cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Patient-Based Oral Health Outcome Measures

Objectives: This project examined psychometric characteristics of four measures of oral-specific health-related quality of life. Methods: We selected participants from two samples of community-dwelling male veterans from Boston (USA): (1) 538 users of VA outpatient medical care from the Veterans Health Study (VHS: mean age = 62); and (2) 211 relatively healthy men from the VA Dental Longitudinal Study (DLS: mean age = 70). Patient-based measures included the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Instrument, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), the Oral Health-related Quality of Life instrument and the single-item self-report of oral health. Clinical variables included number of teeth, coronal decayed surfaces (CDS), a modification of the Root Caries Index (RCI_D), and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN). Results: Cronbach's α ranged from 0.73 to 0.97. Percent of participants with floor and ceiling scores varied widely by instrument and by item. Patient-based measures were associated with all clinical measures in the combined sample. Number of teeth was associated with patient-based measures (p < 0.001). However, CDS, RCI_D and CPITN scores were associated with patient-based scores in the VHS but not in the DLS. The Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Instrument, the OHIP, the Oral Health-related Quality of Life instrument were strongly linearly related to the single-item global self-report of oral health (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: All multi-item measures have high internal consistency and all are valid for measuring oral-specific health-related quality of life.
Trends in soil sorption coefficients within common antimicrobial families

Sorption coefficients (Kd) of fluoroquinolone, tetracycline, and sulfonamide antimicrobial compounds were measured for seven soils between pH 4.5 and 8.5 using batch sorption techniques. Soils were chosen to encompass a range of cation exchange capacity (CEC), iron and aluminum oxide and organic matter contents. For most soil-pH pairs, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin Kd values were within a factor of 2 (0.3 log units) of each other. Lower enrofloxacin sorption than norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin sorption was observed at pH 8.5 for the two most aluminosilicate clay-rich soils, likely due to compound differences in acid dissociation constants, yielding greater anion species abundance for enrofloxacin. Tetracycline, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline Kd values also were within a factor of 2 for each soil-pH pair. Measured tetracycline and fluoroquinolone compound Kd values could be estimated within a factor of 2 using published empirical multi-linear regression models. In contrast, sulfonamide Kd values varied among compounds, as expected for sorbates that interact primarily with soil organic matter. Results of this research indicate that substituent groups have little effect on sorption interactions of compounds from the tetracycline and fluoroquinolone family that interact with soils primarily through cation exchange, surface complexation and cation bridging sorption mechanisms.
Abstract 2655: Apoptotic peptide hybrid for treatment of chemotherapy-resistant cancers

Resistance to chemotherapy is one of the major obstacles to successful cancer treatment. Many cancer patients develop metastatic cancers after responding to initial treatment, which are often refractory to chemotherapy, and remain incurable. Inhibition of apoptotic pathways due to up-regulation of anti-apoptotic elements, such as Bcl-2 and IAPs (inhibitors of apoptosis proteins) has been reported to account for the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Thus, it is critical to restore the inhibited apoptosis to re-sensitize the cancer to chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether a pro-apoptotic peptide and a proteasome inhibitor peptide can synergize to induce apoptosis in doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells in vitro. The pro-apoptotic peptide is a cationic amphipathic peptide which depolarizes mitochondrial membranes to release apoptosis initiators such as, cytochrom c and Smac/DIABLO to cell cytosols, which activate caspases, apoptosis executors by inhibiting IAPs (inhibitors of apoptosis proteins). MG132 (Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-CHO) has been reported to inhibit anti-apoptotic proteins including NF-[[Unable to Display Character: ĸ]]B and Bcl-2 family proteins to stimulate apoptosis. We hypothesized that when concurrently delivered to the same cells, KLA and MG132 would synergize to induce apoptosis in resistant cancer cells by acting on different stages of apoptotic pathways. To test this, we conjugated KLA and MG132 by forming acid-labile Schiff bases between e-amino groups of lysines in KLA and the aldehyde group of MG132. We expected that the formed KLA-MG132 conjugates would be internalized into cells by pinocytosis then, dissociated in the acidic environment (pH 4 – 5) of lysosomes to release intact KLA and MG132. The conjugation efficiency was found to be ∼ 100%, as measured indirectly by quantifying amine groups of un-conjugated lysine residues by TNBS assay. The conjugation was confirmed further by determining the molecular masses of the formed conjugates by mass spectrometry after reducing the conjugates by NaBH 4 to stabilize Schiff bases. The conjugates induced upto 50 % of cell death in doxorubicin-resistant human cancer cells at the concentration of 0.6 μM as determined by MTT assay meanwhile; un-conjugated MG132 and KLA were inactive at the same concentration. And, the levels of cytosolic cytochrome c were 2-fold greater in the cells treated with KLA-MG132 conjugates than in cells treated with MG132 alone. The levels of active caspase-3 were higher by up to 70 % in cells treated with KLA-MG132 conjugate than in cells treated with MG132 alone. In conclusion, we have observed that KLA and MG132 conjugated via Schiff base induced potent apoptosis in doxorubicin-resistant human cancer cell lines at sub-micromolar concentrations. 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 2655.
Nonlinear Optical Epoxy Polymers with Polar Tolan Chromophores

A variety of optically nonlinear tolan chromophores and epoxy based polymers containing them have been prepared and studied. The molecular hyperpolarizabilities of the dye chromophores have been me...
Clestobothrium neglectum (Lönnberg, 1893) n. comb. (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) from the tadpole fish Raniceps raninus (L.) (Gadidae) from Sweden.

Clestobothrium neglectum (Lonnberg, 1893) n. comb. is redescribed from specimens previously deposited in The Natural History Museum, London, UK by Dr David I. Gibson obtained from the intestine of the tadpole fish Raniceps raninus (Gadidae) collected from off the western coast of Sweden, near Kristineberg. C. neglectum resembles C. crassiceps (Rudolphi, 1819), the type- and only species currently recognised in the genus, but differs in having fine spiniform-like structures that are likely microtriches covering the posterior fourth of the scolex and all proglottids, a highly folded tegument forming numerous longitudinal ridges on both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the proglottids giving them a scalloped appearance, a somewhat smaller egg (68 x 35 vs 75 x 40 microm), a U-shaped rather than H-shaped ovary and more testes (70-85 vs 40-50 per proglottid). C. neglectum is also compared to two species with similar scoleces that were previously assigned to Clestobothrium, Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934 and B. kivuensis Baer & Fain, 1958 (considered to be synonymous with B. acheilognathi by Pool, 1987). This is the first report of a species of Clestobothrium Luhe, 1899 (Bothriocephalidae) from a gadid fish.
Cryotherapy in the treatment of liver metastases from colorectal cancer.

Although hepatic resection remains the treatment of choice for metastatic disease to the liver from colorectal cancer, the procedure is only possible for approximately 10% of patients. Ninety percent of patients with liver metastases ultimately die of liver failure. Thus, attention has turned to other, locoregional techniques that may be used alone or in conjunction with resection to increase the eligibility for some type of surgical, potentially curative treatment. One such option is cryotherapy. This review provides technical, physiologic, and outcome information regarding this technique. Semin Oncol 29:183-191.
Factors affecting dustcake drag in a hot-gas filter system collecting coal gasification ash

Abstract This paper discusses the use of laboratory drag measurements and filter operating data to analyze factors affecting dustcake flow resistance in a hot-gas filter at the Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF). The hot-gas filter is a Siemens–Westinghouse two-tier candle filter system that is collecting coal gasification ash from a KBR Transport Gasifier. Operating experience with this system has shown that the flow resistance of the dustcake is responsible for most of the pressure drop across the hot-gas filter, and the pressure drop varies substantially with the type of coal being gasified and the operating conditions of the gasifier and filter systems. To analyze factors affecting dustcake drag, samples of gasification ash from various coals and various operating conditions were resuspended in a laboratory test apparatus, and the drag was measured as the dust was collected on a sintered metal filter. The lab-measured drag values were compared to actual values of transient drag determined from the increase in pressure drop, the inlet dust loading, and the face velocity in the hot-gas filter. After correcting the lab drag data to hot-gas filter conditions, good agreement was achieved between the lab measurements and the hot-gas filter transient drag values. Both types of measurements showed that drag was strongly influenced by coal type and carbon content.
Malignant melanoma in a homosexual man with HTLV-III/LAV exposure

Abstract An HTLV-III/LAV antibody-positive homosexual man in whom disseminated malignant melanoma developed is described. Immunologic analysis revealed an increase in suppressor/cytotoxic phenotype (Leu-2-positive) T cells, depressed proliferative response to mitogens, decreased proportions of T cells with interleukin-2 receptors but normal production of both interleukin-2 and interleukin-1, cutaneous anergy, elevated levels of serum IgG and IgA, and presence of autoantibodies against smooth muscle and parietal cells of the stomach. This case stresses the need for reporting all types of neoplasms associated with exposure to HTLV-III/LAV so that their true incidence in the population "at risk" for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome can be determined.
Evaluating the Success of Arkansas Darter Translocations in Colorado: An Occupancy Sampling Approach

Abstract Like many fishes native to western Great Plains streams, the Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini has declined, apparently in response to changes in flow regimes and habitat fragmentation. We investigated the effectiveness of translocation as a management strategy to conserve this threatened species in the Arkansas River basin of southeastern Colorado. We used a multiscale design to sample the darter and several attributes of its habitat at the local 10-m site scale, the 3.25-km translocation segment scale, and the 10-km riverscape scale in all 19 streams where it had been previously translocated. The darter was captured in 11 of the 19 streams, although 5 were completely dry when visited. Arkansas darters had reproduced in 10 of the 11 streams (one criterion in the state recovery plan), and 6 streams also met a second criterion for abundance (>500 individuals). However, the populations in only two streams unequivocally met a third criterion of being self-sustaining, because the other four streams ...
Na+/H+ exchange mediates postprandial ileal water and electrolyte transport

Feeding stimulates fluid and electrolyte absorption in the small intestine. Previous studies have suggested that Na+/glucose cotransport is important in initiating this response in the jejunum. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Na+/H+ exchange plays a role in meal-induced absorption. Exteriorized, neurovascularly intact jejunal and ileal loops (25 cm) were constructed in dogs. Following a two-week period of postoperative recovery, the loops of awake dogs were perfused with standard buffer alone or with increasing concentrations of amiloride, a Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor. Water, sodium, and chloride fluxes were calculated following a meal using [14C]PEG as a volume marker. The meal significantly increased absorption in both the jejunum (P<0.001) and ileum (P<0.01) in those animals perfused with buffer alone. More significantly, amiloride suppressed the increased absorption seen following a meal in the ileum (P<0.001) but not the jejunum. The response in the ileum was dose dependent. These findings suggest that a major mediator of postprandial sodium and water absorption in the ileum is the Na+/H+ exchanger.
Evaluation of the soil microbiota in producing the deleterious effect of atrazine on ungerminated conidia of cochliobolus sativus in soil

To determine the basis for the decline in viability of Cochliobolus sativus conidia in some soils treated with atrazine. the effect of atrazine treatment (25 or 30 μg g−1) on some microbial properties of a Boyer sandy loam (SL). in which atrazine treatment is lethal to conidia, was compared to that of a Spinks SL. in which atrazine is not lethal to conidia. The addition ofatrazine to autoclaved, re-infested aliquots of the two soils caused Boyer SL. but not Spinks SL. to be lethal to conidia, regardless of whether the soils were re-inoculated with microflora from the same soil or reciprocally. Atrazine did not reduce the fungistatic effect on C. sativus in Boyer SL, a measured by germination of conidia following the addition of carrot extract to soil. Mineralization of added glucose was increased to a similar extent in soils treated with atrazine or not treated with atrazine. Atrazine increased 14CO2 evolution from both soils containing 14C-labelled biomass. but it did not increase total microbial biomass of the soils. Mineralization of [14C]atrazine was greater in Boyer SL than in Spinks SL. These results suggest that the germination of conidia on atrazine-treated Boycr SL and its lethal effect cannot be explained by a decrease of soil fungistasis or by other effects on soil microorganisms.
Three concepts of causation in Newton

Abstract In this paper, I argue that recent debates about Newton’s attitude toward action at a distance have been hampered by a lack of conceptual clarity. To clarify the metaphysical background of the debates, I distinguish three kinds of causes within Newton’s work: mechanical, dynamical, and substantial causes. This threefold distinction enables us to recognize that although Newton clearly regards gravity as an impressed force that operates across vast distances, he denies that this commitment requires him to think that some substance acts at a distance on another substance. (Dynamical causation is distinct from substantial causation.) Newton’s denial of substantial action at a distance may strike his interpreters as questionable, so I provide an argument to show that it is in fact acceptable.
HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN-72 mRNA EXPRESSION DURING HYPOXIA IN THE BRAINS OF FETAL GUINEA PIGS. 368

Previous studies have shown increased expression of heat shock protein(hsp) in adult animal models under stress conditions such as cerebral ischemia and trauma. The present study tests the hypothesis that fetal cerebral hypoxia results in increased expression of hsp 72 mRNA. Fetuses from twelve pregnant guinea pigs at term exposed to either 21% (n=6) or 7% (n=6) oxygen for 60 min. were studied. Normoxic and hypoxic guinea pig fetuses were excised following anesthesia. Brain tissue hypoxia in the fetus was documented biochemically by decreased levels of ATP and phosphocreatine. Hsp 72 mRNA expression was determined using in situ hybridization. The specific hsp-72 probe(30 mer) used in this study corresponded to amino acids 122-129 of the human hsp protein. The probe was labelled at the 3′- end with 35S-ATP.In situ hybridization was performed in brain sections of 20 μm at 37°C for 16 hrs. Brain sections were rinsed, dried and exposed to Kodak XAR-5 film. Autoradiograms were developed for 21 days. Strong expression of hsp-72 was seen in sections obtained from both groups of fetuses. The strongest expression was observed in the cerebral cortex followed by the hippocampus, with weaker expression in the rest of the areas of the brain. However there was no difference in expression between normoxic and hypoxic groups. While increased expression in adult animals is associated with brain injury, there is no evidence of hsp-72 expression in normal controls. In contrast, the normal fetal brain at term expresses hsp-72 mRNA even under baseline conditions. This finding suggests that the presence of hsp-72 mRNA might be related to a developmental process such as synaptogenesis in the fetal guinea pig brain. Funded by NIH-HD-20337, MOD #6-FY94-0135 and UCPR 506-93
System for definition of the central-chest vasculature

Accurate definition of the central-chest vasculature from three-dimensional (3D) multi-detector CT (MDCT) images is important for pulmonary applications. For instance, the aorta and pulmonary artery help in automatic definition of the Mountain lymph-node stations for lung-cancer staging. This work presents a system for defining major vascular structures in the central chest. The system provides automatic methods for extracting the aorta and pulmonary artery and semi-automatic methods for extracting the other major central chest arteries/veins, such as the superior vena cava and azygos vein. Automatic aorta and pulmonary artery extraction are performed by model fitting and selection. The system also extracts certain vascular structure information to validate outputs. A semi-automatic method extracts vasculature by finding the medial axes between provided important sites. Results of the system are applied to lymph-node station definition and guidance of bronchoscopic biopsy.
Functional geometry and the Traité de Lutherie: functional pearl

We describe a functional programming approach to the design of outlines of eighteenth-century string instruments. The approach is based on the research described in Francois Denis's book, Traite de lutherie. The programming vernacular for Denis's instructions, which we call functional geometry, is meant to reiterate the historically justified language and techniques of this musical instrument design. The programming metaphor is entirely Euclidean, involving straightedge and compass constructions, with few (if any) numbers, and no Cartesian equations or grid. As such, it is also an interesting approach to teaching programming and mathematics without numerical calculation or equational reasoning. The advantage of this language-based, functional approach to lutherie is founded in the abstract characterization of common patterns in instrument design. These patterns include not only the abstraction of common straightedge and compass constructions, but of higher-order conceptualization of the instrument design process. We also discuss the role of arithmetic, geometric, harmonic, and subharmonic proportions, and the use of their rational approximants.
Relationship of Motivation and Method of Testing to Distribution of Practice Phenomena in Rotary Pursuit

Abstract Women college students (N = 120) practised 60 r.p.m. rotary pursuit for 12 minutes, rested for approximately 25 minutes and then practised for 12 minutes more. During the initial period, thirty-six 20-second trials were given, 20 subjects each practising with intertrial rests of o seconds, 20 seconds, 50 seconds, 2 minutes and 5 minutes. In the 12-minute post-rest or testing period, 10 subjects in each of these groups practised continuously, and 10 were given 20-second trials separated by 5-minute rests. Greater distribution was found to lead to better performance in the initial period, except that the 5-minute inter-trial-rest group did not perform as well as the 2-minute group. The warm-up decrement was dependent on the degree of distribution of practice in the initial period, being greater with greater massing of trials. As measured by the backward-extrapolation method, less was shown when testing practice was continuous than when it was distributed. The temporary work decrement was far greate...
Conformationally defined 6-s-trans-retinoic acid analogs. 3. Structure-activity relationships for nuclear receptor binding, transcriptional activity, and cancer chemopreventive activity.

We recently demonstrated that conformationally defined 6-s-trans-retinoic acid (RA) analogs were effective in the prevention of skin papillomas (Vaezi et al. J. Med. Chem. 1994, 37, 4499−4507) and selective agonists for nuclear receptor binding and activation (Alam et al. J. Med. Chem. 1995, 38, 2302−2310). In order to probe important structure−activity relationships, we evaluated a homologous series of four 6-s-trans-retinoids that are 8-(2‘-cyclohexen-1‘-ylidene)-3,7-dimethyl-2,4,6-octatrienoic acids with different substituents at 2‘ (R2) and 3‘ (R1) positions on the cyclohexene ring. UAB1 (R1 = R2 = H), UAB4 (R1 = R2 = Me), UAB7 (R1 = Me, R2 = iPr), and UAB8 (R1 = Et, R2 = iPr) contain alkyl R groups that mimic, to different extents, portions of the trimethylcyclohexenyl ring of RA. Both 9Z- and all-E-isomers of these retinoids were evaluated in binding assays for cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins (CRABP-I and CRABP-II), a nuclear retinoic acid receptor (RARα), and a nuclear retinoid X receptor (...
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Restrictive Patent Foramen Ovale, and Pulmonary Valve Stenosis: An Unusual Combination

An infant presented with a rare combination of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, restricted patent foramen ovale, and moderately dysplastic pulmonary valve. In preparation for heart transplantation, bilateral pulmonary artery banding was performed to protect the pulmonary vasculature.
Critical Link Quality for Ad-Hoc Wireless Networks

For a wireless ad hoc network, a crucial performance requirement is its connectivity. Considering the power constraint and the dynamic environment, designers usually would like to keep the network being fully connected as long as possible, so as to ensure a largest possible coverage. On the other hand, the number of nodes and their battery power consumption are also expected to be minimized. These requirements lead to some critical points in the design space. In this paper, we investigate the critical link quality for network connectivity in wireless ad hoc networking scenarios. Our simulation results verify the existence of a critical phase transition of the network connectivity when the link quality varies.
Infrared spectroscopic study of natural materials

Abstract Infrared photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy (PBDS) was used to examine a variety of naturally-occurring materials having greatly different textures as well as greatly different chemical and physical properties. The diverse materials include oil shale, uintaite, fossil wood, narwhal tusk ivory, and geyser deposits. All were studied essentially without requiring the use of the time-consuming, often difficult ‘sample preparation’ procedures which are nearly always needed for the infrared examination of solids; the need of devising special sample preparation methods for highly unusual materials is obviated.
Aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and dural arteriovenous fistulas: diagnosis and treatment.

Despite the fact that intracranial aneurysms and vascular malformations account for a small overall percentage of hemorrhagic strokes, their rupture is potentially devastating and often fatal. Imaging plays a crucial role in the accurate identification and treatment planning of these lesions. This article provides a review of the imaging findings of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF). For the sake of length, we have not discussed other cerebral vascular malformations such as cavernous malformations or capillary telangiectasias. Basic pathologic and clinical concepts for each lesion have been discussed, with a focus toward the diagnostic imagingworkup. We also briefly discuss treatment options for these lesions.
Evaluation of a 426 kJ Cryocooled Magnet and a Model Magnet With REBCO Coated Conductors

REBa2Cu3Ox (REBCO, RE = rare earth) coated conductors are expected to show high performance for superconducting applications because of their high current density and high mechanical strength. Fujikura has developed REBCO coated conductor over 570 A/cm width at 77 K, self field with over 800 m length. In addition, we have succeeded in developing a 5 T cryocooled REBCO magnet with a stored energy of 426 kJ. The magnet is composed of 24 pancake coils with an inner diameter of 260 mm, and the total length of the REBCO coated conductors is approximately 7.2 km. We confirmed that the REBCO magnet could be excited up to 5 T for 720 min 9 months after the fabrication of the magnet. It is important to validate the long-term operation test results of the REBCO magnets with larger diameters in order to use these conductors in practical superconducting applications. On the other hand, we have fabricated and evaluated a model magnet before we fabricated a 426 kJ cryocooled magnet. The model magnet is composed of 6 REBCO pancake coils and 18 “dummy coils” with an inner diameter of 260 mm and an outer diameter of 515 mm. The model magnet is about the same size and shape as the 426 kJ cryocooled magnet. We have confirmed that the calculated critical current (Ic) of the top pancake coil of the model magnet was in good agreement with the measured coil Ic from 30 to 77 K under the conduction-cooled conditions. In addition, we have evaluated the thermal runaway behavior of the model magnet under the conduction-cooled conditions. As a result, we have confirmed that the model magnet with a 0.3-mm-thick copper stabilizer had sufficient time to ramp down without degradation at 361 A transport current after the detected normal transition.
The Significance of Nongonococcal, Nonmeningococcal Neisseria Isolates from Blood Cultures

Nongonococcal, nonmeningococcal neisseriae are part of the normal respiratory flora and infrequently cause disease. These organisms include Neisseria lactamica, Neisseria mucosa, Neisseria sicca, Neisseria flavescens, Neisseria subflava , Neisseria perflava , Neisseria flava , and Branhamella catarrhalis (previously classified as Neisseria catarrhalis). Blood cultures positive for these bacteria have been associated with serious infections, including endocarditis, septicemia, and meningitis. In a retrospective survey of a 10-year period, 1970-1980, eight patients were identified at Hartford Hospital (Hartford, Conn.) whose blood cultures were positive for nongonococcal, nonmeningococcal neisseriae. In four patients, the neisseria blood isolates were associated with serious infections: two with endocarditis, one with sepsis, and one with meningitis. In four other patients, the neisseria blood isolates were contaminants.
Hypertonic saline solutions in brain injury.

Purpose of reviewHypertonic saline solutions have received renewed attention as effective agents for the treatment of cerebral edema and in brain resuscitation in a variety of brain injury paradigms. Although evidence of the beneficial action of hypertonic saline solutions in traumatic brain injury
Behavioral and physiological responses of dairy goats to isolation.

Abstract Eight Nubian and eight Alpine dairy goat does were used in a crossover experimental design to determine the effect of 30 min of isolation on behavior and plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol, norepinephrine (NOR), and epinephrine (EPI). Isolation was hypothesized to produce an emotional state analogous to fear. Focal animal behavior was recorded for the initial five min of isolation. Blood samples were obtained via jugular cannulae at 0 (immediately prior), 10, 20, 30 (during isolation), 40, 50 and 60 min (after return to their group). Response to isolation was characterized physiologically by increased plasma concentrations of NOR (p
Supporting communication in young children with developmental disabilities.

The behavior of parents, adult caregivers, and peers comprises the critical features of community support for the development of communication in young children with developmental disabilities. In a bio-ecological model of development, communication development is the result of the interactions of individuals with specific characteristics, in particular contexts over time. From the perspective of this model, foundational findings of intervention research to current views of communication development in children with developmental disabilities are summarized. The contributions of individual child characteristics to child-caregiver interactions that support language development are illustrated based on research with children who have autism, Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and children who use augmentative communication systems. Parent-child interaction and the quality and quantity of parent talk are discussed as factors in children's language development. The effects of young children's delayed language on their interactions with peers, the contributions of peers to children's language learning and use, and the critical features of classroom settings that support child language development are reviewed. MRDD Research Reviews 7:143-150, 2001.
Percutaneous lumbar disc decompression

Percutaneous Lumbar Diskectomy, or PLDD, is the third generation in the evolution of percutaneous techniques to treat herniated lumbar discs. Until the development of the percutaneous techniques, the hallmark of the surgical therapy for a disc herniation was to remove the herniated fragment of disc, and to follow the fragment into the disc space to remove as much of the nuclear material as possible. Even in the best of surgical hands, and with the most selective of patient candidates, there is still a five to ten percent failure rate of this surgery. One of the causes of surgical failure is recurrent herniation of the same disc.
Pheromonal advertisement of a nuptial gift by a male moth (Utetheisa ornatrix).

Abstract Male Utetheisa ornatrix produce a courtship pheromone (hydroxydanaidal) that they derive from systemic pyrrolizidine alkaloid of plant origin. Pheromone titers in males correlate with systemic levels of alkaloid and with the quantity of alkaloid transmitted to the female at mating. The male's emission of pheromone during courtship may therefore communicate his possession of protective alkaloids and his capacity to provision the female. By mating preferentially with males endowed with hydroxydanaidal, females may ensure their acquisition of an alkaloidal gift for use in egg defense.
A Dosimetric Comparison of Electronic Compensation, Conventional Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy, and Tomotherapy in Patients With Early-Stage Carcinoma of the Left Breast

Purpose: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has been shown to significantly reduce dose to normal tissue while maintaining coverage of the clinical target volume (CTV) in patients with intact breast cancer. We compared delivery of whole breast irradiation utilizing three techniques: electronic tissue compensation (ECOMP), inverse-planned dynamic multileaf collimation IMRT (DMLC), and tomotherapy (TOMO). Patients and Methods: Ten patients with early stage, left-sided breast cancer were selected for planning. CTV was defined as breast encompassed in a standard tangent field minus the superficial 5 mm from the skin edge. Normal tissue contours included the heart, lungs, and contralateral breast. Plans included delivery of 45 Gy in 25 fractions and were normalized to ensure ≥95% coverage of the CTV. Isodose distributions and dose–volume histograms for CTV and normal tissue were compared between plans. The time it took to plan each patient excluding contouring, as well as number of monitor units (MUs) required to execute each plan were additionally tabulated. Results: The TOMO plans resulted in significantly greater heterogeneity (CTV V 115 ) versus ECOMP ( p = 0.0029). The ECOMP plans resulted in significantly lower doses to heart, lung, and contralateral breast when compared with TOMO plans. The ECOMP plans were generated in the shortest time (12 min) and resulted in the lowest number of MUs when compared with DMLC ( p = 0.002, p p = 0.0015, p Conclusions: The ECOMP plans produced superior dose distributions in both the CTV and normal tissue when compared with TOMO or DMLC plans. In addition, ECOMP plans resulted in the lowest number of MUs and labor cost.
Packaging Considerations for a Compact Reconfigurable RF Tuner with a Broadband Tuning Range

This paper presents RF packaging issues involved in developing a reconfigurable RF tuner that provides a broadband impedance match to various antenna loads. The results show how changes in the architcuture still achieve a high degree of tunability with low insertion loss.
The effect of goodness onencoding time in visual pattern discrimination

Previous results have implied that pattern goodness, as defined by rotation/reflection equivalence set size, is a determinant of encoding time. A direct test of this implication was made via a discrete RT task using good and poor dot patterns in a two-stimulus discrimination. The following discrimination conditions were used: (1) good vs good; (2) poor vs poor; and (3) good vs poor. Overall RTs for Conditions 1 and 3 were equal, but each was significantly faster than Condition 2. In the first two conditions, there was no difference in RT within pairs and no consistent transitive ordering of the patterns. In Condition 3, however, the good pattern consistently produced the smaller RT. These results indicate that patterns of equal goodness are equally encodable, and the better the pattern, the faster it is encoded. In addition, there was evidence that pattern similarity affects RT.
Neuroanatomical studies of period gene expression in the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta.

In the nervous system of the hawkmoth, Manduca sexta, cells expressing the period (per)gene were mapped by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical methods. Digoxigenin-labeled riboprobes were transcribed from a 1-kb M. sextaper cDNA. Monoclonal anti-PER antibodies were raised to peptide antigens translated from both M. sexta and Drosophila melanogasterper cDNAs. These reagents revealed a widespread distribution of per gene products in M. sexta eyes, optic lobes, brains, and retrocerebral complexes. Labeling for per mRNA was prominent in photoreceptors and in glial cells throughout the brain, and in a cluster of 100–200 neurons adjacent to the accessory medulla of the optic lobes. Daily rhythms of per mRNA levels were detected only in glial cells. PER-like immunoreactivity was observed in nuclei of most neurons and glial cells and in many photoreceptor nuclei. Four neurosecretory cells in the pars lateralis of each brain hemisphere exhibited both nuclear and cytoplasmic staining with anti-PER antibodies. These cells were positively identified as Ia1 neurosecretory cells that express corazonin immunoreactivity. Anti-corazonin labeled their projections in the brain and their neurohemal endings in the corpora cardiaca and corpora allata. Four pairs of PER-expressing neurosecretory cells previously described in the silkmoth, Anthereae pernyi, are likely to be homologous to these PER/corazonin-expressing Ia1 cells of M. sexta. Other findings, such as widespread nuclear localization of M. sexta PER and rhythmic expression in glial cells, are reminiscient of the period gene of D. melanogaster, suggesting that some functions of per may be conserved in this lepidopteran species. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:366–380, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Medical Applications of Piezoelectric Microelectromechanical Systems

Bulk piezoelectric ceramics and single crystals are widely used in medical applications, including medical ultrasonic imaging, therapeutic ultrasound, and drug delivery. This paper reviews possibilities for thin film micromachined components as alternatives to the bulk devices. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of a CMOS-compatible ultrasound system. For this purpose, a piezoelectric ultrasound system on a Si substrate was fabricated using a diaphragm geometry transducer with PZT films. A 1-D array of 8 elements was designed and fabricated using 4 photolithography steps. Cavities under the resonating elements were obtained by XeF2 etching from the top-side of the wafer. Capacitance and admittance spectra showed a resonance at ∼ 42 MHz for the fabricated structures with a quality factor of 2.1, this resonance was higher than the one predicted by the natural frequency equation for circular plate. Catch- and pitch-mode tests were performed in water. Sensing and actuating functionalities were d...
Telavancin: a novel lipoglycopeptide antimicrobial agent.

Purpose. The pharmacology, activity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, safety, dosage, and place in therapy of telavancin are reviewed. Summary. Telavancin is a lipoglycopeptide antimicrobial agent under development for use in the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-positive infections. Telavancin, like vancomycin, inhibits cell-wall biosynthesis by binding to late-stage cell-wall precursors. However, unlike vancomycin, telavancin also depolarizes the bacterial cell membrane and disrupts its functional integrity. Telavancin has concentration-dependent bactericidal activity and is active against gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic organisms. It is highly protein bound (93%) and has a volume of distribution of 115 mL/kg and a half-life of approximately eight hours. Telavancin is eliminated renally, and a dosage reduction is required in renally impaired patients. Animal models suggest that telavancin may be effective in the treatment of soft-tissue infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, meningitis, and pneumonia caused by gram-positive pathogens. Telavancin was not inferior to standard treatment for complicated skin and soft-tissue infections in two Phase II clinical trials and two Phase III clinical trials. A new drug application has been submitted for this indication, and Phase III trials to evaluate use in hospital-acquired-pneumonia, including infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are planned. Adverse effects include metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, headache, foamy urine, Q-Tc-interval prolongation, hypokalemia, and serum creatinine increases. In trials evaluating telavancin for skin and soft-tissue infections, the dosage was 10 mg/kg i.v. once daily. Conclusion. Telavancin is a promising new agent for gram-positive infections and may offer an alternative to vancomycin for MRSA-associated infections.
Estimating soil water content from soil strength

Abstract Variable rate application technology requires real time estimates of field water contents. This study was conducted to evaluate soil strength as a possible indicator of soil water content. The study involved measurement of soil strength with flat tip and cone penetrometers on laboratory packed soil cores. Packing treatment varied from Proctor Test (PT) bulk densities to densities similar to those of cultivated field soils. Soils used in the study included 18 benchmark soil series representing eight soil orders. Soil samples were from the surface 300 mm depth and from a subsurface layer. Soil strength tests were run at PT densities for all 18 soils and at cultivated field densities for four of the 18 soils. Two equations were fitted to plots of gravimetric water content versus soil strength using least squares nonlinear regression techniques. Predicted and measured water contents were in better agreement at the PT densities than at cultivated field densities. Sand content accounted for 36% of the variation in equation parameters at PT densities.
The pharmacotherapy of relapse prevention using anticonvulsants.

This review of anticonvulsants for relapse prevention in substance abusers focuses on a series of clinical trials among cocaine abusers. Based on a preclinical rationale linking kindling with drug craving, several studies by Halikas et al. found reductions in cocaine use and craving among “compliant” subjects with blood levels above 4 u/ml. Three independent randomized trials found no difference from placebo in cocaine use, although treatment retention may be higher during the first 6 weeks, and alcohol use might be less at follow-up after medication discontinuation.
A Training Approach for Context-Sensitive Skills: An Example with Typeface Selection

Cognitive task analysis and Computer Science have revolutionized training technology with intelligent tutoring systems (Wenger, 1987). However, some key assumptions determine the success of such systems: 1) Student knowledge is rule-based, so that performance may be evaluated according to the presence or absence of rules and 2) The computer and the student have access to the same information about the problem context. In the instructional task domain we are addressing–-typeface selection–-neither assumption is appropriate. Each selection emerges as an interaction with the parameters and contingencies of the particular problem (Suchman, 1987). Furthermore, an important property of typeface is its evocative or emotional power–-a property that cannot be represented adequately in a computer.Our objective is to develop a satisfactory compromise using computer-aided instruction, specifically for the domain of typeface selection. Following Clancey (1983) and Winograd & Flores (1986), we recognize that some of th...
Declining HIV incidence among women in the United States.

1A combined measure of risk was used, that included behaviors such as having had 5 or more sex partners, exchanged sex for money or drugs, had a male sex partner who had sex with men or injected drugs, had a sex partner who was HIV-positive, injected drugs or used crack cocaine or methamphetamines, or was treated for an STD.
Rest and Exercise Cardiac Output and Diffusing Capacity Assessed By a Single Slow Exhalation of Methane, Acetylene, and Carbon Monoxide

To study rest and exercise pulmonary capillary blood flow (Qc) and diffusing capacity (DLexh) assessed by the rapid analysis of methane, acetylene, and carbon monoxide during a single, slow exhalation, we evaluated 36 subjects during first-pass radionuclide angiography (RNA). At rest (N = 36) and at exercise (N = 21) there was no difference in the respective measurements of cardiac output ( Q ˙ c = 6.0 ± 1.7 and CO RNA = 6.9±2.5at rest; Q ˙ c = 13.7 ± 3.2 and CO RNA = 14.5±4.1 at exercise, L/min, mean±SD, r=.80). Mild maldistribution of ventilation, as manifested by an increased phase 3 alveolar slope for methane (CH 4 slope), did not significantly influence the results. CH 4 slope and DLexh did increase significantly with exercise, while total lung capacity remained unchanged (CH 4 slope: 6.2±5.0 vs 12.5±6.8 %ΔCH 4 /L, mean ±SD, p RNA (r=.68) and RNA stroke volume (r=.50). Q ˙ c was significantly less than CO RNA in the subset of studies with valvular regurgitation (VHD) (N = 7). On the other hand, Qc was significantly greater than CO RNA in the setting of coronary artery disease (CAD) and severe wall motion abnormalities (N = 7). These differences may be attributed to regurgitant fractions in VHD, and the influence of wall motion abnormalities on the estimation of left ventricular volume by the area-length method in CAD. These two noninvasive methods compare well at rest and exercise in clinical subjects and may provide complementary information in certain cardiopulmonary diseases.
Wheat-rhizoplane pseudomonads as antagonists of Gaeumannomyces graminis

Abstract The role of rhizoplane-inhabiting Pseudomonas spp as inhibitors of take-all on wheat was investigated. Apparent numbers of pseudomonads in wheat rhizoplanes and numbers that were antagonistic in vitro toward Gaeumannomyces graminis var, tritici did not differ when wheat was supplied with NH + 4 -N or NO − 3 -N. More intense antagonism was expressed by colonies selected from soil treated with NH + 4 -N than with NO − 3 -N, and from isolation media prepared at pH 5.5 rather than at 7.0. Antagonists were not recovered from methyl bromide-treated soil. Highly antagonistic pseudomonads were recovered from a wheat-monoculture soil which is considered suppressive toward the pathogen in the field, and were not recovered from a “nonsuppressive” soil. Pseudomonad antagonism ratings were inversely correlated with take-all severity in the suppressive soil, but not in the nonsuppressive soil. Pseudomonads were considered to be antagonists of G. graminis on rhizoplanes of wheat in a soil exhibiting the “take-all decline” phenomenon, but the significance of this interaction remains to be determined.
Endothelial cell toll-like receptor 4 regulates fibrosis-associated angiogenesis in the liver.

Angiogenesis defines the growth of new blood vessels from preexisting vascular endothelial networks and corresponds to the wound healing process that is typified by the process of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is also associated with increased endotoxin within the gut lumen and its associated portal circulation. However, the interrelationship of gut endotoxin and its receptor, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), with liver fibrosis and associated angiogenesis remains incompletely defined. Here, using complementary genetic, molecular, and pharmacological approaches, we provide evidence that the pattern recognition receptor that recognizes endotoxin, TLR4, which is expressed on liver endothelial cells (LECs), regulates angiogenic responses both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies have revealed a key role for a cognate TLR4 effector protein, myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88), in this process, which culminates in extracellular protease production that regulates the invasive capacity of LECs, a key step in angiogenesis. Furthermore, TLR4-dependent angiogenesis in vivo corresponds to fibrosis in complementary liver models of fibrosis. Conclusion: These studies provide evidence that the TLR4 pathway in LECs regulates angiogenesis through its MyD88 effector protein by regulating extracellular protease production and that this process is linked to the development of liver fibrosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;)
The structure of glass: Past, present, and prescient

Abstract Models of CRN glasses are briefly reviewed and compared with real glasses. Geometrical and field theories of glass structure are mentioned and the potential for future development indicated. A new temperature dependent parameter differing from the glass transition temperature is introduced and related to a few experiments.
18F-FDG PET/CT Findings and Circulating Tumor Cell Counts in the Monitoring of Systemic Therapies for Bone Metastases from Breast Cancer

Our objective was to compare the predictive significance of 18F-FDG PET/CT findings and circulating tumor cell (CTC) count in patients with bone metastases from breast cancer treated with standard systemic therapy. Methods: Breast cancer patients with progressive bone-only metastatic disease without visceral metastases starting a new line of systemic therapy underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and had CTC counts determined before and during treatment. Disease status was reassessed by CTC count (≥5 vs.
Decomposition of methane with an autocatalytically reduced nickel catalyst

Abstract Thermal decomposition of nickel acetate ( T > 300 °C ) dispersed on either silica or cordierite supports resulted in a mixture of Ni0/NiO that was catalytically active for the decomposition of methane to produce CO-free hydrogen, without the need for any pretreatment (i.e., using H2 at high temperature (>500 °C) for at least 2 h). The carbon yield (gC/gNi) for the catalysts supported on SiO2 ( ∼ 200 – 300 m 2 /g) increased with an increase in the catalyst NiO mean crystallite size. XRD and FE-SEM studies confirmed the formation of graphitic-type carbon filaments during the methane decomposition.