cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression Profiling Reveals Hepsin Overexpression in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed noncutaneous cancer in men. Despite this fact, many of the genetic changes that coincide with prostate cancer progression remain enigmatic. We have addressed this problem by characterizing the expression profiles of several benign and malignant human prostate samples, and we have identified several genes that are differentially expressed between benign and malignant glands. One gene that was overexpressed encodes the serine protease hepsin. We used an independent sample set to confirm that hepsin is overexpressed in prostate tumors, and in situ hybridization demonstrates that hepsin is specifically overexpressed in the carcinoma cells themselves. These facts, together with the molecular properties of hepsin, make it an ideal target for prostate cancer therapy.
Predator-Prey Interactions

Several long-term data sets have been collected of predator and prey in natural systems with the interaction between lynx, Lynx canadensis,and its prey, snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus (MacLulick, 1937), providing some of the best long-term data, as illustrated in Figure 8.1. We would like to explain several features of this interaction which are typical of predator—prey relationships. The predator and prey both appear to persist over a long period of time. The coexistence involves cycles: both predator and prey numbers appear to oscillate. Finally, the numbers of predators appear to increase in response to the numbers of prey: the peaks in predator abundance appear to follow the peaks in prey abundance (this is clearest for the last several peaks in the figure).
Concerning the nature of the properdin system.

The properdin system, which is composed of properdin, magnesium and complement, has a variety of activities in vitro. Among these are the lysis of certain bacteria and abnormal erythrocytes, the inactivation of some viruses, and the ability to interact with polysaccharides from such diverse sources as bacteria, yeasts and normal or neoplastic mammalian tissues. Methods are available to demonstrate these activities and to measure the presence of properdin in sera, under various conditions. The broader biologic interpretation of data regarding the properdin system is difficult; acquaintance with the system is in its infancy. The interactions of properdin have revealed a biologic unity among a variety of seemingly dissimilar agents. It seems improbable that a system with such diverse activities would exist without a biologic function in vivo, but such a function has yet to be demonstrated. Further studies are needed to determine what part properdin plays in the host response called "natural resistance."
Performance Management at Intermountain Healthcare

Intermountain Healthcare is a 21-hospital integrated delivery system serving Utah and southern Idaho that is nationally recognized for its highly structured approach to managing the quality of clinical care. This case describes Intermountain's system for improving clinical performance that makes use of the organization's extensive set of standardized clinical protocols and associated clinical process and outcome measures. The measures underpin a sophisticated set of financial incentives that are applied to both administrative and clinical staff. The case allows students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of financial incentives in clinical medicine.Learning Objective: 1. Understand the strengths and limitations of pay-for-performance in healthcare delivery. 2. Examine a deliberate and highly structured approach to managing clinical performance of a healthcare delivery organization.
Dauphiné twinning in polycrystalline quartz

A recently developed crystal based continuum model for twinning and phase transformations is successfully applied to Dauphine twinning and the α (trigonal) ↔ β (hexagonal) phase transformation in quartz. Both finite element and uniform deformation simulations are performed of quartz polycrystals and several experimentally observed phenomena are qualitatively reproduced. Results are given for mechanically induced twinning and texture memory during phase transformation. The results highlight the importance of local stress variations due to grain interactions. Due to the form of the driving force, twinning is particularly sensitive to local stress variations.
Sectoral Adjustments In Eastern Germany Due to Market Forces

Some characteristics of the eastern German economy are analyzed as to their effects on the adjustment to market forces, using a modified Ricardo-Viner model. Included are transfer payments, EC farm policy, wage policy, and currency overvaluation. the analysis shows that the adjustments for a sector cannot be understood solely in terms of developments in that sector alone. the wage policy and the currency conversion magnified the adjustments in agriculture. Agricultural policy dampened the decline in agricultural output and had positive spillover effects on nontraded goods. Such interconnections must be kept in mind when analyzing the reform process.
A comparison of the PPVT‐R and WISC‐R with rural children referred for assessment

The present study investigated the relationship between the Revised Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT-R) and the WISC-R for a naturally occurring sample of rural children referred for assessment (N = 53). The results indicated that the PPVT-R was highly correlated with WISC-R scale and subtest scores. Examination of a sub-sample of developmentally handicapped students revealed substantial reduction in correlational relationships as a function of reduced sample size and restricted range of general ability. While the PPVT-R was found to underestimate all three WISC-R scale scores, the discrepancy between the PPVT-R standard scores and the WISC-R Performance Scale score was the only statistically significant underestimation. Results are discussed in terms of prior research findings and implications for interpretation.
Substituent effect on the carborane coupling reaction: synthesis and crystal structure of 1-phenyl-2-[2,3-benzobicyclo(3,3,0)-1-oxo-4-oxa-7-aza-8-yl]-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12)

Abstract The reaction between the lithium salt of [closo-1-(C6H5)-1,2-C2B10H10]− anion and N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide in anhydrous toluene did not result in the expected coupling product, but rather produced an unprecedented carborane species, 1-phenyl-2-[2,3-benzobicyclo(3,3,0)-1-oxo-4-oxa-7-aza-8-yl]-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) (3), in 63% yield.
Pontine reticular formation lesions: Amnestic effects on learned habits in the rat

Rats previously trained on two visual discrimination tasks showed profound losses in retention following small bilateral lesions placed in the region of the nucleus reticularis pontis oralis. Similar amnestic effects were obtained on a nonvisual (kinesthetic) discrimination task. These results are in marked contrast with those found in animals suffering mesencephalic reticular formation lesions.
The reaction of a bridged spiropentane with Zeise's dimer, [PtCl2(C2H4)]2

Abstract The products of the reaction of a bridged spiropentane with Zeise's dimer have been stidied. Both are formed by insertion into one or the other of the external cyclopropyl CC bonds. One of them rearranged to a 5-methylenebicyclo[2.1.1]hexane complexed to platinum. The structure of the latter was determined by X-ray crystallography.
Correction of acquired glenoid bone loss in osteoarthritis with a standard versus an augmented glenoid component.

Background The magnitude and anatomic consequences of pathologic acquired glenoid retroversion and posterior bone loss that can be surgically corrected with a standard versus an augmented glenoid component have not been studied extensively in a surgical patient population. Materials and methods Twenty-nine patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis, acquired posterior bone loss, and increased retroversion were studied by use of a three-dimensional computer surgical simulation. For each case, amount of medialization was measured as the linear distance from the lateral aspect of the glenoid vault model to the center of the articular implant surface. Simulation of implant placement at 0° or 6° was performed with use of a standard glenoid having a uniform thickness and an asymmetric thickness augmented component. Results An increased amount of medialization was seen with the standard glenoid, 8.3 ± 4.1 mm, compared with 3.8 ± 3.3 mm with use of the augmented glenoid implant ( P R 2 = 0.825) and augmented ( R 2 = −0.68) glenoid implant. There was an increased ability to correct greater amounts of pathologic version with less medialization by use of an augmented step glenoid compared with a standard anchor peg glenoid. Discussion Correction of moderate to severe glenoid retroversion by asymmetric reaming cannot always be done with use of a standard component, and if it is done, it will result in greater medialization of the joint line. Use of an augmented component can allow complete correction of retroversion and minimize the effect of medialization.
Autologous transplant for primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma

Evaluation of: Rodriguez J, Conde E, Gutierrez A et al. Primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma (PMBCL) frontline treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The GEL-TAMO experience. Hematol. Oncol. 26, 171–178 (2008).Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a subtype of lymphoma that shares similarities with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and with classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The current study evaluates the use of autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as part of initial therapy in a cohort of patients with PMBCL treated between 1985 and 2006. The study demonstrates excellent survival and progression-free survival for patients in complete remission (CR) at ASCT, and for those achieving CR after ASCT. It also shows a benefit to administration of involved-field radiation therapy. However, front-line therapy has evolved considerably since these patients were treated. Dose-dense chemotherapy regimens show excellent results without transplant and the incorporation of rituximab in the...
Anomalous Resistivities of A 15 Metals—Insights from Band Theory

Electronic density of states, mean-square velocity, and Drude plasma energy are computed from previously reported energy bands for ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Ge and ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Al. These results, together with the empirical electron-phonon coupling constant deduced from the high superconducting ${T}_{c}$, are used to analyze resistivity. Extremely short phonon-limited mean free paths are found. Qualitative and quantitative ideas of saturating resistivity are consistent with our results.
Simple method of removing a vacuum-formed matrix from a cast.

cation of a fixed provisional prosthesis,1-4 and stents for radiographic examination or the surgical stage in implant therapy.5,6 Carbide burs or hot instruments have been the instrument of choice to remove the plastic sheet after the matrix has been formed on the cast. However, burs may jeopardize the surface of the cast and a hot instrument needs to be heated repeatedly. This article presents a simple method to remove the plastic sheet from the cast by using a butane gaspowered soldering iron to cut along the border of the matrix without damaging the original cast (Figs. 1 and 2). The soldering iron provides a constant and continuous hot tip to cut the matrix from the vacuumformed shell. The cast surface is not damaged and remains intact after removing the matrix from the cast. REFERENCES
Effect of the number of clusters on the performance of Cooperative Network Coding

Cooperative Network Coding synergistically integrates cluster-based Cooperative Communications and Network Coding to provide high performance by decreasing the outage probability and increasing the network reliability. In this paper, we investigate the effect of the number of hops on the performance of Cooperative Network Coding and analyze different scenarios. Cooperative Network Coding provides a constant throughput when the connectivity (cooperation among the nodes) r is at least 8, and is not sensitive to the probability of transmission loss of a link. When the connectivity r is 4, Cooperative Network Coding maintains the same constant property for the throughput for a number of node per cluster greater or equal than 12 and 14 when the probability of transmission loss of a link 0.1 and 0.25, respectively. Generally, in contrast to multihop ad-hoc networks, where the probability of successful reception exponentially decreases with the number of hops, we demonstrate that Cooperative Network Coding is relatively insensitive to throughput degradation due to the increasing of number of hops.
Ball-milling of Fe-Zn intermetallics

The ball-milling of pure Fe and Zn elemental powders corresponding to the Г-(Fe3Zn10), Г1-(Fe5Zn21), δ-(FeZn7), and ζ-(FeZn13) compositions yields metastable crystalline phases. This is demonstrated by the peaks observed in the DSC measurements of the different phases. These crystalline phases evolve differently with distinct or characteristic stages with heat treatments. Cold-welding and powder agglomeration are extensive, while the milled materials are completely homogeneous.
High-intensity laser diagnostics for OMEGA EP

OMEGA EP is a new high-energy petawatt laser system under construction at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics. This paper describes our designs for two diagnostics critical to OMEGA EP's mission. The focal-spot diagnostic (FSD) is responsible for characterizing the focal spot of OMEGA EP's off-axis parabolic mirror at full energy. The ultrafast temporal diagnostic (UTD) is responsible for characterizing pulse shapes of full-energy target shots ranging in width from <1 to 100 ps as well as setting the desired pulse width before the shot. These diagnostics will enable, for the first time, complete spatial and temporal characterization of the focus of a high-energy petawatt laser at full energy.
Effects of test anxiety, tests, and sleep on children's performance

Abstract This study examined the interrelationship between children's test anxiety, sleep, and performance. The subjects, 239 sixth and seventh graders, responded to questionnaires examining sleep behavior and test anxiety on a day when they had a major exam in school, and on a day when they did not. They also completed a vigilance task on both days. The results showed that partial sleep loss (i.e., under 3 hr) did not adversely influence subjects' performance on the vigilance task or on the actual class exam. However, the results did reveal that test anxiety was negatively related to performance on the class exam.
The number of saturated actuators and constraint forces during time-optimal movement of a general robotic system

The authors formulate the time-optimal control problem for general robotic systems and show that the required maximum (or minimum) value of the path acceleration is the solution of a linear programming problem. The fact that such a solution is an extreme point of the set of feasible solutions makes it possible to determine the minimum number of actuators and internal forces that must be saturated during the time-optimal movement. Specifically, it is proved that, if the dynamics of a general robot system are defined by n coordinates, m differential constraint equations, and p actuators, then some combination of at least L=m+p+1-n of the actuators and internal constraint forces is saturated during a time-optimal movement of the system along a prescribed path. The result applies to general class of dynamic systems with both holonomic and non-holonomic constraints. >
Numerical simulations of glacial-valley longitudinal profile evolution

Glaciers shape alpine landscapes. They broaden valley bottoms, enhance local valley relief, generate multiple steps, overdeepen valley floors, and cause tributary valleys to hang. These distinctive glacial signatures result from 10 4 –10 5 yr of erosion, during which swings in climate drive advances and retreats of alpine glaciers. We use a numerical model of glacial erosion to explore the development of the longitudinal profiles of glaciated valleys. The model is driven by the past 400 k.y. of variable climate. Because both sliding speed, which dictates abrasion rate, and water-pressure fluctuations, which strongly modulate quarrying rate, should peak at the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA), we expect the locus of most rapid erosion to follow the transient ELA. Simulations of a single glacial valley show rapid flattening of the longitudinal profile. Inclusion of a tributary glacier creates a step immediately downvalley of the tributary junction that persists over multiple glaciations and commonly leaves the tributary valley hanging. Steps and overdeepenings result from an increase in ice discharge immediately below the tributary junction, which is accommodated primarily by increased ice thickness and hence sliding rate. The size of the step increases with the ratio of tributary to trunk ice discharge, while the height of a hanging valley reflects the difference in the time-integrated ice discharge in tributary and trunk valleys and therefore increases as the discharge ratio decreases.
Incipient plastic yielding of an elastoplastic half-space under an arbitrarily distributed moving heat source

Abstract The deviatoric stress components in the ideal elastoplastic half-space with temperature dependent yield stress are obtained for the two-dimensional case wherein the half-space is subjected to moving arbitrarily distributed mechanical and thermal loads. Of interest are the conditions of incipient plastic yielding.
Tables of Normal Percentile Points

Abstract Two 20 decimal place tables of percentile points of the normal distribution are given. Table 1 gives X(P), the 100 Pth. percentile point, for P = .500(.005).995. Table 2 gives X(P) for Q = 1 -P = 5–10-k , 2.5·10-k and 1·10-k ; k = 1 (1)20.
Free final-time optimal control of descriptor systems

Linear time-invariant systems of the form E dx/dt=Ax + Bu are considered, where E is a square matrix that may be singular and x is a column vector called the descriptor vector of the system. It is assumed that for any admissible initial descriptor vector x(0—), any control vector u(t) yields one and only one descriptor vector x(t). The problem is this: find a control vector u(t) that will drive the descriptor vector of the system from a fixed vector x(0—) to a (not necessarily fixed) final descriptor vector x(tf) while, together with some (not a priori fixed) final time tf, minimizing a cost functional J = 1/2 1∫0 ( xT Qx + uT Ru) dt. Using elementary matrix and variational techniques, necessary conditions are derived for the existence of minima of J; the problem of finding sufficient conditions for the existence of minima of J is not considered. The general results are applied to the special case E = diag { In−m, 0}, B = [o, Im]. The problem of choosing the matrix Q of the cost functional is investigated...
Cataloging Internet resources using the Voyager system

Developments in library automation technology have changed the role of the library’s Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). Users can access Internet resources through the hot links provided in OPAC. OPAC is no longer an inventory list or a finding aid only for what the library owns, but rather for everything to which the library has access. It has changed from just a list to a comprehensive content delivery mechanism. This paper discusses the new nature of OPAC, explores ways to enrich the contents of cataloging records to provide easy access for Internet resources, and explains how the task force at the University of Rochester Libraries made decisions on cataloging Internet resources and customizing OPAC using the Voyager system.
Effect of body mass index on peak growth hormone response to provocative testing in children with short stature.

Context: Obesity is associated with decreased spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion, but the effect of body mass index (BMI) on results of GH stimulation testing in children with short stature is not known. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the impact of BMI on peak GH to provocative testing in children with short stature. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective review of provocative GH testing performed in 116 children 2–18 yr old in the ambulatory clinic of the Pediatric Endocrinology Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 2004–2008. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measure was peak stimulated GH. Height, weight, IGF-I, and IGF-binding protein 3 were also measured. Results: In univariate regression analysis, BMI sd score (BMI SDS) was inversely associated with natural log (ln) peak GH to provocative testing (P = 0.002), whereas height SDS, ln IGF-I, and IGF-binding protein 3 were not significantly associated with ln peak GH. After controlling for age,...
A Benthic Macrophyte Community Core Sampler

ABSTRACT We constructed a coring device for quantitative sampling of benthic submerged macrophyte beds. The device has a relatively large-diameter barrel to include both above- and below-ground biomass, a long (variable length) handle for direct control, and a simple sample retaining mechanism to maximize ease of operation and to minimize cost. The sampler is effective in sediments ranging from organic muds to sandy clays, and in water depths of up to four meters.
Bone Marrow Transplantation for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma:A Review

High dose chemotherapy and stem-cell rescue (bone marrow transplantation) is used increasingly in the treatment of malignant disorder. Numerous trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, there are many unanswered questions as to the role of high-dose therapy in certain subtypes of lymphoma, the timing of transplant, and even the type of transplant to perform. An attempt will be made to clarify many of these unanswered questions. The utilization of high-dose therapy for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is recommended for most patients who have relapsed after initial therapy. Transplantation in first remission is not recommended routinely. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation should by reserved for individuals with poorly responding disease or in individuals with bone marrow involvement. The precise roles of purging and transplantation of individuals with low grade lymphoma are being investigated.
Supporting the Reading Development of Middle School English Language Learners Through Culturally Relevant Texts

This article reports on a study that explored the relationship between reading proficiency and the cultural relevance of text for adolescent English language learners. The author presents a rubric that was used to help determine cultural relevance. Participants used this rubric to rate the cultural relevance of 2 stories. Although the stories were at the same reading level, the participants differed in their reading of each story. Data suggested that readers’ proficiency and comprehension were greater when they were reading the more culturally relevant story. The author discusses implications for text selection that supports the reading development of English learners.
Simultaneous electrochemical and EPR studies of flavin radical equilibria

The comproportionation reaction of the oxidized and reduced forms of both riboflavin and lumiflavin to form their respective radicals is studied over a range of pHs in aqueous solution and in the aprotic solvent methylene chloride. The comproportionation equilibrium constant is reported for basic solutions reduced at an amalgamated Au electrode, where adsorption does not interfere with equilibrium measurements, with both Na+ and Ca2+ as the counterion. The basic and nonaqueous solution voltammetries of riboflavin and lumiflavin are shown to be similar by measuring the radical concentration by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) during an in situ electrolysis as a function of potential. In both solvent systems the first of the two reduction waves corresponds to a two-electron reduction with the radical present formed by comproportionation.
Direct organocatalytic asymmetric aldol reactions of alpha-amino aldehydes: expedient syntheses of highly enantiomerically enriched anti-beta-hydroxy-alpha-amino acids.

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of highly enantiomerically enriched β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives has been developed. Direct asymmetric aldol reactions of a glycine aldehyde (aminoacetaldehyde) derivative have been performed under organocatalysis using l-proline or (S)-5-pyrrolidine-2-yl-1H-tetrazole. The reactions afforded anti-β-hydroxy-α-amino aldehydes in good yield with high diastereoselectivity (dr up to >100:1) and high enantioselectivity (up to >99.5% ee), which were easily transformed into β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives.
A reevaluation of the Neopanope texana-sayi complex with notes on N. packardii (Crustacea: Decapoda: Xanthidae) in the Northwestern Atlantic

The status of mud crabs of the family Xanthidae previously referred to Neopanope texana texana (Stimpson, 1859) and N. texana sayi (Smith, 1869) is reviwed. It is concluded, based on the examination of types and other material, that both are distinct species allopatric in distribution; N. texana occurring in the Gulf of Mexico and N. sayi occurring along the east coast of North America. Both species are compared to N. packardii (Kingsley, 1879) and a key to the genus Neopanope in the western Atlantic is presented. Diagnostic characters of the species are illustrated.
High local endometrial effect of vaginal progesterone gel.

Our objective was to investigate the first-pass effect to the uterus of progesterone gel administered vaginally. This was a prospective, randomized study of 32 postmenopausal women, attending our menopause clinic. All women used transdermal estradiol (50 μg/day, a patch each week) for 2 weeks. They used either vaginal progesterone gel or intramuscular progesterone in oil 50 mg after 24 h to oppose the transdermal estradiol. Serum progesterone levels and endometrial tissue progesterone levels were determined. Serum progesterone levels were higher in women who used the intramuscular rather than the vaginal route. Although serum progesterone levels in the vaginal group were lower than in the intramuscular group, the endometrial tissue concentration of progesterone was higher. It is concluded that progesterone gel, used vaginally, has a high local effect on the endometrium, without any systemic side-effects due to high plasma progesterone levels.
Click, Swipe, and Read: Sharing e-Books with Toddlers and Preschoolers

e-Books share some key features with traditional printed picture books, but also include distinct features such as live animation, interactive components, and the operation of the technology that require new approaches to shared reading with young children. The purpose of this paper is to better inform adults working with young children (teachers, child care providers, and parents) of important factors to consider when choosing and sharing e-books with young children. We discuss why to share e-books with young children; types of e-books and how to evaluate them; how adults can best support young children’s language and literacy development through shared readings of e-books, including examples of shared readings of an e-book with young children; and an exploration of the potential of e-books to support meaningful interactions around texts.
A modification of the Ellman procedure for the estimation of protein sulfhydryl groups

The reaction of the Ellman reagent [5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)] with a protein sulfhydryl group yields 1 mole of thiophenylated protein and 1 mole of thiophenylate anion, when the reaction is carried out above pH 7.0. The quantity of thiophenylate anion liberated in this reaction is then determined by light absorption measurement at 412 mμ. In the present paper, this technique is modified so that the thiophenylated protein is isolated from the reaction mixture. The amount of thionitrobenzoic acid bound to the protein is then determined. Using this principle, sulfhydryl analyses have been successfully made on (1) a sulfhydryl-containing protein in the presence of a reduced thiol; (2) heme proteins; (3) an insoluble protein; and (4) a protein rendered insoluble by denaturation. The classical Ellman procedure cannot be used for assays of free sulfhydryl groups on any of these proteins.
Electrical Properties of Neoprene

Abstract This review is based on data selected from tests conducted over a period of years. Under the circumstances it does not happen that identical Neoprene was used throughout. Several types are referred to in the compounds. Each group of tests is consistent within itself, but direct comparison from group to group is not justified. Neither do exact values within a group have individual merit, but the trends of electrical quantities with controlled changes of the variable under study are of primary importance. In general, numerical values reported are the average of results obtained on two samples, but all conclusions have been confirmed by numerous parallel and related tests. Unless otherwise specified, tests were made at 82° F, after the samples had been dried in a desiccator for at least 16 hours. Conventional methods were used. For all tests except those on dielectric strength, tinfoil electrodes 0.001 inch thick, adhered to the test slab by a thin film of petrolatum, were utilized. The test-specime...
Creation of a large-scale genetic data bank for cardiovascular association studies

Background A prerequisite for undertaking genetic association studies is the need for a genetic data bank with adequate DNA samples and a well-described clinical cohort. Methods We initiated a prospective single-center study enrolling 6273 patients referred for cardiac catheterization in a genetic data bank (with eventual goal of 10000 enrollees). Using a prescreening tool, the patients had comprehensive clinical phenotyping, including angiogram, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, clinical history, and medication profile (Appendix A). Along with this clinical information, DNA, serum, plasma, basic metabolic panel, inflammation, and lipid panel were collected and stored in the database. Results Mean age of the patients enrolled was 64 ± 12 years; 69% are men, 26% have diabetes, 79% have dyslipidemia, and 72% have coronary artery disease (CAD) ≥50%. We undertook extensive quality-control measures to ensure the validity of both the clinical and DNA samples acquired into our GenBank . As part of this validation, we undertook a genetic association study to discern the effect of the apoE4 polymorphism on the risk for atherosclerosis. We are able to show that the apoE4 polymorphism is an independent risk factor for CAD. Conclusions We have been able to create a large-scale genetic data bank as a resource to undertake genetic association studies. Key elements in implementation of this GenBank and baseline characteristics of our patient cohort are summarized. Lastly, as a "proof of concept" for the utility of this resource to discern gene variants associated with disease, we validated apoE4 polymorphism as an independent risk factor for CAD.
A Nationwide Survey of Sterile Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD) Services within Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Facilities

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Location and function of the area known as Central Supply, Central Service, Sterile Supply or Supply, Processing and Distribution (SPD) has impact on infection control. VA provides care to over 5 million patients from over 1300 sites nationwide. Within VA medical facilities across the nation SPD may be run by various departments. METHODS: A survey was sent to all VA medical centers nationwide asking questions about SPD functioning, practices and needs. Several infection control topics were included (but not limited to): sterilization, biological monitoring, temperature and humidity, and decontamination. Quantitative and qualitative questions were asked. RESULTS: Response rate to the survey was ∼87%. There is variability of services provided, depending on facility size and clinical services offered; of 126 responses to that questions, only 49.2% of SPDs report doing all decontamination and sterilization of reusable medical/surgical devices at their respective medical facilities. With regard to environmental conditions in SPD, table provides basic information from the survey: ∗ AC in prep area AC in decontam area AC in 1° storage area Temp in 1° storage area Humidity in 1° storage area # of responses 92 89 83 96 81 Mean 10.8 9.6 9.4 70.3°F 39.4% SD 3.6 5.0 3.8 3.7°F 15.6% Mode 10.0 6.0 10.0 70.0°F 35.0% 75%ile 12.2 11.3 10.0 72.1°F 45.0% 50%ile 10.0 10.0 10.0 70.0°F 36.0% 25%ile 10.0 6.0 9.0 69.0°F 30.0% ∗ AC=air changes per hour; SD=standard deviation. With regard to biological indicators, 100% of facilities (n = 110 responses) report performing monitors at least daily, while 89.9% of facilities (n = 98 responses) report performing monitors with each gas sterilization load, and 93% of facilities (n = 100 responses) report performing monitors with each implantable device sterilized. Bowie-Dick testing for pre-vac sterilizers is reported being performed at 99.1%, 99.1% and 97.2% of facilities (n = 109, 108 and 107 responses, respectively), at least daily, after repairs and after shutdowns, respectively. A qualitative question asking Top Five areas of importance/concern has revealed a significant number of the facilities focused on education and training for SPD employees, pay structure, staffing needs, turnover in SPD area and inadequate space. CONCLUSIONS: SPD is an area of infection control vulnerability in medical facilities. Decentralization of services, environment in SPD facilities, training, salary, personnel retention, qualifications, and space are issues noted in this nationwide survey.
Stimulants, Sex, and Gender

This article examines the differential effects of cocaine and methamphetamine (MA) on sexual drive, performance, and pleasure among men and women. Based on a self-report questionnaire, we examine cocaine (n = 56) and MA (n = 52) users' associations between substance use and sex. Overall, the cocaine group endorsed primarily negative associations between drug use and sex, whereas MA users reported strong positive associations. Female cocaine users were least likely to endorse positive associations, whereas female MA users were the least likely to endorse negative associations. The question: “How does drug use affect sexual behavior?” cannot be answered without first specifying the drug and the gender of the user. Better information on this topic could greatly enhance the efforts of clinicians providing treatment services to drug using populations.
Process modelling for manufacture of orthopedic implants from short fiber composites

In the case of total hip joint replacement, it has been shown that matching of femur and implant stiffness would positively decrease the chances of resorption of bone and clinical failure of the procedure. Short fiber composites (SFC) which are biocompatible can offer high strength with stiffness comparable to that of natural bone and hence are an excellent candidate to replace metal alloys used in orthopedic implants. In this work a computational process simulation is presented to investigate the possibility of making an artifical hip implant which is most biocompatible. This simulation computes three dimensional flow induced fiber orientation in manufacturing of an SFC hip implant, estimates its mechanical properties, and predicts its “in vivo” response. This is done using a model 3-D geometry representing implanted femur. The potential use of such an approach is demostrated by comparing principal stresses at the interface of the bone and the implant for metallic and SFC implant which is manufactured using a variety of by proper selection of material and process variables one can potentially create implants which are most biocompatible.
Observation of plasma resonance at 790 Å in reflection from thin zirconium films

Abstract The reflectance of thin Zr films has been measured for both parallel and perpendicularly polarized light near the plasma wavelength, and a resonance peak has been observed at 790
Clinical value of whole-body positron emission tomography in potentially curable colorectal liver metastases☆

Abstract Aims In selected patients with colorectal liver metastases, hepatic resection offers an opportunity for cure, with a 25–38% 5-year survival rate. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether patient selection could be improved with pre-operative whole-body 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG–PET) scan. Methods Ninety-one consecutive patients were considered to be eligible for liver resection after investigation with conventional diagnostic methods (CDM). In all these patients a whole-body PET scan with FDG was performed prior to surgery. Follow-up was complete with a mean of 23 months (2 weeks–92 months). All PET images were reviewed blinded to intraoperative and follow-up data. Results PET confirmed liver metastases in 90 (99%) patients, while it provided additional information in 10 (11%) patients, i.e. seven intra-abdominal, and three extra-abdominal. PET falsely upstaged six (6.6%) patients in whom malignancy was excluded by additional investigation, at the time of surgery, or during follow-up. PET falsely understaged seven (7.7%) patients with small intra-abdominal lesions. Conclusion In patients with potentially curable colorectal liver metastases according to conventional diagnostic methods, whole-body FDG–PET can be considered as a complementary examination in order to further select patients for potentially curative liver resection, and to optimize therapeutic strategy.
Measuring the acute toxicity of estuarine sediments

Estuarine sediments frequently are repositories and sources of anthropogenic contaminants. Toxicity is one method of assessing the environmental quality of sediments, yet because of the extreme range of salinities that characterize estuaries few infaunal organisms have both the physiological tolerance and sensitivity to chemical contaminants to serve in estuarine sediment toxicity tests. The study describes research on the estuarine burrowing amphipod, Eohaustorius estuarius Bosworth, 1973, whose survival was >95% in control sediments across a 2 to 28% salinity range over 10-d periods. E. estuarius also was acutely sensitive to low sediment concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, fluoranthene (LC50 approximately = 10.6 mg/kg), and its sensitivity to fluoranthene was not affected by salinity. E. estuarius was almost as sensitive as Rhepoxynius abronius to fluoranthene and to field-collected sediments from Puget Sound urban and industrial bays. E. estuarius was also more tolerant of very fine, uncontaminated sediments than R. abronius. Furthermore, E. estuarius was more sensitive to sediments spiked with fluoranthene than the freshwater amphipod, Hyalella azteca. E. estuarius, and possibly other estuarine haustoriid species, appears to be an excellent candidate for testing the acute toxicity if estuarine and marine sediments.
Detectability of tensor modes in the presence of foregrounds

In inflationary models gravitational waves are produced in the early universe and generate B-type polarization in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). Since B polarization is only generated by gravity waves it does not suffer from the usual cosmic variance. A perfect decomposition of the CMB into B-modes and E-modes would require data from the entire sky, which in practice is not possible because of the foreground contaminants. This leads to mixing of E polarization into B, which introduces cosmic variance contamination of B polarization and reduces sensitivity to gravity wave amplitude even in absence of detector noise. We present numerical results for the uncertainty in the tensor-to-scalar ratio using the Fisher matrix formalism for various resolutions and considering several cuts of the sky, using the foreground model based on dust maps and assuming 90 GHz operating frequency. We find that the usual scaling [big triangle open]((T/S))[proportional]fsky^-1/2 is significantly degraded and becomes [big triangle open]((T/S))[proportional]fsky^-2 for fsky>0.7. This dependence is affected only weakly by the choice of sky cuts. To put this into a context of what is required level of foreground cleaning, to achieve a T/S=10^-3 detection at 3sigma one needs to observe 15% of the sky as opposed to naive expectation of 0.3%. To prevent contamination over this large sky area at required level one must be able to remove polarized dust emission at or better than 0.1% of unpolarized intensity, assuming the cleanest part of the sky has been chosen. To achieve T/S=10^-4 detection at 3sigma one needs to observe 70% of the sky, which is only possible if dust emission is removed everywhere over this region at 0.01% level. Reaching T/S=10^-2 should be easier: 1% of the sky is needed over which polarized emission needs to be removed at 1% of unpolarized intensity if the cleanest region is chosen. These results suggest that foreground contamination may make it difficult to achieve levels below T/S=10^-3.
Pointer Basis of Quantum Apparatus: Into What Mixture Does the Wave Packet Collapse?

The form of the interaction Hamiltonian between the apparatus and its environment is sufficient to determine which observable of the measured quantum system can be considered "recorded" by the apparatus. The basis that contains this record---the pointer basis of the apparatus---consists of the eigenvectors of the operator which commutes with the apparatus-environment interaction Hamiltonian. Thus the environment can be said to perform a nondemolition measurement of an observable diagonal in the pointer basis.
Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Surgical Experience and Outcomes

Purpose: We present outcomes in 110 consecutive patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy performed in a 72-month period by a single surgeon (MG).Materials and Methods: Patients were placed in the flank position and the retroperitoneal space was developed using a balloon dissector. Hilar control was achieved with bulldog clamps. Tumor depth and extent were evaluated using intraoperative sonography. Perioperative data were assessed and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed at a mean followup of 23 months.Results: Mean patient age was 62 years. Mean operative time was 199.7 minutes and mean postoperative stay was 2.6 days. Mean blood loss was 260.0 ml and mean tumor size was 2.4 cm. Final pathological evaluation revealed negative positive margins in these cases. Of all tumors 63.7% were pathologically confirmed renal cell carcinoma. In 57 patients mean preoperative and postoperative creatinine was 1.1 and 1.3 mg/dl, respectively, at a mean of 20.6 months. In 47 patients with r...
Spatial multiplexing via fractal architecture

We demonstrate several properties of the fractal architecture that are exploitable for optical signals processing, notably robust spatial multiplexing. Any fraction of a received signal will completely recreate a signal transmitted with a fractal architecture.
Cardiac cells implanted into a cylindrical, vascularized chamber in vivo: pressure generation and morphology.

We have previously described a model to implant dissociated cells into a cylindrical, vascularized bed in vivo to promote the formation of functional cardiac muscle constructs. We now investigate the cellular organization and the ability of the constructs to generate intra-luminal pressure. Primary cardiac cells were isolated from hearts of 2–3 day old rats, suspended in fibrin gel and inserted into the lumen of silicone tubing. The silicone tubing was then implanted around the femoral vessels in the groin region of recipient animals. After 3 weeks, the constructs were harvested, placed in an in vitro bath and cannulated via the incorporated femoral artery with a pressure transducer for evaluation of intra-luminal pressure dynamics. Histological evaluation showed the presence of a concentric ring of cardiac cells surrounding the femoral vessels. There was also a significant amount of collagen present around cardiac cells. In addition, we observed a significant amount of neovascularization of the explanted constructs. Electron microscopy showed the presence of longitudinally aligned fibers with a large number of gap junctions. Upon electrical stimulation of a single pulse (7 V, 1.2 ms), the constructs generated an intra-luminal pressure of 1.19 ± 0.45 mmHg (n = 6). In addition, we were able to electrically pace the constructs at frequencies of 0.5–5 Hz. A Starling behavior of the inverse relation between baseline pressure and twitch pressure was observed. Cardiac cells implanted for 3 weeks into the cylindrical vascularized bed formed a tissue construct that demonstrated many of the contractile properties and morphology expected of functioning cardiac tissues.
A bargaining model of partisan appointments to the central bank

Abstract In this paper, a bargaining model is developed to analyze the appointment of central bankers in a two-party political system. The major results of the paper are: 1) The party in power will appoint partisans early on but later appointments will be increasingly moderate in their views concerning monetary policy. 2) Changing the timing of the appointment of the board chairman from the end of a president's term in office to the first period of the president's term will lead to more partisan monetary policy. 3) In equilibrium, nominations to the board are not rejected, thus confirmation hearings appear to be nothing more than a ‘rubber stamp’ process. 4) Lengthening the terms on the board relative to the electoral cycle will lead to more moderate appointments to the central bank and a reduction in partisan policymaking.
Optimal funding allocation strategies for safety improvements on urban intersections

Urban intersections crashes cause significant economic loss. The safety management process undertaken by most states in the United States is referred to as Highway Safety Improvement Program and consists of three standardized steps: (i) identification of critical crash locations, (ii) development of countermeasures, and (iii) resource allocation among identified crash locations. Often these three steps are undertaken independently, with limited detail of each step at the state planning agencies. The literature review underlines the importance of the third step, and the lack of sophisticated tools available to state planning agencies for leveraging information obtained from the first two steps. Further, non-strategic approaches and unavailability of methods for evaluating policies may lead to sub-optimal funding allocation. This paper overcomes these limitations and proposes multiple optimal resource allocation strategies for improvements at urban intersections that maximize safety benefits, under budget and policy constraints. Proposed policy measures based on benefits maximization (economic competitiveness), equitable allocation (equity), and relaxation of mutually exclusiveness (multiple alternatives at one location) produce significantly different alternative and fund allocation. The proposed models are applied to selected intersections in four counties of southeast Michigan. Results reinforce the applicability of the strategies/policies and tools developed in this paper for safety project funding allocation on critical urban intersections.
Blog bias: Reports, inferences, and judgments of credentialed bloggers at the 2004 nominating conventions

Abstract Public relations practitioners awarded bloggers media credentials in 2004 to the summer presidential nomination conventions. Using the Hayakawa–Lowry bias categories, this quantitative content analysis reviewed sentences posted by credentialed bloggers during the convention to examine blogger reports (attributed, unattributed), inferences (labeled, unlabeled), and judgments (attributed and favorable, unattributed and favorable, attributed and unfavorable, unattributed and unfavorable) to analyze potential bias in “coverage”.