cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outcome predictors for patients delivered by cesarean section for fetal distress

Abstract Objective: To determine predictive variables identifying infants admitted to neonatal intensive care (NIC) following cesarean section for fetal distress in labor at term. Methods: Two hundred eight patients were studied. Sixty-six patients delivered by cesarean section at term for fetal distress were compared to 142 term patients not diagnosed as fetal distress. The outcome indicator was admission to NIC. Patients diagnosed as fetal distress were studied to determine variables that increased prediction of adverse outcome. Variables studied were patient age, induction of labor, augmentation of labor, epidural anesthesia, birth weight, antepartum complications, and intrapartum complications. Comparisons were by Fishers Exact text and logistic regression. Results: Twenty-six infants were admitted to NIC. Eleven had a diagnosis of fetal distress and 21 had a diagnosis of antepartum complications. Fetal distress was not associated with admission to NIC (P = .26) and had a low sensitivity (42%) and positive predictive value (17%). Antepartum complications, intrapartum complications, and birth weight were associated with admission to NIC (P = .00001) (P = .04) (P = .05). Antepartum complications had a sensitivity of 81% and a positive predictive value of 33% for admission to NIC. The presence of both fetal distress and antepartum complications increased the positive predictive value to 91%. Only one infant was admitted to NIC with a diagnosis of fetal distress without antepartum complications. Positive predictive value 2.4%, negative predictive value 96%. Birth weight when dichotomized at the 5th percentile (2,606 g) had a sensitivity of 20% and a positive predictive value of 50% for admission to NIC. Five of 10 infants with a birth weight below the 5% percentile were admitted to NIC. Conclusion: Antepartum complications coupled with fetal distress in labor are a strong predictor of adverse outcome, which is not altered by cesarean section. There are two groups of patients with fetal distress in labor at term, and the group with antepartum complications or subtle reduction in birth weight are at extreme risk for adverse outcome. It appears that cesarean section for fetal distress may rescue infants without antepartum problems but may not rescue those with a challenging antepartum course, lending credence to the feeling that fetal distress in labor may be an indicator of prior stress in many patients.
Thermal analysis of microelectric packages and printed circuit boards using an analytic solution to the heat conduction equation

Abstract This paper provides an overview of the solution and application of the three-dimensional heat conduction equation for a rectangular-shaped, multilayer structure with discrete surface heat sources. A Fourier series expansion is used to represent both the heat source function and temperature solution. Trigonometric terms are used for the two planar coordinates whereas the Fourier coefficient for the temperature expansion provides the dependence in the direction of the substrate thickness. Boundary conditions consist of insulated edges and Newtonian surface cooling. Application possibilities are numerous. A computer program based on this method has been used to analyze simple heat sinking chassis panels and finned extrusions with mounted power transistors. More elegant solutions are provided for many types of single and multi-chip packages, including hybrid circuit substrates. The prediction of printed circuit board conduction effects is also possible. Although the theory and a variety of applications of the resultant computer codes have been previously published in technical journals and symposia proceedings, this paper presents the most unified and complete review to date.
Evidence for superlattice arrangements in fluid phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers

Recently, evidence for cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine (PC) molecules to adapt superlattice arrangements in fluid lipid bilayers has been presented. Whether superlattice arrangements exist in other biologically relevant lipid membranes, such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)/PC, is still speculative. In this study, we have examined the physical properties of fluid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-PC (POPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-PE (POPE) binary mixtures as a function of the POPE mole fraction (X(PE)) using fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. At 30 degrees C, i.e., above the Tm of POPE and POPC, deviations, or dips, as well as local data scattering in the excimer-to-monomer fluorescence intensity ratio of intramolecular excimer forming dipyrenylphosphatidylcholine probe in POPE/POPC mixtures were detected at X(PE) approximately 0.04, 0.11, 0.16, 0.26, 0.33, 0.51, 0.66, 0.75, 0.82, 0.91, and 0.94. The above critical values of X(PE) coincide (within +/-0.03) with the critical mole fractions X(HX,PE) or X(R,PE) predicted by a headgroup superlattice model, which assumes that the lipid headgroups form hexagonal or rectangular superlattice, respectively, in the bilayer. Other spectroscopic data, generalized polarization of Laurdan and infrared carbonyl and phosphate stretching frequency, were also collected. Similar agreements between some of the observed critical values of X(PE) from these data and the X(HX,PE) or X(R,PE) values were also found. However, all techniques yielded critical values of X(PE) (e.g., 0.42 and 0.58) that cannot be explained by the present headgroup superlattice model. The effective cross-sectional area of the PE headgroup is smaller than that of the acyl chains. Hence, the relief of "packing frustration" of PE in the presence of PC (larger headgroup than PE) may be one of the major mechanisms in driving the PE and PC components to superlattice-like lateral distributions in the bilayer. We propose that headgroup superlattices may play a significant role in the regulation of membrane lipid compositions in cells.
Comparative Immunology of Selected Wild Types, Varieties and Mutants of Chlamydomonas*

SYNOPSIS. Rabbit antisera to strains of different mating types of Chlamydomonas moewusii and to one strain of C. eugametos were tested against strains of C. reinhardti, C. eugametos, and C. moewussi, and against strains of 2 varieties and 6 mutant types of C. moewusii. Technics of double diffusion, absorption, and immunoelectrophoresis revealed marked serological differences between the sexually incompatible, distinct genetic species C. moewusii and C. reinhardti. Less distinct serological differences were resolved between C. moewusii and the so-called “species”C. eugametos, which is sexually compatible with the former, thus reconfirming the conspecificity between the 2 strains as suggested by Gowans. Marked serological differences were noted between C. moewusii and 2 of its varieties (C. moewusii var. tenuichloris and C. moewusii var. rotunda) which constitute 2 additional genetic species because of sexual incompatibility between themselves and with C. moewusii. Wild types and certain mutants of C. moewusii were compared serologically and could be distinguished on this basis. Strains of different mating types as well as certain mutant strains (e.g., paralyzed flagella, flagella-less, twins and monsters) could be differentiated serologically altho differences were often very subtle. Some antigens were common to organisms tested.
The restriction mapping of c gene deletions in Streptomyces bacteriophage φ C31 and their use in cloning vector development

Abstract In addition to 20 previously mapped restriction sites in the DNA of φ C31, we have determined eight sites for SphI, four for Eco RV, and two for SstII; there are none for BglII or SstI. Nine sites were in a 12-kb segment of DNA containing no previously mapped sites. Deletions causing clear-plaque morphology were located in this part of the DNA, in a 3-kb interval between an EcoRV and an SphI site at the centre of the DNA molecule. One of the deletions (ΔC3) was obtained in a previously described φ C31c+::vph (viomycin phosphotransferase) derivative containing two PstI sites separated by 3.9-kb of inessential DNA. After in vitro PstI treatment, plaque-forming phages lacking the 3.9-kb fragment were obtained from the c+ phage but not from its ΔC3 derivative. Thus a 36.2-kb genome, but not one of 34.4 kb, was able to give infectious virions. PstI-generated DNA fragments of up to 8 kb can be inserted in vitro into the ΔC3 derivative with retention of the vph selective marker. With the insertion of a 6.03-kb Pst I fragment of plasmid SCP2, the latter phage became a potential vector (with loss of vph) for BamHI-generated DNA fragments of up to 9kb. In the course of this work, several ClaI sites in φ C31:: pBR322 bifunctional replicons were shown to be lost when the DNA was propagated in a dam+Escherichia coli strain. This will allow the use of such replicons for the cloning of ClaI-generated DNA fragments of up to 6.7 kb.
Detection of DNA fragmentation and apoptotic proteins, and quantification of uncoupling protein expression by real-time RT-PCR in adipose tissue

Better understanding of the mechanisms involved in adipose tissue growth and metabolism is critical for the development of more effective treatments for obesity. However, because of its high lipid and low protein content, adipose tissue can present unique problems in some experimental procedures. We describe three protocols that provide new or improved methods for analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein from different adipose tissues. The first protocol provides a simple and rapid method for separation of fragmented DNA and visualization of apoptotic DNA laddering without the need for radioisotopes. This technique allows for an estimate of the amount of DNA fragmentation, and hence, apoptosis. The second protocol details subcellular fractionation of adipose tissue for the extraction of protein in the mitochondrial and cytosol fractions and the measurement of apoptotic protein (Bcl-2 and Bax) levels in each fraction. The last protocol involves extraction of total RNA from adipose tissue and the measurement of uncoupling protein mRNA using real-time RT-PCR, a method that has not previously been used to measure expression of uncoupling proteins in adipose tissue.
Stem curvature and load angle influence the initial relative bone‐implant motion of cementless femoral stems

A 6 df measurement system was used to investigate the initial relative bone-implant motion of two types of cementless total hip replacement femoral components-a straight stem and a curved stem. Five pairs of fresh frozen femurs from human cadavers were tested with loads applied to the femoral head at angles characteristic of level walking, stair-climbing, and rising from a chair. The most important findings were that (a) the resultant proximal translations were twice as high with the straight stem as with the curved stem at load angles encountered in stair-climbing and rising from a chair, (b) both stem types had more motion at load angles encountered in stair-climbing and rising from a chair than in level walking, with the increases ranging from 3 to 14-fold, (c) there was as much as 66-fold more motion distally than proximally, and (d) the amount of interface motion varied by 5-fold between the medial and lateral surfaces of the distal part of the implant because of the combined effects of translation and rotation. The amount of initial bone-implant motion of the femoral component was found to be particularly sensitive to off-axis loading; this suggests that stair-climbing and rising from a chair should be avoided in the early postoperative period when a cementless porous-coated femoral stem has been used.
Confirmation of Childhood Abuse in Child and Adolescent Cases of Multiple Personality Disorder and Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified

The diagnostic validity of multiple personality disorder (MPD) and its association to trauma have been questioned because corroboration of child abuse in studies of patients with MPD is scant. The purpose of this study was to determine on a retrospective basis whether external corroboration of child abuse could be found in a group of patients with MPD and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified. A group of child and adolescent psychiatric inpatients and outpatients was chosen because of the extensive number of collateral records collected on them in a tertiary care setting. This group was also chosen because of the intense interest paid by child protective services and courts to child abuse during the past 15 years. This retrospective chart review confirmed child abuse in eight of nine patients with MPD and in all 12 cases of dissociative disorder not otherwise specified. This study provides further evidence of the association of severe dissociative disorders with trauma, particularly child abuse. Future studies should be prospective and blinded to avoid the possibility of investigator bias, and should include a control group for comparison of base rate of child abuse.
A Process-Oriented Group Model for University Students: A Semi-Structured Approach

AbstractUniversity students present several challenges for group therapists in terms of establishing and sustaining interpersonal process groups in college counseling center settings. These challenges may result from a lack of client preparation and/or a mismatch of therapy practices with the unique developmental characteristics of today’s college students. This paper discusses these developmental needs and proposes a model for successful interpersonal group therapy with university students. The proposed model encourages structured activities at the initial and final stages of a process-oriented therapy group to assist leaders and teach the members skills to promote cohesion, skill development, and interpersonal learning. This model may also be used to train novice group counselors how to facilitate here-and-now interactions in group and shape group process.
Effect of total amygdalectomy upon regulation of salt intake in rats.

Abstract COX, J. R., C. E. CRUZ AND J. RUGER. Effect of total amygdalectomy upon regulation of salt intake in rats. BRAIN RES. BULL. 3 (5) 431–435, 1978.—Sodium appetite was studied in rats with lesions destroying the entire amygdaloid nuclear complex. The rats were totally aphagic and adipsic for several days following lesioning but regained nearly normal levels of food and water intake about 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. Intake of 3% saline was observed after induction of sodium appetite by treatment with a mineralocorticoid and a natriuretic agent. Rats with amygdaloid lesions generally manifested severe but not total loss of sodium appetite. Regulation of water intake was also moderately to severely impaired. Suggestive evidence was obtained that recovery of sodium appetite in amygdalectomized rats can be enhanced by postoperative experience with sodium appetite and saline reinforcement.
Trafficking of Sendai virus nucleocapsids is mediated by intracellular vesicles.

Background Paramyxoviruses are assembled at the plasma membrane budding sites after synthesis of all the structural components in the cytoplasm. Although viral ribonuclocapsid (vRNP) is an essential component of infectious virions, the process of vRNP translocation to assembly sites is poorly understood. Methodology/Principal Findings To analyze real-time trafficking of vRNPs in live infected cells, we created a recombinant Sendai virus (SeV), rSeVLeGFP, which expresses L protein fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP). The rSeVLeGFP showed similar growth kinetics compared to wt SeV, and newly synthesized LeGFP could be detected as early as 8 h postinfection. The majority of LeGFP co-localized with other components of vRNPs, NP and P proteins, suggesting the fluorescent signals of LeGFP represent the locations of vRNPs. Analysis of LeGFP movement using time-lapse digital video microscopy revealed directional and saltatory movement of LeGFP along microtubules. Treatment of the cells with nocodazole restricted vRNP movement and reduced progeny virion production without affecting viral protein synthesis, suggesting the role of microtubules in vRNP trafficking and virus assembly. Further study with an electron microscope showed close association of vRNPs with intracellular vesicles present in infected cells. In addition, the vRNPs co-localized with Rab11a protein, which is known to regulate the recycling endocytosis pathway and Golgi-to-plasma membrane trafficking. Simultaneous movement between LeGFP and Rab11a was also observed in infected cells, which constitutively express mRFP-tagged Rab11a. Involvement of recycling endosomes in vRNP translocation was also suggested by the fact that vRNPs move concomitantly with recycling transferrin labeled with Alexa 594. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, our results strongly suggest a previously unrecognized involvement of the intracellular vesicular trafficking pathway in vRNP translocation and provide new insights into the transport of viral structural components to the assembly sites of enveloped viruses.
Acute effects of exercise on plasma catecholamines in sedentary and athletic women with normal and abnormal menses

Norepinephrine plays a role in the regulation of luteinizing hormone secretion and may therefore be involved in the etiology of exercise-induced menstrual dysfunction. This study evaluated both intraexercise and postexercise responses of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in sedentary women and women runners with normal and abnormal menstruation. Five eumenorrheic nonrunners and five eumenorrheic, four oligomenorrheic, and five amenorrheic runners were evaluated on 2 consecutive days. On day 1, the women cycled on a bicycle ergometer against an increasing work load until exhaustion, and on day 2, the women underwent a submaximal exercise regimen. Serial blood draws were taken at specified time intervals during intraexercise and postexercise periods on both days. The data collected during exercise for all groups showed that epinephrine and norepinephrine had a sixfold to sevenfold rise on day 1 and had a threefold rise on day 2. Dopamine increased twofold during both exercise protocols. On day 1 norepinephrine displayed a significantly higher percentage change from baseline to peak levels for oligomenorrheic and amenorrheic runners than for eumenorrheic runners and sedentary women. This latter finding is consistent with the hypothesis that periodic marked elevations in norepinephrine levels during maximal exercise may interfere with pulsatile luteinizing hormone release and hence may play a role in the occurrence of menstrual dysfunction in women runners.
Cardiovascular issues in hypogonadism and testosterone therapy.

A systematic literature search was conducted to investigate the cardiovascular issues related to hypogonadism and testosterone therapy. Vascular cells contain sex steroid hormone receptors. Testosterone can exert effects on the vascular wall, either by itself or through aromatization as estrogen. Hypogonadism is associated with central obesity; insulin resistance; low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL); high cholesterol levels; and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator–1. Some observational studies show a correlation between low testosterone and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and others show no correlation. Interventional studies do not reveal a direct long-term relation between testosterone therapy and CVD. Short-term data suggest cardiovascular benefits of testosterone. Testosterone therapy has beneficial and deleterious effects on cardiovascular risk factors. It improves insulin sensitivity, central obesity, and lowers total cholesterol and LDL. In some studies, testosterone therapy has an HDL-lowering effect, and in other studies this effect is insignificant. This should not be assumed to be atherogenic because it might be related to reverse cholesterol transport and effects on the HDL 3 subfraction. The cardiovascular effects of testosterone therapy may be neutral to beneficial. There is no contraindication for testosterone therapy in men with CVD and diagnosed hypogonadism with or without erectile dysfunction. Caution should be exercised regarding occasional increases in hematocrit levels, especially in patients with congestive heart failure. Conversely, evidence does not support testosterone therapy in aging men for the purpose of cardiovascular benefit, despite claims to this effect. Further research on the cardiovascular benefits and risks of testosterone is strongly recommended.
Role of natural killer cells and T cells in immune surveillance.

A 61-year-old woman with extensive cutaneous vasculitis and hairy cell leukemia treated with cladribine is described. She achieved a dramatic hematological and dermatological response which has lasted more than 6 years. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Predictors of treatment outcome in dually-diagnosed antisocial youth: an initial study of forensic inpatients.

The safe and effective management of adolescent offenders is a top priority for inpatient forensic programs. Treatment successes were examined for adolescent offenders on four parameters, specifically hospital course, level of improvement, time to discharge, and rapidity of improvement. Hospital course was predicted primarily by the breadth of polysubstance abuse with modest but independent contributions by psychopathic characteristics, and aggressive conduct-disorder symptoms. An important finding for treatment was that level of improvement at discharge was only marginally affected by psychopathic traits. In addition, rapidity of improvement was predicted only by decreased polysubstance abuse. Approximately one-fourth of the adolescent offenders experienced a substantial decrease in psychopathic characteristics. This finding was unexpected because the generic treatment program did not target the core elements of psychopathy. Even in the absence of nontreatment controls, this diminution of psychopathic traits in 25% of adolescent offenders raises important questions about the temporal stability of these traits and their potential amenability to generic interventions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Name and shame

The power of reputation should be harnessed to stop selfish people from wrecking the planet, say David Rand and Martin Nowak
Selected IgG rapidly induces Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome in mice: complement independence and EMG abnormalities

Antibodies in individual patients with the Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LES) differ in their reactivity with mouse motor nerve terminals. Of 26 LES patients' sera injected a single time into mice, 3 caused a highly significant reduction in stimulus-dependent quantal release (m) of acetylcholine (ACh) (to 6, 33, and 42 quanta per impulse at 1 Hz, respectively; mean for 10 control sera, 100 quanta at 1 Hz). The most potent serum (LES-A) was fully effective in mice deficient in complement component C5 and in mice depleted of complement components C3C9 by cobra venom factor. A single i.v. injection of serum reduced m in direct proportion to log dose. Responses to K+ depolarization and increasing concentrations of Ca2+ were like those observed in human LES. With LES-A serum, or its IgG, m was reduced near maximally in 1 day and plateaued in 3–4 days. Recovery began after day 8; m was in the normal range by day 20–30. Electromyographic (EMG) abnormalities were not seen until m fell below 40 quanta per impulse at 1 Hz. Below 10 quanta, clinical signs of weakness appeared, and the EMG abnormalities were those classically associated with LES: a marked reduction of compound muscle action potential to a single nerve stimulus in rested muscle, a further decrement during stimulation at slow rates, but marked facilitation during rapid repetitive stimulation.
Biotite-controlled linear compositional weathering trends in tonalitic to quartz dioritic saprock, Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, southern California, USA

Abstract Geochemical data derived from saprock produced by the weathering of K-feldspar-absent or K-feldspar-poor tonalite to quartz diorite yield linear compositional weathering trends pointed away from the p(K)-apex in p(A)–p(CN)–p(K) ternary diagrams. In contrast, published geochemical data derived from the classical granodioritic Toorongo weathering profile of south Australia yields a linear compositional weathering trend pointed away from the p(CN)-apex. The latter plagioclase-dominated weathering trend has been recognized since about 1984 and is due to the removal of CaO and Na2O from plagioclase. In contrast, to our knowledge, the biotite-dominated weathering trend derived from K-feldspar-absent to K-feldspar-poor tonalite to quartz diorite has not been documented or recognized previously, and is likely due to the removal of K2O from the interlayer position of biotite as it is transformed into vermiculite or mixed-layer biotite/vermiculite.
A Multiple-Set Overlapping-Domain Decomposed Monte Carlo Synthetic Acceleration Method for Linear Systems

We present a multiple-set overlapping-domain decomposed strategy for parallelizing the Monte Carlo Synthetic Acceleration method. Monte Carlo Synthetic Acceleration methods use the Neumann-Ulam class of Monte Carlo solvers for linear systems to accelerate a fixed-point iteration sequence. Effective parallel algorithms for these methods require the parallelization of the underlying Neumann-Ulam solvers. To do this in a domain decomposed environment, we borrow strategies traditionally implemented in Monte Carlo particle transport to parallelize the problem. The parallel Neumann-Ulam and multiple-set overlapping-domain decomposition algorithms are presented along with parallel scaling data for the resulting implementation using the Titan Cray XK7 machine at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Intracellular Localization of Cthrc1 Characterizes Differentiated Smooth Muscle

Objective— We recently reported expression of collagen triple helix repeat containing-1 (Cthrc1) in injured arteries and proteolytic cleavage of Cthrc1 in smooth muscle cells in vitro. The present study characterizes Cthrc1 processing and determines its biological significance. Methods and Results— Domain-specific antibodies localized full-length Cthrc1 in the cytoplasm of vascular, gastrointestinal, and uterine smooth muscle as well as in some neurons. Unlike smooth muscle α-actin, Cthrc1 was not expressed in the embryonic myocardium. Intracellular localization of full-length Cthrc1 was sharply reduced in dedifferentiated smooth muscle of the developing neointima despite the previously shown increase in mRNA levels with accompanying extracellular Cthrc1 immunoreactivity. Immunoblotting suggested an apparent covalent association of monomeric full-length Cthrc1 with a cytoplasmic protein present in differentiated smooth muscle. Plasmin was identified as a protease that cleaved a putative propeptide generat...
Preparation and characterization of La2-xCexFe14B compounds

Abstract Pseudoternary La2-xCexFe14B compounds having the tetragonal Nd2Fe14B crystal structure have been prepared over the entire 0≤x≤2 composition range. With appropriate heat treatment schedules, samples which were single-phase or nearly so were obtained for x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2. Lattice constants (a, c), Curie temperature (TC), and magnetization data are reported for each of these materials. We find that (i) a, c, and TC decrease linearly with Ce content x; (ii) the magnetization at 5 K is essentially independent of x; and (iii) there is no evidence of the occurence of Ce3+ over any range in x.
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist: assessing the comfort and feasibility of use in neonates and children.

Aim: To evaluate the practical feasibility for nurses working with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) and assess patient comfort and safety when NAVA is initiated. Background: NAVA is a relatively new mode of ventilation. Its application in neonates and children has been widely documented. However, its practical feasibility from a nursing point of view as well as its safety and comfort in these populations compared with conventional modes of ventilation has not been described. Design: A prospective, observational crossover pilot study. Method: NAVA was compared with the conventional mode of ventilation for 3 h each, and practical feasibility, patient comfort level and safety were assessed. Results: Twenty-one neonates and children were enrolled into the study. There were no reported adverse events. In most patients, the NAVA catheter was placed too shallow, as measured by the distances from the nose, ear, xiphisternum (NEX) method, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Accurate placement was confirmed by visual inspection of the NAVA positioning window. Patients' comfort did not differ between the conventional mode and NAVA. Conclusions: NAVA is feasible, once an accurate signal of the electrical activity of the diaphragm is achieved and seems safe and well tolerated in both neonates and children. Nurses need to gain experience in placing the NAVA catheter and practical recommendations are given. Relevance to clinical practice: NAVA is a promising new mode of ventilation. This article contributes to an increasing body of evidence that NAVA is feasible in neonates and children. There are practical considerations when NAVA is applied in these patient-groups.
Delay/Fault-Tolerant Mobile Sensor Network (DFT-MSN): A New Paradigm for Pervasive Information Gathering

This paper focuses on the delay/fault-tolerant mobile sensor network (DFT-MSN) for pervasive information gathering. We develop simple and efficient data delivery schemes tailored for DFT-MSN, which has several unique characteristics, such as sensor mobility, loose connectivity, fault tolerability, delay tolerability, and buffer limit. We first study two basic approaches, namely, direct transmission and flooding. We analyze their performance by using queuing theory and statistics. Based on the analytic results that show the trade-off between data delivery delay/ratio and transmission overhead, we introduce an optimized flooding scheme that minimizes transmission overhead in flooding. Then, we propose two simple and effective DFT-MSN data delivery schemes, namely, the replication-based efficient data delivery scheme (RED) and the message fault tolerance-based adaptive data delivery scheme (FAD). The RED scheme utilizes the erasure coding technology in order to achieve the desired data delivery ratio with minimum overhead. It consists of two key components for data transmission and message management. The former makes the decision on when and where to transmit data messages according to the delivery probability, which is the likelihood that a sensor can deliver data messages to the sink. The latter decides the optimal erasure coding parameters (including the number of data blocks and the needed redundancy) based on its current delivery probability. The FAD scheme employs the message fault tolerance, which indicates the importance of the messages. The decisions on message transmission and dropping are made based on fault tolerance for minimizing transmission overhead. The system parameters are carefully tuned on the basis of thorough analyses to optimize network performance. Extensive simulations are carried out for performance evaluation. Our results show that both schemes achieve a high message delivery ratio with acceptable delay. The RED scheme results in lower complexity in message and queue management, while the FAD scheme has a lower message transmission overhead.
Stochastic neural direct adaptive control

A stochastic neural direct adaptive control algorithm for partially known state-space nonlinear time-varying plants is presented. A neural network is used to generate the control signal, which optimizes a quadratic (one-step-ahead prediction) performance index. In comparison to conventional stochastic state-space adaptive control, this neural control algorithm offers higher computation speed due to the parallel processing structure of the neural network. The algorithm is limited to known system matrices B(k) and C(k). For applications where B(k) and C(k) are unknown to the controller, an indirect neural adaptive control scheme may be used. >
Pulsed Electrochemical Detection of Aryl‐ and Alkylglycosides Following Reversed‐Phase Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Pulsed electrochemical detection (PED) coupled to reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography is applied to the detection of aryl‐ and alkylglycosides. PED is used to detect these compounds sensitively without the need of derivatization. Detection limits using an optimized waveform are typically 80–40 and 400–200 nM for aryl‐ and alkylglycosides, respectively. For arylglycosides, PED proved generally to be comparable to absorbance detection at 254 nm (300–5 nM) and 204 nm (40–20 nM). The advantages of PED over UV detection are highlighted for alkylglycosides, for which optical detection at 204 nm produced no analytical signal. This work is applied to the determination of a commercial biological surfactant known as Elugent™, which is used to solubilize cell membrane proteins.
Discovery and validation of novel expression signature for postcystectomy recurrence in high-risk bladder cancer.

Of the 386,300 urinary bladder cancer cases diagnosed annually worldwide, nearly 30% present with disease invading the muscle layer of the bladder (1). Although radical cystectomy can improve cancer-specific outcomes, long-term prognosis continues to be compromised by the high risk for recurrence, which occurs in 40% to 50% of patients (2,3). Postcystectomy recurrence of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is ultimately fatal in 85% to 95% of patients (4,5). Contemporary adjuvant chemotherapy shows modest success in delaying or preventing UCB recurrence and is associated with substantial toxicity (6). Identification of candidates at high risk for recurrence who may benefit most from adjuvant chemotherapy is currently based on standard clinicopathologic criteria (7). Even when combined as multivariable nomograms, these metrics do not fully account for the diverse clinical behavior of muscle-invasive UCB (8,9). It is now recognized that biomarker panels that reflect the biological heterogeneity of UCB can better identify patients who need aggressive therapy than single molecular markers alone (10,11). Unbiased and pathway-specific approaches have been previously used to identify prognostic molecular signatures in UCB (12–19). However, such panels have not been implemented clinically because of several shortcomings: signature development on underpowered and clinically heterogeneous cohorts thereby potentially resulting in data overfitting, short follow-up and use of non-disease-specific endpoints, reliance on fresh tumor tissues, and limited validation. To address the clinical need for accurate and reproducible identification of patients with aggressive disease postcystectomy, we performed unbiased transcriptome-wide expression profiling on a cohort of uniformly-treated patients with muscle-invasive and/or pathologically node-positive (hereafter referred to as clinically high-risk) UCB, the largest such effort in this disease stage to date. This resulted in the discovery of a 15-marker genomic signature that robustly identifies patients at greatest risk for recurrence. The performance of this signature was improved by addition of clinicopathologic variables. The prognostic potential of the locked signature was confirmed by blinded independent validation, and was shown to outperform previously reported gene signatures.
Comparative Pharmacodynamics of Gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aminoglycosides are often used to treat severe infections with gram-positive organisms. Previous studies have shown concentration-dependent killing by aminoglycosides of gram-negative bacteria, but limited data are available for gram-positive bacteria. We compared the in vitro pharmacodynamics of gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Five S. aureus strains were examined (ATCC 29213 and four clinical isolates). Time-kill studies (TKS) in duplicate (baseline inocula of 107 CFU/ml) were conducted to evaluate bacterial killing in relation to increasing gentamicin concentrations (0 to 16 times the MIC). Serial samples were obtained over 24 h to quantify bacterial burden. Similar TKS with P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 were conducted, and the time courses of the all bacterial strains were mathematically modeled for quantitative comparison. A dose fractionation study (using identical daily doses of gentamicin) in an in vitro hollow-fiber infection model (HFIM) over 5 days was subsequently used for data validation for the two ATCC strains. Model fits to the data were satisfactory; r2 values for the S. aureus and P. aeruginosa ATCC strains were 0.915 and 0.956, respectively. Gentamicin was found to have a partially concentration-dependent killing effect against S. aureus; concentrations beyond four to 8 times the MIC did not result in significantly faster bacterial killing. In contrast, a concentration-dependent profile was demonstrated in suppressing P. aeruginosa regrowth after initial decline in bacterial burden. In HFIM, thrice-daily gentamicin dosing appeared to be superior to once-daily dosing for S. aureus, but they were similar for P. aeruginosa. Different killing profiles of gentamicin were demonstrated against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. These results may guide optimal dosing strategies of gentamicin in S. aureus infections and warrant further investigations.
Chemically and mechanically mediated influences on the transport and mechanical characteristics of rock fractures

A model is presented to represent changes in the mechanical and transport characteristics of fractured rock that result from coupled mechanical and chemical effects. The specific influence is the elevation of dissolution rates on contacting asperities, which results in a stress- and temperature-dependent permanent closure. A model representing this pressure-dissolution-like behavior is adapted to define the threshold and resulting response in terms of fundamental thermodynamic properties of a contacting fracture. These relations are incorporated in a stress-stiffening model of fracture closure to define the stress- and temperature-dependency of aperture loss and behavior during stress and temperature cycling. These models compare well with laboratory and field experiments, representing both decoupled isobaric and isothermal responses. The model was applied to explore the impact of these responses on heated structures in rock. The result showed a reduction in ultimate induced stresses over the case where chemical effects were not incorporated, with permanent reduction in final stresses after cooling to ambient conditions. Similarly, permeabilities may be lower than they were in the case where chemical effects were not considered, with a net reduction apparent even after cooling to ambient temperature. These heretofore-neglected effects may have a correspondingly significant impact on the performance of heated structures in rock, such as repositories for the containment of radioactive wastes.
Planning for pharmacy information systems among US hospitals

US hospitals are investing in pharmacy information systems to meet accompanying technological and workload demands as well as implement evidence-based medical care. The automation of pharmacy processes, including verification of patient identity and automated medication alerts, when linked to other advanced clinical information systems such as computerised physician order entry (CPOE) systems and the electronic medical record (EMR) has a synergistic effect on improving healthcare quality. Our research shows that US hospitals are actively involved in acquiring pharmacy information systems. One thousand six hundred seventy one US hospitals or 32% have operational pharmacy information systems and 732 of them currently have CPOE systems linked to the pharmacy information system. In addition, 3,995 US hospitals currently have automated dispensing machines (ADM) with 910 planned for future installation. As a result, the increasing investment in pharmacy information systems is providing state-of-the-art medication support which enhances patient safety and healthcare quality.
Social influences on morphine conditioned place preference in adolescent mice.

Social/peer influences are among the strongest predictors of adolescent drug use. However, this important subject does not get much attention in pre-clinical studies. We recently observed that exposure to different social partners modulates morphine locomotor sensitization. Sensitivity to the hyper-locomotor response of drugs of abuse is a predictor of sensitivity to other drug-induced behaviors. Thus, this study examined how exposure to different social partners affected the rewarding properties of morphine. All animals were group-housed four per cage in one of two conditions referred to as ‘only’ and ‘cage-mates’. In the mixed treatment condition, morphine- and saline-treated mice were housed together. These groups are referred to as ‘morphine cage-mates’ and ‘saline cage-mates’, respectively. In the separated treatment conditions, all mice in the cage received morphine (i.e. ‘morphine only’) or saline (i.e. ‘saline only’), and cages were visually separated from each other. All animals were subsequently individually tested for the acquisition of morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) following one conditioning session with 10, 20 or 40 mg/kg morphine or saline. As expected, one conditioning session established morphine CPP in the morphine only animals, but not in the saline only animals. Notably, morphine CPP was not acquired by the morphine cage-mate animals. Additionally, 40 mg/kg morphine was sufficient to establish morphine CPP in the saline cage-mate animals. These results indicate that social environment has an effect on the rewarding properties of morphine. It suggests that exposure to different peers can alter the abuse potential of opioids and potentially other illicit drugs.
Botanical modulation of menopausal symptoms: Mechanisms of action?

Menopausal women suffer from a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, which can affect quality of life. Although it has been the treatment of choice for relieving these symptoms, hormone therapy has been associated with increased breast cancer risk leading many women to search for natural, efficacious, and safe alternatives such as botanical supplements. Data from clinical trials suggesting that botanicals have efficacy for menopausal symptom relief have been controversial, and several mechanisms of action have been proposed including estrogenic, progestogenic, and serotonergic pathways. Plant extracts with potential estrogenic activities include soy, red clover, kudzu, hops, licorice, rhubarb, yam, and chasteberry. Botanicals with reported progestogenic activities are red clover, hops, yam, and chasteberry. Serotonergic mechanisms have also been proposed since women taking antidepressants often report a reduction in hot flashes and night sweats. Black cohosh, kudzu, kava, licorice, and dong quai all either have reported 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 7 ligands or inhibit serotonin reuptake, therefore have potential serotonergic activities. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these natural remedies used for women's health could lead to more efficacious formulations and to the isolation of active components which have the potential of becoming effective medications in the future.
Constraint-Based Computer-Aided Design

Computer-aided design (CAD) systems have become parametric, basing shape design on constraints and design feature operations. We review the development of constraint-based parametric CAD, explaining some of the foundational issues as well as giving an outlook on possible future directions of development.
LASER SPECTROSCOPY OF CALCIUM AND STRONTIUM MONOCYANATES

Abstract The Ca and Sr monocyanate species were observed by laser-induced fluorescence. The spectra are interpreted as arising from a molecule with a linear, ionic M + − − OCN structure.
Structuring distributed shared memory with the pi architecture

The authors examine the use of a new architecture for the design of system software. The architecture allows the construction of flexible system software components, and the resulting realizations can be tailored to the needs of various applications. The focus is on the application of that architecture to distributed shared memory (DSM). The system software architecture, called pi , defines elements of system software as generalized objects. These x objects have two interfaces: one for usage and one for additional control. pi enables system software components to evolve as computer hardware evolves and it addresses the demands emerging classes of applications like object-oriented databases and multimedia. The pi architecture and its use in a DSM subsystem for clustered workstations are discussed. >
Towards automatic nanomanipulation: drift compensation in scanning probe microscopes

Manipulation of nanoparticles with atomic force microscopes (AFM) has been under development for a decade, and is now well established as a technique for prototyping nanodevices and for other applications. The manipulation process tends to be labor-intensive because a user is needed in the loop to compensate for the numerous uncertainties associated with AFM operation. This work addresses thermal drift, which is the major cause of errors for AFM operated in ambient conditions. It is shown that drift can be estimated efficiently by using Kalman filtering techniques. Preliminary results indicate that drift compensation enables manipulation of groups of particles under program control, without human intervention, in ambient air and at room temperature. This is a first step towards fully automatic nanomanipulation, which would permit assembling, from the bottom up, nanostructures much more complex than those being built today with AFM.
The epidemiology of atrial fibrillation in elderly persons: the tip of the iceberg.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically relevant arrhythmia and preferentially afflicts elderly persons, especially persons aged ≥75 years, with associated complications of ischemic stroke and other adverse outcomes. More than 2.2 million Americans currently have atrial fibrillation, and this number is expected to increase by at least 2.5-fold over the next 50 years. With the aging of the US and international populations, as well as the rising prevalence of clinical risk factors, the incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation are rising rapidly. While improved adherence to existing risk-based therapies can reduce thromboembolic complications in elderly persons, additional research is needed to determine novel approaches to prevent the initial development of atrial fibrillation in order to decrease the individual and public health burden of this condition.
Using text analysis to listen to building users.

This paper reports on analysis of open-ended survey responses in a commercial building occupant indoor environment satisfaction survey database maintained by UC Berkeley. Building on past analyses of Likert-scale satisfaction ratings and categories of dissatisfaction on acoustics, temperature, lighting and overall building and workspace, we use text analysis software to enrich understanding of occupants’ perspectives on what matters about the buildings they work in, and why. These comments detail interactions between occupants and their physical environment, and reflect on expectations, stress, and concerns that lie outside dimension-by-dimension assessments of physical building characteristics. They thus speak to gaps between theories of how buildings work for their occupants and experiences of how they actually do. Together they assert the importance of user-centered views that are currently known through anecdote but poorly incorporated in more clinical or topdown views of building environments.