cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum and Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Block in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES Adequate pain control after total hip arthroplasty is essential for patient satisfaction and surgical outcome. METHODS A retrospective study with before and after design was performed in 210 elective total hip arthroplasty patients. The control group (N=132) received spinal anesthesia with periarticular injection (PAI) and the treatment group (N=78) received transmuscular quadratus lumborum block and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in addition to spinal anesthesia and PAI. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) pain score on postoperative day (POD) 1, and secondary outcomes included VAS and opioid consumption on each POD, hospitalization cost, length of stay, and discharge acuity. RESULTS The mean VAS and opioid consumption (MME) were significantly lower in the treatment group than that in the control group on POD 1, with VAS difference -1.10 (95% confidence interval, -1.64 to -0.55), false discover rate corrected (P<0.001), and MME difference -26.19 (95% confidence interval, -39.16 to -13.23, P<0.001). A significant difference was also found for both VAS (P=0.007) and opioid consumption (P=0.018) on POD 2 and for opioid consumption on POD 3 (P=0.008). Length of stay (days) in the control group versus the treatment group was 2.50±1.38 versus 1.36±0.95 (P=0.002), and the total cost of hospitalization was over 20% higher in the control group than that in the treatment group (P=0.002). DISCUSSION The addition of transmuscular quadratus lumborum and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in total hip arthroplasty provides improved analgesia indicated by lower pain scores and opioid reduction and accelerated recovery with shorter hospitalization and decreased hospitalization cost.
Terrorism Outline: Is Speech the Same as It Ever Was

Like all of us, terrorists now use the Internet for many purposes. It is commonly believed that planning operations, fundraising, and recruitment are the three main ways that terrorists take advantage of online communication. While it is clear that speech related to the first two can be prohibited, online recruitment speech may be protected under the First Amendment.As a result, a number of commentators have been concerned at online recruitment and the fact that our current speech rules may not be adequate to deal with this new threat. They have proposed a number of remedies, but have largely accepted that online recruitment is a unique and potent danger.This article questions that assumption. It discusses the structure of online communication and observations about it from the field of psychology. It concludes that online communication is currently no more dangerous than its real-world counterpart, and may actually be safer when it comes to terror recruitment. This is not to say that there is no threat. Terrorist groups do recruit via the Internet. By showing, however, that the nature of online communication does not facilitate this recruitment, we can move toward truly effective solutions to the problem of online recruitment.
Invariance-based Multi-Clustering of Latent Space Embeddings for Equivariant Learning.

Variational Autoencoders (VAEs) have been shown to be remarkably effective in recovering model latent spaces for several computer vision tasks. However, currently trained VAEs, for a number of reasons, seem to fall short in learning invariant and equivariant clusters in latent space. Our work focuses on providing solutions to this problem and presents an approach to disentangle equivariance feature maps in a Lie group manifold by enforcing deep, group-invariant learning. Simultaneously implementing a novel separation of semantic and equivariant variables of the latent space representation, we formulate a modified Evidence Lower BOund (ELBO) by using a mixture model pdf like Gaussian mixtures for invariant cluster embeddings that allows superior unsupervised variational clustering. Our experiments show that this model effectively learns to disentangle the invariant and equivariant representations with significant improvements in the learning rate and an observably superior image recognition and canonical state reconstruction compared to the currently best deep learning models.
NanoTransport: A Low-Latency, Programmable Transport Layer for NICs

Transport protocols can be implemented in NIC (Network Interface Card) hardware to increase throughput, reduce latency and free up CPU cycles. If the ideal transport protocol were known, the optimal implementation would be simple: bake it into fixed-function hardware. But transport layer protocols are still evolving, with innovative new algorithms proposed every year. A recent study proposed Tonic, a Verilog-programmable transport layer in hardware. We build on this work to propose a new programmable hardware transport layer architecture, called nanoTransport, optimized for the extremely low-latency message-based RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls) that dominate large, modern distributed data center applications. NanoTransport is programmed using the P4 language, making it easy to modify existing (or create entirely new) transport protocols in hardware. We identify common events and primitive operations, allowing for a streamlined, modular, programmable pipeline, including packetization, reassembly, timeouts and packet generation, all to be expressed by the programmer. We evaluate our nanoTransport prototype by programming it to run the reliable message-based transport protocols NDP and Homa, as well as a hybrid variant. Our FPGA prototype - implemented in Chisel and running on the Firesim simulator - exposes P4-programmable pipelines and is designed to run in an ASIC at 200Gb/s with each packet processed end-to-end in less than 10ns (including message reassembly).
Spatial and annual variation in fecundity and oocyte atresia of yellowtail flounder, Limanda ferruginea, in U.S. waters

Abstract Potential annual fecundity (PAF) was estimated over three years (2010–2012) for yellowtail flounder with individuals from the three stocks off the northeast U.S. coast. Down-regulation of PAF, the resorption of oocytes during development, was evident as the vitellogenic cohort advanced, so we directly measured atresia of vitellogenic oocytes using stereological techniques. PAF models including relative fish condition, stock area, year, and oocyte diameter of the leading cohort explained more variation than models with just size alone based on Akaike information criteria. In a given year, Gulf of Maine females had lower PAF at size than southern New England females. Interannual differences were evident: PAF of both stocks was higher in 2010 and lower in 2012, with 2011 showing less synchronization between these stocks. Differences in size at age and relative condition suggested that energy available for somatic and reproductive growth was lower in some years in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, especially in 2011. Georges Bank PAF and condition were intermediate to the other stocks or more similar to the Gulf of Maine, varying annually. A latitudinal gradient in PAF is evident based on our results and relative to earlier studies that included Canadian stocks. The magnitude of down-regulation was variable across stocks and typically 3–25% of PAF. This can be accounted for in fecundity estimates, by the seasonal schedule of sampling and use of an oocyte diameter term in the fecundity model. Theoretical models of atresia patterns suggested variable rates over the later portion of clutch development. The timing of down-regulation varied among years, and its intensity was influenced by female relative condition. Fecundity was related to fish size, but was also affected by fish condition and oocyte diameter (a proxy for time until spawning), and spatial and temporal effects. A longer time series of PAF may identify environmental drivers that modulate annual stock reproductive potential.
Spectral Analysis and Filtering

The notion that a time series exhibits repetitive or regular behavior over time is of fundamental importance because it distinguishes time series analysis from classical statistics, which assumes complete independence over time. We have seen how dependence over time can be introduced through models that describe in detail the way certain empirical data behaves, even to the extent of producing forecasts based on the models. It is natural that models based on predicting the present as a regression on the past, such as are provided by the celebrated ARIMA or state-space forms, will be attractive to statisticians, who are trained to view nature in terms of linear models. In fact, the di_erence equations used to represent these kinds of models are simply the discrete versions of linear di_erential equations that may, in some instances, provide the ideal physical model for a certain phenomenon. An alternate version of the way nature behaves exists, however, and is based on a decomposition of an empirical series into its regular components.
Mechanisms and Their Explanatory Challenges in Organic Chemistry

Chemists take mechanisms to be an important way of explaining chemical change. I examine the usefulness of the mechanism approach in the recent philosophical literature in explicating the explanatory use of mechanisms by organic chemists. I argue that chemists consider a mechanism to be explanatory because it accounts for the “dynamic process of bringing about” (Tabery 2004, 10) chemical change. For chemists, mechanisms are causal explanations based on interventions that show “how some possibilities depend on others” (Woodward 2003, 375). Only possibilities are achievable because chemists face a number of challenges when they explain by means of a mechanism.
Reduced-Order Small-Signal Model of Microgrid Systems

The objective of this study was to develop a reduced-order small-signal model of a microgrid system capable of operating in both the grid-tied and the islanded conditions. The nonlinear equations of the proposed system were derived in the $dq$ reference frame and then linearized around stable operating points to construct a small-signal model. The high-order state matrix was then reduced using the singular perturbation technique. The dynamic equations were divided into two groups based on the small-signal model parameters $\varepsilon$ . The slow states, which dominated the systems dynamics, were preserved, whereas the fast states were eliminated. Step responses of the model were compared to the experimental results from a hardware test to assess their accuracy and similarity to the full-order system. The proposed reduced-order model was applied to a modified IEEE-37 bus grid-tied microgrid system to evaluate systems dynamic response in grid-tied mode, islanded mode, and transition from grid-tied to islanded mode.
Saddled with a Lame Horse? Why State Consumer Protection Laws Can Be the Best Protection for Duped Horse Purchasers

Many first-time horse purchasers have little experience with the equine industry and are thus vulnerable to the use of deceptive and unfair practices by the more knowledgeable seller. In situations where inexperienced horse purchasers are duped into buying ill or otherwise defective horses, there are two potential claims that purchasers can make for relief: U.C.C. claims or state consumer protection act claims ("CPAs"). Because courts in U.C.C. claims cases tend to focus on the contractual relationship between the parties, inexperienced horse pur­ chasers' relief through the U .C.C. is often limited. Indeed, the goal of the U.C.C. is to regulate relationships between buyers and sellers and to encourage thier freedom to contract. The goal of CPAs, on the other hand, is to address unfair and deceptive trade practices. This Note will argue that duped purchasers should always file CPA claims rather than U.C.C. claims against unscrupulous horse sellers because of the greater protection and broader relief CPAs have to offer.
Vector quantization with distance constraints for enhanced post-processing

We have previously used a MAP estimation technique to remove quantization noise from decompressed images. This constructed optimization type of post-processor has a tendency to over-smooth the image removing detail information. The proposed quantizer provides additional information about the original image vectors to reduce the size of the constraint space. For each image vector, in addition to the index of the codebook vector, the quantizer also transmits the distance from the original image vector to the codebook vector. This distance information reduces the constraint space to a solid hyper-sphere which will generally be smaller than the polyhedron defined by the codebook vectors alone. The projection onto the solid hyper-sphere also requires much less computational effort than the projection onto the polyhedron. Preliminary experimental results have shown that the VQ with additional distance constraints allows the post-processor to reduce the visibility of quantization errors while retaining detail information that otherwise would have been smoothed out of the post- processed image. The size of the constraint regions could also have been reduced by increasing the codebook size. VQ with distance constraints will be compared with VQ with a larger codebook size at the same data rate. Experimental results will be shown.
Scientific applications of computers in the '70s

It is still fashionable to predict that what happens in the future of computing will be a glorified extension of what has happened in the past. Thus, the last decade has seen an explosion in all uses of computers and therefore, so the fashion would dictate, this explosion must necessarily continue if the faith is not to be shaken.
Protective role of wheat bran fiber: data from marker trials

The effects of wheat bran fiber on surrogate endpoint biomarkers for colon cancer risk have been studied in rats and humans. In both species, there is little evidence that wheat bran fiber significantly modifies epithelial cell proliferation. In rat studies, however, dietary supplementation with wheat bran fiber has decreased mucosal formation of aberrant crypt foci, an important marker currently used to estimate the efficacy of colon cancer chemoprevention agents. In humans, wheat bran fiber has been shown to consistently decrease fecal bile acid concentrations, mainly by reducing toxic secondary bile acids.
Reality Check Evaluating a School-Based Gang Prevention Model

The Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program is a school-based gang prevention initiative developed in 1991 through the collaborative efforts of the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco, an...
Immunocytochemical localization of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the rat spinal cord

Abstract The presence of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-immunoreactive nerve fibers and cell bodies in the spinal cord is demonstrated. Immunopositive fibers were found in the lateral column of the white matter, in laminae I, V–IV, X, and in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord. Complete transection of the spinal cord showed that the majority of the fibers in the lateral funiculus formed an ascending pathway; however, a few descending fibers were also detected. Hypophysectomy resulted in enhanced immunoreactivity to the fibers and staining of CRF-immunoreactive cell bodies in laminae V–VII, X, and in the intermediolateral sympathetic column. The results suggest that CRF is not merely an ACTH releasing factor, but also a regulatory peptide which may be involved in several stress-related neural responses.
College students' acceptance of adoption and five alternative fertilization techniques.

(1988). College students’ acceptance of adoption and five alternative fertilization techniques. The Journal of Sex Research: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 282-287.
The Determination of Hemodialysis Blood Recirculation Using Blood Urea Nitrogen Measurements

The determination of blood recirculation using blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measurements in hemodialysis patients is a standard technique. The accuracy and reproducibility of these calculations have never been determined. Two pairs of recirculation studies (study A and study B) were performed in 13 patients during a single dialysis treatment. Blood samples were analyzed for BUN and recirculation was calculated. The first recirculation study (study A) was performed within 1 hour of the initiation of dialysis, with a duplicate test of recirculation performed within 15 minutes. In study B, the dialyzer blood lines were reversed in an attempt to enhance blood recirculation. After 15 minutes, duplicate tests of recirculation were again performed. Calculated recirculations before the line reversal (study A) ranged from -3.3% to 11.9% in the first test and -2.9% to 12.2% in the second test. In study A, there was no correlation ( P > 0.05, r = 0.09) between the first and second calculated recirculations. In study B, an increase in recirculation was observed. Calculated recirculations ranged from 16.3% to 53.5% for the first test and 5.4% to 58.1% for the second test. A significant relationship was observed in the calculated recirculation in study B ( P r = 0.81). The results from the present study show that the use of BUN measurements may not provide a consistent indicator of access recirculation in a patient with a low recirculation. This lack of consistency should be considered when determining further clinical treatment.
Reliability testing and analysis of safing and arming devices for army fuzes

To address the lack of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) reliability data as well as a standardized methodology for assessing reliability, the Metallic Materials Technology Branch at Picatinny Arsenal has initiated a MEMS Reliability Assessment Program. This lack of data has been identified as a barrier to the utilization the MEMS in DOD systems. Of particular concern are the impacts of long-term storage and environmental exposure on the reliability of devices. Specific objectives of the Metallic Materials Technology Branch (MMTB) program include: • Identify MEMS devices to be utilized in weapon systems. • Determine the relevant categories of MEMS materials, technologies and designs in these applications • Assess the operational environments in which the military MEMS device may be utilized. • Analyze the compatibility of MEMS devices with energetic and other hazardous materials. • Identify physics of failure, failure mechanisms and failure rates. • Develop accelerated test protocols for assessing the reliability of MEMS according to the categories. • Develop of reliability models for these devices. • Conduct testing and modeling on representative devices of interest to Army and DoD. • Develop of a methodology and capability for conducting independent assessments of reliability that cannot be obtained from private industry. In support of this effort, some testing has been performed on prototype mechanical Safety and Arming (S&A) devices for the 25-mm XM25 Air Burst Weapon. The objective is to test the S&A as a representative device for the identification of potential failure modes and effects for devices of the same class. Information derived from this testing will be used to develop standardized test protocols, formulate reliability models and establish design criteria and to identify critical parameters in support of the S&A development effort. To date, Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) tests have been performed on samples of the device. Along with the ESS testing, a failure modes and effects analysis has been developed and reliability modeling is under way.
Testing on a budget: integrating e-business certification into the Oracle DBMS testing

Testing complex software is one of the most challenging steps in the software development lifecycle. Several testing methods are usually used from the time the subject software component is ready for testing until the complete system where the software component operates is released for distribution. In this paper, we describe one of the methods used to test the SQL Engine of the Oracle database management system (DBMS). This process has been designed to track, detect and report quality problems along with detailed metrics that make it easier to find the root cause of different types of regressions (failures, result correctness, and performance). The test process has been built on top of a framework that is extensible so that any schema and SQL workload can be plugged into the framework. The process described here is currently part of the Oracle DBMS test process.
Semigroups of operators on quotient spaces of H2

Abstract Let φ be an inner function on the unit disc. Semigroups of operators in the commutant A (φ) of the compression of the standard unilateral shift onto H 2 φH 2 are constructed and studied using complex function theory. A sufficient condition for a fixed operator in the algebra A (φ) to be embeddable in a C0 semigroup of operators in A (φ) is given. The condition is shown to be necessary under the further restriction that the semigroup consists of contraction operators. Inner functions φ for which there exist operators in A (φ) which do not embed in a unique C0 semigroup of operators in A (φ) are constructed. Necessary and sufficient conditions for a coset in H ∞ φH ∞ to have a coset representative which is nonvanishing and bounded by one in modulus are given.
Development of an Olympic audience judging system

In this paper we describe the development of a system to facilitate audience participation in judging Olympic events for the CHI 2004, student design contest. This development process utilized domain analysis and human factors principles in combination with user-centered design techniques and usability testing.Application of these techniques resulted in the creation of the Olympic Audience Judging System (OAJS), a solid-state device that uses a hard-control system of buttons and dials in combination with icons and color grouping to convey functionality information to the user. In addition, the system guides the user through the judging process by means of luminance changes designed to draw attention to necessary parts of the interface.The resulting design focuses on simplicity of function. No previous knowledge of the Olympics or of the sports events is necessary to use the system. The OAJS allows for users from various backgrounds to judge Olympic performances.
Dahlen receives 2003 Inge Lehmann Medal

Francis A. Dahlen, Jr. was awarded the Lehmann Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, which was held on 10 December 2003, in San Francisco, California. The medal honors “outstanding contributions to the understanding of the structure, composition, and dynamics of the Earth s mantle and core.”
Cranial irradiation alters the brain's microenvironment and permits CCR2+ macrophage infiltration.

Therapeutic irradiation is commonly used to treat primary or metastatic central nervous system tumors. It is believed that activation of neuroinflammatory signaling pathways contributes to the development of common adverse effects, which may ultimately contribute to cognitive dysfunction. Recent studies identified the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor (CCR2), constitutively expressed by cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage, as a mediator of cognitive impairments induced by irradiation. In the present study we utilized a unique reporter mouse (CCR2RFP/+CX3CR1GFP/+) to accurately delineate the resident (CX3CR1+) versus peripheral (CCR2+) innate immune response in the brain following cranial irradiation. Our results demonstrate that a single dose of 10Gy cranial γ-irradiation induced a significant decrease in the percentage of resident microglia, while inducing an increase in the infiltration of peripherally derived CCR2+ macrophages. Although reduced in percentage, there was a significant increase in F4/80+ activated macrophages in irradiated animals compared to sham. Moreover, we found that there were altered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and growth factors in the hippocampi of wild type irradiated mice as compared to sham. All of these molecules are implicated in the recruitment, adhesion, and migration of peripheral monocytes to injured tissue. Importantly, there were no measureable changes in the expression of multiple markers associated with blood-brain barrier integrity; implicating the infiltration of peripheral CCR2+ macrophages may be due to inflammatory induced chemotactic signaling. Cumulatively, these data provide evidence that therapeutic levels of cranial radiation are sufficient to alter the brain’s homeostatic balance and permit the influx of peripherally-derived CCR2+ macrophages as well as the regional susceptibility of the hippocampal formation to ionizing radiation.
RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY

. This paper presents evidence on the factors causing residential mobility within inner-city neighborhoods. A theoretical model is presented which posits that intraurban mobility is a response to housing consumption disequilibrium. Our data and methodology permitted more accurate measurement of disequilibrium than in previous studies, including the disequilibrium arising from neighborhood change. The major conclusion we draw from our results is that households' perceptions of the level of neighborhood quality and its change influence the mobility decisions of both renters and homeowners residing within central cities. Also, in comparison to other measured factors, neighborhood variables were found to be strong mobility predictors regardless of housing tenure. Our results imply that neighborhood improvement policies may succeed in stabilizing inner-city neighborhoods.
The role of epimysium in suturing skeletal muscle lacerations.

Background Direct muscle trauma is a common and disabling clinical problem. Surgical muscle repair is difficult to evaluate because reliable repair techniques have not been established scientifically. The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical properties of epimysium, the collagenous tissue sheath that surrounds muscles in the body. Study design We surgically repaired transected porcine muscle bellies with and without epimysium. For both groups, 25 figure-eight stitches in lacerated quadriceps bellies from a euthanatized pig were loaded under tension on a biomechanical machine (model 8521S, Instron Company). Maximum loads and strains were measured and mechanisms of failure recorded. Results The mean load for repairs with epimysium (25.1 N) was significantly higher (p = 0.034) than that for repairs without epimysium (21.2 N). The mean strain for repairs with epimysium (10.4%) was significantly higher (p Conclusions These data showed that epimysium incorporation into suturing improves the capacity of repairs to bear force. These findings fill a knowledge gap and may improve outcomes of muscle suturing. By focusing the experiment on biomechanical properties of muscle stitching, this study showed the key role epimysium plays in muscle suturing.
An analysis of organisational, market and socio-cultural factors affecting the supply of insurance and other financial services by microfinance institutions in developing economies

This article first investigates the microfinance—principally microinsurance—market at the global level and the business structure of over 600 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in 83 countries that were in operation during 1998–2007. It then empirically examines the impact of organisational, market and socio-cultural factors on the supply of insurance, lending and savings services by MFIs in developing countries. Findings from a series of probit analyses indicate that a rise in the financial expense ratio, loan repayments in arrears, years of operation, number of borrowers, woman borrower ratio, life insurance penetration ratio and family size positively affect MFIs’ willingness to expand their operations, certainly to microinsurance business. In contrast, they are likely to stay away from the insurance market when their loan asset ratio, bad loan write-off ratio or average loan size in comparison to GNI per capita is on the rise. It seems MFIs focus on lending service in Muslim populous countries. Finally, we find no evidence that presence of insurance affects availability of savings service, and vice versa, in the microfinance market.
Coping with stigma through psychological disengagement.

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the significance of social stigma and the negative effects it has on individuals in any culture and society. A number of popular theories of self-esteem formulation, like the theory of reflected appraisals, self-fulfilling prophecy and efficacy-based self-esteem, have shown that stigmatized individuals generally have low self-esteem. Adoption of effective coping strategies is extremely important to stave off the ill-effects that social stigma might have on a person. The importance of continuous social feedback and self-evaluation is deliberated upon in the chapter. The concept of ”devaluing” with views and hypotheses of noted authors further helps in understanding self-esteem related to performance domains. The related idea of “disidentification” is closely examined. ”Discounting”, which helps individuals select only valid, reliable feedback is also seen as a second route to psychological disengagement. The strategy of coping with negative stereotypes is explained with the help of a case study on African–Americans. It has been noted that disengagement, either chronic or temporary, reduces a person's emotional reactivity to appraisal in that particular area but the entire process may be totally situational and adaptive.
Abstract 4210: Gsta4 modifies susceptibility to skin tumor development in mice and humans

The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is equivalent to that of all other human cancers combined, and genetic factors contribute to risk of the disease. Using genetic crosses of skin tumor promotion sensitive DBA/2 mice with relatively resistant C57BL/6 mice, loci that modify susceptibility to tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) have been mapped to chromosomes (chr) 1, 2, 9, and 19. Here, we show that Glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 (Gsta4), which maps to skin tumor promotion susceptibility locus Psl1.2 on chr 9, was expressed at significantly different levels in the epidermis of C57BL/6 versus DBA/2 mice following treatment with diverse promoting agents. Gsta4 expression was dramatically upregulated in the epidermis of C57BL/6 mice, but not DBA/2 mice, following treatment with TPA, okadaic acid, chrysarobin, or ultraviolet light. Gsta4 deficient mice were more susceptible to skin tumor development in the two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol providing compelling evidence that Gsta4 underlies the effect of Psl1.2 on susceptibility to skin tumor promotion by TPA. A number of polymorphisms were detected in the putative promoter region of Gsta4 in C57BL/6 versus DBA/2 mice, and ongoing studies are addressing the genetic basis of strain-specific expression of Gsta4 during tumor promotion. Finally, inheritance of polymorphisms in GSTA4 was associated with risk of NMSC in human populations, further supporting Gsta4/GSTA4 as a gene that modifies susceptibility to skin tumor development. Supported by NIH grant ES016623. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4210.
Atomic force microscopy of Au deposition from aqueous HF onto Si(111)

Abstract Non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed following emersion to examine Au nanoclusters deposited from aqueous mixtures of HF and 10−4 M KAu(CN)2 onto Si(111). As the HF concentration is increased, the growth rates both parallel and perpendicular to the substrate of the approximately oblate Au hemispheroids increase. AFM images were obtained for times at which previously reported in situ second harmonic generation signals from the interface reach a maximum. At the time when the second harmonic enhancement is maximized during deposition from 0.500 (5.00) M HF, the Au nanoclusters have an average diameter of 94 (109) nm and an average height of 3.6 (9.5) nm. These cluster diameters can be understood qualitatively by the shift of the plasmon resonance due to depolarization as the cluster size increases, causing the resonant second harmonic enhancement at 532 nm to pass through a maximum at cluster diameters in the range 90–110 nm.
Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Cirrhosis Improves Outcome

Abstract Objective Liver transplantation has become an effective treatment for cirrhotic patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. We hypothesized that the quality of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma influences prognosis by affecting access to liver transplantation. Methods A total of 269 patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were retrospectively categorized into 3 groups according to quality of surveillance: standard-of-care ( n =172) (group 1); substandard surveillance ( n =48) (group 2); and absence of surveillance in patients not recognized to be cirrhotic ( n =59) (group 3). Results Three-year survival in the 60 patients who underwent liver transplantation was 81% versus 12% for patients who did not undergo transplantation ( P P P P Conclusion The quality of surveillance has a direct impact on hepatocellular carcinoma stage at diagnosis, access to liver transplantation, and survival.
The relationship between cardiovascular reactivity and heartbeat detection

This experiment tested the hypothesis that inotropic cardiovascular reactivity to stress is related to performance on heartbeat discrimination tasks. The experiment also compared the efficacy of a specific modification of two popular heartbeat discrimination paradigms, Whitehead's and Katkin's. Subjects were 48 male undergraduates who performed both discrimination tasks and then were subjected to mental arithmetic stress. Results indicated that high cardiovascular reactors were better detectors than low reactors. Results also indicated that subjects performed better on the modified Whitehead task than on the modified Katkin task.
Abstract B15: Expression of ABC transporters in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and correlation with gemcitabine sensitivity.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignancies with very poor prognosis. Because of no symptoms or nonspecific and varied symptoms, pancreatic cancer is often not diagnosed until it is advanced. Chemotherapy is the main treatment, but due to chemoresistance, the efficacy of chemotherapy is limited. Even for Gemcitabine, the golden standard for advance pancreatic cancer treatment, the tumor response rate is only about 15-20% and the 1-year survival rate is less than 25%. Although intensively investigated, the understanding of drug insensitivity is still fragmentary. Of the many different, unrelated mechanisms, we are particularly interested in abnormal expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, as the multidrug efflux pumps play an important role in the uptake and distribution of therapeutic drugs. We examined multiple ABC transporters gene expression in 8 human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and found that Mia Paca-2 has the lowest expressions of ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2, PANC1 has highest expressions of ABCC1 and ABCG2, and CFPAC1 has the highest expression of ABCB1. AsPC-1, PL-45 and HPAF-II also show significant amounts of ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2 expression. We have previously noted that Mia Paca-2 is significantly more sensitive to gemcitabine than PANC1, PL-45 and ASPC-1. The expressions of the ABC transporters may correlate with the differential sensitivity of the cells to gemcitabine. The potential correlations of ABC transporters9 expression with the chemosensitivity to other chemotherapy drugs are currently being investigated. Citation Format: Li Pang, Beverly Word, Honggang Wang, Beverly Lyn-Cook. Expression of ABC transporters in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and correlation with gemcitabine sensitivity. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and Challenges; Jun 18-21, 2012; Lake Tahoe, NV. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B15.
The Efficacy of Influenza Vaccination of Elderly: Population-Based Influenza Vaccination Program in Taiwan during 1998–2006

Background and objectives: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination is not a routine immunization service in Korea yet. This study was performed to estimate the disease burden of Hib and the cost-benefit of providing Hib vaccine to children in Korea. Method: We used the Rapid Assessment Tools (RATs) of WHO to estimate the pre-vaccination Hib incidence andmortality; one based on meningitis incidence in community and the other based on under 5 year mortality statistics in 2004. The fatality and sequelaes of Hib diseases were obtained from multi-center based registry data. The direct and indirect cost of Hib were calculated from the National Health Insurance data (hospitalization and outpatient cost) in 2004, National Health and Nutrition Survey(transport cost to hospitals), Report of Ministry of Labor (indirect cost of work loss and death) in 2004. Sensitivity analysis was done. Results: The annual incidence of Hib meningitis was 10.8(95% CI: 3.8—15.0) per 100,000 children <5 years and the case fatality rate was 6%. The average treatment cost for an Hib meningitis case was about US $ 2,157. For a fatal case, the average life time discounted economic loss was about US $ 849,085. The Total annual cost of Hib diseases was about US $ 42.5million. The break-even vaccine price, where the annual vaccination costs equal annual Hib disease burden averted was US $ 23.3 per dose in base case scenario with 3% discount rate. In sensitivity analysis, due to the wide confidence interval of meningitis incidence rate, the burden of Hib was from 15.9million to 58.6million. Conclusion: In base case scenario, the routine Hib vaccination to children would be cost-benefit in Korea.
Urologic serendipity in whole body bone scanning

Bone scans with Technetium-99m (99mTc)-polyphosphate generally visualize the kidneys with reasonably good definition. As a result unsuspected renal abnormalities are not infrequently discovered incidental to the procedure. More attention to this aspect of the scan is warranted.
Effects of changes in water-sodium balance on levels of atrial natriuretic factor messenger RNA and peptide in rats

Responses of atrial mRNA, atrial peptide and plasma peptide of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) to treatments to alter fluid volume were studied in rats using RNA dot hybridization assay and radioimmunoassay. Specific changes in the level of ANF mRNA relative to total atrial RNA were observed in atria from sodium restricted rats and water deprived then sodium loaded rats, demonstrating an association of change in water-sodium balance with the expression of ANF gene. The levels of mRNA and the immunoreactive ANF in plasma decreased to 30% and 15% of controls, respectively, on water-deprivation and then increased again to control levels after administering 1.8% NaCl solution, whereas atrial immunoreactive ANF increased to about twice the control on water-deprivation and decreased again after supplying NaCl solution, in parallel with the level of the hematocrit. These findings suggest that atrial ANF content is dependent more on ANF release than on biosynthesis.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Silicone Thermal Interface Materials With Varying Cross-Link Densities

Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) play a key role in the thermal management of microelectronics by providing a path of low thermal impedance between the heat generating devices and the heat dissipating components (heat spreader/sink). In addition, TIMs need to reliably maintain this low thermal resistance path throughout the operating life of the device. Currently, several different TIM material solutions are employed to dissipate heat away from semiconductor devices. Thermal greases, adhesives, gels, pads, and phase change materials are among these material solutions. Each material system has its own advantages and associated application space. While thermal greases offer excellent thermal performance, their uncured state makes them susceptible to pump-out and other degradation mechanisms. On the other hand, adhesives offer structural support but offer a higher heat resistance path. Gels are designed to provide a level of cross-linking to allow the thermal performance of greases and prevent premature degradation. However, the degree of crosslinking can have a significant effect of the behavior of gels. In this research, TIMs with varying cross-linking densities are studied and their thermal and mechanical properties reported. The base resin systems and fillers were maintained constant, while slight compositional alternations were made to induce different degrees of cross-linking.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Perceptually salient haptic rendering for enhancing kinesthetic perception in virtual environments

Kinesthetic or dynamic touch involves the use of muscle sensitivity to perceive mechanical properties of objects that are gripped in the hand and wielded in space. Many previous studies with real objects have investigated the mechanical properties that underlie human haptic perception. Few virtual environments, however, have systematically incorporated the relevant mechanical parameters underlying kinesthetic perception. In this study, the ability of a haptic device to render kinesthetic information regarding the inertial properties of virtual objects was tested. Results suggest that users were able to perceive length of rendered virtual objects via the haptic device. Further, users can be trained using the haptic device to increase sensitivity to specific mechanical parameters (like inertia) that are perceptually salient in perceiving properties of rendered objects. The primary implication of this finding is that rendering kinesthetic parameters and employing feedback in a systematic manner may increase the realism of virtual environments and also improve haptic perception.
Effect of earth strain on Geyser activity

Abstract The very extensive and detailed records that have been kept for the past three decades on the activity of Old Faithful Geyser, located in Yellowstone National Park, have made it possible to establish causative relationships between earth strain and geyser activity. A two or three year steady decrease in average interval between eruptions can precede a large earthquake. This is followed at the time of the earthquake by a sudden lengthening of interval which continues for about fifteen days. Local earthquakes of intensity V or greater can be presaged and accompanied by, respectively, a gradual and regular decrease in interval over a time span of a few days, followed by an abrupt increase. Such a pattern of change is not always accompanied by an earthquake which must indicate non catastrophic release of strain. While the effects of varying earth strains are recognizable, they do not appear to be a major factor in controlling the efflux of geothermal energy.
Phytoremediation of Hg-contaminated soils with genetically modified Cottonwood

Soils on former hat-making plant sites are severely contaminated with Hg, with concentrations of several 10's to several 1000's • 10 "6 Hg. Remediation of these urban sites is difficult and an experimental project on phytoremediation has been carried out by the town of Danbury, CT. Plants of the perennial Cottonwood family were genetically modified (Applied Phytogenetics, Athens, Georgia) through insertion of the Mer-A genes, which leads to the reduction of oxidized forms of Hg into elemental Hg in the plant tissue. The project hypothesis is the following: Hg will be taken up through the plant root system in either organic or inorganic form, is then reduced inside the plant tissue into elemental Hg and then transpired as Hg vapor through the stomata. If effective, this would create a diffuse flux of Hg into the atmosphere and gradually clean up the soil reservoir. The experimental site" contained both GM Cottonwood plants as well as natural Cottonwood. We sampled the soils and the leaves from the natural and GMplants, and analyzed these for Hg with an AA-type DMA instrument. Four plots were studied with low (0.3x10 6 Hg), medium (20• -6 Hg), high (300x10 6 Hg) and very high (4000x10 6 Hg) Hg concentrations in soils. The plant leaves were sampled in July, August and September 2004. The plant leaf Hg concentrations showed a significant correlation with the soil Hg levels. Three out of the four sites showed that the natural Cottonwood leaves had higher Hg concentrations than the GM Cottonwood leaves, and that the Hg concentrations for both types of plants increased irregularly over the growing season. Mercury concentrations in the leaves ranged from 5x10 9 Hg to 1400• .9 H i . A first -order estimate of the leaf Hg flux was made using the estimated leaf mass per plant and the difference in Hg concentration between GM and natural Cottonwood leaves. This crude approach yields a potential minimum Hg flux from the GM plants of-50000 ng Hg per growing season. A single plant in the strongly contaminated soils has on average access to at least 1000000000 ng Hg, which suggests that the leaf Hg flux removes only a small fraction of the soil Hg per year.
Infantile Autism Reviewed: A Decade of Research

Progress in the study of infantile autism over the past 10 years was reviewed in terms of classification and diagnosis, relation to other disorders, demographics, parental characteristics, genetics, intelligence, language, perceptual processes, behavioral characteristics, neurobiological, biochemical and pharmacological aspects, behavioral/educational treatment methodologies, prognosis, and theoretical considerations. This decade's research led to the now generally accepted position that infantile autism is a type of developmental disorder accompanied by severe and, to a large extent, permanent intellectual/behavioral deficits. However, its relationship to other forms of developmental disorders and to mental retardation remains to be delineated. Perceptual/cognitive/language defects appear central to the autistic syndrome, but the specific underlying mechanisms are unknown. Most studies indicate that autistic children have more signs of brain dysfunction than do normal children and about the same number as mentally retarded children. The overwhelming evidence suggests that te treatment of choice for maximal benefit to autistic children is a systematic, intrusive behavioral/educational approach. Yet, in spite of significant gains in almost all children treated, the typical prognostic picture is poor in terms of achieving self-supportive adulthood. The parents of autistic children have been found to be essentially similar to parents of children with organic brain disorders, and manifest no psychopathology which conceivably could induce the disorder. The vast majority of theoretical articles appearing in the 1970s proposed some from of neurobiological defect as the causative factor in autism. One of the major goals for future research is to undertake more extensive comparative studies on nonautistic brain dysfunctional children and autistic children that could yield cleared differential behavioral profiles and testable neurobiological hypotheses.