cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MP77-08 SECULAR TRENDS IN PROSTATE BIOPSY CRITERIA AND OUTCOMES: THE DARTMOUTH EXPERIENCE

Objective To evaluate trends in prostate biopsy and cancer diagnosis at a center with conservative screening practices in the pre- and post-2012 era. More restrictive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening guidelines have led to lower rates of screening, biopsy, and diagnosis of prostate cancer. It is not clear, however, how regions with low baseline screening rates (the Lebanon, New Hampshire hospital referral region centered on Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center had the lowest rate of screening among Medicare patients in 2012) have responded to these guidelines. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent prostate biopsy from January 2011 to March 2016. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed by time. Multivariable analysis assessed for factors associated with higher grade cancer. Results There were 614 prostate biopsies were performed. PSA at biopsy increased with time (7.2 in 2011 vs 10.1 in 2015, P = .0085); age did not. There was a stable proportion of benign findings; proportions of low-grade disease decreased, whereas intermediate- and high-grade disease increased (2011 vs 2015: 21.1% vs 10.8% Gleason 3 + 3, 32.9% vs 43.3% ≥ Gleason 3 + 4, P = .0454). Factors predictive of higher grade disease included abnormal digital examination (odds ratio [OR] 2.19, P = .0076), higher PSA (OR 1.09, P = .0040), and later biopsy date (OR 1.01, P = .0469). Conclusion In an environment of conservative baseline screening practices, there has been a shift in prostate biopsy criteria and outcomes, namely a rising PSA threshold for biopsy and a 50% decrease in the diagnosis of low-grade disease. Additional study is needed to ensure these trends are favorably impacting the quality of care.
Keynote II: SoX at the edge: The heterogeneous, highly integrated IoT systems of the future

Rumors of Moore's Law demise have been greatly exaggerated! While transistors are not getting simultaneously smaller, faster and lower power every couple of years like for the past several decades, inexorable forces to cram more devices together are still running strong, except that they are now pushing upwards in the third dimension. Heterogeneity, monolithic vs. TSV-based scaling for 3D, and closing the energy loop (cooling and power delivery) will punctuate this talk as it explores the challenges and opportunities that IoT systems of the future face as they move away from planar Systems-on-Chip (SoC) to becoming three dimensional Systems-on-Anything (SoX, e.g. Systems-on-Package, Systems-on-Interposer, etc.).
Low-Dose Effects of Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors

Endogenous hormones have effects on tissue morphology, cell physiology, and behaviors at low doses. In fact, hormones are known to circulate in the part-per-trillion and part-per-billion concentrations, making them highly effective and potent signaling molecules. Many endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) mimic hormones, yet there is strong debate over whether these chemicals can also have effects at low doses. In the 1990s, scientists proposed the "low-dose hypothesis," which postulated that EDCs affect humans and animals at environmentally relevant doses. This chapter focuses on data that support and refute the low-dose hypothesis. A case study examining the highly controversial example of bisphenol A and its low-dose effects on the prostate is examined through the lens of endocrinology. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of factors that can influence the ability of a study to detect and interpret low-dose effects appropriately.
Modern Elementary Particle Physics: Explaining and Extending the Standard Model

This book is written for students and scientists wanting to learn about the Standard Model of particle physics. Only an introductory course knowledge about quantum theory is needed. The text provides a pedagogical description of the theory, and incorporates the recent Higgs boson and top quark discoveries. With its clear and engaging style, this new edition retains its essential simplicity. Long and detailed calculations are replaced by simple approximate ones. It includes introductions to accelerators, colliders, and detectors, and several main experimental tests of the Standard Model are explained. Descriptions of some well-motivated extensions of the Standard Model prepare the reader for new developments. It emphasizes the concepts of gauge theories and Higgs physics, electroweak unification and symmetry breaking, and how force strengths vary with energy, providing a solid foundation for those working in the field, and for those who simply want to learn about the Standard Model.
Orthotopic Reconstruction Following Radical Cystectomy: the USC Experience

Since the early 1900s, innovative surgeons have persistently pursued how best to replace the original bladder removed for either benign or malignant disease. As we enter the mid 1990s, the ultimate goals of lower urinary tract reconstruction have become more than simply the diversion of urine and protection of the upper urinary tract. Contemporary objectives of lower urinary tract reconstruction should include elimination of the need for a cutaneous stoma, urostomy appliance, or intermittent catheterization, while maintaining a more natural voiding pattern allowing volitional micturition through the intact native urethra. The advances in urinary diversion have been made in an effort to provide patients with a more normal life-style and an improved self-image following removal of the bladder.
Lymphocyte function in patients with interstitial cystitis.

AbstractTo determine whether there is a primary immunological disorder involved in the etiology of interstitial cystitis, we compared the in vitro function of peripheral blood lymphocytes from 10 patients with interstitial cystitis to those from 10 healthy female controls. The lymphocytes were isolated and incubated in either cell culture medium alone, cell culture medium supplemented with the mitogen phytohemagglutinin or cell culture medium with autologous sterile filtered urine, the latter to detect any immunogenic potential of urine in this disease. We studied the relative proliferation of the phenotypes CD2, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD14 and CD56 by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. To detect activation of T lymphocytes we also studied expression of HLA-Dr and interleukin-2 receptors. There was no difference in the rate of proliferation of the various lymphocyte phenotypes between the 2 groups in any of the culture media. Similarly, there was no difference between the 2 groups in the degree of lymphocyti...
Annular skin eruptions. Not every ring on the skin is ringworm.

Preview Skin eruptions often occur in annular patterns. Fungal infections are one of the most common causes of ring-shaped eruptions, but annular patterns form in many other skin conditions as well. Dr Bart describes, illustrates, and discusses the causes and treatments of 24 disorders that can result in rings on the skin.
Moral Identity Complexity: Situated Morality Within and Across Work and Social Roles:

Moral identity, how individuals define themselves relative to various moral attributes, is an important factor in the regulation of moral thought and behavior in organizations. We advance both the ...
The regional, national, and international importance of Louisiana's coastal avifauna

ABSTRACT Coastal Louisiana—and its Mississippi River Delta, in particular—provides large and diverse habitats for many types of birds in North America and beyond. The Mississippi River and its dist...
Experimental investigation of fluid thermal effects on fracture brittleness

Fracture extent and formation quality are the key parameters affecting hydraulic fracturing results. Fracture brittleness, initiation and propagation are dominantly ruled by in situ stresses and rock mechanical properties which cannot be manipulated. However, operation parameters such as injection rate, viscosity and temperature of fluid can be adjusted for fracturing treatments. This paper focuses on a thermal treatment approach that affects brittleness. We investigated fractures when fluid temperature is lower than formation. Experiments were conducted using synthetic 50-mm cubic samples in a newly built true triaxial stress cell. This cell was fitted with cooling and heating auxiliary apparatus which enabled injection of fluids of various temperatures in the presence of orthogonal stresses. The samples and test records are evaluated in details to develop and upscale the results for real applications such as tight shale gas formations. Findings indicate that brittleness of material increases when considerable temperature differences exist between rock and injection fluid.
The response of human neutrophils to a chemotactic tripeptide (N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine) studied by microcinematography.

A quantitative microcinematographic technique for the measurement of cellular motion in response to chemical influences is described. The data are analyzed by using a magnetic digitizer connected to a computer, permitting comparison of several characteristics of such motion. When human granulocytes are placed in a gradient of formyl- methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) (concentration 10(-6)-10(-8) mol/L) against buffer, the motion of the cells is increased in velocity (chemokinesis) and is directed toward the chemoattractant, as measured by the orientation of the vector of motion. This directionality is confirmed by positive values for the McCutcheon index and analysis of directed linear displacement. Concentrations of fMLP below 10(-9) mol/L did not result in chemokinesis or chemotaxis, presumably due to insufficient stimulus. Concentrations of 10(-6) mol/L fMLP and greater resulted in marked stimulation of the cell surface but reduced directionality and velocity of motion compared with cells in a more optimal gradient. Motion of the unstimulated cells tended to be ortholinear , and this was not increased by the presence of a gradient of fMLP. Hence, as previously shown, the Random Walk analysis, which does not give weight to the direction of motion, is not useful in the analysis of the response of these cells to a chemotaxin in this system.
Two Cases of Fulminant Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy Mimicking Brain Death (P5.9-050)

Objective: We report two cases of fulminant Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN), who both progressed rapidly to complete loss of brain stem reflexes, mimicking brain death. Both patients had comorbid uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) type II and responded to intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg). However, one patient had an atypical recovery course. Background: AMSAN is an acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by progressive symmetric, ascending flaccid paresis, areflexia and decreased sensation. Rarely, fulminant forms may present with acute onset tetraparesis and absent brainstem reflexes. Design/Methods: Not Applicable Results: Case 1: A 55 year old male with past medical history (PMH) of uncontrolled DM, essential hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetic neuropathy presented with ascending numbness and weakness of lower extremities. At nadir on day 6, patient had respiratory failure and absence of brainstem reflexes. Two earlier lumbar punctures revealed pleocytosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) until day 13, when patient’s CSF showed albuminocytologic dissociation for the first time. Patient steadily improved and was transferred to a long term care center. After ten days at the facility, he developed a urinary tract infection and aspiration pneumonia leading to septic shock, culminating in death on day 36. Case 2: A 52 year old male with PMH of uncontrolled DM type II, tobacco use and obesity presented with progressive weakness, respiratory distress and hypophonia which began one day prior to admission. At nadir on day 4, patient had quadriparesis, respiratory failure, and loss of brain stem reflexes with minimal eye movements. From day 1, patient’s CSF showed albuminocytologic dissociation. Patient steadily improved and was transferred to floor. Conclusions: We present two cases of fulminant AMSAN. Unique features of these cases include uncontrolled DM, presentation of clinical brain death despite cortical activity per EEG, timeline of albuminocytologic dissociation within CSF, possible etiology of GBS, and slow atypical recovery course. Disclosure: Dr. Rodrigo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jazebi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Patel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dabi has nothing to disclose.
Advanced Imaging and Direct Targeting of the Motor Thalamus and Dentato-Rubro-Thalamic Tract for Tremor: A Systematic Review

Direct targeting methods for stereotactic neurosurgery in the treatment of essential tremor have been the subject of active research over the past decade but have not yet been systematically reviewed. We present a clinically oriented topic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Group guidelines. Our focus is studies using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (ultrahigh-field structural MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, diffusion-tensor tractography, and functional MRI) for patient specific, in vivo identification of the ventral intermediate nucleus and the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract.
The Visible Human Project of the National Library of Medicine: Remote access and distribution of a multi-gigabyte data set

As part of the 1986 Long-Range Plan for the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the Planning Panel on Medical Education wrote that NLM should '...thoroughly and systematically investigate the technical requirements for and feasibility of instituting a biomedical images library.' The panel noted the increasing use of images in clinical practice and biomedical research. An image library would complement NLM's existing bibliographic and factual database services and would ideally be available through the same computer networks as are these current NLM services. Early in 1989, NLM's Board of Regents convened an ad hoc planning panel to explore possible roles for the NLM in the area of electronic image libraries. In its report to the Board of Regents, the NLM Planning Panel on Electronic Image Libraries recommended that 'NLM should undertake a first project building a digital image library of volumetric data representing a complete, normal adult male and female. This Visible Human Project will include digitized photographic images for cryosectioning, digital images derived from computerized tomography, and digital magnetic resonance images of cadavers.' The technologies needed to support digital high resolution image libraries, including rapid development; and that NLM encourage investigator-initiated research into methods for representing and linking spatial and textual information, structural informatics. The first part of the Visible Human Project is the acquisition of cross-sectional CT and MRI digital images and cross-sectional cryosectional photographic images of a representative male and female cadaver at an average of one millimeter intervals. The corresponding cross-sections in each of the three modalities are to be registerable with one another.
Comparison of a Commercially Available Prostate Segmentation Application to Traditional Prolate and Biproximate Ellipsoid Methods for Prostate Volume Measurement

Abstract Rationale and Objectives To compare the a commercially available automatic and manually adjusted segmentation software program (DynaCAD ®) to two ellipsoid volume methods using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods This is a retrospective IRB-approved study of 146 patients randomly selected from 1600 consecutive men referred for T2-weighted MRI. All measurements were performed by a single expert senior radiologist. Total prostate volume was calculated using automatic DynaCAD ® software (RCAD), manually adjusted DynaCAD ® (ACAD), traditional ellipsoid method (TE) and a new alternative biproximate ellipsoid method (BE). Results were assessed with ANOVA and linear regression. Results Mean volumes for RCAD, ACAD, BE and TE were 61.5, 58.4, 56, and 53.2 respectively. ANOVA showed no difference of the means (p> 0.05.) Linear regression showed a coefficient of determination (r 2) between ACAD and TE of 0.92 and between ACAD and BE of 0.90. Using the planigraphic-based segmented ACAD as the “gold’ standard, RCAD overestimated volume by 5%. TE and BE underestimated prostatic volume by 4% and 9% respectively. ACAD processing time was 4.5 to 9.5 minutes (mean=6.6 min.) compared to 1.5 to 3.0 minutes (mean=2.3 min.) for prolate ellipsoid methods. Conclusion Manually adjusted MRI T2-weighted segmentation is likely the most accurate measure of total prostate volume. DynaCAD appears to fulfill that function, but manual adjustment of automatic misregistration of boundaries is necessary. ACAD and RCAD are best applied to research use. Ellipsoid methods are faster, more convenient, nearly as accurate and more practical for clinical use.
Heterogeneity of Intestinal Tissue Eosinophils: Potential Considerations for Next-Generation Eosinophil-Targeting Strategies

Eosinophils are implicated in the pathophysiology of a spectrum of eosinophil-associated diseases, including gastrointestinal eosinophilic diseases (EGIDs). Biologics that target the IL-5 pathway and are intended to ablate eosinophils have proved beneficial in severe eosinophilic asthma and may offer promise in treating some endotypes of EGIDs. However, destructive effector functions of eosinophils are only one side of the coin; eosinophils also play important roles in immune and tissue homeostasis. A growing body of data suggest tissue eosinophils represent a plastic and heterogeneous population of functional sub-phenotypes, shaped by environmental (systemic and local) pressures, which may differentially impact disease outcomes. This may be particularly relevant to the GI tract, wherein the highest density of eosinophils reside in the steady state, resident immune cells are exposed to an especially broad range of external and internal environmental pressures, and greater eosinophil longevity may uniquely enrich for co-expression of eosinophil sub-phenotypes. Here we review the growing evidence for functional sub-phenotypes of intestinal tissue eosinophils, with emphasis on the multifactorial pressures that shape and diversify eosinophil identity and potential targets to inform next-generation eosinophil-targeting strategies designed to restrain inflammatory eosinophil functions while sustaining homeostatic roles.
Evaluation of an Advanced Driver-Assistance System to Reduce Pedestrian and Rear-End Crashes of Transit Vehicles:

This paper reports on the results of an evaluation of a rear-end and pedestrian crash warning system installed on transit agency buses with the goal of collecting and providing information to help ...
The constant mirror: Self-view and attitudes to virtual meetings

Abstract Users of modern web-conferencing platforms often view their own face as well as those of other attendees, which has been proposed as a contributing factor to negative attitudes towards virtual meetings. Two studies of people attending regular virtual meetings, one conducted with newly remote employees from a variety of organizations and one with business students shifted to remote learning, test this assumption. In both studies, the association between frequency of self-view during meetings and aversion to virtual meetings was contingent on a dispositional trait: the user's degree of public self-consciousness. In extending research on meeting satisfaction from in-person meetings to virtual ones, the results presented here indicate the need to consider specific technological features of virtual collaboration tools in conjunction with individual differences among users.
Eigenvalue Roulette and Random Test Matrices

Random matrices may not be mentioned in research abstracts, but second only to Matlab, the most widely used tool of numerical linear algebraists is the “random test matrix.” Algorithmic developers in need of guinea pigs nearly always take random matrices with standard normal entries or perhaps close cousins, such as the uniform distribution on [-1,1]. The choice is highly reasonable: these matrices are generated effortlessly and might very well catch programming errors. What is a mistake is to psychologically link a random matrix with the intuitive notion of a “typical” matrix or the vague concept of “any old matrix.”
Temperature and heat flux measurements: Challenges for high temperature aerospace application

The measurement of high temperatures and the inference of heat transfer data is not strictly a problem of either the high temperatures involved or the level of the heating rates to be Measured at those high temperatures. It is a problem of uration during which measurements are made and the nature of the materials in which the measurements are made. Thermal measurement techniques for each application must respect and ork with the unique features of that application.
Junctionless Silicon and In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As Transistors—Part I: Nominal Device Evaluation With Quantum Simulations

Despite many experimental demonstrations of III–V junctionless field-effect transistors (JLFETs), few theoretical studies have investigated their performance. We perform nonequilibrium Green’s function simulations to compare the merits of silicon and In0.53Ga0.47As JLFETs, including impurity, phonon, and surface roughness (SR) scattering effects through phenomenological self-energies. When ballistic transport is assumed, silicon is superior due to its higher density of states; however, we show that the presence of impurity scattering drastically alters the comparison and leads to significant performance advantages for InGaAs JLFETs. This advantage is lessened but not eliminated by SR effects, which play a more significant role in InGaAs than in silicon based on current experimental parametrizations. We also find that the degradation of electrostatic integrity in III–V devices stemming from higher material permittivity can be mitigated by channel barrier height increases caused by high electron degeneracy. Our results validate InGaAs JLFETs as promising candidates for postsilicon device technologies.
The Preisach-Arrhenius model for aftereffect

Summary form only given. In the presence of large energy barriers, the magnetization decays very slowly towards its ground state. In most permanent magnetic materials this decay is immeasurable in zero field. In order to estimate the useful lifetime of a magnetic material, this decay is accelerated by applying a reverse field, that we call the holding field, that is approximately equal to the remanent coercivity. Unfortunately, unless we know how much we have accelerated the decay rate, this does not tell us anything about how long it will be useful at other fields. It is necessary to have a model built on physical principles that can address this issue. The Preisach-Arrhenius (PA) model is just such a model. Some of the predictions of this model have been verified experimentally. In particular, the shift in log-time of the after effect curve by an applied field and the shape of the after effect curve in bimodal media. In this paper we discuss the experimental verification of the correct location of the peak in the decay coefficient, and the shape of the after effect curve for multilayer media. We also discuss how to compute the expected lifetime of a recording. The magnetization of the ground state is the same as the magnetization achieved after an anhysteretic magnetizing process. However, the anhysteretic magnetic state differs from the true ground state where the populations of energy levels obey Maxwell-Boltzmann statistics in the ground state. As the material relaxes to the true ground state its magnetization does not change since for a given time constant there are as many negative hysterons changing to a positive state as there are positive hysterons changing to the negative state. Thus, this difference in states is difficult to detect and may be only of academic interest. Had we started from positive saturation, then applied field equal to the negative coercivity and finally reduced the field to zero, then the after effect would have started from zero magnetization, risen to a positive magnetization and then finally returned to zero. Although in this case, the same number of hysterons would have to change from positive magnetization to negative as the other way around, this time they do so with different time constants. The time required for the magnetization to start decreasing to zero is so long that we have not been able to observe this. However, this effect has been observed in nonzero holding fields.
Eliminating Virtual Function Calls in C++ Programs

We have designed and implemented an optimizing source-to-source C++ compiler that reduces the frequency of virtual function calls. This technical report describes our preliminary experience with this system. The prototype implementation demonstrates the value of OO-specific optimization of C++. Despite some limitations of our system, and despite the low frequency of virtual function calls in some of the programs, optimization improves the performance of a suite of two small and six large C++ applications totalling over 90,000 lines of code by a median of 20% over the original programs and reduces the number of virtual function calls by a median factor of 5. For more call-intensive versions of the same programs, performance improved by a median of 40% and the number of virtual calls dropped by a factor of 21. Our measurements indicate that inlining does not necessarily lead to large increases in code size, and that for most programs, the instruction cache miss ratio does not increase significantly.
Metalloprotein Design & Engineering

This review covers recent advances in metalloprotein design, with focus on different approaches to the design. Impressive progress has been made in designing metal-binding sites in peptides, de novo designed proteins, and native protein scaffolds. The approach can be rational or combinatorial. Under rational design, redesigning an existing metal-binding site to a new site with dramatically different structure and function complements well the design of new metal-binding sites by revealing the role of specific residues responsible for a particular structural or functional feature of the metal-binding site of interest. To create a new metal-binding site, several approaches have been used, including design based on structural homology, by inspection, using automated computer search algorithms, or combination of the above approaches. In addition, modular approach by transplanting a conserved structural unit from one protein into another has also been shown to be effective. Design through combinatorial and evolution methods has also been successful as it requires little prior knowledge of the protein structure. Finally, introducing unnatural amino acids or nonnative metal ions/prosthetic groups to expand the repertoires of metalloproteins have been demonstrated. Successful examples of each of the approaches are given; advantages and disadvantages of the approaches are discussed; the outlook for future research is also presented. Keywords: metalloprotein; metallopeptide; protein design; protein engineering; protein redesign; de novo design; rational design; modular design; combinatorial design; unnatural amino acids; motif; domain; phage display
Cutting Edge: Inducible Costimulator Protein Regulates Both Th1 and Th2 Responses to Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

The CD28 family member inducible costimulator protein (ICOS) has an important role in T cell differentiation and Ig class switching. To investigate the role of ICOS in vivo, ICOS-/- mice were infected s.c. with Leishmania mexicana. While wild-type mice developed large, cutaneous lesions, the growth of lesions and tissue histopathology was significantly delayed in ICOS-/- mice. ICOS-/- mice exhibited marked decreases in both Th1 and Th2 cytokine production and profound defects in L. mexicana-specific Ig isotype class switching to IgG1 and IgG2a and reduced total IgE levels. Our findings indicate that ICOS is a key regulator of both Th1 and Th2 responses and has a role in controlling cutaneous L. mexicana infection.
Airway Management and Endoscopic Treatment of Subglottic and Tracheal Stenosis The Laryngeal Mask Airway Technique

Objectives:The objective is to present clinical outcomes of subglottic and tracheal stenosis treated by flexible bronchoscopic delivery of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser via laryngeal mask airway (LMA).Methods:All consecutive, nontracheotomy dependent cases of subglottic and tracheal stenosis treated endoscopically over a 4-year period were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical approach consisted of radial incisions using a flexible fiber-based CO2 laser, balloon dilation, and topical application of mitomycin C. Ventilation during the procedure occurred through the LMA, and the CO2 laser fiber was delivered through the working channel of a flexible bronchoscope passed through the LMA. Number of dilations, period between dilations, and operative times were reviewed.Results:Eleven patients who underwent airway intervention during the study period were identified. Average follow-up was 28 months. Etiologies of airway stenosis included intubation injury (6), idiopathic (4), or autoimmune disease (1), requiring a...
Preferential policies and ethnic differences in post‐secondary education in Peninsular Malaysia

In this study we use the second wave of the Malaysian family life survey conducted in 1988–1989 to examine the effects of the national economic policy (NEP) instituted by the Malaysian government in 1971 to promote educational opportunities of hitherto disadvantaged ethnic Malays. The analysis focuses on the probability of entering post‐secondary education, given the completion of secondary school, across generational cohorts (pre‐NEP and post‐NEP) and across the three main ethnic groups—Malays, Chinese and Indians. The results show an increase in the likelihood of entering post‐secondary education in each subsequent cohort for all the three ethnic groups but the rate of the increase varies across these groups. Reflecting the effects of the NEP, the cohorts of Malays that reached college age after 1971 experienced a much larger increase in the odds of continuing beyond secondary education relative both to their Chinese and Indian counterparts and to the pre‐NEP cohorts of Malays. The results also show a r...
Broadening the Marketing Curriculum with High Technology: An Academic Response to "World-Class" Industrial Evolution:

Extensive cross-disciplinary expertise needed by high technology marketers argues for increased academic exposure to science and technology. Current employer technical expectations of new graduates were explored. A curriculum is proposed to broaden marketing education to better match the needs of the high-technology business segment.
Activities of tobramycin and polymyxin E against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm-coated medical grade endotracheal tubes

Indwelling medical devices have become a major source of nosocomial infections, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, which remain the most common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonates and children. Using medical grade polyvinyl chloride endotracheal tubes (ETTs), the activity of tobramycin and polymyxin E was quantified in a simulated prevention and treatment static time-kill model using biofilm-forming P. aeruginosa. The model simulated three clinical conditions: (i) planktonic bacteria grown in the presence of antibiotics (tobramycin and polymyxin E) without ETTs, (ii) planktonic bacteria grown in the presence of P. aeruginosa, antibiotic, and ETTs (simulating prevention), and (iii) a 24-h-formed P. aeruginosa biofilm grown on ETTs prior to antibiotic exposure (simulating treatment). In the model simulating "prevention" (conditions 1 and 2 above), tobramycin alone or in combination with polymyxin E was more bactericidal than polymyxin E alone at 24 h using a concentration of greater than 2 times the MIC. However, after a 24-h-old biofilm was allowed to form on the ETTs, neither monotherapy nor combination therapy over 24 h exhibited bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects. Against the same pathogens, tobramycin and polymyxin E, alone or in combination, exhibited bactericidal activity prior to biofilm attachment to the ETTs; however, no activity was observed once biofilm formed on ETTs. These findings support surveillance culturing to identify pathogens for a rapid and targeted approach to therapy, especially when P. aeruginosa is a potential pathogen.
A FAM-based Switched Control Approach for the Automation of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems

Presented at the 41st AIAA International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), 17-21 July 2011, Portland, Oregon.
High-temperature x-ray diffraction studies of a precursor mixture for Pb-substituted Bi-2223 superconducting wires

High-temperature x-ray diffraction measurements of a (Bi, Pb)-2223 precursor mixture used to produce high-J{sub c} superconducting tapes were conducted on silver and ZrO{sub 2} substrates. The precursor mixture consisted primarily of 2212, Ca{sub 2}PbO{sub 4}, and CuO. Phase evolution was markedly sensitive to oxygen partial pressure: In 10{percent} O{sub 2} growth of the 2223 phase on silver was rapid, proceeded at the expense of the 2212 phase, and was preceded by the disappearance of the Ca{sub 2}PbO{sub 4} phase. When slowly heated on a silver substrate in 7.5{percent} O{sub 2} the 2212 phase melted near 800{degree}C and subsequently recrystallized near 820{degree}C in a highly textured form, but with no detectable 2223 formation. Under similar conditions on a ZrO{sub 2} substrate, the mixture exhibited no marked changes in the XRD patterns up to 850{degree}C. The dramatic reactivity on silver was also highly dependent on heating rate; rapid heating in 7.5{percent} O{sub 2} to 825{degree}C did not result in melting of the 2212 phase or appearance of the 2223 phase. In experiments leading to formation of 2223, the c-lattice parameter of the 2212 phase contracted just prior to the onset of formation of 2223. This result is consistent with the formation ofmore » an intermediate Pb-doped phase of 2212. A transient amorphous phase appeared briefly at the onset of formation of 2223. No evidence for intergrowth conversion of 2212 to 2223 was observed. {copyright} {ital 1998 Materials Research Society.}« less
The zero energy modes problem of the nine-node lagrangian degenerated shell element

Abstract The nine-node Lagrangian degenerated shell element under reduced integration exhibits excellent performance, provided that no zero energy modes develop. The zero energy modes developed by the general curved-distorted element are identified and the conditions under which they develop are described. A simple scheme of artificial stiffening of the element to eliminate zero energy modes is investigated. An alternative method of stabilizing the system by means of special stabilizing elements without introducing stiffening effects is developed. In the course of the development of this method, a simple technique to avoid membrane locking and to simultaneously eliminate any zero energy modes in undistorted cylindrical elements is introduced.
Fabrication of Textured Silicon Carbide via Seeded Anisotropic Grain Growth

Highly textured silicon carbide was fabricated via anisotropic grain growth. Large, platelike grains were grown from a fine-grained sintered matrix which had been seeded with ≤2% SiC platelets. The seeds were initially incorporated with preferred orientation during the green-state forming process and this resulted in oriented growth of the platelike grains. The development of texture in the samples was evident from microstructure observations and X-ray diffraction analysis.
Mouse Low-Grade Gliomas Contain Cancer Stem Cells with Unique Molecular and Functional Properties

The availability of adult malignant glioma stem cells (GSCs) has provided unprecedented opportunities to identify the mechanisms underlying treatment resistance. Unfortunately, there is a lack of comparable reagents for the study of pediatric low-grade glioma (LGG). Leveraging a neurofibromatosis 1 (Nf1) genetically engineered mouse LGG model, we report the isolation of CD133(+) multi-potent low-grade glioma stem cells (LG-GSCs), which generate glioma-like lesions histologically similar to the parent tumor following injection into immunocompetent hosts. In addition, we demonstrate that these LG-GSCs harbor selective resistance to currently employed conventional and biologically targeted anti-cancer agents, which reflect the acquisition of new targetable signaling pathway abnormalities. Using transcriptomic analysis to identify additional molecular properties, we discovered that mouse and human LG-GSCs harbor high levels of Abcg1 expression critical for protecting against ER-stress-induced mouse LG-GSC apoptosis. Collectively, these findings establish that LGG cancer stem cells have unique molecular and functional properties relevant to brain cancer treatment.
Fractal analysis of crack initiation in polycrystalline alloys using surface interferometry

Microstructural degradation is a predominant source of damage in polycrystalline alloys that are commonly used in diverse applications. For early diagnosis and prognosis of failures, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of damage growth specifically in the crack initiation phase, which is still an intriguing phenomenon for scientists due to sensing inaccuracies and modeling uncertainties. Measurements of gradually evolving deformations on the material surface during crack initiation provide early warnings of forthcoming widespread damage. In this paper, a surface interferometer is used to generate 3-D surface profiles of polycrystalline alloy specimens under oscillating load. The concepts of fractal geometry are used to quantify the changes in the 3-D surface profiles as early indicators of damage evolution in the crack initiation phase.
Host cadavers protect entomopathogenic nematodes during freezing

The entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema glaseri, and Steinernema feltiae were exposed to freezing while inside their hosts. Survival was assessed by observing live and dead nematodes inside cadavers and by counting the infective juveniles (IJs) that emerged after freezing. We (1) measured the effects of 24h of freezing at different times throughout the course of an infection, (2) determined the duration of freezing entomopathogenic nematodes could survive, (3) determined species differences in freezing survival. Highest stage-specific survival was IJs for S. carpocapsae, and adults for H. bacteriophora. When cadavers were frozen two or three days after infection, few IJs emerged from them. Freezing between five and seven days after infection had no negative effect on IJ production. No decrease in IJ production was measured for H. bacteriophora after freezing. H. bacteriophora also showed improved survival inside versus outside their host when exposed to freezing.
The uniqueness of the fundamental theorem of arithmetic

This paper describes a short classroom presentation that is designed to give students some awareness of the critical role played by unique factorization in the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic and...
VOCs in industrial, urban and suburban neighborhoods, Part 1: Indoor and outdoor concentrations, variation, and risk drivers

Abstract Information regarding indoor and ambient concentrations and exposures of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is limited in terms of the number and types of compounds measured, the spatial and temporal variation of concentrations, and the significance of indoor and outdoor emission sources. This study characterizes a wide range of VOCs across three communities that represent a gradient of population density and industrial activity. Monitoring was conducted in two seasons inside and outside of 159 residences in industrial, urban and suburban cities located in southeast Michigan, USA. Passive samplers were deployed at each location, and analyzed for 98 compounds. Outdoors, 46 different VOCs were detected. Benzene, toluene, p , m- xylene and carbon tetrachloride had the highest concentrations (medians from 1 to 2 μg m −3 ). Concentrations were elevated in winter in the suburban community, and levels were the highest in the industrial community. Indoors, 53 VOCs were detected, and benzene, toluene, p , m -xylene, n -heptane, α -pinene and d -limonene had the highest concentrations (medians from 1 to 17 μg m −3 ). Seasonal changes were small or inconsistent. Median indoor levels among the three communities generally followed outdoor rankings. Indoor/outdoor ratios varied from 1 to 10 for most compounds, but up to 100 for several compounds, e.g., d -limonene. Over a quarter of residences had benzene, naphthalene, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride at levels giving a chronic lifetime cancer risk above 10 −5 and sometimes much higher; outdoors, these compounds gave risks exceeding 10 −6 . The study identifies a number of indoor emission sources associated with specific and sometimes very high VOC exposures, reports on several VOCs that have not been measured in previous indoor and outdoor studies, and shows the importance of both indoor and outdoor sources. Measured concentrations were at an intermediate level with respect to recent measurements elsewhere in the US, suggesting that study results are broadly representative.
High precision surface metrology of x-ray optics with an interferometric microscope

We describe a systematic procedure developed for surface characterization of super polished x-ray optical components with an interferometric microscope. In this case, obtaining trustworthy metrology data requires thorough accounting of the instrument’s optical aberrations, its spatial resolution, and random noise. We analyze and cross compare two general experimental approaches to eliminate the aberration contribution. The reference surface approach relies on aberration evaluation with successive measurements of a high quality reference mirror. The so called super smooth measurement mode consists of subtracting two surface profiles measured over two statistically uncorrelated areas of the optics under test. The precisely measured instrument’s modulation transfer function (MTF) and random noise spectrum allows us to correct the aberration-amended surface topography in the spatial frequency domain. While the developed measurement procedure is general and can be applied to various metrology instruments, the specific results presented are from a Zygo NewView TM 7300 microscope.
Switch off your office equipment and save money

Although technological innovation will improve the efficiency of electronic data processing (EDP) equipment, energy will be wasted if EDP equipment is left running when it is not being used. Newsham and Tiller (1992) presented data that established that there are long periods during both night and day when desktop computers are switched on but not used, and that significant energy consumption and electrical demand savings could be achieved if the time when computers were turned on could be more closely tailored to actual use. These data helped establish the technical foundations for the US Environmental Protection Agency's 'Energy Star' office equipment energy efficiency labeling program. Further, our data showed that a public information campaign using reminder stickers produced only modest reductions in computer on-time, and that these modest reductions were not maintained over an eight-week period. We predicted greater and more durable savings from automatic power management, which we were still in the process of evaluating with field trials at that time. In this article we describe the results of field trials of an automatic power management device for desktop personal computers, and outline the cost savings that might be achieved if automatic power management were applied to office EDP equipment. We also comment on the future prospects and challenges facing the Energy Star program.
Circuits, cells, and synapses: toward a new target for deep brain stimulation in depression.

Understanding the pathophysiology of depression requires knowledge of the anatomical pathways that malfunction in this disorder. The anatomy of depression involves limbic and hypothalamic activation mediating stress and anxiety. These interact with cortical areas, primarily the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which appears to mediate the cognitive aspects of depression. The mPFC in turn innervates the thalamus and lateral habenula (l. habenula). The anatomy of melancholia has recently been advanced through an understanding of the role of the l. habenula and incorporation of this structure between the cortical and limbic inputs and the monoaminergic nuclei. The l. habenula controls the midbrain monoaminergic nuclei, whose output pathways interact with each other, as well as providing strong modulatory control of limbic and cortical areas. Recently understanding of how the dopamine system is regulated by the l. habenula in normal (Matsumoto and Hikosaka, 2009) and affectively disturbed states (Li et al, 2011) has been investigated. Over activity in the l. habenula is seen in both the learned helplessness model (Li et al, 2011) and in patients who express depressive symptoms following tryptophan depletion (Roiser et al, 2009). This over activity causes decreased dopaminergic stimuation, suppressing reward signals (Matsumoto and Hikosaka, 2009). It also depresses 5HT signals (Wang and Aghajanian, 1997), which feed back further increasing l. habenular activity. The l. habenula receives strong inputs from both the limbic system, through the basal nucleus of the stria terminalis, which carries information from the amygdala related to anxiety and from the mPFC, which may be related to the cognitive aspects of depression (Li et al, 2011) and sends its output to the midbrain aminergic nuclei.
On shortest prediction intervals in log-Gaussian random fields

This work considers the problem of constructing prediction intervals in log-Gaussian random fields. New prediction intervals are derived that are shorter than the standard prediction intervals of common use, where the reductions in length can be substantial in some situations. We consider both the case when the covariance parameters are known and unknown. For the latter case we propose a bootstrap calibration method to obtain prediction intervals with better coverage properties than the plug-in (estimative) prediction intervals. The methodology is illustrated using a spatial dataset consisting of cadmium concentrations from a potentially contaminated region in Switzerland.
313 EXCRETION OF THEOBROMINE IN HUMAN MILK AND SALIVA

Theobromine (TB) is a significant pharmacological ingredient for chocolate (C). 10 nursing mothers (ages 25 to 32) who were nursing 1-24 mos were studied. Other methylxanthines were avoided. Each mother ate 1 C bar (1.2 ozs) containing 60 mg TB and 5 mg caffeine (Caf). Simultaneous saliva and milk samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 15 hrs. Urine was collected on the infants for 3-6 hrs after maternal dosing. Samples were assayed for TB and Caf using HPLC with mobile phase 0.01 M Na acetate pH 4.0-acetronitrile (93:10) using theophylline as the internal standard. TB appeared in both milk and saliva by 1 hr and peaked in all but 1 pt by 3 hrs. Paired samples showed higher amounts of TB in milk in all but two pts. Saliva/milk ratios ranged from 0.7-1.3 during first 4 hours. Elimination phase t½ ranged from 4.9-31.5 (x = 14.7±8.16) hrs for milk and 3.8-33.0 (x = 9.80±8.65) hrs for saliva. There was not agreement between milk and saliva values for 6/10 patients. Assuming each infant would ingest 90 ml milk every 3 hrs for 24 hrs after maternal ingestion of C, the amount of TB available for ingestion ranged from 0.44−1.68 (x = 1.06±0.47) mg or 0.73−2.80 (x = 1.77±0.79) % of maternal dose. In urine of nursing infants, levels of TB were below 0.6 μg/ml; no Caf was detected. There were no untoward symptoms in the infants. Usual intakes of chocolate does not appear to present significant doses of either TB nor Caf to the nursing infant.