cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the Veterans Administration population: development and validation of an algorithm for NAFLD using automated data

SummaryBackground In practice, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is diagnosed based on elevated liver enzymes and confirmatory liver biopsy or abdominal imaging. Neither method is feasible in identifying individuals with NAFLD in a large-scale healthcare system. Aim To develop and validate an algorithm to identify patients with NAFLD using automated data. Methods Using the Veterans Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, we identified patients who had persistent ALT elevation (≥2 values ≥40 IU/mL ≥6 months apart) and did not have evidence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or excessive alcohol use. We conducted a structured chart review of 450 patients classified as NAFLD and 150 patients who were classified as non-NAFLD by the database algorithm, and subsequently refined the database algorithm. Results The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) for the initial database definition of NAFLD were 78.4% (95% CI: 70.0–86.8%), 74.5% (95% CI: 68.1–80.9%), 64.1% (95% CI: 56.4–71.7%) and 85.6% (95% CI: 79.4–91.8%), respectively. Reclassifying patients as having NAFLD if they had two elevated ALTs that were at least 6 months apart but within 2 years of each other, increased the specificity and PPV of the algorithm to 92.4% (95% CI: 88.8–96.0%) and 80.8% (95% CI: 72.5–89.0%), respectively. However, the sensitivity and NPV decreased to 55.0% (95% CI: 46.1–63.9%) and 78.0% (95% CI: 72.1–83.8%), respectively. Conclusions Predictive algorithms using automated data can be used to identify patients with NAFLD, determine prevalence of NAFLD at the system-wide level, and may help select a target population for future clinical studies in veterans with NAFLD.
Long-Term Durability of State Street Bridge on Interstate 80

Destructive and nondestructive techniques were employed to evaluate the long-term durability of the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite and externally CFRP-reinforced concrete of the State Street Bridge. Nondestructive evaluation was conducted through strain gauges, tiltmeters, thermocouples, and humidity sensors installed on the bridge bents for real-time health monitoring. Destructive tests were performed to determine the ultimate tensile strength, hoop strength, concrete confinement enhancement, and bond-to-concrete capacity of the CFRP composite for 3 years of exposure. Thermographic imaging was used for detection of voids between CFRP composite and concrete. Although environmental conditions were found to have an effect on the durability of the CFRP composite and CFRP-reinforced concrete substrate, no evidence of steel reinforcement corrosion was observed, and the CFRP composite retrofit is still effective after 3 years.
Multi-Scale Embedded Sensing for Damage Identification

This paper presents an efficient technique to uniquely identify damage through the creation of a multi-scale map of material deformations and behavior within a representative volume element (RVE) of the host structure. Optimally distributed, embedded fiber optic sensors provide strain, strain gradient, and integrated strain fields throughout the RVE. As a demonstration, an isotropic, homogeneous RVE is modeled instrumented with an evenly spaced grid of sensing elements. The multi-scale damage identification technique and an equivalent single-scale method are evaluated on the basis of damage detection and identification. A large number of induced, stochastic damage cases are analyzed, generated by introducing a crack defined by three random variables: center location, length, and orientation angle. The multi-scale sensing capability is shown to provide a higher quality strain map of the RVE from the distributed sensors, resulting in significantly improved damage identification.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Pain coping and the pain experience in children with juvenile chronic arthritis

This study examined the pain experience and pain coping of children with juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA). The purpose of the study was to describe present pain and the pain coping strategies utilized by children with juvenile chronic arthritis and examine pain coping strategies and pain efficacy as a predictor of pain intensity and distribution. Fifty-six children with JCA rated their present pain using two measures of pain intensity, the Oucher and the pain thermometer, and reported on the number of pain locations using a body map. In addition, each child completed the Child Version of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ-C) and health status was determined by a physician's disease activity rating. On average, children reported current pain in the low to middle range on the different pain scales, although there was considerable variability in pain ratings. Up to 30% of all children had pain ratings higher than or equal to the middle range on both the Oucher and the pain thermometer. On average, children reported pain in more than two body areas. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine how the composite factors on the CSQ-C (Pain Control and Rational Thinking, and Coping Attempts) related to variations in reported pain intensity and location. Children who scored higher on the Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor of the CSQ-C had much lower ratings of pain intensity and reported pain in fewer body areas. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that disease activity and scores on the Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor of the CSQ-C each accounted for a unique, statistically significant proportion of variance in the measures of pain intensity and pain location. Behavioral and cognitive therapy interventions designed to increase pain coping efficacy may be useful adjuncts in treating pain in children with chronic arthritis.
Pneumocystis pneumonia in a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with pemetrexed containing regimen

Pneumocystis pneumonia is typically life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. It is relatively uncommon in patients with lung cancer. We report a case of pneumocystis pneumonia in a patient with advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following treatment with concurrent chemoradiation with a pemetrexed containing regimen. To our knowledge, this is the first report on pneumocystis pneumonia following administration of pemetrexed containing regimen.
In situ deposition behavior of SiO2 on YSZ-TBC-coated IN738LC during a burner rig test

Abstract This work was planned as a preliminary test to obtain an optimal condition for in situ deposition of SiO 2 on zirconia-based thermal barrier coating (TBC)-coated IN738LC specimens using a burner rig. The effect of the in situ deposited SiO 2 on the long-term reliability of TBCs upon cyclic burner rig operations will be tested in the next study. Tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), the precursor for the deposition, was fed admixed with methanol into the combustion chamber of the burner rig at an exhaust flame temperature of 1530 °C. All five coating processes were selected by varying the concentration of TEOS in the mixture and applied to hollow type pin specimens infixed to the rotating carousel to face the downstream exhaust gas vertically. A total of 1500 cc of the mixture at a given vol.% TEOS was fed evenly to the burner rig for 54 min during the coating process. After the process, TBC spallation was observed on the front side of the specimens processed with 10, 5, and 2 vol.% TEOS, while the specimen of 0.5 vol.% TEOS was coated with a ~ 5 μm thick SiO 2 layer without any macroscopic damages. The surface of the coatings consisted of fractal-structured nodules at 10 vol.% TEOS, and of smooth grains at 0.5 vol.% TEOS. The spallation of SiO 2 -coated TBC was attributed to the thermal mismatch due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the two materials. Based on these results, the mixing ratio of TEOS to methanol was reduced to 0.3 vol.%, which produced a 1–2 μm thick, smooth and homogenous SiO 2 coating without any spallation of TBC. This deposition condition was chosen for the planned test to evaluate on the effects of the in situ deposition of SiO 2 on the long-term durability of TBC-coated IN738LC specimens upon cyclic burner rig operations.
The redshift of the Einstein ring in MG 1549+305

A deep spectrum taken with the Echelle Spectrograph and Imager (ESI) at the Keck II Telescope as part of the Lenses Structure and Dynamics (LSD) Survey reveals the redshifts of the extremely red source of the radio Einstein ring in the gravitational lens system MG 1549+305 (zs= 1.170 +/- 0.001) and an intermediate-redshift lensed spiral galaxy (zG2= 0.604 +/- 0.001). The source redshift allows us to determine the mass of the SB0 lens galaxy enclosed by the Einstein radius (RE= 1.15 +/- 0.05 arcsec): ME≡M(
Deathzones and exponents: A different approach to incorporating mass loss in stellar evolution calculations

Observations tend to select mass loss rates near the critical rate, Ṁ crit = M / L . There are two reasons for this. In some situations, such as near the tip of the AGB, the mass loss rate is very sensitive to stellar parameters. In this case, stars with Ṁ ≪ Ṁ crit have dust-free, hard-to-measure mass loss rates while stars with Ṁ ≫ Ṁ crit do not survive very long and thus make up a small fraction of any sample. Selection effects dominate the fitting of empirical formulae; observations of mass loss rates tell us more about which stars are losing mass than about how a star loses mass. In other situations, such as for some of the stars along the RGB, a steady state situation occurs where the loss of mass leads to a decrease in mass loss rate while the evolutionary changes lead to an increase; the result is a steady state with Ṁ = Ṁ crit . To determine the envelope mass and composition at the end of a phase of intensive mass loss requires stellar evolution models capable of responding on a time scale ~ t KH and thus, a new generation of stellar modeling codes.
Comment on feedback training of parietal-occipital alpha asymmetry in normal human subjects

Experiments with feedback regulation of normal subjects' parietal-occipital alpha electroencephalographic asymmetry have shown that subjects learned to optimize the conditions under which symmetry and asymmetry occurred. Asymmetry was defined as the difference in the occurrence of the two hemispheres' alpha EEG activity. The results of this experiment can be interpreted to mean that the subjects did not learn alpha asymmetry per se, but instead learned to increase then percent time of alpha and increase the alternations between alpha and no alpha. This condition is optimized when the subject has his eyes closed and is not performing a visual search. On the other hand, symmetry is optimized when the subject performs a visual task. Methodological problems in feedback training are discussed.
Selective deposition of TiSi 2 on oxide patterned wafers using low pressure chemical vapor deposition

The selective deposition of titanium disilicide was investigated using a cold-wall, low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) technique with silane and titanium tetrachloride as the silicon and titanium sources, respectively. In-situ hydrogen plasma effectively cleaned the silicon wafer surface for deposition of C54 TiSi2 at 760‡ C with full selectivity. A new method using a plasma only at the beginning of the deposition of the silicide further decreased the temperature to 680‡ C without losing selectivity. The result was a fine grained film probably due to the enhanced nucleation rate of the silicide. Cross-sectional TEM studies showed that the silicide grew into the silicon substrate, suggesting significant silicon consumption. The silicon substrate, consequently, seems to play a major role in the silicide formation. Silane, on the other hand, plays a minor role as a silicon source but does act as a scavenger of HC1 in the gas or on the silicide surface.
Restricted heterogeneity and T cell dependence of human thyroid autoantibody immunoglobulin G subclasses.

Twenty-five sera from patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, positive for thyroglobulin (hTg) and/or thyroid microsomal autoantibodies (M-Ab), were assessed by specific micro-ELISA to determine thyroid autoantibody immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass distribution. Of the 25 sera, 22 were positive for M-Ab. All but 1 sample had restricted heterogeneity confined to IgGl and/or IgG4 subclasses. The contribution of each subclass to an individual autoantibody titer varied from 100% IgGl to 100% IgG4. Sixteen of the 25 sera had detectable hTg-Ab, and the majority also were restricted to IgGl and IgG4, with similar distributions occurring among subclasses. In all, only 5 sera had hTg/M-Ab in IgG subclasses 2 and/or 3. T cell control of pokeweed mitogen-stimulated IgG subclass secretion was analyzed using increasing numbers of T cells in ratios of T to non-T from 0:1 to 10:1. In normal subjects, IgGl, but not IgG 2, 3, or 4, had T cell dependence, as evidenced by enhancement and inhibition of IgGl secretion as the num...
Studies of nonlinear QED in collisions of 46.6-GeV electrons with intense laser pulses

We report on measurements of quantum electrodynamic processes in an intense electromagnetic wave, where nonlinear effects (both multiphoton and vacuum polarization) are prominent. Nonlinear Compton scattering and electron-positron pair production have been observed in collisions of 46.6 GeV and 49.1 GeV electrons of the Final Focus Test Beam at SLAC with terawatt pulses of 1053 nm and 527 nm wavelengths from a Nd:glass laser. Peak laser intensities of $\ensuremath{\approx}0.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{18}{\mathrm{W}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ have been achieved, corresponding to a value of $\ensuremath{\approx}0.4$ for the parameter $\ensuremath{\eta}{=eE}_{\mathrm{rms}}/m{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}c$ and to a value of $\ensuremath{\approx}0.25$ for the parameter ${\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}_{e}{=E}_{\mathrm{rms}}^{\ensuremath{\star}}{/E}_{\mathrm{crit}}{=eE}_{\mathrm{rms}}^{\ensuremath{\star}}\ensuremath{\Elzxh}{/m}^{2}{c}^{3},$ where ${E}_{\mathrm{rms}}^{\ensuremath{\star}}$ is the rms electric field strength of the laser in the electron rest frame. We present data on the scattered electron spectra arising from nonlinear Compton scattering with up to four photons absorbed from the field. A convolved spectrum of the forward high energy photons is also given. The observed positron production rate depends on the fifth power of the laser intensity, as expected for a process where five photons are absorbed from the field. The positrons are interpreted as arising from the collision of a high-energy Compton scattered photon with the laser beam. The results are found to be in agreement with theoretical predictions.
A Mechanistic Study of Ultrasonically‐Enhanced Transdermal Drug Delivery

Although ultrasound has been shown to enhance the transdermal transport of a variety of drugs, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not clearly understood. In this paper, we evaluate the roles played by various ultrasound-related phenomena, including cavitation, thermal effects, generation of convective velocities, and mechanical effects, in the ultrasonic enhancement of transdermal drug delivery (sonophoresis). Our experimental findings suggest that among all the ultrasound-related phenomena evaluated, cavitation plays the dominant role in sonophoresis using therapeutic ultrasound (frequency range, 1-3 MHz; intensity range, 0-2 W/cm2). Furthermore, confocal microscopy results indicate that cavitation occurs in the keratinocytes of the stratum corneum upon ultrasound exposure. It is hypothesized that oscillations of the cavitation bubbles induce disorder in the stratum corneum lipid bilayers, thereby enhancing transdermal transport. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is presented using skin electrical resistance measurements. Finally, a theoretical model is developed to predict the effect of ultrasound on the transdermal transport of drugs. The model predicts that sonophoretic enhancement depends most directly on the passive permeant diffusion coefficient, rather than on the permeability coefficient through the skin. Specifically, permeants passively diffusing through the skin at a relatively slow rate are expected to be preferentially enhanced by ultrasound. The experimentally measured sonophoretic transdermal transport enhancement for seven permeants, including estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, corticosterone, benzene, butanol, and caffeine, agree quantitatively with the model predictions. These experimental and theoretical findings provide quantitative guidelines for estimating the efficacy of sonophoresis in enhancing transdermal drug delivery.
‘Compunications’: a policy agenda

Abstract There are four points which are especially useful in understanding the evolving world of computers and communications in the USA. 1 The first is that the information industries, which were separate and distinct as recently as a decade ago, are now tightly intertwined and in turmoil. Second, the demands and stakes of individual consumers are undergoing significant changes. Third, there are great economic and political stakes in the information world. Finally, the stance of the US government in general is marginally adequate, at best, to cope with the turmoil.
RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF HYPERTROPHIC FELINE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY IN TWO CATS

Hypertrophic fellne musculer dystrophy has been reported as an X-linked inherited deficiency of a cytoskeletal myofiber protein called dystrophin. This report deserlbes the radiographic and ultrasonographic abnormalities of two male littermate domestic short-hair cats and reviews the previous reported findings assoclated with hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy. The thoracic radiographic abnormalities included: progressive cardiomegaly, large convex, scalloped irregularities associated with the vetral aspect of the diaphragm, and variable degrees of esophageal dilation (megaesophagus) with associated cranioventral aspiration pneumonia. Echocardiographic features included: concentric left vetricular wall thickening, increased left ventricular and diastolic and systolic dimensions, and an increase in endocardial echogenicity. Abdominal radiographic abnormalities included: hepatosplenomegaly, peritoneal effusion, renomegaly, adrenal gland mineralization, and paralumbar and diaphragmatic musculature enlargement. Abdomlnal ultrasonographic abnormalities included: irregularly thickened muscular portion of the diaphragm; hypoechogenicity of the liver; peritoneal effusion; hepatosplenomegaly; renomegaly with hyperechoic cortex and medulla; and adrenal gland mineralization. The irregular scalloped appearance of the diaphragm (particularly along the ventral/sternal margin) was a consistenl radiographic abnormlity in the two cats with hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy after the age of 7 months. This finding was confirmed by ultrasound as a thickened irregular, hyperechoic diaphragm. A diagnosis of hypertrophic feline muscular dystrophy should be strongly suspected if this abnormality is identified.
Detection of light using high temperature superconducting microstrip lines

The authors report the results of measurements of the effects of external light on the transmission of microwaves through superconducting YBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / microstrip lines. The microstrip geometries used include an asymmetric ring and a meander path. Measurements were made as a function of the microwave frequency (up to 12 GHz), temperature (above to below the superconducting transition temperature), and microwave power. The authors variations in the T/sub c/ of the superconductor, caused by locally varying microwave current densities (standing-wave component). At low microwave powers, this technique can be used to optically probe the local character of the superconducting film without having to move contacts over the film. The asymmetric ring microstrip interferometer was observed to show light-induced shifts in the null frequencies due to the kinetic inductance effect.
Use of tape-recorded food records in assessing children's dietary intake.

LINDQUIST, CHRISTINE H., TINA CUMMINGS, AND MICHAEL I. GORAN. Use of tape-recorded food records in assessing children’s dietary intake. Obes Res. 2000:8: 2‐11. Background: Dietary assessment among children is particularly problematic when techniques are dependent on memory skills or advanced cognitive development. Objective: The current study explored the use of self-report by tape recorders to document children’s dietary intake immediately upon consumption, and compared this method with the traditional, interviewer-guided recall technique. In addition, the influence of body fatness and sociodemographic characteristics on the accuracy of recall and taperecorded food records was determined. Research Methods and Procedures: The sample included 30 black and white children aged 6.5 to 11.6 years (x # 5 9.5). Energy intake (EI), measured by six 24-hour food records (three for each method), was compared with total energy expenditure calculated by the doubly labeled water technique. Paired t tests, correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: The analyses revealed poor validity of the tape recorder method (x # misreporting score 52 1.13 6 2.62 MJ/day, r for total energy expenditure and EI 52 0.06, p 5 0.74). Estimates of EI differed significantly between the tape recorder and recall methods (p , 0.01). The traditional recall method was confirmed as a valid estimate of energy intake (x misreporting score 5 0.04 6 2.38 MJ/day), although demonstrating a modest correlation with TEE (r 5 0.32, p 5 0.08). Although no significant predictors of misreporting using the recall method were identified in the multivariate analyses, older children and children with higher adiposity were more likely to misreport using the tape recorder method. Discussion: The results suggest that the use of the tape recorder for estimating EI does not result in accurate assessments among children, although this technique may be useful for specific subgroups (i.e., younger and leaner children).
α-Ketoisocaproate-induced hypersecretion of insulin by islets from diabetes-susceptible mice

Most patients at risk for developing type 2 diabetes are hyperinsulinemic. Hyperinsulinemia may be a response to insulin resistance, but another possible abnormality is insulin hypersecretion. BTBR...
Chemicals Studied and Evaluated in Long-Term Carcinogenesis Bioassays by Both the Ramazzini Foundation and the National Toxicology Program

The Ramazzini Foundation (RF) in Bentivoglio, Italy and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina have carried out several hundred chemical carcinogenesis bioassays: 200 by RF and 500 by NTP. Of these, 21 have been evaluated by both laboratories. The 14 chemicals for which both laboratories have designed, conducted, and reported bioassay results are: acrylonitrile, benzene, chlorine, diesel fuel, ethylbenzene, methylene chloride (dichloromethane), propylene, styrene, styrene oxide, toluene, trichloroethylene, trichlorofluoromethane, vinylidene chloride, and xylenes. The other seven chemicals (two are fibers) were evaluated by both laboratories, but results have not yet been published. Results of these 14 interlaboratory studies were compared both to explore consistency of carcinogenic responses and to identify possible factors that may reveal reasons for any differences observed. Individual carcinogenesis results from each laboratory were duplicated and complementary. Of the 14 chemicals compared, 11 (80%) were either carcinogenic (9 chemicals) or noncarcinogenic (2 chemicals) in both studies. Eight of the paired chemicals had at least one carcinogenic target site in common. The other three were carcinogenic in one laboratory but not in the other. Possible explanations for these differences include dose, method of administration, duration of follow-up, and whether or not total tumors are counted. The collaboration between these two pioneering bioassay laboratory programs contributes greatly to our understanding of chemical carcinogenesis and results in better protection of workers and the general population from chemical diseases, especially cancers.
Compact Intermediate States in Protein Folding

Recently there has been growing recognition of the existence and importance of compact intermediate states of proteins. Such species have been observed under both transient (refolding kinetics) and equilibrium conditions. It is clear that for many proteins most denaturing conditions do not lead to a fully unfolded protein (random coil), but rather to species with substantial secondary structure and substantial compactness, relative to the fully unfolded state. In addition, there is now good experimental data to demonstrate the existence of two classes of compact denatured states of proteins: compact intermediates, in the thermodynamic sense (i.e., a minimum in the free energy profile for the reaction), and compact substates of the unfolded state (Palleros et al., 1993). It is important to note that it is often experimentally difficult to distinguish between these two types of compact denatured states, especially by spectral methods. Recent reviews of compact denatured states, and particularly the molten globule, include those of Dill and Shortle (1991), Ptitsyn (1987, 1992), Kuwajima (1989), Christensen and Pain (1991), and Baldwin and Roder (1991). Theoretical models for the existence of two classes of denatured states have been presented by Dill and co-workers (Alonso et al., 1991), Ptitsyn (1987, 1992), and Finkelstein and Shakhnovich (1989).
NEITHER FISH NOR FLESH

Against the notion of chance that Robin Kelsey proposes as the opening to a new concep tion of photography and its relationship to history, this response argues for attention to the apparatuses that strive to "cope with chance" and guarantee meaning?apparatuses whose effective purpose is precisely not to be undone by chance and not to be reminded of their contingent and arbitrary nature?in other words, of their historicity. This opens another kind of encounter with the historicity of the photographic image, as sliding from frame to frame, never quite fitting any of them, the photograph shows itself as an elusive opening, the ground of irreducibly heterogeneous and radically incommensurable stakes?never just one definitive and well-flagged stake driven into the ground at some singular moment in the past.
Randomized trial of three chemotherapy regimens and two radiotherapy regimens in postoperative treatment of malignant glioma

Within 3 weeks of definitive surgery, 571 adult patients with histologically confirmed, supratentorial malignant gliomas were randomly assigned to receive one of three chemotherapy regimens: BCNU (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea) alone, alternating courses (every 8 weeks) of BCNU and procarbazine, or BCNU plus hydroxyurea alternating with procarbazine plus VM-26 (epipodophyllotoxin). Patients accrued in 1980 and 1981 were to receive 6020 rads of whole-brain radiotherapy concurrent with the first course of chemotherapy. Patients accrued in 1982 and 1983 were randomly assigned to receive either whole-brain irradiation as above, or 4300 rads of whole-brain radiotherapy plus 1720 rads coned down to to the tumor volume. The data were analyzed for the total randomized population and separately for the 510 patients, termed the "Valid Study Group (VSG)," who met protocol eligibility specifications (including central pathology review), 80% of whom had glioblastoma multiforme. The median survival times from time of randomization for the three chemotherapy groups of the VSG ranged from 11.3 to 13.8 months, and 29% to 37% of the patients survived for 18 months (life-table estimate); the differences between these groups were not statistically significant. Survival differences between the radiotherapy groups were small and not statistically significant. It is concluded that, for malignant glioma, giving part of the radiotherapy by coned-down boost is as effective as full whole-brain irradiation, and that multiple-drug chemotherapy as outlined in this protocol conferred no significant survival advantage over BCNU alone.
Bone grafting for glenoid bone deficiencies in shoulder arthritis : A review

Bone loss in the glenoid in the face of shoulder arthritis can be managed in selected cases with bone grafting. This article reviews the literature and uses this clinical experience to make recommendations for the surgical management of glenoid bone loss in cases of osteopenia, dysplasia, bone loss created by the arthritis, and loss that occurs in the glenoid related to failed shoulder arthroplasty.
Atmospheric pressure MOVPE growth with monolayer control of GaAs/AlGaAs doped and undoped superlattices for application to infrared detectors

In this presentation, it will be demonstrated that 50-period SLs with interface roughness, heterojunction abruptness, and layer thickness reproducibility of one atomic layer can be achieved by the atmospheric pressure MOVPE technique. We will also show that well controlled high doping levels, dopant position, and accurate measurement of the carrier density in the wells can be obtained, which are essential for making infrared photodetectors (IR PDs). >
Epsilon substituted lysinol derivatives as HIV-1 protease inhibitors

A series of HIV-1 protease inhibitors containing an epsilon substituted lysinol backbone was synthesized. Two novel synthetic routes using N-boc-L-glutamic acid alpha-benzyl ester and 2,6-diaminopimelic acid were developed. Incorporation of this epsilon substituent enabled access to the S2 pocket of the enzyme, affording high potency inhibitors. Modeling studies and synthetic efforts suggest the potency increase is due to both conformational bias and van der Waals interactions with the S2 pocket.
The impact of learner attributes and learner choice in an agent-based environment

This study examined the impact of learners' attributes (gender and ethnicity) on their choice of a pedagogical agent and the impact of the attributes and choice on their perceptions of agent affability, task-specific attitudes, task-specific self-efficacy, and learning gains. Participants were 210 high-school male and female, Caucasian and Hispanic students who worked at computer-based algebra integrated with pedagogical agents. The results indicated, first, that students preferentially chose a same-gender agent and a same-ethnicity agent. Second, males who chose an agent showed more positive attitudes toward working at the learning environment than did males who were assigned to an agent whereas females who were assigned to an agent showed more positive attitudes than did females who chose an agent. Third, Hispanic students showed more positive attitudes toward working at the learning environment than Caucasians. Fourth, females perceived the agent as significantly more affable than did males; Hispanics perceived the agent as significantly more affable than did Caucasians. Last, learner attributes and choice did not affect learning gains in the agent-based environment; rather, the participants overall significantly increased their performances after the intervention.
MEANINGFULNESS OF SELF, IDEAL AND OTHER AS RELATED TO OWN VS THERAPIST'S PERSONAL CONSTRUCT DIMENSIONS.

Starting from Kelly's Psychology of Personal Constructs and a study by Cromwell and Caldwell (1962), the meaningfulness of self, ideal and other was investigated within the contexts of the client's vs the therapist's personal language dimensions. It was hypothesized that: (1) clients at the beginning of therapy will find their own personal language dimensions more meaningful than those of the therapist, as judged by two criteria of meaning—one internal and one external to Kelly's theory; (2) a positive relationship will be found between the two measures of meaningfulness. Findings give added support to Kelly's notions, and, in particular, to an approach to the assessment of meaningfulness suggested by this theory.
Selective Enhancement of Vincristine Cytotoxicity in Multidrug-resistant Tumor Cells by Dilantin (Phenytoin)

Tumor cell resistance to chemotherapeutic agents of diverse structure and mechanism of action is thought to be due to efflux of drug by P-glycoprotein, which is overexpressed in tumor cells with the multidrug-resistant phenotype. Agents generally associated with the multidrug-resistant phenotype include inhibitors of topoisomerase II, e.g. , doxorubicin, etoposide, and the microtubule poisons such as vinblastine, vincristine (VCR), and taxol. The antiepileptic drug phenytoin (DPH), an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, potentiates ( P < 0.05) the cytotoxicity of the chemotherapeutically useful microtubule poison VCR in tumor cells with the wildtype or multidrug-resistant phenotype. Among agents associated with the multidrug-resistant phenotype, the modulation of cytotoxicity by DPH was selectively effective with the microtubule poison VCR but not the topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin. The potentiation of vincristine cytotoxicity by DPH was not due to binding to P-glycoprotein or by increasing VCR accumulation. We thus propose a novel mechanism for the modulation of resistance based on evidence that DPH at noncytotoxic concentrations can selectively enhance the cytotoxic potential of vincristine without interfering with P-glycoprotein function. Thus, studies with phenytoin could assist in characterizing other molecular determinants of multidrug resistance and the design of trials to modulate drug efficacy.
Improvement of artificial neural network detection of breast cancer using broadband dual polarized antenna

This work represents a numerical investigation into the improvement of artificial neural network detection of breast cancer using a planar broadband antenna and a three-region breast model. Modified Fourpoint antennas are used, which are capable of producing various wave polarizations. The effect of wave polarization on statistical detection will be investigated in this paper.
Dynamic Dependency Monitoring to Secure Information Flow

Although static systems for information flow security are well-studied, few works address run-time information flow monitoring. Run-time information flow control offers distinct advantages in precision and in the ability to support dynamically defined policies. To this end, we here develop a new run-time information flow system based on the runtime tracking of indirect dependencies between program points. Our system tracks both direct and indirect information flows, and noninterference results are proved.
Binding of [3H]mazindol to cardiac norepinephrine transporters: kinetic and equilibrium studies

The norepinephrine transporter (NET) is the carrier that drives the neuronal norepinephrine uptake mechanism (uptake1) in mammalian hearts. The radioligand [3H]mazindol binds with high affinity to NET. In this study, the kinetics of [3H]mazindol binding to NET were measured using a rat heart membrane preparation. Results from these studies were used to set up saturation binding assays designed to measure cardiac NET densities (Bmax) and competitive inhibition assays designed to measure inhibitor binding affinities (KI) for NET. Saturation binding assays measured NET densities in rat, rabbit, and canine hearts. Assay reproducibility was assessed and the effect of NaCl concentration on [3H]mazindol binding to NET was studied using membranes from rat and canine hearts. Specificity of [3H]mazindol binding to NET was determined in experiments in which the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was used to selectively destroy cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals in rats. Competitive inhibition studies measured KI values for several NET inhibitors and substrates. In kinetic studies using rat heart membranes, [3H]mazindol exhibited a dissociation rate constant koff=0.0123+/-0.0007 min(-1) and an association rate constant kon=0.0249+/-0.0019 nM(-1)min(-1). In saturation binding assays, [3H]mazindol binding was monophasic and saturable in all cases. Increasing the concentration of NaCl in the assay buffer increased binding affinity significantly, while only modestly increasing Bmax. Injections of 6-OHDA in rats decreased measured cardiac NET Bmax values in a dose-dependent manner, verifying that [3H]mazindol binds specifically to NET from sympathetic nerve terminals. Competitive inhibition studies provided NET inhibitor and substrate KI values consistent with previously reported values. These studies demonstrate the high selectivity of [3H]mazindol binding for the norepinephrine transporter in membrane preparations from mammalian hearts.
Adaptive control of a MEMS steering mirror for free-space laser communications

This paper presents an adaptive control scheme for laser-beam steering by a two-axis MEMS tilt mirror used in current free-space optical communications systems. In the control scheme presented here, disturbances in the laser beam are rejected by a high-performance linear time-invariant feedback controller augmented by the adaptive control loop, which determines control gains that are optimal for the current disturbance acting on the laser beam. The variable-order adaptive control loop is based on an adaptive lattice filter that implicitly identifies the disturbance statistics from real-time sensor data. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the adaptive controller for rejecting multi-bandwidth jitter. These results demonstrate that the adaptive loop significantly extends the jitter-rejection bandwidth achieved by the feedback controller alone.
Model-based estimation of off-highway road geometry using single-axis LADAR and inertial sensing

This paper applies some previously studied extended Kalman filter techniques for planar road geometry estimation to the domain of autonomous navigation of off-highway vehicles. In this work, a clothoid model of the road geometry is constructed and estimated recursively based on road features extracted from single-axis LADAR range measurements. We present a method for feature extraction of the road centerline in the image plane, and describe its application to recursive estimation of the road geometry. We analyze the performance of our method against simulated motion of varied road geometries and against closed-loop detection, tracking and following of desert roads. Our method accommodates full 6 DOF motion of the vehicle as it navigates, constructs consistent estimates of the road geometry with respect to a fixed global reference frame, and requires an estimate of the sensor pose for each range measurement
Distribution of electrical activation to the external intercostal muscles during high frequency spinal cord stimulation in dogs

Non-technical summary Normal breathing is controlled by specialized neurons in the central nervous system including the brainstem and spinal cord. Signals generated in the brainstem and transmitted to the major inspiratory muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, are necessary to sustain life. However, we show that the specific pattern of intercostal muscle activation during breathing does not require input from the brainstem. In other words, the neural circuitry controlling this pattern of activation exists within the spinal cord. This knowledge furthers our understanding of the mechanisms that control breathing and has implications for patients with certain disease states such as cervical spinal cord injury.
Novel transform domain principal component analysis (PCA) techniques and some applications: facial and automatic target recognition

Novel transform domain formulations and implementations of PCA techniques will be given. It will be shown that this new approach results in considerable computational and storage savings while yielding very high accuracy. Useful applications such as Facial and Automatic Target Recognition are given confirming the considerable performance improvement.
High prevalence of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias due to atrioventricular node-fascicular and sinus node-atrial disease in patients with mitral anular calcification

Mitral anular calcification (MAC) is associated with high frequency of conduction defects. To delineate this association in patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias, 68 consecutive patients requiring pacemakers (group I) and 56 matched controls (group II) were studied. The patients comprised 41 men and 27 women, whose ages ranged from 24 to 92 years (mean 68). The control group consisted of 56 subjects without bradyarrhythmias, whose ages ranged from 30 to 86 years (mean 70); there were 36 men and 20 women. MAC was detected in 59 patients (87%) with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias compared with 8 subjects (14%) in the control group. In group I, 15 patients (22%) had complete atrioventricular block, 23 patients (34%) had atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response, and 30 patients (44%) had intermittent sinus arrest. The incidence of MAC was similar among these subgroups (93%, 83%, and 87%, respectively). Thus the present study confirms the strong association of MAC with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias.
Face Numbers and the Dehn–Sommerville Relations in Ehrhartian Terms

Our first goal in this chapter is to introduce and prove a set of fascinating identities, known as the Dehn–Sommerville relations, which are linear relations among the face numbers of a polytope. Our second goal is to unify the Dehn–Sommerville relations with Ehrhart–Macdonald reciprocity.
Metabolism of adenosine by the isolated anoxic cat heart.

SummaryThe anoxic isolated perfused cat heart incorporates approximately 50% of labelled adenosine into myocardial nucleotides with one passage of the adenosine-en-riched perfusion fluid through the heart.
Experimental Investigation Into Stiction Forces and Dynamic Mechanical Anti-Stiction Solutions in Ultra-Clean Encapsulated MEMS Devices

A systematic experimental and theoretical evaluation of stiction between intermittently contacting silicon surfaces in an ultra-clean encapsulation process is presented, evaluating magnitude of stiction forces, the reversible nature of sidewall contact, and repeatability of results. The uniquely stable environment and the lack of native oxide are leveraged to enable reliable collision and contact models, which confirm the nature of the asperity contact. In addition, we demonstrate a series of dynamic mechanical anti-stiction solutions and the mechanisms by which they mitigate stiction. These devices are shown to reduce susceptibility to stiction-related failure by 50%. [2015-0291]
The Fubini-Type Theorems of Karlin

In 1960 Karlin lectured on multivariate analysis and notes in six sets were written. The material of this chapter is a reworking of the 1960 notes in order to bring notations into conformity with others used in this book, to rephrase proofs, and to eliminate some material. The emphasis in the following sections is on method rather than result.
Investigation on nutrition and health status of children and adolescents in Cangshan District of Fuzhou City

[Objective]To understand the nutrition and health status of children and adolescents who study in schools in Cangshan District of Fuzhou City,provide the scientific evidence for implementing the nutrition and health education. [Methods]240students were collected from a primary school and a middle school in Cangshan District of Fuzhou City by the cluster random sampling method. A questionnaire survey was used to understand the physical activity situation,species and quantity of dietary intake,and the eating habits of the respondents in daily life. The levels of height,weight,waist circumference and blood pressure were measured, and the blood samples were collected for testing the hemoglobin and FPG. [Results]The rate of overweight and obesity among school children and adolescents was 11.7% and 5.4% respectively. The daily intake of staple food,beans and milk in boys and girls were lower than the DRIS(Chinese residents dietary reference intake),and there were too much fat intake(boys of 35.8%,girls of 38.5%)and inadequate carbohydrate intake(boy of 50.3%,girls of 48.1%). The rate of obesity increased with the increase of sedentary time,the decrease of activity time,and the decline in times of eating breakfast.[Conclusion]The dietary pattern, eating habits and activity time arrangement among school children and adolescents are improper,and the phenomenon of overweight and obesity is still serious. The relevant departments should actively carry out the education and publicity of nutrition health,and improve the cognition of reasonable diet and appropriate activities.
Drug Delivery to the Ischemic Brain

Cerebral ischemia occurs when blood flow to the brain is insufficient to meet metabolic demand. This can result from cerebral artery occlusion that interrupts blood flow, limits CNS supply of oxygen and glucose, and causes an infarction/ischemic stroke. Ischemia initiates a cascade of molecular events in neurons and cerebrovascular endothelial cells including energy depletion, dissipation of ion gradients, calcium overload, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and accumulation of ions and fluid. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption is associated with cerebral ischemia and leads to vasogenic edema, a primary cause of stroke-associated mortality. To date, only a single drug has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for acute ischemic stroke treatment, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). While rt-PA therapy restores perfusion to ischemic brain, considerable tissue damage occurs when cerebral blood flow is reestablished. Therefore, there is a critical need for novel therapeutic approaches that can "rescue" salvageable brain tissue and/or protect BBB integrity during ischemic stroke. One class of drugs that may enable neural cell rescue following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (i.e., statins). Understanding potential CNS drug delivery pathways for statins is critical to their utility in ischemic stroke. Here, we review molecular pathways associated with cerebral ischemia and novel approaches for delivering drugs to treat ischemic disease. Specifically, we discuss utility of endogenous BBB drug uptake transporters such as organic anion transporting polypeptides and nanotechnology-based carriers for optimization of CNS drug delivery. Overall, this chapter highlights state-of-the-art technologies that may improve pharmacotherapy of cerebral ischemia.
INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC INSURANCE ON HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND CANCER CARE

INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC INSURANCE ON HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND CANCER CARE By Wafa W. Tarazi, Ph.D., MHPA, B.Pharm A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016 Director: Lindsay M. Sabik, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Health Behavior and Policy Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) facilitates access to care among vulnerable populations, but 21 states have not yet expanded the program. Tennessee’s Medicaid program experienced a dramatic Medicaid contraction when the program disenrolled approximately 170,000 nonelderly adults in 2005. Pre-ACA expansions were associated with better access to and utilization of healthcare services. However, little is known about the effect of these policy changes on improvement in health outcomes for women diagnosed with breast cancer, access to care for cancer survivors, and the effect of generosity and duration of expansion
Women and the Press: The Struggle for Equality by Patricia Bradley Evanston, Ill.: Northwestern University Press, 2005, 355 pp

(2007). Women and the Press: The Struggle for Equality by Patricia Bradley Evanston, Ill.: Northwestern University Press, 2005, 355 pp. American Journalism: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 153-154.
The Other Non-functional Property: Reliability

THE sad state of reliability theory for software can be gauged by noting the failure of the development community to frame a sensible definition of this fundamental engineering parameter and to study it experimentally.