cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nerve fibers in human myocardial scars

The relationships between ischemic heart disease, myocardial scars, ventricular nerve fibers, and ventricular arrhythmias have not been established despite considerable evidence suggesting important correlations. We recently described the reactions of nerve fibers in necrotic, healing, and healed rat myocardium. Prompted by these studies and by the lack of similar information for humans, we studied the structural relationships between nerve fibers and human myocardial scars. Hearts were obtained from transplant surgery and autopsy. Nerve fibers were labeled with antibody to S-100 protein. Light and electron microscopy of left ventricular scars revealed (1) fiber densities greater than those in adjacent intact myocardium, (2) fiber aggregates concentrated irregularly along the periphery of lesions, (3) fibers few in number or absent in the deeper aspects of scars, and (4) axonal enlargements containing clear and dense storage granules within the fiber aggregates. Like all other elements of the scars, the nerve fibers appeared to be oriented predominantly in the long axis of myocytes located at the edges of the lesions. Based on our experimental findings in rat hearts, these studies suggest that human myocardial nerve fibers regenerate after necrotizing injuries and that at least some of the resulting scar-associated fibers have structural features differing from those in uninjured myocardium. We suspect that these structural differences might be associated with functional alterations that could affect the triggering of ventricular arrhythmias.
B lymphocyte deficiency in IgH-transgenic rabbits.

We developed IgH-transgenic rabbits carrying a productive VDJ-Cμ Tg and found the rabbits were B cell-deficient, with a 50–100% reduction in serum IgM and IgG levels. The bone marrow of newborn Tg rabbits contained severely reduced levels of preB cells and almost no B cells. The few preB cells present in the bone marrow were large, cycling cells that expressed the VDJ-Cμ Tg, indicating that the block in B cell development likely occurred at or before the transition from large (early) preB to small (late) preB cells. By immunoprecipitation, the Tg μ-chain paired with VpreB and λ5, suggesting that the B cell deficiency is not due to an inability to form a preB cell receptor. Despite the block in B cell development, a few B cells, expressing predominantly endogenous μ-chains, began the second stage of development in GALT. B cells were localized in and beneath the follicle-associated epithelium of GALT prior to B cell follicle formation, suggesting to us that B cell follicle formation is initiated near the follicle-associated epithelium, possibly through contact with intestinal microbiota. These IgH-Tg rabbits should provide a useful model for studies of B cell development both in bone marrow and in GALT.
Sulphide as a larval settlement cue forCapitella sp I

Pioneering marine benthic invertebrates are capable of locating and colonizing newly created and recently disturbed mud bottoms within a few days. The results of this study demonstrate that sulphides — naturally occurring products of anaerobic organic matter decomposition — promote the larval settlement of the pioneering polychaeteCapitella sp I in both laboratory and semi-natural conditions.
Effects of Simulated Moonlight on Activity in the Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea)

Abstract The desert nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea) is a small (< 60 cm snout-vent length), cryptic species of snake often associated with desert habitats of the intermountain western United States. This species is both an active and ambush foraging that feeds largely upon small snakes and lizards. For some nocturnal species, such as H. chlorophaea lower activity levels in response to a full moon may affect foraging time, as well as reduce the risk of predation. I collected snakes from May to August 2009 in central Washington State, and maintained in captivity using standard husbandry practices. Using moonlight levels gathered at the collection site, I compared the mean numbers of snake movements of 20 adult H. chlorophaea during three moonlight trials: new moon (0.05 lux), half moon (0.32 lux), and full moon (2.10 lux). For the 23 hr trial period, simulated moon-up during the half moon and full trials was from 2300 to 0300 hr. Based upon current field data on this species, I predicted that snakes wou...
Clinical role of the Duke Activity Status Index in the selection of the optimal type of stress myocardial perfusion imaging study in patients with known or suspected ischemic heart disease

Exercise treadmill stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single photon emission computed tomography is commonly used to evaluate the extent and severity of inducible ischemia as well as to risk stratify patients with suspected and known coronary artery disease (CAD). Failure to reach adequate stress, defined as not attaining age-appropriate metabolic equivalents (METs), can underestimate the extent and severity of ischemic heart disease, resulting in false negative results. This study evaluates the efficacy of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), a simple self-administered 12-item questionnaire, as a predictor of METs achieved by treadmill stress testing. The DASI was prospectively administered to 200 randomly selected men and women referred to the nuclear cardiology laboratory at New York University Langone Medical Center for stress MPI. Each patient was asked to complete the 12-item DASI questionnaire independently. 136 patients underwent treadmill exercise with MPI and 64 had pharmacologic stress with MPI. The association between exercise capacity in METs as estimated by the DASI questionnaire and performance on the Bruce treadmill protocol in METS was compared using chi-square statistics. Over 70% of those patients whose DASI score predicted the ability to perform 12.5 METs, over 80% of patients reached >stage 2 of the Bruce protocol with 40% reaching beyond stage 3 (10 METs). When patient age was incorporated into the calculation, a more linear relationship was observed between predicted and obtained METs. The DASI is a simple self-administered questionnaire which is a useful pretest tool to determine a patient’s ability to achieve appropriate METs. In the nuclear cardiology laboratory, the DASI has the potential to guide selection of exercise treadmill vs pharmacologic stress and ultimately improve laboratory efficiency.
Two different variants of the same tropomyosin polypeptide in clones from GM1386 human skin fibroblasts

A new protein observed in two-dimensional electrophoresis patterns of proteins from the human skin fibroblast line GM1386 has been identified as a charge and molecular-weight variant of the type of tropomyosin found in smooth muscle (Tm:3). This is the second variant of Tm:3 found in GM1386 and represents a second site mutation in one of the genes coding for Tm:3.
Advances in clinical neuroimaging: implications for autism spectrum disorders

Introduction: Neuroimaging research has been labeled ‘modern phrenology’, suggesting that this line of research does not advance our knowledge of neuropsychiatric disorders beyond spatial localization of brain abnormalities. In this paper, we argue against this claim and discuss the application of neuroimaging techniques in neuropsychiatric disorders in general and in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in particular. Areas covered: Recent neuroimaging literature, and its role in increasing our understanding of the neurobiologic underpinnings of several disorders, is reviewed. Neuroimaging is discussed, with respect to the identification of at-risk individuals, prediction of treatment response and development of new treatment approaches. Furthermore, the authors discuss the clinical relevance of such methodologies in the context of autism. Specifically, the article shows how recent advances in the understanding of psychiatric and neurologic disorders, through the use of neuroimaging techniques, can be benefi...
Tropical Storm and Hurricane Impacts on a Gulf Coast Estuary: Apalachicola Bay, Florida

Abstract Since 1985, various long-term monitoring programs have been in place in the Apalachicola Bay area that can be utilized to determine the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes on the natural resources of the area. The size, speed of movement, severity, angle and direction of landfall, as well as storm surge height and the amount and location of precipitation all play a role in determining impacts. Short-term impacts seen in the bay from these tropical events include water quality alterations, such as salinity and turbidity changes, water level changes, and loss of sea turtle nests. Long-term impacts include changes to the structure of the beach, dunes, and bayside areas on a barrier island, loss of or changes in submerged aquatic vegetation distribution, and the physical alteration of oyster reefs as well as oyster populations. In particular, Hurricane Dennis in 2005 caused the complete loss of fresh and brackish submerged aquatic vegetation in the upper areas of the bay. Larger storms in 1995 ...
An exploratory typology of provider responses that encourage and discourage conversation about complementary and integrative medicine during routine oncology visits.

Abstract Objective To characterize how providers respond to patient mentions of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) during routine oncology visits. Methods Ethnographic methods were used over a two and a half year period with 82 advanced cancer patients and their providers across four oncology clinics. Participant observation fieldnotes were analyzed using Discourse Analysis. Results CIM was mentioned in 78/229 (34%) of the total observed visits. Patients initiated talk about CIM (76%) more than providers (24%). Patients mentioning CIM may indicate a preference for or interest in non-pharmacological adjunctive treatment options. Providers' responses inhibited further talk in 44% of observations and promoted talk in 56% of observations. Conclusion How providers respond may indicate their willingness to discuss a range of treatment options and to collaboratively engage in treatment decision-making. Provider responses that inhibited CIM conversation passed on the opportunity to discuss patient preferences, and responses that promoted further conversation helped counsel patients about appropriate CIM use. Promoting discussion did not require additional time or extensive knowledge about CIM. Practice implications Providers can facilitate high quality communication without endorsing CIM to help patients make treatment decisions and to evaluate CIM appropriateness in response to patient values and preferences.
Transport properties of a spinon Fermi surface coupled to a U(1) gauge field

With the organic compound $\ensuremath{\kappa}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{(\mathrm{BEDT}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{TTF})}_{2}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}{(\mathrm{C}\mathrm{N})}_{3}$ in mind, we consider a spin liquid system where a spinon Fermi surface is coupled to a U(1) gauge field. Using the nonequilibrium Green's function formalism, we derive the quantum Boltzmann equation for this system. In this system, however, one cannot a priori assume the existence of Landau quasiparticles. We show that even without this assumption, one can still derive a linearized equation for a generalized distribution function. We show that the divergence of the effective mass and of the finite temperature self-energy do not enter these transport coefficients and thus they are well defined. Moreover, using a variational method, we calculate the temperature dependence of the spin resistivity and thermal conductivity of this system.
Conditional Inference on Tables With Structural Zeros

We develop a set of sequential importance sampling (SIS) strategies for sampling nearly uniformly from two-way zero-one or contingency tables with fixed marginal sums and a given set of structural zeros. The SIS procedure samples tables column by column or cell by cell by using appropriate proposal distributions, and enables us to approximate closely the null distributions of a number of test statistics involved in such tables. When structural zeros are on the diagonal or follow certain patterns, more efficient SIS algorithms are developed which guarantee that every generated table is valid. Examples show that our methods can be applied to make conditional inference on zero-one and contingency tables, and are more efficient than other existing Monte Carlo algorithms.
TERRA Battery Thermal Control Anomaly - Simulation and Corrective Actions

The TERRA spacecraft was launched in December 1999 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, becoming the flagship of NASA's Earth Observing System program to gather data on how the planet's processes create climate. Originally planned as a 5 year mission, it still provides valuable science data after nearly 10 years on orbit. On October 13th, 2009 at 16:23z following a routine inclination maneuver, TERRA experienced a battery cell failure and a simultaneous failure of several battery heater control circuits used to maintain cell temperatures and gradients within the battery. With several cells nearing the minimum survival temperature, preventing the electrolyte from freezing was the first priority. After several reset attempts and power cycling of the control electronics failed to reestablish control authority on the primary side of the controller, it was switched to the redundant side, but anomalous performance again prevented full heater control of the battery cells. As the investigation into the cause of the anomaly and corrective action continued, a battery thermal model was developed to be used in determining the control ability remaining and to simulate and assess corrective actions. Although no thermal model or detailed reference data of the battery was available, sufficient information was found to allow a simplified model to be constructed, correlated against pre-anomaly telemetry, and used to simulate the thermal behavior at several points after the anomaly. It was then used to simulate subsequent corrective actions to assess their impact on cell temperatures. This paper describes the rapid development of this thermal model, including correlation to flight data before and after the anomaly., along with a comparative assessment of the analysis results used to interpret the telemetry to determine the extent of damage to the thermal control hardware, with near-term corrective actions and long-term operations plan to overcome the anomaly.
Methods for acquisition and assignment of multidimensional high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR of whole cell bacteria.

High-resolution magic-angle spinning (HR-MAS) NMR was developed in late 1990s, and it has evolved quickly for the study of a variety of biological matrixes. Recently, it has been used as an effective means to study the cell wall structures of intact bacteria. 1H−13C heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) HR-MAS NMR can provide rapid analysis of the cell wall structure in live bacterial cells, thus allowing observation of drug effects, gene mutation, species differentiation, and environmental effects. However, this rapid analysis is dependent on having an established framework of HR-MAS NMR experiments and a detailed assignment of the whole-cell NMR spectra. This study examines parameters and describes strategies for the effective application of 2D and 3D HR-MAS NMR techniques to assign and study bacterial cell wall structures using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model organism. Important parameters for successful whole-cell HR-MAS NMR studies, including pulse sequences, rotor synchronization, acquisi...
Measurement of wake vortex strength by means of acoustic back scattering

A simple acoustic sounder is shown to produce reliable velocity profiles of aircraft wakes at altitudes below 50 m. Data collection during normal airport landing operations was feasible because the sensor does not intrude into the airspace being measured. A spatial scan through the wake is obtained when the ambient wind transports the wake through the sounder beam. The characteristics of the scattered signals and their spectral densities are presented as intensity modulated CRT displays termed "Acoustograms." The data are processed to yield the radial dependence of the velocity and circulation in the wake vortices. The circulation data are fitted to a simple model with two parameters: strength and core radius. The spatial and velocity resolution of the sounder is adequate to measure vortex strength but not to probe details of the core structure. Reliable measurements using this technique are possible only when the vortex transport velocity is well-defined.
Effect of strain on the band gap and effective mass of zigzag single-wall carbon nanotubes: First-principles density-functional calculations

We have studied the behavior of band gap and effective mass of both the electrons and the holes in small diameter zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes under uniaxial mechanical strain by using first-principles density-functional theory. The band gap of these nanotubes is modified by both compressive and tensile strain and all zigzag single-wall carbon nanotubes show a semiconductor-metal transition with strain. We also find that both compressive and tensile strains have a similar effect on the effective mass of the electrons and holes in these nanotubes. Our studies also show that the response of the changes in band gap and effective mass to the uniaxial strain could be grouped into three categories, depending on their chirality.
Returns to Agricultural Research and Extension Programs: An Ex-Ante Approach

Agricultural research in the United States has evolved into a decentralized federal/state system. The state agriculture experiment stations have responded with considerable flexibility to changing circumstances and have developed locally appropriate technologies (Peterson and Fitzharris 1975). The contribution of research to productivity growth in agriculture is well documented. Griliches showed a 700% annual rate of return to investment in hybrid corn research and a return of 360% in hybrid sorghum. Peterson (1967) reported that the annual rate of return to investment in poultry research was 140%. The internal rate of return to investment in cotton research in Brazil was reported to be 90% (Ayer and Schuh). Barletta estimated an internal rate of return to wheat research in Mexico of 75%. Akino and Hayami estimated a 75% rate of return to rice-breeding research in Japan. Internal rates of return to investment in experiment station research in the United States by commodity range from 36% for cash grains research to 46% for livestock research (Bredahl and Peterson). Aggregate evaluation of agricultural research and extension shows that the value of inputs saved in 1950 ($9.6 billion) far exceeded the cost of research and extension ($7 billion) for the entire 1910-50 period (Schultz). Peterson's 1971 analysis shows that the cost of research and extension for the 1910-67 period ($9.4 billion) is about one-third of the value of inputs saved in 1967 ($25.9 billion). In general, internal rates of return to investment in all agricultural research is estimated to range between 35% and 171% (Griliches). Previous evaluation studies used an ex-post approach and are criticized on both methodological and empirical grounds. Implementation and maintenance costs of research are omitted and thus the resulting estimates of internal rates of return are biased upward. Ex-post evaluations estimate the benefits of past research and so have little impact on decisions relative to resource allocation between current and future projects. Previous evaluation studies have failed to estimate explicitly the impact of extension on the overall research effectiveness.
Peripheral nerve axonal dwindling with concomitant myelin sheath hypertrophy in experimentally induced diabetes

Axons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are reduced in caliber in response to the experimental diabetic state. The cause of this reduced axonal size is disputed. Various theories include (a) axonal dwindling, (b) inhibition of growth, and (c) shrinkage due to serum hyperosmolarity. This study was designed to directly address these conflicting theories and to provide additional information on the character of the peripheral neuropathy resulting from an experimentally induced diabetic state.
Superconductor coil geometry and ac losses

An empirical relation is presented which allows simple computation of volume‐averaged winding fields from central fields for coils of small rectangular cross sections. This relation suggests that, in certain applications, ac‐loss minimization can be accomplished by use of low winding densities, provided that hysteresis losses are independent of winding density. ac‐loss measurements on coils wound of twisted multifilamentary composite superconductors show no significant dependence of ac losses on winding density, thus permitting the use of winding density as an independent design parameter in loss minimization.
Government housing policies and housing market instability in Korea

Abstract This study examines the impact of housing policies and macroeconomic variables on housing price instability during the Roh, Mu Hyun Administration (2003–2008) in Korea. Although researchers have documented the role of macroeconomic variables on changes in housing prices, few have addressed the relationship between governmental housing stabilization policies and housing price fluctuations. Using a statistical method, this research focuses on whether policy initiatives taken by the Roh Administration to stabilize housing prices resulted in the expected outcome of a stabilized housing market. Controlling for macroeconomic variables, our empirical analysis reveals that the housing price stability policies of the Roh Administration had no observable impact on the stabilization of the Korean housing market. Conventional macroeconomic variables—the money supply, corporate bond returns, and the number of permits for building construction and actual orders for building construction—have a statistically significant association with housing price instability in Korea. This research discusses policy implications resulting from the ineffectiveness of housing stability initiatives in the Roh Administration.
Robotically assisted minimally invasive biliary surgery in a porcine model.

Background: A robotic surgery system has the potential both to reduce the effects of tremor and fatigue and to enhance dexterity in the performance of complex, fine endosurgical tasks. We report a prospective study of robotically assisted minimally invasive biliary surgery in a porcine model using the Zeus robotic surgical system (Computer Motion, Goleta, Ca, USA). Methods: For this study, 50-kg domestic swine were used. Minimally invasive robotically assisted cholecystectomy was performed in 16 animals, either longitudinal or transverse common bile duct incision, T-tube placement, and suture repair of the common bile duct. Retrieval of 12 simulated bile duct calculi was attempted. Eight animals were monitored for 6 weeks postoperatively. Liver function tests and cholangiography were performed 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. Results: The median setup time for the robotic system was 45 min (range, 10-120 min). The median operative time was 40 min (range, 25-60 min) for cholecystectomy and 80 min (range, 40-165 min) for bile duct dissection, exploration, and repair. Of 12 bile duct calculi, 11 were retrieved successfully. Cholangiography demonstrated no leaks, and the anastomotic stenotic index (diameter of the proximal bile duct divided by the diameter of distal bile duct) at 6 weeks was 0.98. The results of the liver function tests remained normal in all animals. One postoperative death unrelated to operative technique occurred. Complications included one minor splenic laceration and two intraoperative gallbladder perforations. Conclusions: Robotically assisted minimally invasive biliary surgery in this animal model is both feasible and safe. The Zeus system provides enhanced dexterity, which facilitates precise laparoscopic suture repair of small bile ducts.
Production of berberine in immobilized plant cell culture ofThalictrum rugosum

Thalictrum rugosum cells were immobilized in calcium alginate, where they continued to live with their biological activity. The immobilized living cells performed the production of berberine in both shake flasks and an airlift bioreactor. Berberine formation was growth associative and most of the berberine produced was stored intracellularly. Rapid hydrolysis of sucrose and preference of glucose over fructose during the growth stage was observed. Phosphate-deficient media increased berberine production and prevented the dissolution of alginate beads. The behavior of immobilized cells grown in an airlift reactor was compared with that of the corresponding shake flask culture with respect to growth and berberine production. The rate of cell growth and berberine production in an airlift reactor operation was higher than those in packedcolumn reactor operation due to a better oxygen transfer.
The depth of magma fractionation in the oceanic mantle: Insights from garnet‐ bearing xenoliths from Oahu, Hawaii

[1] A suite of garnet-bearing xenoliths that is dominantly composed of olivine, clinopyroxene, and garnet, from Oahu, Hawaii is discussed. All the minerals are in Mg# equilibrium with each other. High Fe/Mg of constituent minerals, high TiO2, Al2O3, Na2O of cpx, and low Cr-garnet preclude these xenoliths from being residues of partial melting. Combined petrography, mineral chemistry, and high-pressure liquidus phase equilibria indicate that these xenoliths are high pressure cumulates and originated as products of magma fractionation at a depth of >100 km, corresponding to the uppermost part of the asthenosphere. These depth constraints are about 15 km more than the seismically detected lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. It is proposed here that the top of the asthenosphere beneath Oahu, Hawaii is a network of magma chambers where considerable amount of magma ponding and subsequent fractionation takes place.
A comprehensive study of the most likely path formalism for proton-computed tomography

We investigate some generalizations of the most likely path formalism developed for proton-computed tomography. The stochastic path of a proton inside a homogeneous medium is replaced by a deterministic smooth path that maximizes the probability of the proton passing through the points on this curve, given measured entrance and exit parameters for each individual proton. We study various factors that influence this curve and the associated error envelopes. These factors are the influence of the energy loss, a logarithmic correction factor in the small angle Coulomb scattering and the importance of path length versus material thickness. We develop a method for further constraining the possible proton paths by including energy information in the derivation of the most likely path, utilizing an infinite-dimensional constrained functional analysis method. It is shown that while there is an additional uncertainty on the most likely path that is difficult to determine experimentally, the associated error envelopes are smaller, resulting in possibly slightly improved spatial resolution for proton-computed tomography.
Grey literature poses new challenges for research libraries

(2000). Grey Literature Poses New Challenges for Research Libraries. Collection Management: Vol. 24, No. 1-2, pp. 137-147.
Angular Bias Errors in Three-Component Laser Velocimeter Measurements

For three-component laser velocimeter systems, the change in projected area of the coincident measurement volume for different flow directions will introduce an angular bias in naturally sampled data. In this study, the effect of turbulence level and orientation of the measurement volumes on angular bias errors was examined. The operation of a typical three-component laser velocimeter was simulated using a Monte Carlo technique. Results for the specific configuration examined show that for turbulence levels less than 10% no significant bias errors in the mean velocities will occur and errors in the root-mean-square (r.m.s.) velocities will be less than 3% for all orientations. For turbulence levels less than 30%, component mean velocity bias errors less than 5% of the mean velocity vector magnitude can be attained with proper orientation of the measurement volume; however, the r.m.s. velocities may be in error as much as 10%. For turbulence levels above 50%, there is no orientation which will yield accurate estimates of all three mean velocities; component mean velocity errors as large as 15% of the mean velocity vector magnitude may be encountered.
Long-Term Primary Culture of Cells of the Mosquito Anopheles stephensi

Long-term primary cultures of cells in which fragments of newly hatched larvae of Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae) serve as sources have been initiated. The various outgrowths which appear at different times during the cultivation period can be distinguished morphologically as large and small epithelial cells, fibroblastlike cells, neuronlike cells, polygonal cells, 2 types of myoblastlike cells, and noncellular and cellular vesicles. Viability of the various outgrowths for a period of about 60 days without change of nutrient medium has been observed. Efforts are being directed toward developing the primary cell culture into a receptive system for the in vitro cultivation of the sporogonic form of the malarial parasite Plasmodium berghei .
Epidemiologic Evidence of a Relationship between Tea, Coffee, or Caffeine Consumption and Cognitive Decline

A systematic literature review of human studies relating caffeine or caffeine-rich beverages to cognitive decline reveals only 6 studies that have collected and analyzed cognition data in a prospective fashion that enables study of decline across the spectrum of cognition. These 6 studies, in general, evaluate cognitive function using the Mini Mental State Exam and base their beverage data on FFQs. Studies included in our review differed in their source populations, duration of study, and most dramatically in how their analyses were done, disallowing direct quantitative comparisons of their effect estimates. Only one of the studies reported on all 3 exposures, coffee, tea, and caffeine, making comparisons of findings across studies more difficult. However, in general, it can be stated that for all studies of tea and most studies of coffee and caffeine, the estimates of cognitive decline were lower among consumers, although there is a lack of a distinct dose response. Only a few measures showed a quantitative significance and, interestingly, studies indicate a stronger effect among women than men.
Transforming primary care training - Patient-centered medical home entrustable professional activities for internal medicine residents

INTRODUCTION The U.S. faces a critical gap between residency training and clinical practice that affects the recruitment and preparation of internal medicine residents for primary care careers. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) represents a new clinical microsystem that is being widely promoted and implemented to improve access, quality, and sustainability in primary care practice.
Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Mediastinum: Outcome Following High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

We performed a retrospective analysis of 35 patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum treated with high-dose cyclophosphamide, carmustine, and etoposide (CBV) plus autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation to determine outcome and prognostic features for progression-free survival (PFS). Thirty-five patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum in first response (complete remission [CR] or partial remission [PR]) with poor prognostic features, with primarily refractory disease, or with relapsed disease following conventional chemotherapy, were treated with CBV and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. PFS and overall survival were assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Patient characteristics before transplantation were examined by univariate analysis using the log-rank test and by Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis to determine predictors of PFS. Estimated 5-year PFS varied significantly with patient disease status at transplantation. Patients transplanted in first response had an estimated 5-year PFS rate of 83%, compared with 58% and 27% for primarily refractory and relapsed patients, respectively (P = .02). The strongest predictor of PFS was chemotherapy responsiveness immediately before transplantation. Patients with chemotherapy-responsive disease had a significantly greater PFS rate than patients with chemotherapy-nonresponsive disease (risk ratio, 3.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14 to 11.4). No other factors were found to be significant on univariate or multivariate analysis. Patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the mediastinum can achieve prolonged PFS following high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation. Outcomes are strongly correlated with disease status (first response v refractory v relapsed) at transplantation and chemotherapy responsiveness immediately before transplantation.
Challenges Facing Social Economists in the Twenty-First Century: A Catholic's Perspective*

In his charge to the contributors to this special issue of the Review of Social Economy, special editor James Henderson stated that the idea for the general theme derived from Alfred Marshall's address in 1896 to the Cambridge Economic Club. The same can be said of this contribution but in ways that probably were not foreseen by Henderson. In brief, a fundamental premise of this essay is that economics has not been well served by infusing the discipline with the "terse and powerful phrases" of physical science because, whereas physical science studies physical objects, properly understood economics studies human beings in production, distribution, exchange, and consumption. That differ? ence introduces the first of three types of challenges facing social economists in the twenty-first century. The three types of challenges correspond to the three components of social economics as articulated by William R. Waters in his Presidential Address to the Association for Social Economics in
Improvements to the Electrically Stimulated Acoustic Wave method for analyzing bulk space charge

The Electrically Stimulated Acoustic Wave method for observing resident space charge in dielectric insulators involves applying a fast and relatively small voltage pulse across a material containing space charge. The perturbation launches a stress wave which propagates at the velocity of sound and is received by a piezoelectric transducer mounted in the acoustic path. This nondestructive technique does not liberate space charge so that it may be performed in situ during any space charge generating experiment. The improvements to this system allow it to detect space charge distributions that are more broadly distributed than in previous work. >
ANALYSIS OF THE PLASTOMETER AND CORRELATION OF BOSTWICK CONSISTOMETER DATA

The rheological parameter measured by the Plastometer is shown to be the difference in apparent viscosities at two shear rates. Flow property data obtained on various pseudoplastic pureed foods were utilized to show that the difference in apparent viscosities at 50 and 400 s—1, and data with a Bostwick Consistometer are correlated nonlinearly. For the range of Bostwick reading between 3.5–12.0cm/10s, an equation is presented to estimate the magnitude of the difference in apparent viscosities. Yield stress was found not to correlate as well as the difference in apparent viscosities. The Bostwick Consistometer was found to be not suitable for pseudoplastic nonpureed foods; adhesion of the non-pureed foods to the gate of the Bostwick Consistometer was identified as the reason.
Electric Field Servoing for robotic manipulation

This paper presents two experiments with electric field servoing for robotic manipulation. In the first, a robot hand pre-shapes to the geometry and pose of objects to be grasped, by servoing each finger according to the values on EF sensors built in to each finger. In the second, a 7 degree of freedom arm aligns itself in 2 dimensions with a target object using electric field measurements as the error signal. This system also allows the end effector to dynamically track the target object as it is moved.
Iterative Approach to the Indirect Learning Architecture for Baseband Digital Predistortion

Power amplifiers, an integral component to most wireless communication systems, are inherently nonlinear devices that introduce out-of-band spectral regrowth and constellation degradation to the amplifier output. One solution is to operate in a highly backed-off state to achieve quasi-linear performance. Operating in this region requires a higher-saturated power rating for a given output power and reduces DC-to-RF efficiency. A more effective solution is to apply digital predistortion which pre-compensates for the harmful nonlinear effects. A common framework for identifying the predistortion system is known as the indirect learning architecture. A single iteration of this architecture, i.e. a one-step approach, demonstrates performance improvement. We propose an multi- iteration approach to the indirect learning architecture that demonstrates additional improvement, as exhibited by three different algorithms shown to be effective at identifying a predistorter.
Simplified user interfaces for design and user testing of architecture software applications

In this paper we describe the value of creating simplified user interfaces for architectural software applications intended for use in early conceptual design phases. By reducing the interface the team was able to solicit specific feedback about new tools without the overhead or pre-conceptions associated with using an existing software platform. As a result, the team was able to iterate rapidly on specific problems.
Rapid fluid resuscitation in pediatrics: testing the American College of Critical Care Medicine guideline.

Study objective The 2002 American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) guidelines for the resuscitation of pediatric septic shock suggest that 20 mL/kg of bolus intravenous fluid be given within 5 minutes. Of 3 commonly used, inexpensive methods of fluid delivery, we hypothesized that only use of a manual push-pull system will permit guideline adherence. Methods This prospective, interventional study was open to children in the Columbus Children's Hospital Emergency Department who were ordered a 20 mL/kg nonemergent fluid bolus by their treating physician. Subjects were randomized to receive the fluid for 5 minutes by a pressure bag maintained at 300 mm Hg, by a manual push-pull system, or by gravity. Volume of fluid delivered, absolute rates of fluid delivery, and adherence to the ACCM guideline were recorded. Statistical analysis was done with both parametric and nonparametric methods. Results Sixty children were enrolled, with 57 included in data analysis. Median volumes of fluid delivered in the study period were 20.9 mL/kg (pressure bag), 20.2 mL/kg (push-pull), and 6.2 mL/kg (gravity) (P Conclusion The ACCM guideline for rapid fluid resuscitation is feasible for many children, especially those weighing less than 40 kg. Contrary to our hypothesis, the use of a pressure bag and a manual push-pull system both appear to be acceptable methods of rapid fluid delivery. Administration of bolus fluid by gravity likely has a limited role in acute pediatric resuscitation.
Cloning and characterization of the gene cluster encoding type 3 (MR/K) fimbriae of Klebsiella pneumoniae

The gene cluster encoding the type 3 fimbriae of a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate was cloned using the cosmid-cloning technique. Escherichia coli transformants, expressing type 3 fimbriae, were selected by reactivity with a monoclonal antibody directed against an epitope of the purified type 3 fimbriae. The phenotypic expression of type 3 fimbriae by transformants possessing the parental plasmid was dependent upon the host strain used. However, subcloning of this plasmid resulted in the construction of a chimeric molecule which imparted a stable phenotype regardless of the host strain. In addition, subcloning of the parental recombinant plasmid suggested that the minimal size of DNA necessary for production and expression of fimbriae was approximately 5.5 kb.
LAYERED MANUFACTURING OF THIN-WALLED PARTS

We describe a new algorithm we have developed for making partially hollow layered parts with thin, dense walls of approximately uniform thickness, for faster build times and reduced material usage. We have implemented our algorithm on a fused deposition modeling (FDM) machine, using separate build volumes for a loosely filled interior and a thin, solid, exterior wall. The build volumes are derived as simple boolean combinations of slice contours and their offsets. We make use of an efficient algorithm for computing the Voronoi diagram of a general polygon as part of the process of creating offset contours. Our algorithm guarantees that the surface of the final part will be dense while still allowing an efficient build.
Iterative methods for p-version finite elements: preconditioning thin solids

Abstract We present new preconditioning strategy for thin 3D p -version elements used to model plate and shell structures as well as the microstructure of composite materials. The strategy is incorporated in an adaptive preconditioner suitable for large real-world problems. The method is shown to perform well for several large real world problems, including a model of the skin of an aircraft with over 1.6 million degrees of freedom, and a highly accurate model of a 28 ply laminated fiber plate.
Discrete thermally responsive hydrogel‐coated gold nanoparticles for use as drug‐delivery vehicles

This report describes the development of optically responsive gold nanoparticles (60 nm in diameter) coated with a thermally responsive biocompatible hydrogel overlayer (20-90 nm thick). The hydrogel consists of a mixture of N-isoproprylacrylamide and acrylic acid; this copolymer can be tailored to exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) slightly above physiological temperature. When the temperature is raised above the LCST, the hydrogel polymer shrinks dramatically; in contrast, when the temperature is lowered below the LCST, the hydrogel expands to a fully swollen structure. These hybrid nanoparticles were designed for the purpose of developing an optically modulated drug-delivery system that responds to ambient changes in temperature. Specifically, drug-impregnated hydrogel coatings can be photothermally activated by exposure to light that can be absorbed by the plasmon resonance of the gold nanoparticle cores. The studies described here demonstrate that these new hybrid core-shell nanoparticles can be reproducibly prepared by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (SFEP) and that their structural responses to external stimuli are consistent with our objective of photothermal drug delivery. Drug Dev. Res. 67:61-69, 2006. c 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cardiovascular disease among women with and without diabetes mellitus and bilateral oophorectomy.

Abstract Aims Women with type-2 diabetes (DM2) are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which may be partly due to increased ovarian androgen production. Since the association of bilateral oophorectomy (BSO) with CVD remains controversial, we evaluated whether BSO is inversely associated with CVD among DM2. Methods Data were obtained from a national sample of 9599 postmenopausal women. Adjusted estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic and Cox regression. Results At baseline 2426 women had type-2 diabetes, of whom 580 had BSO. DM2 had adverse CVD risk profiles compared to women without diabetes, as did women with BSO with or without diabetes compared to those with intact ovaries. In DM2, BSO was positively associated with prevalent CVD (odds ratio: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.16–2.30). However, the higher odds were limited to women who had BSO before age 45 years (OR: 2.11, CI: 1.45–3.08). During a mean follow-up of 12.7 years, BSO in DM2 was positively associated with CVD mortality (hazard ratio: 2.23, CI: 1.25–3.99). Among women with BSO, those with family members who had MI before age 50 had elevated odds of CVD (OR: 2.29, CI: 1.56–3.37) compared to those without such family history (OR: 0.90, CI: 0.67–1.20), Pinteraction = 0.04. Conclusions The risk of CVD is increased not decreased with BSO in DM2. Further, we propose that the association of BSO and CVD in young women with diabetes may partly reflect genetic susceptibility to CVD rather than an effect of ovarian hormones.
Trends in cost sharing among selected high income countries—2000–2010

Abstract Many high income countries increased their level of patient cost sharing between 2000 and 2010 as one component of their policy agenda to reduce the level of health care spending. We use data from the OECD, European Observatory, and country-specific resources to analyze trends in the UK, Germany, Japan, France, and the United States. Some forms of cost sharing—deductibles, co-insurance, or co-payments—increased in all these countries, with the highest rates of increase occurring in the pharmaceutical sector. In spite of higher levels of cost-sharing, out-of-pocket spending as a percentage of total spending remained unchanged in most of these countries because they instituted programs to protect certain categories of individuals by creating out-of-pocket limits, exempting people with certain chronic diseases, or eliminating cost sharing for certain demographic groups and low-income people.
Assessing host-plant suitability in caterpillars: is the weight worth the wait?

When we assess suitability of potential host plants for insects, we often measure components of fitness, e.g., survivorship, larval developmental time, pupal weight, and adult fecundity. But intensity of selection on different fitness components might vary between species. The relative importance of two fitness components (larval developmental time and pupal weight) was studied, and found to differ between two species.
On‐line waiting: The role of download time and other important predictors on attitude toward e‐retailers

Across both marketing and management-information-system disciplines, download time has been identified as an important factor for on-line business success. This research is intended to clarify counterintuitive findings generated from previous research and Web-based experimentation. Here the roles of several factors, including download time, on the overall evaluation of an e-retailer are explored. With an experimental design, the article explores the impact of 5-, 30-, and 45-second download delays on attitude toward an e-retailer. Consistent with prior works, findings from both a main study and replication study indicate that objective download delay is not a critical determinant of attitude toward an e-retailer. However, findings show there are other direct and indirect delay effects, including those resulting from perceived retailer control of delay, that impact Web-system success. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.