cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent for the treatment of benign esophageal diseases

Background Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) have been proposed for the treatment of benign esophageal diseases. Objective To review our experience with FCSEMSs in patients with benign esophageal diseases. Design Retrospective case review of patients who underwent FCSEMS placement for benign esophageal diseases, including (1) benign strictures from GERD—caustic and idiopathic causes, (2) radiation-induced strictures, (3) anastomotic strictures, (4) esophageal fistulae/leaks, and (5) esophageal perforations. Setting Tertiary-care medical center. Patients This study involved 37 male and 19 female patients (average age 60 years, range 25-94 years) who underwent FCSEMS placement. Intervention FCSEMS placement. Main Outcome Measurements Technical success with stent placement and removal, stent migration, long-term and short-term complications, and treatment success according to clinical symptoms, follow-up endoscopy, or imaging. Results Stent placement was successful in 100 of 107 (93%) procedures, with a total of 104 stents placed. Migration was noted in 37 of 104 (35.6%) stents and was seen more frequently with proximal stents and stents placed for anastomotic strictures. Initial treatment success was seen in 56% of patients with any stricture and in 38% of patients with a fistula/leak or perforation, although data to document long-term resolution were lacking. Limitations This was a retrospective review with patients selected from a tertiary-care medical center. Two endoscopists performed the majority of procedures. Conclusion Temporary placement of FCSEMSs for benign esophageal diseases has moderate clinical efficacy and is limited by stent migration. Removability was easily demonstrated. Newer developments in stent design may improve clinical outcomes for these patients.
Conversion-Electron Expffiment To Characterize The Decay Of The 237 Np Shape Isomer

Conversion electrons from the decay of low-lying levels of /sup 237/Np have been measured to detect the population of these levels by gamma-ray decay of the /sup 237/Np shape isomer. Analysis of the 208-keV transition L conversion-electron peak gives an upper limit of about 17 ..mu..b for the population of the 3/2/sup -/ 267-keV level in /sup 237/Np from the shape isomer decay. Model calculations are compared with the measured limit. Improvements are suggested for this experiment. 9 refs., 4 figs.
PKG and PKA Signaling in LTP at GABAergic Synapses

Drugs of abuse usurp the mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity in areas of the brain, a process that may contribute to the development of addiction. We previously reported that GABAergic synapses onto dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) exhibit long-term potentiation (LTP(GABA)) blocked by in vivo exposure to morphine. The presynaptically maintained LTP requires the retrogradely released nitric oxide (NO) to activate a presynaptic cGMP signaling cascade. Previous work reported that inhibitory GABA(A) receptor synapses in the VTA are also potentiated by cAMP. Here, we explored the interactions between cGMP-dependent (PKG) and cAMP-dependent (PKA) protein kinases in the regulation of these GABAergic synapses and LTP(GABA). Activation of PKG was required for NO-cGMP signaling and was also essential for the induction of synaptically elicited LTP(GABA), but not for its maintenance. Synapses containing GABA(A) receptors were potentiated by NO-cGMP signaling, whereas synapses containing GABA(B) receptors on the same cells were not potentiated. Moreover, although the cAMP-PKA system potentiated GABA(A) synapses, synaptically induced LTP(GABA) was independent of PKA activation. Surprisingly, however, raising cGMP levels saturated potentiation of these synapses, precluding further potentiation by cAMP and suggesting a convergent end point for both signaling pathways in the regulation of GABAergic release. We further found that persistent GABAergic synaptic modifications observed with in vivo morphine did not involve the presynaptic cAMP-PKA cascade. Taken together, our data suggest a synapse-specific role for NO-cGMP-PKG signaling pathway in opioid-induced plasticity of VTA GABA(A) synapses.
Mystical and Archetypal Experiences of Terminal Patients in DPT-Assisted Psychotherapy

Among the different altered states of consciousness facilitated by the adminis tration of psychedelic drugs in a supportive setting, there are two general types of experience that appear to be of potential importance in accelerating and qualitatively enhancing psychotherapeutic processes.* The first type of experience encompasses what might be called "conventional psychodynamic phenomena" such as vivid experiences of regression to childhood and infancy, intensified transference, emotional expression of early deprivation and conflict, and symbolic manifestations of what Stanislav Grof has termed "systems of condensed experience."1 These altered states basically are congruent with mental processes well known in dynamically-oriented psychotherapy that often are presumed to be of importance in contributing to conflict resolution and increased personality integration. Potent as such psychodynamic experiences often appear to be in facilitating psychotherapeutic progress, usually they are not viewed as "religious experiences," except insofar as any intense experience of emotional catharsis and interpersonal acceptance may be deemed to be of some religious import. The second type of experience, on which this article focuses, includes mystical
A carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance study of oxytocin and its oligopeptides.

Abstract Fourier-transformed carbon-13 magnetic resonance spectra at 25.16MHz were obtained for oxytocin and various oligomeric intermediates in dimethylsulfoxide-d 6 and deuterium oxide. All resonances of the oligopeptides were assigned. The C-13 spectra were found to be sensitive to the presence of cis and trans peptide bonds in X-proline peptides. Changes in the resonances of amino acid residues in the cyclic portion of oxytocin were observed upon cyclization of the acyclic nonapeptide precursor. The data indicate no major conformational differences for the hormone in dimethyl sulfoxide and water.
RS5444, a novel PPARγ agonist, regulates aspects of the differentiated phenotype in nontransformed intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is expressed in the intestinal epithelium, yet little is known about the physiological role of PPARγ in the small bowel or the effects of PPARγ on small intestinal epithelial cells. The present studies investigate cellular and genomic effects of PPARγ in nontransformed rat intestinal epithelial cells (RIE). These cells were engineered to express mouse PPARγ1, and thereby to model the molecular phenotype that obtains upon induction of PPARγ at the crypt/villus junction in the small intestine. In these studies, we have used a novel third generation thiazolidinedione derivative, RS5444, which activates PPARγ with an EC50 about 1/50th that of rosiglitazone and has no effect on RIE cells that do not express PPARγ. We used Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays to identify potential PPARγ-regulated processes in RIE cells, including lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell morphology, cell–cell adhesion, and motility. The genomic profile reflects cellular events that occur following PPARγ activation: RS5444 inhibited culture growth and caused irreversible G1 arrest, but did not induce apoptosis. In addition, RS5444 caused dramatic changes in cellular morphology which were associated with increased motility and diminished cellular adherence, but no increase in the ability of such cells to digest and invade Matrigel. Inhibition of proliferation, cell cycle arrest, increased motility, and altered adherence are aspects of the differentiated phenotype of villus epithelial cells, which withdraw from the cell cycle at the crypt/villus interface, migrate to the villus tips, and are subsequently shed by loss of contact with the epithelium and the underlying extracellular matrix. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that PPARγ regulates critical aspects of differentiation in the small intestinal epithelium. Many nuclear receptors regulate differentiation. However, our results point to novel effects of PPARγ on cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, which are not typical of other nuclear receptors.
Determination of hydrolysis constants of metal cations by a transient conductivity method

Abstract A new method for determining hydrolysis constants of metal cations based on measuring transient conductivity changes after pulse irradiation is described and some results presented.
Using a Multicultural Framework to Assess Supervisees' Perceptions of Culturally Competent Supervision

Multicultural competency has been identified as essential to effective and ethical practice, particularly in the area of trainee supervision. Yet little is known about how multicultural issues are addressed in the supervision process. Counseling and psychology trainees who indicated a high degree of interest in multicultural issues were interviewed about their supervisory experiences to assess their perceptions of culturally competent supervision. Constant comparative methodology was used to analyze the data. Limitations and implications for research are discussed.
Application of the least trimmed squares technique to prototype-based clustering

Prototype-based clustering algorithms such as the K-means and the Fuzzy C-Means algorithms are sensitive to noise and outliers. This paper shows how the Least Trimmed Squares technique can be incorporated into prototype-based clustering algorithms to make them robust.
Coccidioidomycosis of the Genitourinary Tract: A Case Report and Discussion

Coccidioides species (Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii) are dimorphic fungi endemic to the Southwestern United States. Initial infection ranges from asymptomatic to mild upper respiratory tract symptoms and may disseminate to other organs including the genitourinary tract. Genitourinary complaints may be the initial presenting signs and symptoms among a minority of patients. We report a case of genitourinary coccidioidomycosis and discussion of genitourinary disease with coccidioidomycosis.
The advanced directive: a fundamental communication

EACH PATIENT IS AN individual with unique health care needs who deserves to have these needs met with holistic consideration of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their being. In the mid 1990s, the landmark Study to Understand Prognoses and Preferences for Outcomes and Risks of Treatment (SUPPORT) revealed that terminally ill persons often died in great physical and emotional pain. One would think that a person’s rights as a patient are inalienable. Today they are, but this has not always been the case.
Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 risk in a child bitten by a Bonnet Macaque monkey.

Abstract Background: Exotic animal importation and trade has the potential to expose the public to a variety of injuries and diseases not endemic to the United States. Bonnet Macaque monkeys are a fairly common primate illegally held in captivity. These monkeys become aggressive as they age past 2 years and are known to carry asymptomatic Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 infection. Objective: This case is presented to illustrate the point that simple wound management alone may not only be insufficient but could be fatal in certain exotic animal bites and that the emergency physician should consult with authorities familiar with exotic animals when treating a patient with an exotic animal bite. Case Report: We present the case of a 2-year-old child that was bitten by his neighbor's pet Bonnet Macaque monkey. This species of Old World monkey carries the Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (simian B virus) 73–100% of the time. This infection in humans can lead to an encephalitis that has a 70% mortality rate. Consultation with animal authorities led to the proper treatment, which included routine wound care, rabies prophylaxis, irrigation with sodium hypochlorite solution, and treatment with antiviral medication. Conclusion: Simple wound management alone may not be enough in patients bitten by exotic animals. Consultation with local zoo officials, veterinary medical schools, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommended in these cases.
Selective changes in μ, δ and ϰ opioid receptor binding in certain limbic regions of the brain in Alzheimer's disease patients

Total opioid binding and levels of the three major types of opioid binding sites were measured in homogenates of various limbic structures from post-mortem brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and age-matched control individuals. The most consistent finding in Alzheimer's disease brains was an increase in kappa binding in all 6 areas of the limbic system examined, with the putamen and caudate regions showing significant increases of 114% and 53%, respectively. In addition, the Alzheimer's disease putamen showed a significantly higher level of total binding (85% increase). The amygdala of Alzheimer's disease patients exhibited significantly lower levels of mu and delta binding (41% and 55% decrease, respectively). Total binding and binding to mu and delta receptors in frontal cortex, caudate and hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease brains was indistinguishable from levels seen in these brain areas from control individuals.
X-ray transition radiation in a solid-state superlattice: photoabsorption, electron scattering, and radiation optimization

Soft x rays are generated when low-energy electron beams traverse a solid-state superlattice. We investigate the influence of x-ray absorption and electron scattering losses on the maximum power radiated, the required electron energy, and the optimum total thickness of the superlattice. We show that a moderate increase in the electron-beam energy compensates for the losses due to photoabsorption and electron scattering.
Fatty Acid Composition of California Grown Almonds

Eight almond (Prunus dulcis L.) cultivars from 12 different California counties, collected during crop years 2004 to 2005 and 2005 to 2006, were extracted with petroleum ether. The extracts were subjected to GC-MS analyses to determine fatty acid composition of soluble lipids. Results indicated palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), and alpha-linolenic (C18:3) acid, respectively, accounted for 5.07% to 6.78%, 57.54% to 73.94%, 19.32% to 35.18%, and 0.04% to 0.10%; of the total lipids. Oleic and linoleic acid were inversely correlated (r=-0.99, P= 0.05) and together accounted for 91.16% to 94.29% of the total soluble lipids. Statistically, fatty acid composition was significantly affected by cultivar and county.
Electrolyte and polyelectrolyte solutions: limitations of scaling laws, osmotic compressibility and thermoelectric power

Abstract The role of counterions in polyelectrolyte solutions is considered. It is demonstrated that the naive application of scaling laws may lead to incorrect results for such physical quantities as osmotic compressibility, neutron scattering, and thermoelectric power.
Partial semitendinosus tendon tear in a young athlete: a case report and review of the distal semitendinosus anatomy.

Distal semitendinosus tears have been infrequently reported in the radiology literature, and a detailed description of the anatomy and imaging features of these injuries is lacking. The semitendinosus tendon is clinically relevant, as it is frequently grafted in knee ligament reconstructions and plays an important role in performing competitive activities. We present a case of a 31-year old man who developed a partial semitendinosus tear during competitive training. This case highlights the common clinical and imaging findings found with distal semitendinosus tears, and explores the various modalities available to treat this injury. We also review the clinically pertinent anatomy of the distal semitendinosus tendon and discuss the pitfalls that musculoskeletal radiologists may encounter, to avoid misdiagnosing these rare injuries.
Elimination of the background integral in the Regge formula

It is shown that under conditions of boundedness of theS-matrix in the left 1/2-plane, the background integral in the Regge formula can be removed. Removal of the background integral forces the introduction of infinite number of fixed poles in addition to the Regge poles. This points out the basic nonremovability of the contribution of the background integral.
Impacts of Forecaster Involvement on Convective Storm Initiation and Evolution Nowcasting

AbstractA forecaster-interactive capability was added to an automated convective storm nowcasting system [Auto-Nowcaster (ANC)] to allow forecasters to enhance the performance of 1-h nowcasts of convective storm initiation and evolution produced every 6 min. This Forecaster-Over-The-Loop (FOTL-ANC) system was tested at the National Weather Service Fort Worth–Dallas, Texas, Weather Forecast Office during daily operations from 2005 to 2010. The forecaster’s role was to enter the locations of surface convergence boundaries into the ANC prior to dissemination of nowcasts to the Center Weather Service Unit. Verification of the FOTL-ANC versus ANC (no human) nowcasts was conducted on the convective scale. Categorical verification scores were computed for 30 subdomains within the forecast domain. Special focus was placed on subdomains that included convergence boundaries for evaluation of forecaster involvement and impact on the FOTL-ANC nowcasts. The probability of detection of convective storms increased by 20...
WiPPET, a virtual testbed for parallel simulations of wireless networks

We describe the TED/C++ implementation of WIPPET, a parallel simulation testbed for evaluating radio resource management algorithms and wireless transport protocols. Versions 0.3 and 0.4 of the testbed model radio propagation (long- and short-scale fading and interference) and protocols for integrated radio resource management in mobile wireless voice networks including the standards based AMPS, NA-TDMA and GSM protocols, and several research oriented protocol families. We provide parallel performance data verifying that the dominant computational demand due to received signal quality calculation can be partitioned geographically by orthogonal radio channels, or in a hybrid manner.
The Perceived Social Costs and Importance of Seeking Emotional Support in the Workplace: Gender Differences and Similarities.

This study investigated gender differences and similarities in the perceived social costs and importance of seeking emotional support regarding work‐related problems. Women perceived such emotional support to be significantly more important than did men. No gender differences were identified with respect to the perceived social costs associated with seeking emotional support from coworkers nor in the proportion of emotional support sources in the workplace. Women had significantly larger emotional support networks than did men, and they were more satisfied with their support networks than were men.
Theories of Collective Action and the Iranian Revolution

Most analyses of the collective actions that led to the Iranian revolution rest upon one of two classical models: social breakdown or social movement. These explanations emphasize such factors as the politicization of recently uprooted migrants, the growth of a new middle class opposing autocracy, the authority of the clergy, and specific aspects of Shiite Islam. Conflicts of interest, capacity for mobilization, coalition formation, and the structure of opportunities that shaped the collective actions of various groups and classes are ignored or downplayed. This paper argues that mobilization and collective action against the monarchy resulted from the adverse effects of state development policies on bazaaris, industrial workers, white-collar employees, and professionals. Bazaaris' mobilization provided an opportunity for other social groups and classes to oppose the government. A coalition of disparate interests, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, brought down the monarchy."
Release of proinflammatory cytokines by mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from critically III multiple-trauma victims

This study investigated the alterations in circulating proinflammatory cytokines and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) after severe trauma. Plasma and PBMCs were collected from 17 severely injured trauma patients and 10 healthy subjects. Plasma was stored at -80 degrees C and analyzed for cytokines. Isolated PBMCs from each subject were stimulated with LPS or PHA and incubated at 5% CO2 for 24 hours. Supernatants were collected and analyzed for cytokines. There was no significant change in the plasma concentration of free TNF-alpha and IL-1beta between healthy subjects and trauma patients. Plasma IL-6, total TNF-alpha, and total IL-1beta were significantly increased in severely traumatized patients compared with healthy control subjects. PBMCs from trauma patients produced higher levels of TNF-alpha in response to LPS but it showed no significant change in IL-1beta and IL-6 production in response to PHA or LPS in comparison to PBMCs from control subjects. We conclude that severe trauma results in a significant increase in plasma proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Free TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in plasma remain at levels comparable to those in uninjured controls, while plasma free IL-6 levels in trauma patients remain high. Serious injury is associated with an enhanced production of TNF-alpha by PBMCs stimulated with LPS.
Human power generation design assessment: an evaluation of ergonomic risk, metabolic burden, and overall design efficiency

The ability to generate power from human motion is gaining more interest as electronic devices become a ubiquitous part of our lives. In this research, we report on a broad assessment of nine human power generation (HPG) devices. The objective of the evaluation was to investigate the impact that HPG design has in terms of ergonomics risks, perceived exertion, energy generation potential, metabolic requirement, and overall energy efficiency. Sixteen participants served as test subjects, each of whom were tasked with using the nine HPG devices. Subject data was collected using electrocardiogram (EKG), respiration, rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and relative perceived exertion (RPE) measures with a Labview system monitoring electrical generation activity attributed to the HPG devices themselves. The results indicated that the designs tested differed significantly in terms of ergonomics risks and overall energy efficiency. Overall, the knee brace and seat compression devices performed best. The lowest rated HPG devices included the slider and stretch pulling designs.
Of mice and not men: differences between mouse and human immunology

Mice are the experimental tool of choice for the majority of immunologists and the study of their immune responses has yielded tremendous insight into the workings of the human immune system. However, as 65 million years of evolution might suggest, there are significant differences. Here we outline known discrepancies in both innate and adaptive immunity, including: balance of leukocyte subsets, defensins, Toll receptors, inducible NO synthase, the NK inhibitory receptor families Ly49 and KIR, FcR, Ig subsets, the B cell (BLNK, Btk, and lambda5) and T cell (ZAP70 and common gamma-chain) signaling pathway components, Thy-1, gammadelta T cells, cytokines and cytokine receptors, Th1/Th2 differentiation, costimulatory molecule expression and function, Ag-presenting function of endothelial cells, and chemokine and chemokine receptor expression. We also provide examples, such as multiple sclerosis and delayed-type hypersensitivity, where complex multicomponent processes differ. Such differences should be taken into account when using mice as preclinical models of human disease.
Measurement of the difference in pp total cross sections for pure parallel and antiparallel transverse-spin states (. delta. sigmasubT) at Tsubp = 487, 639, and 791 MeV

The difference between total cross sections in pure transverse-initial-spin states for the p-p interaction has been measured at Tsubp = 487, 639, and 791 MeV, using a frozen-spin target. A comparison with previous data and available phase-shift analyses is made.
Formation of Lipid Sheaths around Nanoparticle‐Supported Lipid Bilayers

High-surface-area nanoparticles often cluster, with unknown effects on their cellular uptake and environmental impact. In the presence of vesicles or cell membranes, lipid adsorption can occur on the nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), which tend to resist cellular uptake. When the amount of lipid available is in excess compared with that required to form a single-SLB, large aggregates of SLBs enclosed by a close-fitting lipid bilayer sheath are shown to form. The proposed mechanism for this process is one where small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) adsorb to aggregates of SLBs just above the gel-to-liquid phase transition temperature, T(m) , of the lipids (as observed by dynamic light scattering), and then fuse with each other (rather than to the underlying SLBs) upon cooling below T(m) . The sacks of SLB nanoparticles that are formed are encapsulated by the contiguous close-fitting lipid sheath, and precipitate below T(m) , due to reduced hydration repulsion and the absence of undulation/protrusion forces for the lipids attached to the solid support. The single-SLBs can be released above T(m) , where these forces are restored by the free lipid vesicles. This mechanism may be useful for encapsulation/release of drugs/DNA, and has implications for the toxic effects of nanoparticles, which may be mitigated by lipid sequestration.
An Introduction to Stochastic Differential Equations

Chapter 3 develops probabilistic tools needed for the analysis of stochastic problems in the book. It begins with the review of the fundamentals of probability including the notion of conditional expectation, which is very useful in the sequel. This chapter also offers an introduction to the mathematical theory of stochastic processes, including the notion of continuity, measurability, stopping times, martingales,Wiener processes, and Gaussian processes. These concepts enable us to define the so-called Ito integral, the Ito formula, and diffusion processes. An extension of Ito integrals to Hilbert spaces and stochastic convolution integrals are also discussed. An investigation on stochastic differential equations driven by Wiener processes is given at end of the chapter. Special emphasis will be on the boundedness and stability of solutions.
Safety certification of air traffic conflict resolution algorithms involving more than two aircraft

Many future air traffic control tasks will require online safety-critical optimization algorithms. Among these tasks, real-time air traffic conflict resolution involving more than two aircraft is one of the most challenging. Air traffic control systems based on online optimization algorithms must face safety-certification issues such as guaranteed feasibility and guaranteed time of computation. This paper deals with the question of guaranteed feasibility and presents an initial effort at developing an off-line procedure to prove the safety of such an algorithm. The procedure is based on convex optimization technology combined with the so-called S-procedure.
The Role of Small Business in Economic Development of the United States: From the End of the Korean War (1953) to the Present

A government can use its financial strength to acquire goods and services, while at the same time watering many sources to improve the health, welfare, and security of its population. Economic development has been evasive to a significant section of the U.S. and federal programs have attempted to remedy the disparity (ies). We contend that small business is an engine of economic growth and job creation; and that not tapping it delays rather promotes growth. While providing a brief history of federal economic development programs, we argue that small business was not given a chance to act as multiplier, and that if the U.S. is to continue to grow, small businesses must be part of the mantle to lead it to the next level; otherwise, the past is prologue.
General Decomposition of Sequential Machines: Relationships to State Assignment

In this paper, we present new techniques for state assignment of finite state machines based on state machine decomposition algorithms. A finite state machine can be decomposed into smaller interacting machines so as to optimize area and performance of the eventual logic implementation. A recently proposed form of decomposition, which has been shown to be superior to previous decomposition methods, involves identifying subroutines or factors in the original machine and extracting these factors to produce factored and factoring machines. Optimal state assignment corresponds to finding an optimal multiple general decomposition of a finite state machine. We present state assignment techniques targeting two-level and multi-level logic implementations based on factorization algorithms followed by state assignment algorithms. For the two-level case, we prove that one-hot encoding a non-trivially factored machine is guaranteed to produce a better result than one-hot encoding the original machine. Experimental results indicate that this technique of factorization followed by state assignment is superior to previous state assignment techniques for large sequential machines, when targeting either two-level or multi-level implementations.
Urban sprawl and public health

This article discusses the relationship between sprawl and health based on eight considerations: air pollution, heat, physical activity patterns, motor vehicle crashes, pedestrian injuries and deaths, water quality and quantity, mental health, and social capital. The data show both health benefits and health cost. As is true for most public health hazards, the adverse impacts of sprawl do not fall equally across the population, and those who are most affected deserves special attention. We address sprawl on a variety of levels, from personal transportation decisions to local zoning ordinances, from regional mass transit and land-use decisions to federal regulations, it is essential to incorporate health considerations into policy-making. Because the health effects of sprawl are unevenly distributed across the population, it is essential to incorporate considerations of social justice and equity. KW: Hyperthermia in automobiles Language: en
Revision Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Children

Objectives/Hypothesis: Revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in children is uncommon. Causes of failure, however, are not very well delineated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical causes of failure in children after ESS. Study Design: A retrospective review of children who had ESS at a tertiary children's referral center between 1993 and 2005 for chronic rhinosinusitis. Methods: ESS was performed on 243 children. Children with cystic fibrosis, immune deficiency/suppression, and ciliary abnormalities were excluded because the reasons of failure in those children are well known. Data were available on 176 children with at least one year of follow-up. Results: Twenty-three (13%) children required revision. The most common finding was adhesions in 57%, followed by maxillary sinus ostium stenosis or missed maxillary sinus ostium in 52% of the cases. In 39% of the cases, there was recurrent disease in the sinuses that were operated on initially. Interestingly, however, we found that in 26% surgery was needed because of disease that was present in nonoperated sinuses during the primary ESS. A deviated septum and a mucocele were the cause of failure in 17% and 13% of the patients, respectively. Presence of asthma and younger age contributed to the failure in some of these children. Conclusions: Adhesions and a scarred, narrow maxillary sinus ostium were the most common cause of failure in children after ESS. Steps taken during surgery may be required to help reduce the need for revision in particular for younger asthmatic children. Laryngoscope, 2009
Three Tests of Glottochronological Theory

SINCE glottochronology is by all odds the most challenging hypothesis about linguistic history since Sapir's Time Perspective, the methodology prescribed for testing it deserves careful scrutiny. I take it that none of us are either "for" or "against" the hypothesis but rather, surpassingly interested in how it responds to test. It follows that the tests should be as fair as possible, in terms of the underlying assumptions of the theory. My concern here is with three aspects of the theory which have received relatively little attention in the praiseworthy corrections and additions to the theory by Swadesh and others, and in tests of the hypothesis by them. These
Influence of cofactor binding and active site occupancy on the conformation of the macromolecular substrate exosite of factor VIIa.

Abstract The catalytic activity of the trypsin-like serine protease coagulation factor VIIa is allosterically regulated. In this work, we employed monoclonal antibodies as probes to analyze conformational changes in the VII protease domain that are induced by zymogen activation, cofactor tissue factor (TF) binding, and active site occupancy. The epitopes of three monoclonal antibodies were mapped using a panel of 57 individual alanine replacement mutants in the protease domain. Two of the antibodies had typical “hot spot” epitopes in a basic cluster above the active site cleft and antibody binding to these epitopes was not affected by zymogen activation, TF binding, or active site occupancy. In contrast, the binding kinetics of VII/VIIa to a monoclonal antibody that mapped to an extended epitope overlapping with the macromolecular substrate exosite was affected by each of the conformational transitions of the VIIa protease domain. The changes in antibody affinity are consistent with a transition from zymogen VII to the TF·VIIa complex, with free enzyme VIIa as an intermediate that retains some zymogen-like features responsible for its low catalytic activity. In contrast, active site occupancy resulted in effects that were qualitatively different from the effects of zymogen activation on the antibody epitope. This provides novel insight into the conformational interdependence between the active site, the region for macromolecular substrate recognition, and the cofactor binding exosite of this allosterically regulated serine protease.
Commentary: SES, Ethnicity and Goodness-of-Fit in Clinician-Parent Communication during Pediatric Cancer Trials

leukemia. In particular, their findings should encourage other investigators to evaluate the multidimensional factors influencing whether parental permission for children’s participation in cancer trials is informed, rationale, and voluntary. First, they selected sites that enabled examination of ICC assets and barriers posed by parent socioeconomic status and ethnicity. Second, they developed a model to test previously unexamined causal links among parent demographics, clinician communication styles, parental questions during the ICC, and parental emotional reactions to and understanding of ICC communication about pediatric cancer trials. Third, they used a multi-method approach to provide both contemporaneous behavioral and retrospective attitudinal data relevant to the effectiveness of the ICC. Finally, drawing upon previous measures of clinician efficacy and parental distress, they operationalized partnership building, rapport building, information-giving, and informationseeking into measurable clinician and parent behaviors and obtained quantifiable self-reports of parental anxiety and control. Their approach is a model of theory testing that takes into account the contributions of both parent and clinician factors to family understanding and anxiety following informed consent.
Gravity and Shear Wave Contributions to Nearshore Infragravity Motions

Abstract Data from a cross-shore array of nine collocated pressure sensors and bidirectional current meters, extending from the shoreline to approximately 4.5-m depth, are used to estimate the relative contributions of gravity waves (e.g., edge and leaky waves) and instabilities of the alongshore current (shear waves) to motions in the infragravity (frequencies nominally 0.004–0.05 Hz) band. The ratio between frequency-integrated velocity and pressure variances is shown to be approximately equal to g/h for a broad spectrum of gravity waves independent of the mode mix of edge and leaky waves. Since shear waves have velocity to pressure variance ratios ≫ g/h, this ratio can be used to estimate the relative contributions of gravity and shear waves to the infragravity band. Outside the surf zone where the shear in the alongshore current is relatively weak, the observed velocity to pressure variance ratios are approximately equal to g/h, consistent with a gravity-dominated wave field. Inside the surf zone wher...
Ni-Enrichment and its Influence on the Structure Chemistry and Bonding of Grain Boundaries in Ni3Al

Small angle [001] twist boundaries and [001[(110) tilt boundaries in B-free and B-doped Ni-rich Ni3AI (76 at. pet. Ni) were examined using conventional electron microscopy techniques as well as annular dark field (ADF) imaging, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and spatially resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) in an UHV scanning transmission electron microscope. The interface structure consists of periodically spaced pairs of a/2 partial dislocations, linked by an antiphase boundary (APB). An analysis of the separation of the partials gives APB energies which are lower than in bulk Ni3Al and which decrease with increasing misorientation angle. EELS, XRF and ADF imaging demonstrate that the APBs are Ni-rich. The observations on the APB chemistry and energy taken together lead to the conclusion that Ni-enrichment occurs to lower boundary energy by decreasing the number of high energy Al-Al bonds across the APB. These results on small angle boundaries lead to the suggestion that Ni-enrichment also occurs at large angle boundaries to decrease the number of high energy bonds across the interface.
Analysis of Anhydrous and Hydrated Surface Energies of gamma-Al2O3 by Water Adsorption Microcalorimetry

Surface energies have postulated importance to catalysis, crystal growth, sintering, polymorphism, and many other fields. This importance is even more critical when dealing with nanostructured materials, where the surface-to-volume ratio is considerably higher and the surface term accounts for a much larger fraction of the total free energy. Here we present a novel approach to experimentally assess the average anhydrous and hydrated surface energies of oxides, and used the method to determine the surface energy of gamma-alumina. The method uses a water adsorption setup combined with a microcalorimeter where the heat of adsorption can be monitored as a function of the adsorbed amount. Maintaining a closed system, the approach enables the correlation of the molecular configuration of absorbed water with the thermodynamic data, and hence the definition of the point where a liquid water configuration exists (at high relative humidity). This information allows the calculation of the surface energy at room temp...
Monitor-Based In-Field Wearout Mitigation for CMOS LC Oscillators

Failure due to aging mechanisms is an important concern for RF circuits. In-field aging results in continuous degradation of circuit performances before they cause catastrophic failures. In this regard, the lifetime of RF/analog circuits, which is defined as the point where at least one specification fails, is determined not only by aging at the device level but also by the slack in the specifications, process variations, and the stress conditions on each of the devices. In this paper, we present a methodology for analyzing, monitoring, and recovering performance degradation in cross-coupled $\text{LC}$ oscillators caused by aging mechanisms in MOSFET devices. At design time, we identify reliability hot spots and concentrate our efforts on improving these components. We also identify the circuit variable that is easy to measure but highly correlated to the performance of the primary circuit and codesign the monitoring and reconfiguration mechanism along with the primary circuit. Experimental results with a fabricated oscillator chip show that the phase noise of the oscillator degraded by 1.5 dB over ten days (240 h) of accelerated stress conditions, and this loss can be recovered by the proposed mitigation scheme.
Effect of Multivalent Vaccine in the Prevention of Recurrent Respiratory Infection of Children

Objective To study the efficacy of a multivalent vaccine(Lantigen B) in the prevention of recurrent respiratory infection(RRI) of children.Methods The children with RRI were divided into trial group and control group.The trial group received Lantigen B and followed up for 12 months,recorded the relevant clinical parameters and collected sIgA levels in saliva of children,with the differences before and after vaccination compared.The control group was followed up for 12 months and given corresponding records,with the differences between two groups compared.Results After treatment with Lantigen B,the infection days,days of fever,days of pharyngalgia,and days of cough reduced significantly(P0.01) in the trial group.The sIgA concentration increased significantly(P0.01) in the 4th,8th,and 12th week of observation period in the trial group.The control group was longer in infection days,days of fever,days of pharyngalgia,and days of cough(P0.01) in the 12th week compared with the trial group.The sIgA concentration in the trial group was higher than control(P0.01) in the 12th week.Conclusion The polyvalent bacterial vaccine helps to reduce the incidence of RRI in children;it is worth promotion.
The influence of insulin-like growth factor 1 on protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscle of rats with chronic renal failure

objective Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are frequently malnourished,skeletal muscle atrophy and protein depleted.Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an anabolic hormone. The actions of IGF-1 on protein turnoer were examined in skeletal musde of rats with CRF and sham operated (SO), pair-fed controls. IGF-1 was extracted from serum and skeletal muscle and then measured by radio-immunoassay (RIA). Total tyrosine in the supernatant from the medium was measured fluorometrically and then basal protein synthess rate and degradation rate in skeletal muscle were calculated. The results showed that IGF-1 levels in serum and in skeletal muscle in the CRF rats were 170. 3 ±16. 4 ng/ml and 4. 22 ±1.03ng/grams respectively. These values were significantly lower than in the SO rats (410. 4 ±49. 3ng/ml in serum and 6. 93 ±1. 41ng/grams in muscle, respectively ,P 0. 001 for each comparison). The basal protein synthesis rate in epitrochlearis muscle of the CRF rats (24.0±2. 1 nmol Tyr/grams per hour) was significantly lower, by 22 %, than that of SO, pair-fed rats (30. 8 ±2. 4nmol Tyr/grams per hour, P0. 05 ). In contrast, the basal protein degradation rate in the epitrochlearis muscle of the CRF rats (234. 4 ±13.8nmol Tyr/grams per hour) was increased by 78 % in comparison to SO rats (131. 7 ±8. 4nmol Tyr/grams per hour, P 0. 001).Dose response curves of rhIGF-1 showed that the effects of rhIGF-1 on muscle protein synthesis and degradation in CRF rats were markedly attenuated as compared to their SO pair-fed controls. The enhancement in protein synthesis induced by increasing concentrations of rhIGF-1 (ranging from 25 to 500ng/ml) in CRF rats was only 25 to 44 % of that in SO rats. Similarly, the suppressive effects of the various concentrations of rhIGF-1 on protein degradation in muscle from CRF rats were only 15 to 42 % of those found in SO rats. These data indicate that there are impaired actions of rhIGF-1 on protein synthesis and degradation in skeletal muscle of rats with CRF.These findings suggest that the decreased IGF-1 levels in serum and in skeletal muscle, the resistance to the anabolic effects of IGF-1 on protein metabolism may be the main causes of reduced protein synthesis and enhanced protein degradation in muscle,muscle atrophy and malnutrition in patients with CRF.
Housing and Social and Material Vulnerabilities

AbstractIssues around the materiality of housing and inequality are increasingly important today. Yet, housing researchers have not settled on conceptual tools to account for and study the role of both social and material characteristics of people and their housing. Outlining a new research agenda, I use the idea of social and material vulnerabilities to stress the need to always account for how material and social characteristics relate in myriad ways that render some people and certain material environments more vulnerable than others. I suggest typologies and comparisons as useful tools researchers might use to investigate relationships – that can be malleable yet are often institutionalized – between social and material vulnerabilities, and caution against some assumptions that may skew our understandings of housing. I argue that attending to the social and material vulnerabilities of housing reveals ways in which the materiality of other built environments might also be important.