cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Delay in Treatment Does Not Predict Outcome in Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

Aim: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an extremely aggressive form of breast cancer that fortunately has proven to be increasingly controlled by modern multimodal chemotherapy. Many doctors consider the immediate use of chemotherapy as critical to the outcome, and delays in treatment due to diagnostic issues have on occasion led to law suits. One such law suit led us to examine the relative importance of delay in diagnosis and other potential prognostic factors in a series of well documented IBC patients. Methods: 134 patients reported to the North American IBC Registry were evaluated for prognostic factors related to disease outcome. Relevant information included the time intervals between onset of symptoms and first medical visit, first medical visit to onset of chemotherapy, and progression free survival (PFS). Other parameters included initial response to chemotherapy, cell surface receptors and extent of disease at diagnosis. Patients were categorized according to the extent of clinical breast involvement and the presence or absence of dermal lymphatic invasion (DLI). Results: Patients with a delay of diagnosis of 60 days or less had a mean PFS of 4.41 years (N=62) while those with a delay >60 days had a mean PFS of 4.58 years (N=58). Initial response to chemotherapy was an important predictor of outcome: 31 patients with a complete clinical response had a median PFS of 5.12 years vs. 4.38 years for 71 patients that had a partial clinical response and 4.01 years for 15 patients with no significant response or progression of disease. The detection of dermal lymphatic invasion (RR: 2.77; 95%CI: 1.4-5.46) and clinical metastases at diagnosis (RR 2.81. 95% CI:1.16-6.80) were also significantly associated with a poorer outcome. The presence or absence of hormone receptors and HER2-neu markers were not predictive of outcome. Conclusion: Delay in initiating chemotherapy was not a significant factor in determining outcome of IBC. Initial extent of disease and response to chemotherapy were the two most imnportant factors in predicitng outcome of treated patients. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2012.
Lipopolysaccharide epitope specificity and binding cross reactivity of the human IgM anti-lipid a monoclonal antibody SdJ5-1.17.15

Abstract The binding properties and specificity of the SdJ5-1.17.15 (SdJ5) human IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb), prepared against S. minnesota R595 heat killed whole organisms, were assessed by dot blot assay in vitro. In that assay, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) related antigens, immobilized on nitrocellulose membrane, were reacted with the test and control human IgM antibodies. Results indicated the SdJ5 mAb reacted specifically with lipid A, a component of LPS, from a variety of bacterial species, but not with the whole LPS molecule. The inability of the mAb to react with whole LPS in dot blot assay was attributed to the possible effect of the solid phase on epitope exposure or structure. This hypothesis was tested by inhibition studies which indicated that liquid phase adsorption with LPS abolished or greatly reduced the specific recognition of solid phase lipid A by the mAb. These results indicated that LPS-associated antigens were recognized by the SdJ5 anti-lipid A mAb in liquid, but not solid, phase. In an attempt to identify the SdJ5-specific epitope on lipid A, the pattern of reactivities of different lipid A analogues with the mAb were examined by dot blot assay. Results indicated that a combination of the fatty acid side chains and the phosphate groups of lipid A (both groups being implicated as important for sepsis mediation) were either directly involved in the epitope structure or affected the exposure of epitope in solid phase. Because SdJ5 recognizes an LPS epitope on lipid A closely associated with endotoxin activity, this mAb could potentially be a useful therapeutic agent against septic shock.
Positive selection of viable cell populations using avidin-biotin immunoadsorption.

Abstract We have developed a new method for the selective enrichment of lymphoid subpopulations from dog and human bone marrow and peripheral blood. A mononuclear cell preparation was treated successively with monoclonal antibody, biotinylated goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin and passed over a column containing avidin linked to polyacrylamide or Sepharose beads. Adherent cells were recovered by mechanical agitation and analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Dog bone marrow mononuclear cells were treated successively with the antibody 7.2, which recognizes the Ia-antigen, 1 : 500 dilution of biotinylated goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin and passed over avidin-Biogel (1 mg/ml) at a flow rate of 3.0 ml/min. Enrichment from a starting population that was 24.4 ± 9.1% 7.2-positive to 78.3 ± 6.8% 7.2-positive adherent cell population was observed with 47.7 ± 7.8% recovery of 7.2-positive cells. Human bone marrow mononuclear cells were treated successively with the T cell antibody Leu-4 followed by 1 : 500 dilution of B-GAMIg and passed over a column of avidin-Biogel (1 mg/ml) at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. Enrichment from 7.2 ± 3.3% Leu-4-positive cells in the starting cell population to 73.1 ± 6.8% Leu-4-positive cells in the adherent cell population with total recovery of Leu-4-positive cells averaging 64.0 ± 12.7%. Human bone marrow mononuclear cells positively selected with antibody Leu-4 or another T cell antibody, Leu-5 had a markedly enhanced response to the T cell mitogen, phytohemagglutinin compared to untreated bone marrow. Enrichment of a subpopulation of lymphocytes from dog peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been accomplished using antibody DT2, which reacts with a broad spectrum of dog lymphocytes. Nonspecific cell binding is primarily limited to granulocytes and monocytes. Future work is being directed at improving recovery of positively selected cells, reducing nonspecific cell binding and applying the technique to the selective enrichment of hematopoietic stem cells from bone marrow.
Effect of parathyroid hormone-related peptide supplementation of soy protein formulas in the neonatal pig model

PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) is found in all milks, including human and pig. To define a role for PTHrP in milk, 2-day-old piglets were randomized to receive soy formula devoid of PTHrP or supplemented with 1 nM synthetic PTHrP(1–86) (n = 8 per group). The number of serum samples with detectable PTHrP by immunoassay (Incstar) and radiometric assay (Nichols) was 9 of 33 and 3 of 13 in PTHrP− and 8 of 27 and 3 of 15 in PTHrP+ formula-fed piglets and 8 of 14 and 7 of 12 in naturally suckling piglets, respectively. Serum and urine concentrations of calcium and magnesium and total and bone alkaline phosphatase were similar in both groups at 3, 6, 10, and 17 days of age. No differences were seen in bone mineral content of the tibia measured by single-photon absorptiometry (BMC 0.22 + 0.06 and 0.22 + 0.10) or dual x-ray absorption (BMC 1.43 + 0.36 and 1.31 + 0.78) either in vivo or on excised bone or by measurement of Ca, Mg, or P content or total bone ash (1.26 + 0.26 and 1.38 + 0.28 mg). Intestinal histology, serum intestinal alkaline phosphatase, and net absorption and retention of Ca, Mg, and P in balances from age 11–17 days were all similar. As in humans, however, a developmental pattern was seen for phosphorus regulation in both groups. Serum phosphorus (mg/dl) increased between day 3 and days 6 and 10 of age and then fell to published values for 8-week-old suckling pigs at day 17 associated with an increase in urine phosphorus and cyclic AMP excretion. The rise in serum phosphorus from 3 to 6 days was suggestively attenuated in the piglets receiving PTHrP (4.6 + 1.5 in –PTHrP and 2.6 + 1.3 in +PTHrP; p = 0.02 by nonpaired t-test, ANOVA for treatment effect p = 0.14). Thus, although a suggestive early effect of milk PTHrP on phosphorus regulation may be present before the development of full responsiveness to endogenous PTH, no effects could be demonstrated on mineral absorption, renal regulation, or bone mineralization. Because the synthetic PTHrP studied was only 1–86 amino acids, an effect of more distal, carboxyl-terminal, peptides cannot be excluded.
Prognostic MRI biomarkers of treatment efficacy for retinopathy

There is a pressing need for retina-specific imaging biomarkers that robustly measure early (subclinical) changes in physiology, are linked to the histopathology responsible for vision loss, and, importantly, predict treatment efficacy. This review focuses on the following four MRI markers that we have developed and applied in preclinical and clinical settings: preretinal vitreous oxygen level (a steady-state biomarker of inner retinal oxygen tension); leakage of contrast agent into the vitreous (a steady-state biomarker of blood–retinal barrier permeability surface area product); change in preretinal vitreous oxygen tension during a hyperoxic provocation (a functional biomarker of vascular autoregulation); and retinal uptake of systemically administered manganese during a visual task (a functional biomarker of intraretinal ion regulation). We conclude that functional biomarkers are most promising for prognostic evaluation of treatment efficacy earlier in the course of retinopathy than is currently possible. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International watercourses: the World Bank looks toward a more comprehensive approach to management

This paper examines transboundary water resources management challenges currently being faced across the globe. Lessons learned from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America are outlined on the need for more integrated, ecosystem-based management of these international watercourses and on institutional arrangements for improving management. The World Bank9s new Water Resources Management Policy is presented with an emphasis on elements related to a more comprehensive approach that considers integrated land-water management, proper pricing for water service delivery, nonpoint pollution abatement, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and institution building. Also described is a key international funding mechanism for more comprehensively managing international watercourses known as the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Restructed and replenished in 1994, GEF can play a catalytic role in building institutions for better water resources management and in fostering cooperative actions among nations in a basin toward the ultimate goal of making development more environmentally sustainable.
Practising Social Work Research: Case Studies for Learning by Rick Csiernik, Rachel Birnbaum, and Barbara Decker Pierce

If it were not required, most social work students would not take a course in research methodology. This premise provides the platform for Csiernik, Birnbaum, and Decker Pierce's case-based approac...
A new view of the ideal plasticity of soils and unconsolidated rock materials

Abstract The theory of soil plasticity is reviewed and is shown to be inconsistent with the assumption of isotropy when the equation of the yield envelope is taken as the plastic potential. A new view, considering the effects of shear and compression as separate but related phenomena, is presented.
Deriving the Probability Density for Sums of Uniform Random Variables

Abstract A simple procedure for deriving the probability density function (pdf) for sums of uniformly distributed random variables is offered. This method is suited to introductory courses in probability and mathematical statistics. In our experience, deriving and working with the pdf for sums of random variables facilitates an understanding of the convergence properties of the density of such sums and motivates consideration of other algebraic manipulation for random variables.
Optically detected zero field magnetic resonance studies of proflavine-DNA and 3,4-benzpyrene-DNA complexes.

Abstract Optical detection of magnetic resonance has been used to observe the photoexcited triplet state zero-field transitions of proflavine in DNA and 3,4-benzpyrene in DNA at 2°K. The results suggest that optically detected magnetic resonance may be utilized for determining the local site distribution of small molecules bound to DNA.
Paleoceanographic model of neogene phosphorite deposition, u.s. Atlantic continental margin.

The Neogene stratigraphic section of the southeastern U.S. continental shelf-coastal plain system is characterized by (i) a series of major regional phosphogenic episodes; (ii) a strong spatial relationship between the structural or topographic framework and phosphate deposition; and (iii) distinct cyclical and regional patterns of deposition of the terrigenous, carbonate, and phosphate lithofacies. The complex depositional patterns are explained by a paleoceanographic model based upon the interaction of glacial eustatic sea-level fluctuations, associated changes in climate, and the dynamics of the Gulf Stream in response to the bathymetric configurations of the continental margin during the past 20 million years.
Nonpharmacologic management strategies in fibromyalgia.

Clinicians using the results of the extant research base can take an optimistic view of the role of nonpharmacologic treatment strategies for fibromyalgia. There were no negative outcomes in any of the reviewed studies, although in a few studies the experimental treatment did not prove to be more effective than the attention control. Rather than viewing this negatively, one could look more closely at the attention control groups and attempt to better understand what they contained that worked as an active treatment. A number of trials included a follow-up component and all but one of them found maintenance of at least one outcome change. Maintenance of changes is more likely to occur when the patient continues to participate in the experimental activity long-term. Patients especially need strategies that help them continue in exercise regimens. Unlike cognitive skills strategies that once learned are likely to become part of a person's coping repertoire, both exercise and behavioral strategies, like progressive muscle relaxation, need to be performed on a consistent basis in order to have their effect. The goals of increased self-efficacy, symptom reduction, increased functional status and quality of life along with decreased inappropriate use of health care resources are realistic when patients persevere in their use of strategy combinations and receive support from their providers.
Drought Stress and Trinexapac-ethyl Modify Phytohormone Content Within Kentucky Bluegrass Leaves

PGR applications aimed to interfere with gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis or accumulation is a widespread practice in the production and maintenance of turfgrasses. If suppression of GA combined with drought stress modifies the content of other hormones in turfgrasses, PGR application could affect the susceptibility of grasses to various abiotic stresses and biotic pathogens. This growth chamber study aimed to investigate how drought stress and Primo (Syngenta Corp; Trinexapac-ethyl; TE) application affect the content of abscisic acid (ABA), auxin (in the form of indole acetic acid, IAA), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) in one commercially available cultivar ‘Kenblue’ and one experimental type, A06-46, of Kentucky bluegrass. Drought stress caused an accumulation of all four of these hormones that began around 8 day of drought stress or at a 20–40 % loss of water from leaves. TE application combined with drought stress caused an earlier increase in SA and IAA content and delayed the increase in JA and ABA content compared to drought-stressed plants not treated with PGR. An increase in SA, JA, and IAA was found at severe water deficit conditions (26 % RWC) in TE-treated plants compared to plants not treated with TE. The results indicate that both negative and positive consequences to plant defense strategies could result from the use of PGRs, which could potentially highly impact recommendations of how to best use PGR compounds in turfgrasses and other crop species.
Calculation of the Slope at q 2 = 0 of the Dirac Form Factor for the Electron Vertex in Fourth Order

In this paper the slope at ${q}^{2}=0$ of the Dirac form factor for the electron vertex in fourth order is calculated. The result is ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}^{2}\ensuremath{\partial}\frac{{F}_{1}^{(4)}}{\ensuremath{\partial}{q}^{2}{|}_{{q}^{2}=0}}={(\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\ensuremath{\pi}})}^{2}(0.107648)$. This result affects the energy levels of hydrogenic atoms and can be represented as an addition to the interaction energy density of the electron with the external field in the form $\ensuremath{-}ie[\overline{\ensuremath{\Psi}}(x),{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\Psi}(x)](\frac{{\ensuremath{\square}}^{2}}{{\ensuremath{\kappa}}^{2}}){A}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{e}(x)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}[(\frac{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}}{4{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}})(0.215296)]$, where $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ is the mass of the electron. This term contributes to the level shift in a hydrogenic atom an energy of ${\ensuremath{\delta}}_{\mathrm{lo}}[\frac{4{(z\ensuremath{\alpha})}^{4}\ensuremath{\kappa}{c}^{2}}{{n}^{3}}]{(\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{\ensuremath{\pi}})}^{2}(0.107648)$. This calculation reduces the uncertainty in the theoretical result by about 50% to \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 MHz, which is about the size of the experimental error.
Time dependence of intraplate volcanism caused by shear‐driven upwelling of low‐viscosity regions within the asthenosphere

[1] Although volcanism far from tectonic boundaries is likely due to upwelling near the lithospheric base, the convective processes that induce upwelling are unclear. Numerical models show that asthenospheric shear can be deflected upward by lateral viscosity variations within the asthenosphere, producing “shear-driven upwelling” (SDU). To constrain the rate, duration, and surface expression of intraplate volcanism caused by SDU, we simulate 2-D flow and peridotite melting in the upper 200 km of the mantle. Asthenospheric shear is driven by lithospheric plates with different thicknesses moving at 3–9 cm/yr, and the initial low-viscosity region is a rectangularly shaped pocket with an imposed viscosity that is 2 orders of magnitude smaller than the surrounding asthenosphere. Melting decreases as the pocket deforms and reaches steady state after 3–12 Myr. The age progression of surface volcanism is nearly stationary in the reference frame of the plate, which distinguishes SDU from hot spot volcanism. Similar behavior occurs if the viscosity heterogeneity is induced by variations in the water content of mantle peridotite. If the pocket's low viscosity is caused by excess temperature, buoyant upwelling of the entire pocket dominates volcanism. Differences in the time dependence of volcanism associated with damp and warm pockets may help identify which type of mantle heterogeneity and associated dynamic process best explains weak, intermittent, intraplate volcanism with no obvious age progression. We suggest that asthenospheric shear induced by plate motions and global mantle flow, by exciting SDU, drives some of the non–hot spot small-scale volcanism that occurs away from plate boundaries.
Lithic fragments in the Bandelier Tuff, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

Abstract Lithic fragments are a highly varied but significant component of the Bandelier Tuff, Jemez Mountains, New Mexico. Lithic material occurs in concentrations from trace amounts to 30 wt.%, and within the Otowi Member of the tuff has a total volume of 10 km3. Approximately 90% of the fragments are Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the Jemez volcanic field, 10% are Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, and only trace amounts are Precambrian basement. The large volume of lithic material and predominance of shallowly derived fragments requires substantial flaring of the vent near the surface. The cooling effect of ≥ 10 wt.% lithic fragments was sufficient to inhibit welding of the tuff. Many of the basement fragments appear to have been derived from a contact metamorphic zone surrounding the magma chamber. This zone is characterized by shearing and recrystallization, by development of veins of actinolite, augite, and epidote, and by alteration of hornblende to F-rich biotite. Water and fluorine involved in the alteration may have come from the magma chamber.
Atomistic simulation and continuum modeling of graphene nanoribbons under uniaxial tension

Atomistic simulations are performed to study the nonlinear mechanical behavior of graphene nanoribbons under quasistatic uniaxial tension, emphasizing the effects of edge structures (armchair and zigzag, without and with hydrogen passivation) on elastic modulus and fracture strength. The numerical results are analyzed within a theoretical model of thermodynamics, which enables determination of the bulk strain energy density, the edge energy density and the hydrogen adsorption energy density as nonlinear functions of the applied strain based on static molecular mechanics simulations. These functions can be used to describe mechanical behavior of graphene nanoribbons from the initial linear elasticity to fracture. It is found that the initial Young's modulus of a graphene nanoribbon depends on the ribbon width and the edge chirality. Furthermore, it is found that the nominal strain to fracture is considerably lower for graphene nanoribbons with armchair edges than for ribbons with zigzag edges. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal two distinct fracture nucleation mechanisms: homogeneous nucleation for the zigzag-edged graphene nanoribbons and edge-controlled heterogeneous nucleation for the armchair-edged ribbons. The modeling and simulations in this study highlight the atomistic mechanisms for the nonlinear mechanical behavior of graphene nanoribbons with the edge effects, which is potentially important for developing integrated graphene-based devices.
Evaluation of an Attenuated Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector Expressing Interferon-β for Use in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Heterogeneity in Interferon Responsiveness Defines Potential Efficacy

Abstract Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has shown promise as an oncolytic agent, although unmodified VSV can be neurotoxic. To avoid toxicity, a vector was created by introducing the interferon-β (IFN-β) gene (VSV.IFN-β). We conducted this study to determine the ability of VSV.IFN-β to lyse human cancer (mesothelioma) cells and to evaluate the potential of this recombinant virus for clinical translation. Four normal human mesothelial and 12 mesothelioma cell lines were tested for their susceptibility to VSV vectors in vitro. VSV.hIFN-β did not cause cytotoxicity in any normal lines. Only 4 of 12 lines were effectively lysed by VSV.hIFN-β. In the eight resistant lines, pretreatment with IFN-β prevented lysis of cells by VSV.GFP, and VSV infection or addition of IFN-β protein resulted in the upregulation of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR), myxovirus resistance A (MxA), and 2′,5′-oligo-adenylate-synthetase (2′5′-OAS) mRNA. In the susceptible lines, there was no protection by pretreatment...
The relationship between site factors and white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) decline in Massachusetts

Abstract Forest inventory records incorporating individual tree data are an important source of information about the extent and severity of past rates of forest decline, thus providing a temporal perspective for contemporary observations. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by using continuous forest inventory (CFI) data to reconstruct the extent, severity, pattern of development and site-factor associations for white ash decline in Massachusetts. White ash (Fraxinus americana L.) increased in basal area on Massachusetts CFI plots at about 1.5% per year from 1962 to 1979. Ash decline is, however, locally severe. Plot decline status was estimated, based on vigor rating, and growth and mortality rates of white ash. Plots with a mean change in basal area per year of ⩽ −0.5% and/or with a mean vigor rating of ⩽2.0 (on a scale of 0–4) were classified as ‘decline’. Using these criteria, 20% of the 82 CFI plots with ⩽10% total basal area of white ash in 1962 were classified as ‘decline’ in both 1979 and 1991. These results suggest that statewide there has been no net loss of ash basal area since 1962. The total forest area affected by ash decline has not increased in the past decade. Analyses of the CFI data indicate that decline was most prevalent on mesic sites, high on the landscape and/or on steep slopes. Such sites are potentially subject to large fluctuations in soil moisture availability during drought periods. Relationships identified between the prevalence of ash decline and site factors were further evaluated within a 2 ha intensived study site in the center of a 13 ha white ash stand affected by ash decline in 1990. Decline was heterogeneously distributed within the stand, with declining trees most frequent on the ‘decline-prone’ site-type identified through CFI plot analyses.
Money, prices, and the current account in a dual exchange rate regime

Abstract This paper examines the behavior of money, prices, and the current account in a dual exchange rate regime where all current account transactions take place at a pegged official rate and all capital account transactions occur at a freely floating financial rate. The adjustment of a small open economy to a monetary disturbance under this regime is compared to that found under unified fixed and flexible rates. The results concerning the behavior of the economy under dual rates are shown to apply also to an economy operating with fixed rates and controls on the international movement of capital.
Performance of high strength concrete-filled steel columns exposed to fire

Results from an experimental program on the behaviour of high strength concrete-filled steel hollow structural section (HSS) columns will be presented for three types of concrete filling. A compari...
Studies on absorption and metabolism of ergosterol1-C14☆

Abstract An investigation of the absorption and metabolism of ergosterol-C14 in rats has been made. From 2 to 5% of the ergosterol-C14 administered orally is absorbed within 6 hr., mainly via the lymph system. The bile represents a major excretory pathway for the metabolites of this compound. None of the radioactivity present in the bile could be identified as ergosterol.
A dynamical model of high-latitude convection derived from SuperDARN plasma drift measurements

[1] A discrete set of climatological patterns of high-latitude ionospheric convection are derived using line-of-sight plasma drift data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN). The patterns are derived independently for the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere and for varying solar wind, interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and dipole tilt angle conditions. By interpolating between discrete patterns, a dynamical model of convection is obtained, which can uniquely specify the high-latitude electrostatic potential distribution for a wide range of solar wind, IMF, and dipole tilt parameter values. Accounting for solar wind velocity dependencies in convection leads to better resolving the large-scale convection pattern, as compared to previous statistical models based on SuperDARN data. It is shown that the mesoscale features of the climatological model compare favorably to the features seen in instantaneous patterns of convection observed with SuperDARN. Comparison of the model to other statistical or empirical models derived from ground- and space-based measurements shows good agreement with most models.
Automated single-cell manipulation and sorting by light trapping

Following the recently reported trapping of biological particles by finely focused laser beams, we report on the automated micromanipulation of cells and other microscopic particles by purely optical means as well as on a newly observed interaction between particles in the trapping beam. A simple instrument is described which allows single cells to be positioned with high accuracy, transported over several millimeters, and automatically sorted on the basis of their optical properties. These operations are performed inside a small enclosed chamber without mechanical contact or significant fluid flow. Potential applications of this technique in experimental cell biology are discussed.
Integrating specialized procedures in proof systems

Ever since its early days, one of the goals in AI has been the development of general systems that can utilize the benefits of specialized reasoners. Recently, research on hybrid reasoning systems has led to the following problem: Can a formalism be developed that allows specialized procedures to be flexibly integrated into a general purpose reasoner? In this thesis, we present ${\cal C}$-FOL--a formalism for integrating specialized procedures into proof systems. Existing approaches to solving this problem lack two important properties: flexibility, and generality. This thesis is motivated by the intuition that in order to flexibly integrate specialized procedures into a proof system, specialized procedures should be described to it, instead of being built-in. We describe the extensions to the syntax, semantics, and inference machinery of a proof system so as to enable both the description of specialized procedures, as well as their use. We show how this allows C-FOL to (i) extend the existing integration techniques such as those based on attachments, and (ii) achieve the generality such as that envisioned in some types of theory resolution, e.g. partial-narrow theory resolution. We study two famous AI systems that are viewed as instances of theory resolution, and show that not only can C-FOL perform the same types of reasoning, but that it provides a way to, in general, implement some types of theory resolution. We also present soundness and completeness results pertaining to C-FOL, and some other results pertaining to control issues that arise in the context of hybrid reasoning. We conclude by putting our work in perspective, against the backdrop of AI research in the gray area of between deduction and computation.
Point-counterpoint: big robots vs small robots

Mobile robot architectures have been based on many different design principles: AI, control theory, hierarchical organization, etc. Brooks argues for a `subsumption' approach, based on layers of very simple, real-time computations. The CMU Navlab project takes a more pragmatic approach. The bottom layer is real-time, based on local coordinates, with no high- level models or central data structures to be bottlenecks. But the architectural tools developed for the Navlab also provide hooks for a higher level, based in world coordinates and using AI planning, to control the lower layer.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sustained activation of vascular cells and leukocytes in the rabbit aorta after balloon injury.

BACKGROUND To improve understanding of the cellular basis of the arterial response to injury, we tested whether balloon withdrawal can induce certain inflammatory functions of vascular cells and leukocytes and whether such "activation" persists even after the acute phase of injury. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined the expression of several inducible cell surface molecules in the rabbit aorta at 2, 5, 10, and 30 days after balloon injury. Longitudinal sections encompassing parts of the uninjured, border, and injured zones were examined for expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens, and markers for smooth muscle cells (SMCs), macrophages, endothelial cells, and T-lymphocytes. Endothelial cell healing involved true endothelial regeneration as well as migration, as shown by nuclear incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine. Luminal endothelial cells at the leading edge of repopulation at each time point expressed VCAM-1. As healing progressed, VCAM-1 expression decreased in the regenerated endothelial cells. The neointimal endothelium also expressed high levels of ICAM-1 that persisted longer than the elevation of VCAM-1. SMCs in the neointima also showed increased levels of ICAM-1. Some neointimal endothelial cells, SMCs, and macrophages also expressed high levels of class II MHC antigens during 30 days after injury. CONCLUSIONS Local inflammatory activation of endothelial cells, SMCs, and leukocytes occurs in a predictable sequence and persists up to 30 days after balloon injury to the rabbit aorta. Our findings suggest that ongoing local signals persisting after the original balloon injury may contribute to later phases of intimal thickening.
Optimal management of delayed gastric emptying after pancreatectomy: An analysis of 1,089 patients

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine if early recognition and treatment of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) can augment postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatectomy. Methods The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition of DGE was used to identify patients at Indiana University Hospital who required supplemental nutrition for DGE after pancreatectomy. Outcomes were compared between those without DGE, those with DGE who received supplemental nutrition within 10 days after pancreatectomy (early intervention), and those treated after 10 days (late intervention). Results Between 2007 and 2012, the incidence of DGE was 15% (n = 163/1,089), 45% (n = 73) required supplemental nutrition, including 60% (n = 44/73) in the early intervention and 40% (n = 29/73) in the late intervention groups. Postoperative morbidity (62% vs 41%; P Conclusion Patients with DGE can be managed with acceptable treatment-related morbidity. Outcomes are best when supplemental nutrition is started within 10 days of operation.
A New Method for Thermal Analysis of Die Casting

A new approach is developed for solving the initial value, steady periodic heat conduction problem in steady-state die casting. Three characteristics found in nearly all die casting processes are exploited directly: The casting is thin compared with its overall size, its thermal conductivity is high compared with that of the mold, and the cycle time is short compared with the start-up transient of the process. Under these conditions, it is reasonable to neglect the transverse temperature gradients in the casting and assume that all die temperatures below a certain depth from the cavity surface are independent of time
Estimating the sojourn time sensitivity in queueing networks using perturbation analysis

The sample path perturbation analysis technique developed earlier for the analysis of throughput sensitivities (Refs. 1–3) is extended to the performance measures involving mean sojourn times of customers. The major features of the sojourn time sensitivity problem are twofold. Firstly, it is a performance associated with servers, and not with customers. Secondly, the average sojourn time in any finite observation period can be a discontinuous function of mean service times when blocking is involved in a system. This discontinuity causes errors which must be accounted for in the estimation of sensitivities. Numerical experiments and analysis validate this method of computation of the sensitivities.
Toward Mapping Daily Challenges of Living with ADHD: Maternal and Child Perspectives Using Electronic Diaries

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an impact on the family as well as the affected child. This study developed and tested an electronic diary for mapping the challenges of everyday family life in a sample of children with ADHD being treated with pharmacotherapy. Across 7 days, mothers and children (27 ADHD; 25 non-ADHD) independently reported their moods, behaviors, and social contexts every 30 min during nonschool hours. Symptomatic behaviors and negative moods were elevated in the ADHD group, combined with maternal perceptions of lower parenting effectiveness and quality of life. Differences in the contexts of maternal anger were salient, with mothers in the ADHD group more often angry when with their children and comparison mothers more often angry when not. Although mothers' diaries were more informative, children's diaries also distinguished the two groups, especially during mornings and weekends. The need for family-wide interventions, the utility of child self-reports, and the promise of electronic diaries are discussed.
Geriatric Emergency Department Innovations: Preliminary Data for the Geriatric Nurse Liaison Model

Older adults account for a large and growing segment of the emergency department (ED) population. They are often admitted to the hospital for nonurgent conditions such as dementia, impaired functional status, and gait instability. The aims of this geriatric ED innovations (GEDI) project were to develop GEDI nurse liaisons by training ED nurses in geriatric assessment and care coordination skills, describe characteristics of patients that these GEDI nurse liaisons see, and measure the admission rate of these patients. Four ED nurses participated in the GEDI training program, which consisted of 82 hours of clinical rotations in geriatrics and palliative medicine, 82 hours of didactics, and a pilot phase for refinement of the GEDI consultation process. Individuals were eligible for GEDI consultation if they had an Identification of Seniors At Risk (ISAR) score greater than 2 or at ED clinician request. GEDI consultation was available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. An extensive database was set up to collect clinical outcomes data for all older adults in the ED before and after GEDI implementation. The liaisons underwent training from January through March 2013. From April through August 2013, 408 GEDI consultations were performed in 7,213 total older adults in the ED (5.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.2–6.2%), 2,124 of whom were eligible for GEDI consultation (19.2%, 95% CI = 17.6–20.9%); 34.6% (95% CI = 30.1–39.3%) received social work consultation, 43.9% (95% CI = 39.1–48.7) received pharmacy consultation, and more than 90% received telephone follow-up. The admission rate for GEDI patients was 44.9% (95% CI = 40.1–49.7), compared with 60.0% (95% CI = 58.8–61.2) non-GEDI. ED nurses undergoing a 3-month training program can develop geriatric-specific assessment skills. Implementation of these skills in the ED may be associated with fewer admissions of older adults.
The biophysical bases of synchronous activity in the hippocampal formation

For the last few years, our laboratory has used experimental and computational techniques to study the biophysical underpinnings of both normal and abnormal synchronous activity in the hippocampal formation and other regions of the brain. Among our findings: 1) Robust synchronous activity occurs most readily when one or more biophysical processes (e.g., the dynamics of particular voltage- or ligand-gated ion channels) serve as a rate-limiting step, with a time scale that matches the rhythm in question. Specifically, we have shown that slow voltage-gated channels in neurons of the entorhinal cortex may contribute to the theta rhythm (White et al., 1995); and that the time constant with which chemical inhibition decays is crucial for stabilizing the gamma rhythm within its particular range of frequencies (Chow et al., 1998, White et al., 1998). 2) Electrical noise from flicker in the conductance states of voltage-gated ion channels interacts with intrinsic cellular nonlinear dynamics to provide novel mechanisms for synchronization (Acker, 2000; White et al., 1998; White et al., 2000). 3) Ionotropic chemical inhibition within the hippocampus is known to have at least two time scales (Banks et al., 2000). Modeling studies (White et al., 2000) indicate that these two time scales of inhibition may contribute to the mixed gamma and theta rhythms seen in vivo.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure gradients and Na2EDTA on permeability of human Schlemm's canal cell monolayers.

Purpose. Elevated intraocular pressure in those with glaucoma appears to be a function of increased resistance to movement of aqueous humor through the conventional outflow pathway. The majority of resistance in both normal and glaucomatous eyes is generated in the region between the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. To accommodate transient elevations in pressure, we hypothesize that conventional outflow increases rapidly due to changes in complexity of intercellular junetions between cells of the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. Methods. To test this hypothesis we examined specifically the effects of hydrostatic pressure gradients and the calcium chelator, Na 2 EDTA, on permeability of cultured human Schlemm's canal cell monolayers in isolation. Human Schlemm's Canal cells were isolated, cultured and then seeded onto permeable supports and maintained in culture to allow intercellular junctions to mature. With a minimum net transendothelial electrical resistance of 10 Ohm cm 2 , cells were placed into an Ussing-type chamber and hydraulic conductivity was calculated from pressure and flow measurements that were continuously recorded. Simultaneously, transendothelial electrical resistance was measured manually at fixed intervals. In parallel experiments, cell margins were monitored in real time by videomicroscopy. Results. During the baseline measurement period when cells were exposed to pressure but not Na 2 EDTA, hydraulic conductivity was constant but transendothelial electrical resistance decreased continuously at rate of 0.24Ω cm 2 /minute. After Na 2 EDTA treatment, no significant change in transendothelial electrical resistance was measured while, hydraulic conductivity of Schlemm's Canal monolayers increased significantly by 125%; corresponding to noticeable intercellular separations. Restoration of cell-cell contact was observed by videomicroscopy 30 minutes following washout of Na 2 EDTA and functionally after 2 hours. Conclusions. Responses of Schlemm's Canal cells to pressure and calcium chelators in vitro are consistent with a role for calcium sensitive junctions in outflow resistance in vivo.
Trace element cycling through iron oxide minerals during redox-driven dynamic recrystallization

Microbially driven iron redox cycling in soil and sedimentary systems, including during diagenesis and fluid migration, may activate secondary abiotic reactions between aqueous Fe(II) and solid Fe(III) oxides. These reactions catalyze dynamic recrystallization of iron oxide minerals through localized and simultaneous oxidative adsorption of Fe(II) and reductive dissolution of Fe(III). Redox-active trace elements undergo speciation changes during this process, but the impact redox-driven recrystallization has on redox-inactive trace elements associated with iron oxides is uncertain. Here we demonstrate that Ni is cycled through the minerals goethite and hematite during redox-driven recrystallization. X-ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrates that during this process adsorbed Ni becomes progressively incorporated into the minerals. Kinetic studies using batch reactors containing aqueous Fe(II) and Ni preincorporated into iron oxides display substantial release of Ni to solution. We conclude that iron oxide recrystallization activated by aqueous Fe(II) induces cycling of Ni through the mineral structure, with adsorbed Ni overgrown in regions of Fe(II) oxidative adsorption and incorporated Ni released in regions of reductive dissolution of structural Fe(III). The redistribution of Ni among the mineral bulk, mineral surface, and aqueous solution appears to be thermodynamically controlled and catalyzed by Fe(II). Our work suggests that important proxies for ocean composition on the early Earth may be invalid, identifies new processes controlling micronutrient availability in soil, sedimentary, and aquatic ecosystems, and points toward a mechanism for trace element mobilization during diagenesis and enrichment in geologic fluids.
Associations of Job Strain and Occupation with Subclinical Atherosclerosis: The CARDIA Study

Purpose Although occupational factors have been associated with symptomatic ischemic heart disease, associations between job strain (low decision latitude and high psychological demands) and risk for subclinical atherosclerosis measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) have not been assessed. Methods CAC was measured in 3695 participants in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study in 2000 to 2001 and 2005 to2006. Job characteristics measured by the demand-control model (psychological demands and decision latitude) were assessed in 1987 to 1988 and in 1995 to 1996. Associations between non-zero CAC and previous job characteristics and occupation were assessed, adjusting for potential covariates. Results Low decision latitude, high psychological demands, and job strain at either earlier examination were not associated with a positive CAC, nor were changes in the status of these job characteristics between 1987/1988 and 1995/1996. However, participants whose jobs were classified as managerial or professional in 1995/1996 were less likely to have a positive CAC than those in laborer occupations. Conclusions Job strain measured at two earlier time points was not related to the presence of CAC at follow-up 5 to 18 years later. The association between earlier occupation and CAC may reflect socioeconomic differences or other occupational, industrial, or labor market characteristics.
Cannabinoids reduce cAMP levels in the striatum of freely moving rats: an in vivo microdialysis study

The cannabinoid receptor subtype 1 (CB1R) is a member of the G(i)-protein-coupled receptor family and cannabinoid signaling is largely dependent on the suppression of adenylyl cyclase-catalyzed cAMP production. In cell lines transfected with the CB1R or in native tissue preparations, treatment with cannabinoid agonists reduces both basal and forskolin-stimulated cAMP synthesis. We measured extracellular cAMP concentrations in the striatum of freely moving rats utilizing microdialysis to determine if changes in cAMP concentrations in response to CB1R agonists can be monitored in vivo. Striatal infusion of the CB1R agonist WIN55,212-2 (100 microM or 1 mM), dose-dependently decreased basal and forskolin-stimulated extracellular cAMP. These effects were reversed by co-infusion of the CB1R antagonist SR141716A (30 microM), which alone had no effect up to the highest concentration tested (300 microM). These data indicate that changes in extracellular cAMP concentrations in response to CB1R stimulation can be monitored in vivo allowing the study of cannabinoid signaling in the whole animal.
Optical Scattering in Battlefield Obscurants: Analysis of Channel Spatial, Angular and Temporal Dispersion

Free-space optical communication (FSOC) is used to transmit a modulated beam of light through the atmosphere for broadband applications. In recent years, FSOC has played an increasingly important role in providing broadband wireless communications. Fundamental limitations of FSOC arise from the environment through which light propagates. The light signals (photons) transmitted through the battlefield environment will interact with particles of smoke, dust and sand along the propagation path. Photon-particle interaction causes dispersion of the light signals, which has significant effects on signal attenuation. This paper addresses transmitted light signal dispersion (spatial, angular and temporal dispersion) for FSOC operating in a battlefield environment. Correlation between spatial and angular dispersion of the received light signals is investigated. Based on the properties of correlation, for a fog oil type of medium, a receiver with a small field-of-view (FOV) is proposed to receive the communications signal.