequent Users: Implications for Health Policy

In efforts to decrease emergency department (ED) crowding and health care costs, frequent users of ED services have been targeted for interventions to decrease their utilization. Previous studies have had different definitions for “frequent users” and have considered all frequent users as a homogeneous group. To the authors' knowledge, no study has examined visit characteristics and resource utilization of different levels of frequent use. Objectives: 1) to determine the rates of ED utilization by five user groups defined by number of annual visits, 2) to examine variations in visit characteristics by frequency of ED use, and 3) to compare levels of resource utilization among frequent user groups. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of clinical and financial records for all ED visits to an urban, academic hospital in 2001. Multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used for analyses. Estimates were corrected for multiple comparisons (with Bonferroni corrections), where applicable, and adjusted for clustering within individuals (with Huber-White estimators). Outcome measures were triage acuity, diagnosis-related group (DRG) severity, disposition status, primary complaint, medical diagnosis, hospital inpatient length of stay, payment method, costs, and demographics. Results: Patients with three to 20 visits were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than patients visiting once or twice. Patients visiting more than 20 times were less likely to require hospital admission and more likely to present with “nonurgent” conditions, have lower severity scores, and elope or leave the ED without medical attention than patients visiting the ED once. The group had fewer inpatient days and lower average costs than patients visiting once. Patients with six to 20 visits had traditional Medicaid coverage more often than those with one or two visits. Virtually no patients visiting more than 20 times had Medicare or Medicaid managed care, a health maintenance organization, or a preferred provider organization. Conclusions: Frequent ED users are a heterogeneous group. Many patients previously thought to overutilize the ED for socioeconomic or insignificant medical problems are as sick as less-frequent ED users. There is a small subgroup with more than 20 visits who are less ill or injured but also incurred lower-than-average costs per visit.
A phospho-switch at Acinus-Serine437 controls autophagic responses to Cadmium exposure and neurodegenerative stress

Summary Neuronal health depends on quality control functions of autophagy, but mechanisms regulating neuronal autophagy are poorly understood. Previously, we showed that in Drosophila starvation-independent quality control autophagy is regulated by Acinus and the Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of its serine437 (Nandi et al., 2017). Here, we identify the phosphatase that counterbalances this activity and provides for the dynamic nature of Acinus-S437 phosphorylation. A genetic screen identified six phosphatases that genetically interacted with an Acinus gain-of-function model. Among these, loss of function of only one, the PPM-type phosphatase Nil (CG6036), enhanced pS437-Acinus levels. Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of Acinus serine437 in nil1 animals elevates neuronal autophagy and reduces the accumulation of polyQ proteins in a Drosophila Huntington’s disease model. Consistent with previous findings that Cd2+ inhibits PPM-type phosphatases, Cd2+-exposure elevated Acinus-serine437 phosphorylation which was necessary for increased neuronal autophagy and protection against Cd2+-induced cytotoxicity. Together, our data establish the Acinus- S437 phospho-switch as critical integrator of multiple stress signals regulating neuronal autophagy.
From AAA to F: How the Credit Rating Agencies Failed America and What Can Be Done to Protect Investors

In the fallout from the current economic crises, many have struggled to determine what went wrong. One factor contributing to the massive combustion of the U.S. financial markets (and thus the economy as a whole) was investors' heavy reliance on inaccurate, inflated credit ratings. Because of the long entrenchment of credit ratings in the regulatory structure and, perhaps more significantly, in the investment culture, reducing the reliance on those ratings is unlikely. This Note summarizes the increased reliance on credit rating agencies and credit ratings in the regulatory structure and examines some suggested models for reform. It argues that present reform efforts, however, address superficial flaws in the regulatory structure and fail to confront the real issues that undermine the validity of credit ratings. This Note proposes a model for regulating credit rating agencies in a manner akin to the regulation of broker-dealers, through a self-regulatory organization. It argues that the SEC should seek to ensure the transparency and integrity of the markets by facilitating, through regulatory requirements, the formation of a self-regulatory organization with oversight of and responsibility for credit rating agencies. This financial crisis was not inevitable . . . . I0Jur regulations lagged behind changes in our markets—and too often., regulators failed to use the authority that they had to protect consumers, markets and the economy. —President Barack Obama'
Principles of bankruptcy law

This book focuses on the material covered in a typical law school course on Bankruptcy. It covers both business and consumer bankruptcy. The book explains basic bankruptcy concepts and then uses those concepts to make code provisions understandable.
Poly-methyltrioxorhenium {(CH3)0.92ReO3)∝ : A conducting two-dimensional organometallic oxide

Polymeric methyltrioxorhenium, ${{{(\mathrm{C}{\mathrm{H}}_{3})}_{0.92}\mathrm{Re}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ (poly-MTO), is a prominent member of the organometallic hybrids which adopts the structural pattern and physical properties of classical perovskites in two dimensions (2D). We demonstrate how the electronic structure of poly-MTO can be tailored by an intercalation of organic donor molecules, such as tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) or bis-(ethylendithio)-tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF), and by the inorganic acceptor $\mathrm{Sb}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$. The integration of donor molecules leads to a more insulating behavior of poly-MTO, whereas the $\mathrm{Sb}{\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ insertion does not cause any significant change in the resistivity. In particular, with increasing donor intercalation the metallic behavior of the parent compound, poly-MTO, becomes surprisingly suppressed leading to an insulator at TTF (BEDT-TTF) donor concentrations above 50% (25%). The resistivity data of pure poly-MTO exhibit a crossover from metallic $(d\ensuremath{\rho}∕dTg0)$ to insulating $(d\ensuremath{\rho}∕dTg0)$ behavior at a characteristic temperature around ${T}_{\mathrm{min}}\ensuremath{\simeq}38\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. Above ${T}_{\mathrm{min}}$ the resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ is remarkably well described by a two-dimensional electron system. Below ${T}_{\mathrm{min}}$ an unusual resistivity behavior, similar to that found in doped cuprates, is observed: The resistivity initially increases approximately as $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sim}\mathrm{ln}(1∕T)$ before it changes into a $\sqrt{T}$ dependence below $2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. As an explanation we suggest a crossover from purely two-dimensional charge-carrier diffusion within the ${{\mathrm{Re}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}}}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$ planes at high temperatures to three-dimensional diffusion at low temperatures in a disorder-enhanced electron-electron interaction scenario (Altshuler-Aronov correction). Furthermore, a linear positive magnetoresistance was found in the insulating regime, which is caused by spatial localization of itinerant electrons at some of the Re atoms, which formally adopt a $5{d}^{1}$ electronic configuration. X-ray diffraction, IR, and ESR studies, temperature dependent magnetization, and specific heat measurements in various magnetic fields suggest that the electronic structure of poly-MTO can safely be approximated by a purely 2D conductor which is labile towards spatial localization of electrons under the formation of $\mathrm{Re}({d}^{1})$ centers in the presence of a magnetic field.
Epidemiology of Sarcoidosis in a Prospective Cohort Study of U.S. Women

Rationale: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous and inflammatory disorder that most often involves the lungs but also affects many other organs. Data on sarcoidosis from large epidemiological studies remain scarce.Objectives: To evaluate the baseline prevalence and 22-year incidence of sarcoidosis and their associations with demographic and geographic characteristics in a large cohort of U.S. women.Methods: The Nurses’ Health Study II is a prospective cohort study of U.S. female nurses enrolled in 1989 (aged 25–44 yr, n = 116,430). Data on major illnesses were collected through biennial questionnaires (1989–2011). Cases were identified by the nurses’ self-report of physician-diagnosed sarcoidosis. Associations of demographic and geographic characteristics with sarcoidosis were evaluated by logistic regression and Cox models.Measurements and Main Results: A total of 377 sarcoidosis cases were identified. The baseline prevalence was 100/100,000 women. The average annual incidence rate was 11/100,000 duri...
Audio and Text Density in Computer-Based Instruction

This study investigated the effects of audio and text density on the achievement, time-in-program, and attitudes of 134 university undergraduate students. Data concerning the participants' pre-existing computer skills and experience, as well as demographic information, were also collected. The instruction in visual design principles was delivered by a CBI program and included numerous illustrations. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three presentation versions of the instruction: Text Only, Full Text-Full Audio, or Lean Text-Full Audio. No significant difference in achievement was found between the three treatment groups, however there was a significant difference in learning efficiency, with the Text Only group requiring significantly less instructional time and achieving as well on the posttest as each of the other two groups. Significant differences in achievement were obtained for overall computer experience (participants with more computer experience performed better than those with less)...
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) does not slow the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE over 2 years

Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality in SLE. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been shown to suppress growth factor-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells in animal models. We hypothesized that MMF might modify the inflammatory component of atherosclerosis in SLE. We examined the effect of MMF on atherosclerosis as measured by changes in carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) or coronary artery calcium (CAC) over 2 years. CAC and carotid IMT were measured at baseline and 2 years later in a cohort of 187 patients with SLE. The cohort was 91% women, 59% Caucasian, and 35% African-American, with a mean age of 45 ± 11 years. Of these, 12.5% (n = 25) received MMF during follow-up. The daily dose ranged from 500 to 3,000 mg/day, and duration ranged from 84 days to the entire 2 years. We divided MMF users into three groups: low exposure (<1,500 mg average daily dose), high exposure (≥1,500 average daily dose), and any exposure of MMF (<1,500 or ≥1,500 average daily dose) for 2 years. The mean CAC increased in all four groups: no MMF: 1.17–1.28, low MMF: 1.02–1.13, high MMF: 1.44–1.61, and any MMF: 1.21–1.34 log-Agatston units. Compared to no MMF, there was no statistically different change between the three groups (p = 0.99, 0.87, and 0.91). Similarly, mean carotid IMT increased in all four groups: no MMF: 0.58–0.66, low MMF: 0.55–0.60, high MMF: 0.56–0.71, and any MMF: 0.56–0.66. We then adjusted for statin use, lupus nephritis, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and age during the 2-year follow-up. The association between MMF exposure and change in CAC or carotid IMT was not statistically significant (p = 0.63 for CAC, and p = 0.085 for carotid IMT). There was no evidence that MMF slowed or decreased the progression of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid IMT or CAC. Because the number of patients taking MMF was only twenty-five, larger studies for longer time periods are needed to explore any effect of MMF on subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE.
A prospective controlled trial of early postoperative oral intake following major abdominal gynecologic surgery.

Abstract Objective. The objective was to determine whether, when compared with traditional dietary advancement, early oral intake following major gynecologic surgery leads to a reduction in the length of hospitalization. Methods. Patients undergoing major abdominal gynecologic surgery were invited to participate in this study. After informed consent was obtained, they were randomized to one of two groups. The control group (group 1) was treated traditionally. Oral intake was initiated only after documentation of bowel function, which was defined by two of the following three criteria: (1) bowel sounds; (2) flatus or bowel movement; and (3) subjective hunger. Those assigned to the study group (group 2) were given a clear liquid diet on postoperative day 1. Once 500 cc was tolerated, a regular diet was given. Patients were evaluated on a daily basis for bowel sounds, flatus, bowel movement, hunger, nausea, vomiting, and need for nasogastric tube decompression. The groups were compared with regard to length of hospital stay, length of postoperative ileus, and incidence of adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, and postoperative complications. Statistical analyses were performed with the Student t and χ 2 tests. Results. The demographic characteristics of the control ( N = 47) and study groups ( N = 49) were similar, with no significant differences in underlying medical conditions, prior abdominal surgery, or diagnosis of a malignancy. The groups did not vary statistically in the number of subjects who required postoperative antiemetics or postoperative biscodyl suppository. There was a statistically significant reduction in the length of hospitalization for those patients on the early feeding regimen. The average length of stay for group 1 was 4.02 days ± 0.30 (SEM), while that for group 2 was 3.12 days ± 0.16 ( P = 0.008). While there was a significantly higher incidence of emesis in the study population, this was not associated with any untoward outcome, and this group actually tolerated a solid diet nearly one full day earlier (2.72 days ± 0.14 vs 1.88 days ± 0.14, P Conclusions. Early postoperative oral intake results in a decreased length of hospitalization and is well tolerated when compared with traditional dietary management in patients undergoing abdominal surgery on a university gynecologic oncology service.
Synthesis of Cellulose by Enzyme Preparations from the Developing Cotton Boll

RECENTLY an enzyme system from mung bean seedlings was described which catalyses the incorporation of radio-activity into cellulose from guanosine diphosphate D-glucose labelled with 14C in the D-glucosyl moiety1. The extent of this incorporation was considerably stimu lated by the addition of GDP-D-mannose to the reaction mixtuies. This effect was later shown to result from the formation of some as yet uncharacterized polysaccharide, probably a glucomannan2. The synthesis of this compound also appeared to proceed at a rate many times that at which cellulose was formed by the same preparations. Sugars other than D-glucose, chiefly D-xylose or D-mannose, have been found associated with the cellulosic fractions of most plant species, but cotton fibres consist almost entirely of β-1,4 linked D-glucosyl residues3. It was therefore of interest to learn whether 14C-labelled D-glucose from GDP-D-glucose 14C could be incorporated into the cellulose of cotton fibres in vitro and whether other polysaccharides were formed by the same cell-free enzyme system. The experiments reported here demonstrate that both these processes are brought about by enzymes isolated from the developing cotton boll.
SU-D-18A-06: Variation of Controlled Breath Hold From CT Simulation to Treatment and Its Dosimetric Impact for Left-Sided Breast Radiotherapy with a Real-Time Optical Tracking System

Purpose: Different breath-hold (BH) maneuvers (abdominal breathing vs. chest breathing) during CT simulation and treatment can lead to chest wall positional variation. The purpose of this study is to quantify the variation of active breathing control (ABC)-assisted BH and estimate its dosimetric impact for left-sided whole-breast radiotherapy with a real-time optical tracking system (OTS). Methods: Seven breast cancer patients were included. An in-house OTS tracked an infrared (IR) marker affixed over the xiphoid process of the patient at CT simulation and throughout the treatment course to measure BH variations. Correlation between the IR marker and the breast was studied for dosimetric purposes. The positional variations of 860 BHs were retrospectively incorporated into treatment plans to assess their dosimetric impact on breast and cardiac organs (heart and left anterior descending artery [LAD]). Results: The mean intrafraction variations were 2.8 mm, 2.7 mm, and 1.6 mm in the anteroposterior (AP), craniocaudal (CC), and mediolateral (ML) directions, respectively. Mean stability in any direction was within 1.5 mm. A general trend of BH undershoot at treatment relative to CT simulation was observed with an average of 4.4 mm, 3.6 mm, and 0.1 mm in the AP, CC, and ML directions, respectively. Undershoot up to 12.6 mm was observed for individual patients. The difference between the planned and delivered dose to breast targets was negligible. The average planned/delivered mean heart doses, mean LAD doses, and max LAD doses were 1.4/2.1, 7.4/15.7, and 18.6/31.0 Gy, respectively. Conclusion: Systematic undershoot was observed in ABC-assisted BHs from CT simulation to treatment. Its dosimetric impact on breast coverage was minimized with image guidance, but the benefits of cardiac organ sparing were degraded. A real-time tracking system can be used in junction with the ABC device to improve BH reproducibility.
Effects of High Levels of Vitamin D2 Fed Prepartum on the Incidence of Parturient Paresis in Dairy Cattle

Summary This investigation was conducted to determine the value of high-potency irradiated ergosterol (vitamin D 2 ) as a preventive for parturient paresis. The investigation involved 32 herds of Jersey cattle and data on over 500 individual parturitions. The daily feeding of 30million U.S.P. units of vitamin D 2 markedly reduced the incidence of parturient paresis in multiparous Jersey cows. Data obtained show that the incidence in previous-history animals following treatment was 23.07%; whereas, the incidence among control animals was 61.29%. Data obtained show that the incidence in treatment animals without previous histories was 6.45%; whereas, the incidence among control animals was 22.58%. The effectiveness of various prepartal levels of vitamin D 2 on the incidence of parturient paresis was determined. In this investigation, prepartal levels affording the greatest protection for animals with and without a previous history were within a range of 60 to 75million U.S.P. units, which is the equivalent of from two to three days prepartal feeding at the daily rate of 30million U.S.P. units. An unusually high incidence of parturient paresis was found in previous-history animals completing the prescribed treatment period one or more days prior to parturition. Presumptive but not conclusive evidence indicating the possible suppression of parathyroid activity in these animals is suggested. Another phase of this investigation entailed the measurement of the changes in blood serum calcium and phosphorus levels in animals receiving the preventive treatment. The prepartal and postpartal changes in blood serum calcium and phosphorus were variable and, because of the limited data available, it was difficult to describe any definite trends.
Pulmonary Blastoma: Report of Two Cases

Pulmonary blastoma is a rare primary malignancy of the lung originating from multipotential pulmonary blastema. Two cases of this tumor are reported emphasizing lack of correlation between the microscopic appearance and the clinical course. There are no specific clinical features that differentiate this tumor from the more common lung neoplasms. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment; the merits of radiotherapy and chemotherapy have not yet been established. Prognosis after adequate resection appears no better than for other pulmonary malignancies.
Fixed Poles in High-Energy Compton Scattering, Electroproduction, and the Vector-Dominance Models

It is shown that the vector dominance of $s$-channel helicity amplitudes requires the existence of a nonsense wrong-signature fixed pole at $J=1$ in virtual photon-hadron scattering. Furthermore, in the amplitudes for electroproduction, where the virtual photon masses are spacelike, it is argued that such fixed poles must exist simply from such general requirements as analyticity, gauge invariance, and positivity of cross sections. This fixed pole occurs multiplicatively with the Pomeranchuk pole if the photon-hadron cross sections ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{L}$ or ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{S}$ are constant asymptotically with energy. A minimal amount of analyticity then allows one to extend this result to general values of the virtual photon masses. If the asymptotic cross section for photoproduction of $\ensuremath{\rho}$ mesons is dominated by Pomeranchuk exchange and if it conserves helicity, then the multiplicative fixed pole is present there, too. Further, the presence of this fixed pole tests for the compositeness of the $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meson or third-double-spectral-function effects.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Subsurface Stresses and Shakedown Due to Repeated Sliding on a Layered Medium

Results of three-dimensional finite element simulations are presented for the subsurface stress and strain fields in a layered elastic-plastic half-space subjected to repeated sliding contact by a rigid sphere. A single perfectly adhering layer with an elastic modulus and yield strength both two and four times that of the substrate material is modeled. Applied sliding loads are equivalent to 100 and 200 times the initial yield load of the substrate material and sliding is performed to distances of approximately two times the contact radius. The effects of layer material properties and normal load on the loaded and residual stresses occurring from repeated load cycles are examined and compared with stresses produced during the first load cycle. Results for the maximum tensile stresses at the layer/substrate interface and the Maximum principal stress in the substrate are presented and their significance for layer decohesion and crack initiation is discussed. Further yielding of substrate material during unloading is discussed, and the possibility of shakedown to an elastic or plastic loading cycle is analyzed for the different material properties and contact loads investigated.
Potential of adult and lifelong education for poverty reduction: systems thinking for systemic change

Poverty reduction today, at least in rhetoric, is a global priority; the essential role of education in poverty reduction is universally assumed. However, the dialectic between the concurrent and contradictory processes of ‘poverty reduction’ and ‘poverty induction’ is not well understood, and the historically rooted and globally entrenched larger structural processes of ‘poverty induction’ are indeed being allowed to advance and grow. Adult education over the lifespan, which relative to other sectors of education has the most important role to play in projects of poverty reduction worldwide, is regretfully the least supported by the policy elite. A new band of activist adult educators is needed, rich in intellect and imbued with commitment, joined in a system of adult lifelong education that is both comprehensive and commensurate with the tasks of constructing projects of poverty reduction in the short run, and of deconstructing ideologies and structures of poverty induction in the long run.
Semigeostrophic disturbances in a stratified shear flow over a finite-amplitude ridge

Abstract Steady-state, two-dimensional disturbances forced by flow over a finite-amplitude ridge are considered. The model represents an extension of the one presented by Robinson (1960). This study is based on the semigeostrophic system of equations for uniform potential vorticity flow. The model equations satisfy the Cauchy-Riemann conditions, and solutions for uniform flow over various shaped ridges may be obtained in terms of a complex potential. The novel result is the determination of solutions for disturbances in a zonal current with linear shear. The boundaries are tilled in the cross-stream direction to coincide with basic state potential temperature surfaces. This simplification, which provides isentropic boundaries, permits the solutions for disturbances in a shear flow to be obtained directly from solutions forced by uniform flow over the same ridge. Physical properties of the solutions are presented in terms of three parameters: &epsi/D, r and δ. The amplitude of the ridge is &epsi& and D is ...
Lateral patterning of multilayer InAs/GaAs(001) quantum dot structures by in vacuo focused ion beam

We report on the effects of patterning and layering on multilayer InAs/GaAs(001) quantum dot structures laterally ordered using an in vacuo focused ion beam. The patterned hole size and lateral pattern spacing affected the quantum dot size and the fidelity of the quantum dots with respect to the lateral patterns. 100% pattern fidelity was retained after six layers of dots for a 9.0 ms focused ion beam dwell time and 2.0 µm lateral pattern spacing. Analysis of the change in quantum dot size as a function of pattern spacing provided a means of estimating the maximum average adatom surface diffusion length to be approximately 500 nm, and demonstrated the ability to alter the wetting layer thickness via pattern spacing. Increasing the number of layers from six to 26 resulted in mound formation, which destroyed the pattern fidelity at close pattern spacings and led to a bimodal quantum dot size distribution as measured by atomic force microscopy. The bimodal size distribution also affected the optical properties of the dots, causing a split quantum dot photoluminescence peak where the separation between the split peaks increased with increasing pattern spacing.
Marketing through research: William Caudill and Caudill, Rowlett , Scott ( CRS)

The partners of Caudill Rowlett Scott (CRS), a post-Second World War architecture firm in Texas, USA, were especially innovative in their professional and business practices. One of their original contributions was the firm's marketing strategy, which was based on promoting not only design achievements but also the CRS ‘research attitude’ by publishing and distributing studies produced by members of the firm. This strategy, which built on a wide-spread American belief in the fundamental role of science and research in the nation's progress and development, was successful in the first two decades of the firm, but was dissolved in the 1970s with the firm's expansion and transformation into a profit-oriented enterprise. This paper describes the firm's research-based marketing strategy and argues that the success of the marketing strategy relied on the CRS partners' ability first, to integrate marketing into the firm's approach to architecture and design and into cultural norms of the time and secondly, to ba...
Complications for Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups After Total Hip and Knee Replacement: A Review of the Literature

Background: Total hip and knee replacement reduces disability associated with lower extremity osteoarthritis. It has been shown that racial and ethnic minority groups underutilize these procedures; however, little information exists on postoperative outcomes for ethnic minorities. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to compile population-based or multicenter studies on early postoperative outcomes after total hip and knee replacement in racial and ethnic minorities. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the nine eligible studies, four examined total knee replacement, three examined total hip replacement, and two examined both. Two studies investigated mortality after total knee replacement, and one found that blacks had an increased risk of mortality. Three studies investigated infection after total knee replacement; all found an increased risk in blacks and Hispanics. Four studies examined non-infection-related complications after total knee replacement, and all four found that nonwhites had an increased risk of complications. Two studies investigated mortality after total hip replacement; one of these found that, for primary hip replacement, blacks had an increased risk of mortality. Conclusions: There is a paucity of research on outcomes after orthopaedic procedures for racial and ethnic minority groups. On the basis of the available literature, racial and ethnic minority groups appear to have a higher risk for early complications (those occurring within ninety days), particularly joint infection, after total knee replacement and perhaps a higher risk of mortality after total hip replacement. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Filopodia on neuronal growth cones: multi-functional structures with sensory and motor capabilities

Abstract Pathfinding decisions, as neuronal growth cones navigate their complex embryonic terrain, are largely determined by the fan-shaped array of filopodia at the leading edge of the advancing growth cone. These sensory/motor extensions of growth cones locally receive, process, and react to information from their environment. Recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms by which extracellular signals cause changes in the concentration of the second messenger calcium and by which calcium affects growth cone function have provided substantial insights into the chain of events occurring in filopodia that help guide growth cones to their appropriate targets.
Multi-adsorbent preconcentration/focusing module for portable-GC/microsensor-array analysis of complex vapor mixtures

A small multi-adsorbent preconcentration/focusing module for a portable GC with microsensor-array detector designed to determine complex mixtures of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds encountered in indoor working environments is described. Candidate adsorbents were assessed on the basis of analyte thermal-desorption bandwidth and efficiency, chromatographic peak shape, and breakthrough volume against mixtures of organic compounds ranging over four orders of magnitude in vapor pressure. A capillary packed with just 12.3 mg of adsorbent material comprising Carbopack B (8 mg), Carbopack X (2.5 mg) and Carboxen 1000 (1.8 mg) provided the best tradeoff in operating variables, while maintaining sufficient capacity for a 1 L air sample containing a mixture of up to 43 compounds, each at 100 parts-per-billion, at an ambient relative humidity of up to 100%. On-column focusing and temperature programming were used to enhance chromatographic separations, and detection limits as low as 100 parts-per-trillion were achieved for a 1 L air sample using an integrated array of polymer-coated surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) sensors. Implications for field analysis of indoor air quality are emphasized.