cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous regression of a clival chordoma. Case report

In this case report, we present a rare and previously unreported case of spontaneous regression of a histologically consistent clival chordoma. At the time of diagnosis, imaging demonstrated a T2 hyperintense and T1 isointense midline skull base mass, centered in the nasopharynx, with scalloping of the ventral clivus consistent with a chordoma measuring 3.1 × 1.9 × 3.0 cm (8.84 cm3). On pre-operative imaging 2 months later, with no intervening therapy, the mass had regressed by 61.7% to a size of 2.3 × 2.1 × 1.4 cm (3.38 cm3). The patient self-administered several herbal supplements and animal oils which may have contributed to tumor regression. The purpose of this report is to document this rare occurrence and provide a comprehensive description of the case details and list of the various medications, herbs, and supplements used prior to this rare event.
The future of employee development

Abstract A series of trends shaping the current workplace has changed the nature of human capital development practice to be more employee-driven. However, existing development research does not fully account for this shift and the anticipated benefits of employee-driven development. In this review we reflect on the current state of the employee development literature and propose a new, broader conceptualization of employee development characterized by a partnership between the employer and employee. In doing so, we offer three recommendations for how research needs to evolve to align employee development scholarship with current practices: (1) incorporate proactivity in the definition of employee development, (2) update the context for learning, and, (3) think differently about how human capital is valued. We suggest ways in which theory can be extended for increasing our understanding of several commonly used employee-driven development methods. Finally, we provide future research questions and practical suggestions based on our new conceptualization of employee development.
Optimization of immobilization conditions for Lactobacillus pentosus cells

In this study, the immobilization technology was used to improve the LA yield and shorten the fermentation time. The optimum conditions to immobilize Lactobacillus pentosus ATCC 8041 cell were determined by Taguchi design L16 (45). The immobilized L. pentosus ATCC 8041 cells prepared by 2% sodium alginate (SA) and 6% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with the immobilization process by 0.10 M calcium chloride (CaCl2) and 2.5% boric acid (H3BO3) had the best performance of LA yield at the temperature of 35 °C, which is significantly higher than that of L. pentosus ATCC 8041 free cells. These cells maintained the stable and efficient performance in 15 repeated batch fermentation, and they also have excellent mechanical strength to keep from breakage caused by cell growth and agitation.
Chi3l1/YKL-40 is controlled by the astrocyte circadian clock and regulates neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

Regulation of glial activation and neuroinflammation are critical factors in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). YKL-40, a primarily astrocytic protein encoded by the gene Chi3l1, is a widely studied cerebrospinal fluid biomarker that increases with aging and early in AD. However, the function of Chi3l1/YKL-40 in AD is unknown. In a cohort of patients with AD, we observed that a variant in the human CHI3L1 gene, which results in decreased CSF YKL-40 expression, was associated with slower AD progression. At baseline, Chi3l1 deletion in mice had no effect on astrocyte activation while modestly promoting microglial activation. In a mouse APP/PS1 model of AD, Chi3l1 deletion decreased amyloid plaque burden and increased periplaque expression of the microglial lysosomal marker CD68, suggesting that Chi3l1 may suppress glial phagocytic activation and promote amyloid accumulation. Accordingly, Chi3l1 knockdown increased phagocytosis of zymosan particles and of β-amyloid peptide in both astrocytes and microglia in vitro. We further observed that expression of Chi3l1 is regulated by the circadian clock, as deletion of the core clock proteins BMAL1 or CLOCK/NPAS2 strongly suppresses basal Chi3l1 expression, whereas deletion of the negative clock regulators PER1/PER2 increased Chi3l1 expression. Basal Chi3l1 mRNA was nonrhythmic because of a long mRNA half-life in astrocytes. However, inflammatory induction of Chi3l1 was gated by the clock. Our findings reveal Chi3l1/YKL-40 as a modulator of glial phagocytic activation and AD pathogenesis in both mice and humans and suggest that the astrocyte circadian clock regulates inflammatory Chi3l1 induction.
Review: Green composites for structural applications

Abstract Natural fiber reinforced green composites (NFRGCs) have been widely researched by scientists and engineers alike, in the past 2–3 decades, for their applicability in different industrial sectors due to their sustainable nature. They also have environmentally beneficial characteristics such as biodegradability that can reduce the landfill loads and lead to significant reduction in carbon foot-print. Even advanced industrial sectors such as aerospace and automotive, have tried using natural fiber reinforced composites in critical applications to promote sustainable technologies. Considering these positive standpoints, current review has been designed to provide a brief summary of the mechanical responses of different types of NFRGCs made using green, biodegradable resins and their commercial practicability in primary and secondary structural applications. In view of the major research areas till date, NFRGCs discussed in this review have been primarily categorized based on the fiber-resin combinations used along with sub-categories that describe important mechanical properties. The review gives a strong and holistic outlook about the potential of NFRGCs and advanced green composites for use as structural materials. The information regarding the different fiber-resin combinations and the properties they exhibit forms a major database for the selection of green structural materials or for conducting advanced research. The review is also meant to provide motivating ideas and important conclusions to manufacturers and engineers on designing next generation NFRGCs based structural products for a variety of applications.
Effect of Default Display and Presentation Protocol on Softcopy Mammography

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of default image display, presentation protocol, and workstation configuration on the softcopy interpretation of mammograms. Results from ROC studies that compared film to softcopy mammography were analyzed for this purpose. On average, no difference in performance was observed between the two modalities. However, differences were identified in individual observer performance and the qualitative evaluation of the two platforms that were related to the system’s speed, the default grayscale display of the images, and possibly the CRT phosphor. Speed and default display were ranked as the top two impact factors on softcopy reading.
Track-to-Track Fusion in Linear and Nonlinear Systems

This chapter starts with a review of the architectures for track-to-track fusion (T2TF). Based on whether the fusion algorithm uses the track estimates from the previous fusion and the configuration of information feedback, T2TF is categorized into six configurations, namely, T2TF with no memory with no, partial and full information feedback, and T2TF with memory with no, partial and full information feedback. The exact algorithms of the above T2TF configurations and the impact of information feedback on fusion accuracy are presented. Although (under the Linear Gaussian assumption) the exact T2TF algorithms yield theoretically consistent fusion results, their major drawback is the need of the crosscovariances of the tracks to be fused, which drastically complicates their implementation. The information matrix fusion (IMF) is a special case of T2TF with memory. Although it is heuristic when not conducted at full rate, it was shown to have consistent and near optimal fusion performance for practical tracking scenarios. Due to its simplicity, it is a good candidate for practical tracking systems. For the problem of asynchronous T2TF (AT2TF), a generalized version of the IMF is presented. It supports information feedback for AT2TF in the presence of communication delay, and was shown to have good consistency and close to optimal fusion accuracy. Finally the fusion of heterogenous tracks where the states at the local trackers are nonlinearly related and of different dimension is discussed. For the problem of the fusion of the track from an Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) estimator from an active sensor with the track from a passive sensor, a counterintuitive phenomenon that heterogenous T2TF may have better performance than the centralized measurement-to-track fusion approach (which is the known optimum in the linear case) is demonstrated and explained.
Gender identification from high-pass filtered vowel segments: The use of high-frequency energy

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of high-frequency information for making gender identity judgments from high-pass filtered vowel segments produced by adult speakers. Specifically, the effect of removing lower-frequency spectral detail (i.e., F3 and below) from vowel segments via high-pass filtering was evaluated. Thirty listeners (ages 18-35) with normal hearing participated in the experiment. A within-subjects design was used to measure gender identification for six 250-ms vowel segments (/ae/, /ɪ /, /ɝ/, /ʌ/, /ɔ/, and /u/), produced by ten male and ten female speakers. The results of this experiment demonstrated that despite the removal of low-frequency spectral detail, the listeners were accurate in identifying speaker gender from the vowel segments, and did so with performance significantly above chance. The removal of low-frequency spectral detail reduced gender identification by approximately 16 % relative to unfiltered vowel segments. Classification results using linear discriminant function analyses followed the perceptual data, using spectral and temporal representations derived from the high-pass filtered segments. Cumulatively, these findings indicate that normal-hearing listeners are able to make accurate perceptual judgments regarding speaker gender from vowel segments with low-frequency spectral detail removed via high-pass filtering. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest the presence of perceptual cues related to gender identity in the high-frequency region of naturally produced vowel signals. Implications of these findings and possible mechanisms for performing the gender identification task from high-pass filtered stimuli are discussed.
Modular versus all-polyethylene tibial components: comparison of pre- and early post-operative patient scores in total knee replacement.

Introduction All-polyethylene (AP) tibial components of total knee replacement (TKR) are substantially cheaper than their modular counterparts. It is well established that their survivorship and radiographic outcomes are comparable. In this study, patient-derived outcome measures were used to compare these two implant types. Methods A cohort of 456 primary TKRs (142 AP, 314 modular) were assessed with preoperative and 1-year post-operative Oxford Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index and Short Form – 12 scores. Results Both groups performed well with no significant difference in improvement and final scores at 1 year. Although there was a significant difference in mean age among the groups (P < 0.001) age-adjusted scores continued to show no significant difference between the two groups. Discussion Our results support the more frequent use of AP tibial components for uncomplicated TKR.
Studies on the characterization of the sodium-potassium transport adenosinetriphosphatase. XI. Comparison of kinetic properties of the purified with the impure membrane-bound enzyme from Squalus acanthias.

Abstract A variety of kinetic parameters have been compared in the membrane-bound and purified forms of the (sodium + potassium)-activated adenosinetriphosphatase (NaK ATPase) from the rectal gland of the spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias . The kinetic parameters which have been studied have been temperature optima, pH optima, Mg-activation curves, optimum ATP/Mg ratios, K m for ATP, ouabain-inhibition curves, and Na and K-activation curves. All kinetic parameters were remarkably similar for both forms of the enzyme. This encourages us to believe that information obtained from the pure enzyme can be extrapolated to the enzyme in its native membrane environment and should throw light on the molecular mechanism of Na and K transport.
A descriptive study of individuals with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis.

Objective Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is one of a group of glomerulonephritides that often begins in childhood and progresses to renal failure. The purpose of this paper is to describe the initial results of a patient-driven database on individuals with MPGN. Sample/setting Patients with MPGN Types I, II, and III and their family members were recruited to this survey study. Design A population survey design was used. Methods A survey was developed for this study that obtained information from the individual with MPGN or a guardian on: patient information, family/patient health history, history of PGN, medications, course of MPGN, history of dialysis, and history of transplant. Surveys were completed either on-line or in paper format. Results Fifty-nine individuals who are primarily white (80%) and female (61%) with MPGN Type II (52%) participated in this study. The average age of onset of MPGN in this sample was 12 years. Ten (71%) of the total 14 patients with onset of less than 10y ears of age were female. Among these 10 female, 8 (80%) were diagnosed with MPGN II and developed end stage renal disease. Conclusion Health screenings for blood pressure, urinary dipstick for both proteinuria and hematuria play important roles in early detection for MPGN. Nurses must provide emotional and information support to this population.
8. Economic Inequality and Political Representation

I examine the differential responsiveness of U.S. senators to the preferences of wealthy, middle-class, and poor constituents. My analysis includes broad summary measures of senators' voting behavior as well as specific votes on the minimum wage, civil rights, government spending, and abortion. In almost every instance, senators appear to be considerably more responsive to the opinions of affluent constituents than to the opinions of middle-class constituents, while the opinions of constituents in the bottom third of the income distribution have no apparent statistical effect on their senators' roll call votes. Disparities in representation are especially pronounced for Republican senators, who were more than twice as responsive as Democratic senators to the ideological views of affluent constituents. These income-based disparities in representation appear to be unrelated to disparities in turnout and political knowledge and only weakly related to disparities in the extent of constituents' contact with senators and their staffs.
Determinants of Economic Success in the Middle East and North Africa

Periodically referred to as the “cradle of civilization”, an adage reflecting its past economic success and growth, the Middle East and North Africa region continues to serve as an international focal point, albeit a disappointing one in light of its economic potential. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to utilize regression analysis to reexamine the impact of initial conditions, human capital, the investment ratio, macroeconomic performance, trade openness, life expectancy, and natural resource abundance on the growth of the Middle East and North Africa region’s real GDP per capita in light of recent events, namely the widespread civilian protests, demonstrations, and toppled dictatorships across the Arab World where high unemployment, security states, a weak private sector, volatile external revenues, and a disproportionate concentration of power in the hands of a few have been the norm for decades.
Dynamic Angle Spinning

Dynamic angle spinning (DAS) is a two-dimensional NMR experiment designed for removing multiple-rank anisotropic broadenings in solid-state NMR. It is a technique that has proven useful for obtaining the high-resolution isotropic solid-state NMR spectra of the central transition of half-integer quadrupolar nuclei broadened to second order. This narrowing is accomplished by using the angle of the sample rotation axis as a dynamic variable in a two-dimensional experiment. Keywords: quadrupolar nuclei; central transition; shear transformation; hypercomplex acquisition; shifted-echo acquistion; perturbation theory; magic-angle spinning; dynamic-angle spinning; spinning sidebands
Stabilization of high-compression, indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions using a 4-shock adiabat-shaped drive

Hydrodynamic instabilities and poor fuel compression are major factors for capsule performance degradation in ignition experiments on the National Ignition Facility. Using a recently developed laser drive profile with a decaying first shock to tune the ablative Richtmyer-Meshkov (ARM) instability and subsequent in-flight Rayleigh-Taylor growth, we have demonstrated reduced growth compared to the standard ignition pulse whilst maintaining conditions for a low fuel adiabat needed for increased compression. Using in-flight x-ray radiography of pre-machined modulations, the first growth measurements using this new ARM-tuned drive have demonstrated instability growth reduction of ∼4× compared to the original design at a convergence ratio of ∼2. Corresponding simulations give a fuel adiabat of ∼1.6, similar to the original goal and consistent with ignition requirements.
Ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages in the Conservation Reserve Program crop rotation systems in interior Alaska

To improve knowledge of ground beetle communities and the influence of habitat succession on these communities in Alaska, adult ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) activity and diversity was documented on Conservation Research Program (CRP) agricultural lands in Delta Junction, Alaska (64oN, 145oW). Twenty species, based on a total sample of 6,116 specimens, were collected during 2006 and 2007 from plots that were in the CRP for 9 years (young-field plots) and 19 years (old-field plots). Two species, Cymindis cribricollis Dejean and Amara obesa Say, are reported for the first time for Alaska. Species richness of carabids for our study plots was estimated using the Chao 1 and Chao 2 estimators to be 22 and 28 species, respectively. Ninety-four percent of the specimens belonged to five species Pterostichus adstrictus Eschscholtz (42.9%), Agonum cupreum Dejean (17.9%), Calathus ingratus Dejean (15%), Amara obesa (11.1%), and Dicheirotrichus cognatus (Gyllenhal) (7.1%). Only Ag. cupreum showed significant effects based on plot age. The majority of carabid activity occurred late in the season, from mid September to early October. A comparison of our findings is made with historical data (1943-1956) from the collection of the Matanuska Experiment Station now incorporated into the University of Alaska Museum Insect Collection.
Deep-sea tide observations from the northeastern Pacific

Abstract The instrument transducer is a multiturn Bourdon tube made of a ferro-nickel alloy in which thermoexpansion and thermoelastic coefficients are carefully balanced. The 0·3-cm water head resolution is achieved by means of a frictionless optical readout. A seven-day record of the tidal pressure fluctuations on the sea floor, 1150 km off northern Baja California, is analyzed (1) by means of a classic harmonic analysis based upon the main diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal frequencies and (2) by estimating the frequency dependent complex transfer functions between tidal fluctuations and gravitational forces as well as their uncertainty. Because of the extreme smoothness of the record, and in spite of its short duration, the harmonic method permits resolution of as many as four constituents in each species while the transfer functions estimates permit inference of the constituents amplitudes and phases with a much greater accuracy than is possible with coastal records of the same length. Offshore from California the semidiurnal tide is found to attenuate considerably faster than the diurnal tide. The observed amplitudes for both species are appreciably smaller than those predicted by Bogdanov's models suggesting the influence of the solid earth's tides. The absence of appreciable tidal energy at higher harmonic frequencies of the tides confirms the linearity of response of the ocean to gravitational excitation and the linearity of response of the instrument to pressure changes. The residual pressure fluctuation energy falls from 0·6 cm2/cycles/hr at 2·0 cycles/hr into what appears to be the instrumental and reading of 0·5 × 10−2 cm2/cycles/hr at 10 cycles/hr.
Highly charged ions in field evaporating 4d-transition metals

Abstract An energy-focused time-of-flight atom-probe has been employed in a search for high ionic charges obtained in field-evaporating Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd and Ag, the 4d-transition metals. Although no new higher charges than the already established ones are found for these metals the maximum abundance of the highest charge is determined in each case. An empirical rule predicting the limits of the charge of field-evaporating ions is proposed.
Multidetector Row Computed Tomography in the Management of Penetrating Neck Injuries

Penetrating neck trauma may occur from gun shots, stabbings, and accidental injury. Approximately 50% of gunshot and 10%-20% of stab-wound patients are reported as having severe injuries and the mortality from severe vascular injuries is reported as high as 50%. Penetrating traumatic neck injury is no longer best managed with exploratory surgery or conventional angiography in the stable patient. Computed tomography angiography has proven to be a useful, safe, and reliable means of diagnosis. Experience with interpreting and reconstructing computed tomography images, understanding the clinically important findings, and avoiding pitfalls is critical for successful patient care. Therefore, radiologists and clinicians who treat trauma patients need to familiarize themselves with the computed tomography angiography technique and appearances of vascular injury and know when to recommend further evaluation, such as interventional angiography or open surgery.
Mucosal melanoma of the female genitalia: A clinicopathologic study of forty-three cases at Duke University Medical Center

Abstract Background: Mucosal melanoma of the female genitalia is a rare neoplasm. Only nine reports reviewing more than 40 patients have been published on this subject in the past 30 years. These lesions arise from melanocytes, which can be found within the mucosa lining the female genital tract. Surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy, with little use for other modalities except in palliative roles. The overall prognosis is poor, with reported 5-year survival rates usually below 50%. Methods: Forty-three patients with primary mucosal melanoma of the female genitalia seen at the Duke University Medical Center Melanoma Clinic during a 25-year period were studied retrospectively. Specific information was obtained from the patients' clinic charts and computerized databases. Results: Thirty vulvar, nine vaginal, and four cervical lesions were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 61.4 years. At initial presentation, two thirds of the patients had localized disease only. Tumor ulceration and thickness of the primary lesion had a measurable impact on prognosis, whereas the presence of regional metastases at presentation did not. All but one patient underwent resection with curative intent. The performance of radical operations did not improve outcome among patients with vulvar melanoma. Many of the treatment failures were the result of local recurrences, hinting at the need to improve local control. Despite therapy, the overall corrected 5-year survival rate was 54%. Conclusions: Prospective multicenter trials for patients with vulvovaginal melanoma could be helpful in establishing uniform, standardized surgical protocols and delineating the applicability of new modalities and therapies, such as lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel node biopsy and high-dose interferon. (Surgery 1998;124:38-48.)
Adsorption of Globular Proteins at the Air/Water Interface as Measured via Dynamic Surface Tension: Concentration Dependence, Mass-Transfer Considerations, and Adsorption Kinetics

Abstract The pendant drop technique was used to measure the dynamic surface tension (DST) of eight globular proteins at the air/water interface as a function of protein bulk concentration ( C b ) at C b values of 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/ml. Initial periods of negligible decrease in the DST ("induction times") were observed for many of the proteins III C b = 0.01 mg/ml, but were less common at higher C b values. DST kinetic parameters varied by up to several orders of magnitude for different proteins, even those with similar bulk diffusion coefficients. All eight proteins achieved initial values of the mesoequilibrium surface tension (MST) within 15 h at C b = 1.0 mg/ml, although only four of the proteins attained steady-state surface tension within this time. The 15-h MST value at C b = 1.0 mg/ml did not vary much among the eight proteins, with an average value of 47 ± 6 mN/m. The DST data were numerically modeled by a 4-parameter Hua-Rosen equation and analyzed with respect to protein surface hydrophobicity, conformational stability, bulk depletion effects, and the apparent vs theoretical diffusion-limited rate of adsorption.
A 2-D Discrete-Time Model of Physical Impairments in Wavelength-Division Multiplexing Systems

Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) is a promising approach to design ultrahigh-capacity fiber-optic communication systems ( >; nn50 Tb/s). However, DWDM gives rise to severe physical impairments that adversely affect system performance. To mitigate various physical impairments in DWDM systems and exploit their system capacity, there is a need to develop a 2-D (time and wavelength) discrete-time input-output model of physical impairments that can become the foundation of signal processing for optical communications. This paper develops such a model based on the Volterra series transfer function (VSTF) method. We overcome the well-known triple integral problem associated with the VSTF method and reduce it to a simple integral. This model takes into account multiple channel effects, fiber losses, frequency chirp, optical filtering, and photo detection, which are ignored in the current literature. The model is in excellent agreement with results obtained by split-step Fourier simulation. Furthermore, with this model, we define coefficients that capture intersymbol interference, interchannel interference, self-phase modulation, intrachannel cross-phase modulation (XPM), intrachannel four-wave mixing (FWM), XPM, and FWM to characterize the impact of these effects individually on the system performance. We also apply this model to analyze the effects of varying system parameters and pulse shapes on the individual physical impairments.
The Effect of Infertility on Marriage and Self-concept

Two groups of subjects (couples seeking medical treatment for infertility and couples not yet attempting to conceive) completed questionnaires assessing the impact of infertility on their marriages and self-concept. Infertile individuals experienced greater dissatisfaction with themselves and their marriages. Females experienced greater discontent over time and had greater emotional investment than males. Infertile couples, labeled noncommunicators, were found to be affected even more by infertility. Nurses can play vital roles in counseling infertile couples.
Comparison of the Corrosion Fatigue Characteristics of 23Mn-21Cr-1Mo Low Nickel, 22Cr-13Ni-5Mn, and 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo Stainless Steels

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the notched corrosion fatigue (CF) characteristics of a series of stainless steel alloys including 18Cr-14Ni-2.5Mo (ASTM F 138), 22Cr-13Ni-5Mn (ASTM F 1314), and 23Mn-21Cr-1Mo low nickel stainless steel (ASTM F 2229). Evaluation of alloy composition, microstructure, static single cycle mechanical properties, stress corrosion cracking, and smooth sample corrosion fatigue was performed on the same lots of each material in a previous study in our laboratories. Notched CF tensile samples of each alloy were machined using low stress grind techniques to a 2.5 mm notch root diameter (Kt=3.2) and tested at 1 Hz according to ASTM F 1801 in Ringer's solution at 37°C. A minimum of three samples was tested at five tension-tension sinusoidal load levels including a run-out level at 106 cycles. SEM analysis was performed on the fractured surfaces of representative samples of each alloy to characterize and compare the failure mechanisms. Previous evaluation of corrosion fatigue on smooth samples of these alloys found no significant differences in the fracture modes or cycles to failure between the samples run in distilled deionized water and those run in Ringer's solution indicating corrosion fatigue mechanisms were not in effect. However, a significant lowering of fatigue strength was observed for the notched samples of each alloy compared to the smooth samples previously tested. This suggests that even though the notch sensitivity of these alloys under static single cycle conditions has been shown to be acceptable, a notch under dynamic fatigue mechanisms may cause a substantial reduction in strength and implant life. Despite this reduction in fatigue strength, in high strength applications where the implant must be bent during surgery or may be scratched during implantation BioDur 108 proved to be the best alternative. For lower strength applications, 316LS revealed the least fatigue notch sensitivity of any of the alloys tested.
A Lean Approach to Improving SE Visibility in Large Operational Systems Evolution

Abstract : It is often difficult to understand the status of capability development in large operational systems. Schedules are rarely stable. This is due to factors such as: the size and complexity of capabilities; unexpected changes in priorities; depth of supplier chains; variety and availability of special engineering resources; contract structure; and the inherently complex nature of such operations. Lean approaches use the concepts of work in progress (WIP) and capacity to maximize flow through a process. Under certain circumstances, these concepts can be applied to systems engineering and development processes. This paper describes an example implementation of the concept in a large health care system of systems. To enhance both visibility and flow, the approach utilizes visualization techniques, pull-scheduling processes, and a services approach to systems engineering.
SUIT: the simple user interface toolkit

User interface support software, such as UI toolkits, UIMSs, and interface builders, are currently too complex for undergraduates. Tools typically require a learning period of several weeks, which is impractical in a semester course. Most tools are also limited to a specific platform, usually either Macintosh, DOS, or UNIX/X. This is problematic for students who switch from DOS or Macintosh machines to UNIX machines as they move through the curriculum. The situation is similar to programming languages before the introduction of Pascal, which provided an easily ported, easily learned language for undergraduate instruction.
Right atrial pacing and the risk of postimplant atrial fibrillation in cardiac resynchronization therapy recipients

Background In patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, right atrial (RA) pacing introduces a significant prolongation in interatrial conduction time, delaying left atrial mechanical systole and curtailing left ventricular filling. The resultant increase in left-sided filling pressures may facilitate atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to determine whether the extent of RA pacing influences the incidence of AF after CRT. Methods Consecutive CRT patients (n = 309) followed at our institution were retrospectively studied for percentage of RA pacing and incidence of high atrial rates, as determined by regular device interrogations. Additional clinical data were collected from the medical record. Results The mean follow-up was 18.1 ± 13.3 months, during which 209 (67.6%) patients had at least 1 detected high atrial rate episode consistent with AF. Higher percentages of RA pacing were associated with a greater risk of postimplant AF, with its incidence increasing incrementally with quartiles of RA pacing: 44.6%, 64.3%, 79.7%, and 81.6%, respectively ( P P Conclusions Compared to atrial sensing, atrial pacing is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of post-CRT AF. Prospective comparison of DDD and VDD pacing modes in CRT is warranted.
Single versus multi-dose antibiotic prophylaxis for pelvic organ prolapse surgery with graft/mesh.

Objective To compare the risk of postoperative infections in women who receive single-dose versus multi-dose prophylactic antibiotic regimen during prolapse surgery with mesh/graft.
Triassic fossil plant fragments from shallow marine rocks of the Murihiku Supergroup, New Zealand

Abstract Fossil plants have been found in two general settings within Triassic shallow marine rocks of the Murihiku Supergroup. First, very fragmentary remains were found within upward-fining beds of siltstone and sandstone. These were probably deposits of floods or storms in prodeltaic areas. Second, more complete and much rarer plant fossils have been found during intensive collecting in some of the well known shellbeds of the Murihiku Supergroup. These deposits appear to have formed at times of reduced influx of clastic material, when potential fossils, including rare plant flotsam, were concentrated in a smaller volume of sediment. Some isolated occurrences of biostratigraphic ally important plants confirm their expected ages and stratigraphic ranges. In this category are Early Anisian Dicroidium zuberi var. feistmantelii, Early Norian Yabeiella sp. and Middle or Late Norian Dicroidium stelznerianum var. stelznerianum. Sterile cladophleboid fronds with singly forked lateral venation of their pinnules ...
HLA-B27 misfolding and the unfolded protein response augment interleukin-23 production and are associated with Th17 activation in transgenic rats.

Objective To determine whether HLA–B27 misfolding and the unfolded protein response (UPR) result in cytokine dysregulation and whether this is associated with Th1 and/or Th17 activation in HLA–B27/human β2-microglobulin (Huβ2m)–transgenic rats, an animal model of spondylarthritis. Methods Cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–stimulated macrophages was analyzed in the presence and absence of a UPR induced by chemical agents or by HLA–B27 up-regulation. Cytokine expression in colon tissue and in cells purified from the lamina propria was determined by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis, and differences in Th1 and Th17 CD4+ T cell populations were quantified after intracellular cytokine staining. Results Interleukin-23 (IL-23) was found to be synergistically up-regulated by LPS in macrophages undergoing a UPR induced by pharmacologic agents or by HLA–B27 misfolding. IL-23 was also increased in the colon tissue from B27/Huβ2m-transgenic rats concurrently with the development of intestinal inflammation, and IL-17, a downstream target of IL-23, exhibited robust up-regulation in a similar temporal pattern. IL-23 and IL-17 transcripts were localized to CD11+ antigen-presenting cells and CD4+ T cells, respectively, from the colonic lamina propria. Colitis was associated with a 6-fold expansion of CD4+ IL-17–expressing T cells. Conclusion The IL-23/IL-17 axis is strongly activated in the colon of B27/Huβ2m-transgenic rats with spondylarthritis-like disease. HLA–B27 misfolding and UPR activation in macrophages can result in enhanced induction of the pro-Th17 cytokine IL-23. These results suggest a possible link between HLA–B27 misfolding and immune dysregulation in this animal model, with implications for human disease.
Mating Motives and Concerns About Being Misidentified as Gay or Lesbian Implications for the Avoidance and Derogation of Sexual Minorities

Recent research has demonstrated that concerns about being misidentified as gay or lesbian lead to the avoidance of gay men and lesbians. Because being misidentified as gay/lesbian can result in the loss of heterosexual people’s mating opportunities, we predicted that the activation of mating motives would heighten concerns among some heterosexuals about being misidentified as gay/lesbian. To combat such misidentification, we argued that heterosexuals would express antipathy toward and avoid contact with gay/lesbian people. Consistent with predictions, the activation of mating motives led heterosexuals who were generally concerned about misclassification as gay/lesbian to denigrate (Study 1) and avoid (Study 2) gay/lesbian people. Activating mating motives increased heterosexual participants’ concerns about being misclassified, which in turn heightened interest in avoiding gay/lesbian people (Study 3). These findings indicate that, although the motivation to find a romantic partner can have positive impli...
Thermodynamic integration to predict host-guest binding affinities

An alchemical free energy method with explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations was applied as part of the blind prediction contest SAMPL3 to calculate binding free energies for seven guests to an acyclic cucurbit-[n]uril host. The predictions included determination of protonation states for both host and guests, docking pose generation, and binding free energy calculations using thermodynamic integration. We found a root mean square error (RMSE) of $$3.6\,\hbox{kcal}\,\hbox{mol}^{-1}$$ from the reference experimental results, with an R 2 correlation of 0.51. The agreement with experiment for the largest contributor to this error, guest 6, is improved by $$1.7\,\hbox{kcal}\,\hbox{mol}^{-1}$$ when a periodicity-induced free energy correction is applied. The corrections for the other ligands were significantly smaller, and altogether the RMSE was reduced by $$0.4 \,\hbox{kcal}\,\hbox{mol}^{-1}$$ . We link properties of the host-guest systems during simulation to errors in the computed free energies. Overall, we show that charged host-guest systems studied here, initialized in unconfirmed docking poses, present a challenge to accurate alchemical simulation methods.
Surgery for primary pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Currently, surgery for insulinoma is curative in nearly every patient, even those with MEN1, and fu-ture direction seems to be to make it more cosmeti-cally acceptable and less morbid by trying to accomplish the same procedure laparoscopically. Surgery for gastrinoma and nonfunctional NE tu-mors is curative in approximately 50% of patients. Duodenotomy is indicated during surgery for gastri-noma, because it increases tumor detection and cure rate. Patients with MEN1 with gastrinoma remain a challenge. With our current approach in these pa-tients, the cure rate is low, but the long-term survival remains excellent. The role of routine pancreaticoduodenectomy for sporadic and MEN1 NE tumors is currently unclear. It may increase cure rate, but it may also increase morbidity in pa-tients with a low, long-term tumor death rate.
Frequency of Maxillofacial Injuries in All-Terrain Vehicle Collisions

Abstract Purpose We sought to evaluate the frequency and distribution of maxillofacial injuries associated with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) collisions and to compare this with patients involved in motorcycle accidents over the same 5-year period at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Patients and methods The records of all patients involved in ATV collisions who were admitted to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Trauma Center from January 1998 to January 2003 were reviewed. Age, gender, mechanism of injury, length of stay, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, maxillofacial injuries, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and maxillofacial Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score were the factors considered for the study. These variables were also analyzed for patients involved in motorcycle collisions who sustained maxillofacial trauma. Results There were a total of 72 ATV collisions; 23 patients (32%) sustained maxillofacial injuries. The mean age was 31, and there were 59 males (82%) and 13 females (18%). The most common mechanism of injury was an ATV rollover. The warmer seasons and weekend days had the highest frequency of ATV trauma. Of the 23 patients who sustained maxillofacial injuries, the average maxillofacial AIS score was 2. The length of stay and GCS score were 8 days and 12, respectively, compared to 5 days and 15 in the nonmaxillofacial injury group. The most common maxillofacial fracture seen was a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture (n = 8), followed by mandibular fractures (n = 6), and orbital floor blowout fractures (n = 5). Eighty-three percent of patients with maxillofacial injuries required an operative intervention during their hospitalization. The distribution of maxillofacial fractures in the ATV group was similar to that of an equivalent motorcycle group, but the frequency for the ATV group was higher (32% versus 8%). The length of stay for the motorcycle group was 11 days versus 8 days for the ATV group. The GCS scores, maxillofacial AIS scores, and ISS were similar between the 2 groups (12, 2, and 18, respectively). In patients who sustained maxillofacial fractures, neurologic injuries were the most frequent concomitant injury in the ATV group, whereas orthopedic injuries occurred more often in the motorcycle group. Conclusions Maxillofacial injuries are common findings in ATV collisions. ATV patients with maxillofacial fractures have more neurologic impairment at admission and longer hospitalizations than patients sustaining motorcycle injuries. There needs to be an increase in the public health effort to educate individuals about the dangers of ATVs and to provide proper safety guidelines before the purchase of a vehicle.
Using modular neural networks to monitor accident conditions in nuclear power plants

Nuclear power plants are very complex systems. The diagnoses of transients or accident conditions is very difficult because a large amount of information, which is often noisy, or intermittent, or even incomplete, needs to be processed in real time. To demonstrate their potential application to nuclear power plants, neural networks are used to monitor the accident scenarios simulated by the training simulator of TVA's Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant. A self-organization network is used to compress original data to reduce the total number of training patterns. Different accident scenarios are closely related to different key parameters which distinguish one accident scenario from another. Therefore, the accident scenarios can be monitored by a set of small size neural networks, called modular networks, each one of which monitors only one assigned accident scenario, to obtain fast training and recall. Sensitivity analysis is applied to select proper input variables for modular networks.
Nonlinear equations of evolution and convex approximate linearization in Banach spaces—II

THE GENERAL theory of solving nonlinear evolution equations developed in [4] (see also [2,3,5] is somewhat simplified in the present paper by assuming stronger differentiability conditions. As in [4], the theory is based on a modification of Moser’s [9] concept of approximate smooth solutions of linearized equations. Although Moser’s method is designed for operator equations and is not applicable to evolution equations, his basic idea can be modified in such a way that it also applies to nonlinear evolution equations. In contrast to [4], where an iterative process with small steps is used, in the method under consideration the step size is equal to one. This fact simplifies the theory but requires stronger differentiability assumptions. As in [4] the theory can be applied to Banach spaces admitting smoothing operators in the sense of Nash [lo] and Moser [9]. For such spaces it is shown in [2,3] how to construct smooth approximate solutions of linearized equations at the expense of accuracy. However, in the case of smoothing operators both smoothness and accuracy can be achieved. In order to construct smooth approximate solutions of the linearized equations other means may also be available, e.g. elliptic regularization. As in [4] the method developed here is independent of the theory of Co-semigroups. However, some limited application is possible, and such a case is discussed here. In case of smoothing operators Co-semigroups can be used to a much greater extent (see [3]).
Computation of the dipole moments of proteins

A simple and computationally feasible procedure for the calculation of net charges and dipole moments of proteins at arbitrary pH and salt conditions is described. The method is intended to provide data that may be compared to the results of transient electric dichroism experiments on protein solutions. The procedure consists of three major steps: (i) calculation of self energies and interaction energies for ionizable groups in the protein by using the finite-difference Poisson-Boltzmann method, (ii) determination of the position of the center of diffusion (to which the calculated dipole moment refers) and the extinction coefficient tensor for the protein, and (iii) generation of the equilibrium distribution of protonation states of the protein by a Monte Carlo procedure, from which mean and root-mean-square dipole moments and optical anisotropies are calculated. The procedure is applied to 12 proteins. It is shown that it gives hydrodynamic and electrical parameters for proteins in good agreement with experimental data.
The biological activity of di-alpha-tocopherone.

SummaryDi-α-tocopherone, a recently characterized metabolite of α-tocopherol isolated from animal tissues, was tested for biological activity with respect to resorption-gestation in Vit. E-deficient rats, nutritional muscular dystrophy in rabbits and hereditary muscular dystrophy in mice. The results indicate that this metabolite has less than 5% of the Vit. E activity of α-tocopherol and that it possesses no therapeutic value in treatment of the congenital myopathy. Its probable role in metabolism is that of a terminal oxidation product rather than an active form of Vit. E.
Evolutionary and anthropological perspectives on optimal foraging in obesogenic environments

The nutrition transition has created an obesogenic environment resulting in a growing obesity pandemic. An optimal foraging approach provides cost/benefit models of cognitive, behavioral and physiological strategies that illuminate the causes of caloric surfeit and consequent obesity in current environments of abundant food cues; easy-access and reliable food patches; low processing costs and enormous variety of energy-dense foods. Experimental and naturalistic observations demonstrate that obesogenic environments capitalize on human proclivities by displaying colorful advertising, supersizing meals, providing abundant variety, increasing convenience, and utilizing distractions that impede monitoring of food portions during consumption. The globalization of fast foods propels these trends.
Camellia: A software framework for discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin methods

The discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin (DPG) methodology of Demkowicz and Gopalakrishnan minimizes the solution residual in a user-determinable energy norm and offers a built-in mechanism for evaluating error in the energy norm, among other desirable features. However, the methodology also brings with it some additional complexity for researchers who wish to experiment with DPG in their computations. In this paper, we introduce Camellia , a software framework whose central design goal is to enable developers to create efficient hp h p -adaptive DPG solvers with minimal effort.