cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Five-year malignancy incidence in patients with chronic pruritus: a population-based cohort study aimed at limiting unnecessary screening practices.

Background The incidence of malignancy in patients with chronic pruritus and nondiseased skin is unknown. Objective We sought to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of incident overall malignancy and incident malignancy by subtype in patients with chronic pruritus during the 5 years after diagnosis. Methods A population-based cohort study was performed in the Health Improvement Network. In all, 8744 patients with chronic pruritus were matched with 31,580 patients without chronic pruritus based on sex, age, and practice. Primary outcomes were HR of incident malignancy and HR of malignancy subtypes. Results The fully adjusted HR for incident malignancy in patients with chronic pruritus was 1.14 (95% confidence interval 0.98-1.33). The fully adjusted HR for incident hematologic malignancy and incident bile duct malignancy in patients with chronic pruritus was 2.02 (95% confidence interval 1.48-2.75) and 3.73 (95% confidence interval 1.55-8.97), respectively. The incidence of hematologic malignancy and cholangiocarcinoma in patients with chronic pruritus was 0.0016 and 0.0003 per person-year, respectively. Limitations Potential for misclassification and detection biases is a limitation. Conclusions Chronic pruritus without concomitant skin changes is a risk factor for having undiagnosed hematologic and bile duct malignancies, but not other malignancies. The overall incidence of these malignancies in patients with chronic pruritus is very low.
Maintaining stability of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation: antiarrhythmic drugs versus ablation.

In managing atrial fibrillation, the main therapeutic strategies include rate control, termination of the arrhythmia, and pr vention of recurrences and thromboembolic events. Rate control with digoxin, β-blockers, verapamil, and diltiazem may be preferred in drug refractory and sedentary patients with markedly dilated left atrium and atrial fibrillation of long duration. Drugs useful in the maintenance of sinus rhythm include quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide, sotalol, amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, and propafenone. In patients with structural heart disease, the class III antiarrhythmics are the initial drugs of choice, given their neutral effects on survival in a post-myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure population. Due to high recurrence rates with pharmacologic therapy, nonpharmacologic options of therapy include atrioventricular junction ablation, atrial defibrillators, catheter ablation of pulmonary vein foci, and attempts to perform an atrial Maze procedure using catheters. Hybrid therapy using drugs in combination with nonpharmacologic approaches will be used more frequently in the future for refractory patients.
Impact of Restaurant Experience on Brand Image and Customer Loyalty: Moderating Role of Dining Motivation

ABSTRACT This study seeks to determine which restaurant experiences influence the image of a restaurant's brand and formation of customers' loyalty. The research examines the connections among restaurant experiences, brand image, satisfaction, and loyalty in the context of full-service restaurants. This study also investigates the moderating effect of customers' dining motivations on the formation of brand image. The results of this study suggest that: (a) A restaurant's environment and food quality positively influences brand image and customers' satisfaction, (b) customers' perceptions of price fairness do not influence brand image but does affect customers' satisfaction, (c) development of customers' positive brand image does not drive satisfaction but does influence loyalty in full-service restaurants, and (d) customers' dining motivations moderate the relationship between restaurant experiences and perceptions of brand image. These results provide a basis for investigating which restaurant experience...
Elimination and tissue distribution of the monosaccharide lipid A precursor, lipid X, in mice and sheep.

Lipid X (2,3-diacylglucosamine 1-phosphate) is a novel monosaccharide precursor of lipid A (the active moiety of gram-negative endotoxin) and has been found to be protective against endotoxin administered to mice and sheep and against life-threatening gram-negative infections in mice. Because of the need to design optimal dosing regimens in experimental models of ovine and murine septicemia, the pharmacokinetic profile of lipid X was investigated in sheep and in two strains of mice by using 32P-labeled lipid X. In sheep, peak whole blood lipid X levels after a bolus injection of 100 micrograms of lipid X per kg were 900 ng/ml. An initial rapid distribution phase of 7.98 +/- 0.1 min was observed, followed by a prolonged elimination phase of 3.0 +/- 0.5 h; the area under the curve from time zero to infinity was 428 +/- 27 ng.h/ml. The serum half-lives of lipid X were slightly shorter than whole blood half-lives, suggesting that lipid X associates with cellular elements. Metabolites of lipid X could not be detected in serum over a 4-h period. Lipid X appears to accumulate mainly in the liver, and the tissue distribution of lipid X resembles that of lipopolysaccharide. The elimination rate of lipid X in mice was approximately four times as rapid as that seen in sheep. Lipid X pharmacokinetics in lipopolysaccharide-sensitive DBA/2J mice were virtually identical with those seen in endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ mice. The pharmacokinetics described here should greatly aid in the design and interpretation of animal studies investigating the therapeutic applications of lipid X in gram-negative septicemia.
Effect of aqueous alcoholic solvents on counterion-binding to CTAB micelles

Two theories have been proposed to explain the effects of alcohols on micelles: on dealing primarily with the solubilization of alcohols in micelles and the other with the effects of the alcohols on the solvent structure. In an effort to shed more light on the effects of alcohol solutes on micelles, the authors examined the effect of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and t-butanol on the degree of dissociation of micelles over a wide range of alcohol concentration. At low alcohol concentrations, the alteration of micelle structure caused by solubilization of the alcohols is more important than the effects due to modification of the water structure by the alcohols, as indicated by a decrease in the amount of Br/sup -/ bound to CTAB micelles as the alcohol concentration increases. This behavior undergoes a sudden reversal at 0.1 to 0.2 mole fraction alcohol. The reason for this reversal is not clear. (38 refs.)
Cultural Differences in Equity Theory Predictions of Relational Maintenance Strategies.

This study examined whether the theoretic role of equity in predicting relational maintenance strategies is modified by participant country and culture. Research on equity theory in relationships has been conducted primarily in the United States and Western Europe. We argue that equity theory predictions regarding relational communication probably change according to the countries and values under consideration. People from six countries self-reported their assessments of equity and recent relational maintenance strategy use. To assess cultural values, we used Inglehart and Welzel's (2005) cultural map based on the World Values Survey (WVS) results and assigned participants' codes that reflect their country's cultural values: SurvivallSelf-Expression and Traditional/Secular values. Findings for the entire sample reveal that self-reported relational maintenance strategies vary as equity theory predicts, which probably was due primarily to United States and Spanish responses and slightly to Japanese self-reports of one maintenance strategy. The predicted equity-maintenance links did not emerge for China, South Korea, and the Czech Republic. Secular values decreased the overall self-reports of relational maintenance use. Finally, Self-Expression values altered the influence of overbenefitedness (but not underbenefitedness) on self-reported maintenance behaviors. Still, being overbenefited resulted in fewer self-reported relational maintenance strategies, regardless of one's country or level of cultural modernization.
Correlation between subcellular localization and photodynamic efficacy

A variety of agents have now been identified that can selectively sensitize neoplastic cells and other tissues to light. This review classifies a group of photosensitizers according to their initial affinity for specific sub-cellular organelles in vitro, and describes the consequences of each major localization site with regard to direct tumor cell kill. Considerations pertinent to determinants of efficacy in animal models and in clinical applications are also pointed out. One consequence of photodynamic therapy leading to cell death involves photodamage to anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2. These proteins are located on the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membranes. Direct mitochondrial photodamage can also initiate apoptosis. Agents that target lysosomes can bring about apoptotic death via an indirect route, but this does not appear to limit their usefulness. Agents that target the plasma membrane can re-localize to the cytosol during irradiation and cause photodamage to elements of the apoptotic process, resulting in necrosis. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Temperature-Controlled Assembly and Release from Polymer Vesicles of Poly(ethylene oxide)-block- poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Vesicles, together with spherical micelles and cylindrical micelles, are the three most common and stable morphologies of amphiphiles in water. Unlike micelles, vesicles can entrap hydrophilic molecules within the vesicle lumen and also integrate hydrophobic molecules within the membrane core. The development of vesicle-forming materials has therefore attracted wide interest for applications ranging from cosmetics to drug delivery. Biological vesicles and membranes that selfassemble from amphiphilic phospholipids are central to cell compartmentation and function; various environmental factors and even fusion can trigger release of contents. However, lipids typically have molecular weights less than 1 kDa so encapsulation, retention, and overall stability of natural vesicles are often limited. In comparison with amphiphilic block copolymers, molecular weight, composition, and chemical functionalities can be tuned for tailored polymer vesicles or “polymersomes”, [1–4] with opportunities to improve control and stability for various applications such as sensors [5] and drug delivery. [6,7] Oxidation [7] and pH [8–11] responsive polymersomes have recently been reported for controlled encapsulation and release. Thermal transitions provide another means for stimulated release. In liposomes, membrane permeability is already known to be strongly perturbed at phase transitions, [12] and this has been exploited for hypothermic delivery of anticancer drugs by coupling to local heating. [13] Thermoresponsive polymersomes have yet to be explored, and the most thoroughly studied copolymer systems are relatively temperature insensitive, possessing either very high glass transitions (e.g., polystyrene) or subzero glass transitions (e.g., polybutadiene). [2] In addi
Erasing in context-free AFLs

A homomorphism acting on a context-free language L is either e -limited on L , linearly bounded on L , or of unbounded erasing on L . There are context-free AFLs not closed under linear erasing; there are context-free AFLs closed under linear erasing but not under arbitrary erasing. It is undecidable whether a context-free language is erasable, linearly erasable, or uniformly erasable.
Modifying Vascular Calcification in Diabetes Mellitus: Contribution of O-GlcNAcylation

Vascular calcification is increased in patients with diabetes mellitus1 and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates compared with patients with diabetes mellitus without calcification.2 Despite its considerable clinical significance, little is known about the molecular pathways through which vascular calcification is triggered by diabetes mellitus pathology, although several diabetes mellitus–associated factors, including high glucose, could conceivably play important roles in the pathogenesis. Therefore, a greater understanding of the mechanisms through which diabetes mellitus may induce calcification is required to develop effective strategies to interrupt this process. Article, see p 1094 Morphologically, vascular calcification is observed in the vessel intima or media layers and frequently overlaps in both regions. Intimal calcification has been associated with atherosclerotic vascular disease, wherein it appears as spotty calcifications detected by computed tomography. These spotty calcifications exist as small hydroxyapatite mineral clefs, referred to as microcalcifications, and seem to associate with cholesterol crystals in early lesions.3 A pathological consequence of these microcalcifications could be ruptures occurring in vulnerable plaques where they are located. Medial calcification on the other hand is mostly found in patients with diabetes mellitus along with those with chronic kidney disease. With the occurrence of medial calcification being independent of hypercholesterolemia, additional mechanisms including factors associated with the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus may help drive its formation. Medial calcification develops as sheet-like calcifications of the tunica media, which lead to increased vascular stiffness associated with reduced compliance of vessels. These occurrences allow for both medial and intimal calcification to be observed directly by imaging the calcification of the vasculature,4 along with medial calcification to be observed indirectly through measuring vascular stiffness.5 The pathogenesis of vascular calcification is a highly complex, active, cell-regulated …
Analysis of a glucose tetrasaccharide elevated in Pompe disease by stable isotope dilution–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Patients with glycogen storage disease type II (GSD II) typically excrete increased amounts of a glycogen-derived glucose tetrasaccharide, Glcalpha1-6Glcalpha1-4Glcalpha1-4Glc (Glc(4)), in the urine. With the advent of a new enzyme replacement therapy for GSD II, there is a need for early identification of patients with this disease and for monitoring the efficacy of treatment. Glc(4) is a good candidate biomarker for GSD II. A simple and robust method using stable isotope dilution-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of Glc(4) in biological samples was developed. A 13C(6)-labeled stable isotope internal standard was synthesized by transglycosylation using a recombinant alpha-amylase. Butyl 4-aminobenzoate derivatives of Glc(4) and the internal standard were analyzed using multiple reaction monitoring. This method was shown to be accurate and precise by the repeated analysis of calibrators and quality control samples in urine and plasma. There was good agreement with a high-performance liquid chromatography-UV method for urine samples, whereas there was less agreement with plasma samples. Accurate determination from dried urine spot samples was also demonstrated. This method is amenable to high-throughput analysis, a necessary prerequisite for mass screening for GSD II.
Ameliorating memory contention of OLAP operators on GPU processors

Implementations of database operators on GPU processors have shown dramatic performance improvement compared to multicore-CPU implementations. GPU threads can cooperate using shared memory, which is organized in interleaved banks and is fast only when threads read and modify addresses belonging to distinct memory banks. Therefore, data processing operators implemented on a GPU, in addition to contention caused by popular values, have to deal with a new performance limiting factor: thread serialization when accessing values belonging to the same bank.Here, we define the problem of bank and value conflict optimization for data processing operators using the CUDA platform. To analyze the impact of these two factors on operator performance we use two database operations: foreignkey join and grouped aggregation. We suggest and evaluate techniques for optimizing the data arrangement offline by creating clones of values to reduce overall memory contention. Results indicate that columns used for writes, as grouping columns, need be optimized to fully exploit the maximum bandwidth of shared memory.
Surface interaction of eicosyl sodium sulfate monolayers with gelatins and bovine serum albumin

Abstract Constant surface pressure penetrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA), pigskin gelatin, and calfskin gelatin molecules into eicosyl sodium sulfate, arachidic acid, and behenic acid monolayers were studied. Film expansion and surface potential change were related directly to the protein concentration and inversely to the film pressure. Surface potential change was always detected first and ceased before completion of film expansion. This seems to indicate that film penetration may proceed through (i) adsorption of protein molecules onto the charged monolayer followed (ii) by ionic interaction and (iii) further adsorption. Film penetration was substantial below the isoelectric point (IEP) of the protein. For BSA, penetration is maximum at its IEP and decreases with ionization. For pigskin gelatin, an extensive expansion was observed over a wide pH range below its IEP. A continuous increasing penetration toward lower pH was observed with calfskin gelatin. Enhanced penetration of gelatin molecules at low pH is probably due to hydrolysis. In addition to specific interaction, these results indicate that protein solubility plays a major role in determining the protein/surfactant interaction. Compression of penetrated monolayers indicated strong eicosyl sodium sulfate/protein association, but weak or no association between protein and long-chain fatty acid monolayers.
Survey of positive results from racecourse antidoping samples received at Racecourse Security Services' Laboratories

Summary A review of positive Jockey Club “dope tests” during the 12 years from 1970 to 1981 inclusive is presented and a comparison made with certain overseas racing authorities for varying periods between 1975 and 1981. Urinary pH of post race urine samples is predominantly acidic (although varying in a significant manner throughout the year) and thus favours excretion of the generally more potent basic drugs. The proportion of positive results was about the same in winners and non-winners, ie, one in 400 horses sampled. Drugs found fell mainly into four categories: methylxanthines; non-steroidal anti-inflammatories; local anaesthetics and anabolic steroids. Evidence indicates that deliberate “doping” is relatively rare. This contrasts with certain overseas authorities where evidence of “doping” is usually much stronger and occurs more frequently (about one in five; one in 50 and one in 240 in the three authorities cited) and where sympathomimetic amines are relatively frequent. Evidence of the deterrent effect of routine testing is presented.
Multitarget and multibackground classification algorithm using neural networks

A multi-target and multi-background classification algorithm using neural networks is presented. The algorithm uses a feedforward neural network algorithm, a double window filter, and thresholds to classify an image into targets and backgrounds. This algorithm's performance differs from that of the K-nearest neighbor (K-NN) classifier algorithm in that (1) it provides noiseless classification, (2) it is faster, and (3) it provides better accuracy. Examples are given to illustrate the results.
Biomedical text mining and its applications.

This tutorial is intended for biologists and computational biologists interested in adding text mining tools to their bioinformatics toolbox. As an illustrative example, the tutorial examines the relationship between progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and antibodies. Recent cases of PML have been associated to the administration of some monoclonal antibodies such as efalizumab [1]. Those interested in a further introduction to text mining may also want to read other reviews [2]–[4]. Understanding large amounts of text with the aid of a computer is harder than simply equipping a computer with a grammar and a dictionary. A computer, like a human, needs certain specialized knowledge in order to understand text. The scientific field that is dedicated to train computers with the right knowledge for this task (among other tasks) is called natural language processing (NLP). Biomedical text mining (henceforth, text mining) is the subfield that deals with text that comes from biology, medicine, and chemistry (henceforth, biomedical text). Another popular name is BioNLP, which some practitioners use as synonymous with text mining. Biomedical text is not a homogeneous realm [5]. Medical records are written differently from scientific articles, sequence annotations, or public health guidelines. Moreover, local dialects are not uncommon [6]. For example, medical centers develop their own jargons and laboratories create their idiosyncratic protein nomenclatures. This variability means, in practice, that text mining applications are tailored to specific types of text. In particular, for reasons of availability and cost, many are designed for scientific abstracts in English from Medline.
Chemical Synthesis and Seroreactivity of a Neoantigen Containing the Oligosaccharide Hapten of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific Phenolic Glycolipid

The report of a major triglycosyl phenol phthiocerol (phenolic) glycolipid in some strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that resembles the phenolic glycolipid I of Mycobacterium leprae raised the prospects of a specific serodiagnostic tool for human tuberculosis. The terminal diglycosyl unit of the M. tuberculosis product was synthesized and converted to a corresponding neoglycoprotein, the O-(2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl)-(1----9)-oxynonanoyl-bovine serum albumin, and applied, in ELISA, to sera from individuals with tuberculosis. Although the correlation coefficient between the synthetic product and the native glycolipid was excellent, the seroreactivity rate of tuberculous sera was disappointing; only 24 of 119 sera from tuberculosis patients showed evidence of anti-glycolipid antibodies. In isolates of M. tuberculosis from tuberculosis patients the glycolipid was present in only 1 of 11. A partially deglycosylated version was present in two other isolates; however, most isolates lacked the glycolipid. Accordingly, while the results, unlike those of others, do not portend a future for this form of serodiagnosis in the management of tuberculosis, they offer intriguing hints as to the basis of the variable immunogenicity and pathogenicity of strains of M. tuberculosis.
The role of attention processes in near transfer of cognitive skills

Abstract We tested hypotheses about the respective roles of working memory, perceptual speed, knowledge, and attention disengagement processes in skill transfer errors that resemble einstellung effects or strong-but-wrong slips. Correlational evidence was consistent with the hypothesis that these errors are primarily due to the inability of learners to disengage attention from expected or familiar operations. The data also supported the notion that error proneness during near transfer generalizes across different skills. Contrary to expectations, working memory capacity had little or no relationship to either transfer errors or attention disengagement ability. Results are discussed with respect to skill training and individual differences in skill performance ability.
An updated National Institutes of Health consensus panel on bariatric surgery.

The last time the National Institutes of Health (NIH) convenedaconsensuspanel onbariatric surgery,manyofour currentmedical studentswere still in diapers. At that time, fewer than 10 000 bariatric procedureswere done annually and the most commonly performed bariatric operations were the vertical banded gastroplasty and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The landscape has changed dramatically since then. Bariatric surgery has become one of themost commonly performed general surgery procedures and it is almost exclusively performed laparoscopically, with a good safety profile. Verticalbandedgastroplastyhasbecomeobsoleteandthemost commonlyperformedbariatricprocedure is laparoscopicsleeve gastrectomy, whichwas not even on the radar screen in 1991. Despite all of these changes, decisions about who should receive bariatric surgery are still based on the 1991 NIH consensus panel. Although evidence on the effectiveness of bariatric surgery was limited at that time, the original NIH panel had a substantial impact on decisionmaking and opened the door for the dramatic growth in the field since then. In this issueof JAMASurgery, Courcoulas et al1 present the report from the second NIH consensus panel. It does not appear that the second consensus conference will have nearly the impact of the first. This appears tobebydesign, as thepanel’s chargewas largely to provide a review and summary of existing evidence. Consequently, the report by Courcoulas et al1 providesavery thoroughreviewof thesubstantialevidence insupportof theeffectivenessandefficacyofbariatric surgery,which may have the salutary effect of further legitimizing the field. This report can be used to support and inform coverage decisions to enhance access to bariatric procedures. However, the panel did not provide explicit recommendations on how coverage should change going forward. In particular, the time is ripe for lowering the body mass index (BMI, calculatedasweight inkilogramsdividedbyheight in meters squared) threshold for bariatric surgery. Evidence fromanumber of randomized clinical trials demonstrates the efficacyof bariatric surgery in the remissionof diabetesmellitusandother comorbidconditions forpatientswithclass Iobesity (BMI, 30-35).2-5 While long-term durability data are lacking for patients in this BMI range, the evidence supporting reducing the BMI threshold to 30 (with comorbidities) is substantially higher now than was the evidence for setting that threshold at 35 in 1991. Certainly, as thenewNIHpanel suggests, further studyof the long-termoutcomes of bariatric surgery, especially sleeve gastrectomy, is warranted. And such studies should include medically treatedpatients, particularlywhenexaminingquality of life and other patient-centered outcomes. But the evidence in support of bariatric surgeryvsmedical therapy in the treatmentofmorbidobesity andassociatedconditions is fairly overwhelming. However, we missed this opportunity to leverage the substantial expertise of this panel tomake recommendations about expanding coverage to these additional patients, who would very clearly benefit from it.
Supply-side ecology, barnacle recruitment, and rocky intertidal community dynamics: Do settlement surface and limpet disturbance matter?

Abstract The supply of new recruits can be a critical determinant of community structure, but estimating recruitment density can be challenging due to variation in larval supply, settlement, substratum, species interactions and physical stresses. We evaluated the effect of surface type and limpet “bulldozing” on settlement and recruitment of barnacles, using replicated field experiments sampled monthly at each of four sites along the central Oregon coast in 2001, 2003, and 2008. A particular goal was to evaluate the efficacy of Saf-T-Walk, a widely used textured surface, in quantifying actual patterns and levels of recruitment. In 2001 and 2003 experiments, surfaces were bare rock (ROCK) and Saf-T-Walk (STW). In 2008 experiments, to further evaluate the influence of surface rugosity, we added two additional artificial substratum types — smooth PVC plates (no texture) and travertine plates (TRAV, low texture). Limpet activity was manipulated using barriers of anti-fouling paint. Results indicated the overwhelming importance of surface texture. Recruitment density was highest in 2001, lower in 2003, and lowest in 2008. Recruitment on STW, the most textured surface, ranged up to 87 times greater than on ROCK, and the rank order of surfaces for recruitment density was STW > ROCK > TRAV > PVC which matches that for texture. Settlement differences were even greater, with up to 1180-fold higher settlement on STW than ROCK. Limpets usually had a negative effect on recruitment of Balanus glandula on ROCK, likely due to bulldozing and direct consumption, but had a positive effect on STW. These impacts were reduced or negated when recruitment density was higher (e.g., 2001) or lower than average (e.g., 2008). Limpets had no consistent effect on Chthamalus dalli. Abundances of settlers and recruits on the different surfaces were positively correlated (explaining up to 71% of the variance), and correlations between STW and other surfaces generally were stronger in the absence of limpets. Although compared to bare rock, recruitment to STW overestimates absolute rates of recruitment, use of STW settlement plates provides an effective and relatively efficient means of determining spatial and temporal patterns of recruitment at local to geographic scales.
Do Distal Arteriovenous Fistulae Improve Patency Rates of Prosthetic Infrapopliteal Arterial Bypasses

We retrospectively analyzed if distal anastomotic adjunctive arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) improved patency rates of prosthetic bypasses to infrapopliteal arteries. Between July 1, 1991 and June 30, 1996, we performed 43 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypasses to infrapopliteal (19 peroneal, 13 anterior tibial, 11 posterior tibial) arteries. All bypasses were performed for limb salvage when autologous vein was not available for a conduit. Adjunctive AVFs were performed in 21 bypasses (PTFE-AVF) and 22 bypasses did not have a fistula (PTFE-ONLY). Patients were allocated to the PTFE-AVF or PTFE-ONLY groups at the discretion of the surgeons, with adjunctive AVFs being performed for small arteries with poor run-off. There were no significant differences in age, sex, site of the proximal anastomosis, or indication for surgery (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the site of distal anastomosis and quality of arterial run-off based on the Society for Vascular Surgery Ad Hoc Committee on Reporting Standards criteria (p 0.05) and secondary (61% versus 48%) (p > 0.05) patency rates in the PTFE-AVF group versus the PTFE-ONLY group, although limb salvage rates were similar (74% versus 71%) (p > 0.05). Two AVFs required ligation because of steal resulting in diminished distal perfusion. These results support the use of adjunctive distal AVFs to improve overall two-year patency rates of prosthetic infrapopliteal arterial bypasses.
Nicotine Skin Penetration Characteristics Using Aqueous & Non-Aqueous Vehicles, Anionic Polymers, and Siucone Matrices

AbstractNicotine is a rational candidate for transdermal delivery for smoking withdrawal. In vitro experiments were performed to characterize nicotine skin penetration and some factors affecting skin penetration. These included pH, nonaqueous solvents, and anionic polymers. Nicotine penetrated skin rapidly, and fairly high doses can be delivered transdermally. A 30% aqueous solution vehicle, as has been administered transdermally in clinical trials, produced very rapid initial absorption but the absorption rate decreased with time. Because nicotine has such high skin permeability, one objective in developing a delivery system would be to control the delivery rate, rather than allowing skin permeability to be rate-limiting. A feasible approach to a rate-controlled delivery system was to use vulcanized polydimethylsiloxane as a monolithic matrix.
Mafic silicates from the nepheline syenites of the Motzfeldt centre, South Greenland

At least five successive intrusions of nepheline-bearing magmas fractionated in situ and developed repeatedly overlapping, yet distinct chemical trends in the mafic silicates. Representative electron probe analyses are given for olivine, clinopyroxene, amphibole, biotite, and aenigmatite and their variations discussed. Increasing Na with fractionation produced aegirine-rich clinopyroxene and caused Na/K in amphibole to increase from 2.4 to 7.0. Si~/AI z increased in both amphibole and in the less abundant mica. Mn-enrichment is ...
NaOH catalyzed condensation reactions between levulinic acid and biomass derived furan-aldehydes in water

Abstract NaOH catalyzed condensation reaction between 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and levulinic acid in water gives a 2.5: 1 mixture of aldol products: (E)-6-[5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl]-hex-4-oxo-5-enoic acid and (E)-3-[5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl]methylene-4-oxo-pentanoic acid in 82% combined yield. A similar reaction between furfural and levulinic acid gives the linear polymer, poly[1-carboxymethyl-4-(furan-2-yl)-2-oxo-butane-1,4-diyl] in 91% yield.
Exercise in the treatment of obesity

Exercise is an important component of behavioral weight control interventions, and exercise may be most effective for weight control when combined with modifications to energy intake. Clinicians should initially encourage overweight and obese adults to adopt at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (30 min x 5 d/wk), because this level of exercise has been shown to improve health-related outcomes. Higher levels of exercise, however, may be necessary to enhance long-term weight loss and to facilitate weight loss maintenance. It is now recommended that exercise be progressively increased to approximately 300 minutes per week (60 min x 5 d/wk) to optimize the impact of exercise on body weight regulation. Adoption of this high level of exercise may be challenging, however, and therefore clinicians should counsel patients to incorporate intermittent and lifestyle approaches for exercise to maximize adherence. Moreover, devices such as pedometers may facilitate goal-setting and self-monitoring of exercise, and these are critical components of effective behavioral interventions. Incorporation of these recommendations may increase the likelihood of clinicians' prescribing exercise for overweight and obese adults to effectively manage their body weight.
Physics of excitations of a small number of quanta in microresonators

We explore the physics of excitations of a small number of quanta in microresonators. In particular, we examine this physics as it relates to the dynamics of nonlinearly coupled microlaser oscillators used to generate time resolved coherent optical wavefronts. We seek wave fronts that can be both stabilized and also rapidly reconfigured by purely electro-optic means. Novel opportunities are offered by reductions in the number of quanta needed for laser, or laser-like action; advances in microcavity nonlinear optics; densely packed arrays of microlasers; adjustable micro- optical delay lines; synchronization of pulse envelopes in physically distinct lasers; and locking of optical fields in physically distinct lasers. Quantum statistical issues could become important, but are not emphasized here. Strategies for realizing an optical analog of high repetition rate agile microwave phased array radar with true delay are examined.
A comparison of specific antibody responses in mouse vaginal fluid after immunization by several routes.

Mice were immunized with a protein antigen, horse ferritin, by eight different routes and the immune responses in the reproductive tract were compared by measuring specific IgA and IgG in vaginal fluid and by localizing anti-ferritin plasma cells in uterine horns, cervix and vagina. The eight routes of immunization were: subcutaneous with Freund's adjuvant (s.c.), intragastric (i.g.), intravaginal (i.v.), s.c.-i.g., s.c.-i.v., i.g.-i.v., i.v.-i.v. and s.c.-i.g.-i.v. The largest overall response, considering both IgA and IgG antibodies, was obtained by s.c. priming with ferritin in adjuvant followed by i.v. boosting. Intravaginal immunization also boosted priming by the i.g., s.c.-i.g. and i.v. routes, but the response to i.v. immunization alone was weak. All i.v. immunizations stimulated mainly IgA antibody responses in vaginal fluid. Specific plasma cells, mostly of the IgG isotype, were present in the vaginal fornix of several mice in the s.c.-i.v. and s.c.-i.g.-i.v. groups, but none were detected there in any other group and they were only rarely observed in the uterine horns. The results provide data on the relative effectiveness of different routes of immunization in producing a humoral immune response in vaginal fluid against a non-replicating antigen.
Adherence to Treatment Regimen in a Lithium Carbonate Clinic

• Adherence to a prophylactic regimen for primary affective disorder was studied with the Standardized Compliance Questionnaire given to 48 outpatients to determine perceptions of their illness, treatment, mood state, and side effects. Clinicians rated the course of the illness for 12 months. Adherence was defined as lithium level between 0.5 and 1.5 meq/L and attendance at 75% of clinic appointments for nine months. One patient was nonadherent with both indices, whereas 11 were nonadherent with either medication regimen or appointment keeping, suggesting that each behavior should be scrutinized separately. Elevated mood was associated with overall nonadherence, marriage was associated with adherence to drug regimen, and perception of continuity of care was associated with appointment-keeping adherence. No association was found between nonadherence and diagnostic subcategory or between adherence and reported side effects. The relationship between nonadherence and poor outcome was significant.
Innovation paper in the June 2012 edition of the Journal of Digital Imaging (JDI).

I have recently returned from the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) 2012 Annual Meeting and was reading Dr. Bruce Reiner and Matthew McKinley’s (“Reiner and McKinley’s”) excellent paper on the plane ride home, entitled “Application of Innovation Economics to Medical Imaging and Information System Technologies”, JDI, June 2012. The paper is courageous and shines the light on an incredibly important topic for SIIM, our industry and the healthcare system that we all collectively serve. I was struck by many statements in the paper, and would like to share my thoughts. First, these are the extracted areas that most resonated:
“Children” Having Children

Putting a face on teenage pregnancy helps us to look past stereotypes to understand the challenges of teen parenthood.
Effects of estramustine and megestrol on ultrastructure of rat ventral prostate

The effects of estramustine phosphate on the ultrastructure of the rat ventral prostate closely resemble postcastration events, i.e., a decrease in cell size and secretory activities. The fibromuscular stroma, especially collagen fibers, appear to lose their adherence to adjoining muscle cells and fibroblasts. An infiltration of lymphocytes was noted in dilated regions of the fibromuscular stroma. There was an increase in cellular activity in the ventral prostate of rats treated with megestrol acetate with varying degrees of cellular atrophy and cytoplasmic disorganization. Squamous metaplasia was evident in one experimental group of MA-treated animals. Particles resembling mature C-type viruses were observed in several prostates from control and experimental animals.
Evaluating Social Interventions A Conceptual Schema

Although interest in evaluation research is burgeoning, there is agreement about neither the character of evaluative activities nor the technical methods used in their application. The intent of this paper is to provide a broad taxonomy of assessment activities and methodological alternatives. Based on the first-order characteristic of evaluation pur pose, six assessment categories are identifted. It is argued that the choice of method should be contingent on the objective of the evaluation, and that a typology can serve as a basis for communication and assist in the choice of an appropriate methodology.
Impact Detection Using an Array of Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensors and a Microcontroller Unit

This report discusses the development of an embeddable impact detection system utilizing an array of piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) and a microcontroller. Embeddable systems are a critical component to successfully implement a complete and robust structural health monitoring system. System capabilities include impact detection, impact location determination and digitization of the impact waveform. A custom algorithm was developed to locate the site of the impact.. The embedded system has the potential for additional capabilities including advanced signal processing and the integration of wireless functionality. For structural health monitoring applications it is essential to determine the extent of damage done to the structure. In an attempt to determine these parameters a series of impact tests were conducted using a ball drop tower on a square aluminum plate. The response of the plate to the impact event was recorded using a piezoelectric wafer sensor network attached to the surface of the plate. From this testing it was determined that several of the impact parameters are directly correlated with the features recorded by the sensor network.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A FIBER FRACTURE MODEL FOR METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE MONOTAPE CONSOLIDATION

Abstract The consolidation of plasma sprayed monotapes is emerging as a promising route for producing metal and intermetallic matrix composites reinforced with continuous ceramic fibers. Significant fiber fracture has been reported to accompany the consolidation of some fiber/matrix systems, particularly those with creep resistant matrices. Groves et al. [Acta metall. mater.42, 2089 (1994)] determined the predominant mechanism to be bending at monotape surface asperities and showed a strong dependence of damage upon process conditions. Here, a previous model for the densification of monotapes [Elzey and Wadley, Acta metall. mater.41, 2297 (1993)] has been used with a stochastic model of the fiber failure process to predict the evolution of fiber fracture during either hot isostatic or vacuum hot pressing. Using surface profilometer measured roughness data for the monotapes and handbook values for the mechanical properties of different matrices and fibers, this new model is used to elucidate the damage dependence on process conditions, monotape surface roughness, and the mechanical properties both of the fiber and matrix. The model is used to investigate the “processibility” of several currently important matrix and fiber systems and to identify the factors governing this. An example is also given of its use for the simulation of a representative consolidation process cycle. This approach to the analysis of a complex, nonlinear, time-varying process has resulted in a clear understanding of the causal relationships between damage and the many process, material and geometric variables of the problem and identified new strategies for its elimination.
Impact of Completeness of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Revascularization on Long-Term Outcomes in the Stent Era

Background— The importance of completeness of revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with multivessel disease is unclear in that there is little information on the impact of incomplete revascularization outside of randomized trials. The objective of this study is to compare long-term mortality and subsequent revascularization for percutaneous coronary intervention patients receiving stents who were completely revascularized (CR) with those who were incompletely revascularized (IR). Methods and Results— Patients from New York State’s Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Reporting System were subdivided into patients who were CR and IR. Then subsets of IR patients were contrasted with CR patients. Differences in long-term survival and subsequent revascularization for CR and IR patients were compared after adjustment for differences in preprocedural risk. A total of 68.9% of all stent patients with multivessel disease who were studied were IR, and 30.1% of all patients had total o...
Ca2+/calmodulin regulation of the Arabidopsis kinesin-like calmodulin-binding protein.

The kinesin family motor protein KCBP (kinesin-like calmodulin binding protein) was identified during a screen for Arabidopsis calmodulin-binding proteins [Reddy, et al., 1996b: J. Biol Chem. 271:7052–7060]. KCBP contains a C-terminal motor domain and is unique among kinesin motors in that it has a calmodulin-binding site. We expressed the KCBP motor domain in Escherichia coli and examined its microtubule (MT) binding and ATPase activity. KCBP bound MTs in an ATP-dependent manner and exhibited MT-stimulated ATPase activity. Ca2+/calmodulin inhibited binding of KCBP to MTs under conditions that normally favor tight motor-MT interactions, and the extent of inhibition was dependent on the concentration of calcium and calmodulin. Ca2+/calmodulin did not affect KCBP's basal ATPase activity, but reduced the motor's MT-stimulated ATPase activity. The substantial reduction in affinity of KCBP for MTs in the presence of Ca2+/calmodulin suggests that Ca2+/calmodulin may modulate the activity of KCBP in vivo by regulating the motor's association with MTs. KCBP is the first MT-dependent motor protein found to be regulated by direct binding of Ca2+/calmodulin to its motor subunit. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 40:408–416, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Uncovering ED: A Qualitative Analysis of Personal Blogs Managed by Individuals with Eating Disorders

Previous studies have investigated the potential harmful effects of pro-eating disorder (ED) websites. Websites, such as personal blogs, may contain eating disorder content that may hold important information as well and must be considered. Fifteen blogs hosted by the site “Tumblr” were qualitatively analyzed. Each blog owner was anonymous and all were female. Ten main themes were extracted using grounded theory: interaction, negative selfworth, mind and body disturbances, pictures, eating disorders, suicide, diet, exercise, stats, and recovery. Additional themes also appeared in the study. Results indicate that although each individual blog is unique to its owner, common concepts existed among the majority. The implications for the information in the ED blogs and directions for future research are discussed.
Twenty-four-hour esophageal intraluminal pH probe testing: a comparative analysis.

Abstract Twenty-four-hour esophageal intraluminal pH probe studies were performed in 49 infants and children, 22 of whom were asymptomatic. Seventeen different parameters dealing with gastroesophageal reflux were analyzed during these 24-h pH probe studies. Unlike previous investigations the symptomatic patients differed from the asymptomatic ones in the vast majority of these parameters. The symptomatic patients were significantly different from the asymptomatic ones in 13 of the 17 parameters examined. The four parameters in which the two groups were similar included the number of reflux episodes which occurred while eating, the total number of crying episodes per day, the number of reflux episodes associated with these episodes of crying, and the average duration of episodes of esophageal pH
{CP} Violation From Scalar Leptoquarks

The standard model is extended to incorporate spontaneous CP breaking which is transmitted to quarks and leptons by scalar leptoquarks. This provides a simple solution to the strong CP problem. Such models are best tested by searches for μe conversion. However, they may induce rare K decays for which there are current experimental searches.