cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gender-based outcomes of impeller pumps percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

BACKGROUND There is paucity of data focusing on females' outcomes after the use of impeller pumps percutaneous ventricular assist devices (IPVADs). METHODS Patients who received IPVADs during the period of October 1st, 2015-December 31, 2017, were identified from the United States National Readmission Database. A 1:1 propensity score matching was used to compare the outcomes between females and males. RESULTS A total of 19,278 (Female = 5,456; Male = 13,822) patients were included in the current analysis. After propensity score matching and among all-comers who were treated with IPVADs, females had higher in-hospital major adverse events (MAEs) (38 vs. 32.6%, p < .01), mortality (31 vs. 28%, p < .01), vascular complications (3.3 vs. 2.1%, p < .01), major bleeding (7.8 vs. 4.8%, p < .01), nonhome discharges (21.6 vs. 16.3%; p < .01), and longer length of stay (7 days [IQR 2-12] vs. 6 days [IQR 2-12], p = .02) with higher 30-day readmission rate compared to males (20.5 vs.16.4%, p < .01). Furthermore, among patients who received the IPVADs for high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HRPCI), females continued to have worse MAEs, which was driven by high rates of major bleeding. However, among patients who received IPVADs for cardiogenic shock (CS) the outcomes of females and males were comparable. CONCLUSIONS Among all-comers who received IPVADs, females suffered higher morbidity and mortality compared to males. Higher morbidity driven mainly by higher rates of major bleeding was seen among females who received IPVADs for the hemodynamic support during HRPCI and comparable outcomes were observed when the IPVADs were used for CS.
Quantification of human gut microbiota variability using replicate sampling and spike-in sequencing

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing has enabled detailed investigation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of the human gut microbiome and their corresponding alterations during disease. However, the contributions of temporal changes, spatial sampling location and technical sources of variability in gut microbiome studies remain poorly understood. Commonly used sequencing approaches are further limited by compositional biases due to relative abundance measurements. Here, we combine mathematical modeling with an experimental workflow based on replicate sampling and spike-in sequencing to separately quantify the major sources of gut microbiota variability measured in absolute abundances. We apply this framework to the healthy human gut microbiome and find substantial and distinct contributions to measured abundance variability associated with time, spatial sampling location and technical noise. Notably, our approach allows us to identify a critical abundance threshold (~0.01% in average taxa relative abundance) above which variability primarily results from temporal changes and below which technical noise predominates. Furthermore, we find a large contribution (~20%) to measured microbiota variability resulting from different spatial sampling locations. Across all taxa, we observe that overall patterns of temporal and spatial variability in the human gut microbiome follow closely those in other diverse ecosystems, but we also identify specific taxa whose behavior are largely associated with either underlying temporal or spatial sources. Finally, we use our approach to show that temporal factors can largely explain the significant changes in total bacterial densities observed in the gut and the abundance correlations of individual bacterial taxa. Collectively, our results highlight important pitfalls of current fecal profiling practices and provide a general framework to facilitate future quantitative ecological analysis of the human gut microbiome and other complex microbial communities.
Depressive hypertension: A proposed human endotype of brain/gut microbiome dysbiosis.

Background Hypertension (HTN) is frequently linked with depression (DEP) in adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD), yet the underlying mechanism and successful management remain elusive. We approached this knowledge gap through the lens that humans are eukaryote-prokaryote "meta-organisms," such that cardiovascular disease dysregulation is a mosaic disorder involving dysbiosis of the gut. We hypothesized that patients diagnosed with hypertension plus depression harbor a unique gut microbial ecology with attending functional genomics engaged with their hosts' gut/brain axis physiology. Methods Stool microbiome DNA was analyzed by whole metagenome shotgun sequencing in 54 subjects parsed into cohorts diagnosed with HTN only (N = 18), DEP only (N = 7), DEP plus HTN (DEP-HTN) (N = 8), or reference subjects with neither HTN nor DEP (N = 21). A novel battery of machine-learning multivariate analyses of de-noised data yielded effect sizes and permutational covariance-based dissimilarities that significantly differentiated the cohorts (false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted P ≤ .05); data clustering within 95% confidence interval). Results Metagenomic significant differences extricated the four cohorts. Data of the cohort exhibiting DEP-HTN were germane to the interplay of central control of blood pressure concomitant with the neuropathology of depressive disorders. DEP-HTN gut bacterial community ecology was defined by co-occurrence of Eubacterium siraeum, Alistipes obesi, Holdemania filiformis, and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 1.1.57FAA with Streptococcus salivariu. The corresponding microbial functional genomics of DEP-HTN engaged pathways degrading GABA and beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and are associated with enhanced sodium absorption and inflammasome induction. Conclusions These data suggest a new putative endotype of hypertension, which we denote “depressive-hypertension” (DEP-HTN), for which we posit a model that is distinctive from either HTN alone or DEP alone. An "endotype" is a subtype of a heterogeneous pathophysiological mechanism. The DEP-HTN model incorporates a unique signature of microbial taxa and functional genomics with crosstalk that putatively intertwines host pathophysiology involving the gastrointestinal tract with disruptions in central control of blood pressure and mood. The DEP-HTN endotype model engages cardiology with gastroenterology and psychiatry, providing a proof-of-concept foundation to explore future treatments, diagnosis, and prevention of HTN-coupled mood disorders.
The Voice Range Profile-A Shortened Protocol Pilot Study.

SUMMARY Introduction Voice production is a complex process involving the coordination of various anatomical structures and physiologic systems. The Voice Range Profile (VRP) is an established acoustic measure for evaluating voice production that examines minimum and maximum intensity across the frequency range. This pilot study sought to establish a consistent, efficient, and accessible VRP elicitation method. One primary research question was addressed: Does the proposed Short method provide at least as much information as a full, discrete-steps method, which is generally accepted in the literature? Methods In this quasi-repeated measures design, twenty-four singers completed a full VRP based on accepted methods from the literature, and the same participants returned within one to three weeks to complete the proposed Short VRP protocol. The full VRP consisted of steady state productions at every semitone within a participant's range for both minimum and maximum intensities. The Short VRP consisted of steady state productions at every octave and perfect fifth across the semitone range for both minimum and maximum intensities. Additional sampling was completed between points when a 7 dB or greater difference was found between consecutive points. Analysis compared each protocol's average elicitation time differences, average semitone range differences, visual examination of the average VRP graph, and examination of average intensity differences between protocols at specific semitone points. Male and female results were analyzed separately. Results The proposed Short protocol produced similar or better intensity ranges when compared with the accepted full elicitation method. The Short protocol produced intensities with 95% or greater similarity to the Full Protocol for male maximum intensity curve, female minimum intensity curve, and female maximum intensity curve. Conclusions When compared with a Full VRP, a Short VRP protocol appears to generate similar minimum and maximum intensity curves allowing for a time-efficient substitute.
Consequences and repair of radiation-induced DNA damage: fifty years of fun questions and answers.

Purpose To summarize succinctly the 50 years of research undertaken in my laboratory and to provide an overview of my career in science. It is certainly a privilege to have been asked by Carmel Mothersill and Penny Jeggo to contribute to this special issue of the International Journal of Radiation Biology focusing on the work of women in the radiation sciences. Conclusion My students, post-docs and I identified and characterized a number of the enzymes that recognize and remove radiation-damaged DNA bases, the DNA glycosylases, which are the first enzymes in the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway. Although this pathway actually evolved to repair oxidative and other endogenous DNA damages, it is also responsible for removing the vast majority of radiation-induced DNA damages including base damages, alkali-labile lesions and single strand breaks. However, because of its high efficiency, attempted BER of clustered lesions produced by ionizing radiation, can have disastrous effects on cellular DNA. We also evaluated the potential biological consequences of many of the radiation-induced DNA lesions. In addition, with collaborators, we employed computational techniques, x-ray crystallography and single molecule approaches to answer many questions at the molecular level.
Ensino de ciências nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental: possibilidades e desafios em Canoas-RS

The proposed study has as investigating theme the teaching of sciences in the initial years, its contributions and obstacles for the scientific alphabetization of the pupils, as well as approaching the importance of the spaces of permanent education as a challenge to make our classroom a closer space of the reality, closer to our pupils. This research has tried to contribute with the work of the teachers of the initial years of the basic education, collaborating in their pedagogical practice and making the teacher feel motivated to make the teaching of sciences more attractive and efficient, obtaining good results with his/her pupils, bringing new ideas and ways to improve his/her teaching practice. The research environment is created by the observation of the practices of the teachers, generating some questionings that arose during this observation. The Methodological Approach is presented by the characterization of the study, field of study, participants of the research, tools of the data collecting and the analysis of the data. The present study found out that in order to remedy the deficiencies of the initial education and the academic one of the teachers, it is up to offer more courses aiming at the teaching of sciences in the initial years. Then the teacher can use the spaces of permanent education in school in order to meet his/her needs. The knowledge produced in the school makes it possible to share ideas and it is in the collective that we built our walk and grow professionally.
Duration of antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients with penetrating abdominal trauma: a prospective randomized trial.

To evaluate the effect of varying durations of antibiotic prophylaxis in trauma patients with multiple risk factors for postoperative septic complications, a prospective randomized trial was undertaken at an urban level I trauma center. The inclusion criteria were full-thickness colon injury and one of the following: (1) Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index ≥25, (2) transfusion of 6 units or more of packed red blood cells, or (3) more than 4 hours from injury to operation. Patients were randomly assigned to a short course (24 hours) or a long course (5 days) of antibiotic therapy. All patients received 2 g cefoxitin en route to the operating room and 2 g intravenously piggyback every 6 hours for a total of 1 day vs. 5 days. Sixty-three patients were equally divided into short-course (n = 31) and long-course (n = 32) therapy. This was a high-risk patient population, as assessed by the mean Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index (33), number of patients with multiple blood transfusions (51 of 63; 81%), number of patients with an Injury Severity Score greater than 15 (37 of 63; 59%), number of patients with destructive colon wounds requiring resection (27 of 63; 43%), and number of patients requiring postoperative critical care (37 of 63; 59%). Differences in intra-abdominal (1-day, 19%; 5-days, 38%) and extra-abdominal (1-day, 45%; 5-days, 25%) infection rates did not achieve statistical significance. There continues to be no evidence that extending antibiotic prophylaxis beyond 24 hours is of benefit, even among the highest risk patients with penetrating abdominal trauma. A large, multi-institutional trial will be necessary to condemn this common practice with statistical validity.
Assessing the roles of population density and predation risk in the evolution of offspring size in populations of a placental fish

Population density is an ecological variable that is hypothesized to be a major agent of selection on offspring size. In high-density populations, high levels of intraspecific competition are expected to favor the production of larger offspring. In contrast, lower levels of intraspecific competition and selection for large offspring should be weaker and more easily overridden by direct selection for increased fecundity in low-density populations. Some studies have found associations between population density and offspring size consistent with this hypothesis. However, their interpretations are often clouded by a number of issues. Here, we use data from a 10-year study of nine populations of the least killifish, Heterandria formosa, to describe the associations of offspring size with habitat type, population density, and predation risk. We found that females from spring populations generally produced larger offspring than females from ponds; however, the magnitude of this difference varied among years. Across all populations, larger offspring were associated with higher densities and lower risks of predation. Interestingly, the associations between the two ecological variables (density and predation risk) and offspring size were largely independent of one another. Our results suggest that previously described genetic differences in offspring size are due to density-dependent natural selection.
Reduction of relative intensity noise and improvement of spur-free dynamic range of an injection locked VCSEL

Optical injection locking has been demonstrated to increase the laser bandwidth and reduce the laser chirp and distortion. In this paper, we report the first direct RIN measurement of an injection-locked laser for different injection conditions. A record 3/sup rd/ harmonic SFDR of 111 dB-Hz/sup 2/3/ at 2 GHz was also demonstrated for a directly modulated VCSEL with this technique. To conclude, the RIN spectra of an injection-locked VCSEL were studied for different injection conditions. More than 10 dB reduction of the RIN can be obtained at the free-running resonance frequency. A record SFDR value at 2 GHz was also reported using the injection locking technique.
Layering in provenance systems

Digital provenance describes the ancestry or history of a digital object. Most existing provenance systems, however, operate at only one level of abstraction: the system call layer, a workflow specification, or the high-level constructs of a particular application. The provenance collectable in each of these layers is different, and all of it can be important. Single-layer systems fail to account for the different levels of abstraction at which users need to reason about their data and processes. These systems cannot integrate data provenance across layers and cannot answer questions that require an integrated view of the provenance. We have designed a provenance collection structure facilitating the integration of provenance across multiple levels of abstraction, including a workflow engine, a web browser, and an initial runtime Python provenance tracking wrapper. We layer these components atop provenance-aware network storage (NFS) that builds upon a Provenance-Aware Storage System (PASS). We discuss the challenges of building systems that integrate provenance across multiple layers of abstraction, present how we augmented systems in each layer to integrate provenance, and present use cases that demonstrate how provenance spanning multiple layers provides functionality not available in existing systems. Our evaluation shows that the overheads imposed by layering provenance systems are reasonable.
A Relational Cultural Paradigm as a Theoretical Backdrop for Considering Women’s Work

A relational cultural paradigm for vocational psychology has been introduced as a novel paradigm that emphasises the cultural shaping of meaning-making through relationships as central to the understanding of work in people’s lives (Schultheiss, 2007).
Using Time Delay to Teach Literacy to Students with Severe Developmental Disabilities

A review of the literature was conducted for articles published between 1975 and 2007 on the application of time delay as an instructional procedure to teach word and picture recognition to students with severe developmental disabilities in an effort to evaluate time delay as an evidence-based practice. A total of 30 experiments were analyzed using quality indicators for single-subject design research. In general, we found that time delay was an evidence-based practice for teaching picture and sight word recognition supported by standards for evidence-based practice proposed by Horner et al. (2005). We discuss lessons learned in summarizing a body of literature to define an evidence-based practice and suggestions for better defining the practice.
Reversible Obstructive Hydrocephalus from Hypertensive Encephalopathy

Background Diffuse edema involving the posterior fossa may be seen with hypertensive encephalopathy and has rarely been reported to cause hydrocephalus. We present three such cases and review the literature to better delineate this uniquely reversible syndrome.
Videotaped behavioral observations: Enhancing validity and reliability

Observing and quantifying behaviors in natural or clinical settings has long produced challenges for researchers and clinicians. Although nurses are uniquely positioned to conduct behavioral research, they may not be well acquainted with behavioral observation strategies. The author identifies several problems commonly encountered while studying behavior in natural settings and suggests methods for enhancing validity and reliability through videotaped observations. Results of a newly developed calibration procedure are discussed with implications for rater training. Nurse clinicians and researchers should find this information useful for evaluating interventions in clinics, homes, and other applied settings.
Modelling of ceramic grinding processes Part I. Number of cutting points and grinding forces per grit

Abstract Modelling is necessary for the optimization and control of any process to achieve improved product quality, high productivity and low cost. Of most importance in ceramic grindings is the establishment of process models that relates flexure strength of ground ceramics with wheel specifications, grinding conditions and material properties through consideration of mechanical and thermal interactions between the abrasive grits and the ceramic material and the induced microcracks and residual stresses. As the first effort of the author's research in this direction, this paper evaluates several theoretical equations for the calculation of the number of active cutting points per unit area based on a simulation analysis. Along with the force data obtained from ceramic grinding experiments, the number of active cutting points is used to calculate the average normal and tangential grinding forces per grit, φn and φt. Both φn and φt are found to be a power function of the average cross-sectional area of the cutting edges or the grit depth of cut. Different expressions for φn and φt are found for the predominant ductile-flow regime and the predominant brittle-fracture regime.
General treatment of the evaluation of tri-diagonal secular determinants

Secular determinants associated with eigenvalue problems are tri-diagonal (i) for discrete linear systems if the point-masses are subject to only the nearest-neighbor interaction forces and (ii) for certain distributive systems in one and two dimensions if the partial differential equations governing such systems are transformed into a set of simultaneous linear equations by means of difference techniques. If a vibrating system consists of N sub-units each containing p different masses, the secular determinant has the rank pN and its principal diagonal elements repeat themselves with a periodicity p Such determinants are encountered in a wide range of problems dealing with vibrating systems. A method of evaluation is presented here for such secular determinants for any value of p. Thus, the present paper is an extension and generalization of earlier work published in this journal.
On the upscaling of reaction-transport processes in porous media with fast or finite kinetics

Abstract We show that for reaction-transport processes with fast kinetics (in the limit of thermodynamic equilibrium), conventional volume averaging for determining effective kinetic parameters applies only when the macroscopic variable approaches its equilibrium value. Even under such conditions, computing the effective mass transfer coefficient requires solving an eigenvalue problem, which couples the local microstructure with the global. Two examples, one involving a simple advection–dissolution problem and another a drying problem in a pore network, illustrate the theoretical predictions. Similar considerations apply for the case of finite kinetics, when the macroscale concentration approaches an equilibrium value. In that case, the effective kinetic parameter is not equal to the local, as typically assumed, but it becomes a function of the local Thiele modulus.
Failures of the Dual Articular knee prosthesis due to fracture of the polyethylene post

The Dual Articular (DA) total knee replacement was designed for revision and complex primary knee arthroplasty. A number of these knees failed due to fracture of the polyethylene post. We aimed to identify the proportion of DA prostheses that failed in this manner in our hospital. The hospital database was interrogated to identify all patients undergoing revision total knee replacement under the care of one surgeon from 1995 to 2007. Case notes were then reviewed to collect information about the history surrounding the knee surgery, and determine the patient's weight at the time of surgery. Telephone follow-up was carried out to obtain complete contemporary data. Forty-eight prostheses were implanted into 39 patients (21 male, 18 female). Thirty-two of the prostheses were DA and of these, 7 underwent arthroscopy or arthrotomy to reveal a fracture of the polyethylene post (22%). T-tests showed no statistical difference in age (p=0.73) or weight (p=0.79) between the group of DA patients with fractured posts and those without. Six of the 7 fractures were in male patients (Chi-squared; p=0.01). Patients complained of pain, clicking and instability at a mean of 7 years post-surgery. Sixteen DA2000 prostheses were implanted, but none of these had failed due to a fractured polyethylene post. A high proportion of DA prostheses failed due to post fracture. We recommend that patients with DA prostheses be kept under review to detect failures early. Pain, clicking and instability should be investigated with arthroscopy and the tibial insert exchanged as appropriate.
Applications of a minimum sum path algorithm implemented on the connection machine (Abstract Only)

Presented in this paper is a methodology that has been used in development of a model-based computer vision system. The methodology focuses on problem solving while using commercial off-the-shelf computer vision software.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ROLE OF ROUTINE CHEST ROENTEGENOGRAM IN CLINICAL EVALUATION OF ACUTE ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

We prospectively studied the role of routine chest roentgenogram(CXR) in the clinical assessment of the child presenting to the emergency room(ER) for acute asthma and it's effect on the decision to start antibiotic therapy(AT). One hundred seventy seven(177) consecutive acute asthma patients (age 3-14 years) evaluated in our ER were included. History, physical examination, CBC, urinalysis, and peak expiratory flow rate were first obtained. Based on these findings the pediatric house officer in the ER made a clinical diagnosis and a decision concerning AT use. The CXR was evaluated and result recorded. This was followed by revaluation of AT. CXR was read as positive in 23 patients by ER physician (17 pneumonia, 5 atelectasis, 1 mucus plug). CXRs were subsequently examined independently by 2 pediatric radiologists. They confirmed 5 pneumonias, 3 atelectasis. They also found 4 additional pneumonia in CXR's read as negative by the housestaff. Prior to CXR, ER physicians planned to start AT in 4 patients because of clinical pneumonia but after CXR, 8 additional patients were given AT because of CXR findings (7 pneumonia, 1 atelectasis) and 1 patient with clinical pneumonia was not given AT because of negative CXR. In conclusion, 8/12 (67%) of abnormal CXR confirmed by radiologists, (5 pneumonia, 3 atelectasis) were correctly interpreted in ER. CXR was often misinterpreted and led to overtreatment with AT in ER setting.
Use of urease inhibitors and urea fertilizers on winter wheat

Phosphoroamide urease inhibitors were evaluated for their ability to increase grain protein and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) when added to surfaceapplied urea-based fertilizers. Six urease inhibitors [trichloroethyl phosphorodiamidate, diethyl phosphoric triamide, dimethyl phosphoric triamide, N-(diaminophosphinyl)-cyclohexylamine, N-benzyl-N-methyl phosphoric triamide, and phenylphosphorodiamide] were evaluated. Nitrogen treatments were urea prills, urea solution, and ureaammonium nitrate (UAN) solution broadcast and UAN solution band applied. Ammonium sulfate and no N treatments were included as controls. Fertilizer treatments were applied in the fall and spring. Soils were Ryker silt loam (Typic Paleudalf), Rensselaer loam (Typic Argiaquoll), and Avonburg silt loam (Aeric Fragiaqualf).
Description of the irradiated and nonirradiated midgut of Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Anastrepha ludens Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) used for sterile insect technique

Midguts from adult sterile male Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann and Anastrepha ludens Loew, the Mediterranean fruit fly and Mexican fruit fly, respectively, were examined microscopically to determine if radiation used in sterile insect technique (SIT) affected this non target tissue and/or the microorganisms associated with the midgut. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to compare midgut tissues and microorganisms from irradiated and nonirradiated mass-reared adult flies. Observations for both fruit fly species were similar. Our comparisons revealed that newly emerged and two-day-old irradiated flies exhibited signs of damage to midgut tissue, cellular organelles, and gut microbiota not observed in nonirradiated flies of the same ages. Peritrophic membrane formation and bacterial growth appeared diminished in the midguts of irradiated flies compared to nonirradiated flies. Cellular damage of midgut tissue from irradiated flies included distorted, small nuclei that lacked nuclear material, and mitochondria that were dilated and/or vacuolated. No visual evidence of cellular damage was observed in nonirradiated flies. The impact of radiation used in SIT on fly competitiveness, referred to herein as the capability of adult flies to perform a function, is discussed, including the potential use of probiotic diets to improve damaged midgut tissue and restore midgut microbiota.
Mobility of positioned nucleosomes on 5 S rDNA

We report on a dynamic aspect of nucleosome positioning, in the absence of transcription-related events, on sea urchin 5 S rDNA. On tandem repeats of nucleosome length DNA of this strongly positioning sequence, histone octamers assemble in one dominant position surrounded by minor positions, ten base-pairs apart and therefore with identical rotational setting of the DNA coil. The existence of this cluster of positions, determined using micrococcal nuclease is confirmed by the results from DNase I footprinting and restriction enzyme analysis. The results from these techniques and from two-dimensional nucleoprotein polyacrylamide gel analysis indicate that the cluster of octamer positions is in dynamic equilibrium, in low ionic conditions, suggesting that the minor positions reflect fluctuations around the major nucleosome site. Histone octamer mobility appears to be temperature dependent and is reversibly inhibited by Mg2+.
Johnson or Goldwater?: some personality and attitude correlates of political choice.

Personality and attitude correlates of political preference in the presidential election of 1964 were investigated. Goldwater supporters were more authoritarian, more religious, more orthodox in their religious views and generally more guarded and conservative in their views. Johnson supporters were more maladjusted as measured by the Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank and the MMPI. This last finding led to speculations about the nature of psychometric and theoretical criteria and their relationship to liberalism-conservatism. The possibility of confounding of assessment of unconventionality and maladjustment was discussed.
Erratum to: The Dietary Quality of Persons with Heart Failure in NHANES 1999–2006

BACKGROUND Dietary quality may impact heart failure outcomes. However, the current status of the dietary quality of persons with heart failure has not been previously reported.
GIMA antenna design for ground-penetrating radar in concrete structure NDE applications

A novel antenna, known as a Good Impedance Matching Antenna (GIMA), has been developed for use in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) NDE of concrete structures. The requirements of a useful GPR antenna are that it provides sufficient penetrating depth in the concrete with sufficient resolution to determine the location and magnitude of the defects, such as deteriorations and delaminations. The GIMA antenna is designed to have a self-defined aperture that minimizes impedance mismatching at the aperture. This unique feature allows the antenna to be used in various frequency bands. The tested frequency range is from 500 MHz to 16 GHz. The antenna provided a high penetrating depth (more than 330 mm) and the sufficient resolution of the image that can recognize cracks up to 1 mm thick, with a radiation coefficient of about 99%. This paper will introduce the theory behind the design, as well as present experimental results. The characteristic parameters of the antenna, such as impedance matching status represented by SWR and Smith chart, as well as the power radiated using return loss. In addition, the aperture reflection is determined via the time-domain air shot reflections. Also presented are the results of the resolution test and penetrating test using concrete slabs.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Locus of control and the perception of freedom in an agent of reinforcement

Abstract Internals and externals observed a staged videotape presentation that portrayed a “teacher” and a “learner” engaging in a 20-item anagrams task. For externals, any variability (10, 50, and 90% schedule) in the reinforcing behavior of the “teacher” (agent of reinforcement) resulted in significantly greater perceived freedom than when no variability (0 and 100% schedule) occurred in behavior. For internals, perceived freedom was a negative linear function of the amount of reinforcement administered. Internals indicated that they could influence the behavior of the “teacher” in all reinforcement conditions, whereas externals indicated that they could influence only the “teachers” in the variable reinforcement conditions. It was concluded that greater freedom is attributed to a person whose behavior is perceived as congruent with the person's inner disposition.
HIV-associated hypervascular primary Burkitt's lymphoma of the liver.

The liver is an uncommon primary site for malignant lymphoma, comprising only 0.4% of extranodal lymphomas. Involvement of the liver by is almost always secondary to systemic lymphoma, occurring in up to 50% of cases. Primary hepatic lymphoma has been reported to occur with increased frequency in immunosupressed patients especially with chronic hepatitis C infection and may be linked to hepatitis B infection and Epstein–Barr virus. Patients usually present with right upper quadrant pain or mass with or without jaundice and classically affects middle-aged male adults. Establishing a diagnosis of extranodal lymphoma or primary hepatic lymphoma can be difficult especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)positive or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Due to its rarity it is often overlooked as a possible differential diagnosis. Imaging findings are non-specific and a definitive diagnosis is usually made only after histological examination. This can have a profound impact on patient care and prognosis. On computed tomography (CT) examination, lymphomatous involvement of the liver is typically represented by hypoattenuating hypovascular lesions. A hypervascular enhancement pattern on CT images has not been described in the literature to this date. We present a case of Burkitt’s lymphoma presenting as hypervascular hepatic masses mimicking focal nodular hyperplasia.
A Community Coalition to Address Cancer Disparities: Transitions, Successes and Challenges.

Community-based participatory (CBP) strategies are considered important to efforts to eliminate disparities. This paper outlines how the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) uses CBP strategies as a part of a long-term cancer education, prevention, and control strategy in an urban community. Community partnerships have proved to be vital resources to inform PECaD’s agenda and the research practice of academic partners. We begin with a description of PECaD governance and partnership structures. The paper then describes programmatic activities and successes, including efforts to monitor clinical trials, deployment of mammography resources, anti-smoking, and prostate and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening education. The influence of changes in funding priorities, preventive screening policy, and community partner development on the partnership process over time is discussed. PECaD community partners have grown and expanded beyond the Program’s mission and developed additional partnerships, resulting in a reevaluation of relationships. The impact of these external and internal changes and pressures on the partnerships are noted. The evolution of the evaluation process and what it has revealed about needed improvements in PECaD activities and operations is presented. A summary of the lessons learned and their implications for CBP practice are provided.
Moral Psychological Perspectives on Distributive Justice and Societal Inequalities

Concerns are growing about how societal resources are distributed in the United States and other countries. In this article, I argue that social domain theory (SDT), an approach within moral psychology, offers conceptual and methodological tools for addressing developmental changes in how individuals understand and morally evaluate the distribution of national resources. I summarize research indicating that American adults and adolescents underestimate actual levels of wealth inequality, while also sharing a consensus about ideal distribution of wealth that is far more equalitarian than their estimates of existing inequality. Then, I use several core features of SDT to examine age-related changes in how adolescents begin to integrate moral (e.g., fairness) and nonmoral (e.g., efficiency) considerations when they think about how to distribute wealth and other societal resources. The overall focus of this review is on identifying and beginning to examine the intersection of moral psychology, political philosophy, and economic trends.
How Brand Names Affect the Demand for Twin Automobiles

In this article, the author considers the effect of brand names on demand by examining the price ratios of used twin automobiles. Twins usually are made in the same plant and have essentially the s...
Changes in microemulsion and protein structure in IgG-AOT-brine-isooctane systems

Changes in structure of protein molecules and water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsion aggregates were investigated using the large protein immunoglobulin G (IgG, MW 155,000) and an equivolume oil/water mixture composed of brine, sulfosuccinic acid bis[2-ethylhexyl]ester (sodium salt) (AOT), and isooctane. The protein solution in the microemulsion phase was metastable: over time this solution changed, as protein and w/o droplets aggregated and precipitated to the interface between aqueous and organic phases. Such factors as AOT concentration, temperature, and salt concentration were found to influence the protein and surfactant structures in the microemulsion. Protein conformation was probed using circular dichroism spectroscopy whereas the microemulsion structure was determined from dynamic light scattering measurements. Protein conformation and microemulsion structure were found to have significant effects on protein stability in the microemulsion. The stabilizing effects of clusters formed at higher salt and/...
Existence of Solutions for a Higher Order Multi-Point Boundary Value Problem

We study the n-th order multi-point boundary value problem $$ u^{(n)} + f(t, u, u', \ldots ,u^{(n - 1)} ) = \lambda p(t), \quad t \in (0,1), $$ $$\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} u^{(i)} (0) = A_{i}, \, i = 0, \ldots , n - 3,\\ u^{(n - 2)} (0) - \sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^m {a_j u^{(n - 2)} (t_j ) = A_{n - 2}},\\ u^{(n - 2)} (1) - \sum \nolimits_{j = 1}^m {b_j u^{(n - 2)} (t_{j} ) = A_{n - 1}} \end{array} \right. $$ . Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of one and two solutions of the problem for different values of λ. Our results extend and improve some recent work in the literature. Our analysis mainly relies on the lower and upper solution method and topological degree theory.
Cholesterol screening in the adolescent

Abstract Guidelines for screening populations for hypercholesterolemia are controversial. In pediatric patients, screening has been targeted to those with a family history of hypercholesterolemia or early myocardial infarction. Because specific guidelines for adolescents have not been developed, we undertook a study of cholesterol screening in 224 consecutive patients (mean age, 14.8 ± 2.2 years; range, 11–20 years). In this study, 33 (14.7%) adolescents had levels above 185 mg/dL; 71 (32.7%) of the patients reported a positive family history for early myocardial infarction or elevated lipids. A positive family history obtained from the adolescent patient had a 36% sensitivity, 69% specificity, 17% positive predictive value, and an 87% negative predictive value compared with elevated cholesterol level. A positive history reported by the parent had a 65% sensitivity, 46% specificity, 16% positive predictive value, and an 89% negative predictive value. A positive family history obtained from either parent or adolescent had a 45% sensitivity, 69% specificity, 19% positive predicative value, and 89% negative predictive value. Family history by the adolescent was significantly different from parental history ( p
Functional significance of altered myosin adenosine triphosphatase activity in enlarged hearts

Abstract Enlarged hearts secondary to significant pressure overload have a depressed myosin adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity. With mild stress the ATPase activity may be normal or slightly elevated. Enlargement of the heart after exercise or thyroid stress results in an increased ATPase activity. Rapid myothermal techniques, in particular measurements of tension-dependent heat, were used to evaluate: (1) the relation of in vitro measurements of actin-activated ATPase activity to the in vivo behavior of myosin, and (2) the contribution of these changes to the economy of tension development and the time course of crossbridge cycling. Experiments were carried out in animals whose hearts were enlarged secondary to pressure overload (by pulmonary arterial banding) or thyrotoxic stress. In vitro actin-activated ATPase activity levels were 70 and 175 percent of normal for the pressure-overloaded and thyrotoxic hearts, respectively, while the tension-dependent heat per unit tension for the same preparations was, respectively, 78 and 154 percent of normal. Thus there is a reasonable correlation between the in vivo and in vitro measurements of contractile protein ATPase activity, which indicates that the economy of tension development is inversely related to tensiondependent heat per unit tension or actin-activated myosin ATPase activity. Analysis of these data in terms of the kinetics of ATPase activity, crossbridge behavior and tension development leads to the conclusion that in pressure overload hypertrophy the adaptation involves a decrease in the crossbridge cycling rate, an increase in crossbridge off-time and an increase in the on-time of the crossbridge. For thyrotoxic hypertrophy the adaptation involves an increase in the cycling rate, a decrease in the off-time and a decrease in the on-time. The former is adapted for slow, economical tension development and the latter for rapid, less economical tension development.
The multiple judge, multiple criteria ranking problem: A fuzzy set approach

Abstract This paper investigates the problem of selecting, from a set of issues, those which best satisfy a collection of criteria. A group of judges have fuzzy sets defined over the issues, for each criterion, whose values lie in a finite linearly ordered set L . These judges also have fuzzy sets defined over the set of criteria. The paper discusses methods of aggregating all the fuzzy sets into one fuzzy set μ, defined on the issues, so that μAϵL gives the final ranking for issue A.
Weakness in Mouse Masticatory Muscles by Repetitive Contractions with Forced Lengthening

The etiology of myofascial tenderness and pain of masticatory muscles in humans is difficult to understand. Parafunctional oral habits such as tooth grinding or vigorous chewing are thought to be factors. The objective of this study was to determine if masticatory muscles are susceptible to weakness and injury induced by repetitive, dynamic, forced-lengthening contractions. Results would support the hypothesis that contraction-induced injuries could occur in hyperactive masticatory muscles of humans in response to parafunctional oral habits. Mice were anesthetized and randomly assigned to three groups: non-treated controls, treated by repetitive passive jaw opening, or treated by repetitive isometric tetanic contractions with lengthening by jaw opening. In each treatment group, masticatory muscle injury was evaluated by contractile tension, plasma creatine kinase, and muscle glycogen. Contractile tension was determined at different stimulation frequencies and was significantly decreased 5 min, 4 h, and 72...
Dye-enhanced laser tissue welding

For vascular anastomosis, use of topical photosensitizing dye enhances selective delivery of laser energy to target tissue, thus reducing the amount of collateral thermal injury and threshold power required for welding. For fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)--stained rabbit aorta in vitro, the threshold for tissue blanching was 15 seconds of 100 mW exposure of cw argon ion laser compared with 15 seconds at 300 mW for unstained tissue. The threshold power density needed for argon laser welding of abdominal aortotomies in rabbits in vivo was 3.8 W/cm2 with FITC and 7.6 W/cm2 without the dye. However, bursting pressures for the two groups (164 mm Hg with FITC, 147 mm Hg without FITC) were not significantly different. Histology revealed decreased collateral thermal damage in FITC-enhanced welds. Use of photosensitizing dyes for tissue welding is feasible and may allow arterial welding with lower power laser systems and cause less thermal trauma by lowering threshold power levels.
The Catabolism of Tryptophan to Indole-3-Ethanol by Crithidia fasciculata and Phytomonas davidi1

Crithidia fasciculata and Phytomonas davidi catabolize tryptophan (TRP) to indole-3-ethanol, which was identified by both thin layer and gas chromatography. The catabolic pathway involved in this metabolic conversion is suggested to be similar to that proposed for other members of the family Trypanosomatidae. Although this catabolism occurs at both 25° and 37°C, the catabolic rate is greater at 37°C, a non-permissive growth temperature. Conditions that inhibit protein synthesis would appear to favor the catabolism of tryptophan to indole-3-ethanol. The possible importance of this catabolic pathway to these organisms is discussed.
The Relationship Between Plasma Levels of Oxidized and Reduced Thiols and Early Atherosclerosis in Healthy Adults

Objectives The study investigated the relationship between biomarkers of oxidative stress and early atherosclerosis. Background Oxidative stress is an important etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. We hypothesized that oxidative stress would predict early atherosclerosis in a relatively healthy population. Methods One hundred fourteen healthy non-smokers, without known clinical atherosclerosis, had carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measured using ultrasound. Oxidative stress was estimated by measuring plasma levels of: 1) glutathione (GSH), an important intracellular antioxidant thiol, its oxidized disulfide form (GSSG), and their redox state (EhGSH/GSSG), and 2) cysteine (Cys), an important extracellular antioxidant thiol, its oxidized disulfide form cystine (CySS), and their redox state (EhCys/CySS). Results The univariate predictors of IMT were age, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and Framingham risk score. Intima-media thickness was also higher in males and hypertensive subjects. Among the oxidative stress markers, GSH (r = −0.39, p Conclusions Glutathione redox state (EhGSH/GSSG), an in vivo measure of intracellular oxidative stress, is an independent predictor for the presence of early atherosclerosis in an otherwise healthy population. This finding supports a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of premature atherosclerosis, and its measurement may help in the early identification of asymptomatic subjects at risk of atherosclerotic disease.