cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory studies of magnetic levitation in the thin track limit

Thermographic techniques and rotating wheel experiments are used to examine magnetic forces and dynamics of levitated models. Induced track current and magnetic pressure distributions for moving superconducting levitation coils are infered from laboratory tests on coils with sinusoidal currents. Magnetic search coils and liquid crystal and infrared thermography are used to determine current patterns in thin aluminum plates. Theoretical justification for these methods is given and shows that sinusoidally induced patterns are similar to motion induced current distributions in the high speed thin track limit. The dynamics of a freely magnetically levitating model on a "V" groove rotating thin track shows that stable motions are possible for the "V" track. These tests also show that drag coupled yaw-roll-lateral instabilities are possible for certain model geometries.
The 2010 Midwinter Conference of Immunologists at Asilomar.

A diverse group of immunologists gathered recently at Asilomar, California, to discuss advances in the theory and practice of their field. The pristine setting and informal atmosphere have always made this a unique and memorable conference.
An empirical study of organizational culture and network-based computer use

Abstract This study investigated the influence of organizational culture on computer-mediated communication and information access (CMCIA). A validated instrument to assess CMCIA and organizational culture was used. Organizational culture was treated as a shared set of norms and values. Meaningful CMCIA occurs when computer-network technology is maximally exploited to amplify individual information processing actions to foster organizational excellence. CMCIA was measured by a weighted user-satisfaction importance rating. Both organizational culture and CMCIA were measured empirically by administering questionnaires to respondents in organizations that use computer networks. A non-experimental field study was employed to test the hypothesis that particular types of organizational cultures foster computer-network effectiveness while other types hinder it. The usable response rate was 45%. Eight organizations were used for data analysis. Statistically significant findings showed that organizational culture interacts with the degree of use to affect user satisfaction with CMCIA. In task-oriented organizations, user satisfaction with CMCIA was positively related to degree of use. People-oriented organizations displayed a negative relationship between degree of use and user satisfaction with CMCIA. These results can be used when designing implementation strategies for information systems that have the potential to affect whole departments or organizations.
Curcumin: A naturally occurring long-wavelength photosensitizer for diaryliodonium salts

Curcumin, a naturally occurring, intensely yellow dye extracted from the spice turmeric, is an efficient photosensitizer for diaryliodonium salt photoinitiators at wavelengths ranging from 340 to 535 nm. With curcumin as a photosensitizer, it is possible to carry out the cationic photopolymerization of a wide variety of epoxide, oxetane, and vinyl monomers with long-wavelength UV and visible light. An example of the photopolymerization of an epoxide monomer with ambient solar irradiation is provided. Several other curcumin analogues were synthesized, and their use as photosensitizers is examined. With such photosensitizers, the range of spectral sensitivity can be extended well into the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5217–5231, 2005
Vessel-sparing technique for coil occlusion of the very small patent ductus arteriosus

A technique is described for coil occlusion of the small patent ductus arteriosus through a 4 French arterial catheter. The need for a 5 French sheath and catheter to stabilize the 3 French size delivery catheter system is obviated. The method is proposed as a way to minimize arterial vascular injury in the small patient undergoing transcatheter occlusion of the small ductus.
Synthesis of Novel Polysiloxanes Containing Charge Transporting and Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Functionalities with Atom Economical Constructs

Novel, highly functionalized polysiloxanes were prepared in which each repeat unit bears, on average, one charge transporting and one to two second-order nonlinear optical chromophores. Covalent attachment of charge-transporting carbazole or diphenylamine derivatives was realized through efficient Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation. Poly(hydrogen methylsiloxane) was reacted with 9-(2-propenyl)carbazole or (N-phenyl-N-2-propenylamino)benzene, affording poly[methyl-3-(9-carbazolyl)propylsiloxane] and poly[methyl-3-(N,N-diphenylamino)propylsiloxane], respectively. Rather remarkable regiospecific bromination of the two arylamine-containing siloxane polymers was achieved using benzyltrimethylammonium chlorobromate, resulting in the formation of poly[methyl-3-(N(3,6-dibromocarbazolyl))propylsiloxane] and poly[methyl-3-(N,N-bis(4-bromophenyl)amino)propylsiloxane]. Pd-catalyzed Heck-type coupling of the arylbromide-bearing polysiloxanes with either vinylbenzenephosphonic acid diethyl ester or 4-nitrostyrene afforded st...
Thermodynamic binding parameters of individual epitopes of multivalent carbohydrates to concanavalin a as determined by "reverse" isothermal titration microcalorimetry

The preceding paper [Dam, T. K., Roy, R., Page, D., and Brewer, C. F. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 1351−1358] demonstrated that Hill plots of isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) data for the binding of di-, tri-, and tetravalent carbohydrate analogues possessing terminal 3,6-di-O-(α-d-mannopyranosyl)-α-d-mannopyranoside residues to the lectin concanavalin A (ConA) show increasing negative cooperativity upon binding of the analogues to the lectin. The present study demonstrates “reverse” ITC experiments in which the lectin is titrated into solutions of di- and trivalent analogues. The results provide direct determinations of the thermodynamics of binding of ConA to the individual epitopes of the two multivalent analogues. The n values (number of binding sites per carbohydrate molecule) derived from reverse ITC demonstrate two functional binding epitopes on both the di- and trivalent analogues, confirming previous “normal” ITC results with the two carbohydrates [Dam, T. K., Roy, R., Das, S. K., Oscarson,...
Geografías de género y sexuales de la negrura: heterotopías anti negro (parte 1)

This editorial theorizes the spatialization of black gender and sexual minorities. We examine the ways in which race, gender, and sexuality work to complicate the geographies of black gender and sexual marginality. Drawing on insights from Foucault's theory of heterotopia, we develop the concept of anti-black heterotopias to understand the spatial ordering of black gender and sexuality within the larger geographies of black people. We contend that if anti-black racism forces black people to live within contained landscapes that exist on the margins of whiteness, then black gender and sexual minorities, who are subject to violence and public ridicule, live in a placeless space, a location with no coordinates. In other words, the heterosexism/homophobia toward black gender and sexual minorities that is expressed in socio/spatial terms is complicit with the spatialization of anti-black racism. We also use anti-black heterotopias as a way to situate the eight articles in parts 1 and 2 of this themed section, ...
Differential experiences of men and women in computerized offices

This study presents data from a multiple-instrument, multisite, two-wave study of the implementation of computerized procedures in offices in order to examine whether this technological innovation differentially affects men and women employees. It explores the possibility that men in offices are benefiting more in terms of career enhancement than are women. Preliminary analyses provide some support for the hypothesis: Men in computerized offices bring more relevant skills to the workplace, are in more influential positions there, and make more computer-related decisions. However, analyses that control for job category show that women are generally satisfied with the training they received and report fewer problems of access to needed computer equipment, software, applications, and help. Women are also somewhat more optimistic than men about the benefits of computer technology for white-collar workers.
Functional interaction of Src family kinases with the acetylcholine receptor in C2 myotubes.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the β subunit of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) has been postulated to play a role in AChR clustering during development of the neuromuscular junction. We have investigated the mechanism of this phosphorylation in mammalian C2 myotubes and report that the tyrosine kinase Src binds and phosphorylates glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins containing the N-terminal half of the cytoplasmic loop of the β subunit. No binding occurs to the related kinases Fyn or Yes or to the corresponding regions from the γ and δ subunits. Furthermore, AChRs affinity-isolated from C2 myotubes using α-bungarotoxin-Sepharose were specifically associated with Src and Fyn and had tyrosine-phosphorylated β subunits. We suggest that AChRs are initially phosphorylated by Src and subsequently bind Fyn in a phosphotyrosine-dependent manner. These interactions are likely to play an important role in construction of the specialized postsynaptic membrane during synaptogenesis.
Photolithographic Fabrication and Physiological Performance of Microelectrode Arrays for Neural Stimulation

The development of an auditory cochlear prosthesis which works by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve creates the need for a multielectrode stimulation array which is small in size, rugged, resistant to electrolysis, and stable and reproducible in its electrical and mechanical properties. This paper describes the fabrication of such microelectrode arrays using planar lithographic techniques.
Aggregation of sensory input for robust performance in chemical sensing microsystems

Abstract This paper demonstrates the usefulness of aggregating information generated from arrays of chemical sensors for improving the ability to discriminate among target chemicals and their potential interferents. Two types of aggregation methods are evaluated; the first set do not compress the data, but incorporate effects from neighboring sensors into the output of each sensor in an array. The second method does result in compression of data and aggregates multiple sensor outputs into a single, more robust signal. Methods for processing data and aggregating and smoothing outputs from arrays of tin-oxide sensors are comparatively analyzed. Processing parameters studied include those related to simple averaging, linear-weighted averaging, and exponential smoothing across operating temperature and across type of sensing film in the dimensionality of the array. Aggregation techniques are evaluated during various stages of both the transient and steady-state response of the array to quantify the early decision-making capability of the array over that of a single or small number of unprocessed sensors. Aggregation strategies are studied in combination, and results are extracted by quantitatively measuring the goodness of clustering for each case. Cluster analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA), is used to determine which of these processing techniques are most effective. It is shown that aggregation methods, whether they reduce transmission bandwidth or not, improve the performance of a 30-element, tin-oxide heterogeneous sensor array in discriminating among common breath alcohol components (ethanols), their interferents (acetone, formaldehyde, isopropyl), and a contrast substance (ammonia). Aggregation generates a best-case 42% improvement in separability of clusters and 6.25% improvement in the tightness of clusters. Results are shown that clearly demonstrate the usefulness of aggregation in heterogeneous arrays among sensors whose outputs possess an appreciably degree of correlation (overlapping specificity).
Synthesis, characterization, and manipulation of dendrimer-stabilized iron sulfide nanoparticles

FeS nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using ethylenediamine core poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of generation 4 terminated with amino (G4NH2), hydroxyl (G4NGlyOH), and carboxyl (G4SAH) groups, respectively, as stabilizers. These dendrimer-stabilized FeS NPs (FeS DSNPs) were characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrometry, zeta-potential measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Deposition of FeS NPs onto mesoporous silica gel microparticles was attempted using two approaches: (A) direct coating of {FeS–G4NH2} DSNPs onto silica particles; and (B) using G4NH2-coated silica particles to incorporate Fe2+ ions for the subsequent formation of FeS NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies show that approach (B) was much more efficient in the incorporation of FeS NPs than approach (A). Such preparation and manipulation of FeS DSNPs provides a unique strategy for fabricating various reactive nanoplatforms for environmental remediation applications.
Iridoid glycosides from some butterflies and their larval food plants

Abstract Catalpol was the major iridoid glycoside isolated from Penstemon newberryi and P. strictus . Catalpol was found in the butterflies Euphydryas chalcedona and E. anicia whose larvae consume these plant species. P. griffinii , a possible larval host for E. anicia , did not contain catalpol, but contained other iridoid glycosides. Thessalia theona , a butterfly from Costa Rica whose larval food plant is unknown, contained only 6-β-hydroxyipolamide, a type of iridoid glycoside known only from the Verbenaceae, and not previously found in any Lepidoptera. A new iridoid glycoside, 10-bisfoliamenthoylcatalpol, was isolated from P. newberryi .
Training parents as behavior therapists for their autistic children

Abstract This review examines the use of behavioral procedures with autistic children. There is a focus on the role of parents as teachers, particularly in the acquisition of language. The use of parents as teachers is placed in an historical context and procedures for teaching speech are described in some detail. There is consideration of the importance of language environment for facilitating speech. Finally, the authors examine the clinical usues that arise in parent training.
Purification and characterization of the flavin prosthetic group of sarcosine dehydrogenase.

Abstract The flavin prosthetic group of sarcosine dehydrogenase from rat liver mitochondria has been separated from other mitochondrial acid-extractable and acid-non-extractable flavins and purified by chromatography on Florisil, Dowex 1, CM Sephadex, and DEAE-Sephadex. The flavin is similar to that isolated previously from succinate dehydrogenase of beef and pig heart mitochondria. Characteristically, the flavin cannot be released from the apoenzyme by precipitation of the protein with trichloracetic acid, but can be solubilized by hydrolysis of the protein with trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, and other proteases. The oxidized mononucleotide form of the flavin exhibits an absorption spectrum almost identical with that of the flavin of succinate dehydrogenase. Maxima occur at 351 and 445 mμ with a 351:445 mμ ratio of 0.77. A maximum is found at 268 mμ with a 268:445 mμ ratio of 2.9. The fluorescence emission of the flavin occurs at approximately 523 mμ and exhibits a maximum fluorescence at pH 3, even when isolated as a mononucleotide. The data support the conclusion that the native state of the flavin is a dinucleotide. The midpoint reduction potential at pH 7.0 of the flavin is approximately −167 mV at 26 °C.
Effect of Block Net Use and Time of Sampling on Backpack Electrofishing Catches in Three Kansas Reservoirs

Abstract Using backpack electrofishing in three Kansas reservoirs, we investigated the need for block nets when estimating density (fish/ha) and species diversity and determined whether time of sampling affected catch rates (fish/h) of age-0 largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and age-0 Lepomis spp. and species diversity. Block nets were used to enclose or buoys were used to mark the boundaries of 149 m2 of reservoir surface area. Species richness, diversity, and density of age-0 largemouth bass and Lepomis spp. did not differ significantly between areas enclosed with block nets and areas marked with buoys, but species richness, diversity, and catch rates differed significantly between day and night sampling. Age-0 largemouth bass and Lepomis spp. catch rates, species richness, and species diversity were all significantly higher during night sampling. Our results indicate that use of block nets may not be necessary to estimate age-0 largemouth bass and Lepomis spp. densities, species richness, or divers...
Plant facilitation in extreme environments: The non-random distribution of saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) under their nurse associates and the relationship to nurse architecture

Abstract This study samples 247 saguaros ( Carnegiea gigantea ) and their nurses in 30 populations in the northern Sonoran Desert to determine whether saguaros are randomly distributed beneath their nurses’ canopies. Saguaro–nurse association patterns are compared across three nurse groups distinguished by canopy architecture characteristics (leguminous trees, small dense Ambrosia spp. shrubs, and the larger, open-canopied shrub Larrea tridentata ). For all three nurse types, saguaros are significantly clustered near the center of their nurse's base. Clustering varies with nurse architecture, as saguaros are most tightly clumped under the most open-canopied species ( L. tridentata ), as more than 80% of saguaros were under the innermost 10% of L. tridentata 's subcanopy area. Saguaros showed the least basal clustering about tree nurses, though not significantly less than Ambrosia spp. nurses. More saguaros establish under Ambrosia relative to its cover in sampled populations, while saguaros were underrepresented under L. tridentata . All analyses suggest that L. tridentata is an inferior nurse for saguaros. Different canopy architecture influences the extent of ground available to a nursed species to benefit from, for establishment and survival. While herbivory, rodents or other factors may play a role in these patterns, ultimately microclimate differences are the most likely factor shaping cacti–nurse associations in the harsh desert environment.
Comparison of quantitative wall-motion analysis and strain for detection of coronary stenosis with three-dimensional dobutamine stress echocardiography.

Background Quantitative analysis of wall motion from three-dimensional (3D) dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) could provide additional diagnostic information not available from qualitative analysis. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of 3D fractional shortening (3DFS), a measure of wall motion computed from 3D echocardiography (3DE), to strain and strain rate measured with sonomicrometry for detecting critical stenoses during DSE. Methods Eleven open-chest dogs underwent DSE both with and without a critical stenosis. 3DFS was measured from 3DE images acquired at peak stress. 3DFS was normalized by subtracting average 3DFS during control peak stress (∆3DFS). Strains in the perfusion defect (PD) were measured from sonomicrometry, and PD size and location were measured with microspheres. Results A ∆3DFS abnormality indicated the presence of a critical stenosis with high sensitivity and specificity (88% and 100%, respectively), and ∆3DFS abnormality size correlated with PD size (R2 = 0.54). The sensitivity and specificity for ∆3DFS were similar to that for area strain (88%, 100%) and circumferential strain and strain rate (88%, 92% and 88%, 86%, respectively), while longitudinal strain and strain rate were less specific. ∆3DFS correlated significantly with both coronary flow reserve (R2 = 0.71) and PD size (R2 = 0.97), while area strain correlated with PD size only (R2 = 0.67), and other measures were not significantly correlated with flow reserve or PD size. Conclusion Quantitative wall-motion analysis using ∆3DFS is effective for detecting critical stenoses during DSE, performing similar to 3D strain, and provides potentially useful information on the size and location of a perfusion defect.
Gender Variations in the Levels of Social Support and Risk of Elder Mistreatment in a Chinese Community Population

This study aimed to examine gender differences in social support and risk of elder mistreatment (EM) in a community-dwelling Chinese population. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of 141 women and 270 men aged 60 years or above. EM was assessed using the modified Vulnerability to Abuse Screening Scale (VASS), and social support was measured using the Social Support Index (SSI). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic status, depression, loneliness, and medical conditions, lower levels of social support were associated with an increased odds of EM in men (odds ratio [OR] = 5.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.18-13.15, p
T-lymphocyte differentiation in vitro in primary immunodeficiency diseases.

Abstract The effect of thymus extract on the development of cell surface antigenicity in two patients with primary immunodeficiency was studied and compared. A stem cell fraction from bone marrow preparations of a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency failed to develop cells with antigenic markers of T-lymphocytes while that of a patient with common variable form of immunodeficiency who had both severe functional deficits of T-lymphocytes and agammaglobulinemia developed cells with such markers after treatment with thymus extract. These findings indicate that the two forms of severe combined immunodeficiency disease studied have different bases which may be reflected in differences of response to differentiative influence of thymus extract.
Biodegradable nanocomposites from cellulose acetate: Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties

Abstract Environmentally benign nanocomposites were synthesized using cellulose acetate (CA) bioplastic, citrate based plasticizer and organically modified clay nanofillers to eventually substitute the existing petroleum-based polypropylene/thermoplastic olefins (PP/TPO) based composites in automotive applications. Method of processing, amount of clay, and processing conditions were thoroughly investigated to make exfoliated and/or intercalated clay/CA nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the existence of intercalated clay dispersed throughout the CA matrix. The intercalated reinforcements resulted in enhancements of the composite tensile strength, tensile modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and heat deflection temperature (HDT). The composite tensile strength of CA increased approximately 38% after incorporating 5 wt% clay. The tensile modulus was also enhanced as much as 33%. The HDT of CA plastics slightly increased as a result of reinforcing with the clay nanofiller. A slight reduction in CTE value was observed after addition of 5% clay. A moderate interfacial region resulting from curve fitting of experimental tensile modulus data vs. three-phase model suggested a moderate adhesion between clay and CA matrix. Our future research direction is to utilize an appropriate compatibilizer to enhance the miscibility between the clay and the matrix so as to improve adhesion and thus enhance mechanical and thermal properties.
Reduced rates of cancer-related worries and mortality associated with guideline surveillance after breast cancer therapy.

Objective. Guidelines have been developed for appropriate post-therapy surveillance for breast cancer recurrence. Two objectives of post-therapy surveillance are to support and counsel patients and to detect potentially curable local recurrences and new cancers in the opposite breast. The objective of this investigation was to assess the impact of guideline surveillance (history, physical examination, and annual mammography) on cancer-related worries and all-cause mortality. Study design and setting. We collected data on a cohort of 303 Massachusetts women with stages I or II breast cancer diagnosed between 1992 and 1994. Cases were women with increasing cancer-related worries or decedents. We used risk-set sampling to match five controls to each case on follow-up time. Cases and members of their matched risk set were characterized with respect to receipt of guideline surveillance and covariates preceding the date of their outcomes. Results. The adjusted odds ratio associating guideline surveillance in the preceding year with an increase in cancer-related worries equaled 0.37 (95% CI=0.14–0.99). The adjusted odds ratio associating continuous guideline surveillance with all-cause mortality equaled 0.66 (95% CI=0.51-0.86). Conclusion. The results are consistent with the stated objectives of surveillance follow-up of breast cancer patients after the completion of their primary therapy.
Hyoid Bone Advancement for Improving Airway Patency: Cadaver Study of a Magnet-Based System

Objective. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of anterior forces applied to the hyoid bone on upper airway dimensions and airflow. The study also evaluated the feasibility of applyin...
The Surgical Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

▪ Abstract Surgical treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can provide gratifying symptomatic improvements for many individuals who suffer from persistent disabling symptoms despite the best availab...
Civic Education: Lessons Learned.

grade civics in a more advanced form-the role for higher education is inevitably a modest one. This is no less true if the goal is solely to proselytize students to vote and pay attention to politics. Over the past year, a group of colleagues and I have been engaged in a pilot project with the more ambitious goal of educating undergraduate students in San Francisco to become, and remain, actively involved in strengthening their communities and enhancing social justice. At the same time, we have designed our civic education project to involve students closely in the search for common ground among public and private civic leaders with diverse perspectives on challenges facing San Francisco. In this article I describe our
The American Orthopaedic Association-Japanese Orthopaedic Association 2010 Traveling Fellowship

We all arrived safely in Fukuoka, Japan, on the evening of May 17, excited by the educational and cultural opportunities offered by the American Orthopaedic Association-Japanese Orthopaedic Association (AOA-JOA) Traveling Fellowship. Our group included Ivan Cheng, MD, a spine surgeon from Stanford University; Russell Huffman, MD, a shoulder and elbow specialist from the University of Pennsylvania; Alpesh Patel, MD, a spine surgeon from the University of Utah; and Jeffrey Yao, MD, a hand surgeon from Stanford University (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 The AOA-JOA Traveling Fellows (left to right): Alpesh Patel, Jeffrey Yao, Ivan Cheng, and Russell Huffman. We were greeted the next morning by Dr. Yoshinari Nakamura, a hip specialist, and were brought to the Fukuoka University Hospital, where we were introduced to Dr. Masatoshi Naito, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and President of the hospital. Dr. Yao operated with Dr. Osamu Soejima at the Fukuoka Sanno Hospital, a private hospital near the University. Dr. Yao demonstrated a wrist arthroscopy procedure for Dr. Soejima and his fellows and residents. Dr. Huffman observed an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with Dr. Izaki, and Drs. Patel and Cheng learned a new impaction grafting technique for vertebral insufficiency fractures from Dr. Arimizu. After surgery, we presented our research to the department and had a thought-provoking question-and-answer session led by Dr. Naito. This was followed by an outstanding sushi dinner hosted by Dr. Naito and attended by members of Fukuoka University's Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Fig. 2). Fig. 2 The Fellows with Professor Naito, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Fukuoka University (first row, third from right), and members of the department. The next day, we enjoyed a tour of the major sites in Fukuoka led by Dr. Tanada, a senior resident in the department. Fukuoka is Japan's gateway to the rest of …
Reflections on the Darwin-Descartes Problem

Darwin's evolutionary theory of the emergence of the human species posed an implicit challenge to proponents of what then was the major philosophy of mind, namely, Cartesian Dualism in all of its variants. In this paper, I argue that the pursuit of "materialist" solutions to the Cartesian problematic became intense after the work of Huxley and others in the Darwinian camp. I argue that the many efforts to "materialize" the "mind" ultimately failed due to the neglect by such theorists of the logic of the so-called "mental predicates" in language. I discuss this issue in relation to the work of Mead, Brentano, Chomsky, Toulmin, Shanker and Noble, and conclude that Wittgenstein's attack on the conception of a "private language" of the "mental" enables us to emancipate ourselves from the last philosophical hurdle confronting Darwinism: the problem of "mind".
Safety and Effectiveness of Adjunctive Intra-Arterial Abciximab in the Management of Acute Limb Ischemia.

Background Contemporary endovascular management of acute limb ischemia (ALI) generally consists of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) based catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with or without pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT). Although abciximab (Reopro), a GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, is widely used in coronary revascularization, its safety and effectiveness in the treatment of ALI are unknown. Here, we review our contemporary experience with the endovascular management of ALI and assess the safety and effectiveness of abciximab. Methods A total of 49 consecutive patients with Rutherford class II (RII) ALI undergoing CDT for ALI from 2011 to 2014 was identified. Demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were assessed and are reported. Results A total of 44 patients with RII ALI underwent tPA-based CDT in 49 discrete interventions. In 11 patients adjunctive abciximab infusion was also used. The majority (82%) of patients treated with tPA ± PMT required overnight infusion and at least one subsequent procedure. Single-stage (on-table) thrombolysis was achieved in 91% of cases with adjunctive abciximab use versus 18% with tPA alone ( P Conclusions Early results suggest adjunctive abciximab may safely facilitate on-table thrombolysis for RII ALI. This approach appears to be associated with reduced resource utilization including fewer procedures, shorter OR time, and less ICU admissions. One-year outcomes compare favorably to a similar cohort of ALI patients treated with tPA-based therapy alone.
How can we utilize livers from advanced aged donors for liver transplantation for hepatitis C

Summary Advanced age donors have inferior outcomes of liver transplantation for Hepatitis C (HCV). Aged donors grafts may be transplanted into young or low model for end stage liver disease (MELD) patients in order to offset the effect of donor age. However, it is not well understood how to utilize liver grafts from advanced aged donors for HCV patients. Using the UNOS database, we retrospectively studied 7508 HCV patients who underwent primary liver transplantation. Risk factors for graft failure and graft survival using advanced aged grafts (donor age ≥ 60 years) were analyzed by Cox hazards models, donor risk index (DRI) and organ patient index (OPI). Recipient’s age did not affect on graft survival regardless of donor age. Advanced aged grafts had significant inferior survival compared to younger aged grafts regardless of MELD score (P < 0.0001). Risk factors of HCV patients receiving advanced aged grafts included donation after cardiac death (DCD, HR: 1.69) and recent hospitalization (HR: 1.43). Advanced aged grafts showed significant difference in graft survival of HCV patients with stratification of DRI and OPI. In conclusion, there was no offsetting effect by use of advanced aged grafts into younger or low MELD patients. Advanced aged grafts, especially DCD, should be judiciously used for HCV patients with low MELD score.
A theory of RF window failure

Summary form only given, as follows. We have recently developed a novel theory of multipactor discharge on a dielectric. The main results include the susceptibility diagram and the prediction that about one percent of the RF power is deposited to the dielectric surface over a wide range of conditions. In this paper, we extend the analysis to include the effects of outgassing and the subsequent ionization by the multipactoring electrons. This is an attempt to understand the final stage of dielectric failure that is initiated by multipactor. Similarities and differences in such failures, under RF and DC conditions, are explored. Analytic theory and simulation results will be presented and compared with experiments.
Borrower Attitudes Toward Alternative Mortgage Instruments

Much of the existing literature on homeownership assumes that financial markets work well enough to allow households to translate permanent income into effective demand. However, transaction costs, imperfections, and uncertainties all constrain the markets' operation so that people are often forced to choose a quantity of housing stock that diverges from their desired consumption level. Instead of being able to borrow against future income for the down payment or to make monthly payments in a pattern that matches future income, young families in their early years may be constrained from purchasing the size house they desire, and older households may remain in homes larger than they need. In light of these market imperfections, housing and tenure decisions depend not only on permanent income and the relative price of housing services, but also on such mortgage parameters as monthly payment patterns, down payment, and rate of equity accumulation. Models of the demand for housing and homeownership described in the existing literature do not include these parameters of mortgage finance. Mortgage terms are important factors in housing consumption and investment decisions. Because the standard mortgage no longer seems appropriate for all households under all economic conditions, the extent to which alternative mortgage instruments meet the requirements and preferences of different segments of the market becomes an important issue.
The least-squares line and plane and the analysis of palaeomagnetic data

Summary The classic, multivariate technique of principal component analysis can be used to find and estimate the directions of lines and planes of best least-squares fit along the demagnetization path of a palaeomagnetic specimen, thereby replacing vector subtraction, remagnetization circles and difference vector paths with one procedure. Eigenvalues from the analysis are the variance of the data along each principal axis, and provide a relative measure of collinearity or coplanarity which may be used to define a general palaeomagnetic precision index. Demagnetization planes found with principal component analysis may be used in place of difference vector paths for locating Hoffman—Day directions, avoiding unnecessary vector subtraction and intensity truncation steps. Two methods are discussed for jointly estimating an average remanence direction from demagnetization lines and planes.
E Pluribus Unum: Culture, Subcultures, and Teams at Alpha Middle School

When an administrator attempts to build a team within a school culture, he or she often incurs unintended consequences. A subculture, for example, can become weaker or stronger than the particular department or grade level within which it is housed. Perhaps a team stays so weak that it is never quite as strong or effective as the department, or perhaps a grade level team becomes so bonded that it builds a subculture stronger and more cohesive than that of the rest of the grade level. When either a strong or weak subculture develops in a school, added concerns develop for the principal. In this case, a principal is faced with the issues of understanding a subculture of a middle school interdisciplinary team, making decisions that will grow effective teams, and, ultimately building a school culture, creating "one from the many," as the title of the case suggests. This case can be used in an organizational culture course, a course on instructional leadership, a course on staff development (teambuilding) or a course on school change. Because of its rich context and multi-layered nature, the case may be used most appropriately over multiple class meetings.
Inhibition of Infection and Replication of Human Herpesvirus 8 in Microvascular Endothelial Cells by Alpha Interferon and Phosphonoformic Acid

Infection of endothelial cells with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is an essential event in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. When primary microvascular endothelial cells (MECs) were infected with HHV-8 at a low multiplicity of infection, considerable latent replication of HHV-8 occurred, leading to a time-dependent increase in the percentage of virus-infected cells that was accompanied by cellular spindling and growth to a high density with loss of contact inhibition. Only a low percentage of MECs supported lytic replication of HHV-8 and produced infectious virus. Phosphonoformic acid blocked production of infectious virus but did not inhibit the rapid expansion of latently infected MECs. Pretreatment of MECs with alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) prior to infection effectively reduced HHV-8 viral gene expression, latent replication, and production of infectious virus. High levels of the double-stranded RNA activated protein kinase (PKR) were expressed in HHV-8-infected cells, and incubation with IFN-alpha increased PKR expression more in virus-infected cells than in uninfected cells. MECs that were immortalized with simian virus 40 large-T antigen differed from nonimmortalized MECs in their response to infection with HHV-8 and demonstrated that cells with elevated levels of expression of antiviral transcripts expressed viral transcripts at reduced levels. These studies demonstrate that MECs respond to HHV-8 with enhanced expression of cellular antiviral genes and that augmentation of innate antiviral defenses with IFN-alpha is a more effective strategy than inhibition of viral lytic replication to protect MECs from infection with HHV-8 and to restrict proliferation of virus-infected MECs.
Coefficient of Conservatism Rankings for the Flora of Georgia: Wetland Indicator Species

Abstract Wetland habitats currently cover about one-fifth of Georgia and have been reduced in acreage by as much as twenty-five percent over the past two centuries due to anthropogenic activities. Accurate identification and careful study of these areas are crucial for their preservation and for compliance with federal and stat e environmental regulations. Several vegetation-based biological assessment methodologies have been developed to define wetlands and to assess their quality. One major wetland delineation system, mandated by federal law, incorporates the National Wetland Plant List (NWPL), a classification system ranking plant species in five indicator categories according to fidelity and preference for wetlands or uplands. These rankings were recently updated via a comprehensive and collaborative nationwide effort involving four government agencies and teams of wetland specialists. Another expert-based indicator system, coefficients of conservatism, is the foundation of the floristic quality index...
Impact of gender on clinical presentation of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyposis.

Study objective: To determine the impact of a patient's gender on the clinical presentation of chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis. Study design and methods: Prospective study of 514 adult patients who presented with chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis. The patients were divided into two groups based on gender: female (n = 273) and male (n = 241). The following data were collected: presenting symptoms, co-morbidities, nasal endoscopy and sinus computed tomography findings, diagnosis, and outcome of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Facial pain and headache were more prevalent among women, while nasal obstruction was more prevalent among men (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of environmental allergy, asthma, psychiatric illness or anatomical variants obstructing the osteomeatal unit, comparing the genders. Chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis was the more common diagnosis among women, while chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis was the more common diagnosis among men (p < 0.05). Following surgery, a higher percentage of male patients reported improvement in nasal obstruction (p < 0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of the other presenting symptoms, comparing the genders. Conclusion: Women who suffer from chronic rhinosinusitis are more likely to complain of facial pain or headache on presentation and to be diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis without polyposis. On the other hand, men are more likely to complain of nasal obstruction, to be diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyposis, and to report improvement in nasal obstruction following surgery.
Understanding placebos in dentistry

The application of placebos to the management of pain is discussed through a review of the literature and a breakdown of the possible contributing factors, such as doctor-patient relationships and adverse reactions. The placebo effect can be particularly beneficial in the management of chronic conditions. A better understanding of patients explains why.
A Ghetto Land Pedagogy: An Antidote for Settler Environmentalism.

A ghetto land pedagogy begins with two axioms that align it with land education more broadly, and that distinguish it from the general umbrella of environmental education. First, ghetto colonialism is a specialization of settler colonialism. Second, land justice requires decolonization, not just environmental justice. A ghetto land pedagogy thus attends to an analysis of settler colonialism, offers a critique of settler environmentalism, and forwards a decolonizing cartography as a method for land education. This article discusses ‘storied land’ as a critical cartographic method for land education, illustrated through a discussion of land in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The dappled nature of causes of psychiatric illness: replacing the organic-functional/hardware-software dichotomy with empirically based pluralism.

The dappled nature of causes of psychiatric illness: replacing the organic–functional/hardware–software dichotomy with empirically based pluralism
Integrated modeling of yeast kinetochore microtubule dynamics and the imaging thereof by fluorescence microscopy

We were interested in determining the mechanisms by which microtubules mediate the segregation of chromosomes during mitosis in S. cerevisiae. In metaphase each chromosome has a single kinetochore assembled on its kinetochore region and each yeast kinetochore is in turn associated with a single microtubule plus end. A yeast strain containing a GFP fusion to the kinetochore protein, Cse4p, was used to track kinetochore microtubule dynamics by fluorescence microscopy. However, the images were blurry as a result of diffraction, and so rather than deconvolve the experimental images, we instead convolved the model predictions with a model of the image formation process to generate simulated microscopic images. Using the latter approach, which we call "model-convolution," it was impossible to mistakenly converge to a false reconstructed image, as can happen with the former approach, and it was computationally faster. The simulated images were compared statistically to the experimental images to determine that a simple dynamic instability model was unacceptable. However, a stable spatial gradient of microtubule catastrophe rate model provided reasonable agreement. These results show that the behaviors of proteins confined to subcellular compartments can be quantitatively analyzed, provided that both the intrinsic dynamics and the imaging of those dynamics are modeled.
Periodical changes of short term growth velocity (‘mini growth spurts’) in human growth

Evidence has accumulated that predictions of annual or half-annual growth rates are of limited validity when derived from extrapolations of short term growth rates. In order to investigate whether the poor predictive qualities of short sections of individual growth curves are caused by non-linearity of human growth, we have studied 73 healthy children, aged 2·9 to 15·9 years, with standard deviation scores for body height ranging between - 3·3 and + 3·0. The children were measured between 18 and 106 times once or twice per week throughout periods of 180 to 306 days by knemometry, a novel and noninvasive technique of accurate lower leg length measurement. Non-linearity of growth was found in about 70% of those children who could be measured more than 35 times. 45 children provided evidence for a characteristic up-and-down pattern of lower leg growth velocity consisting of sharp growth spurts (‘mini growth spurts’) alternating with periods of decreased growth velocity every 30 to 55 days. This pattern seeme...
Clinical comparison of BACTEC 9240 plus aerobic/F resin bottles and the isolator aerobic culture system for detection of bloodstream infections.

The Plus Aerobic/F resin bottle of the BACTEC 9240 automated blood culture system (Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Instrument Systems, Sparks, Md.) was compared with aerobic culture of the Isolator system (Wampole Laboratories, Cranbury, N.J.) for the detection of bloodstream microorganisms from 6,145 blood cultures collected from adult patients with suspected septicemia. The BACTEC resin bottles were incubated for 7 days, and the sediment from the Isolator tube was inoculated to sheep blood and chocolate agars which were incubated for 72 h and to inhibitory mold, brain heart infusion, and Sabouraud agars which were incubated for 21 days. A total of 622 microorganisms were recovered from 583 blood cultures. The BACTEC resin bottle recovered statistically significantly more pathogens overall than the Isolator system (P = 0.0006). When individual pathogens isolated from either system for a 7-day study period were assessed, it was determined that the BACTEC resin bottle detected statistically significantly more isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (P = 0.0113) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (P = 0.0029) than the Isolator system. The BACTEC resin bottle also detected statistically significantly more bloodstream infections (septic episodes) caused by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (P = 0.0146). The Isolator system recovered statistically significantly more contaminants overall (P or = 7 days of incubation of fungal plates, i.e., after the system to system comparison study period (7 days). In blood culture sets which produced growth of the same pathogen in both systems, there was a statistically significant difference in median time to detection for all pathogens combined favoring the BACTEC resin bottle over the Isolator tube (P < 0.05). When assessing individual microorganisms, the median times for detection of S. aureus, Enterococcus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. were all statistically significantly less for the BACTEC system (P < 0.05). The BACTEC instrument had 79 (1.3%) false positive signals. The BACTEC system required less processing time than the Isolator system and eliminates the hands-on time for detection of positive cultures required with the Isolator system.
Neurofibromatosis and Malignancy

Neural crest and nonneural crest tumors occur frequently in neurofibromatosis (NF). We report one case of NF and recurrent malignant fibrous histiocytoma, a tumor that is uncommon in childhood, and another case of the concomitant occurrence of NF, hemophilia B, and a paratesticular rhabdcrrnytrsarcoma.