cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiography in the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy in children.

OBJECTIVE. Although the electrocardiogram is commonly obtained in the evaluation of patients with pulmonary hypertension, its value as a screening test for right ventricular hypertrophy or pulmonary hypertension is unclear. Therefore, we sought to determine the value of an electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy using echocardiography as the gold standard. METHODS. We identified children without congenital heart disease who underwent evaluation for suspected pulmonary hypertension that included both an electrocardiogram and echocardiography within a specified time frame. RESULTS. A total of 76 echocardiography-electrocardiogram pairs for pulmonary hypertension were identified. Although there was a significant relationship between electrocardiogram and echocardiography evidence of right ventricular hypertrophy, the sensitivity of an electrocardiogram in diagnosing echocardiography-documented right ventricular hypertrophy was only 69%, and the positive predictive value was 67%. There was no relationship between electrocardiogram changes and Doppler tricuspid regurgitation gradient. CONCLUSION. Despite a statistically significant relationship between an electrocardiogram and echocardiography in the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy, an electrocardiogram has limited value as a screening tool for right ventricular hypertrophy because of its relatively low sensitivity and positive predictive value.
Experience with Computer Models of Two-Dimensional Magnets

Computer programs have been used extensively in the design studies for a 200-BeV synchrotron. Two magnet codes, SIBYL (originated by Richard S. Christian, then of MURA) and TRIM (originated by Alan M. Winslow of LRL), are currently in use at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Berkeley, for static evaluation of two-dimensional magnets, including finite nonuniform permeability of the iron. In this paper are discussed some of the magnet problems for which the computer codes have been used, and the validity or accuracy of the results. Applications include shaping of the pole for good medium-field profiles and shaping of the pole base to reduce saturation effects. The comparison of calculated and measured fields of the CERN proton synchrotron magnet indicates the attainable quality of computer results. At 14.4 kG, within the limits of the vacuum chamber, the gradient computed by SIBYL was within 1% of the reported gradient.
Methadone dose decreases and anxiety reduction

This research evaluated the efficacy of an Anxiety Reduction program designed to reduce anxiety early in methadone detoxification and thereby facilitate dose reduction. Major outcome variables were methadone dose, alcohol and illicit drug use, and withdrawal symptomatology. Fifty-three subjects were recruited and randomly assigned to Anxiety Reduction or Control conditions, and were followed for 48 weeks after study start. Statistically significant differences in dose between Anxiety Reduction subjects and Controls occurred early in treatment, and could only be interpreted when initial dose and initial mood disturbance were taken into account. The differences were not of sufficient magnitude to be of clinical importance, and reflected differences in the small number of subjects who changed dose, rather than overall group trends. Anxiety Reduction subjects reported less alcohol use at treatment termination and at follow-ups, and fewer withdrawal symptoms at termination. They were also less likely to be dropped from treatment for disciplinary reasons. High initial anxiety about detoxification was related to minimal dose reduction in both conditions. Also, in both conditions, anxiety increased with decreasing dose.
Damages in Islamic Law: Maghribī Muftīs and the Built Environment (9th-15th Centuries C.E.)

The Mālikī jurists of the Maghrib, or Islamic West, applied the ḥadīth, “no harm shall be inflicted [on anyone] or reciprocated [against anyone]” (lā ḍarar wa-lā ḍirār fī-l-Islām ). This axiom called for the exercise of the muftī's independent reasoning (ijtihād) in matters that were not explicitly clear from the text (naṣṣ) of the Qurʾāan or sunnah. Mālikī jurists used this axiom, which was open to various interpretations, as a basis for rendering legal opinions (fatāwā) in domestic conflicts arising from infractions relating to the socio-spatial world.
Tunable fiber-optic imaging bundle SERS substrates

Chemical imaging not only provides structural and spatial information about a sample but also chemical information about the sample. Raman spectroscopy can be a powerful transduction mechanism for chemical imaging due to the narrow vibrational bandwidths and unique spectral fingerprints. Unfortunately, Raman cross-sections are extremely weak (~10-30 cm-2), often necessitating long exposure times, making dynamic chemical imaging impractical, particularly for high-resolution images. By utilizing a Raman enhancement technique such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), the effective scattering cross-sections are increased making practical imaging times feasible. This paper will discuss the fabrication, characterization, and demonstration of a novel SERS substrate and instrumental system for non-scanning SERS chemical imaging with sub-diffraction limited spatial resolution. These substrates are fabricated by chemically etching a polished fiber optic imaging bundle consisting of 30,000, hexagonally packed, 4- micron diameter elements. The chemical etching process creates uniform array of cladding spikes onto which a SERS active metal is vacuum deposited, forming the SERS active surface. By varying the size of the silver islands deposited on the cladding peaks active surface plasmons can be tuned to various excitation frequencies. SERS signals measured both on and off the plasmon absorption band demonstrate that these SERS fiber bundles can be tuned for various excitation frequencies.
Sex Differences in the Relationships Among Weight Gain, Subcutaneous Skinfold Tissue and Saltatory Length Growth Spurts in Infancy

As the mechanisms controlling the amount and timing of growth saltations are not well understood, the identification of physiologic coupling in weight and length growth are important for further understanding normal growth biology. Thirty-four healthy infants (13 males, 21 females) participated in a longitudinal growth study during the first year. Weekly weights and s.c. skinfolds (limb and trunk) were analyzed in a growth event-focused study. Coincident analysis tested the null hypothesis of chance concurrence between significant weight gain and saltatory length growth spurts. Logistic regression quantified this relationship and investigated the interaction between incremental weight gain and s.c. skinfolds on length growth spurts. The null hypothesis of random coincidence between weight gain and saltatory length growth was not supported. For girls, significant weight gain and length growth were coupled during the same week and length saltations were 42% more likely during the weeks of significant weight gain, with no interaction from s.c. skinfolds. For boys, length growth saltations were coupled to both previous and concomitant weight gain but were predicted only by previous weight gain, controlling for confounders. Boys were 68% more likely to grow in length the week following significant weight gain, and initial abdominal to suprailiac skinfold ratios conferred a 4-fold increased likelihood of length growth within the week, controlling for confounders. These data generate the hypothesis that a common growth signal cascade couples growth in weight and length/height with a time delay due to sex-specific biology, reflected in a s.c. fat fold interface.
RNA dimerization plays a role in ribosomal frameshifting of the SARS coronavirus

Messenger RNA encoded signals that are involved in programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1 PRF) are typically two-stemmed hairpin (H)-type pseudoknots (pks). We previously described an unusual three-stemmed pseudoknot from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) that stimulated -1 PRF. The conserved existence of a third stem–loop suggested an important hitherto unknown function. Here we present new information describing structure and function of the third stem of the SARS pseudoknot. We uncovered RNA dimerization through a palindromic sequence embedded in the SARS-CoV Stem 3. Further in vitro analysis revealed that SARS-CoV RNA dimers assemble through ‘kissing’ loop–loop interactions. We also show that loop–loop kissing complex formation becomes more efficient at physiological temperature and in the presence of magnesium. When the palindromic sequence was mutated, in vitro RNA dimerization was abolished, and frameshifting was reduced from 15 to 5.7%. Furthermore, the inability to dimerize caused by the silent codon change in Stem 3 of SARS-CoV changed the viral growth kinetics and affected the levels of genomic and subgenomic RNA in infected cells. These results suggest that the homodimeric RNA complex formed by the SARS pseudoknot occurs in the cellular environment and that loop–loop kissing interactions involving Stem 3 modulate -1 PRF and play a role in subgenomic and full-length RNA synthesis.
Identifying Dilemmas Embodied in 21st Century Engineering

The pedagogy and outcomes of a course Designing for Open Innovation designed to empower 21st century engineering students to develop competencies associated with innovating in an inter-connected technologically flat world are described in four parts:1. Competencies for Innovating in the 21st Century, [1].2. Developing Competencies in the 21st Century Engineer, [2].3. Identifying Dilemmas Embodied in 21st Century Engineering - this paper.4. Managing Dilemmas Embodied in 21st Century Engineering, [3].In the first paper we describe the core characteristics of the engineering in an interconnected world and identify the key competencies and meta-competencies that 21st century engineers will need to innovate and negotiate solutions to issues associated with the realization of systems.In the second paper, we describe our approach to fostering learning and the development of competencies by an individual in a group setting. We focus on empowering the students to learn how to learn as individuals in a geographically distanced, collaborative group setting.We assert that two of the core competencies required for success in the dynamically changing workplace are the competencies to first identify and then to manage dilemmas. In this paper, we illustrate how students have gone about identifying dilemmas and in the fourth paper how they have attempted to manage dilemmas. In papers three and four students briefly describe the challenges that they faced and their takeaways in the form of team learning and individual learning.We suggest that dilemmas associated with innovation cannot be solved they can only be managed. We assert that 20th century problem solving paradigms are ineffective for addressing 21st century dilemmas in which there are multiple and diverse stakeholders who are called on to find an acceptable solution to the competing interests such as profit, environment and socio-cultural. In this paper, we focus on how the students learned to identify dilemmas associated with the realization of complex, sustainable, socio-techno-eco systems, namely, energy policy design. The principal outcome is clearly not the result attained but a student’s ability to learn how to learn as illustrated through the development of personal competencies of two students (Bertus and Khosrojerdi) in a collaborative learning framework and environment.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Flow characteristics of semipermeable hollow fibers undergoing reverse osmosis

Abstract Two descriptions of a semipermeable hollow fiber undergoing reverse osmosis are compared. The inherent limitations of a constant seepage assumption are deduced from a more general approach which includes the simultaneous coupling between the transport across the fiber wall and the flow through the fiber bore. For the coupled model, the critical radii corresponding to a maximum axial mass flux for symmetric and asymmetric membranes are shown to be comparable under certain limiting conditions. A distribution of membrane permeabilities is employed to account for the random variation of fiber properties within a bundle. Rigorous lower bounds on an effective bundle permeability, K eff are derived and compared with experiments: also, a theoretical connection between K eff and the average membrane permeability K is established.
Theoretical models for pedometer use in physical activity interventions

Abstract Background: Research shows that pedometers help to increase daily physical activity. However, much less is known about why pedometers work, specifically as it relates to the theoretical grounding of pedometer-based interventions.Objectives: To complete a full review of the literature regarding the use of theory and specific skills/tools used in pedometer-based interventions as it relates to changes in behaviour across time. Methods: Thirty-one original theoretically-based intervention studies were identified to inform this review of theoretical constructs, intervention strategies, and pedometer contributions that influence walking behaviour. Results: Studies suggest that Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), specifically the behaviours of self-monitoring, feedback, and goal-setting are critical elements for an intervention. While the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TBP) successfully increases motivation, there is less evidence that changing motivation alone translates into behaviour change. However, adding...
Pituitary apoplexy—An endocrine emergency

Successful therapy for pituitary apoplexy depends on prompt recognition of the clinical syndrome, accurate anatomic evaluation of the lesion with the CT scan, intensive steroid replacement therapy, and effective transphenoidal decompression of the tumor. Successful long-term management of patients who have suffered pituitary apoplexy requires recognition by the complex interrelationships of the pituitary with adrenal, thyroid, gonadal, pancreatic, and gut physiology. Such patients often require multiple medications for replacement therapy. Surgical treatment is often supplemented with radiation therapy, and prolactin- and growth hormone-secreting adenomas may require long-term management with bromocriptine. Careful follow-up evaluations and appropriate post-surgical therapy enable most of these patients to live normal lives.
Rod increment thresholds in cone-rod dystrophy.

Rod system increment threshold functions (ITFs) were studied in patients with cone–rod dystrophy (CRD). Rod thresholds (It) for a 104-min, 500-nm test stimulus (TS), superimposed on an 11° long wavelength background (luminance Ib), were measured in eleven CRD patients and fourteen normal subjects. Thresholds in normals were also measured using a 7-min TS. A modified version of Weber’s law [logIt=logK + log(Ibn +c)] was fitted to the data from each subject and test condition to yield a description of the ITF in terms of the free parameters K, c, and n. Four of the CRD patients exhibited an abnormally high absolute threshold; of these, two showed abnormalities in K and c consistent with a reduced efficiency of quantum capture by the rods. Abnormalities in the ITFs of CRD patients did not resemble the effect of reducing the diameter of the TS from 104 to 7 min in normals. This suggests that threshold abnormalities in the CRD patients did not result from altered spatial summation. The results illustrate use of a parametric representation of the ITF to evaluate the loss of sensitivity in visual disorders.
Deexcitation of fragments produced in deeply inelastic collisions of 100 MeV /sup 16/O with /sup 27/Al

A study has been made of the ..gamma..-ray deexcitation following deeply inelastic collisions between 100 MeV /sup 16/O and /sup 27/Al. An experimental apparatus including a gas proportional particle telescope, a Ge(Li) detector and three NaI(T1) detectors was used. All possible particle-..gamma.. and particle-multiple-..gamma.. coincidences for projectilelike fragments with Z> or =3 were recorded. Yields and anisotropies of several discrete transitions were measufed, as well as the mean and width of the gross multiplicity distributin as a function of detected Z and reaction inelasticity. Estimates of average ..gamma..-ray transition energy, average energy carried by ..gamma..-ray deexcitation and the degree of side feeding in observed ..gamma.. cascades were made. Observed anisotropies are consistent with considerable fragment spin alignment being present. Values of mean ..gamma..-ray multiplicity never exceed simple sticking model predictions; particle emission effects are seen to be important. The summed radiative strength ofobserved discrete line transitions is found to be less than unity, sometimes considerably so, for most deeply inelastic collisions. A short discussion is given of insights obtained on the entry state distribution for ..gamma..-ray emission and of the results of statistical model calculations of the relative yields of observed final states.
STATIC AND DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF ISING SPIN ON A TRIANGULAR LATTICE WITH COMPETING INTERACTIONS

Ising spin on a triangular lattice with antiferromagnetic nearest neighbor and ferromagnetic second nearest neighbor interactions is investigated by treating the master equation. Classification of solutions and explanation of phase transition in terms of bifurcation theory are presented. Relaxation processes are investigated numerically. Finally, a fluctuation-dissipation relation is obtained.
Reproduction in the guinea pig as affected by chronic administration of potassium nitrate and potassium nitrite.

Abstract Guinea pigs were given KNO3 in doses ranging from 300 to 30,000 ppm in the water and KNO2 in amounts from 300 to 10,000 ppm for periods ranging from 100 to 240 days. Reproduction in the female was impaired by 30,000 ppm of KNO3 with reproductive performance only 8% of that of the controls. Fetal losses were 100% in females given 5000 and 10,000 ppm of KNO2. Reproduction was maintained at lower levels of treatment. Male fertility was apparently not impaired since conception took place at all levels of treatment. Food and water consumption and weight gains were normal except for a diminished rate of gain at 10,000 ppm of KNO2. Uterine and cervical inflammatory lesions and degenerative placental lesions were present in females in which the fetuses had been aborted, mummified, or absorbed.
Electron microscopic observations of the early effects of cortisol on the liver cell of the adrenalectomized rat.

Abstract The effects of inducing levels of cortisol upon the liver cell as measured by electron microscopy are similar 15, 45 or 240 min after hormone administration. Observations at the later times are more pronounced than at 15 min. These effects compared to untreated or saline injected controls involve abrupt and marked changes in the endoplasmic reticulum and no observable changes in the mitochondria or nuclei. The changes in the endoplasmic reticulum involve conversion of much of the long parallel arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum to vesiculated smooth endoplasmic reticulum with concurrent removal of ribosomes from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to cytoplasmic spaces. These changes appear to be connected with the early action of the hormone and point to control of enzyme synthesis at the translational level.
Genetic characterization of a brain-specific form of the type I regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Abstract An isoform (RI beta) of the regulatory type I subunit gene of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (EC 2.7.1.37) has been characterized in mouse. The open reading frame of the RI beta cDNA is 72% identical in nucleotide sequence with the previously cloned RI gene, now referred to as RI alpha. Both genes code for a protein of 380 amino acids and their proteins are 82% identical in amino acid sequence. Sequence similarity is highest in the regions that form the pseudosubstrate-binding site of the catalytic subunit and the two cAMP binding domains. The amino-terminal portion shows the greatest dissimilarity, suggesting that the isoforms may differ in their dimerization properties or interaction with other proteins. In contrast to RI alpha, which is constitutively expressed in all tissues, RI beta is expressed in a highly tissue-specific manner. Brain and spinal cord contained significant levels of RI beta mRNA, testis RNA gave a detectable signal, and all other tissues tested were negative. Expression of a RI beta cDNA in NIH 3T3 cells resulted in the appearance of a RI subunit protein that migrated more slowly than RI alpha after NaDodSO4/PAGE. The native form of RI beta in brain could also be distinguished from RI alpha by its abnormal migration on NaDodSO4/PAGE. RI beta protein produced in 3T3 cells was shown to be functional by its ability to form a cAMP-dependent holoenzyme with the catalytic subunit.
SU-E-T-550: Significant Improvement in Agreement Between Calculated and Measured Dose Distributions: Proper Modeling of Elekta LINAC Couchtops in Pinnacle Treatment Planning System

Purpose: To demonstrate the importance of properly modeling the treatment couch to dose calculation in patient treatment using arc therapy. Methods: Two treatment couch tops (Aktina AK550 and Elekta iBeam evo) of Elekta LINACs were scanned using a CT simulator. Various parts of the couch tops were contoured and their densities were measured and recorded by the Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS) using the established CT density table. These contours were saved as organ models to be loaded into a treatment plan, and placed beneath the patient/phantom. 10 different patient plans (5 VMAT, 5 SBRT) using arc therapy were evaluated using the Delta4 dosimetry system. The Delta4 phantom measurements were compared to calculated plans both with and without modeling the couch, and the differences were evaluated on an individual beam basis for a total of 24 arcs. Student's t test was utilized to determine statistical significance. Results: The improvement in average pass rate within a dose difference of 3% was 3.1% (76.9% to 80%) for VMAT beams with p = 0.046. The improvement in pass rate with λ‐index < 1 (3%, 3mm) was 1.4% (96.8% to 98.1%) with p=0.018. For SBRT, only the dose difference improvement was significant at an average improvement of 3.3% (73.4% to 76.7%) and p = 0.0027. The maximum improvement in dose and λ‐index pass rate for a single VMAT beam was 16.5% and 5.0%, respectively. The same for a single SBRT arc was 10.5% and 15.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Ignoring the treatment couch, a standard of practice in 3D and static IMRT planning in Pinnacle TPS, can overestimate the dose delivered especially using arc therapy. This work shows that modeling the couch during treatment planning can improve the agreement between calculated and measured dose distributions. Consequently, we have implemented these couch models clinically.
The impact of body mass index on outcomes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard of care for gallstone disease. Some cases will be converted to open surgery and others will have complications, both leading to worse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with increased rates of conversion or complication.
Writing for my life: community-cognizant scholarship on African-American women and communication

Abstract This essay explores one methodological challenge faced by scholars whose focus is the communication of marginalized ethnic groups, particularly those who are members of the groups they study. A deeply felt obligation to produce scholarship that is accessible to and liberatory for the ethnic group may conflict with disciplinary norms for scholarly research and discourse. The author presents her conception of ‘community-cognizant scholarship’ to illustrate how she negotiates her felt obligations to African-American women in producing scholarship on their everyday talk. Five qualities of community-cognizant scholarship are explored and illustrated by two of the author’s research projects: (1) research agendas are set by the concerns of ordinary speakers; (2) analysis employs community-based theories; (3) the members of an ethnic group are conceived as heterogenous; (4) privilege and power are problematized; (5) the discursive style of the work is as accessible as possible.
Persistent CT nephrogram: significance in the diagnosis of contrast nephropathy--an update.

Contrast nephropathy (CN), a well-known complication of intravascular contrast medium, is associated with dense cortical nephrograms. These may be detected on unenhanced computed tomography (CT). We report the initial findings of a series of patients at risk for CN who received contrast for coronary arteriography or aortic arch angiography. Unenhanced CT scans were performed 22–26 h after contrast, and the mean cortical attenuation measured. These results were correlated with serial blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine measurements. The patients in this study, all of whom had either elevated baseline creatinine values, were over 73 years or both, had a high incidence of cortical contrast retention and contrast nephropathy.
Compulsive thalamic self-stimulation: a case with metabolic, electrophysiologic and behavioral correlates

A 48-year-old woman with a stimulating electrode implanted in the right thalamic nucleus ventralis posterolateralis developed compulsive self-stimulation associated with erotic sensations and changes in autonomic and neurologic function. Stimulation effects were evaluated by neuropsychologic testing, endocrine studies, positron emission tomographic measurements of regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose, EEG and evoked potentials. During stimulation, vital signs and pupillary diameter increased and a left hemiparesis and left hemisensory loss developed. Verbal functions deteriorated and visuospatial processing improved. Plasma growth hormone concentrations decreased, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol levels rose. With stimulation, glucose metabolism increased in both thalami and both hemispheres, reversing baseline right-sided hypometabolism and right-left asymmetries. EEG and both somatosensory and brain-stem auditory evoked potentials remained unchanged during stimulation, while visual evoked potentials revealed evidence of anterior visual pathway dysfunction in the left eye. This case establishes the potential for addiction to deep brain stimulation and demonstrates that widespread behavioral and physiological changes, with concomitant alteration in the regional cerebral metabolic rate for glucose, may accompany unilateral thalamic stimulation.
Intussusception of a Small Bowel Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Gastrointestinal tumors can rarely cause intestinal intussusception. Herein, we describe a 74 year-old male with a presumed diagnosis of Crohn’s disease who presented with persistent symptoms refractory to medical management. Radiography demonstrated small bowel intussusception into the cecum. Lower endoscopy with biopsy diagnosed small bowel large Bcell lymphoma. Management included laparoscopic ileocecectomy and adjuvant R-CHOP chemotherapy. Long term outcomes of small bowel large B-cell lymphoma are related to disease stage at diagnosis, and average close to 75 %.
The gating currents of sodium channels: pore-population-size effects.

Sodium-channel behavior has been modeled in order to determine the answer to the following question: How large must a population of “on-off” Sodium pores be before the inherently random behavior of the individual channels becomes smoothed to yield the expected gating current-conductance relationships which would be predicted from an infinite pore array? Results of this analysis show that for the “opening” situation, an excellent fit was obtained whenever more than about 10 pores were considered. Significant discrepanciesd were observed in the “Closeing” situation, however, for pore arrays of 50 or less. Marked hysteresis is apparent in the behavior of small pore populations.
Capturing the effect of a title on multiple levels of comprehension

Researchers have manipulated text comprehension by creating texts that require a title to be understood, but the source of the comprehension deficit has not been fully examined. We created comprehension quizzes for these texts that measure the surface form, textbase, and situation model. In three experiments, participants read passages with or without a title and then answered quiz questions. Results showed that the absence of a title influenced the accuracy rate of answering situation model questions more than answering surface form or textbase questions. This suggests that the situation model is the primary source of difficulty for these texts. These passages and quizzes can be used in future research that requires controlled manipulation and measurement of situation level comprehension.
Effect of Feedback on Resource Use and Morbidity in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in an Integrated Group Practice Setting

Objective To assess the effect of a structured program of feedback about resource utilization and morbidity on resource consumption and complications in an orthopedic surgical practice. Design We prospectively analyzed use and outcomes before and after an intervention (departmental data presentation). Material and Methods Feedback on resource utilization and morbidity for 2,820 patients who underwent a primary total hip or knee arthroplasty for a diagnosis of osteoarthritis between Jan. 1, 1990, and Dec. 31, 1992, was provided to members of the orthopedic department of an academic medical center. Data were adjusted for severity of disease. Results On reassessment 18 months after the beginning of the feedback program, total charges and length of hospital stay for hip or knee arthroplasty were significantly reduced. Interpractitioner variability was also reduced but not significantly. The feedback process was instrumental in identifying a specific complication—pulmonary embolism after bilateral total knee replacement—which was significantly reduced by addition of warfarin prophylaxis. Conclusion The intervention was successful in reducing resource use (length of hospital stay) and complications (pulmonary embolism). In addition, total charges for hip and knee arthroplasty declined significantly at a time when medical center charges overall were increasing. Efforts to maintain continuous improvement will primarily focus on the development of critical pathways.
Large-eddy simulations of convection-driven dynamos using a dynamic scale-similarity model

Dynamo simulations require sub-grid scale (SGS) models for the momentum and heat flux, the Lorentz force, and the magnetic induction. Previous large eddy simulations (LES) using the scale similarity model have represented many aspects of the SGS motion. However, discrepancies are observed due to interchanging the order of filtering operation and spatial differentiation. In this study, we implement a correction term for this commutation error specifically for the scale-similarity model. Furthermore, we implement a dynamic scheme to evaluate time-dependent coefficients for the SGS models. We perform dynamo simulations in a rotating plane layer with different spatial resolutions, and compare results for the time dependence of the large-scale magnetic field. Simulations are performed at two different Rayleigh numbers, using constant values for the other dimensionless numbers (Ekman, Prandtl, and magnetic Prandtl numbers). Both cases show that the dynamic LES can accurately represent the large-scale magnetic f...
B-Type natriuretic peptide trends correlate with clinical events in heart failure patients discharged from an observation unit

Study objectives: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has been evaluated extensively as a diagnostic marker in dyspneic emergency department (ED) patients, but changes in BNP during treatment are less well understood. We hypothesize that changes in BNP levels will predict treatment failures in heart failure patients treated in an observation unit. Methods: We performed a retrospective medical record review of heart failure patients treated in the observation unit between February 2003 and March 2004. Those patients discharged directly from the observation unit were the focus of this analysis. All patients were required to have a minimum of 2 BNP values drawn as part of their observation unit management, with the last BNP performed just before observation unit disposition. Thirty-day heart failure event rates included an ED visit for heart failure, an observation unit readmission for heart failure, a hospital readmission for heart failure, and death. Event rates were not counted twice (ie, an ED visit for heart failure resulting in a hospital admission counted as only 1 event). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables. Results: Thirty-two patients discharged directly from the observation unit fulfilled inclusion criteria. These patients had a mean age of 54.8 years, 59.4% were men, and 83.1% were black. Eight of the 32 patients discharged from the observation unit experienced 30-day events: 0 deaths, 7 ED heart failure visits, 1 observation unit heart failure readmission, and 6 hospital heart failure readmissions. Patients whose BNP levels increased despite apparent clinical improvement experienced more 30-day events (44.4%) than those patients whose BNP levels decreased with treatment (17.4%). Although there was no significant difference in initial BNP levels between the 2 groups (1,436±940 pg/mL versus 1,025±1,029 pg/mL; P =.124), the absolute value of the final BNP drawn was higher in those with events (1,620±854 pg/mL) than those without events (785±626 pg/mL; P =.033). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that discharged observation unit patients with heart failure whose BNP decreases with treatment have a better prognosis than those patients whose BNP increases with treatment.
Hydrogel-Coated Glassy Nanospheres: A Novel Method for the Synthesis of Shell Cross-Linked Knedels

A novel method was developed to prepare shell-cross-linked knedel-like structures (SCK's), which are double-layered polymer nanospheres, in a convenient three-step procedure: (1) polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) ((DPn)PS = 130, (DPn)PAA = 120) copolymer was prepared by sequential anionic polymerization of styrene and tert-butyl acrylate, followed by hydrolysis; (2) the amphiphilic block copolymer was allowed to self-assemble into spherical multimolecular micelles in a water and THF solvent mixture; (3) the poly(acrylic acid), comprising the shells of micelles, was cross-linked by amidation using several di- and multiamino linkers (2,2‘-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine), hexakis(ethylene glycol)diamine, hexamethylenediamine, and triethylenetetramine). The extent of cross-linking was controlled by the relative amount of cross-link reagent used. The SCK's were spherical, core−shell structures composed of polystyrene cores and cross-linked hydrogel-like shells. The sizes, shapes, and structural differences betw...
Evelynin, a Cytotoxic Benzoquinone-type retro-Dihydrochalcone from Tacca chantrieri

A new benzoquinone-type retro-dihydrochalcone, named evelynin, was isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Tacca chantrieri. The structure was elucidated on the basis of the analysis of spectroscopic data and confirmed by a simple one-step total synthesis. Evelynin exhibited cytotoxicity against four human cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-435 melanoma, MDA-MB-231 breast, PC-3 prostate, and HeLa cervical carcinoma cells, with IC50 values of 4.1, 3.9, 4.7, and 6.3 μM, respectively.
Calculation of ceramic pot filter hydraulic conductivity using falling-head data

Flowrate is used as a predictor of ceramic pot filter (CPF) disinfection effectiveness, and the relationship between flowrate and porosity has been examined in several studies. However, hydraulic conductivity, not porosity, is the constant of proportionality that describes flow through porous media. Equations have been developed to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of CPF side walls and bottom as well an effective overall hydraulic conductivity. The equations are intended to be used with falling head data that may be collected in the field. The results of flowrate testing and open porosity testing using experimental CPFs provide preliminary indication that hydraulic conductivity is a better predictor of flowrate relative to open porosity. The results of the preliminary testing suggest that the shape and orientation of open pore space may have significant impact on filter flowrates, and that filter researchers and producers may want to evaluate the material used to form the pores as well as the impact of the filter formation process on any spatial orientation of open pore space. A better understanding of hydraulic conductivity may improve the production efficiency of filter factories which could make lower cost filters available to a greater number of households in developing areas.
Structure of factor H-binding protein B (FhbB) of the periopathogen, Treponema denticola: insights into progression of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis is the most common disease of microbial etiology in humans. Periopathogen survival is dependent upon evasion of complement-mediated destruction. Treponema denticola, an important contributor to periodontitis, evades killing by the alternative complement cascade by binding factor H (FH) to its surface. Bound FH is rapidly cleaved by the T. denticola protease, dentilisin. In this report, the structure of the T. denticola FH-binding protein, FhbB, was solved to 1.7 Å resolution. FhbB possesses a unique fold that imparts high thermostability. The kinetics of the FH/FhbB interaction were assessed using surface plasmon resonance. A KD value in the micromolar range (low affinity) was demonstrated, and rapid off kinetics were observed. Site-directed mutagenesis and sucrose octasulfate competition assays collectively indicate that the negatively charged face of FhbB binds within FH complement control protein module 7. This study provides significant new insight into the molecular basis of FH/FhbB interaction and advances our understanding of the role that T. denticola plays in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
Anterior and posterior corneal stroma elasticity assessed using nanoindentation

Abstract Corneal biomechanics is an essential parameter for developing diagnostic and treatment methods of corneal-related diseases. It is widely accepted that corneal mechanical strength stems from the stroma's collagenous composition. However, more comprehensive insight into the mechanical properties within the stroma is needed to improve current corneal diagnostic and treatment techniques. The purpose of this study was to perform elasticity characterization of anterior and posterior stromal regions of human corneas using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Nine pairs of human whole globes were placed in 20% Dextran solution, cornea side down, to restore the corneal thickness to physiological levels (400–600 μm). The epithelium and Bowman's membrane were removed from all eyes. Anterior stromal AFM elasticity testing was then performed on left (OS) eyes. Additional stroma was removed from right (OD) eyes to allow posterior stromal measurements at a depth of 50% of the original thickness. All experiments were performed with corneas submerged in 15% Dextran to maintain corneal hydration. The results of the study showed that the Young's modulus of elasticity of the anterior stroma (average: 281 ± 214 kPa; range: 59–764 kPa) was significantly higher than that of the posterior stroma (average: 89.5 ± 46.1 kPa; range: 29–179 kPa) (p = 0.014). In addition, a linear relationship was found between the posterior stromal elasticity and anterior stromal elasticity (p = 0.0428). On average, the elasticity of the posterior stroma is 39.3% of the anterior stroma. In summary, there appears to be an elasticity gradient within the corneal stroma, which should be considered in the design and development of corneal diagnostic and treatment methods to enhance efficacy.
Nonlinear damage identification of breathing cracks in Truss system

The breathing cracks in truss system are detected by Frequency Response Function (FRF) based damage identification method. This method utilizes damage-induced changes of frequency response functions to estimate the severity and location of structural damage. This approach enables the possibility of arbitrary interrogation frequency and multiple inputs/outputs which greatly enrich the dataset for damage identification. The dynamical model of truss system is built using the finite element method and the crack model is based on fracture mechanics. Since the crack is driven by tensional and compressive forces of truss member, only one damage parameter is needed to represent the stiffness reduction of each truss member. Assuming that the crack constantly breathes with the exciting frequency, the linear damage detection algorithm is developed in frequency/time domain using Least Square and Newton Raphson methods. Then, the dynamic response of the truss system with breathing cracks is simulated in the time domain and meanwhile the crack breathing status for each member is determined by the feedback from real-time displacements of member’s nodes. Harmonic Fourier Coefficients (HFCs) of dynamical response are computed by processing the data through convolution and moving average filters. Finally, the results show the effectiveness of linear damage detection algorithm in identifying the nonlinear breathing cracks using different combinations of HFCs and sensors.
Demonstration of translucent elastic optical network based on virtualized elastic regenerator

We propose a translucent elastic optical network based on a virtualized elastic regenerator. Using a real-time 128-Gb/s spectrum-selective subchannel regenerator, we verify the concept through mixed-rate superchannel regeneration and frequency-slot merger with spectrum conversion.
Advanced RF-driven H - ion sources at the SNS

The US spallation neutron source* (SNS), will require substantially higher average and pulse H" beam current than can be produced from conventional H- ion sources such as the baseline LBNL-SNS source. H- currents of 70-100 mA with an RMS emittance of 0.20-0.35 π mm mrad and a ˜7% duty-factor will be needed for the SNS power upgrade project in 2010. We are therefore investigating several advanced ion source concepts based on RF plasma excitation. First, a generalized discussion of our source development strategy is presented as well as the performance characteristics of a large-plasma-volume, external antenna source based on an AI2O3 plasma chamber. The design and results of computational modeling of a high-power version of this source featuring an AlN plasma chamber is subsequently discussed as well as a high-efficiency extraction system necessary for high- current operation.
Adaptive Vibration Cancellation for Tire-Road Friction Coefficient Estimation on Winter Maintenance Vehicles

This paper focuses on the development and experimental evaluation of a novel adaptive feedforward vibration cancellation based friction estimation system. The friction estimation utilizes a small instrumented redundant wheel on the vehicle. Unlike other systems previously documented in literature, the developed system can provide a continuous measurement of the friction coefficient under all vehicle maneuvers, even when the longitudinal and lateral accelerations are both zero. A key challenge in the development of the estimation system is the need to remove the influence of vibrations and the influence of vehicle maneuvers from the measured signal of a force sensor. An adaptive feedforward algorithm based on the use of accelerometer signals as reference inputs is developed. The parameters of the feedforward model estimated by the adaptive algorithm themselves serve to determine the value of the friction coefficient. At the same time, the influence of vibrations and of vehicle maneuvers is removed. Detailed experimental results are presented on a skid pad wherein the road surface changes from dry asphalt to ice. Results are presented at different speeds and with and without lateral and longitudinal maneuvers. Excellent performance is obtained in estimation of the friction coefficient. The performance of the adaptive feedforward algorithm is shown to be significantly superior to that of a simple cross-correlation based algorithm for friction estimation.
Layer-by-layer heparinization of decellularized liver matrices to reduce thrombogenicity of tissue engineered grafts

Background Tissue-engineered liver grafts may offer a viable alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation and help overcome the donor organ shortage. Decellularized liver matrices (DLM) have a preserved vasculature and sustain hepatocellular function in culture, but graft survival after transplantation remains limited due to thrombogenicity of the matrix. Aim To evaluate the effect of heparin immobilization on DLM thrombogenicity. Methods Heparin was immobilized on DLMs by means of layer-by-layer deposition. Grafts with 4 or 8 bilayers and 2 or 4 g/L of heparin were recellularized with primary rat hepatocytes and maintained in culture for 5 days. Hemocompatibility of the graft was assessed by ex vivo diluted whole-blood perfusion and heterotopic transplantation. Results Heparin was deposited throughout the matrix and the heparin content in the graft was higher with increasing number of bilayers and concentration of heparin. Recellularization and in vitro albumin and urea production were unaffected by heparinization. Resistance to blood flow during ex vivo perfusion was lower with increased heparinization and, macroscopically, no clots were visible in grafts with 8 bilayers. Following transplantation, flow through the graft was limited in all groups. Histological evidence of thrombosis was lower in heparinized DLMs, but transplantation of DLM grafts was not improved. Conclusions Layer-by-layer deposition of heparin on a DLM is an effective method of immobilizing heparin throughout the graft and does not impede recellularization or hepatocellular function in vitro. Thrombogenicity during ex vivo blood perfusion was reduced in heparinized grafts and optimal with 8 bilayers, but transplantation remained unsuccessful with this method. Relevance for patients Tissue engineered liver grafts may offer a viable solution to dramatic shortages in donor organs.
A near-optimal broadcast technique for vehicular networks

A vehicular network is a promising application of mobile ad hoc networks. In this paper, we introduce a near-optimal broadcast technique, called CB-S (Cell Broadcast for Streets), for vehicular networks. In this environment, the road network is fragmented into cells such that nodes in a cell can communicate with any node within a two cell distance. Each mobile node is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit and a map of the cells. The cell map has information about the cells including their identifier and the coordinates of the upper-right and lower-left corner of each cell. CB-S has the following desirable property. Broadcast of a message is performed by rebroadcasting the message from every other cell in the terrain. This characteristic allows CB-S to achieve near optimal performance. Our simulation results indicate that data can always reach all nodes in the wireless network. This perfect coverage is achieved with minimal overhead. That is, CB-S uses a near optimal (minimum) number of nodes to disseminate the data packets. This optimality gives it the advantage of minimum delay. To show these benefits, we give simulations results to compare CB-S with four other broadcast techniques. In practice, CB-S can be used for information dissemination, or to reduce the high cost of destination discovery in routing protocols. We also present in this paper a CB-SD (Cell Broadcast for Street Dissemination) variant that has all the advantages of CB-S, with the additional benefit of supporting partial broadcast. This scheme is more efficient when broadcast to a subset of the nodes is desirable.