cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous treatment of urologic complications following renal transplantation

Urologic complications continue to occur in renal transplant recipients. Furthermore, standard, secondary operative intervention for these problems has been associated with high morbidity and even mortality. Currently, percutaneous techniques are being used with increasing frequency for these patients to temporize or even avoid the need for subsequent operative procedures. The indications, techniques, and results of such intervention are reviewed.
Percutaneous laser probe femoropopliteal angioplasty: A preliminary experience

Abstract Percutaneous laser probe "hot tip" angioplasty procedures were performed on 47 occluded femoropopliteal artery segments in 27 men and 10 women ranging in age from 31 to 92 (mean, 64.7) years. Indications for the procedure included claudication in 29 (78%) segments, and the occlusion lased was >7 cm in length in 51% of the procedures. Failure to recanalize the occlusion occurred in 14 (30%) segments, and recanalization followed by in-hospital reocclusion occurred in seven (15%) segments, yielding an initial failure rate of 45%. Initial failures were noted in 40% of the 7 cm occlusions. In nine (43%) instances in these 21 failures there was extension of the occluded segment or decline of the ankle/brachial index or both, precipitating the need for surgery in three (18%) of these 17 patients. Among the successfully treated group, 17 (65%) of these vessels in 15 patients reoccluded from 1 to 14 (mean, 3½) months after the procedure. Cumulative patency among the successfully lased vessels was 69% at 1-month, 38% at 6 months', 29% at 12 months', and 14% at 15 months' follow-up. Fifteen-month patency was 7% of the entire series of 47 vessels treated. Eighteen complications occurred after 15 (32%) of these 47 procedures. Based on these results, the widespread application of laser probe angioplasty cannot be justified without further clinical and laboratory investigation. (J Vasc Surg 1989; 10:351–7.)
Processing and storage effects on procyanidin composition and concentration of processed blueberry products

Blueberries are a rich source of procyanidins that may contribute to the reduced risk of chronic disease; however, because of seasonal availability, the berries are commonly consumed in thermally processed forms after long-term storage. In this study, we evaluated the effects of processing and 6 months of storage on procyanidin composition and content of blueberries that were canned in syrup (CS), canned in water (CW), pureed, and juiced (nonclarified and clarified). Processing blueberries into various forms resulted in significant losses of total procyanidins, with only 19 and 23% being retained in nonclarified and clarified juices, 41% retained in purees, and 65 and 78% being retained in berries CS and CW. The mono- and dimers were retained to a much greater extent than larger oligomers in all products following processing. Procyanidins were further degraded during 6 months of storage, with only 8% and 11% retained in clarified and nonclarified juices, 7% retained in pureed, and 22 and 32% retained in berries CS and CW. Similar to results obtained following processing, mono- and dimers were better retained than larger oligomers. Methods are needed to prevent procyanidin losses during processing and storage.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience with outpatient administration of high dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue.

Background We describe the safety and feasibility of an outpatient high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) regimen. Methods HDMTX (12 g/m2) is administered in a pediatric day hospital (PDH) intravenously (IV) over 4 hrs. Urinary alkalinization is achieved using an IV bolus of sodium bicarbonate and oral bicarbonate tablets. Daily visits to the PDH follow. Leucovorin is begun 24 hrs. after MTX at a standard dose of 10 mg orally (po) every 6 hrs. (q6h). The leucovorin dose is escalated between a range of 20 mg po q6h to 1 g as a continuous IV drip over 24 hrs. according to an institutional algorithm for levels above 10, 1, and 0.1 µmol/L at 24, 48, and 72 hrs. post-MTX. To evaluate our approach, we conducted a retrospective review of all HDMTX courses administered at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 1996 and 2002. Results Out of a total of 708 MTX courses, 82% were successfully completed as an outpatient. Forty-nine percent of the MTX courses were treated with standard dose leucovorin while 49% required a dose escalation, the majority of which was to 20–30 mg po q6h. Observed toxicity included mild (Grade 0–I) nephrotoxicity and reversible transaminitis in the majority of patients. Myelosuppression was manifested mainly as neutropenia, with Grade III–IV toxicity in 16% of patients. Conclusions Outpatient administration of HDMTX and the required supportive therapy is safe and feasible using the described approach. Approximately half of the patients will require leucovorin dose modification based on serial monitoring of MTX levels. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1176–1180. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Correlates and prognostic implication of exercise capacity in chronic congestive heart failure

Previous studies have shown poor correlations between exercise tolerance and measurements of left ventricular (LV) function during rest in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). To further evaluate the determinants of exercise tolerance and their relation to prognosis, we performed rest and exercise hemodynamic measurements and blood pool scintigraphy in 27 patients with CHF. All patients were treated with digitalis and diuretic drugs, but not vasodilator drugs. Exercise capacity was assessed by maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) during upright bicycle ergometry. Both right ventricular (RV) and LV ejection fractions were measured by radionuclide techniques, and arterial, right atrial and pulmonary artery pressures, cardiac output, and derived hemodynamic indexes were determined. As a group, patients with severely impaired exercise tolerance (group 1, VO2max less than 10 ml/min/kg) had significantly higher rest pulmonary capillary wedge and right atrial pressures (30 +/- 4 vs 23 +/- 6 and 12 +/- 4 vs 7 +/- 2 mm Hg, respectively) than those with a VO2max of 10 to 18 ml/min/kg (group 2). They also had lower LV and RV ejection fractions (16 +/- 4% vs 21 +/- 4% and 19 +/- 12% vs 27 +/- 7%, respectively). However, overlap among individual patients was considerable, and only pulmonary capillary wedge pressure at rest correlated significantly (r = 0.69, p less than 0.001) with VO2max.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with acute hemoglobinemia or hemoglobinuria following Rho(D) immune globulin intravenous administration for immune thrombocytopenic purpura

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed Rh(o)(D) immune globulin intravenous (anti-D IGIV) on March 24, 1995, for treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). A previous review described data on 15 patients who experienced acute hemoglobinemia or hemoglobinuria following anti-D IGIV administration for ITP or secondary thrombocytopenia. Eleven of those patients also experienced clinically compromising anemia, transfusion with packed red blood cells, renal insufficiency, dialysis, or death. That review suggested that patients receiving anti-D IGIV be monitored for those and other potential complications of hemoglobinemia, particularly disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Through November 30, 2004, the FDA received 6 reports of DIC associated with "acute hemolysis" (or similar terms), 5 of which involved fatalities. The attending or consulting physicians assessed that acute hemolysis or DIC caused or contributed to each death. This review presents the first case series of DIC associated with acute hemoglobinemia or hemoglobinuria following anti-D IGIV administration for ITP. The purpose of this review is to increase awareness among physicians and other health care professionals that DIC may be a rare but potentially severe complication of anti-D IGIV treatment. Increased awareness of DIC as a diagnostic possibility may enable prompt recognition and medical intervention in affected patients.
The Influence of Amino Acid Sequence on the Fibrillogenicity and Amyloidogenicity of the Carboxy-Terminus of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein

Abstract C-APP, a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal 20 amino acids of β-amyloid precursor protein, forms amyloid fibrils in vitro . We investigated the effect of altering the C-APP sequence or deleting part of it on its ability to form amyloid fibrils. Substituting any single amino acid in the C-APP sequence with alanine did not prevent the formation of CAPP-like fibrils. Peptides with single or multiple substitutions that included T11, F14, F15, or Q19 showed reduced fibril-forming capacity while those with K1 and/or K13 replaced with alanine or glutamic acid showed enhanced capacity. When P10 or F14 was replaced with alanine, the fibrils were less congophilic than C-APP fibrils. All of the truncated peptides that were able to form fibrils contained at least 9 amino acids from the N-terminus of C-APP or amino acids 7-20 from the C-terminus. However, several peptides that met these criteria, but started at Q3 or contained only 2-4 amino acids C-terminal to P-l0, failed to form many or typical fibrils. Peptides that contained the C-APP sequence pIus 5-20 adjacent amino acids from the βamyloid precursor protein formed fibrils less readily than C-APP and most of the fibrils were not congophilic. The exception was CAPP-30, which formed moderate amounts of congophilic fibrils resembling C-APP fibrils morphologically. Therefore, proteolysis which releases C-APP from these peptides (except CAPP-30) would be predicted to enhance their amyloidogenicity. These results suggest that several features of C-APP peptide may be important in fibril formation. One of these features is the length of the peptide, with lengths of about 10, 20, or 30 amino acids, favoring fibril formation.
Hydrolytically stable cellulose‐derivative coatings for capillary electrophoresis of peptides, proteins and glycoconjugates

A method for the preparation of versatile, hydrolytically stable coatings of fused silica capillaries is described. First, the HNO3-pretreated silica surface is reacted with 7-oct-1-enyltrimethoxysilane to form a stable self-assembled alkylsilane monolayer. Secondly, the copolymer of hydroxypropylcellulose and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate is statically coated onto a hydrophobized wall. This allows the formation of a highly crosslinked copolymer layer which is tightly bound to the wall surface. Hydrolytical stability in the pH range of 2-10 for several weeks has been demonstrated. The coating generates a low electroosmotic flow at alkaline pH, which can be easily masked by using special buffers. The versatility of this column technology is documented by separations of peptides, glycoproteins and derivatized oligosaccharides.
Dopamine transporter genotype conveys familial risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder through striatal activation.

ABSTRACT Objective The dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene has been implicated in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although the mechanism by which it exerts its effects remains unknown. The polymorphism associated with ADHD has been shown to affect expression of the transporter in vitro and in vivo. Dopamine transporters are predominantly expressed in the striatum, but also in the cerebellar vermis. Stimulant medication is often effective in ADHD and is believed to exert its effects by blocking dopamine transporters in the striatum. We set out to investigate the effect of the DAT1 genotype in ADHD in a small, preliminary study. We hypothesized that the DAT1 genotype would affect brain activation patterns in a manner similar to that of stimulant medication, with the lesser expressing allele mirroring its effects. Method We investigated DAT1 gene effects on brain activation patterns in an all-male sample of sibling pairs discordant for ADHD ( n = 20) and controls ( n = 9). All of the subjects participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging session using a go/no-go paradigm and provided a DNA sample for analysis. Results DAT1 genotype affected activation in the striatum and cerebellar vermis. The genotype interacted with familial risk of ADHD in the striatum but not the vermis. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that the DAT1 gene effects in the striatum are involved in translating the genetic risk of ADHD into a neurobiological substrate. As such, this study represents a first step in elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying genetic influences in ADHD. Furthermore, these results may contribute to long-term possibilities for the development of new treatments: If the DAT1 genotype has differential effects on striatal activation, then it may be useful as a surrogate endpoint in individualized treatments targeting genotype/functional magnetic resonance imaging activation profiles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients Diagnosed With Ductal Carcinoma-In-Situ: Value in the Diagnosis of Residual Disease, Occult Invasion, and Multicentricity

Background: Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be a sensitive imaging tool for invasive breast cancers, its utility in ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) of the breast remains controversial. We studied the performance of MRI in patients with known DCIS for assessment of residual disease, occult invasion, and multicentricity to determine the clinical role of MRI in this setting. Methods: Fifty-one patients with biopsy-proven DCIS underwent contrast-enhanced MRI before surgical treatment. Pre-, early post-, and late postcontrast three-dimensional gradient echo images were obtained and MRI findings were correlated with histopathology. When possible, the performance of MRI and mammography was compared. Results: The accuracy of MRI was 88% in predicting residual disease, 82% in predicting invasive disease, and 90% in predicting multicentricity. The performance of MRI was equivalent in the core biopsy group when compared with the surgical biopsy group. For occult invasion only, MRI and mammography were equivalent. However, overall, MRI was more sensitive and had a higher negative predictive value than mammography. Conclusions:MRI of DCIS can serve as a useful adjunct to mammography by providing a more accurate assessment of the extent of residual or multicentric disease. The performance of MRI is not significantly affected by antecedent surgical excision. MRI may be particularly valuable if preoperatively negative.
Design of actively shielded main magnets: an improved functional method

An improved functional approach for designing MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) main magnets with active shielding is presented. By nulling one or two external moments as well as a certain series of internal moments of the magnetic field, new designs with improved shielding in combination with or without shorter magnet lengths are obtained. The improved method can be employed to design short and practical superconducting magnets at any given field strength. The resulting designs yield the desired field homogeneity inside the region of interest without using superconducting shim coils. This approach requires only a modest amount of computing power. One of the design steps, a contour plot of the continuous current solutions, can be utilized to study stretch goals for favorable design parameters.
Vitamin E and Gene Expression in Immune Cells

Aging is associated with dysregulation of immune cells, particularly T cells. Previous studies indicated that vitamin E improves T cell function, in part by a direct effect on T cells. We studied gene expression profile of T cells to better understand the underlying mechanisms of aging- and vitamin E-induced changes in T cell function. Young and old C57BL mice were fed diets containing 30 (control) or 500 (E) ppm of vitamin E for 4 weeks. T cells were purified from splenocytes by negative selection using magnetic beads (anti-Mac-1 and anti-MHC class II), then cultured with media or stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28. Gene expression profile was assessed using microarray analysis. Genes showing more than two-fold changes, P < 0.05 by ANOVA, and with at least one present call were selected. Aging had significant effects on genes involved in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation, and apoptosis pathways in T cells, while vitamin E had a significant effect on genes associated with the regulation of cell cycle.
Laser optogalvanic spectroscopy of molecules: The red electronic system of titanium oxide (TiO)

Abstract The laser optogalvanic (LOG) spectrum of the (0,0) bands of the B 3 Π ← X 3 Δ transition of titanium oxide (TiO) has been observed. The TiO molecules were generated in a glow discharge by sputtering titanium metal and TiO 2 from the inner surface of a hollow cathode. Possible mechanisms for the molecular LOG effect are discussed.
The Therapeutic Alliance: Implications for Therapeutic Process and Therapeutic Goals

Interest in the importance of the therapeutic alliance to the psychotherapeutic process has recently grown across theoretical domains. Through a case example the author demonstrates that in some cases a familiar pattern of relating with the therapist may be more important for the client in terms of treatment success than positive regard early in treatment. Also, charting shifts in the quality of the relationship rather than quantitative changes in the alliance may help the therapist navigate the recursive emergent properties of relationship, goals of treatment and choice and timing of interventions. Finally, the author suggests that the therapist’s internalization of the client may represent a significant leap in the relationship, and help reduce some of the “sloppiness” that is inherent in the therapeutic process.
Asymptotic equilibrium of ordinary differential systems in a Banach space

The asymptotic equilibrium of differential systems in Euclidean spaces has been considered by several authors. These papers deal with a majorant function,g(t, u), which is either non-decreasing or non-increasing inu for eacht. In extending these results to differential systems in a Banach space additional conditions must be placed on the system. In this paper the Kuratowski measure of non-compactness is used to give conditions yielding asymptotic equilibrium of the system in a Banach space.
Dietary CdSe/ZnS quantum dot exposure in estuarine fish: Bioavailability, oxidative stress responses, reproduction, and maternal transfer

Continued development, use, and disposal of quantum dots (QDs) ensure their entrance into aquatic environments where they could pose a risk to biological organisms as whole nanoparticles or as degraded metal constituents. Reproductive Fundulus heteroclitus were fed a control diet with lecithin, diets containing 1 or 10 μg of lecithin-encapsulated CdSe/ZnS QD/day, or a diet containing 5.9 μg CdCl2/day for 85 days. Cadmium concentrations in liver, intestine, and eggs were quantified with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In fish fed 10 μg QD/day, QDs or their degradation products traversed the intestinal epithelia and accumulated in the liver. Less than 0.01% of the QD's cadmium was retained in the liver or intestinal tissues. This compares to 0.9% and 0.5% of the cadmium in the intestine and liver, respectively of fish fed a CdCl2 diet. Cadmium was also detected in the eggs from parents fed 10 μg QD/day. No significant changes in hepatic total glutathione, lipid peroxidation, or expression of genes involved in metal metabolism or oxidative stress were observed. While QDs in the diet are minimally bioavailable, unusual levels of vitellogenin transcription in male fish as well as declining fecundity require further investigation to determine if endocrine disruption is of environmental concern.
Unemployment rates and political outcomes: An incentive for manufacturing a political business cycle

In recent years the interdependence of politics and economics has received an increasing amount of attention by both economists and political scientists. The explanation for this interest lies in the 'rediscovery' of political economy and may be, at least partly, due to the recent experiences that governmental advisors have had with simultaneously increasing inflation and unemployment. Conventional macroeconomic approaches have failed to pin-point causes for the 'stagflation' and to provide methods for solving the problem. The traditional economic policies may have failed in part because these traditional solutions were simply not plausible in the political environments in which they were proposed. It is the intent of a growing body of work to develop macromodels with endogenous political sectors. The inference made in this literature is that (1) the economy can be manipulated or affected by a political sector and that (2) there is an incentive for the political sector to manipulate the economy. This literature has, however,just begun to formalize the interaction of the political and economic sectors and empirical work is virtually nonexistent.' The purpose of this paper is to present some evidence on these two inferences. In Section 1 the first inference is examined. In Section II literature on which the first inference is based is reviewed and evidence on the possible incentive to create such a cycle is presented. In Section III concluding remarks are offered.
Low-voltage, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy: a new characterization technique for polymer morphology

Abstract Low-voltage, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (LVHRSEM) is a promising new technique for polymer morphological characterization, and provides complementary data to transmission electron microscopy, X-ray scattering and the scanning probe microscopies. Practically, lateral resolution on the order of 50 A at 1.0 keV accelerating voltage can be obtained in polymer samples. The utility of LVHRSEM is demonstrated for diverse polymer systems, both amorphous and crystalline, with structurally interesting features on a 50–1000 A length scale. The advantages and disadvantages of LVHRSEM as a polymer characterization technique are investigated, as well as the effects of beam—sample interactions, radiation damage and contamination specific to polymers examined at low voltage.
Ignac Semmelweis, the Epidemiologist: His Insights into Fetal and Neonatal Sepsis and the Eventual Discovery of the Etiology of Childbed Fever

Ignac Semmelweis, the Epidemiologist: His Insights into Fetal and Neonatal Sepsis and the Eventual Discovery of the Etiology of Childbed Fever
SP1: service oriented architecture (SOA) concepts and implementations for Ada

Level - Intermediate.This tutorial covers the principles of Service-Oriented Architectures (SOA) including loose coupling, encapsulation, reusability, composibility, etc. The attendee will learn about the Ada Web Server (AWS) and how SOA interfaces, session management, etc. are implemented using AWS. The tutorial will also cover the fundamentals of the Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), a key enabling component of the SOA. Attendees will learn about ESB endpoints, data routing, automatic translations, etc. They will also learn how to connect Ada web services to an ESB, how to expose the web services, and how to use AWS with the ESB through in-class exercises and demonstrations.
Regulation of Global Gene Expression in Human Loa loa Infection Is a Function of Chronicity

BACKGROUND Human filarial infection is characterized by downregulated parasite-antigen specific T cell responses but distinct differences exist between patients with longstanding infection (endemics) and those who acquired infection through temporary residency or visits to filarial-endemic regions (expatriates). METHODS AND FINDINGS To characterize mechanisms underlying differences in T cells, analysis of global gene expression using human spotted microarrays was conducted on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from microfilaremic Loa loa-infected endemic and expatriate patients. Assessment of unstimulated cells showed overexpression of genes linked to inflammation and caspase-associated cell death, particularly in endemics, and enrichment of the Th1/Th2 canonical pathway in endemic CD4(+) cells. However, pathways within CD8(+) unstimulated cells were most significantly enriched in both patient groups. Antigen (Ag)-driven gene expression was assessed to microfilarial Ag (MfAg) and to the nonparasite Ag streptolysin O (SLO). For MfAg-driven cells, the number of genes differing significantly from unstimulated cells was greater in endemics compared to expatriates (p<0.0001). Functional analysis showed a differential increase in genes associated with NFkB (both groups) and caspase activation (endemics). While the expatriate response to MfAg was primarily a CD4(+) pro-inflammatory one, the endemic response included CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells and was linked to insulin signaling, histone complexes, and ubiquitination. Unlike the enrichment of canonical pathways in CD8(+) unstimulated cells, both groups showed pathway enrichment in CD4(+) cells to MfAg. Contrasting with the divergent responses to MfAg seen between endemics and expatriates, the CD4(+) response to SLO was similar; however, CD8(+) cells differed strongly in the nature and numbers (156 [endemics] vs 36 [expatriates]) of genes with differential expression. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest several important pathways are responsible for the different outcomes seen among filarial-infected patients with varying levels of chronicity and imply an important role for CD8(+) cells in some of the global changes seen with lifelong exposure.
Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to hazardous volatile organic compounds in swine gestation, farrowing and nursery barns

Livestock producers are exposed to a high number of airborne pollutants during their daily duties of cleaning, feeding and maintenance activities. Hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are a major group of pollutants that may cause cancer or other serious health effects including neurological, respiratory, reproductive and developmental disorders. In this study, health risks of occupational exposure to eight hazardous VOCs (phenol, p-cresol, o/m-cresol, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m/p-xylene) that are most likely to be emitted from swine buildings were assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. The purpose of the study was to calculate emission rates and to quantify cancer and hazard risks of the target VOCs. Cancer and hazard risks were calculated for workers A, B, and C, who spent six hours in the gestation, farrowing and nursery barns, respectively, and one hour in the office space every day. Concentrations of the target VOCs did not exceed their recommended exposure limits (RELs). But, concentrations of p-cresol and benzene exceeded their preliminary remediation goals (PRGs). The highest emission rates in μg s−1 were measured from the gestation rooms while the highest emission rates in μg per s per head were measured from the farrowing rooms. Cancer risks of ethylbenzene, benzene and p-cresol were higher than EPA's benchmark of one per million. Hazard risks of benzene, toluene, p-cresol, and o/m-cresol were higher than the maximum acceptable risk threshold (10−4). Worker B (farrowing) had the highest cumulative cancer (16.6 in one million) and hazard (11 342 in one million) risks. It was followed by workers A (gestation) and C (nursery). Sensitivity analysis showed that inhalation unit risk (IUR) had the highest impact on cancer risk assessment while recommended exposure limit (REL) had the highest impact on hazard risk assessment.
Lipids of the primary intracellular symbiote of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum

Abstract The lipid composition of isolated primary symbiotes was investigated. The symbiotes were found to possess phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl choline, cholesterol, and glycerides. The fatty acids esterified to the various glycerides and glyceride derivatives were found to be predominantly C10, C12, C13, and C14 saturated components. The lipids of the pea aphid were also investigated as a measure of the purity of the symbiote preparation. The same classes of compounds were found, but the fatty acid complement was found to be different. The fatty acids were found to be predominantly C14, C18, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3. A carotenoid-like pigment, whose absorption maximum in benzene was 460 nm, was also present. The possible significance of the various lipids to the systematic classification of the symbiotes is discussed, along with some insight into what may be an apparent dependency factor of the symbiote for the host.
Pion elastic scattering from aligned targets

The differences in the interactions of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ particles with neutrons and protons can be used to investigate relative neutron and proton densities in nuclei. The use of aligned targets with ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ beams presents considerable advantages for the extraction of neutron density information. As a framework for estimating pion scattering from aligned targets we use the Kisslinger optical potential including a deformed nucleon density distribution. The difference between aligned and unaligned differential cross sections (deformation effect) is found to be linear in $\ensuremath{\beta}$ and allows for the extraction of neutron density shape information.
Pain of urogenital origin

Chronic nonmalignant pain syndromes (longer than 6 months duration) of urogenital origin are well described but poorly understood focal pain syndromes. Pain in these areas of the body is usually very embarrassing for the male and female patient, who may be afraid to discuss his or her symptoms with family members, friends, and health care providers. Except in those cases in which a specific secondary cause can be identified, the etiology of chronic urogenital pain often remains unknown. Currently available treatment options are empirical only. Although cures are uncommon, some pain relief can be provided to almost all patients using currently available treatment strategies. Better knowledge of the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of chronic urogenital pain is needed to develop treatment strategies specifically targeted against the underlying mechanisms.
Electron-phonon scattering angles in copper

Abstract Electron-phonon scattering rates determined from the linewidths of acoustic open orbit resonances in copper have been analyzed by Monte-Carlo simulation, leading to numerical estimates of the average angle of scatter. The data suggest the dominance of transverse phonons as a scattering agent.
A fruitful endeavor: Modeling ALS in the fruit fly

For over a century Drosophila melanogaster, commonly known as the fruit fly, has been instrumental in genetics research and disease modeling. In more recent years, it has been a powerful tool for modeling and studying neurodegenerative diseases, including the devastating and fatal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The success of this model organism in ALS research comes from the availability of tools to manipulate gene/protein expression in a number of desired cell-types, and the subsequent recapitulation of cellular and molecular phenotypic features of the disease. Several Drosophila models have now been developed for studying the roles of ALS-associated genes in disease pathogenesis that allowed us to understand the molecular pathways that lead to motor neuron degeneration in ALS patients. Our primary goal in this review is to highlight the lessons we have learned using Drosophila models pertaining to ALS research. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ALS complex pathogenesis.
Spectrin Folding versus Unfolding Reactions and RBC Membrane Stiffness

Spectrin (Sp), a key component of the erythrocyte membrane, is routinely stretched to near its fully folded contour length during cell deformations. Such dynamic loading may induce domain unfolding as suggested by recent experiments. Herein we develop a model to describe the folding/unfolding of spectrin during equilibrium or nonequilibrium extensions. In both cases, our model indicates that there exists a critical extension beyond which unfolding occurs. We further deploy this model, together with a three-dimensional model of the junctional complex in the erythrocyte membrane, to explore the effect of Sp unfolding on the membrane's mechanical properties, and on the thermal fluctuation of membrane-attached beads. At large deformations our results show a distinctive strain-induced unstiffening behavior, manifested in the slow decrease of the shear modulus, and accompanied by an increase in bead fluctuation. Bead fluctuation is also found to be influenced by mode switching, a phenomenon predicted by our three-dimensional model. The amount of stiffness reduction, however, is modest compared with that reported in experiments. A possible explanation for the discrepancy is the occurrence of spectrin head-to-head disassociation which is also included within our modeling framework and used to analyze bead motion as observed via experiment.
Intense Static Magnetic Field Induced Bone Growth in Vivo

Pulsed electromagnetic fields have been used as a noninvasive procedure for treating bone fractures and pseudoarthroses in man. the contribution of the magnetic component of pulsed electromagnetic fields to skeletogenesls is not known. Female Swiss-Webster mice were exposed to a 10 kllogauss (1.0 Tesla) static magnetic field for 30 minutes on each of ten consecutive days. After exposure, the right and left femur, tibia, humerus, radius, and ulna were removed and their lengths, wet weights, and dry weights were determined. the magnetic-field exposed bones exhibited a 9-29% increase in length, a 15-29% increase in wet weight, and a 17-32% increase in dry weight as compared to the non-exposed controls. the data indicate that externally applied intense static magnetic fields may result In increased bone growth ill vivo. the Implications of these data in fusion reactor design, space travel, and clinical nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are discussed.
A Review of: “Politics, Policy, and Organizations: Frontiers in the Study of Bureaucracy, edited by George A. Krause and Kenneth J. Meier”

The group on the scientific study of bureaucracy (S2OB) workshop at the fifth biennial conference of the Public Management Research Association in 1999 produced this volume. It includes a preface, ...
Feminisms: Feminist Therapies in the 21st Century

In the last 40 years, feminism has made remarkable gains in western, industrialized countries. Educational systems, the workforce, political life, and economics all opened to participation by women...
Using Pedestrian Count Models to Estimate Urban Trail Traffic

Many cities are developing multiuse urban greenway trails to be used for recreation, exercise, and transportation. Analysts need many kinds of data about these new trails, but especially trail traffic be- cause of its implications for the efficient allocation of resources for trail management. This paper addresses this need by presenting new infor- mation about the use of trails. We adapt and test the validity of a pre- viously reported model that predicts hourly pedestrian crosswalk vol- ume from shorter sampling intervals, and we apply the model to greenway trails. Based on 166 hours of data collection on an Indianapo- lis, Indiana trail system, we develop expansion equations for sampling intervals of five, ten, fifteen, and thirty minutes. We find that both the equations from the previous study and our new equations provide rea- sonably accurate hourly predictions. Trail managers can use these find- ings to make decisions about current trail maintenance and promotion.
The immunology of experimental Chagas' disease. III. Rejection of allogeneic heart cells in vitro.

Experiments that consisted of incubation of Trypanosoma cruzi-sensitized lymphocytes derived from chronically infected rabbits and from rabbits repeatedly immunized with a small particle or membrane fraction derived from homogenates of T. cruzi forms, showed destruction of allogeneic, parasitized and nonparasitized heart cells in vitro. Mononuclear cells collected from peripheral blood were incubated for 1 h at 37°C to isolate the lymphocytes. Following incubation, over 99% of the cells in the supernate were lymphocytes, which were utilized in these experiments. At the start of these experiments, 70–80% of the sensitized lymphocytes were unattached, small and round, with sparse filipodia. In the ensuing hours, marked heart cell destruction, similar to that seen in an active lesion when lymphocytes invade heart tissue, were observed. After 18 h incubation, about 65–70% of the lymphocytes were attached, larger, and rough surfaced. Inhibition of monocyte migration tests, each in the presence of the antigens of subcellular fractions of T. cruzi organisms and of allogeneic heart myofibers, indicated the presence of a cross-reacting antigen common to both the parasite and the heart in the small particle or membrane fractions. The particulate antigens of the 30,000 g, 35-min fraction of heart muscle gave rise to inhibition of monocyte migration as did the counterpart fraction derived from T. cruzi organisms. The destruction of nonparasitized target heart cells by T. cruzi-sensitized lymphocytes is an in vitro model of the chronic myocarditis of Chagas' disease, and the recognition of cross-reactive antigens of the host cell by T. cruzi-sensitized lymphocytes is believed to be the pathogenic basis for subsequent tissue injury in the chronic phase of this disease.
Optical space communications

Optical space communications is on the verge of becoming a reality. It will be a key building block for wide-area space data networks of the future. We discuss the critical technology and architecture issues to be addressed for the realization of these systems, and present examples of high level designs. Design methodologies treating these as complex engineering systems, and the technique to breakdown the systems into interacting but logically separate subsystems for design and analysis, are suggested. Fundamental limits of performance and avenues for promising future research and development are given.
Religion, Longevity, and Cooperation: The Case of the Craft Guild

When the mortality rate is high, repeated interaction alone may not sustain cooperation, and religion may play an important role in shaping economic institutions. This insight explains why during the fourteenth century, when plagues decimated populations and the church promoted the doctrine of purgatory, guilds that bundled together religious and occupational activities dominated manufacturing and commerce. During the sixteenth century, the disease environment eased, and the Reformation dispelled the doctrine of purgatory, necessitating the development of new methods of organizing industry. The logic underlying this conclusion has implications for the study of institutions, economics, and religion throughout history and in the developing world today.
ON THE EMERSON ENHANCEMENT EFFECT IN THE FERRICYANIDE HILL REACTION IN CHLOROPLAST FRAGMENTS

Abstract— The Emerson effect is demonstrated in the ferricyanide Hill reaction when the rates of steady-state oxygen evolution are measured in spinach chlorplast fragments exposed to red (650 nm) and far-red (700 nm) light of high but not saturating intensity. However, at very low light intensity, the Emerson effect could not be observed. These experiments suggest that ferricyanide can be reduced at two sites. At low light intensity, the rate at one site predominates and at this site one photochemical system is active. At high light intensity, however, the action at a site that is dependent on the cooperation of two photochemical systems predominates. The action spectra of the ferricyanide Hill reaction measured in the presence of an excess of 650 nm or in the excess of 700 nm light show two peaks: one at 650 nm due to chlorophyll b and the other around 675 nm due to chlorophyll a. The ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b peaks is about 1.4 when 650 nm background light is used; the same ratio is about 0.7 with 700 nm background light. The two pigment systems seem to contain both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b but in different proportions.
The Nature and Necessity of Operational Flexibility in the Emergency Department

Hospital-based emergency departments (EDs), given their high cost and major role in allocating care resources, are at the center of the debate about how to maximize value in delivering health care in the United States. To operate effectively and create value, EDs must be flexible, having the ability to rapidly adapt to the highly variable needs of patients. The concept of flexibility has not been well described in the ED literature. We introduce the concept, outline its potential benefits, and provide some illustrative examples to facilitate incorporating flexibility into ED management. We draw on operations research and organizational theory to identify and describe 5 forms of flexibility: physical, human resource, volume, behavioral, and conceptual. Each form of flexibility may be useful individually or in combination with other forms in improving ED performance and enhancing value. We also offer suggestions for measuring operational flexibility in the ED. A better understanding of operational flexibility and its application to the ED may help us move away from reactive approaches of managing variable demand to a more systematic approach. We also address the tension between cost and flexibility and outline how "partial flexibility" may help resolve some challenges. Applying concepts of flexibility from other disciplines may help clinicians and administrators think differently about their workflow and provide new insights into managing issues of cost, flow, and quality in the ED.
Low-dose valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in organ transplantation: is less really more?

included only studies in which valganciclovir at a dosage of 900 mg/day (12 studies) or 450 mg/day (8 studies) was used for CMV prophylaxis, with a comparator arm consisting of oral ganciclovir, oral valacyclovir, or preemptive therapy. The combined trials included .1500 patients for each dose. This analysis included 3 randomized trials (all in the 900-mg valganciclovir group), whereas the other studies were case-control studies or used a cohort design. Duration of prophylaxis was 0.5‐6 months, with the majority of studies using a 3-month duration of prophylaxis [2].
Chemometrics for the analysis of chromatographic data in metabolomics investigations

Metabolomics aims to better understand biological systems through the chemical analysis of an organism's metabolic profile. One common method of analysis is mass spectrometry preceded by chromatographic separations. Samples produced by metabolomics investigations can contain hundreds to thousands of compounds, which can put great strain on the instrumental analysis. In order to improve these analyses, the data analysis must not be overlooked. The ever-evolving field of chemometrics provides many useful tools for the analysis of chromatographic data. These include methods for preprocessing data to extract a maximum amount of information from the data as well as pattern recognition in order to find the compounds that vary the most in relation to the perturbation to the biological system under study. This article aims to highlight and provide future outlooks on current chemometric methods for chromatographic-based metabolomics investigations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimality of Myopic Sensing in Multi-Channel Opportunistic Access

We consider opportunistic communications over multiple channels where the state ("good" or "bad") of each channel evolves as independent and identically distributed Markov processes. A user, with limited sensing and access capability, chooses one channel to sense and subsequently access (based on the sensed channel state) in each time slot. A reward is obtained when the user senses and accesses a "good" channel. The objective is to design the optimal channel selection policy that maximizes the expected reward accrued over time. This problem can be generally formulated as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) or a restless multi-armed bandit process, to which optimal solutions are often intractable. We show in this paper that the myopic policy, with a simple and robust structure, achieves optimality under certain conditions. This result finds applications in opportunistic communications in fading environment, cognitive radio networks for spectrum overlay, and resource-constrained jamming and anti-jamming.
An Upper Bound on Multihop Transmission Capacity With Dynamic Routing Selection

This paper develops upper bounds on the end-to-end transmission capacity of multihop wireless networks. Potential source-destination paths are dynamically selected from a pool of randomly located relays, from which a closed-form lower bound on the outage probability is derived in terms of the expected number of potential paths. This is in turn used to provide an upper bound on the number of successful transmissions that can occur per unit area, which is known as the transmission capacity. The upper bound results from assuming independence among the potential paths, and can be viewed as the maximum diversity case. A useful aspect of the upper bound is its simple form for an arbitrary-sized network, which allows insights into how the number of hops and other network parameters affect spatial throughput in the nonasymptotic regime. The outage probability analysis is then extended to account for retransmissions with a maximum number of allowed attempts. In contrast to prevailing wisdom, we show that predetermined routing (such as nearest neighbor) is suboptimal, since more hops are not useful once the network is interference-limited. Our results also make clear that randomness in the location of relay sets and dynamically varying channel states is helpful in obtaining higher aggregate throughput, and that dynamic route selection should be used to exploit path diversity.
Vasectomy by ligation and excision, with or without fascial interposition: a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN77781689)

Background Randomized controlled trials comparing different vasectomy occlusion techniques are lacking. Thus, this multicenter randomized trial was conducted to compare the probability of the success of ligation and excision vasectomy with, versus without, fascial interposition (i.e. placing a layer of the vas sheath between two cut ends of the vas).
Energy efficient OOK transceiver for wireless sensor networks

A 1 Mbps 916.5 MHz OOK transceiver for wireless sensor networks has been designed in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The RX has envelope detection based architecture with a highly scalable RF front end. The RX power consumption scales from 0.5 mW to 2.6 mW, with an associated sensitivity of -37 dBm to -65 dBm at a BER of 10/sup -3/. The TX consumes 3.8 mW to 9.1 mW with output power from -11.4 dBm to -2.2 dBm. The RX achieves a startup time of 2.5 /spl mu/s, allowing for efficient duty cycling.