cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer-Assisted Instrument Guidance to Improve Adductor Canal Block Performance for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Postoperative pain associated with total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) is routinely managed with ultrasound-guided adductor canal blocks (ACBs). Computer-assisted instrument guidance (CAIG) systems can supplement the existing ultrasound machinery and block needles. CAIG systems allow the operator to navigate the needle in real time while displaying a projected trajectory of its path onto the ultrasound monitor. This study explored how ACBs performed with CAIG compare with conventional ultrasound-only ACBs in terms of block efficiency, success, and potential tissue damage for patients undergoing TKA. Methodology A total of 26 patients undergoing TKA under spinal anesthesia with an ACB were randomized to ACB utilizing conventional real-time ultrasound or to ACB utilizing real-time ultrasound supplemented with CAIG. The primary outcome measure was time to block completion. The secondary outcome measures included number of needle insertions, postoperative pain scores until postoperative day three, postoperative muscle weakness, opioid requirements on postoperative day zero, length of stay, and patient satisfaction with pain management. Results The time required to complete the block as well as the number of needle insertion attempts were similar between the CAIG and conventional ACB groups. Postoperative outcomes such as pain scores up to postoperative day three, postoperative muscle weakness, opioid requirements on postoperative day zero, length of stay, and patient satisfaction with perioperative pain management were comparable between the CAIG and conventional ACB groups. Conclusions CAIG does not reduce ACB performance times or patient outcomes when performed by experienced anesthesiologists.
Testing Theories of Underpricing

The previous chapter provides an extensive review of the main theories so far proposed to explain underpricing. The primary “orthodox” explanations — adverse selection, principal-agent relationships, and signalling by issuers — all suggest that underpricing arises as a rational, equilibrium response to some important informational asymmetry between market participants. Additionally, some competing “heterodox” explanations, such as those proposed by Benveniste and Spindt (1989) and Welch (1992), also posit differentially informed agents to explain this puzzling phenomenon. Given the large number of rigorous, well specified explanations for underpricing, one wonders which explanation comes closest to the truth. This question is the subject of this chapter.
Immunogenetics of HLA.

The major approaches used for detection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded antigens involve serologic methods; there are serologically detected determinants that are recognized on essentially all cells of the body and others that have an apparently more restricted tissue distribution.(1–3) In addition, there are cellular methods, studying activation of T lymphocytes in mixed leukocyte culture (MLC), that can be used to define MHC-encoded determinants. Here, also, determinants can be divided into two categories including those that activate much of the proliferative response in a primary mixed-leukocyte culture in which the donors of the responding and stimulating cells differ by an entire MHC, and those that are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes.(4)
Growth arrest induced by anti-HER2 antibody blocks breast cancer cells in the late G1 phase of the cell cycle

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 2271 Anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) has been used effectively to treat breast cancers that overexpress HER2. We and others have demonstrated that anti-HER2 antibodies suppress cancer growth primarily through induction of a cell cycle G1 arrest. We have also demonstrated that p27Kip1 upregulation is one of the key events that cause G1 arrest upon trastuzumab treatment. We have now shown that specific inhibition of CDK2 is another important event that contributes to induction of G1 arrest in SKBr3 and BT474 breast cancer cells that overexpress HER2. We have more precisely localized the position in the cell cycle where growth arrest occurs. Trastuzumab was able to dramatically inhibit the kinase activity and expression of CDK2, whereas the kinase activity and expression of CDK4 were not affected significantly by trastuzumab. Unlike p27Kip1 upregulation that occurs primarily through post-translational mechanism, CDK2 was downregulated at a transcriptional level indicated by Northern blotting and RT-PCR analysis. Moreover, trastuzumab effectively inhibited the promotor activity of CDK2. Trastuzumab decreased the kinase activity of cyclin E (because of CDK2 inhibition) although it had little effect on cyclin E expression. Overexpression of wild-type cyclin E or its more active lower molecular weight forms did not influence the response to trastuzumab. Cyclin D1 Expression was only affected by trastuzumab at late stages (after 24 hrs). Thus, trastuzumab preferentially targeted the CDK2-cyclin E complex during G1 phase. As a result, CDK2-cyclin E-induced Rb phosphorylation was more substantially inhibited by trastuzumab than CDK4-cylcin D-induced Rb phosphorylation. A marked reduction of CDK2-cyclin E activity and a modest reduction CDK4-cyclin D activity were associated with hypophosphorylated Rb protein so that more E2F1 was retained in Rb complex and that E2F1 activity was decreased. The differential effect of trastuzumab on CDK2 and CDK4 indicate trastuzmab-induced growth arrest occurs at late G1 phase of the cell cycle. This notion was further supported by examination of other cell cycle-dependent gene/protein expression. An early G1 marker c-Myc and a delayed-early marker ornithine decarboxylase were not significantly affected by trastuzumab treatment, whereas the late G1/S phase proteins DNA polymerase alpha and proliferating cell nuclear antigen were dramatically inhibited. These results suggest that growth arrest induced by anti-HER2 antibody blocks breast cancer cells in the late G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Soluble VCAM-1 binding to α4 integrins is cell-type specific and activation dependent and is disrupted during apoptosis in T cells

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) is generated during inflammation and can alter lymphocyte functions. The authors report that the binding of sVCAM-1 to alpha4 integrin-bearing cells is a dynamically regulated, active cellular process. Binding of recombinant sVCAM-1 to alpha4 integrins on peripheral blood mononuclear cells was cell-type specific. Circulating CD16+ NK cells constitutively bound sVCAM-1 with high affinity, whereas a subpopulation of T-lymphocytes, primarily CD45RO+ (memory), bound sVCAM-1 only after phorbol ester stimulation. sVCAM-1 binding to homogenous stable cell lines was also cell-type specific, and required active cellular processes because it was blocked by the inhibition of ATP synthesis and by Fas-induced apoptosis. Indeed, the loss of high-affinity VCAM-1 binding was an early event in apoptosis. Furthermore, an H-Ras/Raf-initiated signaling pathway also suppressed sVCAM-1 binding to alpha4beta1 integrins. Collectively, these results showed that the capacity of alpha4 integrins to bind VCAM-1 is actively regulated and that this regulation may control alpha4 integrin-dependent cellular functions. (Blood. 2000;95:602-609)
THE IMPLICATIONS OF MANAGED CARE FOR SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION

The advent of various forms of managed care means unprecedented changes for health and mental health service delivery and, by extension, for educators training those who deliver these services. Although the medical and nursing fields have begun to respond to these changes, social work has not. Yet managed care brings implications for every aspect of the social work curriculum; social workers must not only understand its impact, but be prepared to assume an expanding role in evolving systems. This paperexamines the evolution and current status of managed care, describes the content areas most relevant to social work education, and offers mechanisms by which educators can incorporate material on managed care.
Postirradiation sarcoma of the pelvic girdle following therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Abstract Four patients with postirradiation sarcoma occurring in the bony pelvis following primary irradiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix are reported. All of the cases occurred following orthovoltage therapy with a lag period of 9 to 23 years. The incidence of sarcoma in this series is approximately 650 times the rate of spontaneous osteogenic sarcoma of the bony pelvis in women. Pain antedated radiologic evidence of the tumor by 3 to 12 months in all patients.
Nothing Can Tear Us Apart: The Effect of Brand Identity Fusion in Consumer–Brand Relationships

While existing literature describes strong brand relationships along several dimensions, this research sheds light on the identity perspective of consumer–brand relationships through the lens of brand identity fusion. Specifically, this research examines the effect of brand identity fusion on consumers’ responses to different brand transgressions. By comparing brand identity fusion with brand identification, this research also provides evidence that brand identity fusion is more predictive and enduring in explaining consumers’ relationship-serving biases and prorelationship behaviors in the face of brand transgressions. The applicability of brand identity fusion for understanding connections between consumers and brand relationship partners in consumer–brand relationships is presented, followed by discussions of theoretical and managerial implications and directions for future research.
Aldosterone in Cerebral Salt Wasting

A metabolic balance study in a patient with cerebral salt wasting is reported. The results suggest that a normal aldosterone mechanism was present in association with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Implementation of a High-Rate USB Data Acquisition System for PET and SPECT Imaging

We made substantial progress with a flexible high-rate USB data acquisition system developed for gamma-ray imaging detectors. Hardware consists of 16-channel data acquisition modules installed on USB carrier boards. One, two, and four-module units were developed. USB data rate was increased to over 30 MB/s and a 16-channel configuration achieved a trigger rate of over 700 kHz. Several high-resolution single-gamma detectors and two high-rate PET detectors were instrumented. The detectors use various configurations of Hamamatsu H8500, H9500, and Burle 85002-800 PSPMTs. System channels were expanded by synchronizing additional acquisition units. A Java client-server system was developed to link acquisition computers over Gigabit Ethernet. A Kmax tool was developed to process and display images during acquisition. C and Java utilities were developed to assist development and diagnostics.
What medicine can teach operations: What operations can teach medicine ☆

There has been much debate and discussion recently about how to reduce costs and improve quality of healthcare in both the U.S. and around the world. This is a debate we are all interested in. The purpose of this essay is to examine how professors, teachers and researchers in the business field of operations management can contribute to improving quality and reducing costs of care. Management researchers have a unique set of skills that can contribute to substantial improvements in a wide range of medical situations and organizations. At the same time, there is much that can be learned by operations management professionals by engaging with medical professionals beyond simply being patients.
The Development and assessment of a flexible inversion algorithm for Aerosol property retrieval combining passive multiangle multispectral intensity and polarization measurements

Quantifying aerosols on a global scale is extremely important due to their strong but anomalous impact on the global climate. Traditionally, the aerosols retrievals use only the intensity measurements of the scattered light. However, these measurements are less sensitive to aerosol type and also suffer contamination from ground surfaces. It is with these limitations in mind that we plan to improve the quality and scope of aerosol retrieval by making use of soon to be available polarimetric sensors such as the Aerosol Polarimetry Sensor (APS) on the GLORY satellite and combine them with other available datasets such as lidar data from the CALIPSO satellite for vertical profiling, and high-spatialcoverage intensity measurements from MODIS. To handle these extremely large sensor data sets, we will explore the capabilities of various statistical methods and even combine them to create inversion algorithms that will work best. Up to now, we worked with the simplest case, the single-scattering approximation and built a retrieval algorithm using multi-angular, multi-wavelength simulated measurements of intensity and polarization. The inversion techniques we used are the optimal estimator and the neural networks.
Women in late imperial China: a review of recent english-language scholarship[1]

Abstract This paper reviews recent developments in English-language scholarship on Chinese women in late imperial times, roughly 1500-1800. Topics discussed include: evolution of kinship patterns and marriage institutions; women as commodities; widow chastity and suicide; women in religion; women in historical and philosophical discourse; women in medical and legal discourse; women in literary discourse; and women's cultural opportunities, literacy, and publication. The review highlights the rapid expansion of this field since 1986, notes the richness of available sources on the period, and suggests a research agenda for the future.
Visualizing Linguistic Diversity Through Cartography and GIS

While linguistic diversity is an integral component of cultural landscapes, the spatial depiction of languages fails to represent all community members. Language is difficult to map and established guidelines are lacking. The perception of power conveyed is arguably the most meaningful design issue in language mapping, as most language maps inaccurately show one language per place. This research examines the cartographic visualization of linguistic diversity, contributing to our understanding of the perception of power through cartographic decisions, with the application of a linguistic diversity index. The resulting maps serve as new figures for linguistic diversity lessons in educational contexts.
The ultrasoundtherapy for nonunions. 3 case reports

Despite of the good results of operative treatment disorders of fracture healing are still a challenge for surgeons. In some cases all endeavours are frustrating and bone does not heal. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (frequency: 1,5 MHz, pulsed by 1 KHz, signal burst width: 200 μsec, intensity: 30 mW/cm2) offers the opportunity of an alternative treatment. In contrast to magnetic field therapy, electric stimulation or use of extracorporal shock waves this therapy is judged positively all over the literature. Within an own series of 76 cases at present time we can show a 86 % healing rate under defined conditions. Within this paper we present three case reports, which clearly show the efficiency of low intensity pulsed ultrasound.
Characterizing the radiation response of Cherenkov glass detectors with isotopic sources

Cherenkov detectors are widely used for particle identification and threshold detectors in high-energy physics. Glass Cherenkov detectors that are sensitive to beta emissions originating from neutron activation have been demonstrated recently as a potential replacement for activation foils. In this work, we set the groundwork to evaluate large Cherenkov glass detectors for sensitivity to MeV photons through first understanding the measured response of small Cherenkov glass detectors to isotopic gamma-ray sources. Counting and pulse height measurements are acquired with reflected glass Cherenkov detectors read out with a photomultiplier tube. Simulation was used to inform our understanding of the measured results. This simulation included radioactive source decay, radiation interaction, Cherenkov light generation, optical ray tracing, and photoelectron production. Implications for the use of Cherenkov glass detectors to measure low energy gamma-ray response are discussed.
Unstable Flow during Redistribution in Homogeneous Soil

Two- and three-dimensional laboratory experiments were conducted in a large 1 by 1 m 2 Hele–Shaw cell and a 10-cm cylinder column to study the stability of the redistribution process in a uniformly packed porous medium of coarse sand. Our results demonstrate that fingers form and propagate rapidly as soon as infiltration stops when the soil is initially dry, but form more slowly and are larger when the soil is wet. Finger widths ranged from about 4.5 cm when the soil was dry to 17 cm when the soil was very wet, and the fraction of the cross-sectional area occupied by fingers also increased (from 36 to 66%). Finger velocities declined with time in all studies, with averages ranging from 3.6 to 9.6 cm min −1 . We demonstrated that ponded infiltration was stable and uniform in our system, so that the fingering we observed was not due to soil heterogeneity. The porous medium retained a memory of the fingers formed in the first experiment, so fingers formed in subsequent redistribution cycles followed the old finger paths, even after 28 d had elapsed. Fingers provide channels for rapid drainage of previously infiltrated water, especially when the soil ahead of the front is dry. Our findings clearly contradict predictions made by the Richards equation, which calculates stable flow during redistribution in homogeneous soil.
Controlled delivery of the anti-VEGF aptamer EYE001 with poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid microspheres.

PURPOSE To develop a controlled-drug delivery system for the long-term inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its mediated responses. METHODS Poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) microspheres containing anti-VEGF RNA aptamer (EYE001) formulations in the solid-state were developed by an oil-in-oil solvent evaporation process. In vitro experiments were performed to characterize the release profiles. Stability and bioactivity of the released drug were assayed by monitoring the RNA aptamer's ability to inhibit VEGF-induced cell proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cell proliferation experiments were conducted with aptamer aliquots collected after short-, mid-, and long-term release time points. To investigate the feasibility of this polymer device as a potential transscleral delivery device, an in vitro apparatus was developed to assess polymer hydration and degradation through rabbit sclera and subsequent delivery through it. RESULTS PLGA microspheres were able to deliver EYE001 in a sustained manner, with an average rate of 2 micro g/d over a period of 20 days. Solid-state stabilization of the aptamer with disaccharide trehalose before lyophilization and encapsulation in PLGA rendered the drug more stable after release. Cell proliferation experiments demonstrated that the bioactivity of the aptamer was preserved after release, as indicated by inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation after incubation with VEGF. Microspheres packed into a sealed chamber and placed onto the "orbital" part of a rabbit sclera for a period of 6 days became hydrated and started to degrade, as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, the aptamer was delivered from the microspheres through the sclera, as determined spectrophotometrically. CONCLUSIONS The loading of aptamer-containing microspheres into a device and placing it on the orbital surface of the sclera was assessed and shown to be feasible. RNA aptamer EYE001 encapsulated in PLGA was delivered over a period of 20 days with retained activity. This method represents a promising approach for the transscleral delivery of drugs and the treatment of choroidal and retinal diseases.
Early primary repair of long gap esophageal atresia: The VATER operation

Despite the numerous approaches described for the management of neonates with "long gap" esophageal atresia, controversy still exists as to the preferred method. Delayed primary anastomosis is probably the most frequently adopted practice, but often the native esophagus is abandoned, and the long gap is bridged by some form of esophageal replacement. A case is reported of a 1.38-kg newborn with pure esophageal atresia and a long gap undergoing early primary repair. The technique used in this patient and the various options available for management of long-gap esophageal atresia are discussed.
Mating behavior of Philophthalmus megalurus and P. gralli in concurrent infections of chicks

Abstract Nollen P. M. 1984. Mating behavior of Philophthalmus megalurus and P. gralli in concurrent infections of chicks. International Journal for Parasitology 14: 71–74. Mating patterns were determined in concurrent infections of the eyeflukes of birds, Philophthalmus megalurus and P. gralli , by detection of 3 H-tyrosine-labeled sperm on autoradiograms. When labeled P. megalurus adults were transplanted singly with unlabeled P. gralli adults, interspecies mating took place. When both unlabeled P. gralli and P. megalurus were transplanted with single labeled P. megalurus , sperm were transferred to both species. However, the insemination rate of P. gralli was much lower than when unlabeled P. meglaurus adults were absent. Labeled P. gralli transplanted singly with unlabeled P. megalurus or unlabeled adults of both species did not show interspecies mating, but carried on intraspecies mating at a normal rate. A low rate of self-insemination was observed in labeled worms when the opposite species was present, but not when the same species was present. Evidence for interspecies fertilization and hybridization between P. megalurus and P. gralli was not found.
Spontaneous angiographic obliteration of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Objective The factors associated with spontaneous angiographic obliteration of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are not well understood. We present a review of the literature and a report of our experience with six cases (four with no previous treatment intervention and two postoperative residual malformations) that were identified as having occurred during a 20-year period and describe the clinical and lesion features associated with this rare phenomenon. We present the first detailed histological study of a spontaneously thrombosed AVM specimen, including immunohistochemical analysis of angiogenesis factor expression. Methods A combined experience in the management of approximately 700 AVMs during 20 years identified six cases of spontaneous angiographic obliteration of cerebral AVMs. A literature review revealed another 24 cases with angiographic documentation of the initial AVMs and follow-up data showing nonfilling of the lesions. Histological analysis of a recently excised lesion included immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies to the antigens of Factor VIII, Tie, vascular endothelial growth factor, and its receptors, Flt-1 and Flk. Results A single draining vein was a feature in each of our 6 cases and in 12 of 14 (86%) cases from the literature. Hemorrhage as the presenting symptom was identified in 5 of our 6 (83%) cases and in 17 of 24 (71%) of the literature cases. The size of the AVM was less than 6 cm in each of our 6 cases and in 22 of 24 (92%) of the literature cases. A histological examination of a thrombosed AVM surgical specimen revealed persistent patent vascular channels within the lesion. Immunohistochemical analysis with angiogenesis and endothelia-specific factors showed expression of these factors within the lumen of the thrombosed nidus vessels. Conclusion We propose that the occlusion of a single draining vein may lead to total venous outflow obstruction and lesion thrombosis. Hemorrhagic presentation and small nidus may also predispose to this phenomenon. Immunohistochemical analysis of a thrombosed AVM revealed possible ongoing angiogenic changes within the AVM vessels 1 month after angiographically documented thrombosis. It is possible that neovascularization within a thrombosed AVM may lead to lesion recanalization; however, this phenomenon seems to be clinically exceedingly rare.
Television news magazine crime stories: A functionalist perspective

More than a century ago, Emile Durkheim argued that the rituals of processing and punishing crime are functional in constructing a society's morality, teaching its members to abide by certain rules, and promoting cohesion among members by making it public when individuals have violated shared moral values. This content analysis investigates network and syndicated news magazine crime stories for their potential to promote these three social Junctions. Programs were exhaustively sampled over a six month period (October 1, 1994 to March 31, 1995). Three coders content analyzed 272 hours of television programs. Results indicate patterns in the data set to support the Durkheimian notion that social systems ritualize crime events with functional implications for the maintenance of social order.
Evaluation of Energy Saving Investments

The problem of consumers in evaluating energy saving investments suggests the need for a uniform disclosure method. Disclosure for energy conservation is related to the use of disclosure policies in Truth-in-Lending and other areas. Five methods of evaluating energy saving investments are analyzed: the apparent payback method, the present value method, the actual payback method, the loan payment method, and the rate of return method. The rate of return method is the only method that is both easy to understand and valid. The probable limitations in consumer understanding and use of information related to energy conservation, however, make it likely that a combination policy of disclosure, education, and product standards would be the most effective alternative for reaching energy conservation goals.
Association between physical activity, fiber intake, and other lifestyle variables and constipation in a study of women

Because the risk factors for constipation in the general population are poorly defined, we examined the association between age, body mass index, and selected lifestyle and dietary factors with the prevalence of constipation in the Nurses' Health Study.A total of 62,036 women, aged 36-61 yr and free of cancer, responded to mailed questionnaires in 1980 and 1982, which assessed bowel movement frequency, dietary, and lifestyle factors. Constipation was defined as two or fewer bowel movements weekly.A total of 3327 women (5.4%) were classified as having constipation. Age and body mass index were inversely associated with constipation (p for trend < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, women who reported daily physical activity had a lower prevalence of constipation (prevalence ratio [PR] = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.44-0.70). Women in the highest quintile of dietary fiber intake (median intake 20 g/day) were less likely to experience constipation (PR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.57-0.73) than women in the lowest quintile (median intake 7 g/day). The PR for constipation for women who both reported daily physical activity and were in the highest quintile of fiber intake was 0.32 (95% CI = 0.20-0.54) compared with those with physical activity less than once weekly and those who were in the lowest quintile of fiber intake. Higher frequency of aspirin intake was associated with an increasing prevalence of constipation (PR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.17-1.62). Current smoking and alcohol use were inversely associated with constipation. Our data suggest that moderate physical activity and increasing fiber intake are associated with substantial reduction in the prevalence of constipation in women.
The variance of covariance rules for associative matrix memories and reinforcement learning

Hebbian synapses lie at the heart of most associative matrix memories (Kohonen 1987; Hinton and Anderson 1981) and are also biologically plausible (Brown et al. 1990; Baudry and Davis 1991). Their analytical and computational tractability make these memories the best understood form of distributed information storage. A variety of Hebbian algorithms for estimating the covariance between input and output patterns has been proposed. This note points out that one class of these involves stochastic estimation of the covariance, shows that the signal-to-noise ratios of the rules are governed by the variances of their estimates, and considers some parallels in reinforcement learning.
Carbamazepine does not interact with thyroid hormone receptors in human fibroblasts

Abstract Treatment with carbamazepine is associated with decreases in the serum levels of thyroxine, free thyroxine and triiodothyronine without alteration in thyrotropin. Therefore, the mechanism of action of carbamazepine on the hypothalamo-pituitary thyroid axis may involve interference in the feedback regulation of secretion of thyroid hormone by interacting with the pituitary thyroid hormone receptors. The present authors investigated the ability of carbamazepine to compete with the nuclear uptake of [ 125 I]triiodothyronine in dispersed intact cultured fibroblasts of human skin. Carbamazepine did not inhibit the specific binding of [ 125 I]triiodothyronine into the nuclei of intact fibroblasts, suggesting that it does not interact with thyroid hormone receptors in this system and is unlikely to do so in vivo .
Unilateral Versus Bilateral Cerebral Perfusion for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Background Antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) is standard treatment for complex aortic pathology and includes both unilateral (u-ACP) and bilateral (b-ACP) techniques. Focusing on proximal acute aortic dissection, we investigated the clinical effect of u-ACP versus b-ACP. Methods From January 2005 to May 2013, 157 consecutive patients presented with acute type A aortic dissection. Antegrade cerebral perfusion was used in 153 patients (97.4%). Ninety patients (58.8%) received u-ACP, and 63 (41.2%) received b-ACP. No retrograde cerebral perfusion was used. The target systemic hypothermia temperature during ACP was 22° to 24°C. The mean ACP, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cardiac ischemia times were 34.6 ± 18.0, 125.6 ± 48.0, and 92.6 ± 34.1 minutes, respectively. Results The p values from logistic regression models indicated that in both groups combined, the ACP, cardiopulmonary bypass, and cardiac ischemia times predicted hospital mortality ( p = 0.035, p = 0.0033, and p = 0.035, respectively) but not stroke. The operative mortality was 13.3% (n = 12) with u-ACP and 12.7% (n = 8) with b-ACP ( p = 0.91). Of the survivors, 13 of 88 u-ACP patients (14.8%) and 8 of 62 b-ACP patients (12.9%) had a postoperative stroke ( p = 0.75). A circulatory arrest time of >30 minutes was associated with stroke ( p = 0.031). Temporary neurologic dysfunction was present in 10 u-ACP (11.4%) and 5 b-ACP (8.2%) patients ( p = 0.53). Postoperative renal failure occurred in 10 u-ACP (11.4%) and 10 b-ACP patients (16.1%) ( p = 0.40). Antegrade stent delivery in the descending thoracic aorta did not affect the ACP, cardiac ischemia, circulatory arrest, or cardiopulmonary bypass times. Conclusions As one of the largest single-center studies of the efficacy of u-ACP and b-ACP in patients with type A aortic dissection, operative mortality, stroke, temporary neurologic dysfunction, and renal failure rates were similar in both. In this intrinsically complex disease, survival is the most important outcome; u-ACP may provide cardiac surgeons with valuable technical simplicity during challenging procedures, and b-ACP may be justified for circulatory arrest times of more than 30 minutes.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Phase Slug Flows in Microchannels

In this paper the Navier-stokes equations for a single liquid slug have been solved in order to predict the circulation patterns within the slug. Surface tension effects on the air-water interface have been investigated by solving the Young–Laplace equation. The calculated interface shape has been utilized to define the liquid slug geometry at the front and tail interfaces of the slug. Then the effects of the surface tension on the hydrodynamics of the two-phase slug flow have been compared to those where no surface tension forces exist. The importance of the complex flow field features in the vicinity of the two interfaces has been investigated by defining a non-dimensional form of the wall shear stress. The latter quantity has been formulated based on non-dimensional parameters in order to define a general Moody friction factor for typical two-phase slug flows in microchannels. Moreover, the hydrodynamics of slug flow formation has been examined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method has been applied to monitor the growth of the instability at the air-water interface. The lengths of the slugs have been correlated to the pressure fluctuations in the mixing region of the air and water streams at an axisymmetric T-junction. The main frequencies of the pressure fluctuations have been investigated using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method.© 2009 ASME
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit bone healing: A review

The ability of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) to inhibit bone healing has been established in experimental animal models using mice, rats, and rabbits. The mechanism of action is largely unknown but stems from prostaglandin inhibition and is likely multifactorial. In human medicine NSAID are known to prevent heterotopic ossification, however the clinical importance of their effects on bone healing remains controversial. Although a small handful of reports suggest that NSAID suppress bone healing in dogs and horses, there is little published information to direct veterinary practice in domestic species.
Muscimol inactivation of caudal fastigial nucleus and posterior interposed nucleus in monkeys with strabismus.

Previously, we showed that neurons in the supraoculomotor area (SOA), known to encode vergence angle in normal monkeys, encode the horizontal eye misalignment in strabismic monkeys. The SOA receive...
Calcium acetate induces calcium uptake and formation of calcium-oxalate crystals in isolated leaflets of Gleditsia triacanthos L.

During treatment of isolated, peeled leaflets of Gleditsia triacanthos with 0.5–2 mM [45Ca]acetate, saturation of the cell-wall free space with Ca2+ occurred within 10 min and was followed by a period of 6–10 h during which there was no significant Ca-uptake into the protoplast, but apoplastic Ca2+ was periodically released into the medium. Later, Ca2+ was absorbed for 3–4 d at rates of up to 2.2 μmol Ca2+·h-1·(g FW)-1 to final concentrations of 350 μmol Ca2+· (g FW)-1. The distribution of absorbed Ca2+ between cell wall, vacuole and Ca-oxalate crystals was determined during Ca-uptake. Wheras intact, cut leaflets deposited absorbed Ca2+ as Ca-oxalate in the crystal cells, peeled leaflets lacking crystal cells accumulated at least 40–50 μmol·(g FW)-1 soluble Ca2+ before the absorbed Ca2+ was precipitated as Ca-oxalate. These observations indicate that the mechanisms for the continuous uptake of Ca2+, the synthesis of oxalate and the precipitation of Ca2+ as Ca-oxalate are operational in the crystal cells of intact leaflets, but not in the mesophyll cells of peeled leaflets where they must be induced by exposure to Ca2+. The precipitation of absorbed Ca2+ as Ca-oxalate by the crystal cells of isolated Gleditsia leaflets illustrates the role of these cells in the excretion of surplus Ca2+ which enters normal, attached leaves with the transpiration stream.
Spin dynamics near the Lifshitz point

Abstract Spin dynamics in the vicinity of Lifshitz points associated with Heisenberg and planar ferromagnets and antiferromagnets is discussed. Mode coupling arguments are used to obtain the dynamic exponents and the temperature dependence of the diffusion constants.
The rupture process and tectonic implications of the great 1964 Prince William Sound earthquake

We have determined the rupture history of the March 28, 1964, Prince William Sound earthquake (M w = 9.2) from long-period WWSSN P-wave seismograms. Source time functions determined from the long-period P waves indicate two major pulses of moment release. The first and largest moment pulse has a duration of approximately 100 seconds with a relatively smooth onset which reaches a peak moment release rate at about 75 seconds into the rupture. The second smaller pulse of moment release starts at approximately 160 seconds after the origin time and has a duration of roughly 40 seconds. Because of the large size of this event and thus a deficiency of on-scale, digitizable P-wave seismograms, it is impossible to uniquely invert for the location of moment release. However, if we assume a rupture direction based on the aftershock distribution and the results of surface wave directivity studies we are able to locate the spatial distribution of moment along the length of the fault. The first moment pulse most likely initiated near the epicenter at the northeastern down-dip edge of the aftershock area and then spread over the fault surface in a semi-circular fashion until the full width of the fault was activated. The rupture then extended toward the southwest approximately 300 km (Ruff and Kanamori, 1983). The second moment pulse was located in the vicinity of Kodiak Island, starting at ~500 km southwest of the epicenter and extending to about 600 km. Although the aftershock area extends southwest past the second moment pulse by at least 100 km, the moment release remained low. We interpret the 1964 Prince William Sound earthquake as a multiple asperity rupture with a very large dominant asperity in the epicentral region and a second major, but smaller, asperity in the Kodiak Island region.
Bayesian modeling in virtual high throughput screening.

Naive Bayesian classifiers are a relatively recent addition to the arsenal of tools available to computational chemists. These classifiers fall into a class of algorithms referred to broadly as machine learning algorithms. Bayesian classifiers may be used in conjunction with classical modeling techniques to assist in the rapid virtual screening of large compound libraries in a systematic manner with a minimum of human intervention. This approach allows computational scientists to concentrate their efforts on their core strengths of model building. Bayesian classifiers have an added advantage of being able to handle a variety of numerical or binary data such as physicochemical properties or molecular fingerprints, making the addition of new parameters to existing models a relatively straightforward process. As a result, during a drug discovery project these classifiers can better evolve with the needs of the projects from general models in the lead finding stages to increasingly precise models in the lead optimization stages that are of particular interest to a specific medicinal chemistry team. Although other machine learning algorithms abound, Bayesian classifiers have been shown to compare favorably under most working conditions and have been shown to be tolerant of noisy experimental data.
Foiling the Black Knight

Why is the academy in general, and philosophy in particular, not more involved in the fight against the creationist threat? And why, when a response is offered, is it so curiously ineffective? I argue, by using an analogy with the battle against the Black Knight from the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, that the difficulty lies largely in a failure to see the nature of the problem clearly. By modifying the analogy, it is possible to see both why large sections of the academy have remained unmoved and also why many of the reactions to the threat have been so unsuccessful. Finally, I offer some very broad suggestions as to how to modify our approach in light of this new perspective.
NOTES ON THE SINGLE PEELCOAT METHOD FOR COLOR SEPARATION OF TEXTBOOK MAPS

The recent adoption of two-colour illustrations by many textbook publishers introduces new cartographic challenges and production problems. To facilitate more expedient colour mapping, the author suggests an alternative method of colour separation by means of one peelcoat and surprinted screens. The method applies the punched-hole pin-registration technique, and contact photography facilitates the production of various types of matching masks and screen composites from a single peelcoat. L'adoption recente d'illustrations bicolores par plusieurs editeurs de manuels est un nouveau defi pour le cartographe et amene de nouveaux problemes de production. Pour faciliter une cartographie en couleur plus pratique, l'auteur suggere un nouveau procede de separation de la couleur au moyen d'une couche pelliculable et de trames surimprimees. Le procede utilise la technique de reperage par perforation et plot, et l'epreuve par contact facilite la production de differentes sortes de masques correspondants et de trames ...
IMD-0354 Targets Breast Cancer Stem Cells: A Novel Approach for an Adjuvant to Chemotherapy to Prevent Multidrug Resistance in a Murine Model

Although early detection of breast cancer improved in recent years, prognosis of patients with late stage breast cancer remains poor, mostly due to development of multidrug resistance (MDR) followed by tumor recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), with higher drug efflux capability and other stem cell-like properties, are concentrated in a side population (SP) of cells, which were proposed to be responsible for MDR and tumor repopulation that cause patients to succumb to breast cancer. Therefore, targeting of CSCs as an adjuvant to chemotherapy should be able to provide a more effective treatment of this disease. Here, we used IMD-0354, an inhibitor of NF-κB, identified for targeting CSCs, in a combination therapy with doxorubicin encapsulated in targeted nanoparticles. IMD-0354 did target CSCs, evidenced by a decrease in the SP, demonstrated by the inhibition of the following: dye/drug efflux, reduction in ABC transporters as well as in colony formation in soft agar and low attachment plates. Decrease of stem-like gene expression of Oct4, Nanog and Sox2, and apoptosis resistance related to the Survivin gene also was observed after treatment with this compound. In addition, IMD-0354 targeted non-CSCs as indicated by reducing viability and increasing apoptosis. Targeted drug delivery, achieved with a legumain inhibitor, proved to enhance drug delivery under hypoxia, a hallmark of the tumor microenvironment, but not under normoxia. Together, this allowed a safe, non-toxic delivery of both anticancer agents to the tumor microenvironment of mice bearing syngeneic metastatic breast cancer. Targeting both bulk tumor cells with a chemotherapeutic agent and CSCs with IMD-0354 should be able to reduce MDR. This could eventually result in decreasing tumor recurrences and/or improve the outcome of metastatic disease.
Development Of Autonomous Systems

In the last several years at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, we have been working on two projects for developing autonomous systems: Nablab for Autonomous Land Vehicle and Ambler for Mars Rover. These two systems are for different purposes: the Navlab is a four-wheeled vehicle (van) for road and open terrain navigation, and the Ambler is a six-legged locomotor for Mars exploration. The two projects, however, share many common aspects. Both are large-scale integrated systems for navigation. In addition to the development of individual components (eg., construction and control of the vehicle, vision and perception, and planning), integration of those component technologies into a system by means of an appropriate architecture is a major issue.
Far field extrapolation in the boresight direction from near field samples to improve the signal integrity in time domain measurement

Antenna pattern measurements in time domain can provide broadband frequency domain pattern data. In some applications there is a need to know the transfer function of an antenna in a certain frequency range of interest in the boresight direction. In this case one transmits a time domain waveform from the antenna under test (AUT) and receives the signal from a known receive antenna. From the received signal and the receive antenna transfer function it is possible to determine the transfer function of the AUT. The radiated far field exhibits spherical wave behavior in the form exp (-jkr)/r, where r is the distance between the two antennas and k is the free space wavenumber. If the spacing r does not satisfy the far field criterion, the radiated field varies with r in the form of a series in inverse powers of r (J. E. Hansen, Spherical Near-Field Antenna Measurements, Institution of Engineering and Technology, 1988), thereby resulting in signal distortion. An extrapolation technique was presented for determining the gain and polarization of an antenna from measured field amplitudes only at reduced distances at a single frequency (A. C. Newell, R. C. Baird, P. F. Wacker, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 21, no. 4, July 1973). A recent study focused on this problem for a monopole antenna using an averaging technique in the intermediate distances (R. D. Tamas, L. Babour, A. Danisor, and G. Caruntu, Proc. IEEE International Workshop in Antenna Technology, 2010). We found that their method is not suited to apertures and other extended antennas.
Gender bias in diagnosing fibromyalgia.

Abstract Background: Both patient- and physician-centered characteristics may influence disease classification c fibromyalgia (FM). Objective: This study assessed the diagnostic criteria for FM and how rheumatologists use these criter in clinical practice. Methods: Practicing rheumatologists were surveyed. Participants were asked to read a brief case description of a patient with FM and then to select those criteria most important to them for confirming tt diagnosis. Case studies of either male or female patients were randomly assigned. Data were analyzed using a random forests classification analysis to abstract the strongest variables for distinguishing disease classification—in this assessment, stratified by gender of the case study. Results: A total of 61 surveys were analyzed. Four rheumatologists (6.6%) chose the 2 (and only the 2 criteria for FM classification (tender points and widespread pain) proposed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The candidate diagnostic criteria discriminating between rheumatologists (when stratified by gender of the case study) consisted of (1) tender points, (2) normal erythrocyte sedimentatio rate, (3) normal thyroid tests, (4) fatigue, and (5) poor quality of sleep. Of these, the criterion of tender points was chosen by rheumatologists statistically more frequently for male patients ( P = 0.047). Conclusions: This study provides insight into the diagnostic thought processes of rheumatologists. minority of practitioners relied solely on the published ACR classification criteria for the diagnosis of FM. We also report gender bias with regard to disease classification, because rheumatologists were more likely to require a physical finding to support a diagnostic conclusion in male patients.
Efficient calculation of interconnection delays on GaAs-based VHSIC

An efficient algorithm for the calculation of the propagation delays in the single-level high-density interconnections on GaAs-based VLSI is presented. The numerical technique can be applied to lossy as well as the lossless interconnection lines.
IPIC Domain decomposition algorithm for parabolic problems

A domain decomposition algorithm which is based on a semi-implicit prediction and then a fully implicit correction at the interface, for solving parabolic partial differential equations, is presented. The numerical results show that the algorithm is unconditionally stable and very efficient. In this paper, high speed-up is analyzed with respect to the spectral radius and operation counts.