cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term treatment with sulindac in familial adenomatous polyposis: A prospective cohort study

Abstract Background & Aims: Management of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) can consist of colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). Sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, causes regression of colorectal adenomas in the retained rectal segment of FAP patients, although long-term use of this therapy has not been studied. We evaluated the long-term effectiveness and toxicity of sulindac in attempting to maintain retained rectal segments free of adenomas. Methods: Twelve FAP patients (5 women), mean age 37.1 years, with IRA received sulindac (mean dosage, 158 mg/day) for a mean period of 63.4 ± 31.3 months (range, 14–98 months). Number, size, and histologic grade of polyps, side effects, and medication compliance were assessed every 4 months. Results: Seven of 12 patients (58%) remained in the study (6 of these polyp-free) for a mean of 76.9 ± 27.5 months. Five of 12 patients (42%) withdrew from the trial after a mean follow-up period of 44 ± 28 months (range, 14–89 months). A significant regression of polyp number was observed in all patients at 12 months ( P = 0.039) and at a mean of 63.4 ± 31.3 months ( P = 0.006). Prevention of recurrence of higher-grade adenomas (tubulovillous, villous adenomas) was also observed ( P = 0.004). At 35 months of follow-up, 1 patient developed stage III cancer in the rectal stump. The most common side effect was rectal mucosal erosions in 6 patients. Conclusions: Long-term use of sulindac seems to be effective in reducing polyp number and preventing recurrence of higher-grade adenomas in the retained rectal segment of most FAP patients. Erosions at the IRA site can preclude adequate dose maintenance. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;122:641-645
Behavior of amorphous semiconductor films between asymmetric electrodes

Abstract The paper describes switching observations made on chalcogenide glass films deposited on germanium substrates, and shows that they cannot be accounted for by any simple rectifier-and-switch-in-series model. The germanium-glass interface evidently plays a special role in determining switch behavior as far as (a) voltage-current relationships, and (b) resistance-time relationships are concerned.
Neurocognitive deficits associated with the hepatitis C virus among incarcerated men.

The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine cognitive functioning in inmates with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to investigate relationships among performance on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status-Form A (RBANS; Randolph, 1998). Data from 43 HCV+ inmates were reviewed retrospectively and compared with a sample of HCV– inmates. Significant differences were found on two of five indices (Attention: U = 537.5, p = .003; r = –.32; Total: U = 643.0, p = .048; r = –.22) and four subtests: Coding (U = 326.0, p <.001, r = –.53), Digit Span (U = 634.0, p = .038, r = –.22), Story Memory (U = 625.5, p = .032, r = –.24), and Story Recall (U = 548.5, p = .004, r = –.31), with the HCV group scoring lower on all significant measures. In this study the RBANS proved to be an efficient measure with clinical utility among an HCV population. Within this incarcerated population patterns of performance were “typical” of current literature, with impaired attention appearing earlier ...
Electromagnetic Modulation of Cell Function: Frequency Characterizations of Input Waveforms

The requirement that low level electromagnetic modulation of cell and tissue function appears to require specific amplitude and power frequency relationships is examined. Both real and imaginary (Fourier) axis Laplace transformations are employed. A specific frequency range in the various spectra emerges as relevant to obtain biological response. these frequencies appear to correlate with experimentally observed electrochemical relaxation processes at cell membranes.
Recovery from Salmonella meningitis after treatment with furaltadone (Altafur).

Summary Apparent successful therapy with furaltadone, administered intravenously, of an infant with Sal. schwarzengrund meningitis is described. The patient had failed to recover from the infection after previous treatment with several antibiotics. Furaltadone was tolerated rather well.
A row of external cracks in an elastic half-plane

The plane-strain solution of the problem of a row of external cracks in an elastic half-plane whose faces are uniformly pressurized, is obtained. The stress intensity factor and the strain energy per crack are calculated and their variations with the distance of separation of the cracks are shown.
Educational malpractice: why the courts say no

The courts have refused to award damages to litigants claiming educational malpractice. This article discusses recurring themes in the courts' rationale for their decisions. DISCUSSION focuses on elements of negligence: the duty of care, the breach of duty, injury and proximate cause. (IAH) Language: en
Elevated Endothelin-1 Vasoconstrictor Tone in Prehypertensive Adults

Abstract Background Prehypertension (blood pressure [BP] 120-139/80-89 mm Hg) is an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Currently, it is unknown whether endothelin (ET)-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone is elevated with BP in the prehypertensive range. The aims of this study were to determine whether ET-1 vasoconstrictor tone is elevated in prehypertensive adults and, if so, whether ET-1–mediated vasoconstriction contributes to endothelial vasodilator dysfunction in this population. Methods Forearm blood flow responses to selective ET A receptor blockade (BQ-123; 100 nmol/min) were determined in 26 normotensive adults (age 55 ± 1 years; BP 112 ± 1/72 ± 1 mm Hg) and 30 prehypertensive adults (57 ± 1 years; BP 130 ± 1/80 ± 1 mm Hg). In a subset of participants, forearm blood flow responses to nonselective ET-1 receptor blockade (BQ-123 + BQ-788) were determined. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine (8.0-32.0 μg/100 mL tissue/min) was measured in the absence and presence of selective ET A receptor blockade. Results BQ-123 elicited a significantly greater increase in forearm blood flow in prehypertensive (approximately 20%) than in normotensive (approximately 5%) adults. Addition of BQ-788 resulted in a further increase ( P 0.05) in forearm blood flow in prehypertensive butnot in normotensive adults. Forearm blood flow responses to acetylcholine were lower ( P 0.05) in prehypertensive (4.6 ± 0.3 to 12.6 ± 0.5 mL/100 mL tissue/min) than in normotensive (4.9 ± 0.3 to 14.7 ± 0.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) adults. Co-infusion of BQ-123 did not affect acetylcholine-induced vasodilation in normotensive adults but resulted in an approximately 20% increase ( P 0.05) in prehypertensive adults. Conclusions ET-1–mediated vasoconstrictor tone is elevated with prehypertension, contributing to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation. ET-1 vasoconstriction may underlie the increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in prehypertensive adults.
Dynamometer for rat plantar flexor muscles in vivo.

A dynamometer is designed and fabricated to measure the force output during static and dynamic muscle actions of the plantar flexor muscles of anaesthetised rats in vivo. The design is based on a computer-controlled DC servomotor capable of angular velocities in excess of 17.5 rad s−1. The system controls the range of motion, angular velocity and electrical stimulation of the muscles, while monitoring the force output at the plantar surface of the foot. The force output is measured by a piezo-electric load cell that is rated at 5 kg capacity. Angular velocity and position are measured by a DC tachometer and potentiometer, respectively. All measurement devices are linear (r2=0.9998). The design minimises inertial loading during high-speed angular motions, with a variation in force output of less than 0.2%. The dynamometer proves to be an accurate and reliable system for quantifying static and dynamic forces of rat plantar flexor muscles in vivo.
Using VRML in construction industry applications

This paper describes initial research using the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML97) in construction industry applications. The modeling of steel structures and construction equipment as objects for inclusion in construction-site world models was studied. The ultimate goal is to provide three-dimensional web-based technologies for managing, accessing, and viewing construction project information.
Teenage dropouts and drug use: Does the specification of peer group structure matter?

Abstract Four alternative structures of peer groups are compared in an empirical analysis of teenage dropouts and recent drug use. In general, individual-specific covariates remain robust regardless of group structure specification in dropout models, but lose significance in models of drug-use. Estimates of correlated school effects depend on the specification of group structure. Contextual group effects have no influence on the probability that an individual uses drugs, but demonstrate some statistical significance, albeit ambiguous and strongly dependent on the specification of group structure. Endogenous peer effects do not influence the probability of dropping-out of school, but exhibit positive complementarities with respect to recent drug-use. Modeling the probabilities of leaving school and recent drug-use within a jointly distributed empirical framework indicates that unobserved attributes bridging the two types of behavior demonstrate positive correlation.
Drug-resistant viruses may repair impaired fitness by mutations outside the drug target site.

Evaluation of: Ray N, Blackburn LA, Doms RW: HR-2 mutations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp41 restore fusion kinetics delayed by HR-1 mutations that cause clinical resistance to enfuvirtide. J. Virol. 83(7), 2989–2995 (2009). During the treatment of HIV infection with viral fusion inhibitors derived from HIV-1 gp41 heptad repeat (HR)-2 regions, drug-induced mutations have been observed not only in the HR-1 region that contains the target sites for the inhibitors, but also the HR-2 region, which is outside the inhibitor target site. Using a kinetic cell–cell fusion assay, Ray et al. have demonstrated that the HR-1 mutation, which helps viruses to escape from treatment challenge, significantly delays fusion kinetics, leaving viruses more vulnerable to the host immune defense system, thus reducing the fitness of the virus. However, the mutations in the HR-2 region restore the delayed fusion kinetics close to its original level, partially repairing the impaired fitness caused by the mutations in the...
Binding of nuclear proteins to a conserved histone H1t promoter element suggests an important role in testis-specific transcription

The testis-specific histone H1t gene is transcribed only in primary spermatocytes during spermatogenesis. Recently, expression of the rat gene was shown to be limited to primary spermatocytes in transgenic mice, revealing that promoter elements sufficient for regulating tissue-specific transcription were present in the cloned rat gene. In this study the mouse histone H1t gene has been cloned, and sequenced and its promoter region has been compared to the rat H1t promoter with regard to conserved elements and protein binding activity. The amino acid sequence of each of the three H1t coding region domains is conserved when compared to the homologous domain in H1t derived from other species. H1t mRNA is found only in testis, where it accumulates to a high steady-state level, and examination of enriched testis cell populations shows that expression is limited to primary spermatocytes. Protein binding assays using nuclear extracts from various mouse tissues reveal testis-specific binding to TE1 and TE2, imperfect inverted repeat elements within the larger TE element. Although the H1t promoter contains an Sp1 consensus motif within the H1t/TE element, binding of testis Sp1 to the motif could not be detected using specific anti-Sp1 antibodies.
Effect of tetracycline on chondrocyte mitochondria--an explanation of tetracycline-induced defects of mineralized tissues.

Abstract To investigate the mechanism of tetracycline (TC)-induced defects of mineralization, the effect of the antibiotic on Ca2+ transport by chick chondrocyte mitochondria was studied. Multiple injections of TC resulted in a profound drop in the intramitochondrial Ca2+ concentration and an increase in the serum Ca2+ level. The antibiotic caused a reduction in Ca2+ uptake and an increase in Ca2+ efflux from the mitochondria in vitro; in the presence of 1 mM TC, the effect on efflux was greater than uptake. The addition of ATP to TC-treated mitochondria did not prevent Ca2+ release. Using rat liver mitochondria, it was found that. while the antibiotic had an oligomycin-like effect on respiration, this inhibitory action could be prevented by preincubating the organelles with 10 mM Mg2+ The results of the studies both in vitro and in vivo suggest that TC interferes with mitochondrial Ca2+ translocation. It is concluded that critical levels of intramitochondrial Ca2+ are prerequisite for the normal mineralization process and that interference with Ca2+ accumulation leads to defective mineralization.
Development and Evaluation of an Integrated Asthma Awareness Curriculum for the Elementary School Classroom

Asthma is one of the most common causes of school absenteeism, and many children are affected by, or encounter, it in the school setting. An integrated curriculum that presents asthma as a real world example can raise all children’s awareness and understanding of asthma, not just those with the condition. A 15-lesson, asthma-based curriculum was developed to integrate with and enhance the core subjects of math, science, and communication arts. A pilot test was performed in fourth- and fifth-grade classes to assess student asthma knowledge gain, teacher acceptance, and grade appropriateness of the curriculum. During the 2006–2007 school year, 15 teachers were recruited from the St. Louis, MO, USA area to assess the curriculum through teaching and administering pre- and post-unit tests and completing a teacher evaluation for each lesson taught. Four additional classrooms served as comparisons. Paired t tests were used for each lesson taught, to evaluate pre-/post-test and classroom differences, and focus groups were used for qualitative evaluation. There was an increase in asthma knowledge between pre- and post-tests in both grades, individually and combined (p < 0.001). Intervention post-test scores were higher than comparison classroom scores (p < 0.001). Teacher feedback indicated that the lessons enhanced previously learned skills and increased students’ overall understanding of asthma. Offering asthma education in the classroom can provide an opportunity for all students to gain asthma knowledge and build health literacy about a leading chronic disease in school-aged children.
Structural studies of oligosaccharides of rat IgE and reexamination of the high-mannose oligosaccharide of human IgE.

Abstract The structures of the Oligosaccharides present on a rat immunoglobulin E myeloma protein have been determined. The high-mannose-type structures are heterogenous with a variable number of mannose residues attached to an N,N′ -diacetylchitobiose core. The smallest such structure was determined to be Manα1 → 6(Manα1 → 3)Manα1 → 6(Manα1 → 3)Manβ1 → GlcNAc → GlcNAc peptide. Larger structures contain additional mannose residues linked α1 → 2 to the terminal mannose residues. The spectrum of structures obtained was similar to that present at Asn 563 of human IgM. The complex-type chains are mainly biantennary chains with the structure: A reexamination of the oligosaccharides present on human IgE high mannose glycopeptide C-1 using digestion with endo -β- N -acetylglucosaminidases C II and D and αmannosidase suggest that their structures are like those on the rat IgE molecule rather than like the structure which had been previously proposed ( J. Baenziger, S. Kornfeld and S. Kochwa, 1974 , J. Biol. Chem. 249 , 1889–1896).
Using biointelligence to search the cancer genome: an epistemological perspective on knowledge recovery strategies to enable precision medical genomics.

Genomic profiling is beginning to extend beyond the many applications in discovery research toward direct medical applications that hold the promise of more precise and individualized health-care delivery. There are many barriers and challenges that still need to be overcome before ‘Precision Medical Genomics’ can deliver the promise of more informed patient care, not the least of which is the unmet need for a new conceptual framework for recovering, understanding and translating potentially useful information from a single genome. Although a wide spectrum of scientific strategies, bioinformatic approaches, IT tools and knowledge resources have been developed to support discovery research, the interpretive requirements for recovering clinically useful insights from an individual's genome are different in many ways from those of traditional research goals. In this study, we compare and contrast the fundamental conceptual differences that distinguish ‘research’ to discover generalized knowledge from ‘search’ to recover individualized knowledge. We also consider the merits of applying evidence-based medicine and traditional scientific methods when n=1, and consider an alternative perspective based on a translational engineering approach and intelligence for interpreting genomic information from an individual case. Although the general idea of biological intelligence-based knowledge recovery that we introduce here can be broadly applied for personal genomics across many indications in medicine, we make a case that the need for adopting such a paradigm is greatest for supporting the management of complex diseases, and particularly suited for supporting therapeutic decisions in medical oncology. Early concepts for designing and implementing this kind of ‘BioIntelligence’ solution will be discussed. We also review the anticipated challenges of implementing genomic analysis and biological intelligence-based solutions in the practice of medical oncology by discussing some of the related pragmatic considerations for deploying the first generation of a ‘Precision Medical Genomics’ solution that can evolve and improve over time.
Recovery of Viable Bacteria from Probiotic Products that Target Oral Health

Probiotic therapy has predominantly been directed toward promoting and maintaining intestinal health. In recent years, however, probiotic regimens that target oral health have appeared on the market. These regimens are often delivered in the form of lozenges. Despite the oral health claims made by the manufacturers of these products, there is little independent evidence in the literature to support such claims. In theory, probiotic organisms can be beneficial by several different means including direct inhibition of pathogens and boosting of the host immune response, with the underlying assumption that these mechanisms require a critical number of viable organisms. In this study, five brands of probiotics marketed for oral health were tested for the recovery of viable bacteria. For only one brand could viable bacteria be recovered within one log of the manufacturer’s stated starting amount of bacteria. Nearly, a billion viable bacteria could be recovered from a lozenge of this brand. The other brands claimed similar starting amounts of bacteria at the time of manufacture but at least a three-log drop-off was observed in the amount of viable bacteria recovered from those products. Refrigeration of the probiotics significantly improved the recovery for one brand, but recoveries for all but one brand remained below the recommended daily dosage for probiotic regimens. It is concluded that probiotic brands differ significantly in the quantities of bacteria that remain viable with most failing to meet recommended dosage targets.
Regression analysis of Ames test data.

Weighted least squares estimation is used for fitting nonlinear models to Ames test data. The models are biologically plausible, incorporating mutagenicity, toxicity, and/or saturation. Regressions are weighted to compensate for variance that changes with mean and to attain outlier resistance.
Training Psychologists for Service Delivery in Long‐Term Care Settings

Population changes have resulted in a growing number of older individuals in long-term care settings, and an impetus for training professionals competent to meet their specialized needs. Working in the environment of long-term care requires the professional to be attuned to the unique needs of the patients and staff. Specific tasks, such as psychological assessment, competency determinations, work within the structure of an interdisciplinary team, and staff development, are reviewed here in relation to work in this setting. Guidelines for training at the various levels, along with resources are also discussed.
Structure of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis d-Alanine:d-Alanine Ligase, a Target of the Antituberculosis Drug d-Cycloserine

D-alanine:D-alanine ligase (EC 6.3.2.4; Ddl) catalyzes the ATP-driven ligation of two D-alanine (D-Ala) molecules to form the D-alanyl:D-alanine dipeptide. This molecule is a key building block in peptidoglycan biosynthesis, making Ddl an attractive target for drug development. D-Cycloserine (DCS), an analog of D-Ala and a prototype Ddl inhibitor, has shown promise for the treatment of tuberculosis. Here, we report the crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ddl at a resolution of 2.1 A. This structure indicates that Ddl is a dimer and consists of three discrete domains; the ligand binding cavity is at the intersection of all three domains and conjoined by several loop regions. The M. tuberculosis apo Ddl structure shows a novel conformation that has not yet been observed in Ddl enzymes from other species. The nucleotide and D-alanine binding pockets are flexible, requiring significant structural rearrangement of the bordering regions for entry and binding of both ATP and D-Ala molecules. Solution affinity and kinetic studies showed that DCS interacts with Ddl in a manner similar to that observed for D-Ala. Each ligand binds to two binding sites that have significant differences in affinity, with the first binding site exhibiting high affinity. DCS inhibits the enzyme, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 0.37 mM under standard assay conditions, implicating a preferential and weak inhibition at the second, lower-affinity binding site. Moreover, DCS binding is tighter at higher ATP concentrations. The crystal structure illustrates potential drugable sites that may result in the development of more-effective Ddl inhibitors.
Influence of ouabain on contractile force, resting tension, Ca45 entry and tissue Ca content in rat atria.

As was the case with guinea pig atria, ouabain induced a small but significant increment in Ca45 uptake and a drop of tissue Ca content in rat atria during the positive inotropic effect. In ouabain contractures, the uptake rate increased 87% to 170% and there was little increase in tissue Ca. Concentrations of the glycosides required to produce a positive inotropic effect and contracture in rat atria were 100- to 200-fold greater than those required in guinea pig atria.
A small universal model for system executions

The author shows that every consistent set of atomic relations has a unified model of size roughly O(n/sup 2/). This model can be used to give a simplified proof of completeness of some axioms. He gives several complexity results for deciding the theory of several classes of axiom sets, for both partial models and global-time models, showing many such variations to have the same complexity as transitive closure or matrix multiplication. The author shows that deciding disjunctive axioms is NP-complete for both the global-time and the standard model. >
Evaluation of the Role of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α (PPARα in Mouse Liver Tumor Induction by Trichloroethylene and Metabolites

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an industrial solvent and a widespread environmental contaminant. Induction of liver cancer in mice by TCE is thought to be mediated by two metabolites, dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA), both of which are themselves mouse liver carcinogens. TCE, TCA, and DCA are relatively weak peroxisome proliferators (PP), a group of rodent hepatocarcinogens that activate a nuclear receptor, PP-activated receptor α (PPARα. The objective of this review is to assess the weight of evidence (WOE) that PPARα is or is not mechanistically involved in mouse liver tumor induction by TCE and metabolites. Based on similarities of TCE and TCA to typical PP, including dose-response characteristics showing PPARα-dependent responses coincident with liver tumor induction and abolishment of TCE and TCA effects in PPARα-null mice, the WOE supports the hypothesis that PPARα plays a dominant role in TCE- and TCA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Data indicates that the MOA for DCA tumor induction is P...
Increasing assessment effectiveness in a time of decreasing budgets

Challenged by the current economic downturn, engineering programs lack room in their budgets to increase efforts for improving assessment, yet still face pressures from accreditation and educational stakeholders to do so. This paper presents an innovative practice focused on promoting engineering-classroom assessment of student learning with efforts to overcome these challenges. The practice proposes a solution from three angles: establishment and use of learn assessment techniques is presented which builds on previous work and offers novel methods for classroom assessment. Early results are discussed for assessment techniques currently in use, including an innovative feedback tool. Those seeking ways to improve teaching and learning through assessment will find effective tools as well as implications of ABET accreditation. Future work includes evaluation of the assessment techniques currently being piloted and research implications fro integrating assessment into the culture of engineering education department.
Goal theory, motivation, and school achievement: An integrative review.

The purpose of this review is to document the directions and recent progress in our understanding of the motivational dynamics of school achievement. Based on the accumulating research it is concluded that the quality of student learning as well as the will to continue learning depends closely on an interaction between the kinds of social and academic goals students bring to the classroom, the motivating properties of these goals and prevailing classroom reward structures. Implications for school reform that follow uniquely from a motivational and goal-theory perspective are also explored.
Quantifying constraint to assess development in ecological networks

[J. Theor. Biol. 85 (1980) 223; Complexity in Ecological System Series (1997) 201] Ascendency index of community growth and development is based, in part, upon the Average Mutual Information (AMI) index of [J. Theor. Biol. 57 (1976) 355]. AMI is an average of mutual constraint on a quantum of material or energy in networks and is reputed to quantify development of ecological systems. The derivation of AMI is explained, and its meaning is illustrated with examples. We compared the AMI to an alternative application of Shannon's Theory of Communication to networks. The alternative index, which we have termed the Constraint Efficiency (CE) Index, relies upon a direct quantification of constraint around compartments [sensu Ecology 36 (1955) 536]. Unlike the AMI, where average constraint on a unit of flow in the network is revealed, the CE is based upon a total of the constraints that govern flow out of individual compartments. We compare and contrast the two measures with small networks and discuss their use.
The identity of the small, widespread, synanthropic Pholcus (Araneae, Pholcidae) species in the northeastern United States

Abstract Pholcus manueli and not P. opilionoides is the smaller of the two synanthropic Pholcus of the northeastern and midwestern United States. Figures are provided for distinguishing P. manueli from P. opilionoides, a Eurasian species sometimes confused with P. manueli.
Managing technology and innovation in electronics wafer fabrication with a TQM perspective

Summary form only given. A company's manufacturing function can be used as a formidable competitive weapon if its capabilities are tuned to meet the firm's strategic needs. In the electronics industry, wafer fabrication encompasses the manufacturing processes that create the tiny electronic circuits (or die) on the wafer surface. There is widespread outsourcing of manufacturing in this industry, and the manufacturing function is often viewed as a corporate millstone by top management who tend to overlook manufacturing's ability to strengthen or weaken a company's competitive ability. From the manufacturing perspective, technological innovation is generally incremental and continuous to minimize process disruption. This paper examines some of the contemporary world-class manufacturing practices that promote incremental innovation like concurrent engineering, design for manufacturing, value engineering, manufacturing policy deployment, root cause analysis, daily process management, total productive maintenance, continuous improvement, etc. Managing technology and innovation in manufacturing involves mediating between the external forces for change and the internal forces for stability. This calls for new managerial skills, techniques, styles and ways of thinking. The total quality management (TQM) perspective provides a format for such a change. TQM is a participative form of management with a strong customer satisfaction focus and emphasis on teamwork and management by fact. The implementation of TQM at ABC Corporation and the impact of such a program is discussed in detail.
A man-portable X-band terminal system

The authors outline a concept for a man-portable X-band terminal system that would operate via DSCS (Defense Satellite Communication System) III and other nonprocessing SHF (super high-frequency) satellites. The system data rate and capacity are analyzed, and a design concept that will support 75-2400-b/s data and 2400-b/s digital voice communications is discussed. A demand-assigned multiple-access (DAMA) protocol that will permit 100 or more users to operate in an efficient manner with a minimum of traffic delay is examined. A portable terminal using a small parabolic antenna and weighing less than 25 lb is proposed. Application of the latest technology toward realization of a lightweight unit is discussed, and weight and power budgets are presented for the design. >
A Computational Model of Cardiovascular Physiology and Heart Sound Generation

A computational model of the cardiovascular system is described which provides a framework for implementing and testing quantitative physiological models of heart sound generation. The lumped-parameter cardiovascular model can be solved for the hemodynamic variables on which the heart sound generation process is built. Parameters of the cardiovascular model can be adjusted to represent various normal and pathological conditions, and the acoustic consequences of those adjustments can be explored. The combined model of the physiology of cardiovascular circulation and heart sound generation has promise for application in teaching, training and algorithm development in computer-aided auscultation of the heart.
Psychosocial and socioeconomic burden of vasomotor symptoms in menopause: A comprehensive review

Many women experience vasomotor symptoms at or around the time of menopause. Hot flushes and night sweats are considered primary menopausal symptoms that may also be associated with sleep and mood disturbances, as well as decreased cognitive function. All of these symptoms may lead to social impairment and work-related difficulties that significantly decrease overall quality of life. Hot flushes have shown a great deal of variability in their frequency and severity in women. In some women, hot flushes persist for several months; in others, they may last for more than 10 years. Traditionally vasomotor symptoms were reported to begin 5 to 10 years prior to the cessation of the final menstrual cycle, corresponding with the initial decline in circulating gonadal hormones; however, night sweats in particular most often begin in perimenopause. The pathogenesis of hot flushes has not yet been fully elucidated, but the circuitry involving estrogen and neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and serotonin specifically, are hypothesized to play a major role in the altered homeostatic thermoregulatory mechanisms underlying these events. Menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms are associated with significant direct and indirect costs. Overall costs of traditional pharmacotherapy or complementary and alternative medicine modalities, including over-the-counter treatments and dietary supplements, for managing menopause-related vasomotor symptoms are substantial and include initial and follow-up physician visits and telephone calls. Additional costs include laboratory testing, management of adverse events, loss of productivity at work, and personal and miscellaneous costs. Pharmacoeconomic analyses, including those that consider risks identified by the Women's Health Initiative, generally support the cost-effectiveness of hormonal therapy for menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms, which have been the mainstay for the management of these symptoms for more than 50 years. However, because many women now want to avoid hormone therapy, there is a need for additional targeted therapies, validated by results from controlled clinical trials that are safe, efficacious, cost-effective, and well tolerated by symptomatic menopausal women.
Sketch Tokens: A Learned Mid-level Representation for Contour and Object Detection

We propose a novel approach to both learning and detecting local contour-based representations for mid-level features. Our features, called sketch tokens, are learned using supervised mid-level information in the form of hand drawn contours in images. Patches of human generated contours are clustered to form sketch token classes and a random forest classifier is used for efficient detection in novel images. We demonstrate our approach on both top-down and bottom-up tasks. We show state-of-the-art results on the top-down task of contour detection while being over 200x faster than competing methods. We also achieve large improvements in detection accuracy for the bottom-up tasks of pedestrian and object detection as measured on INRIA and PASCAL, respectively. These gains are due to the complementary information provided by sketch tokens to low-level features such as gradient histograms.
Behavioral Effects of Anticonvulsant Prophylaxis: No Effect or Artifact?

Summary: We examined the effects that may be attributable to current use of anticonvulsants in patients with traumatic head injury. The performances of 15 head-injured matched pairs were compared on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological and psychosocial measures f year post injury. The members of both groups were placed on anticonvulsants, principally phenytoin, immediately after the head injury. The members of one of the groups were still taking the drug at 1 year; the others had discontinued prior to that time. Although the results provided no evidence for appreciable side effects of anticonvulsants on formal neuropsychological or psychosocial measures, some methodological issues need to be considered in the interpretation of results and future studies of drug side effects. RESUMEN Se han examinado los efectos que pueden ser atribuidos al uso de anticonvulsivantes en enfermos con traumatismos craneales. Se compararon las funciones de 15 parejas de traumatismos craneales mediante una bateria comprensiva de medidas neuropsi-cologicas y psicosciales, al ano del traumatismo. Los componentes de ambos grupos fueron tratados con anticonvulsivantes, principalmente fenitoina, inmediatamente despues del traumatismo craneal. Los miembros de uno de los grupos estaban todavia tomando la medicacion al cabo de un ano mientras que los otros la habfan interrumpido con anterioridad. Aunque los resultados no han producido evidencia de efectos colaterales apre-ciables de los anticonvulsivantes en las medidas neuropsicolo-gicas o psicosociales, algunos asuntos metodologicos necesitan ser considerados en la interpretation de los resultados y en es-tudios futuros de los efectos colaterales de la droga. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Wir untersuchten die Wirkungen, die dem Gebrauch von An-tikonvulsiva bei Patienten mit Schadelhirntrauma zugeschreiben werden konnten. Die Ergebnisse von 15 Patienten mit Schadelhirntrauma und entsprechenden Kontrollen wurde anhand neu-ropsychologischer und psychosozialer Testbatterien ein Jahr nach der Verletzung untersucht. Beide Gruppen standen unter Antikonvulsiva, uberwiegend Phenytoin, das unmittelbar nach dem Schadelhirntrauma verabfolgt wurde. Angehorige einer Gruppe nahmem das Medikament noch nach 1 Jahr, wahrend die anderen es schon vorher abgesetzt hatten. Die Ergebnisse erbrachten keine Hinweise einer eindeutigen Nebenwirkung der Antikonvulsiva auf die formale neuropsychologishe und psycho-sozialen Masstabe; einige methodische Fragen mussen bei der Interpretation der Ergebnisse und den weiteren Untersuchungen von Nebeneffekten genauer berucksichtigt werden.
Patterns of Chemokine Receptor Fusion Cofactor Utilization by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Variants from the Lungs and Blood

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is highly compartmentalized, with distinct viral genotypes being found in the lungs, brain, and other organs compared with blood. CCR5 and CXCR4 are the principal HIV-1 coreceptors, and a number of other molecules support entry in vitro but their roles in vivo are uncertain. To address the relationship between tissue compartmentalization and the selective use of entry coreceptors, we generated functional env clones from primary isolates derived from the lungs and blood of three infected individuals and analyzed their use of the principal, secondary, orphan, and virus-encoded coreceptors for fusion. All Env proteins from lung viruses used CCR5 but not CXCR4, while those from blood viruses used CCR5 or CXCR4 or both. The orphan receptor APJ was widely used for fusion by Env proteins from both blood and lung viruses, but none used the cytomegalovirus-encoded receptor US28. Fusion mediated by the secondary coreceptors CCR2b, CCR3, CCR8, and CX3CR1 and orphan receptors GPR1, GPR15, and STRL33 was variable and heterogeneous, with relatively broad utilization by env clones from isolates of one subject but limited use by env clones from the other two subjects. However, there was no clear distinction between blood and lung viruses in secondary or orphan coreceptor fusion patterns. In contrast to fusion, none of the secondary or orphan receptors enabled efficient productive infection. These results confirm, at the level of cofactor utilization, previous observations that HIV-1 populations in the lungs and blood are biologically distinct and demonstrate diversity within lung-derived as well as blood-derived quasispecies. However, the heterogeneity in coreceptor utilization among clones from each isolate and the lack of clear distinction between lung- and blood-derived Env proteins argue against selective coreceptor utilization as a major determinant of compartmentalization.
The production of criminological experiments revisited: the nature and extent of federal support for experimental designs, 2001–2013

To assess the nature and extent of funding for randomized experiments in criminology and criminal justice from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) since 2000. Based on data from official records of grant awards made by NIJ between fiscal years 2001 and 2013, we categorized awards based on whether they were for randomized experiments, non-experimental evaluation research, non-evaluation social science research, social science program support, forensic science and technology research, or forensic science and technology support. While the bulk of NIJ funding goes to forensic science and technology support, among the 800 social science awards we found a total of 99 awards for experiments. Support for the use of experimental designs increased during this 13-year period and was substantially greater than the support for the use of experimental designs in the 1990s. The awards for experiments between 2001 and 2013 went to a variety of researchers and research organizations and addressed a wide array of criminal justice program areas. Our findings document a marked increase in funding for experiments in recent years compared to the 1991–2000 period, when just 21 awards were made for experimental work. These findings suggest that NIJ has responded to a series of critiques regarding the methodological quality of funded projects by placing a greater emphasis on high-quality social science research.
What is in a Smile

Women have been observed to smile more than men in a variety of social contexts. In order to investigate the consequences of this sex difference for the way men and women are perceived, male and fe...
Topographic and soil influences on root productivity of three bioenergy cropping systems

Successful modeling of the carbon (C) cycle requires empirical data regarding species-specific root responses to edaphic characteristics. We address this need by quantifying annual root production of three bioenergy systems (continuous corn, triticale/sorghum, switchgrass) in response to variation in soil properties across a toposequence within a Midwestern agroecosystem. Using ingrowth cores to measure annual root production, we tested for the effects of topography and 11 soil characteristics on root productivity. Root production significantly differed among cropping systems. Switchgrass root productivity was lowest on the floodplain position, but root productivity of annual crops was not influenced by topography or soil properties. Greater switchgrass root production was associated with high percent sand, which explained 45% of the variation. Percent sand was correlated negatively with soil C and nitrogen and positively with bulk density, indicating this variable is a proxy for multiple important soil properties. Our results suggest that easily measured soil parameters can be used to improve model predictions of root productivity in bioenergy switchgrass, but the edaphic factors we measured were not useful for predicting root productivity in annual crops. These results can improve C cycling modeling efforts by revealing the influence of cropping system and soil properties on root productivity.
Characterization of 10 microsatellite markers for the understorey Amazonian herb Heliconia acuminata

We characterized 10 microsatellite loci for the plant Heliconia acuminata from the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project (Manaus, Brazil). Markers were screened in 61 individuals from one population and were found to be polymorphic with an average of eight alleles per locus. We found moderate to high levels of polymorphic information content, and observed and expected heterozygosities. All 10 markers are suitable for spatial genetic structure and parentage analyses and will be used for understanding H. acuminata dynamics across a fragmented landscape.
Pipeline Embolization Device as primary treatment for blister aneurysms and iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the internal carotid artery

Background Blood blister type aneurysms (BBAs) and pseudoaneurysms create a unique treatment challenge. Despite many advances in open surgical and endovascular techniques, this subset of patients retains relatively high rates of morbidity and mortality. Recently, BBAs have been treated with flow-diverting stents such as the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) with overall positive results. Methods Four patients presented with dissecting internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms treated with the PED (two BBAs presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), two pseudoaneurysms after injury during endoscopic trans-sphenoidal tumor surgery). Results Three patients had a successful angiographic and neurological outcome. One patient with a BBA re-ruptured during initial PED placement, again in the postoperative period, and later died. Primary PED treatment involved telescoping stents in two patients and coil embolization supplementation in one patient. Conclusions The PED should be used selectively in the setting of acute SAH. Dual antiplatelet therapy can complicate hydrocephalus management, and the lack of immediate aneurysm occlusion creates the risk of short-term re-rupture. PED treatment for iatrogenic ICA pseudoaneurysms can provide a good angiographic and neurological outcome.
Extremely elevated lipoprotein(a), combined hyperlipidemia, and premature atherosclerosis in a Chinese family

Numerous studies implicate either elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), ie, Lp(a), or familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) in the development of premature coronary heart disease (CHD). We report a case of a young man with aggressive CHD who manifested both dyslipidemias. Screening of his daughters readily diagnosed elevated Lp(a) and suggested FCHL; the latter could not be definitively determined by the single sample obtained.
Equity, Growth, and Community: What the Nation Can Learn from America's Metro Areas

In the last several years, much has been written about growing economic challenges, increasing income inequality, and political polarization in the United States. Addressing these new realities in America’s metropolitan regions, this book argues that a few lessons are emerging: first, inequity is bad for economic growth; second, bringing together the concerns of equity and growth requires concerted local action; and third, the fundamental building block for doing this is the creation of diverse and dynamic epistemic (or knowledge) communities, which help to overcome political polarization and to address the challenges of economic restructuring and social divides. “As America bolts toward a more multiracial future in the face of skyrocketing inequality, local leaders are desperately seeking strategies to foster more inclusive growth. Chris Benner and Manuel Pastor’s research uncovers a critical ingredient of success: diverse regional leaders coming together to build a foundation of shared knowledge and advance positive change.” — ANGELA GLOVER BLACKWELL, Founder and CEO, PolicyLink CHRIS BENNER is the Dorothy E. Everett Chair in Global Information and Social Entrepreneurship, Director of the Everett Program for Digital Tools for Social Innovation, and Professor of Environmental Studies and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. His most recent book, coauthored with Manuel Pastor, is Just Growth: Inclusion and Prosperity in America’s Metropolitan Region. His other books include This Could Be the Start of Something Big: How Social Movements for Regional Equity Are Transforming Metropolitan America and Work in the New Economy: Flexible Labor Markets in the New Economy. MANUEL PASTOR is Professor of Sociology and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California, where he also serves as Director of USC’s Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) and Codirector of USC’s Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII). He is the coauthor of Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America’s Future and This Could Be the Start of Something Big: How Social Movements for Regional Equity Are Transforming Metropolitan America.