cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of EUS in differentiating mucosal versus submucosal invasion of superficial esophageal cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The prognosis of esophageal cancer (EC) depends on the depth of tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis. EC limited to the mucosa (T1a) can be treated effectively with minimally invasive endoscopic therapy, whereas submucosal (T1b) EC carries relatively high risk of lymph node metastasis and requires surgical resection. Objective To determine the diagnostic accuracy of EUS in differentiating T1a EC from T1b EC. Design We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Cochrane, and CINAHL Plus databases to identify studies in which results of EUS-based staging of EC were compared with the results of histopathology of EMR or surgically resected esophageal lesions. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio, and a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was created. Setting Meta-analysis of 19 international studies. Patients Total of 1019 patients with superficial EC (SEC). Interventions EUS and EMR or surgical resection of SEC. Main Outcome Measurements Sensitivity and specificity of EUS in accurately staging SEC. Results The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratio of EUS for T1a staging were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82-0.88), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.90), 6.62 (95% CI, 3.61-12.12), and 0.20 (95% CI, 0.14-0.30), respectively. For T1b staging, these results were 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82-0.89), 0.86 (95% CI, 0.83-0.89), 5.13 (95% CI, 3.36-7.82), and 0.17 (95% CI, 0.09-0.30), respectively. The area under the curve was at least 0.93 for both mucosal and submucosal lesions. Limitations Heterogeneity was present among the studies. Conclusion Overall EUS has good accuracy (area under the curve ≥0.93) in staging SECs. Heterogeneity among the included studies suggests that multiple factors including the location and type of lesion, method and frequency of EUS probe, and the experience of the endosonographer can affect the diagnostic accuracy of EUS.
On the verge of axial chirality: atroposelective synthesis of the AB-biaryl fragment of vancomycin.

Using the “lactone concept”, differently substituted AB-biaryl fragments (P)-2 (R = Me, t-Bu) of vancomycin have been synthesized atroposelectively. Their otherwise configurational instability was remedied by inclusion of two chlorine atoms in the B ring to give (M)-29. Starting from a still configurationally unstable lactone-bridged precursor, we obtained this biaryl with high atroposelectivity (dr 94:6) by ring cleavage with dynamic kinetic diastereomeric resolution.
Gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders in end-stage renal disease and renal transplant recipients.

Gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders are commonly associated with end-stage renal disease hemodialysis and renal transplantation. Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of dyspepsia ulcer disease and Helicobacter pylori gastritis is not significantly different from the general population. Bleeding from angiodysplasia however is more common in chronic renal failure as is gastroparesis. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B has been dramatically reduced among hemodialysis patients since the advent of universal precautions. Response rates to hepatitis B vaccine in noninfected patients however are lower in these individuals. Chronic hepatitis C is found in 20% to 25% of HD patients worldwide and accounts for approximately 1 % of all infected individuals. Levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartase aminotransferase are often within normal limits but may be elevated compared with a patient's preinfection levels. Dialysis has been shown to reduce the level of hepatitis C virus viremia. Treatment is similar to non-renal failure patients although interferon is generally not used in renal transplant recipients owing to concerns of graft failure.
Do prophylactic doses of heparin affect bone remodeling after injury

Introduction: Both unfractionated heparin (UH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are used for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after injury. Animal models have shown that UH and LMWH impact osteoblast activity but only UH affects osteoclast activity. The hypothesis of the study was that among patients with leg fractures, prophylactic dosing of LWMH and UH would differentially affect bone healing. Methods: 20 people with either a femur or tibia fracture were randomized to prophylactic doses of UH or LMWH. Osteogenesis was measured with bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) and resorption was measured with collagen N-terminal telopepetide (NTX). Data were collected monthly for 3 months and analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA. Results: 7 people had complete 3 month data (4-LMWH, 3-UH). There were no baseline differences in age, injury severity score (ISS), or biochemical markers. Over 3-months, there were no differences in ionized calcium, magnesium or parathyroid hormone between heparin groups. While controlling for ISS, over time, the BSAP level was higher for the LWMH group than for the UH group (p < .02). NTX levels did not differ by heparin type. Conclusions: Prophylactic doses of UH and LMWH did not differentially affect bone resorption but differences were found over time for osteogenesis. A higher BSAP level in the LMWH group implied increased osteogenesis. After fracture, UH appears to have a greater adverse impact on osteogenesis than does LMWH. In patients with long-bone injuries, LMWH may be a superior VTE prophylaxis alternative.
Triplet State Processes in Aqueous Colloidal Dispersions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons at Room Temperature

A unique and facile means of producing room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from colloidal or microcrystalline suspensions of aromatic molecules in aqueous media is reported. Unlike previously reported RTP techniques, colloidal RTP is insensitive to quenching by dissolved oxygen. Delayed fluorescence was observed from several nonphosphorescent species. Potential uses of the technique are for the determination of the solubility of highly insoluble compounds and the ability to distinguish between suspended and dissolved matter.
Risk factors for recurrence and death after primary surgical treatment of malignant phyllodes tumors.

Background: Malignant phyllodes tumor (MPT) is a rare but aggressive breast malignancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters that influence outcome in patients with MPT.
η Carinae: Testing a Binary Orbit Model with the Hubble Space Telescope/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph

Ground-based spectroscopy of η Car shows periodic changes in some emission-line wavelengths. These variations have been cited as strong evidence that this object is a 5.5 yr binary system and have been used to produce specific orbit models. High spatial resolution data obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph, however, do not confirm the predicted velocity behavior; therefore, the published orbit models are almost certainly invalid. Wavelength fluctuations seen at ground-based spatial resolution most likely result from other effects, which we describe. If this object is a binary system (which has not been proven), then the parameters of the secondary star and of the orbit remain largely unknown.
Molecular clocks, molecular phylogenies and the origin of phyla

Erwin, Douglas H. 1989 07 15: Molecular clocks, molecular phylogenies and the origin of phyla. Lethaia, Vol. 22, pp. 251–257. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164. Protein, RNA and DNA sequences have been widely used to construct phylogenies and to calculate divergence times using a molecular clock. Reliance on molecular information is particularly attractive when fossil evidence is missing or equivocal, as in the Cambrian metazoan radiation. I consider the applicability of molecular clocks and phylogenetic analysis of molecular data to the origin of metazoan phyla, and conclude that molecular information is often ambiguous or misleading. Amino acid sequences are of limited use because the redundancy of the genetic code masks patterns of descent, while in a nucleotide sequence only four potential states exist at each site (the four nucleotide bases). In each case, homoplasy may often go undetected. The application of a molecular clock to resolve the timing of the metazoan radiation is unwarranted, while molecular phylogenetic reconstruction should be approached with care. A potentially more useful technique for phylogenetic reconstruction would be the use of patterns of genome structure and organization as characters. *Molecular clock, phylogenetics, metazoan radiation, origin of phyla.
Classroom factors related to changes in students' conceptions of the nature of science

Scientific literacy implies an adequate understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge. However, little is known about classroom factors that can influence students' conceptions of the nature of science. In the present study, classroom variables that were related to changes in students' conceptions of science were identified. Particular attention was directed toward students' overall conceptions of scientific knowledge and their views of its tentative nature. Twenty-five classroom variables were found to be significantly related to both overall and tentative conceptions, while 12 variables were found to be scale-specific. A comparison between teacher and student conceptions of science did not support the prevalent assumption that a teacher's conception of science is significantly related to changes in students' conceptions of science. “Successful” classes were defined as those exhibiting the greatest student conceptual changes toward the viewpoint held by the teacher, irrespective of the “adequacy” of the teacher's viewpoint. In general, these classes were typified by frequent inquiry-oriented questioning with little emphasis on rote memory. Implicit references to the nature of science were commonly observed. Furthermore, where greatest changes in student conceptions of science were observed, the teachers were pleasant, supportive, and frequently used anecdotes to promote instruction and establish rapport. Emphasis on the depth, breadth, and accuracy of content statistically differentiated between “successful” and “unsuccessful” classes with respect to students' overall conceptions. However, this emphasis on content presentation did not differentiate classes with respect to students' conceptions of the tentative nature of science.
Acute diarrheal disease in children : Epidemiology, prevention, and treatment

Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. The causes of acute diarrhea in children vary with the location, time of year, and population studied. There is increasing recognition of a widening array of enteric pathogens associated with diarrheal diseases. Adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement and maintenance are key to managing diarrheal illnesses. Thorough clinical and epidemiologic evaluation is needed to define the severity and type of illness, exposures, and whether the patient in is immunocompromised to direct the performance of selective diagnosis cultures, toxin testing, parasite studies, and the administration of antimicrobial therapy.
Extremely charged and incredibly soft: physical characterization of the pericellular matrix.

This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (grant No. DK083592, to P.A.J.), the IIE Fulbright Program (to A.S.v.O.), and the Kuitse Fund-Prins Bernhard Culture Fund (to A.S.v.O.).
What Can 31P MR Spectroscopy Tell Us about Muscle Disease

In this issue of Radiology, Ko et al (1) report on the prospective use of phosphorus 31 ( 31 P) magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy to assess muscular oxidative metabolism in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. They found that severely affected patients had impaired oxidative capacity that normalized following thymectomy.
The discovery of the diffraction of X-rays by crystals; a critique of the myths

1 The date of the discovery has, to my knowledge, not been published heretofore. (Cf., however, in note 3, below, the date of the tenth anniversary issue oiNaturwiss.) It is stated in the document reproduced in Fig. l , and translated below. The document, given by Laue in 1951 to the HandschriftenSammlung of the Bibliothek of the Deutsches Museum, was very kindly drawn to my attention by Professor Dr. Armin Hermann.
Development of Plant Bioassay to Detect Herbicide Contamination of Compost at or Below Practical Analytical Detection Limits

Composting is an excellent method of recycling organic materials into a highly desirable product. The sanitizing effect of the composting process on weeds, disease organisms, and herbicides is well known. Unfortunately composts made from organic materials that had been treated with persistent herbicides may retain bioactive levels of residues. For example, both picloram and clopyralid residues have caused problems for composting facilities (Bezdicek et al. 2000; Rynk 2000) whose product were associated with phytotoxicity in gardens and nurseries.
#37-S race, socioeconomic position and long-term weight gain

PURPOSE: African Americans have higher rates of obesity than white Americans. Our analyses will ascertain whether greater weight gain in African Americans is due to Education, Income, Occupation, or Childhood Socioeconomic Position (SEP). Interactions between race and the measures of SEP will be examined to identify race/SEP groups that may be at particularly high risk of weight gain. The role of marital status, number of children, physical activity, eating habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, depression, boredom, and sleep patterns in generating race differences will also be examined. This investigation is the first to examine racial differences in obesity over a long time period (34 years), to utilize four measures of SEP in analysis or risk factors, and to include a measure childhood SEP. METHODS: Data collected over 34 years, from the Alameda County Study will be analyzed using mixed models to examine the association between race, baseline weight, and weight change slopes in men (n = 1213) and women (n = 1442) aged 18–40. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: The initial analysis of race differences revealed that African American men had higher baseline weight (+2.53 kg, p = 0.004) but did not gain significantly more weight (+0.02 kg/year, p = 0.6855) than white men. African American women had higher baseline weight (+4.95 kg, p < .0001) and gained more weight (+0.10kg/year, p = 0.0271) than white women. Controlling for Childhood SEP attenuated the race difference in baseline weight for men by 29.2%. In women the racial difference in baseline weight was attenuated by 5%, and the racial difference in weight gain was reduced by 10%. Further analyses will be complete by the time of the conference.
Diagnosis and management of hyponatremia in cancer patients.

Background Hyponatremia is among the metabolic disturbances encountered in oncology. Risk factors for hyponatremia include chemotherapy, treatment-induced nausea and vomiting, hydration, pain, narcotic drugs, and physical and emotional stress. A common cause of hyponatremia in patients with cancer is the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), which may result from ectopic production of arginine vasopressin (AVP) by the tumor tissue.
5-Lipoxygenase (ALOX5) and FLAP (ALOX5AP) gene polymorphisms as factors in vascular pathology and Alzheimer’s disease

We first hypothesized in 2000 that a polymorphism of the human gene encoding the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) might be associated with Alzheimer's disease. Only a little progress has been made in directly testing our proposal. However, additional important new data lead us to hypothesize that genetic variability not only in the 5-LOX gene, i.e., ALOX5, but also in polymorphism of the five-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) gene, i.e., ALOX5AP, may be associated with Alzheimer's pathology. Studies in mice followed by several extensive clinical studies have identified ALOX5 and ALOX5AP polymorphisms as strong risk factors for atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular pathologies. New data point to a significant aggregation of vascular risk factors and risk of Alzheimer's disease. Preliminary findings in postmortem brain of Alzheimer's patients identified elevated 5-LOX immunostaining in this disease. We suggest that our hypothesis of a link between the ALOX5 and ALOX5AP gene polymorphisms and Alzheimer's disease could be tested in a clinical setting and in animal models, i.e., transgenic mice could be produced by crossing the available 5-LOX-deficient mice with the available transgenic mice models of Alzheimer's disease.
Mapping the compactum locus in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its relationship to other spike morphology genes of the Triticeae

The spikes of club wheat are significantly more compact than spikes of common wheat due to the action of the dominant allele of the compactum (C) locus. Little is known about the location of C on chromosome 2D and the relationship between C and to other spike-compacting genes. Thus, a study was undertaken to place C on linkage maps and a chromosome deletion bin, and to assess its relatedness to the spike compacting genes zeocriton (Zeo) from barley and soft glume (Sog) from T. monococcum. Genetic mapping was based on recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between the cultivars Coda (club) and Brundage (common) and F2 progeny from a cross between the club wheat Corrigin and a chromosome 2D substitution line [Chinese Spring (Ae. tauschii 2D)]. The C locus was flanked by Xwmc144 and Xwmc18 in the RIL population and it was completely linked to Xcfd116, Xgwm358 and Xcfd17 in the F2 population. C could not be unambiguously placed to a chromosome bin because markers that were completely linked to C or flanked this locus were localized to chromosome bins on either side of the centromere (C-2DS1 and C-2DL3). Since C has been cytogenetically mapped to the long arm of chromosome 2D, we suspect C is located in bin C-2DL3. Comparative mapping suggested that C and Sog were present in homoeologous regions on chromosomes 2D and 2Am, respectively. On the other hand, C and Zeo, on chromosome 2H, did not appear to be orthologous.
HIV-1 Reactivation Induced by the Periodontal Pathogens Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis Involves Toll-Like Receptor 4 and 9 Activation in Monocytes/Macrophages

Although oral coinfections (e.g., periodontal disease) are highly prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-positive (HIV-1(+)) patients and appear to positively correlate with viral load levels, the potential for oral bacteria to induce HIV-1 reactivation in latently infected cells has received little attention. We showed that HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter activation can be induced by periodontopathogens in monocytes/macrophages; nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in this response remain undetermined. Since Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, and TLR9 activation have been involved in HIV-1 recrudescence, we sought to determine the role of these TLRs in HIV-1 reactivation induced by the periodontal pathogens Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis using BF24 monocytes/macrophages stably transfected with the HIV-1 promoter driving chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression and THP89GFP cells, a model of HIV-1 latency. We demonstrated that TLR9 activation by F. nucleatum and TLR2 activation by both bacteria appear to be involved in HIV-1 reactivation; however, TLR4 activation had no effect. Moreover, the autocrine activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) but not interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) produced in response to bacteria could impact viral reactivation. The transcription factors NF-kappaB and Sp1 appear to be positively regulating HIV-1 reactivation induced by these oral pathogens. These results suggest that oral Gram-negative bacteria (F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis) associated with oral and systemic chronic inflammatory disorders enhance HIV-1 reactivation in monocytes/macrophages through TLR2 and TLR9 activation in a mechanism that appears to be transcriptionally regulated. Increased bacterial growth and emergence of these bacteria or their products accompanying chronic oral inflammatory diseases could be risk modifiers for viral replication, systemic immune activation, and AIDS progression in HIV-1(+) patients.
Public Awareness and Attitudes about Redistricting Institutions

Studies demonstrate that the public is generally poorly informed about redistricting institutions. This article uses evidence from a nationally representative survey to examine levels of familiarity and satisfaction with redistricting institutions. I also investigate the popular claim that citizens will perceive greater fairness in redistricting when the process is conducted by independent, nonpartisan commissions rather than by state legislatures. Using a survey experimental approach, I show that perceptions of fairness in redistricting differ little when subjects are informed redistricting will be conducted by a nonpartisan commission compared to state legislatures.
Distortion-rate tradeoff of a source uniformly distributed over positive semi-definite matrices

We study the distortion-rate tradeoff D(K) of a source uniformly distributed over a manifold comprising of positive semi-definite matrices - over both real and complex fields - under a trace constraint. This models the impact exercised by limited-rate feedback on the information transfer of optimal dasiainput covariance matricespsila to a transmitter from a channel-aware receiver in a multiple-input mulitple-output (MIMO) system. Utilizing the volume of a geodesic ball in the manifold, D(K) is bounded between asymptotically tight lower and upper limits obtained via sphere-packing and random coding arguments, respectively.
Waking the health plan giant: Group Health Cooperative stops counting sheep and starts counting key tobacco indicators

Implementing a comprehensive approach to decreasing tobacco use in a large health plan requires hard work and commitment on the part of many individuals. We found that major organisational change can be accomplished and sustained. Keys to our success included our decision to remove access barriers to our cessation programmes (including cost); obtaining top leadership buy-in; identifying accountable individuals who owned responsibility for change; measuring key processes and outcomes; and finally keeping at it tenaciously through multiple cycles of improvement.
Investigation of the asymmetric characteristics and temperature effects of CdZnTe detectors

The results of our newest depth sensing coplanar grid CdZnTe detectors will be discussed. These detectors, which utilize the third-generation coplanar anode design, were fabricated by Baltic Scientific Instruments, Ltd., using crystals acquired from Yinnel Tech, Inc., having dimensions of 1.5 cm /spl times/1.5cm/spl times/ 0.9 cm and 1.5 cm /spl times/ 1.5cm /spl times/ 0.95 cm. Employing various compensation techniques, an energy resolution of about 1.7% full width at half maximum (FWHM) was achieved for 662-keV gamma rays. We observed that the spectral performance was highly dependent upon the biasing orientation of the detector. The /spl mu//sub e//spl tau//sub e/ product for one of the crystals was measured and it was found to be a high value of 1.13 /spl times/ 10/sup -2/ cm/sup 2//V. A study of the spectroscopic performance of CdZnTe for reduced temperature operation was implemented and we observed degraded performance for temperatures below 0/spl deg/C and a complete loss of spectral information at -30/spl deg/C.
A model of aerosol evaporation kinetics in a thermodenuder

Abstract. Aerosol thermodenuders provide a measure of particle volatility. The information provided by a thermodenuder is fundamentally related to the kinetics of evaporation and condensation within the device. Here, a time-dependent, multi-component model of particle and gas-phase mass transfer in a thermodenuder is described. This model empirically accounts for the temperature profile along the length of a typical thermodenuder and distinguishes between the influence of the heating section and of the adsorbent denuder section. It is shown that "semi-volatile" aerosol is particularly sensitive to the inclusion of an adsorbent denuder in the model. As expected, the mass loss from evaporation of particles as they pass through the thermodenuder is directly related to the compound vapor pressure, although the assumptions regarding the enthalpy of vaporization are shown to also have a large influence on the overall calculated mass thermograms. The model has been validated by comparison with previously measured mass thermograms for single-component aerosols and is shown to provide reasonable semi-quantitative agreement. The model that has been developed here can be used to provide quantitative understanding of aerosol volatility measurements of single and multi-component aerosol made using thermodenuders that include adsorbent denuder sections.
Responses of Cultured Melanocytes to Defined Growth Factors

To proliferate in vitro, normal melanocytes, unlike normal fibroblasts, require specific growth factors in addition to those supplied in serum. The substances that promote melanocyte proliferation, such as 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and stimulators of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), also promote pigmentation. Consequently, cell division and expression of at least some differentiated functions are not mutually exclusive for melanocytes. At present, the only known natural growth factor that can replace TPA in normal human melanocyte cultures is basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Like TPA, bFGF is effective, most of the time, only in the presence of added cAMP. Some preparations of bFGF, however, may have a highly labile, intrinsinc cAMP stimulatory activity. It is thus possible that bFGF can assume two forms, dependent on and independent of cAMP stimulatory activity. Alternatively, a second factor may exist in pituitary glands that co-purifies with bFGF but deteriorates with storage. Abnormal melanocytes in culture, such as those derived from dysplastic nevi and primary melanomas, depend on the specific factors (bFGF and cAMP), whereas melanocytes from metastatic melanomas do not
Mine Water Discharge and Flooding: A Cause of Severe Earthquakes

Severe earthquakes can be triggered by dewatering and flooding of mines, as these activities alter the loading of the Earth’s crust and tectonic stresses in its interior. Worldwide, more than 200 studies have noted sites where human-induced stresses could have reactivated preexisting faults, triggering earthquakes with seismic moment magnitudes of up to M = 7 on the Richter scale. This can only occur where faults are already under high tectonic stresses that have built up over many years. Stable continental regions are seismically less active than unstable regions (e.g. California, Japan, and Turkey). Consequently, faults in stable continental regions can be more earthquake-trigger sensitive, since accumulated stresses have not reached failure conditions. This paper provides an overview of officially recognized mining-triggered earthquakes with magnitudes M ≥ 5.0. The article illuminates that these earthquakes can cause serious socio-economic losses with negative implications for the long-term sustainable development of countries abundant in natural resources and of mining regions, in particular. Historic data suggest that regional geological conditions (e.g. structural geology and tectonic in-situ stress states) are more important in forecasting the potential of earthquake triggering than the scale of the mining activities. Overall, such forecasts should be made to estimate and mitigate potential socio-economic earthquake risks associated with geoengineering operations of extractive industries such as mining.
Prevalence and Assessment of Malingering in Homicide Defendants Using the Mini- Mental State Examination and the Rey 15-Item Memory Test

This study surveyed malingering prevalence in pretrial homicide defendants and assessed the usefulness of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Rey 15-Item Memory Test (FIT) in detecting malingering among them. Malingering prevalence was 17%. MMSE and FIT scores were positively correlated. The MMSE and FIT had modest positive predictive value (67% and 43%), but reasonably good negative predictive value (93% and 89%), for malingering. Overall, the MMSE outperformed the FIT, with no advantage to combined use of the MMSE and FIT over the MMSE. The widely used MMSE, traditionally a bedside test of cognition, may have a role in malingering assessment.
Individual versus Social Optimization in the Allocation of Customers to Alternative Servers

Customers arrive at a service area according to a Poisson process. An arriving customer must choose one of K servers without observing present congestion levels. The only available information about the kth server is the service time distribution with expected duration µk-1 and the cost per unit time of waiting at the kth server hk. Although service distributions may differ from server to server and need not be exponential, it is assumed that they share the same coefficient of variation. Individuals acting in self-interest induce an arrival rate pattern λ??1, λ??2, ', λ??k. In contrast, the social optimum is the arrival rate pattern λ1*, λ2*, ', λk* which minimizes long-run average cost per unit time for the entire system. The main result is that λ??k's and λ??k*'s differ systematically. Individuals overload the servers with the smallest hk/µk values. For an exponential service case with pre-emptive LIFO service an alternative charging scheme is presented which confirms that differences between individual and social optima occur precisely because individuals fail to consider the inconvenience that they cause to others.
PET-based reporter gene imaging

PET-based molecular-genetic imaging is part of a larger base of three imaging technologies (nuclear, magnetic resonance, and optical) incorporating methods that are established in molecular and cell biology. Most current molecular imaging strategies are "indirect", coupling a "reporter gene" with a complimentary "reporter probe". Reporter gene constructs driven by constitutive promoter elements can be used to monitor transduced cells in adoptive therapies as well as gene therapy vectors. Inducible promoters function as sensor elements and can be used to provide information about endogenous gene regulation, mRNA stabilization, and specific protein-protein interactions; the promoter can also be cell specific, allowing expression of the transgene to be restricted to certain cells and organs. Several examples of PET imaging of endogenous cell processes are reviewed, the advantages of multimodality imaging are emphasized, and the prospects for translation into the clinic are discussed.
Simulating inventory systems with forecast based policy updating

This paper presents an object oriented framework that facilitates modeling inventory systems whose policy updating is driven by forecast estimates. In an inventory system, the forecast estimates and the forecast error measures are used to set the inventory policy. A simulation approach can address questions regarding the choice of the forecasting technique and the frequency of updating the policy, especially in non-stationary demand scenarios. This paper discusses how the framework can be used to develop simulation models through which these questions can be addressed. In addition, two examples illustrate how to use the framework and how to analyze supply chains with forecast based policy updating.
Enhancement of electrical properties of anisotropically conductive adhesive joints via low temperature sintering

The electrical properties of anisotropically conductive adhesives (ACAs) joints through low temperature sintering of nano silver (Ag) particles were investigated and compared with that of the submicron-sized Ag-filled ACA and lead-free solder joints. The nano Ag particles used exhibited sintering behavior at significantly lower temperatures (<200°C) than at the bulk Ag melting temperature (960°C). The sintered nano Ag particles significantly reduced the joint resistance and enhanced the current carrying capability of ACA joints. The improved electrical performance of ACA was attributed to the reduced interfaces between the Ag particles and the increased interfacial contact area between nano Ag particles and bond pads by the particle sintering. The reduced joint resistance was comparable to that of the lead-free (tin/3.5 silver/0.5 copper) metal solder joints. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1665–1673, 2006
Bus energy reduction by transition pattern coding using a detailed deep submicrometer bus model

A data-distribution and bus-structure aware methodology for the design of coding schemes for low-power on-chip and interchip communication is presented. A general class of coding schemes for low power, termed transition pattern coding schemes, is introduced. The energy behavior of the schemes is mathematically analyzed in detail. Two algorithms are proposed for deriving such efficient coding schemes, which are optimized for desired bus structures and data distributions. Bus partitioning is proposed and mathematically analyzed as a way to reduce the complexity of the encoder/decoder.
Reconstructing Chavin de Huantar (Peru): designing an educational tool for art historians

This paper discusses the process of reconstructing a unique and remote site such as Chavin de Huantar in Peru, focusing on the choices made in designing the user interface and the difficulty of translating archaeological/anthropological information into a visual and information-rich tool for the teaching of art history. This paper explains why it is difficult to evaluate Chavin de Huantar and how a virtual reconstruction was done in order to provide a useful and user-friendly resource for art historians and their students in order to help appreciate the importance of this site and rescue it from being forgotten. The paper discusses plans to create a fully immersive reconstruction of Chavin de Huantar using CAVE/sup TM/ technology, Iris Performer and Open Worlds and the issues concerning the maintenance of two tools for teaching - one that is more portable and one that is more immersive.
The Estimation of the Fat Free Mass Index in Athletes

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to compare a practical measurement of fat free mass index (FFMI) from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) value in collegiate athletes.
Mechanism of melphalan crosslink enhancement by misonidazole pretreatment

Abstract Sensitization of Chinese hamster ovary cells to melphalan (L-PAM) toxicity by prior treatment with misonidazole (MISO, 5 mM, 2 hr, hypoxic conditions, 37°C) is associated with increased levels of DNA crosslinks believed to be the critical lesion for bifunctional alkylating agent toxicity. Enhanced L-PAM crosslinking of DNA could occur by a variety of mechanisms in MISO-pretreated cells including: (1) increased transport or binding of L-PAM, (2) decreased repair of L-PAM monoadducts which would allow more time for their conversion to crosslinks, (3) decreased crosslink repair (unhooking of one arm), or (4) chemical modification of the DNA structure, presumably by bound MISO derivatives, such that crosslink formation is facilitated. Previous studies have eliminated mechanisms (1) and (3). Mechanism (4) was investigated by following MISO-pretreatments of whole cells with L-PAM treatments of the isolated DNA from these cells. This was accomplished by using a modification of the alkaline elution assay for DNA crosslink measurement in which a 1 hr treatment with L-PAM (0–12 μg/ml) was inserted between the cell lysis steps and DNA elution procedure. Treatment of bare DNA with L-PAM modeled very well the crosslinking behavior in whole cells although it was somewhat more efficient (more crosslinks at a given L-PAM dose). In the presence of double stranded DNA and absence of repair systems during and after the L-PAM exposure, it was determined that MISO-pretreatments did not increase the crosslinking efficiency of L-PAM (mechanism [4] above). Inhibition of repair of L-PAM monoadducts (mechanism [2] above) still remains as possible means for crosslink enhancement by MISO-pretreatment.
Cognitive linguistics and metaphor research: past successes, skeptical questions, future challenges

An important reason for the tremendous interest in metaphor over the past 20 years stems from cognitive linguistic research. Cognitive linguists embrace the idea that metaphor is not merely a part of language, but reflects a fundamental part of the way people think, reason, and imagine. A large number of empirical studies in cognitive linguistics have, in different ways, supported this claim. My aim in this paper is to describe the empirical foundations for cognitive linguistic work on metaphor, acknowledge various skeptical reactions to this work, and respond to some of these questions/criticisms. I also outline several challenges that cognitive linguists should try to address in future work on metaphor in language, thought, and culture.
Intravenous epinephrine in life-threatening asthma.

Study objective: Intravenous epinephrine is a potentially vital therapy for patients with life-threatening asthma but is often avoided because of concerns about its safety. We evaluated the safety of intravenous epinephrine in a series of adults with life-threatening asthma. Methods: We performed an explicit retrospective chart review on a case series of 27 emergency department patients aged 19 to 58 years (mean 25 years) who were treated with intravenous epinephrine for a life-threatening exacerbation of asthma between 1989 and 1997. Explicit criteria for adverse effects, including cardiac arrhythmia or ischemia, hypotension or hypertension, neurologic injury, and death, were defined before chart review. Results: No patient had an arrhythmia other than sinus tachycardia, and there were no cases of cardiac ischemia, hypotension, neurologic deficit, or death. Conclusion: Intravenous epinephrine was safe in this small series of younger adults with acute life-threatening asthma. A prospective trial of its use to better define an efficacy and risk-benefit relationship is justified.
Stable haptic interaction using the Excalibur force display

Creating a compelling haptic sense of immersion in a virtual environment is a challenging task for the control engineer. A haptic display must render both low impedance free-space motion and high impedance rigid constraints while ensuring stable interaction. This paper outlines a control design approach for the most common haptic display implementation, the impedance display. Two-port absolute stability criteria are used to develop explicit design bounds for virtual coupling networks which guarantee system stability for a broad class of human operators and virtual environments. The technique is applied to the Excalibur three-axis force display. The resulting absolutely stable haptic interface is the centerpiece of a virtual building block simulation which emulates the behavior of LEGO/sup TM/ bricks in a virtual environment.
A low cost vibrotactile array to manage respiratory motion

We present a tactile Respiratory Management System (tRMS) to manage and control breathing patterns of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The system comprises of an array of small vibrating motors and a control box that supplies power to and provides a control interface for up to twelve motors through the parallel port of a standard personal computer. The vibrotactile array can be fastened along the forearm, arm, thigh, leg or abdomen in any configuration using Velcro and fabric wraps. All motors are operated in a binary fashion, i.e. on or off, with quick response time and perceivable vibration magnitudes. The tRMS system is inexpensive and portable, providing spatiotemporal variations in tactile cues to regulate respiratory motion during radiotherapy. The system will also be used in future psychophysical studies to determine effective use of tactile cues to control human motor actions.
Extracytoplasmic Function σ Factors with Overlapping Promoter Specificity Regulate Sublancin Production in Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis harbors seven extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors. At least three ECF sigma factors (sigma(M), sigma(W), and sigma(X)) are induced by, and provide resistance to, antibiotics and other agents eliciting cell envelope stress. Here, we report that ECF sigma factors also contribute to antibiotic production. B. subtilis 168 strains that are lysogenic for the SPbeta bacteriophage produce sublancin, which inhibits the growth of other, nonlysogenic strains. Genetic studies demonstrate that synthesis of sublancin is largely dependent on sigma(X), with a smaller contribution from sigma(M). A sigM sigX double mutant is unable to produce sublancin. This defect is primarily due to the fact that the sublancin biosynthesis is positively activated by the transition state regulator and AbrB paralog Abh, which counteracts transcriptional repression of the sublancin biosynthesis operon by AbrB. Ectopic expression of abh bypasses the requirement for sigma(M) or sigma(X) in sublancin synthesis, as does an abrB mutation. In addition to their major role in regulating sublancin expression by activating abh transcription, sigma(X) and sigma(M) also have a second role as positive regulators of sublancin expression that is independent of AbrB and Abh. Since sublancin resistance in nonlysogens is largely dependent on sigma(W), ECF sigma factors control both sublancin production and resistance.
Frontiers in reproductive immunology – Forum introduction

It has been 50 years since Sir Peter Medawar kindled scientific interest in the unique problem posed by the existence of the fetal allograft within the uterus. The resultant efforts of immunologists and reproductive physiologists to understand the mechanisms by which the conceptus successfully evades rejection by the maternal immune system has led to a richer understanding of the nature of immune responses in the uterus and of their regulation by maternal and conceptus signals (see Billington, 1993 for a reflection on the progress since Medawar's seminal paper). Increasingly, the fact that the immune system is functional in the reproductive tract of the female is being recognized not only as a potential threat to the conceptus but as an important part of host defense in the female. The female reproductive tract is invaded by microorganisms at mating, parturition, and other times and it is critical to the health of the female that the immune system functions effectively in the uterus. Indeed, one can view the principles of reproductive immunology as at the center of combating one of the major health crises in the world - the spread of venereal diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
A pilot evaluation of the Positive Action prekindergarten lessons

There is a definite need for effective intervention programmes that address the social–emotional, character and healthy development of preschool children. Strong social-emotional skills are necessary for successful transitions to formal schooling and for healthy developmental trajectories. The Positive Action (PA) programme has a long history of effectiveness in schools (K-12) and communities, but has only recently developed lessons for preschool settings. The current study reports the results of the first evaluation of these lessons. Children were randomly assigned to classrooms/instructors who had previously decided to offer PA lessons or not. Instructors in both PA and control classrooms rated children's behaviour at pretest and immediate post-test. Results suggest that the PA prekindergarten lessons are effective at improving children's skills and behaviours across all of the domains that the programme addresses.
Computer experiments with charged particles, charged fluids and plasmas - A classification and bibliography

Computer methods for solving many-body and charged particle problems and nonlinear systems, classification and bibliography
P1C-4 Real-Time Semi-Automatic Segmentation of Hepatic Radiofrequency Ablated Lesions in an In Vivo Porcine Model Using Sonoelastography

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive thermal therapy that is under investigation as an alternative to surgery for treating liver tumors. Currently, there is a need to monitor the process of lesion creation to guarantee complete treatment of the diseased tissue. In a previous study, sonoelastography was used to detect and measure RFA lesions during exposed liver experiments in a porcine model in vivo. Manual outlining of these lesions in the sonoelastographic images is challenging due to a lack of boundary definition and artifacts formed by respiratory motion and perfusion. As a result, measuring the lesions becomes a time-consuming process with high variability. This work introduces a semi-automatic segmentation algorithm for sonoelastographic data based on level set methods. This algorithm aims to reduce the variability and processing time involved in manual segmentation while maintaining comparable results. For this purpose, eleven RFA lesions are created in five porcine livers exposed through a midline incision. Three independent observers perform manual and semi-automatic measurements on the in vivo sonoelastographic images. These results are compared to measurements from gross pathology. In addition, we assess the feasibility of performing sonoelastograhic measurements transcutaneously. The procedure previously described is repeated with three more lesions without exposing the liver. Overall, the semi-automatic algorithm outperforms manual segmentation in accuracy, speed, and repeatability. These results suggest that sonoelastography in combination with the segmentation algorithm has the potential to be used as a complementary technique to conventional ultrasound for thermal ablation monitoring and follow-up imaging.
Kinetic Studies of Ammonia Monooxygenase Inhibition in Nitrosomonas europaea by Hydrocarbons and Halogenated Hydrocarbons in an Optimized Whole-Cell Assay.

The inhibitory effects of 15 hydrocarbons and halogenated hydrocarbons on NH3 oxidation by ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) in intact cells of the nitrifying bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea were determined. Determination of AMO activity, measured as NO2- production, required coupling of hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) activity with NH3-dependent NH2OH production by AMO. Hydrazine, an alternate substrate for HAO, was added to the reaction mixtures as a source of reductant for AMO. Most inhibitors exhibited competitive or noncompetitive inhibition patterns. The competitive character generally decreased (KiE/KiES increased) as the molecular size of the inhibitors increased. For example, CH4 and C2H4 were competitive inhibitors of NH3 oxidation, whereas the remaining alkanes (up to C4) and monohalogenated (Cl, Br, I) alkanes were noncompetitive. Oxidation of C2H5Br (noncompetitive) increased as the NH4+ concentration increased up to 40 mM, whereas oxidations of inhibitors with competitive character (KiE ≪ KiES) were diminished at 40 mM NH4+. Multichlorinated compounds produced nonlinear Lineweaver-Burk plots. Iodinated alkanes (CH3I, C2H5I) and C2Cl4 were potent inhibitors of NH3 oxidation. Maximum rates of NH3, C2H4, and C2H6 oxidations were approximately equivalent, suggesting a common rate-determining step. These data support an active-site model for AMO consisting of an NH3-binding site and a second site that binds noncompetitive inhibitors, with oxidation occurring at either site.