cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteoclastic and pleomorphic giant cell tumors of the pancreas diagnosed via EUS-guided FNA: unique clinical, endoscopic, and pathologic findings in a series of 5 patients

Introduction Osteoclastic and pleomorphic giant cell tumors of the pancreas are rare entities that have been typically described only in single case reports. We report on our experience with a series of 5 patients with pancreatic giant cell tumors seen at our institution. Methods This was a retrospective study involving a search of the study institution's medical records from 2001 to 2007 for patients diagnosed with giant cell–containing neoplasms of the pancreas. Results Five patients (2 women, 3 men) were identified. Age range was 59 to 81 years, with a mean of 70.2 years. None were current or former smokers. None had a history of alcohol abuse or preexisting pancreatitis of any kind. On EUS, tumors tended to be large, with a mean diameter of 47 mm (range 20-70 mm). All tumors had a heterogeneous echotexture and a distinct appearance when compared with the typical appearance of adenocarcinoma when viewed via EUS. The diagnosis of giant cell tumor of the pancreas, as well as the subtype, was made via EUS-guided FNA of the pancreatic lesion. Patients with pleomorphic giant cell tumors of the pancreas had a poor clinical course with a rapid decline, whereas those with mixed or osteoclastic giant cell tumors tended to have a better outcome, with a greater long-term survival. One patient is still alive more than 18 months after diagnosis. Limitation Retrospective study. Conclusions Giant cell tumors of the pancreas have unique clinical, endoscopic, and cytologic features. The risk factors for these lesions may be different from those associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Some giant cell tumor subtypes may carry a more favorable prognosis than pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and awareness and recognition of these differences can affect patient care.
Bertrand Russell's theory of judgment

Bertrand Russell proposed his multiple relation theory of judgment in 1910 and abandoned it some time before 1918. It is often maintained that one of the major disagreements between the early Russell and Wittgenstein was over this theory of judgment, and that an under standing of this disagreement is an aid in the understanding of Witt genstein's views concerning the nature of representation and the place of logic with respect to the rest of language. Wittgenstein was an early critic of Russell's multiple relation theory of judgment and ultimately convinced Russell that the theory was inadequate. Russell criticized the theory in 1918 and replaced it with a new theory in 1919. Since then, several other authors have criticized the multiple relation theory, often taking Wittgenstein's cryptic comments on the matter as their starting point.1 Unfortunately, these criticisms have been inadequate. Authors have been quick to find something wrong with the multiple relation theory of judgment so as to go on to some new theory. Russell himself led the way in this with his own discussion in 'The Philosophy of Logical Atomism' (1918) and 'On Propositions' (1919) (both in [13]). The criticisms put forward often tend to ignore the possibilities of the multiple relation theory and thus disguise what was at the heart of Wittgenstein's rejection of the theory. Rather than discuss all the various criticisms separately, I will outline what I take to be the major criticisms of the theory and will discuss these criticisms, together with Russell's modifications of the theory which were intended to handle some of the problems raised. In doing this I hope to make clear which objections have the most force and to highlight the presuppositions behind the views that reject the multiple relation theory.
Severe Neurologic Side Effects in Patients Being Treated for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Background Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is characterized by uncontrolled inflammation that is generally fatal without immune modulating chemotherapy. At Texas Children's Hospital, we have observed significant central nervous system (CNS) toxicity in several patients treated for HLH according to the Histiocyte Society protocol HLH-2004 in which cyclosporine is given early in the treatment regimen. Methods Patients diagnosed with HLH at Texas Children's Hospital between April 2004 and October 2007 were identified and charts were reviewed. A reference group of patients treated between August 2001 and March 2004, prior to the introduction of HLH-2004, was also evaluated. Results Five of 17 patients in the study group developed severe neurotoxicity. Four had new onset seizures associated with significant MRI abnormalities, while the fifth died of intracerebral hemorrhage. Timing of the development of neurologic side effects ranged from day 5 to week 6 of therapy. Cyclosporine levels were outside the therapeutic range (200–300 ng/ml) prior to the onset of symptoms in two of the five patients. Systolic blood pressures for all five patients were greater than the 95th percentile for age on at least one measurement within 24 hr of the onset of neurologic symptoms. MRI scans obtained within 24 hr of seizure activity in four patients were consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). By comparison only one patient in the reference group (n = 15) had neurotoxicity (PRES). Conclusions Patients being treated for HLH appear to be at risk for neurotoxicity, particularly PRES. Elevated blood pressure, worsening renal and liver function, increased cyclosporine levels, and CNS involvement of HLH may be triggers for the neurotoxic side effects of treatment. Patients being treated on HLH-2004 require close monitoring of their neurologic status and modifiable risk factors such as hypertension should managed aggressively. If larger studies validate our observations, it will be important to determine if up-front cyclosporine in HLH protocols confers a survival benefit that outweighs the potential risk of increased neurotoxicity. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:621–625. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Restoration of rotational symmetry in the continuum limit of lattice field theories

We explore how rotational invariance is systematically recovered from calculations on hyper-cubic lattices through the use of smeared lattice operators that smoothly evolve into continuum operators with definite angular momentum as the lattice-spacing is reduced. Perturbative calculations of the angular momentum violation associated with such operators at tree level and at one loop are presented in $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{4}$ theory and QCD. Contributions from these operators that violate rotational invariance occur at tree-level, with coefficients that are suppressed by $\mathcal{O}({a}^{2})$ in the continuum limit. Quantum loops do not modify this behavior in $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\phi}}^{4}$, nor in QCD if the gauge-fields are smeared over a comparable spatial region. Consequently, the use of this type of operator should, in principle, allow for Lattice QCD calculations of the higher moments of the hadron structure functions.
Does hand hygiene compliance among health care workers change when patients are in contact precaution rooms in ICUs

Background Hand hygiene compliance rates among health care workers (HCW) rarely exceed 50%. Contact precautions are thought to increase HCWs' hand hygiene awareness. We sought to determine any differences in hand hygiene compliance rates for HCW between patients in contact precaution and those not in any isolation. Methods In a hospital's medical (MICU) and surgical (SICU) intensive care units, a trained observer directly observed hand hygiene by the type of room (contact precaution or noncontact precaution) and the type of HCW (nurse or doctor). Results The SICU had similar compliance rates (36/75 [50.7%] in contact precaution rooms vs 223/431 [51.7%] compliance in noncontact precaution rooms, P > .5); the MICU also had similar hand hygiene compliance rates (67/132 [45.1%] in contact precaution rooms vs 96/213 [50.8%] in noncontact precaution rooms, P > .10). Hand hygiene compliance rates stratified by HCW were similar with 1 exception. The MICU nurses had a higher rate of hand hygiene compliance in contact precaution rooms than in rooms with noncontact precautions (66.7% vs 51.6%, respectively). Conclusion Compliance with hand hygiene among HCWs did not differ between contact precaution rooms and rooms with noncontact precautions with the exception of the nurses in the MICU.
Fractional charge and spectral asymmetry in one dimension: A closer look.

The physics of charge fractionalization is studied using a simple and physical approach. The normal-ordered charge is related to the Atiyah-Patodi-Singer invariant, and the physical interpretation of the spectral asymmetry is clarified in the presence of a continuous spectrum. By introducing the quantity B(E) which is a ratio of Jost-type determinants we relate the asymmetry to the phase and zeros or poles of B(E). The fractional part of the charge is determined by the high-energy behavior of the phase and the integer part is related to the spectral flow. We give simple examples showing that only the fractional part of the charge is a topological invariant; the integer part is determined by local properties of the background fields.
Mutagenic effects induced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by breakdown products of 1-naphthylamine and 2-naphthylamine formed in an enzyme-free hydroxylation system ☆

Abstract 1-Naphthylamine (1-NA) and 2-naphthylamine (2-NA) are not mutagenic for microorganisms probably because the enzymes required for the metabolic conversion of these compounds to mutagenic metabolites are lacking. The N -hydroxy derivatives of 1-NA and 2-NA are known to be mutagenic for some reverse mutation strains of Escherichia coli . The Udenfriend hydroxylation medium, which is known to hydroxylate a number of compounds including aromatic amines, was used to incubate 1-NA and 2-NA with Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The resulting breakdown products of 1-NA and 2-NA were mutagenic for the yeast cells when tested for petite mutants and genic canavanine-resistant mutants. The possibility that the Udenfriend hydroxylation medium can hydroxylate the amine nitrogen in addition to the ring carbon atoms is discussed.
Diagnostic and operative arthroscopy of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint A case report

Arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder has become a commonly practiced procedure. The availability of spe cialized arthroscopic instruments (Fig. 1) now makes diagnostic and operative arthroscopies of the smaller joints of the body possible. This is a case where arthros copy of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint facilitated the care and rehabilitation of a professional athlete.
Crossmodal interference in bimanual movements: effects of abrupt visuo-motor perturbation of one hand on the other.

Studies on bimanual control inevitably deal with questions about interactions between the two effectors, mostly under conditions of sensory feedback of the same modality—usually vision—for both hands. This study used a novel paradigm in which one hand performed target-directed movements under visual control, while the other hand operated under predominantly kinesthetic control, without visual feedback. By introducing an abrupt visual feedback perturbation in the ‘visible’ hand, resulting in an update of its visuo-motor map, the robustness of the kinesthetic-motor map of the ‘invisible’ hand against interference from the visually controlled hand could be tested. Results show that the visuo-motor adaptation resulted in asymmetric directional interference: when the ‘visible’ right hand adapted to the perturbation, it interfered substantially more with the ‘invisible’ left hand (group 1) than when the left hand was under visual control and the right hand under kinesthetic control (group 2). The results support recent theories of functional lateralization postulating dominance of the right hand for trajectory control and demonstrate that on the level of arm kinematics, this interference crosses modality boundaries. Interestingly, while in most participants interference manifested itself in isodirectional deviations of the kinesthetically guided hand, the deviations in a small subsample of participants mirrored those of the visually guided hand. The results are discussed in the context of potential neural crosstalk.
Symptom management: a comprehensive approach to increasing nutritional status in the cancer patient.

Abstract Maintaining optimal nutritional status in cancer patients experiencing symptoms of their disease or side-effects of therapy is difficult at best. Nurses can intervene in a variety of ways to relieve fatigue, bowel elimination changes, pain, psychologic distress, and other symptoms. Using a comprehensive approach to symptom management, nurses can improve nutritional status and enhance treatment response and quality of life for the cancer patient.
Next generation RFID using ultra-wideband signaling

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a powerful technology for asset monitoring and tracking and has a vast potential to reduce operating costs for many applications. While conventional narrowband RFID systems have successfully been used in several applications, the challenges posed by their signal characteristics has prevented their widespread use in some operational scenarios requiring data security and privacy, long lifetime, and operations in cluttered environments. Even though the state-of-the-art research in narrowband RFID systems has overcome some of these challenges, the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling for tag-reader communications could be another option to address the unresolved problems. In this paper we present a summary of such challenges and explain how UWB technology can provide a viable solution for each of them. More detailed discussions on this topic are available in [1]. This paper is organized as follows. We start with an overview of the key challenges of narrowband signaling in tag-reader communications, then we briefly go over the concept of UWB signaling and discuss the distinct advantages of using UWB for tag-reader communications in various RFID challenges. We conclude the paper with a summary of discussions.
Length scale discontinuities between non-crystalline and nano-crystalline thin films: Chemical bonding self-organization, broken constraints and reductions of macroscopic strain

Abstract This paper identifies different length scales, λ s , for strain-reducing chemical bonding self-organizations in non-crystalline and nano-crystalline thin films. Length scales have been identified through spectroscopic studies, thermal heat flow measurements, and are analyzed by semi-empirical bond-constraint theory (SE-BCT) and symmetry adapted linear combinations (SALC) of atomic states. In both instances, strain-reducing self-organizations result in reduced defect densities that are minimized and enabling for device applications. The length scale for non-crystalline solids extends to at most 1 nm, and more generally to 0.5–0.8 nm; however, there are two different length scales for nano-crystalline films: one is 3–3.5 nm and defines a regime where complex unit cells, comprised of two or more primitive unit cells are stabilized and the electronic structure is changed.
Basmati rice: its characteristics and identification

BACKGROUND: Basmati comprises a small group of premium aromatic rice from India (and Pakistan), prized in international trade. These varieties have not so far been fully characterized physicochemically. To address this gap, all available recognized as well as unrecognized varieties/lines of basmati and its derivatives (crosses) were exhaustively studied for their physical, chemical and cooking properties over eight years. RESULTS: It was found that all five basmati land races (‘traditional’ varieties) had similar properties. They had substantial σ1 distal end (DE) shape of brown and milled rice; good aroma; intermediate amylose (∼230 g kg−1), alkali score and viscogram breakdown (BDr); and they yielded a high elongation ratio (>1.9) and good ‘rings’ after cooking. The 23 Indian crossbred (basmati derivative) varieties/lines (plus 13 supermarket samples of Pakistani basmati) studied were different. Each of them differed in at least two or three and sometimes several of the above properties from the land races. CONCLUSION: These results provided a framework of what constituted basmati properties and a benchmark to decide how close a cross was. Additionally, the varying combinations of the observed values of the ten or more key indices enabled any of the above varieties/lines to be identified by simple physicochemical techniques. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of changing forest and impervious land covers on discharge characteristics of watersheds.

Effects of changing patterns of forest and impervious land covers on hydrologic regimes of watersheds were evaluated for urban and rural areas of the lower Cedar River drainage near Seattle, Washington. Land cover characterizations were used in a spatially explicit hydrology model to assess effects of land covers on watershed hydrology during presettlement conditions (“full forest cover”), 1991 and 1998. For the presettlement to 1991 period, urban watersheds showed decreases in forest covers (range 63% to 83%) and increases in impervious surfaces (range 43% to 71%). Rural watersheds showed similar patterns but smaller changes, with forest covers decreasing (range 28% to 34%) and impervious surfaces increasing (range 8% to 15%). For the 1991 and 1998 period, changes in forest covers for urban and rural watershed were 46%. In contrast, the lowest flows occurred when forest covers were most extensive (range 59% to 81%) and impervious surfaces were <23%. We conclude that our use of spatial characterizations of impervious surfaces and forested covers in a spatially explicit hydrology model provides a robust approach for revealing how variations in different types and spatial distributions of land covers can affect flood regimes and flows of different watersheds.
Functional outcome of below-knee amputation in peripheral vascular insufficiency: A multicenter review

A retrospective functional outcome study was performed on 299 patients treated with below-knee amputations for peripheral vascular disease during a three-year period in six Veterans Administration special amputee centers. Sixty-one percent of the patients were diabetic, and 25% were previously unilateral amputees. Surgery was performed with a long posterior flap in 92.3%, sagittal flaps in 20%, and guillotine open technique in 5.7%. Wound management was accomplished with rigid plaster dressings in 75.3%, pneumatic compression dressing in 14%, and soft dressings in 10.7%. At follow-up evaluation one to two years later, 36.1% had died. Thirteen percent suffered wound complications, with 6.7% requiring revision to a more proximal amputation level. Eighty-seven percent of community ambulators maintained their ambulatory status. A comparable percentage maintained their ability to walk with a prosthesis.
Fluorescein angiography of peripheral uveitis.

After the description by Schepens in 1950 of the indirect ophthalmoscopic features of peripheral uveitis, a number of authors" outlined the differential diagnosis, clinical course, treatment, and complications of the disorder. Only a few reports"' included histologic studies, and the basic pathophysiology of peripheral uveitis (pars planitis) is unknown. Although some attention has been given to the vascular component of the dis­ ease, fluorescein angiographic findings have been mentioned only during the discussion of larger groups of inflammatory syndromes that may show some clinical similarities to peripheral uveitis." This paper describes the angiographic abnormalities observed in a consecutive series of patients with peripheral uveitis.
Electron beam verification with an a-Si flat-panel electronic portal imaging device

ABSTRACT Portal images allow the physician to visualize and quantify the position of anatomical structures within the radiationfield during the treatment of cancer with radiation therapy. In this project, we exploit the presence of the low intensitybremsstrahlung photons present in the electron beam, and the high sensitivity of the new technology of flat panel basedon amorphous-silicon arrays to generate images of the electron beam treatment field. This opens the possibility ofroutine on-line electron beam treatment verification.A large-scale array of 1024 x 1024 pixels (41 x 41 cm2) was used to acquire images from electron beams with energiesfrom 6 to 21 MeV. For each energy, a gain correction image was acquired to compensate for the bremsstrahlung angulardependence. Several integration time factors were tested to obtain verification images within 30 monitor units, a lownumber for treatments with electron beams. Images of the head sections of a Rando phantom with 50 MU or less wereacquired. Anatomical structures present in the phantom are clearly seen. Parameters influencing the quality of imagesacquired with electron beams, such as the detector integration time and the beam energy will be discussed. Examples ofclinical images acquired with electron beams will also be presented.Keywords: Electron Treatment Verification, Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID), Electron-MLC shapeverification, bremsstrahlung, Monte Carlo Calculations.
Intensity correlations in cavity QED

The second-order intensity correlation function of light transmitted out of a cavity QED system exhibits the nonclassical features and dynamics of the atom-field interaction. We present measurements of the intensity correlation to examine the size of the nonclassical features and the dependence on driving intensity, detuning, and the strength of the atom-field coupling. We use a model that takes into account experimental conditions to achieve a quantitative agreement with the observations.
A SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING ATTITUDE TOWARD MATHEMATICS

A semantic differential was developed to measure attitude toward mathematics. This instrument was contrasted with a Likert type attitude instrument constructed by Aiken and Dreger (1, 2). There were 68 male and female subjects, all of whom were non-mathematics majors enrolled in a required doctoral level statistics class in the College of Education of a large state university in the southwest. The correlation between the two instruments was r = .90. It was concluded that the semantic differential constructed for this study was as effective a measure of attitude toward mathematics as the Likert type instrument. Analysis of the data also indicated that people possessing favorable and unfavorable attitudes toward mathematics differed to the greatest extent on the evaluative scales of the semantic differential, thus lending construct validity to the semantic differential.
Real electronic commerce ‐ smart cards on the superhighway

Discusses “smart cards” as electronic cash carriers. Examines technological innovations such as the Mondex “electronic purse” in the UK, where card values can be topped up by telephone. Forecasts that in the next few years, physical cash will be replaced as a main medium for transactions by “e‐cash,” which is cheaper to manufacture, more portable, and more versatile.
Mri measurements correctly predict the relative effects of tumor oxygenating agents on hypoxic fraction in rodent BA1112 tumors

Abstract Purpose: We evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast correctly predicts the relative effects of tumor-oxygenating agents on hypoxic fraction in BA1112 rhabdomyosarcomas in WAG/Rij rats. Methods and materials: The response of ten tumors to carbogen (95% O2/5% CO2), a perfluorocarbon emulsion (PFC), and the combination of PFC + carbogen was studied with high spectral and spatial resolution MR imaging of the water resonance at 4.7 Tesla. Decreases in MR signal linewidth indicate increases in tumor blood oxygen levels. Results: Average MR signal linewidth was decreased 2.0% by carbogen, 2.5% by PFC + air, and 4.9% by PFC + carbogen. PFC + carbogen caused a larger linewidth decrease than either treatment alone (p Conclusion: MRI predicts that PFC + carbogen will increase radiosensitivity more than either treatment alone; this agrees with the known effects of these treatments on hypoxic fraction. Utilizing MRI to choose the treatment that maximizes the size and extent of increases in tumor oxygenation could reduce hypoxic fraction.
Integrating diverse information to gain more insight into microarray analysis.

Microarray technology provides an opportunity to view transcriptions at genomic level under different conditions controlled by an experiment. From an array experiment using a human cancer cell line that is engineered to differ in expression of tumor antigen, integrin 𝛼 6 𝛽 4 , few hundreds of differentially expressed genes are selected and are clustered using one of several standard algorithms. The set of genes in a cluster is expected to have similar expression patterns and are most likely to be coregulated and thereby expected to have similar function. The highly expressed set of upregulated genes become candidates for further evaluation as potential biomarkers. Besides these benefits, microarray experiment by itself does not help us to understand or discover potential pathways or to identify important set of genes for potential drug targets. In this paper we discuss about integrating protein-to-protein interaction information, pathway information with array expression data set to identify a set of “important” genes, and potential signal transduction networks that help to target and reverse the oncogenic phenotype induced by tumor antigen such as integrin 𝛼 6 𝛽 4 . We will illustrate the proposed method with our recent microarray experiment conducted for identifying transcriptional targets of integrin 𝛼 6 𝛽 4 for cancer progression.
SAFT: Equation-of-State Solution Model for Associating Fluids

An equation-of-state model has been developed for predicting phase equilibria, based on the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (SAFT). The agreement with molecular simulation data has been found to be excellent at all the stages of model development; for associating spheres, mixtures of associating spheres, and non-associating chains. The model has been shown to reproduce experimental phase equilibrium data for a few selected real pure compounds.
Supervisory control of LPCVD silicon nitride

This paper presents a scheme for deposition time and temperature control of low pressure chemical vapor deposition silicon nitride off product wafers. A Kalman filter based estimation scheme is presented for deposition time control. Deposition temperature control is treated in additional detail, including the impact of sampling the furnace load. Furthermore, stability metrics are also derived capturing the allowable modeling error for ensuring closed-loop stability. This is important for enabling the same model to be used across multiple tools and processes. A two-step iterative scheme is presented for implementing a "batch as you go" controller. Finally, the controller is applied in high-volume production.
Comparison of Quadriceps Peak Torque Using Three Different Isokinetic Dynamometers

© 1994 Butterworth-Heinemann concentric maximal effort extensions which were used in the data collection. The speed was increased to 240 deg/sec and the same procedure was followed. Analysis of variance (AN OVA) and posthoc results comparing raw data showed a significant difference between all devices at 60 deg/sec. At 240 deg/sec a significant difference was only noted between the Cybex and Biodex. ANOVA and posthoc tests comparing clinical data at speeds of 60 and 240 deg/sec showed a significant difference when comparing the Biodex to either of the other two dynamometers. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient ranged from 0.84 to 0.97. This result indicated a strong relationship between the three dynamometers. The authors concluded that caution should be used when comparing the results from one isokinetic dynamometer to the results of a different model dynamometer.
Regular Aspirin Use and Risk of Multiple Myeloma: A Prospective Analysis in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and Nurses' Health Study

Multiple myeloma is a lethal malignancy with an unknown etiology and no prevention strategy. Aspirin inhibits several pathways mediated by NF-κB, COX-2, or their targets that are important in multiple myeloma pathogenesis. We conducted prospective analyses in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study and Nurses' Health Study cohorts to examine whether regular aspirin use influences multiple myeloma risk. We used biennially updated data to characterize aspirin use from baseline through a cancer diagnosis, death, or 2008. We applied a 4-year lag in exposure classification to diminish the influence of preclinical multiple myeloma on aspirin use habits. We obtained HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from multivariable proportional hazard models to assess the association of aspirin use with multiple myeloma risk. We tested for trend across increasing quantity and duration of use. During 2,395,458 person-years, we confirmed 328 incident multiple myeloma diagnoses, including 265 with prospective information on typical aspirin dose and frequency. Participants with a cumulative average of ≥5 adult strength (325 mg) tablets per week had a 39% lower multiple myeloma risk than nonusers (HR; 95% CI, 0.61, 0.39–0.94; tablets per week, P trend = 0.06). Persons with ≥11 years of continuous regular aspirin use also had a lower multiple myeloma risk (HR; 95% CI, 0.63, 0.41–0.95; duration, P trend = 0.17). The associations appeared stronger in men than in women, possibly reflecting gender differences in aspirin use patterns. This prospective study of aspirin use and multiple myeloma supports an etiologic role for aspirin-inhibited (i.e., NF-κB- or COX-2 mediated) pathways. The utility of aspirin for multiple myeloma chemoprevention warrants further evaluation. Cancer Prev Res; 7(1); 33–41. ©2013 AACR .
Understanding Climate Change Patterns with Multivariate Geovisualization

Climate change has been a challenging and urgent research problem for many related research fields. Climate change trends and patterns are complex, which may involve many factors and vary across space and time. However, most existing visualization and mapping approaches for climate data analysis are limited to one variable or one perspective at a time. For example, it is common to map the surface temperature anomaly at different locations or plot trends of time series. Although such approaches are useful in presenting information and knowledge, they have limited capability to support discovery and understanding of unknown complex patterns from data that span across multiple dimensions. This paper introduces the application of a multivariate geovisualization approach to explore and understand complex climate change patterns across multiple perspectives, including the geographic space, time, and multiple variables.
Laboratory measurement of lipid and lipoprotein risk factors.

Accuracy in measurement of serum cholesterol and the other lipid risk factors is essential for reliable patient classification within the context of newly implemented national coronary heart disease intervention programs utilizing uniform cutpoints. This requires agreement or traceability of laboratory methods to national reference systems, which provided the accuracy base for the population studies from which the cutpoints are derived. Adhering to accepted guidelines for patient preparation, blood collection and processing will minimize preanalytical variability. Standardization of the lipid/lipoprotein assays is the next essential step. The assay technology for cholesterol measurement is reasonably mature, although still not perfected; recent activities have focused primarily on achieving traceability of field methods through improving access to the accuracy base, the National Reference System for Cholesterol and developing better (commutable) reference materials. A major hindrance to standardization ha...
Updated guidelines 2008 for the diagnosis, surveillance and therapy of Barrett's esophagus.

The guidelines for the diagnosis, surveillance and therapy of Barrett’s esophagus were originally published by the American College of Gastroenterology in 1998 and updated in 2002. These and other guidelines undergo periodic review. Significant advances have occurred in the area of Barrett’s esophagus over the past four years leading to another revision of the prior guidelines. These advances include the potential use of esophageal capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis and screening of Barrett’s esophagus, data regarding the outcome of low-grade dysplasia, the treatment of high-grade dysplasia using photodynamic therapy, and the development of new ablation techniques such as radiofrequency ablation. These guidelines are intended to be applied by physicians who see Barrett’s esophagus patients and are intended to indicate a preferred, but certainly not the only, acceptable approach. Physicians need to choose the course best suited to the individual patient and to the variables that exist at the time of decision making. The guidelines are for adult patients with the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus, as defined herein. Both these and the original guidelines were developed under auspices of the American College of Gastroenterology and the Practice Parameters Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees. The world literature was reviewed extensively for the original guidelines and once again reviewed using the National Library of Medicine database. Search terms used included Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal neoplasm, esophagus, intestinal metaplasia, esophageal diseases, and adenocarcinoma, all appropriate studies and any additional ones found in reference to these papers were obtained and reviewed. Evidence was available from a hierarchy of trials and randomized controlled trials were given the greatest weight. Abstracts presented at national and international meetings were only used when unique data from ongoing trials were presented. When scientific data were lacking, recommendations are based on expert opinion. The recommendations made are based on the level of evidence found. Grade A recommendations imply that there is consistent level 1 evidence (randomized controlled trials), Grade B indicates that the evidence would be level 2 or 3 which are cohort studies or case control studies. Grade C recommendations are based on level 4 studies meaning case series or poor quality cohort studies, and Grade D recommendations are based on level 5 evidence meaning expert opinion.
GaAs Based InAs/InGaAs Quantum Dots-in-a-Well Solar Cells and Their Concentration Applications

Quantum dot (QD) solar cells have been actively investigated recently since they have been theoretically shown to have the potential to realize high conversion efficiencies. However, very little research has analyzed the effect the dots have on the transport or recombination effects in the device. In this paper, we report the I-V and spectral response characteristics of InAs/InGaAs “dots-in-a-well” (DWELL) solar cells and compared them with GaAs control cells. The QD cells show higher short circuit density (Jsc) and better long-wavelength efficiency compared to the control cell. By comparing the dark current behavior of the QD cells to the GaAs control cells, we have conservatively estimated the concentration level at which the QD solar cells would surpass GaAs control devices. The quantum dot solar cells are grown by molecular beam epitaxy using the DWELL technique and a standard pin structure. The control cell structure is similar to the QD one except that there are no InAs dots or surrounding InGaAs quantum wells. The light I-V characteristics were measured under AM1.5G at 100 mW/cm2 illumination. The control cell has a Voc of 0.89V and a Jsc of 9.1 mA/cm2. The InAs QD solar cell has a Voc of 0.68 V and a Jsc of 12.2 mA/cm2. The QD cell has about a 33% larger short circuit current density compared to the GaAs control cell, which is mainly due to the higher photon absorption rate related to the DWELL structure. The spectrum response data show that the GaAs control cell and the QD cell have similar external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the visible to near-IR range (400-870nm). Beyond the GaAs absorption edge (870nm), the QD solar cell shows extended response with much higher measured EQE up to ˜1200 nm. This is strong evidence of the contribution from the InAs QDs and InGaAs QWs, the latter being the primary contributor to the increased Jsc. We calculated the “local” ideality factor from measured dark IV data, and then substituted it into a single diode equation to get the “local” reverse saturation current. Whereas the GaAs control shows the typical monotonically decreasing ideality from 0.3 to 0.8V, a linearly increasing ideality is observed in the QD cell. Based on the measured dark currents, and neglecting series resistance, we extrapolated the IV curves to higher voltages and found that they intercept at ˜2×104 mA/cm2. Dividing the intercept point Jdark by the Jsc of the QD cell conservatively estimates the light concentration (˜1400×) above which the QD cell would have a higher Voc than the GaAs cell assuming additivity applies. This result is mainly attributed to the unique carrier transport properties that are introduced into the solar cell devices that utilize QDs.
Noncavitational nonporative ultrasound elicits marked in vivo augmentation of tumor drug delivery with targeted perfluorocarbon nanoparticles

Background and Objective: Augmentation of local drug delivery from targeted nanoparticles (NP) with nondestructive, noncavitational clinical ultrasound (US) offers the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy in diseases such as cancer while limiting adverse systemic side effects. This lab has demonstrated augmentation of drug delivery from alphavbeta3-targeted perfluorocarbon NP and US in cancer cells in vitro (Crowder et al, 2005). The present study investigates the utility of conventional, clinical US for augmentation of drug delivery in vivo in a transgenic mouse cancer model (K14-HPV16) that develops squamous cell carcinomas.
Nonnegative matrix factorization using a robust error function

Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is widely used in image analysis. However, most images contain noises and outliers. Thus a robust version of NMF is needed. We propose a novel NMF using a robust error function which smoothly interpolates between the least squares at small errors and L 1 -norm at large errors. An efficient computational algorithm is derived with rigorous convergence analysis. Extensive experiments are made on six image datasets to show the effectiveness of proposed approach. Robust NMF consistently provides better reconstructed images, and better clustering results as compared to standard NMF.
Propagule pressure hypothesis not supported by an 80-year experiment on woody species invasion

Ecological filters and availability of propagules play key roles structuring natural communities. Propagule pressure has recently been suggested to be a fundamental factor explaining the success or failure of biological introductions. We tested this hypothesis with a remarkable data set on trees introduced to Isla Victoria, Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina. More than 130 species of woody plants, many known to be highly invasive elsewhere, were introduced to this island early in the 20th century, as part of an experiment to test their suitability as commercial forestry trees for this region. We obtained detailed data on three estimates of propagule pressure (number of introduced individuals, number of areas where introduced, and number of years during which the species was planted) for 18 exotic woody species. We matched these data with a survey of the species and number of individuals currently invading the island. None of the three estimates of propagule pressure predicted the current pattern of invasion. We suggest that other factors, such as biotic resistance, may be operating to determine the observed pattern of invasion, and that propagule pressure may play a relatively minor role in explaining at least some observed patterns of invasion success and failure.
Letting the (energy) Gini out of the bottle: Lorenz curves of cumulative electricity consumption and Gini coefficients as metrics of energy distribution and equity

Energy services are fundamental determinants of the quality of life as well as the economic vitality of both industrialized and developing nations. Few analytic tools exist, however, to explore changes in individual, household, and national levels of energy consumption and utilization. In order to contribute to such analyses, we extend the application of Lorenz curves to energy consumption. We examined the distribution of residential electricity consumption in five countries: Norway, USA, El Salvador, Thailand, and Kenya. These countries exhibit a dramatic range of energy profiles, with electricity consumption far more evenly distributed across the population in some industrialized nations than others, and with further significant differences in the Lorenz distribution between industrialized and industrializing economies. The metric also provides critical insights into the temporal evolution of energy management in different states and nations. We illustrate this with a preliminary longitudinal study of commercial and industrial electricity use in California during the economically volatile 1990s. Finally, we explore the limits of Lorenz analyses for understanding energy equity through a discussion of the roles that variations in energy conversion efficiency and climate play in shaping distributions of energy consumption. The Lorenz method, which is widely employed by economists to analyze income distribution, is largely unused in energy analysis, but provides a powerful new tool for estimating the distributional dimensions of energy consumption. Its widespread use can make significant contributions to scientific and policy debates about energy equity in the context of climate change mitigation, electric power industry deregulation and restructuring, and the development of national infrastructure.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AND SEX OF BOVINE IVM-IVF EMBRYOS CULTURED IN VITRO VERSUS IN THE SHEEP OVIDUCT

We have confirmed more rapid development of male compared with female in vitro-cultured bovine embryos during the first 7 d after in vitro fertilization. The male-to-female sex ratio of expanded blastocysts after 10 d of in vitro culture was 1.37:1.00, which was significantly different from the expected 1:1 ratio, but no deviation from a 1:1 ratio was observed for male and female expanded blastocysts derived from culture of bovine embryos in the sheep oviduct (1.11:1.00). When embryos that developed only to the morula stage were analyzed for sex, a greater number of female than male bovine embryos was observed from in vitro culture but not after culture in the sheep oviduct. Possible causes of these sex-related differences in development of cultured bovine embryos are discussed.
Negotiating Conflict between Personal Desires and Others' Expectations in Lives of Gujarati Women

Abstract A substantial body of literature in psychological anthropology has challenged the stereotypical depiction of South Asian women as passive subordinates in patriarchal families, and has provided accounts of these women as actors in their social world. Focusing specifically on situations of interpersonal conflict in this article, I analyze the narratives of Gujarati women from two cohorts, daughters-in-law in Gujarat, India and mothers-in-law in Gujarati immigrant families in Canada, to argue that these women actively engage in negotiating the conflict between their wishes and others' expectations. The mode of agency that they exercise is less egocentric and more relational—the decision making and negotiations occur within the parameters of their familial roles, rather than rebellion against family structures, and their actions are driven by motivations involving the welfare of their children and grandchildren, rather than “individualistic” desires. These narratives, along with ethnographic works exploring South Asian personhood, call for the need to broaden the conceptualization of agency, and challenge the appropriateness of traditional individualistic feminism in understanding the lives of women globally. [India, women, personhood, agency, interpersonal conflict]
Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Wild and Domestic Animals of New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado

Using the Sabin-Feldman dye test, sera from wild and domestic animals in New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado were tested for the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. The prevalence of positive titers (≥1:8) in animals from these areas was: New Mexico (178 of 569, 31%), Arizona (11 of 56, 20%), and Colorado (2 of 7, 29%). The overall prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma was 30% (191 of 632). Nine of 17 fecal samples from wild zoo felines contained Toxoplasma-like oocysts which were inoculated per os and intraperitoneally into mice. Mice from six of these nine inoculations later showed positive dye test titers and tissues from five of these six groups had tissue cysts when examined histologically.
Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Coactivator-1 (PGC-1) Regulatory Cascade in Cardiac Physiology and Disease

The constant workload of the heart requires a high-capacity mitochondrial system to match ATP production with functional demands. In the adult mammalian heart, ATP synthesis occurs primarily through complete oxidation of fatty acids and glucose in the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial metabolic pathways are exquisitely regulated at many levels. Mitochondrial oxidative flux is modulated by concentrations of substrates and metabolite intermediates and by posttranslational modification of enzymes catalyzing key, rate-limiting reactions. Importantly, the capacity for mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism also is regulated at the level of gene transcription. The present review summarizes recent work that defines the role of a transcriptional coactivator, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), as a master regulator of myocardial energy metabolism in diverse physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The mitochondrion is an efficient ATP synthesis machine that rapidly converts energy stored in fatty acids, glucose, and lactate into high-energy phosphates, which provide the fuel driving contractile function, ion homeostasis, and other cellular processes within the cardiac myocyte. Fatty acids enter the mitochondrion intact and are catabolized in the mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation spiral. Oxidation of fatty acids in this pathway produces reducing equivalents (NADH and FADH2) and acetyl-CoA, a 2-carbon molecule that can enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle for further oxidation (Figure 1). For glucose to enter the oxidative pathways of the mitochondrion, it must first undergo anaerobic metabolism in the cytosol of the cardiac myocyte and be converted to pyruvate (Figure 1). This 3-carbon intermediate can then be converted to lactate outside the mitochondrion or oxidized in the mitochondrial matrix to generate acetyl-CoA for the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Oxidation of acetyl-CoA in the tricarboxylic acid cycle produces NADH and FADH2, which carry electrons to the electron transport chain. The electron transport chain then produces ATP through the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The ATP …