cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical response to arginine vasopressin therapy after paediatric cardiac surgery.

Objective To describe the haemodynamic response of children who receive arginine vasopressin for haemodynamic instability after cardiac surgery and to identify clinical variables associated with a favourable response. Materials and Methods We reviewed patients less than or equal to 6 years undergoing open heart surgery in our institution between January, 2009 and July, 2010 who received arginine vasopressin during the first 7 days post operation. Favourable responders were defined as those in whom blood pressure was increased or maintained and catecholamine score was decreased, or blood pressure was increased by greater than or equal to 10% of baseline and catecholamine score was unchanged at 6 hours following arginine vasopressin initiation. Results Of the 34 patients identified, 17 (50%) patients responded favourably to arginine vasopressin. At 6 hours, the mean blood pressure was increased by 32.2% in responders as compared with 4.6% in non-responders, with a p-value less than 0.001. The mean catecholamine score decreased by 30.1% in responders and increased by 7.6% in non-responders, with a p-value less than 0.001. Anthropometric, demographic, and intra-operative variables were similar in both groups, as was maximum dose of arginine vasopressin. The median time after arrival to the intensive care unit at which arginine vasopressin was initiated, however, was later in those who responded, 20 hours as compared with those who did not, 6 hours, with a p-value equal to 0.032. Conclusions Arginine vasopressin therapy led to haemodynamic improvement in only half of the children in this study, and improvement was more likely to occur if arginine vasopressin was initiated after the post-operative night.
Influence of prostaglandins E1, E2, and arachidonate on melanosomes in melanocytes and keratinocytes of anagen hair bulbs in vitro.

Anagen hair bulbs were collected and maintained in organ culture for periods up to 24 hr. Prostaglandin E1, E2, and arachidonate were introduced to the cultures and stimulated a series of cellular events characterized by peripheral orientation of microfilaments in the dendritic processes of melanocytes, complexing of melanosomes, and degradation of melanosomes within keratinocytes. These events were dependent on the concentration of prostaglandins. In addition, the most potent agent for these events was arachidonate. The action of arachidonate was hypothesized to occur through the production of endogenous prostaglandins since arachidonate was ineffective in the presence of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthetase.
Biologically inspired autonomous structural materials with controlled toughening and healing

The field of structural health monitoring (SHM) has made significant contributions in the field of prognosis and damage detection in the past decade. The advantageous use of this technology has not been integrated into operational structures to prevent damage from propagating or to heal injured regions under real time loading conditions. Rather, current systems relay this information to a central processor or human operator, who then determines a course of action such as altering the mission or scheduling repair maintenance. Biological systems exhibit advanced sensory and healing traits that can be applied to the design of material systems. For instance, bone is the major structural component in vertebrates; however, unlike modern structural materials, bone has many properties that make it effective for arresting the propagation of cracks and subsequent healing of the fractured area. The foremost goal for the development of future adaptive structures is to mimic biological systems, similar to bone, such that the material system can detect damage and deploy defensive traits to impede damage from propagating, thus preventing catastrophic failure while in operation. After sensing and stalling the propagation of damage, the structure must then be repaired autonomously using self healing mechanisms motivated by biological systems. Here a novel autonomous system is developed using shape memory polymers (SMPs), that employs an optical fiber network as both a damage detection sensor and a network to deliver stimulus to the damage site initiating adaptation and healing. In the presence of damage the fiber optic fractures allowing a high power laser diode to deposit a controlled level of thermal energy at the fractured sight locally reducing the modulus and blunting the crack tip, which significantly slows the crack growth rate. By applying a pre-induced strain field and utilizing the shape memory recovery effect, thermal energy can be deployed to close the crack and return the system to its original operating state. The entire system will effectively detect, self toughen, and subsequently heal damage as biological materials such as bone does.
EIF2B5 mutations compromise GFAP + astrocyte generation in vanishing white matter leukodystrophy

Vanishing white matter disease (VWM) is a heritable leukodystrophy linked to mutations in translation initiation factor 2B (eIF2B). Although the clinical course of this disease has been relatively well described, the cellular consequences of EIF2B mutations on neural cells are unknown. Here we have established cell cultures from the brain of an individual with VWM carrying mutations in subunit 5 of eIF2B (encoded by EIF2B5). Despite the extensive demyelination apparent in this VWM patient, normal-appearing oligodendrocytes were readily generated in vitro. In contrast, few GFAP-expressing (GFAP+) astrocytes were present in primary cultures, induction of astrocytes was severely compromised, and the few astrocytes generated showed abnormal morphologies and antigenic phenotypes. Lesions in vivo also lacked GFAP+ astrocytes. RNAi targeting of EIF2B5 severely compromised the induction of GFAP+ cells from normal human glial progenitors. This raises the possibility that a deficiency in astrocyte function may contribute to the loss of white matter in VWM leukodystrophy.
Barriers to entry in industrial markets

This study examines the importance of 25 barriers to market entry in industrial markets. A survey of 93 firms indicates that majority of business executives consider cost advantages and capital requirements to enter markets as the two most important barriers to entry followed by incumbents having a superior production process, capital intensity of the market, and customer loyalty. The least important barriers perceived by the executives in the study are government licensing requirements, followed by heavy advertising. In addition, the study investigates the underlying dimensions of barriers to entry in industrial market through a factor analysis. The results indicate that there are four major underlying dimensions of entry barriers in industrial markets.
Systemic reactions and fatalities associated with allergen immunotherapy.

Objective The primary objective of this review is to discuss systemic allergic reactions and risk factors associated with the injection of allergen vaccines. Data Sources A review of the literature on anaphylactic reaction, adverse effects, and fatalities associated with allergen immunotherapy (IT) was conducted. Study Selection The expert opinion of the author was used to select relevant data. Results Systemic allergic reactions associated with the injection of allergen vaccines usually begin within 20 minutes. However, on occasion, they begin 20 to 30 minutes or longer after an injection. Such reactions can also occur after allergen skin testing. Most reactions associated with skin testing and allergen IT are mild and readily respond to appropriate treatment. However, severe and even fatal reactions have been reported with both skin testing and IT. Conclusions Risk factors for skin testing and allergen IT include: 1) patients, particularly asthmatic patients, suffering with seasonal exacerbation of their symptoms; 2) patients who demonstrate exquisite sensitivity to particular allergen(s); 3) patients on β-blockers; 4) patients with asthma, especially if their asthma is unstable; 5) patients in whom rush IT is used; and 6) patients in whom high doses of potent standardized allergen vaccines are used. It is essential that strict attention be paid to the risk factors for systemic reactions, and that techniques and management be initiated both before and after skin testing or IT to minimize these risks. Done properly, the risk of skin testing and IT is minimal.
Differences in seed mass between hydric and xeric plants influence seed bank dynamics in a dryland riparian ecosystem

Summary 1. Dryland riparian zones have steep spatial gradients of soil moisture and flood disturbance, and the component hydrogeomorphic surfaces support hydric to xeric plant species. These systems undergo extremes of flood and drought, a dynamic that may select for persistent soil seed banks. We asked if reliance on this strategy differed among plants in three moisture groups (hydric, mesic and xeric), and if patterns were related to diaspore traits. 2. We assessed the composition of soil and litter seed banks (emergence method) and extant vegetation along a riparian hydrogradient, and measured seed persistence (using an indirect method) and diaspore mass and shape variance of the component species. 3. Hydroriparian species had smaller diaspores than xeroriparian species, corresponding to differences in selective pressures on seedlings in their respective habitats, but the two groups formed persistent seed banks at approximately equal percentages. Persistent seeds were smaller than transient seeds, but within the persistent seed group there was separation between the smaller-diaspored hydrophytes and larger-diaspored xerophytes. 4. Distribution patterns of extant vegetation, in concert with diaspore trait differences among moisture-affinity groups, gave rise to divergent spatial patterns of diaspores within the soil: hydroriparian diaspores were abundant not only along wet channel bars but also in deep soils under floodplain forests and shrublands, presumably owing to dispersal by flood waters. Xeroriparian diaspores were largely restricted to the litter and upper soil layers of their drier, higher, floodplain habitats. With increasing depth in the soil of floodplain forests and shrublands, viable diaspores became smaller and rounder, and plant composition shifted from xeroriparian to hydroriparian species. 5. The wide distribution of hydroriparian diaspores in floodplain soils influences disturbance dynamics, increasing the probability that ephemeral wetland communities will develop wherever suitable conditions are stochastically created by floods. Persistent seed banks also allow many xeric annuals to be maintained in dryland riparian zones throughout extended drought, similar to processes that occur in desert uplands.
Structural evolution in Ni–Nb and Ni–Nb–Ta liquids and glasses — A measure of liquid fragility?

The structures of Ni59.5Nb40.5, Ni62Nb38, and Ni60Nb30Ta10 liquids and glasses were studied using synchrotron high-energy X-ray diffraction. To avoid reactions between the liquids and their containers and to deeply supercool them below their equilibrium liquidus temperatures, the liquids were processed without a container using the beamline electrostatic levitation (BESL) technique. The total static structure factor, S(q), and the total pair-correlation function, g(r), were obtained for all liquid compositions over a temperature range of approximately 250 °C; S(q) and g(r) were measured for the corresponding glasses at room temperature. All of the S(q)s have a shoulder on the high-q side of the second peak; this becomes more pronounced as the liquid is supercooled, and is most prominent in the glass. Based on a Honeycutt–Andersen analysis of the atomic configurations obtained from Reverse Monte Carlo fits to the total structure factors obtained from the scattering data, icosahedral short-range order (ISRO) is dominant in all liquids and becomes particularly pronounced in the glasses. No correlation is noted, however, between the amount of ISRO and easy glass formability. Structural features show evidence for an acceleration of ordering in the supercooled liquid above the glass transition temperature, consistent with the behavior expected for fragile liquids.more » This suggests that scattering data can provide a new method to assess liquid fragility, which is typically obtained from the temperature behavior of the viscosity near the glass transition temperature.« less
The Perspective Representation of Functions of Two Variables

A perspective transformation is developed whereby an object in space as viewed from an arbitrary point can be projected into a plane and plotted. Families of curves which can be used to define such an object are discussed and examples are given. An algorithm which eliminates the plotting of hidden portions of the object is discussed.
Genotype-controlled analysis of plasma dopamine β-hydroxylase activity in psychotic unipolar major depression

Abstract Background: Plasma activity of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH), the enzyme that converts dopamine to norepinephrine, is reportedly lower in patients with unipolar major depression with psychotic features (UDPF) than in those with nonpsychotic unipolar major depression (UD). Plasma DβH is under genetic control by the structural locus encoding DβH protein, DBH. This study tested the hypothesis that diagnosis-specific allelic variation at DBH accounts for lower plasma DβH in UDPF. Methods: Plasma DβH activity was measured in samples from patients with UDPF ( n = 33) and UD ( n = 45). Genotypes were determined at several functional DBH polymorphisms, including C-1021T, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the proximal 5′ region that associates with variation in plasma DβH activity. Results: Mean plasma DβH activity was significantly lower in UDPF than in UD. Genotyping at DBH did not reveal genetic associations distinguishing UDPF from UD. A two-way analysis of variance showed significant effects of genotype and diagnostic group but no significant interaction. Conclusions: Although the effects of the diagnosis of UDPF, and of DBH allele status, on plasma DβH activity were replicated, the lower plasma DβH in patients with UDPF was not accounted for by DBH genotype. Several explanations for this result are possible. First, other variants at DBH, or at other loci, could account for the findings. Second, nongenetic factors could account for the differences in plasma DβH. In this regard, we hypothesize that abnormal regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function in UDPF lowers expression of DβH protein, which could in turn alter the ratio of dopamine and norepinephrine in noradrenergic neurons, thereby promoting development of psychotic symptoms.
Intraocular Lens Power Selection after Radial Keratotomy: Topography, Manual, and IOLMaster Keratometry Results Using Haigis Formulas

Purpose To compare final spherical equivalent (SE) refractions in patients who previously underwent radial keratotomy (RK) undergoing routine cataract surgery using keratometry (K) values from the Tomey (Topographic Modeling System [TMS]; Tomey Corp., Phoenix, AZ) Placido topographer, manual keratometer, and IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) keratometer using the Haigis formulas. Design Retrospective case series. Subjects A total of 26 RK eyes (20 patients) with a minimum of 3 months postoperative follow-up. Methods The following K values were evaluated: TMS topography (flattest K within first 9 rings, average K, minimum K), manual K, IOLMaster K. The final refractive goal was −0.50 diopters (D) for all eyes. The Haigis formula with target refraction –0.50 D was used. In addition, because of observed hyperopic overcorrections, IOLMaster K with the Haigis formula set to –1.00 D but with a final refractive goal of −0.50 D was also tested. The Haigis-L formula using IOLMaster K values was separately evaluated. Main Outcome Measures Mean final SE refraction, percent final SE within ideal (−0.12 to −1.00 D), acceptable (0.25 to −1.50 D), or unacceptable ( 0.25 D) range and within ±0.50 D and ±1.00 D of the intended result. Results Best results with minimal overcorrections were achieved with TMS flattest K (mean −0.68±0.60 D, 73% within ±0.50 D, and 88% within ±1.00 D of the surgical goal) and IOLMaster K set for target –1.00 D (mean −0.66±0.61 D, 69% within ±0.50 D, and 88% within ±1.00 D of the surgical goal). Other values produced more hyperopic (manual, IOLMaster K set for target –0.50 D, average topography) or higher myopic (minimum topography, Haigis-L) results. Conclusions For simplicity, using the IOLMaster K values combined with the Haigis formula set for target refraction –1.00 D produces acceptable results aiming for −0.50 D final SE refractions in former RK patients undergoing routine cataract surgery.
Undiagnosed catecholamine-secreting paraganglioma and coexisting carcinoid in a patient with MH susceptibility: an unusual anesthetic challenge

The management of a patient with two undiagnosed neuroendocrine tumors and possible malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility poses a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist. We describe a total intravenous anesthetic including an alpha 2-agonist infusion combined with epidurally administered bupivacaine for intra- and postoperative pain management. Alpha 2-agonists may offer improved intraoperative hemodynamic management in patients with catecholamine-secreting tumors and reduce the total dose needed for intravenous anesthetics such as propofol. The latter mechanism may be useful to avert the risk of the propofol infusion syndrome occurring as a consequence of a high cumulative dose following its prolonged administration.
Preparation of isotopically labeled spinach acyl-acyl carrier protein for NMR structural studies.

Abstract Acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) are important protein cofactors in fatty acid biosynthesis, but their acylated forms have not been well-studied. To permit detailed nuclear magnetic resonance studies of acylated spinach ACP isoform I, we have developed a new expression plasmid for recombinant production of the apo-protein and modified protocols for purifying the protein product and acylating it to form acyl-ACP. To solve plasmid stability problems associated with growth in minimal media, the ampicillin resistance gene from pSACP-2a was replaced with the tetA(C) gene from pBR322. The resulting plasmid, pSACP-2t, supported overexpression of apo-ACP in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) cells in M9 medium containing 15NH4Cl as the sole nitrogen source. Apo-ACP was purified to homogeneity by means of polyethylene glycol precipitation and anion exchange. Two in vitro synthetic routes were used to produce acyl–ACPs. In one route, apo-ACP was converted to the holo form and the acyl form by a published protocol that employs a discrete enzymatic reaction for each step. As an alternative route to produce decanoyl-ACP, apo-ACP was directly converted to the acyl form by using holo-ACP synthase along with the non-natural substrate decanoyl-CoA. Two-dimensional 1H–15N NMR spectroscopy of decanoyl-ACP and stearoyl-ACP revealed that changes in the length of the covalently attached fatty acid do not affect the secondary structure of the protein but do influence the local conformation and dynamics.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Acting at the Locus Coeruleus Disrupts Thalamic and Cortical Sensory-Evoked Responses

Stress and stress-related psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, are associated with disruptions in sensory information processing. The neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), coordinates the physiological and behavioral responses to stress, in part, by activating the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) projection system. Although the LC-NE system is an important modulator of sensory information processing, to date, the consequences of CRF activation of this system on sensory signal processing are poorly understood. The current study examined the dose-dependent actions of CRF at the LC on spontaneous and sensory-evoked discharge of neurons within the thalamus and cortex of the vibrissa somatosensory system in the awake, freely moving rat. Peri-LC infusions of CRF resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of sensory-evoked discharge in ventral posterior medial thalamic and barrel field cortical neurons. A concurrent increase in spontaneous activity was observed. This latter action is generally not found with iontophoretic application of NE to target neurons or stimulation of the LC-NE pathway. Net decreases in signal-to-noise of sensory-evoked responses within both regions suggest that under conditions associated with CRF release at the LC, including stress, the transfer of afferent information within sensory systems is impaired. Acutely, a suppression of certain types of sensory information may represent an adaptive response to an immediate unexpected stressor. Persistence of such effects could contribute to abnormalities of information processing seen in sensorimotor gating associated with stress and stress-related psychopathology.
Reshaping Institutional Boundaries to Accommodate an Engagement Agenda

Key voices influencing higher education are increasingly aware of engagement in effecting change. Public research universities have missions compatible with engagement, but efforts to institutionalize it may conflict with their underlying values. Using boundary expansion as the analytical framework, this study compared the institutionalization of engagement at two types of public research universities. Land-grant universities implement engagement primarily through outreach and extension in specialized units. At urban or metropolitan universities, engagement is more often a university-wide agenda, impacting teaching, research, and partnerships. The difference between the two approaches can be explained by examining institutional capacity for boundary reshaping and expansion.
Radical Musicking: Towards a Pedagogy of Social Change.

This research examines the work of four elementary music educators who strive to challenge the dominant paradigm of music education. I employed the methodology of a multiple case study to consider the discourses, practices and philosophies of these four educators. I observed in each school for an eight-week period for two full days each week, conducting semi-structured interviews at the beginning, middle and end of each observation process. At each school, I followed an observation protocol, in addition to completing three interviews and keeping a journal. In this work, I mobilise a tri-faceted lens that combines the theoretical frameworks of anti-colonialism, anti-racism and anti-racist feminism towards counterhegemonic goals. The teachers' diverse practices include critically engaging with issues of social justice, studying a broad range of musics, introducing multiple musical epistemologies, contextualising musics, considering differential privilege and subverting hegemonic practices. In many ways, the...
Target-Density Weighting Interpolation and Uncertainty Evaluation for Temporal Analysis of Census Data

Conducting temporal analysis of census data often requires applying areal interpolation to integrate data that have been spatially aggregated using incompatible zoning systems. This article introduces a method of areal interpolation, target-density weighting (TDW), that is useful for long-term temporal analysis because it requires only readily available historical data and basic geographic information system operations. Then, through regression analysis of a large sample of U.S. census tract data, a model is produced that relates the error in TDW estimates of tract population to four basic properties of tracts. An analysis of model residuals combined with theorized absolute limits on interpolation error yields formulas with which we can compute upper and lower prediction bounds on the population in a tract of one census at the time of a different census. These prediction intervals enable the interpretation of different interpolated estimates with appropriately varying degrees of uncertainty.
DEFORMATION AND FRACTURE OF PYROLYTIC CARBONS DEPOSITED IN A FLUIDIZED BED

Abstract Pyrolytic carbon formed by the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon gas in a fluidized bed is used as a coating for nuclear fuel particles. The present investigation was undertaken to relate the mechanical properties of such deposits to their structure, which in turn depends on the deposition conditions and subsequent heat treatment. Carbons deposited from methane between 1350° and 1925°C were characterized according to their density, degree of preferred orientation, apparent crystallite size, and micrographic appearance (laminar, isotropic, or granular). Stress-strain fracture curves were obtained from room-temperature three-point bend tests on planar samples and the mode of fracture was investigated by optical microscopy and electron microfractography. Both the elastic modulus and the fracture stress decreased in progressing from laminar to isotropic to granular structures, whereas the fracture strain was highest in the isotropic deposits. Annealing at temperatures between 1700° and 2800°C was found to change greatly the properties of only the high-density laminar structures deposited from high methane concentrations, where the elastic modulus and fracture stress were reduced by annealing. The mechanical properties of the various carbons are discussed in terms of their structure.
Intercomparisons of CloudSat and Ground-Based Radar Retrievals of Rain Rate over Land

Experimental retrievals of rain rates using the CloudSat spaceborne 94-GHz radar reflectivity gradient method overland were evaluatedby comparing them with standard estimatesfromground-based operational S-band radar measurements, which are widely used for quantitative precipitation estimations. The comparisons were performed for predominantly stratiform precipitation events that occurred in the vicinity of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) KGWX and KSHV radars during the CloudSat overpasses in the vicinity of these ground radar sites. The standard reflectivity-based WSR-88D rain-rate retrievals used in operational practice were utilized as a reference for the CloudSat retrieval evaluation. Spaceborne and ground-based radar rain-rate estimates that were closely collocated in space and time were generally well correlated. The correlation coefficients were approximately 0.65 on average, and the mean relativebiaseswereusuallywithin635%forthewholedatasetandforindividualeventswithtypicalrainrates exceeding ;2mmh 21 . For events with lighter rainfall, higher biases and lower correlations were often present.The normalized meanabsolutedifferencesbetween satellite-and ground-based radarretrievalswere on average ;60%, with an increasing trend for lighter rainfall. Such mean differences are comparable to combined retrieval errors from both ground-based and satellite radar remote sensing approaches. Evaluation of potential effects of partial beam blockage on the ground-based radar measurements was performed, and the influence of the choice of relation between WSR-88D reflectivity and rain rate that was utilized in the ground-based rain-rate retrievals was assessed.
Meditation as a Therapeutic Intervention for Adults at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease – Potential Benefits and Underlying Mechanisms

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive, brain disorder that affects at least 5.3 million Americans at an estimated cost of $148 billion, figures that are expected to rise steeply in coming years. Despite decades of research, there is still no cure for AD, and effective therapies for preventing or slowing progression of cognitive decline in at-risk populations remain elusive. While the etiology of AD remains uncertain, chronic stress, sleep deficits, and mood disturbance, conditions common in those with cognitive impairment, have been prospectively linked to the development and progression of both chronic illness and memory loss and are significant predictors of AD. Therapies such as meditation that specifically target these risk factors may thus hold promise for slowing and possibly preventing cognitive decline in those at risk. In this paper, we briefly review the existing evidence regarding the potential utility of meditation as a therapeutic intervention for those with and at risk for AD, discuss possible mechanisms underlying the observed benefits of meditation, and outline directions for future research.
“A Questioning of the Jewish Status Quo”: Midstream, Shlomo Katz, and American Zionist Letters at Midcentury

Established in New York in 1955 by Zionist leader Emanuel Neumann, Midstream immediately proclaimed its identity as a Zionist publication and its intention to focus squarely upon the problems of Jewish existence in the diaspora. This article asks: How did the early Midstream, under the direction of its first editor, Shlomo Katz, attempt to position itself as a new and indispensable voice in Jewish and especially in Zionist letters? Did the magazine differ in significant ways from its ostensible competitors? How may we assess Katz’s role and legacy at Midstream? To begin answering these questions, the article examines the extent to which founding editor Shlomo Katz, as an idiosyncratic Zionist and unadulterated pessimist, shaped the magazine. For Katz as an intellectual, Jewish needs always came first. Yet in seeking to maintain Midstream as a forum for free discussion, he sometimes provided room for novel or provocative perspectives on matters of importance to the Jewish community—including, prominently, Israel. Drawing on issues from the first eighteen years of Midstream as well as archival materials pertaining to its administration, this essay illuminates a significant intellectual and cultural venue in postwar American Jewish life, one that has largely been neglected by scholars of postwar American Jewish history.
Coronary Intervention in 2009 Are Women No Different Than Men

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States in both women and men, and each year for more than 2 decades, more women than men have died (Figure 1). In 2006, 41.3 million women (34.9%) and 38.7 million men (37.6%) were living with cardiovascular disease, reflecting mortality in 454.6 thousand women and 409.9 thousand men in 2005, with coronary heart disease responsible for 1 of every 5 deaths overall. In fact, the lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease after age 40 is 49% in men and 32% in women. Furthermore, it is estimated that in 2009, cardiovascular disease and stroke will cost the nation $475.3 billion.1 Figure 1. Cardiovascular mortality trends for males and females in the United States, 1979 to 2005. Reproduced with permission from Ref. 1, Copyright © 2009 American Heart Association. Despite these sobering statistics, marked disparities in cardiovascular health and care, and specifically in the delivery and outcomes of coronary revascularization therapy, persist between women and men. Of the 1.3 million percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures performed in 2006, only 35% were performed in women,1 despite the known benefits of this treatment, particularly in high-risk women with acute coronary syndromes (ACS)2 and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).3,4 Moreover, for those women treated with PCI, unadjusted mortality (Figure 2) and (vascular and bleeding) complication rates (Figure 3) remain significantly higher than in men.5,6 Figure 2. In-hospital and late mortality rates in women versus men after PCI. NACI indicates New Approaches to Coronary Intervention; NCN, National Cardiovascular Network; NHLBI, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; WHC, Washington Hospital Center. Reproduced with permission from Reference 53. Figure 3. Meta-analysis of vascular complications in women versus men undergoing PCI. BOAT indicates Balloon Versus Optimal Atherectomy; CAVEAT, Coronary Angioplasty …
DIFFUSION AND REACTION IN POROUS SOLIDS: A MODEL FOR TWO DIFFERENT HETEROGENEOUS REACTIONS

We have developed a model to simulate the concentration distribution of a reacting species within an isothermal, heterogeneous, porous structure. In our model we allow for two different reactions—one at the base of a cylindrical pore and another at the pore wall. Concentration distributions have been simulated for Damkohler numbers ranging over several orders of magnitude. Closed-form solutions were obtained for first-order reactions. Concentration variations in the radial direction were calculated from a two-dimensional model; the error involved in using the one-dimensional model was quantified for a representative case. The effect of neglecting the reaction at the base of the pore was calculated for several cases pertaining to high aspect-ratio pores
Mutagenicity of cyclic nitrosamines in Salmonella typhimurium: effect of ring size.

Abstract Mutagenicity of cyclic nitrosamines with varying carcinogenic potentials was assayed in the Salmonella histidine-reversion system. Mutagenicity in the pourplate assay was compared with that in the liquid pre-incubation test. The smaller ring compounds (nitrosoazetidine, nitrosopyrrolidine, and nitrosopiperidine) exhibited a similar effect in both assays. The larger ring compounds (nitrosohexamethyleneimine, nitrosoheptamethyleneimine, nitrosooctamethyleneimine, and nitrosododecamethyleneimine) were more effective in the liquid pre-incubation test. Our results suggest a reasonable relationship between their mutagenic and carcinogenic activities.
Passicoriacin and epipassicoriacin: C-4 epimers of tetraphyllin B and epitetraphyllin B from Passiflora coriacea

Abstract An epimeric pair of cyclopentenoid cyanogenic glycosides, for which we propose the trivial names passicoriacin and epipassicoriacin, has been isolated from Passiflora coriacea . These compounds are similar to tetraphyllin B and epitetraphyllin B, but differ in stereochemistry at the C-4 centre. Small amounts of compounds that appear to be the corresponding gentiobiosides were also isolated. These compounds, presumably derived from 2-cyclopentenylglycine, are unusual in section Cieca , subgenus Plectostemma , and suggest that the placement of this species should be re-examined.
A Perspective on the U.S. Nuclear Fuel Cycle

There has been a resurgence of interest in the possibility of processing the US spent nuclear fuel, instead of burying it in a geologic repository. Accordingly, key topical findings from three relevant EPRI evaluations made in the 1990–1995 timeframe are recapped and updated to accommodate a few developments over the subsequent ten years. Views recently expressed by other US entities are discussed. Processing aspects thereby addressed include effects on waste disposal and on geologic repository capacity, impacts on the economics of the nuclear fuel cycle and of the overall nuclear power scenario, alternative dispositions of the plutonium separated by the processing, impacts on the structure of the perceived weapons proliferation risk, and challenges for the immediate future and for the current half-century. Currently, there is a statutory limit of 70,000 metric tons on the amount of nuclear waste materials that can be accepted at Yucca Mountain. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project analyzed emplacement of up to 120,000 metric tons of nuclear waste products in the repository. Additional scientific analyses suggest significantly higher capacity could be achieved with changes in the repository configuration that use only geology that has already been characterized and do not deviate from existing design parameters. Conservatively assuming the repository capacity postulated in the EIS, the need date for a second repository is essentially deferrable until that determined by a potential new nuclear plant deployment program. A further increase in technical capacity of the first repository (and further and extensive delay to the need date for a second repository) is potentially achievable by processing the spent fuel to remove the plutonium (and at least the americium too), provided the plutonium and the americium are then comprehensively burnt. The burning of some of the isotopes involved would need fast reactors (discounting for now a small possibility that one of several recently postulated alternatives will prove superior overall). However, adoption of processing would carry a substantial cost burden and reliability of the few demonstration fast reactors built to-date has been poor. Trends and developments could remove these obstacles to the processing scenario, possibly before major decisions on a second repository become necessary, which need not be until mid-century at the earliest. Pending the outcomes of these long-term trends and developments, economics and reliability encourage us to stay with non-processing for the near term at least. Besides completing the Yucca Mountain program, the two biggest and inter-related fuel-cycle needs today are for a nationwide consensus on which processing technology offers the optimum mix of economic competitiveness and proliferation resistance and for a sustained effort to negotiate greater international cooperation and safeguards. Equally likely to control the readiness schedule is development/demonstration of an acceptable, reliable and affordable fast reactor.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Closed-form modeling of direct steam generation in a parabolic trough solar receiver

Abstract Solar thermal power is a promising and ever-growing source of carbon-free electricity. To date, analysis and design tools for solar thermal power generation with parabolic troughs are mathematically complex. We have developed a model of a solar parabolic trough, which advances the simulation of direct steam generators by describing their performance as a function of both time and axial position in closed form. We validate the model by comparing its predictions with data from the Direct Solar Steam (DISS) project, obtaining good agreement both temporally and spatially. The model predicts the profiles of fluid temperature, enthalpy, and quality as well as the lengths of each of the three different phase regions in the absorber. The formulation also yields the temperature profiles of the glass envelope and absorber wall. We further present the response to variable insolation. We propose this model as an engineering tool useful for preliminary modeling, sensitivity analyses, and benchmark solutions for more detailed studies of solar parabolic trough direct steam generators.
Prostate-Specific Antigen: Concepts for Staging Prostate Cancer and Monitoring Response to Therapy

Findings The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level alone does not facilitate precise pathologic staging on an individual basis, although advanced stage tends to correlate with an increased PSA level. The staging accuracy of PSA, however, can be enhanced by considering the variables of tumor grade and clinical stage. Staging radionuclide bone scans in asymptomatic, untreated patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and a PSA value of less than 10.0 ng/mL are unnecessary. After radical prostatectomy, the serum PSA level is exquisitely sensitive to recurrent or residual disease. Ultrasensitive PSA assays can increase the sensitivity of PSA as a tumor marker after surgical removal of the prostate. Currently, however, the clinical usefulness of PSA concentrations detected in the ultrasensitive range after radical prostatectomy is unknown. Serum PSA values aid in monitoring patients who have received definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Patients in whom the serum PSA level decreases to the reference range have a favorable prognosis. An increasing serum PSA concentration after radiation therapy heralds progressive prostate cancer. The serum PSA level after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) also has prognostic importance in that a decrease to the normal range predicts a prolonged remission in most patients. Because expression of PSA is under direct hormonal influence, however, ADT can decrease the serum PSA value independent of antitumorigenic activity. Patients who have received ADT must be closely monitored for signs of clinical progression because, in some patients, a serum PSA concentration within the reference range may underestimate actual tumor burden and activity. Conclusion PSA is the most useful and accurate tumor marker for staging and monitoring prostate cancer after therapy.
The application of a ratio estimator to determine confidence limits on land use change mapping

The objective of this project was to evaluate the utility of 10 m spatial resolution SPOT Panchromatic imagery as a means to update the state of New Jersey's air‐photo based land use/land cover data in a cost effective manner. A secondary objective was to provide statistically based confidence limits on the estimated amount of land use change over the five‐year period between 1995 and 2000. A ratio estimation technique was applied to provide a more accurate estimate of land use change to help correct for consistent under‐ or overestimation when using the lower resolution, lower cost SPOT Pan imagery and 95% confidence limits on the land use change area estimates.
What We Know About Using Research Findings Implications for Improving Special Education Practice

This article discusses the alternative roles and responsibilities that researchers might assume to bridge the gap between special education research and classroom practice. Literature is reviewed that addresses why some research-based practices fail, and the factors likely to lead to sustained use of research-based practices. The roles of researchers as collaborators, facilitators and coaches, interpreters of the culture and dynamics of the school, and critics are described in an attempt to promote researchers as leaders in efforts to improve practices in the field of special education.
Breast cancer survivors' experiences of lymphedema-related symptoms.

Abstract Context As a serious chronic condition from breast cancer treatment, lymphedema or a syndrome of persistent swelling and symptoms is caused by chronic accumulation of lymph fluid in the interstitial spaces of the affected limb or surrounding areas. Although significant prevalence of ongoing multiple symptoms has been reported, little is known about how survivors with lymphedema perceive and respond to lymphedema-related symptoms in their daily lives. Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore and describe breast cancer survivors' lymphedema-related symptom experiences. Methods This study used a descriptive phenomenological method. Thirty-four participants were recruited in the United States. Three in-depth interviews were conducted with each participant; a total of 102 interviews were completed, audio taped, and transcribed. Interview transcripts and field notes were the data sources for this analysis, which was part of three larger studies. Data were analyzed to identify the essential themes within and across cases. Results Four essential themes were revealed: living with perpetual discomfort, confronting the unexpected, losing pre-lymphedema being, and feeling handicapped. Participants experienced multiple symptoms on a daily basis. Distress was heightened when women expected symptoms to disappear, but instead, they remained as a "perpetual discomfort." Moreover, distress was intensified when symptoms evoked unexpected situations or when symptoms elicited emotional responses powerful enough to change perceived personal identity. Conclusions Findings suggest that symptom distress may encompass temporal, situational, and attributive dimensions. Prospective studies are needed to examine lymphedema-related symptom distress in terms of these dimensions so that more specific interventions can be developed to target distress occurring in each dimension.
Effects of Automated Arrival Management, Airborne Spacing, Controller Tools, and Data Link

The effects of automated arrival management, airborne spacing, controller tools, and data link on airspace operations were investigated in an air/ground simulation at NASA Ames Research Center in September 2006. Four radar-certified air traffic control (ATC) specialists in the Airspace Operations Laboratory (AOL), eight glass cockpit pilots in the Flight Deck Display Research Laboratory (FDDRL), and additional “ghost” pilots and controllers operated a heavy eastbound arrival push into Louisville’s Standiford airport (SDF) with high density crossing traffic. An arrival management system scheduled aircraft along Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) and data linked arrival information to participating aircraft automatically throughout the simulation. The 2x3 test matrix varied two flight deck conditions: (1) with and (2) without airborne spacing, over three ATC workstation conditions: (1) current day, (2) advanced ATC scheduling and spacing tools, and (3) the same tools integrated with controller pilot data link communication. The process of automatically data linking arrival messages to participating aircraft based on a runway schedule proved to be very effective in all conditions. Flight deck-initiated speed changes to meet the CDA speed schedule and lead aircraft assignments were acceptable to pilots and controllers. Airborne spacing reduced the mean and the variance of the inter-arrival spacing on final approach, consistent with prior research. Controller scheduling and spacing tools improved handling of non-participating aircraft which did not receive the arrival information. Energy management along the CDAs was a primary issue. The research is sponsored by the Super Density Operations element of NASA’s NGATS Airspace program and coordinated with the US merging and spacing team, with participation by the FAA, UPS, MITRE, and NASA.
Decreased T cell responses to influenza vaccination in patients with heart failure

Study Objective. To determine whether T-cell immune responses to influenza vaccination in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are less vigorous than the responses of healthy control subjects. Design. Prospective, single-center study Setting. University hospital and research laboratory Participants. Eighteen adults with stable CHF receiving optimal treatment and 16 healthy control subjects. Intervention. Participants were immunized with the 2006–2007 trivalent inactivated (killed) influenza vaccine during October-December of 2006. Measurements and Main Results. Blood samples were taken from the participants before and 2–4 weeks after vaccination to measure antibody titers, which were measured with a hemagglutination inhibition assay, then 3–4 months after vaccination to assess T-cell responses, measured by using the trans vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity method. As part of this method, which mimics physiologic conditions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the blood samples. The cells were mixed with influenza vaccine antigens A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and B type and injected into the footpads of SCID mice (mice with severe combined immunodeficiency), as their resulting swelling is an index of human T-cell sensitization. Median T-cell-mediated immune responses to A/H3N2 were less vigorous in patients with CHF than in control subjects (62.5 vs 87.5 μm, unadjusted p=0.031, age-adjusted p=0.006). Median responses to A/H1N1 were not significantly different between the groups (56.3 vs 75 μm, p=0.11). Median responses to B type were also similar between the groups (62.5 vs 75 μm, p=0.47). All participants mounted an antibody response to the influenza vaccine. Conclusion. Patients with CHF had reduced T-cell responses to the influenza vaccine compared with healthy control subjects, as demonstrated by a lower response to A/H3N2, the newest antigen in the 2006–2007 vaccine. However, differences in T-cell immune responses to the A/H1N1 and B type strains were not found to be significant between the two groups, which suggests that patients with CHF can mount an appropriate response to vaccine antigens to which they have been previously exposed, but less so to new antigens. These findings suggest that patients with CHF may be at increased risk for influenza infection, and clinicians may want to investigate other or additional strategies for influenza vaccination.