cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an adaptive, directional-microphone hearing aid.

The effectiveness of adaptive directional processing for improvement of speech recognition in comparison to non-adaptive directional and omnidirectional processing was examined across four listening environments intended to simulate those found in the real world. The test environment was a single, moderately reverberant room with four loudspeaker configurations: three with fixed discrete noise source positions and one with a single panning noise source. Sentence materials from the Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) and Connected Speech Test (CST) were selected as test materials. Speech recognition across all listening conditions was evaluated for 20 listeners fitted binaurally with Phonak Claro behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aids. Results indicated improved speech recognition performance with adaptive and non-adaptive directional processing over that measured with the omnidirectional processing across all four listening conditions. While the magnitudes of directional benefit provided to subjects listening i...
Physiological considerations of muscle force through the elbow joint

An analytical model for the determination of muscle forces across the elbow joint during isometric loading conditions has been developed. The model incorporates the muscle length-tension relationship, while considering the muscle architecture. Sensitivity analyses were performed to study the effects of the geometric and architectural factors of the muscles on the distribution of muscle forces.
TEMPORAL REASONING WITH THE MODAL LOGIC Z

This article presents a formal theory of concurrent actions that handles the qualification, ramification, and frame problems. The theory is capable of temporal explanation, i.e., reasoning forward and backward. The approach uses the modal logic Z to extend the work of Lifschitz and Rabinov on miracle-based temporal reasoning. The advantages of miracles for describing unknown actions are augmented with the ability to handle concurrent actions that can provide for the most economical explanation of state changes. For temporal explanation problems restricted to finite domains, it has a worst-case exponential decision procedure. The theory is as general as first-order logic in what it can express as preconditions and consequences of actions.
Multilayer (3D) Wireless, RF and Millimeter-Wave Passives and Modules Using SOP Technology

Emerging wireless communication and sensor applications in the RF/microwave/millimeter (mm) wave regimes require miniaturization, portability, cost, and performance as key driving forces in the electronics packaging evolution. The system-on-package (SOP) approach [versus the system-on-chip (SOC)] for module development (Lim et al., 2002) has become a primary focus of research due to the real estate efficiency, cost-saving, size reduction, and performance improvement contributed by its inherent capability for the easy integration of embedded functions, thus, simultaneously satisfying the specifications of the next generation wireless communication systems. Also, the three-dimensional (3-D) integration approach is an emerging and very attractive option for these systems. However, current 3-D RF module integration is still based on low-density hybrid assembly technologies (Sturdivant et al., 1997), (Monfraix et al., 200). This paper presents novel liquid crystal polymer (LCP) multilayer technologies, and stacking board technique using uBGA as the candidates of choice for the 3-D integration of RF front-end modules up to 35 GHz
Insulin and thyroid hormones stimulate matrix metabolism in primary cultures of articular chondrocytes from young rabbits independently and in combination.

These studies examined the effects of heat-inactivated horse serum, insulin, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4), individually and in combination, on collagen and proteoglycan synthesis by primary cell cultures of articular chondrocytes from immature male rabbits. Insulin concentrations of 25 to 100 ng/ml (4.4 to 17.4 × 10-9M) increasingly stimulated collagen and proteoglycan synthesis in the absence of serum. The effects of 25 ng/ml (4.4 × 10-9M) insulin or 15% heat-inactivated horse serum on collagen synthesis were similar. Triiodothyronine (10-10 to 10-6M) and T4 (10-8 to 10-4M) also stimulated collagen synthesis in the absence of serum, with peak effects at 10-8 and 10-6M respectively. Biphasic stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis was obtained with 10-11 to 10-7M T3 (maximum at 10-8M) and 10-8 to 10-5M T4 (maximum at 10-7M). In these experiments, triiodothyronine was 10 to 100 times more potent than T4 in stimulating cartilage matrix production. The cells retained their chondrocytic phenotype u...
Increased proportion of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes is associated with tumor recurrence and reduced survival in patients with glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignancy associated with profound host immunosuppression mediated in part by FoxP3 expressing regulatory CD4+ T lymphocytes (Tregs) that down-regulate anti-tumor immunity. In order to assess whether FoxP3 was an independent driver differentially expressed in primary versus recurrent GBMs, we stained resected primary and recurrent GBM tumors for CD3, CD4, CD8 and FoxP3 expression using standard immunohistochemistry. Slides were scanned with a high-resolution scanner (ScanScope CS; Aperio), and image analysis software (Aperio ScanScope) was used to enumerate lymphocyte subpopulations allowing for high-throughput analysis and bypassing manual selection bias. As shown in previous studies, enumeration of individual lymphocyte populations did not correlate with clinical outcomes in patients with GBM. However, the CD4+ to regulatory FoxP3+ T cell ratio was diminished in recurrent disease, and increased CD3 and CD8+ to regulatory T cell ratios showed a positive correlation with survival outcomes in primary GBM. These results suggest that while absolute numbers of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes may not be informative for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with GBM, the effective balance of CD3, CD4 and CD8+ T cells to immunosuppressive FoxP3+ regulatory cells may influence clinical outcomes in this patient population.
A comparison of the empirical utility of three composite measures of adolescent overall drug involvement

Abstract Researchers have relied on a number of measurement techniques to construct a summated index of drug involvement to reflect both the qualitative and quantitative dimensions of adolescent drug-using behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine the adequacy of three strategies for constructing a composite measure — stage-of-drug-use, unweighted sum of frequencies of use of different substances, and a weighted composite index of substance use. Data for this study were derived from two independent samples of adolescents. The three drug-use measures were assessed both as predictors of consequences of drug use and as outcome measures explained by familial, interpersonal and interpersonal factors. The weighted composite index of substance use, though conceptually and methodologically superior to the simple (unweighted) sum of frequency, did not perform any better as a predictor or as an outcome variable than the unweighted measure. The weighted composite index of drug involvement is somewhat complicated to calculate and requires substantial resources. The decision whether to use a weighted composite index or a simple sum of frequencies measure of overall drug involvement should be based on both scientific and practical considerations.
Free sets for set mappings satisfying some intersection conditions

Abstract Let f be a set mapping from a set X into the power set of X. A subset A of X is said to be free for f if x ∉ f ( y ) ∀ x , y ∈ A and x ≠ y . For cardinals η and θ, we say that f satisfies the intersection condition C ( η , θ ) if | ⋂ f ( x ) : x ∈ Y | θ for every subset Y of X of cardinality η. We prove that if f : ω 1 ⟶ P ( ω 1 ) satisfies the intersection conditions C ( ω 1 , ω ) and C ( ω , ω 1 ) , then f has an infinite free set provided that the cardinality of every splitting family in [ ω ] ω is greater than ω 1 . Under MA + ¬ CH , such a function has an uncountable free set. In the above statement if one of the conditions C ( ω 1 , ω ) or C ( ω , ω 1 ) is dropped, then f need not have a free pair. However, if C ( ω 1 , ω ) and C ( ω , ω 1 ) are replaced by C ( ω , ω ) , then f has an infinite free set without having the cardinality condition for the splitting family.
CLOTHING PRACTICES OF KOREAN FEMALE IMMIGRANTS IN CHICAGO

The relationship between the process of cultural assimilation reflected in the clothing practices of Korean female immigrants and their pre-immigration and post-immigration factors were investigated. This was done by examining the relationships between frequency of wearing western dress over Korean traditional dress, the rate of transition from Korean made dress to American dress, and Korean female immigrants’ pre-immigration and post-immigration factors. The data were collected from 219 Korean female immigrants in Chicago during the summer of 1978. The regression analysis revealed that the frequency of usage of western dress over Korean traditional dress was more significantly related to the pre-immigration factors than the post-immigration factors. The transition from Korean made dress to American dress was found to be more significantly related to the post-immigration factors than the pre-immigration factors. This finding suggests that the sudden change of cultural environment has a definite impact on the abandonment of Korean traditional dress and transition from Korean made western dress to American dress. The finding also leads to the conclusion that the usage of traditional dress is more affected by the nature of occasions, special versus non-special, than the difference of social contacts between Korean and American.
Contrast-enhanced Dedicated Breast Computed Tomography Detection of Invasive Breast Cancer Preceding Mammographic Diagnosis: A Case Report

Dedicated breast computed tomography (bCT) generates high-resolution three-dimensional images of the pendent uncompressed breast. Intravenous iodinated contrast during bCT provides additional physiologic information. A case is presented in which a 10.0 mm invasive ductal carcinoma was visualized at contrast-enhanced breast CT one year prior to mammographic detection. Mammography four months before bCT was negative. The bCT contrast enhancement pattern closely matched the dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI obtained post diagnosis. Lesion enhancement at contrast-enhanced breast CT matched previously published enhancement values of breast cancer. Contrast-enhanced dedicated bCT provided high-resolution tomographic images and physiologic contrast enhancement data that facilitated the detection of an early breast cancer.
A Comparison of Stellar Extinction and Space-Based Measurements of Stratospheric Aerosol Optical Depth

Observed increases of stellar extinction after the two largest recent volcanic eruptions (El Chichon 1982 and Pinatubo 1991) are compiled here from published sources and compared with space-based measurements of stratospheric aerosol optical depth. Hemispheric and global annual mean optical depths following the two erup- tions show close agreement between the two methods, if allowance is made for the fact that the stellar extinction data refer only to midlatitudes.
trans-10,cis-12 CLA inhibits differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and decreases PPARγ expression

The trans-10,cis-12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been shown to reduce body fat gain in mice. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well characterized. Here we report evidence that trans-10,cis-12 (t10c12) CLA inhibits preadipocyte differentiation. Treating differentiating 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with t10c12 CLA and conjugated nonadecadienoic acid (CNA, a 19-carbon CLA cognate) resulted in decreased intracellular triglyceride accumulation and mRNA levels of the adipogenic gene fatty acid synthase and adipocyte lipid binding protein. T10c12 CLA and CNA also reduced protein levels of adipocyte transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha. Similarly, CLA reduced body fat gain and significantly inhibited the expression of PPAR gamma and its downstream target lipoprotein lipase in mouse adipose tissue. These observations indicate that CLA decreases body fat gain in part by inhibiting the differentiation of preadipocytes.
The interaction of XeF2 with sapphire

Abstract The interaction of xenon difluoride (XeF 2 ) with the sapphire {0001} surface has been investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Exposure to XeF 2 etches off submonolayer amounts of carbonaceous residue present on the surface. The exposure leaves a surface of stoichiometry Al 2 O 3 F 3.6 with fluorine atoms bonded to both aluminum and oxygen atoms. Annealing of the fluorinated alumina surface to 100°C or above results in the slow desorption of fluorine in a variety of species. The interaction of XeF 2 with sapphire is similar to that of XeF 2 with silica (SiO 2 ), with the exception that fluorination of silica results in the preferential removal of oxygen to form SiOF 2 . The greater resistance of the sapphire surface to room temperature etching of oxygen by XeF 2 may be associated with the bonding of oxygen atoms in bulk sapphire to four aluminum atoms, whereas in bulk silica each oxygen atom bridges only two silicon atoms. Based upon the saturation coverages of fluorine on silica and alumina at room temperature, and the subsequent rates of fluorine desorption from SiOF 2 and Al 2 O 3 F 3.6 at elevated temperatures, the fluorinated alumina is roughly as thermally stable as the fluorinated silica surface.
Modeling of Swash Plate Axial Piston Pumps With Conical Cylinder Blocks

Electrically controlled swash plate axial piston pumps with conical cylinder blocks are recently used in the industry in view of their superior performance. Several studies have been carried out to study the characteristics of such novel pump mechanism. In these studies, partial mathematical modeling is conducted relevant to the points discussed. In the present study, a comprehensive pump mathematical model is developed and experimentally validated. The model could be used as a design tool in order to fully exploit the advantages of the new design.
Random and blocked practice of movement sequences: differential effects on response structure and movement speed.

Abstract Three similar six-element key press sequences were practiced under blocked or random practice schedules with acquisition conducted on one day and retention and transfer on the next day. The task required participants to type, as quickly as possible, one of three 6-element sequences as observed on a computer monitor. In blocked practice, participants completed all practice in one repeated sequence before the next repeated sequence was introduced. In random acquisition practice, the three repeated sequences were randomly presented to the participants. The data suggest that random practice results in participants adopting a uniform response structure, while blocked practice allows participants to exploit unique sequential aspects of the individual tasks. This finding suggests that random practice may not be as effective as blocked practice when one of the tasks being practiced together can be optimized through the development of a unique response structure.
Clustering of Shaker-type K + channels by interaction with a family of membrane-associated guanylate kinases

ANCHORING of ion channels at specific subcellular sites is critical for neuronal signalling, but the mechanisms underlying channel localization and clustering are largely unknown (reviewed in ref. 1). Voltage-gated K+ channels are concentrated in various neuronal domains, including presynaptic terminals, nodes of Ranvier and dendrites, where they regulate local membrane excitability. Here we present functional and biochemical evidence that cell-surface clustering of Shaker-subfamily K+ channels is mediated by the PSD-95 family of membrane-associated putative guanylate kinases, as a result of direct binding of the carboxy-terminal cyto-plasmic tails of the K+ channel subunits to two PDZ (also known as GLGF or DHR) domains in the PSD-95 protein2. The ability of PDZ domains to function as independent modules for protein–protein interaction, and their presence in other junction-associated molecules (such as ZO-1 (ref. 3) and syntrophin4), suggest that PDZ-domain-containing polypeptides may be widely involved in the organization of proteins at sites of membrane specialization.
The Effects of Discarding Inliars When Binomial Data are Subject to Classification Errors

Abstract This article deals with the biasing effects of errors of measurement on the estimation of a population proportion or on the degree of association between two dichotomous variables. Consider a dichotomy that is formed by making a cut on an ordered scale, where errors of classification occur with greatest frequency in the neighborhood of the cut. It is demonstrated through numerical investigation that it is advantageous, both in terms of bias and of mean square error, to discard those observations which are most subject to error. Guidelines are provided for choosing an optimum exclusion interval.
Design early considered harmful: graduated exposure to complexity and structure based on levels of cognitive development

We have recognized that the natural tendency to teach according to the structure of one's own understanding runs contrary to established models of cognitive development. Bloom's Taxonomy has provided a basis for establishing a more efficacious pedagogy. Emphasizing a hierarchical progression of skill sets and gradual learning through example, our approach advocates teaching software development from the inside/out rather than beginning with either console apps or monolithic designs.
Garbage collection: 50+ years later

It's been more than 50 years since John McCarthy invented garbage collection. The last 15 years or so have been the most exciting as garbage collection became mainstream and is now considered the norm for all/most modern programming languages. However, despite its overall success, programmers still face challenges when relying on garbage collection for their memory management, especially when their applications push the limits in terms of latency, predictability, and scalability. In this talk I'll describe some of these challenges, share some of my real-world experiences with helping customers solve their garbage collection issues, go over which garbage collection algorithms and techniques are, in my opinion, effective and which are not, and suggest some interesting research directions.
Mechanical unloading promotes myocardial energy recovery in human heart failure.

Background— Impaired bioenergetics is a prominent feature of the failing heart, but the underlying metabolic perturbations are poorly understood. Methods and Results— We compared metabolomic, gene transcript, and protein data from 6 paired samples of failing human left ventricular tissue obtained during left ventricular assist device insertion (heart failure samples) and at heart transplant (post-left ventricular assist device samples). Nonfailing left ventricular wall samples procured from explanted hearts of patients with right heart failure served as novel comparison samples. Metabolomic analyses uncovered a distinct pattern in heart failure tissue: 2.6-fold increased pyruvate concentrations coupled with reduced Krebs cycle intermediates and short-chain acylcarnitines, suggesting a global reduction in substrate oxidation. These findings were associated with decreased transcript levels for enzymes that catalyze fatty acid oxidation and pyruvate metabolism and for key transcriptional regulators of mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α ( PGC1A , 1.3-fold) and estrogen-related receptor α ( ERRA , 1.2-fold) and γ ( ERRG , 2.2-fold). Thus, parallel decreases in key transcription factors and their target metabolic enzyme genes can explain the decreases in associated metabolic intermediates. Mechanical support with left ventricular assist device improved all of these metabolic and transcriptional defects. Conclusions— These observations underscore an important pathophysiologic role for severely defective metabolism in heart failure, while the reversibility of these defects by left ventricular assist device suggests metabolic resilience of the human heart.
PERCUTANEOUS RENAL CRYOABLATION OF RENAL TUMORS IN PATIENTS WITH VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE

Purpose: We determine the feasibility and safety of performing percutaneous cryoablation of renal tumors in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease.Materials and Methods: We selected 2 men and 2 women with von Hippel-Lindau disease and radiographic determined solid renal tumors were selected to undergo percutaneous cryoablation. All patients underwent standard preoperative evaluation. An interventional magnetic resonance imaging unit was used for probe guidance and ice ball monitoring. The cryoablation procedure was performed with a 2 or 3 mm. cryoprobe using a pressurized argon gas system for ice ball formation. The patients were hospitalized overnight for observation and discharged home the following day. A followup computerized tomogram or magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter, along with physical examination, urinalysis, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.Results: A total of 5 tumors were treated ranging from 2.8 to 5.0 cm. i...
When Might Peer Aggression, Victimization, and Conflict Have Its Largest Impact? Microcontextual Considerations.

Peer aggression, victimization, and conflict are common occurrences during early adolescence. In the collection of articles in this special issue, several themes emerged, including the use of social psychological theory, individual difference variables, and social context. This article briefly reviews these articles and presents original data that examine microcontextual characteristics (i.e., context of specific events) of sixth and ninth graders’ peer victimization. Students completed daily reports on 5 school days across 2 weeks. Adolescents’ experiences were mostly public (i.e., witnessed by another individual) and perpetrated by a single student from the same grade. Adolescents were unlikely to receive help from others (less than half the time when a witness was present). Ninth-grade data suggest that friends are the most likely witnesses to help the target. Strangers to the target never intervened or tried to help. These findings are discussed in light of implications for prevention and intervention.
Mining Gold Dust under the Genome Wide Significance Level: A Two-Stage Approach to Analysis of GWAS

We propose a two-stage approach to analyze genome-wide association (GWA) data in order to identify a set of promising single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In stage one, we select a list of top signals from single SNP analyses by controlling false discovery rate (FDR). In stage two, we use the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to reduce false positives. The proposed approach was evaluated using simulated quantitative traits based on genome-wide SNP data on 8,861 Caucasian individuals from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Our first stage, targeted at controlling false negatives, yields better power than using Bonferroni corrected significance level. The LASSO regression reduces the number of significant SNPs in stage two: it reduces false positive SNPs and it reduces true positive SNPs also at simulated causal loci due to linkage disequilibrium. Interestingly, the LASSO regression preserves the power from stage one, i.e., the number of causal loci detected from the LASSO regression in stage two is almost the same as in stage one, while reducing false positives further. Real data on systolic blood pressure in the ARIC study was analyzed using our two-stage approach which identified two significant SNPs, one of which was reported to be genome-significant in a meta-analysis containing a much larger sample size. On the other hand, a single SNP association scan did not yield any significant results.
How self-dual is QCD?

Abstract Vacuum characteristics quantifying dynamical tendency toward self-duality in gauge theories could be used to judge the relevance of classical solutions or the viability of classically motivated vacuum models. Here we decompose the field strength of equilibrium gauge configurations into self-dual and anti-self-dual parts, and apply absolute X -distribution method to the resulting polarization dynamics in order to construct such characteristics. Using lattice regularization and focusing on pure-glue SU(3) gauge theory at zero temperature, we find evidence for positive but very small dynamical tendency for self-duality of vacuum in the continuum limit.
Gays and the stigma of bad blood.

O n March 4, 1983, after two months of deliberation in an increasingly volatile political environment, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) recommended that "sexually active homosexual and bisexual men with multiple partners" be prohibited from donating or selling their blood. These gay men, the PHS pointed out, are at increased risk for a deadly condition known as Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which, it is now believed, may be transmitted by blood and blood products. Among those pressing for the ban was the National Hemophilia Foundation, which was alarmed because hemophiliacs were becoming the inadvertent victims of a contaminated blood supply. Resisting this effort was the organized gay community, which feared that stigmatization would accompany the assumption that all gays were a potential source of "bad blood." At stake was a profound moral disagreement over the extent to which the increased risk to
Construction of a reference gene association network from multiple profiling data

Motivation: Gene expression profiling is an important tool for gaining insight into biology. Novel strategies are required to analyze the growing archives of microarray data and extract useful information from them. One area of interest is in the construction of gene association networks from collections of profiling data. Various approaches have been proposed to construct gene networks using profiling data, and these networks have been used in functional inference as well as in data visualization. Here, we investigated a non-parametric approach to translate profiling data into a gene network. We explored the characteristics and utility of the resulting network and investigated the use of network information in analysis of variance models and hypothesis testing. Results: Our work is composed of two parts: gene network construction and partitioning and hypothesis testing using sub-networks as groups. In the first part, multiple independently collected microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus data repository were analyzed to identify probe pairs that are positively co-regulated across the samples. A co-expression network was constructed based on a reciprocal ranking criteria and a false discovery rate analysis. We named this network Reference Gene Association (RGA) network. Then, the network was partitioned into densely connected sub-networks of probes using a multilevel graph partitioning algorithm. In the second part, we proposed a new, MANOVA-based approach that can take individual probe expression values as input and perform hypothesis testing at the sub-network level. We applied this MANOVA methodology to two published studies and our analysis indicated that the methodology is both effective and sensitive for identifying transcriptional sub-networks or pathways that are perturbed across treatments. Contact:Nathan.Siemers@bms.com or Ruiru.Ji@bms.com
Ultraviolet irradiation induces keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal hyperplasia through the activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces skin cancer, in part, through epigenetic mechanisms that result in the deregulation of cell proliferation. UV irradiation also rapidly activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Since EGFR activation is strongly mitogenic in many cell types including keratinocytes of the skin, we hypothesized that UV-induced cutaneous proliferation results from EGFR activation. The role of EGFR activation in the response of the skin to UV was determined using Egfr-null and Egfr-wild-type skin grafted onto athymic nude mouse hosts, because Egfr-null mice survive only a few days after birth. EGFR was rapidly activated in mouse epidermis following exposure to UV, as detected by the phosphorylation of EGFR on tyrosine residues 992, 1045, 1068 and 1173. UV induced epidermal hyperplasia in Egfr-wild-type skin between 48 and 72 h post-UV. However, no epidermal hyperplasia occurred in Egfr-null skin. Baseline cell proliferation was similar in skin grafts of both genotypes. However, UV exposure increased cell proliferation, as measured by Ki67 immunohistochemistry and proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunoblotting, maximally at 48 h to a level more than three times higher in wild-type compared with Egfr-null skin. Apoptotic cell death, as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Biotin-dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) analysis, was also increased in UV-exposed Egfr-null skin when compared with wild-type 1-2 days post-UV. These changes in cellular homeostasis after UV were accompanied by increased cyclin D expression in wild-type but not Egfr-null skin and increased expression of p53 and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21waf1 in Egfr-null skin when compared with wild-type. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the UV-induced activation of EGFR augments keratinocyte proliferation and suppresses apoptosis, leading to epidermal hyperplasia, associated with increased G1 cyclin expression and suppression of CDK inhibitor expression.
Age-related trends in short- and long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction: a 20-year population-based perspective (1975-1995).

This study examines age-related differences and temporal trends in hospital and long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) over a 2-decade-long (1975 to 1995) experience. A total of 8,070 patients with validated AMI hospitalized in all acute care hospitals in the Worcester, Massachusetts, metropolitan area (1990 census population 437,000) were studied over 10 one-year periods between 1975 and 1995. This population included 1,326 patients aged or = 85 years (9.6%). Compared with patients or = 85 years were at 4.2, 7.8, and 10.2 times greater risk of dying, respectively. Similar age disparities in the risk of dying were seen when controlling for additional prognostic factors. Despite the adverse impact of increasing age on hospital survival after AMI, declining in-hospital death rates were seen in each of the age groups under study, with declining magnitude of these trends with advancing age. Among discharged hospital patients, increasing age was related to a significantly poorer long-term prognosis. Trends toward improving long-term prognosis were seen in patients discharged in the mid-1990s compared with those discharged in the mid- to late 1970s for patients aged <85 years. The present results demonstrate the marked impact of advancing age on survival after AMI. Despite the adverse impact of age on prognosis, encouraging trends in prognosis were observed in all age groups, although to a lesser extent in the oldest elderly patients. These findings emphasize the low death rates in middle-aged patients with AMI and the need for targeted secondary prevention efforts in elderly patients with AMI.
A 10-year analysis of metastatic prostate cancer as an initial presentation in an underserved population.

Objective To analyze patients from an underserved area who presented initially with metastatic prostate cancer in order to identify patients in our population who would suffer greatly if PSA screening was eliminated. Materials and Methods A prospectively maintained androgen deprivation therapy database from an inner city municipal hospital was queried to identify patients who presented with metastatic prostate cancer. We identified 129 individuals from 1999 to 2009 eligible for study. Those who underwent previous treatment for prostate cancer were excluded. We examined metastatic distribution and analyzed survival using Kaplan Meier probability curves. Results The median age of presentation was 68 with a median Gleason sum of 8 per prostate biopsy. Thirty-two patients presented with hydronephrosis with a median creatinine of 1.79, two of whom required emergent dialysis. Of those patients who underwent radiographic imaging at presentation, 35.5% (33/93) had lymphadenopathy suspicious for metastasis, 16.1% (15/93) had masses suspicious for visceral metastases. Of the patients who underwent a bone scan 93% (118/127) had positive findings with 7.9% (10/127) exhibiting signs of cord compression. The 2 and 5- year cancer specific survival was 92.1% and 65.6%, respectively. Conclusions In this study we have highlighted a group of men in an underserved community who presented with aggressive and morbid PCa despite widespread acceptance of PSA screening.
Constraint logic programming for the analysis and partial synthesis of truss structures

This formulation is general in that it handles statically determinate and statically indeterminate trusses with pin and roller supports, and concentrated joint loads. The formulation is constraint-based in that the physical behavior of truss components is declaratively represented using constraints. The analysis and partial synthesis of a truss structure manifest themselves in proving the satisfiability of the constraints associated with the structural components. An artificial intelligence approach called constraint logic programming is used for representing and satisfying constraints. A constraint logic programming language, called CLP(R), is used for implementing the formulation
Dose-dependent anesthesia-mediated attenuation of the inflammatory response

Introduction. Our group has recently demonstrated that multiple anesthetic agents inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines among LPS-challenged rodents. Because anesthesia is fundamental to virtually all surgical procedures, it is important to further elucidate the kinetics of this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of timing of onset and duration of anesthesia on the down regulation of LPS-induced cytokine production. Methods. Forty 8-week-old, male C57BL/CJ mice were anesthetized for 60 min with isoflurane given at different time points (n = 10) with respect to the intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 15 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected from all groups via cardiac puncture 1.5 h following LPS injection. Two groups received anesthesia before the LPS injection: 60 min pretreatment and 60 min pretreatment followed by an additional 30 min delay. Two additional groups received the LPS injection at time zero: one received LPS simultaneous to the onset of anesthesia and the final group received LPS only (control group, no continued anesthesia). In a second experiment, 40 mice were given LPS injection simultaneous to the onset of anesthesia but with varying durations of anesthesia (0, 10, 30, and 60 min, n = 10). Results. Compared to the LPS control group, plasma levels of TNF-α were significantly attenuated in the pretreatment plus delay group, the pretreatment group, and the simultaneous group (29.3, 38.6, and 91.8%, respectively; P < 0.05 by Student--Newman--Keuls method). Furthermore, the simultaneous group was significantly lower than the pretreatment plus delay group and the pretreatment group (P < 0.05). IL-6 production among the pretreatment and simultaneous groups was virtually abolished compared to the LPS control group (77.4 and 100% inhibition, respectively; P < 0.05 via SNK). A significant dose-response relationship was found between the duration of anesthesia (0, 10, 30, or 60 minutes) and the attenuation of TNF-α and IL-6 production (P < 0.05 for both cytokines). Conclusions. Anesthesia inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines among LPS-challenged mice. This phenomenon is greatest when the anesthesia is administered simultaneous to the LPS challenge and when the duration of anesthesia is the longest. Rather than simply being a means to an end, anesthesia may prove useful as a therapy in its own right for the treatment of critically ill patients.
Isolation and characterization of two bacteriophages with strong in vitro antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from dogs with ocular infections.

Objective—To isolate and characterize bacteriophages with strong in vitro lytic activity against various pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from dogs with ocular infections. Sample—26 genetically distinct P aeruginosa isolates. Procedures—P aeruginosa strains were derived from dogs with naturally acquired ulcerative keratitis. From a large-scale screening for bacteriophages with potential therapeutic benefit against canine ocular infections, 2 bacteriophages (P2S2 and P5U5) were selected; host ranges were determined, and phage nucleic acid type and genetic profile were identified via enzymatic digestion. Electron microscopy was used to characterize bacteriophage ultrastructure. Bacteriophage temperature and pH stabilities were assessed by use of double-layer agar overlay titration. A cocultivation assay was used to evaluate the effect of the bacteriophages on bacterial host growth. Results—P5U5 was active against all P aeruginosa isolates, whereas P2S2 formed lytic plaques on plates of 21 ...
An N-Terminal Domain of Herpes Simplex Virus Type I gE Is Capable of Forming Stable Complexes with gI

Using limited proteolytic analyses, we show that gE present in soluble herpes simplex virus type 1 gE-gI complexes is cleaved into a C-terminal (CgE) and an N-terminal (NgE) domain. The domain boundary is in the vicinity of residue 188 of mature gE. NgE, but not CgE, forms a stable complex with soluble gI.
Dihydrotestosterone synthesis bypasses testosterone to drive castration-resistant prostate cancer

In the majority of cases, advanced prostate cancer responds initially to androgen deprivation therapy by depletion of gonadal testosterone. The response is usually transient, and metastatic tumors almost invariably eventually progress as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The development of CRPC is dependent upon the intratumoral generation of the potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), from adrenal precursor steroids. Progression to CRPC is accompanied by increased expression of steroid-5α-reductase isoenzyme-1 (SRD5A1) over SRD5A2, which is otherwise the dominant isoenzyme expressed in the prostate. DHT synthesis in CRPC is widely assumed to require 5α-reduction of testosterone as the obligate precursor, and the increased expression of SRD5A1 is thought to reflect its role in converting testosterone to DHT. Here, we show that the dominant route of DHT synthesis in CRPC bypasses testosterone, and instead requires 5α-reduction of androstenedione by SRD5A1 to 5α-androstanedione, which is then converted to DHT. This alternative pathway is operational and dominant in both human CRPC cell lines and fresh tissue obtained from human tumor metastases. Moreover, CRPC growth in mouse xenograft models is dependent upon this pathway, as well as expression of SRD5A1. These findings reframe the fundamental metabolic pathway that drives CRPC progression, and shed light on the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Responses to Rhythm Patterns When Presented to Children through Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic Modalities:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three rhythm presentation modalities on the recall of rhythm patterns. Seventy first graders, 70 third graders, and 70 fifth graders were tested either visually, auditorily, kinesthetically, or with combinations of these modalities. Each child was asked to memorize and clap six rhythm patterns of increasing difficulty, which were presented either iconically (visually), by playing a resonator bell (auditorily), by patting the child's hand (kinesthetically), or through combinations of these treatments. Grade level was significant (p < .0001). Test scores from students who were presented rhythm patterns using a multimodality presentation indicate that students were not confused by the multisensory input. The first-grade visual test results were significantly lower (p < .05) than results with older children. These findings suggest that the incorporation of learning modalities into music teaching methods could result in more efficient learning of rhythm pa...
Estimating Supply Response in the Presence of Farm Programs

Previous empirical research on crop supply response has given insufficient attention to the fundamentally different nature of supply response under farm programs versus competitive markets. A simple theoretical model is presented which highlights the program participation option in the farmer's acreage allocation decision. The model also provides the basis for different expected supply elasticities under "free market" and "farm program" regimes for corn and soybeans. Econometric supply estimation for Corn Belt states for 1948-80 using a temporally disaggregated approach confirms a greater supply elasticity for corn and a lower supply elasticity for soybeans under acreage-restricting feed grain programs.
“Seismic Raves” raises a question

Hi Luciana, I read with interest the July–August 2008 article in SRL “Seismic Raves: Tremor observations from an electronic music festival,” by David N. Green and David Bowers. The authors describe harmonic signals recorded coincident with the 2007 Glade Festival and make an excellent case that the festival generated the 2–3 Hz signals. However, I disagree with the conclusions in that I don't think the music itself caused the primary long-lived spectral lines. I think rather that steady machinery such …
Comparative analysis of fecal fat quantitation via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) and gravimetry

Abstract Background Fecal-fat is typically measured by extracting lipid from homogenized feces with subsequent gravimetric/titrimetric analyses that are time-consuming and involve toxic solvents. Accordingly, an efficient and more safe method to quantitate fecal-fat is needed. The present objective was to adapt CEM SmartTrac ® technology (i.e. 1 H NMR) to rapidly ( 1 H NMR and gravimetric performance characteristics. Methods 1 H NMR and gravimetric measurements of stool-fat were conducted using excess stool samples (72 h collection; n = 107) homogenized to semi-liquid consistency prior to analyses. Results The 1 H NMR method demonstrated acceptable linearity ( R 2 = 0.9999) and recovery (mean = 105%) with imprecision (intra-assay CV = 1.2–6.5%; inter-assay CV = 1.8–5.8%) comparable to or better than gravimetry (intra-assay CV = 1.0–17.2%; inter-assay CV = 3.8–6.5%). Excellent correlation between fecal-fat quantitation by 1 H NMR and gravimetry ( n = 107; R 2 = 0.983; y = 1.0173 x − 0.6859) was exhibited; moreover, 1 H NMR demonstrated good sensitivity (92.3%), specificity (94.5%), negative-predictive value (92.9%) and positive-predictive value (94.1%) for malabsorption using the reference cut-off of ≤ 7 g fat/24 h. Conclusions These data demonstrate that 1 H NMR permits rapid and safe quantitation of fecal-fat while maintaining acceptable performance characteristics, thereby supporting the utility of 1 H NMR as an alternative method to gravimetry for fecal-fat quantitation.
Simulation of climate-change effects on riparian vegetation in the Pere Marquette River, Michigan

Global climate-change models (GCMs) predict that the midwest USA will be drier and warmer as a result of global climate change. Other studies suggest that climate change has already started in the Lake Michigan region. This study uses climate predictions from GCMs and projections of historical climate-change trends to examine the potential effects of climate change on riparian vegetation along the Pere Marquette River in west central Michigan. A model of stream discharge as a function of temperature and precipitation was used to estimate the percent of time that each of 25 plots would be inundated at a field site in the riparian corridor on the river. Four vegetation classes were identified at the field site (Almus, Open-Viburnum, Fraximus-Carpinus, and Acer-Tsuga). The stream discharge model was used to calculate the percent of time each plot was inundated at the field site under the different climate scenarios and to predict the distribution of vegetation classes that would be present under climate-change conditions. The results suggest that the areal extent of vegetation classes at the field site may change by up to 27%.
Chapter 28. Nucleosides and Nucleotides

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the various aspects of nucleosides and nucelotides. The discovery of a rapidly growing number and variety of nucleoside antibiotics, minor nucleosides of transfer RNA, and other naturally occurring nucleoside derivatives stimulated work in the field of nucleoside synthesis. For the direct synthesis of purine nucleosides, variations of the chloromercuri method and the fusion procedure have been employed. The former method was used in the synthesis of several 2-substituted-N 6 -methyl derivatives of adenosine, 2-amino-2-deoxy sugar nucleosides of adenine, and two new series of nucleosides derived from 2-acetamido-6-chloropurine. In the synthesis of 9-(1-deoxy-β-D-psicofuranosy1)adenine (I), chloromercuri-6-benzamidopurine was reacted with the relatively stable 1-bromo derivative of the protected 1-deoxy- D -psicofuranosyl bromide, to give 11, which was then selectively reduced to III, using tri- n -butyltin hydride in the presence of 2,2′-azobis (isobutyronitrile) as catalyst , in refluxing benzene. A series of 8-aminopurine nucleosides and their N -substituted derivatives were prepared through direct bromination of the natural purine ribosides and deoxyribosides and subsequent nucleophilic displacement of the 8-bromo group with hydrazine or azide, hydroxylamine or alkylamin.
Improved n-Type 4H-SiC Epitaxial Radiation Detectors by Edge Termination

A new edge termination with ${\rm SiO}_{2}$ and ${\rm Si}_{3}{{\rm N}_4}$ passivating layers has been developed and is shown to be a very effective method for improving energy resolution of $20 ~\mu \hbox{m}$ n-type 4H-SiC epilayer Schottky barrier radiation detectors. The junction properties of the fabricated detectors before and after edge termination were studied by current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. A thermionic emission model applied to the forward I-V characteristics showed surface barrier height of $\sim 1.4 ~\hbox{eV}$ and diode ideality factor of $\sim 1.1$ . The C-V measurements showed a doping concentration of $1.8 \times {10^{14}} ~\hbox{cm}^{ - 3}$ which ensured a fully depleted ${(\sim 20 ~\mu \hbox{m})}$ detector at bias voltages as low as $\sim 70 ~\hbox{V}$ . Alpha spectroscopy measurements revealed an improved energy resolution from $\sim 0.7 \% $ to $\sim 0.4\% $ for 5.48 MeV alpha particles. Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements have shown a decreased concentration of ${{\rm Z}_{1/2}}$ defect levels in detectors following edge termination.
Crystal structure of N-(quinolin-6-yl)hydroxyl-amine.

The title compound, C9H8N2O, crystallized with four independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. The four mol­ecules are linked via one O—H⋯N and two N—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a tetra­mer-like unit. In the crystal, mol­ecules are further linked by O—H⋯N and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds forming layers parallel to (001). These layers are linked via C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and a number of weak C—H⋯π inter­actions, forming a three-dimensional structure. The crystal was refined as a non-merohedral twin with a minor twin component of 0.319.