cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of mitomycin C and floxuridine (FUDR): An effective treatment for metastatic colorectal carcinoma in the liver

The response rate of metastatic colorectal carcinoma confined to the liver to HAI of FUDR alone is at the range of 50% and to mitomycin C by hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) at the range of 35%. Mitomycin C was added to FUDR by continuous infusion and given by HAI to 12 patients with colorectal cancer confined to the liver. Catheters were placed subselectively in the hepatic artery, and infusion continued for five to six days when the catheter was removed. Cycles were repeated every 30 days. Chemotherapy consisted of mitomycin C 15 mg/m2 administered on day 1 followed by FUDR 100 mg/m2 by continuous infusion daily for five days. Response to treatment was evaluated by serial determinations of plasma CEA and by imaging techniques consisting of a computerized tomography, sonography, and radionuclide scanning of liver as well as by angiography. In 2 patients, complete remission was achieved; in 4 patients a 75% and in another 4 patients a 50% decrease in liver metastasis was observed, while 2 patients had stable disease. Thus, a response rate of 83% with a median duration of six to seven months was achieved. The median survival of the these patients was 16 months. Eight of the 12 patients have failed previous, i.v. 5-FU containing regimens. Complications related to 45 treatment cycles were the following: catheter displacement in 11.1%, an intimal tear, usually in the hepatic artery in 4.4%, gastric ulcerations in 5.4%, and septicemia in 2.7% of the cycles. In addition, aneurysmal dilation of the hepatic artery occurred in 4 patients (8.8% of the treatment cycles), all of whom continued treatment. Chemotherapy-related complications included primarily thrombocytopenia and stomatitis. Mitomycin C + FUDR by hepatic arterial infusion is an effective treatment for colorectal carcinoma metastatic to the liver. The high response rate justifies the adjuvant treatment of Dukes class C colon cancer patients with this treatment.
Linkage analysis and association analysis in the presence of linkage using age at onset of COGA alcoholism data

Complex disease mapping usually involves a combination of linkage and association techniques. Linkage analysis can scan the entire genome in a few hundred tests. Association tests may involve an even greater number of tests. However, association tests can localize the susceptibility genes more accurately. Using a recently developed combined linkage and association strategy, we analyzed a subset of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) data for the Genetic Analysis Workshop 14 (GAW14). In this analysis, we first employed linkage analysis based on frailty models that take into account age of onset information to establish which regions along the chromosome are likely to harbor disease susceptibility genes for alcohol dependence. Second, we used an association analysis by exploiting linkage disequilibrium to narrow down the peak regions. We also compare the methods with mean identity-by-descent tests and transmission/disequilibrium tests that do not use age of onset information.
Air cooling of front-end electronics for silicon detectors in a collider experiment

Abstract We have investigated the feasibility of using room temperature air to cool front-end electronics for silicon microstrip and pad detectors in a collider experiment. Advantages of air cooling include minimal material in the path of the particles and no potential of coolant spills in the silicon region. A prototype cooling system was tested with heat provided by flat resistive heaters. Heat loads from 1 to 27 mW/channel were studied, making the results applicable to various silicon detector systems. The measurements are compared to cooling system performance predictions. A set of simple equations has been identified and tested which reliably describe the lab setup.
Modeling and Single-Pass Simulation of CMP Cache Capacity and Accessibility

The future chip-multiprocessors (CMPs) with a large number of cores faces difficult issues in efficient utilizing on-chip storage space. Tradeoffs between data accessibility and effective on-chip capacity have been studied extensively. It requires costly simulations to understand a wide-spectrum of design spaces. In this paper, we first develop an abstract model for understanding the performance impact with respect to the degree of data replication. To overcome the lack of real-time interactions among multiple cores in the abstract model, we propose an efficient single-pass stack simulation method to study the performance of a variety of cache organizations on CMPs. The proposed global stack logically incorporates a shared stack and per-core private stacks to collect shared/private reuse (stack) distances for every memory reference in a single simulation pass. With the collected reuse distances, performance in terms of hits/misses and average memory access times can be calculated for multiple cache organizations. The basic stack simulation results can further derive other CMP cache organizations with various degrees of data replication. We verify both the modeling and the stack results against individual execution-driven simulations that consider realistic cache parameters and delays using a set of commercial multithreaded workloads. We also compare the simulation time saving with the stack simulation. The results show that stack simulation can accurately model the performance of various studied cache organizations with 2-9% error margins using only about 8% of the simulation time. The results also show that the effectiveness of various techniques for optimizing the CMP on-chip storage is closely related to the working sets of the workloads as well as the total cache sizes
Toward the development of a microcrystal element scanner (MiCES): quickPET II

This work reports on the development and the imaging characteristics of a single ring version of the microcrystal element scanner (MiCES). We refer to this evaluation system as quickPET II The key component of the system is our microcrystal element (MiCE) detectors. Each MiCE detector consists of a 22/spl times/22 array of polished 0.8/spl times/0.8/spl times/10 mm mixed lutetium silicate (MLS) crystals. The crystals are placed within a grid made of a highly reflective polymer film material. The grid optically isolates the crystals and additionally functions as a reflective wrap. The detector unit is directly coupled to a 6+6 cross-anode position sensitive PMT. The PMT signals are fed to a simple resistor network and front-end amplifier card that produces four (X+, X-, Y+, Y-) position and the summed energy signals. QuickPET II is an interim step to the development of the complete MiCES imaging system. It supports whole body static /sup 18/F imaging protocols. QuickPET II consists of 18 MiCE detector modules mounted as a single ring to a vertical gantry. The gantry can rotate /spl plusmn/ 20 degrees. Line source and mouse images have been acquired. Using filtered backprojection (FBP) the resolution for a reconstructed line source has been measured at 1.1 /spl plusmn/0.1 mm FWHM. We have also developed a 2D OSEM reconstruction that includes a model of the system's 2D detector response function. Mouse heart images reconstructed with FBP, OSEM and OSEM with a model for detector blurring (OSEM(DB)) are provided. The final MiCES system will consist of four rings of detectors mounted on a fully rotating gantry; utilize a high bandwidth IEEE 1394a based acquisition system; and support whole body dynamic imaging protocols.
Eminent Domain An Evaluation Based on Criteria Relating to Equity, Effectiveness, and Efficiency

As downtown redevelopment occurs, eminent domain continues to be used as an economic development tool. This research evaluates the equity, effectiveness, and efficiency of certain components of eminent domain as it is used for downtown economic development projects. A survey-based methodology was employed to acquire data from city managers located in the 239 most populous cities within the United States. The findings indicate that eminent domain is effective in raising property tax values, efficient in minimizing litigation-based project delays, but inequitable to various developers seeking title to property following condemnation.
Reversible Desensitization of Inositol Trisphosphate-induced Calcium Release Provides a Mechanism for Repetitive Calcium Spikes

Repetitive transient increases in cytosolic calcium concentration (calcium spikes or calcium oscillations) are a common mode of signal transduction in receptor-mediated cell activation. Repetitive calcium spikes are initiated by phospholipase C-mediated production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and are thought to be generated by a positive feedback mechanism in which calcium potentiates its own release, a negative feedback mechanism by which calcium release is terminated, and a slow recovery process that defines the time interval between calcium spikes. The molecular mechanisms that terminate each calcium spike and define the spike frequency are not yet known. Here we show, in intact rat basophilic leukemia cells, that calcium responses induced by InsP3 are diminished for a period of 30-60 s following an InsP3-induced calcium spike. The sensitivity of calcium release for InsP3 was probed by UV laser-mediated photorelease of InsP3, and calcium responses were monitored by fluorescence calcium imaging. A maximal loss in sensitivity (desensitization) was observed for InsP3 increases that resulted in a near maximal calcium spike and was expressed as an 80-100% reduction in the calcium response to an equal amount of InsP3, released 10 s after the first UV pulse. When the amount of released InsP3 in the second pulse was increased 2-3-fold, desensitization was overcome and a second calcium response of equal amplitude to the first was produced. A power dependence of 3.2 was measured between the amount of released InsP3 and the amplitude of the triggered calcium response, explaining how a small decrease in InsP3 sensitivity can lead to a nearly complete reduction in the calcium response. Desensitization was abolished by the addition of the calcium buffers BAPTA and EGTA and could be induced by microinjection of calcium, suggesting that it is a calcium-dependent process. Half-maximal desensitization was observed at a free calcium concentration of 290 nM and increased with a power of 3.7 with peak calcium concentration. These studies suggest that reversible desensitization of InsP3-induced calcium release serves as a "saw-tooth" parameter that controls the termination of each spike and the frequency of calcium spikes.
Pregnancy in the workplace.

Background Women constitute a large percentage of the workforce in industrialized countries. As a result, addressing pregnancy-related health issues in the workplace is important in order to formulate appropriate strategies to promote and protect maternal and infant health. Aims To explore issues affecting pregnant women in the workplace. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted using Boolean combinations of the terms 'pregnant women', 'workplace' and 'employment' for publications from January 1990 to November 2010. Studies that explicitly explored pregnancy in the workplace within the UK, USA, Canada or the European Union were included. Results Pregnancy discrimination was found to be prevalent and represented a large portion of claims brought against employers by women. The relationship between environmental risks and exposures at work with foetal outcomes was inconclusive. In general, standard working conditions presented little hazard to infant health; however, pregnancy could significantly impact a mother's psychosocial well-being in the workplace. Conclusions Core recommendations to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and improve workplace conditions for women include: (i) shifting organizational culture to support women in pregnancy; (ii) conducting early screening of occupational risk during the preconception period and (iii) monitoring manual labour conditions, including workplace environment and job duties.
Sodium MRI with coated magnetite: measurement of extravascular lung water in rats.

This study was done to see if signal intensity in sodium images of edematous rat lungs made after iv administration of a negative intravascular contrast agent could serve as a measure of the edema fluid present. First, a method to produce a stable condition of hydrostatic pulmonary edema was developed and verified by CT. Second, dose-response curves for coated magnetite preparations were constructed by giving edematous rats vaned doses of these preparations and measuring signal intensity changes of various organs by sodium MRI in a 31-cm-bore 1.9-T magnet. Third, rats were given varied levels of pulmonary edema followed by a constant dose of coated magnetite to eliminate the plasma sodium signal. Finally, coated magnetite particles of two sizes were administered to rats, and the differences in effects on signal from various organs were measured. Signal intensity of the lungs after magnetite correlated (r = 0.86) with extravascular lung water measured gravimetrically, suggesting that sodium MRI may be useful for measuring pulmonary edema fluid. Smaller particles appear to remain in the blood longer than larger particles. © 1991 Academic Press, Inc.
Evaluation of loss of function as an explanation for SPG4-based hereditary spastic paraplegia

The spectrum of mutations (missense, non-sense and splice-site) associated with hereditary spastic paraplegia 4 (HSP-SPG4) (SPG4:OMIM#182601) has suggested that this autosomal dominant disease results from loss of function. Because the protein encoded by SPG4, termed spastin, is a microtubule-severing enzyme, a loss-of-function scenario for the disease suggests that corticospinal axons degenerate due to inadequate microtubule severing resulting from inactivation of one spastin allele. Lending more complexity to the situation, there are two major isoforms of spastin (M1 and M87) translated from two start codons. M87 is widely expressed, while M1 is appreciably detected only in adult spinal cord. Here, we focused on four HSP-associated mutations of the SPG4 gene located outside of the AAA region essential for microtubule severing. We found that none of these mutations affected the enzymatic activity or expression levels of either M1 or M87. Three of the mutations resulted in dominant-negative activity of M1. Surprisingly, the S44L mutation, which is asymptomatic when present heterozygously, conferred dominant-negative activity, while the E112K mutation, which is symptomatic when present heterozygously, did not. Clinical symptoms reported for patients carrying the dominant-negative mutations L195V or 46Stop are not more severe than those reported for patients carrying the non-dominant-negative E112K mutation. These results indicate that there are cases of HSP-SPG4 that cannot be explained by insufficient spastin microtubule-severing activity.
Parathyroid hormone-related protein maintains mammary epithelial fate and triggers nipple skin differentiation during embryonic breast development.

Prior reports have demonstrated that both parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and the type I PTH/PTHrP receptor are necessary for the proper development of the embryonic mammary gland in mice. Using a combination of loss-of-function and gain-of-function models, we now report that PTHrP regulates a series of cell fate decisions that are central to the survival and morphogenesis of the mammary epithelium and the formation of the nipple. PTHrP is made in the epithelial cells of the mammary bud and, during embryonic mammary development, it interacts with the surrounding mesenchymal cells to induce the formation of the dense mammary mesenchyme. In response, these mammary-specific mesenchymal cells support the maintenance of mammary epithelial cell fate, trigger epithelial morphogenesis and induce the overlying epidermis to form the nipple. In the absence of PTHrP signaling, the mammary epithelial cells revert to an epidermal fate, no mammary ducts are formed and the nipple does not form. In the presence of diffuse epidermal PTHrP signaling, the ventral dermis is transformed into mammary mesenchyme and the entire ventral epidermis becomes nipple skin. These alterations in cell fate require that PTHrP be expressed during development and they require the presence of the PTH/PTHrP receptor. Finally, PTHrP signaling regulates the epidermal and mesenchymal expression of LEF1 and (b)-catenin, suggesting that these changes in cell fate involve an interaction between the PTHrP and Wnt signaling pathways.
Stimuli-responsive liquid crystal elastomers for dynamic cell culture

Responsive, biocompatible substrates are of interest for directing the maturation and function of cells in vitro during cell culture. This can potentially provide cells and tissues with desirable properties for regenerative therapies. Here, we demonstrate a straightforward and scalable approach to attach, align, and dynamically load cardiomyocytes on responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) substrates. Monodomain LCEs exhibit reversible shape changes in response to cyclic heating, and when immersed in an aqueous medium on top of resistive heaters, shape changes are fast, reversible, and produce minimal temperature changes in the surroundings. We systematically characterized the strain response of LCEs in water and demonstrated the attachment and alignment of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes on LCE substrates. Cardiomyocytes attached to both static and stimulated LCE substrates, and under cyclic stimulation, cardiomyocytes aligned along the primary direction of strain. This work demonstrates the potential of LCEs as stimuli-responsive substrates for dynamic cell culture.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and immunosuppression in the treatment of pediatric acquired severe aplastic anemia.

Background Immunosuppressive therapy (IS) is effective in the treatment of patients with acquired severe aplastic anemia (SAA). An enhanced myeloid response and decreased infection risk may be possible with the addition of a hematopoietic cytokine. Published data on the combination of cytokines and IS in patients with SAA are limited. The addition of G-CSF to IS shortens the time to neutrophil count recovery, but may not improve overall survival. Because GM-CSF acts differently than G-CSF, its use in combination with IS may be different. Procedure A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with SAA and treated with IS and GM-CSF at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Hematologic recovery, prognostic factors, and infection data were collected. Results Eighteen patients were included in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 7.2 years (range 1.8–17.0). Ten patients (56%) had a complete response, four (22%) a partial response, and four (22%) no response. Median time to erythrocyte and platelet transfusion independence were 90 (18,243) and 64 days (18–243), and to discontinuation of treatment 287 days (90–730). Median time to partial (ANC > 500) and full (ANC > 1,500) neutrophil recovery were 41 and 51 days, respectively. Seventeen documented discrete infections occurred in six patients over 36 patient years. Conclusions GM-CSF, in addition to IS, may shorten time to neutrophil count recovery, may be beneficial in decreasing infection rates, and may improve platelet response in patients with SAA. However, consistent with studies utilizing G-CSF, GM-CSF probably does not affect overall response rate. To fully answer whether or not cytokine therapy is of added value to IS in pediatric patients, a multi-institutional randomized trial is needed. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electron energy spectra in neon, xenon, and helium-neon laser discharges

Absolute measurements of the electron energy spectrum in a helium-neon mixture and in pure neon and xenon have been obtained by an energy analysis of a sample of electrons extracted through a small hole in the anode. The spectrum appears to be nearly Maxwellian for the lower pressures but deviates markedly from a Maxwellian at higher pressures. At higher pressures, the energetic part of the spectrum drops off faster, and one can describe this part by a Maxwellian of lower temperature than that for the bulk of the distribution. The average energies agree with those obtained from microwave measurements of the radiation temperature of the electrons if corrections are made for nonthermal distribution. Several production rates are computed with the help of the measured spectra, and they are related to the wall current, the power dissipation, and the possible electron depopulation of helium metastables. The production and destruction rates for the different parts of the energy spectrum have been formulated mathematically. A theoretical formula, which describes the actual spectra, has been derived for the faster part of the spectrum. For the helium-neon laser discharge we can say definitely that the de-excitation of helium metastables by electrons is negligible.
Invasive pests (‘biological pollutants’) and US forests: whose problem, who pays?

Invasive pests, or 'biological pollutants' are among the most serious threats to biological diversity in the forest ecosystems of the USA. Additionally, they can disrupt forest management practices and cause enormous financial losses. In the USA, as elsewhere, the receiving country inherits the problem and, along with its citizenry, bears the permanent economic costs. The incidence ol the introduction of invasive pests, the pathways utilized, and their economic and ecological impacts are presented using Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi), chestnut blight (Cryphonectria par asitica), gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), and other pests as examples. The permanency of ecological impacts and associated economic costs needs to be considered in discussions with other National Plant Protection Organizations in designing and adopting mutual agreements and protocols. Suggestions are given for addressing these impending needs in view of expanding global trade.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis—A Diagnostic Dilemma Two Cases and Review

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe inflammatory disorder characterized by activation and proliferation of lymphocytes and histiocytes with cytokine release and uncontrolled hemophagocytosis, especially late in the course of the disease. Clinical features include relapsing fevers, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, lymphadenopathy, and coagulopathy. The diagnosis can be challenging, as the early signs and symptoms are nonspecific and no specific laboratory tests exist. This syndrome is frequently not recognized and has a significant mortality rate. Typical scenarios in which HLH should be considered include mononucleosis (fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy) in an infant or young child, aseptic meningitis associated with cytopenias, or a viral syndrome-like illness with cytopenias and lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly, for example. Our approach includes measuring a ferritin level as a screening tool early in the course of such an illness. Two cases of HLH are reviewed, illustrating ...
Property Tax Reassessment Cycles: Significance for Uniformity and Effective Rates:

Assessment cycles establish the points at which assessors are legally presumed to revalue property in their jurisdictions so that property tax burdens may be reallocated The operation, logic, and effects of existing cycles have, however, largely been ignored in analysis, even as attacks on property taxation, including the Jarvis-Gann initiative, drastically revise these cycles and their valuation presumptions. This article identifies cycles found in the United States and, on the basis of empirical analysis, concludes that specific cycles improve assess ment uniformity when compared with a general requrrement of annual assess ment, that reassessment improves tax uniformity, and that increased assess ment ratios with reassessment has mixed impact on effective tax rates.
Icosahedral (A(5)) Family Symmetry and the Golden Ratio Prediction for Solar Neutrino Mixing

We investigate the possibility of using icosahedral symmetry as a family symmetry group in the lepton sector. The rotational icosahedral group, which is isomorphic to A{sub 5}, the alternating group of five elements, provides a natural context in which to explore (among other possibilities) the intriguing hypothesis that the solar neutrino mixing angle is governed by the golden ratio, {phi}=(1+{radical}(5))/2. We present a basic toolbox for model building using icosahedral symmetry, including explicit representation matrices and tensor product rules. As a simple application, we construct a minimal model at tree level in which the solar angle is related to the golden ratio, the atmospheric angle is maximal, and the reactor angle vanishes to leading order. The approach provides a rich setting in which to investigate the flavor puzzle of the standard model.
Harvey Cushing and the New England Surgical Society

Harvey W. Cushing, MD, is the most renowned surgeon in American history. Every aspect of his career including his many accomplishments—articles, essays, and vast correspondence—has been documented and analyzed and is the subject of at least 4 biographies and numerous articles and reminisces. Despite this scrutiny, and given his active involvement in national and international surgical and scientific organizations, his relationship with the New England Surgical Society was tenuous at best and has not been examined.
Letting Go and Moving On: Work-Related Identity Loss and Recovery

Transitions in work memberships, relationships, and roles can result in work-related identity loss. This article contributes to a growing body of research examining identity transitions by providing a dynamic model to explain these identity losses. Our model incorporates principles from identity research and grief research to predict how employees will react to the loss of a work-related identity. We conceptualize the transition period as one of liminality, during which individuals engage in sensemaking and emotion regulation to determine who they were and who they are becoming. Specifically, the process involves cognitive and emotional processing in two domains: loss orientation and restoration orientation. We propose that emotions experienced (and their associated regulatory foci) are critical for determining whether individuals experience adaptive or maladaptive identity-related outcomes.
Long-term corn grain and stover yields as a function of tillage and residue removal in east central Minnesota

Because the adoption of conservation tillage requires long-term evaluation, the effect of tillage and residue management on corn (Zea mays L.) grain and stover yields was studied for 13 seasons in east central Minnesota. Three primary tillage methods (no-till (NT), fall chisel plow (CH), fall moldboard plow (MB)) and two residue management schemes (residue removal versus residue returned) were combined in a factorial design experiment on a Haplic Chernozem silt loam soil in Minnesota. No significant effects on grain yield were seen due to tillage treatments in 9 out of 13 years. The NT treatment resulted in lower yields than CH and MB treatments in years 6 and 7, and lower than the MB in year 8, indicating a gradual decrease in yield over time with continuous use of NT. There were differences due to residue management in 8 out of 13 years. The residuereturned treatments contributed about 1 Mg ha ˇ1 greater yields in intermediate level dry years such as years 3 and 6, which had cumulative growing season precipitation 20 and 30% below the 9-year average, respectively. In excessively dry or longterm-average years, residues resulted in little yield difference between treatments. The most pronounced effects of residues were with the CH treatment for which yields were greater in 8 out of 13 years. The ratio of grain to total dry matter yield averaged 0.56 and did not vary with time or between treatments. These results apply primarily to soils wherein the total water storage capacity and accumulated rainfall are insufficient to supply optimum available water to the crop throughout the growing season. Under conditions with deeper soils or in either wetter or drier climates, the results may differ considerably. Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
A new look at the links between perceived parenting, socially-prescribed perfectionism, and disordered eating

Abstract Perfectionism mediates the relation between parental psychological control and disordered eating, but it is unclear whether it functions similarly within associations between other parenting characteristics and eating pathology. The current study tested socially-prescribed perfectionism (SPP) as a mediator of the relations between two facets of perceived parenting style—autonomy support and psychological control— with disordered eating. Undergraduates ( N = 333, 100% female) completed self-report measurement of study variables. Results indicated that psychological control and autonomy support were moderately correlated. Additionally, the indirect effect of parenting variables on disordered eating through SPP was significant across reports for both mother and father. When the directionality of variables was reversed, no indirect effects were significant, supporting the hypothesized relations between study variables. Findings reinforce prior work highlighting perfectionism as an important mechanism in the etiology of disordered eating.
Turning Hearts of Children and Fathers: Legal Recognition of Extended Families

This paper looks at the evolution through history of the sentiment of solidarity and the role of the extended family. It challenges the belief that the extended family has withered; rather, extended families are alive and important, but not dependent upon the law for survival.The French changed their motto from stating: liberty, equality, solidarity to liberty, equality, fraternity. This motto focuses more on the individual in the individual sense; that the individual is the center instead of the group to which that individual belongs. The sentiment of solidarity centers around the idea that the person is connected to the whole, the family, a social or professional group or even the nation.In America, 60% of the states have filial support laws; however, they are rarely enforced. The principles survives in the abstract but rarely in governmental action. Such laws also are common in other nations, especially in Europe.Although solidarity extends to all groups or organizations in life, it also extends to those no longer living. A person is connected to their posterity as well as those who preceded them. Generational solidarity is just as prevalent and important as other familial and societal connections.Increased recognition of extended families and their importance may help turn the tide of the disintegration of families due to cohabitation, divorce, child-bearing out of wedlock, etc.
Outcomes of free flap breast reconstructions at a tertiary care facility vs a specialty surgical hospital: the New Orleans experience

INTRODUCTION: Breast reconstruction using microvascular techniques has been gaining popularity in the United Stares. Traditionally, these surgeries have been performed at tertiary care facilities with patients being sent to intensive care units for postoperative monitoring. We will present data to show that in the properly selected patient and with proper training of support staff, microvascular par breast reconstruction can be safely performed outside of these facilities without the need to an ICU admission.
Arm dominance does not influence measures of scapular muscle strength and endurance in healthy individuals

BACKGROUND PURPOSE: Scapular muscle performance is potentially influenced by arm dominance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of arm dominance on clinical measures of scapulohumeral muscle strength and endurance. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy individuals between the ages of 30 and 65 years were recruited to participate. Scapular muscle strength of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) were recorded with a hand held dynamometer. One scapulohumeral isometric muscle endurance task was performed in prone. The order of testing (strength and endurance) was randomized for each individual. Dominant to non-dominant strength and endurance measures were compared with paired t-tests. RESULTS: Arm dominance was significantly higher for UT strength (p < 0.001) and endurance (p = 0.015). However, the differences between the dominant and non-dominant limbs were not beyond minimal detectable change values. CONCLUSION: It does not appear that scapulohumeral muscle strength and endurance is clinically different for the dominant and non-dominant limbs in a middle age healthy population.
Incomplete Information Pursuit-Evasion Games with Uncertain Relative Dynamics

Pursuit-evasion games are multiple player differential games that are commonly posed as optimal control problems. In a complete information game, each player has access to the true gains and control input associated with the other players. A more realistic scenario involves an incomplete information game where players have no knowledge of their opponent strategies. Behavior learning methods can be used to combat incomplete information games and allow a player to gain a tactical advantage. The addition of uncertain relative dynamics further complicates these pursuit-evasion scenarios because the true dynamic model is used in the optimal control solution and to estimate opponent behavior. A technique for incomplete information games with uncertain relative dynamics is presented. This method is applied to a numerical example and the results are compared to a game with certain relative dynamics.
When History Intervenes

Sociologists tend to downplay the role of accidents, circumstance, serendipity, and luck. This essay describes three times that history derailed Michael Kimmel’s research agenda, and how he “recovered.”
A Latitudinal Diversity Gradient in Terrestrial Bacteria of the Genus Streptomyces

ABSTRACT We show that Streptomyces biogeography in soils across North America is influenced by the regional diversification of microorganisms due to dispersal limitation and genetic drift. Streptomyces spp. form desiccation-resistant spores, which can be dispersed on the wind, allowing for a strong test of whether dispersal limitation governs patterns of terrestrial microbial diversity. We employed an approach that has high sensitivity for determining the effects of genetic drift. Specifically, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogeography of physiologically similar Streptomyces strains isolated from geographically distributed yet ecologically similar habitats. We found that Streptomyces beta diversity scales with geographic distance and both beta diversity and phylogenetic diversity manifest in a latitudinal diversity gradient. This pattern of Streptomyces biogeography resembles patterns seen for diverse species of plants and animals, and we therefore evaluated these data in the context of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses proposed to explain latitudinal diversity gradients. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that niche conservatism limits dispersal, and historical patterns of glaciation have limited the time for speciation in higher-latitude sites. Most notably, higher-latitude sites have lower phylogenetic diversity, higher phylogenetic clustering, and evidence of range expansion from lower latitudes. In addition, patterns of beta diversity partition with respect to the glacial history of sites. Hence, the data support the hypothesis that extant patterns of Streptomyces biogeography have been driven by historical patterns of glaciation and are the result of demographic range expansion, dispersal limitation, and regional diversification due to drift. IMPORTANCE Biogeographic patterns provide insight into the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern biodiversity. However, the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern terrestrial microbial diversity remain poorly characterized. We evaluated the biogeography of the genus Streptomyces to show that the diversity of terrestrial bacteria is governed by many of the same processes that govern the diversity of many plant and animal species. While bacteria of the genus Streptomyces are a preeminent source of antibiotics, their evolutionary history, biogeography, and biodiversity remain poorly characterized. The observations we describe provide insight into the drivers of Streptomyces biodiversity and the processes that underlie microbial diversification in terrestrial habitats.
Dialkoxyphenyldithiophene-based small molecules with enhanced absorption for solution processed organic solar cells

Compared to the popular benzodithiophene (BDT) unit, dialkoxyphenyldithiophene (PDT) has the advantages of increased planarity along the molecular backbone (decreased dihedral angles between PDT and π bridges) and stronger donating ability, which may lead to better absorption, higher hole mobility and even higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this paper, two small molecules (CNO2TPDT and RD2TPDT) with PDT unit as a donor, bithiophene (2T) as π bridges, and oxoalkylated nitrile (CNO) or 3-ethylrhodanine (RD) as end-capped acceptors were synthesized and characterized. As expected, CNO2TPDT and RD2TPDT showed excellent absorption with edges of 720 and 745 nm, respectively, which are red-shifted by ca. 30 nm compared with their BDT analogues. A CNO2TPDT-based device exhibited relatively high Voc of 0.87 V but a low PCE of 4.16% due to a large phase separation. In contrast, a RD2TPDT-based device exhibited higher PCE of 6.64% with a Jsc of 12.74 mA cm−2 due to its red-shift absorption, better miscibility with [6,6]-phenyl-C71 butyric acid methylester (PC71BM) and higher hole mobility. This study demonstrated rational molecule design and effective morphology control can lead to good absorption ability and hole mobility, indicating the possibility for obtaining higher Jsc and PCE.
Detection of a Geographically Diverse Malarial Biomarker via Multi-Epitope Targeted Screening

We report on the development of high affinity macrocyclic peptides as ligands for the capture and detection of PfHRP2, a protein without a defined tertiary structure. PfHRP2 is a key biomarker of the fatal falciparum strain of malaria. This intrinsically disordered protein has repeated epitopes that have inconstant occurrence over geographic regions. Thus, current antibody based diagnostic tests that target a single epitope do not account for the sequence diversity of PfHRP2 and exhibit variable performance. Ligands selected via high throughput epitope-targeted in situ click screening with combinatorial macrocylic peptide libraries yield binders with high affinity and selectivity for their protein targets. These macrocyclic peptide binders offer greater biochemical and thermal stability than antibodies. We provide a general strategy for the amplification of sensitivity in disease detection through the development of ligands that target multiple epitopes in a single and unstructured protein biomarker. We apply our macrocyclic peptide ligands towards the development of an antibody free diagnostic test for PfHRP2.
The extent of explosion danger for NEC Class I locations

The dimensional outline of a Division 1 and Division 2 zone is measured from the outline of the source of hazard in horizontal and vertical directions. The distance between the outline of the source of hazard and the boundary line is called the “extent of danger”, or the “boundary distance.” The determination of the degree of the explosion danger is a simple procedure, but the determination of the extent of explosion danger is complex and requires an in-depth understanding of the nature of the explosion danger. The extent of explosion danger is primarily a function of the quantity of the flammable gas or vapor released into the atmosphere. However, the size of the source of hazard alone cannot be relied upon completely in determining the size of the hazardous area. The chapter illustrates specific conditions influencing the degree and extent of hazard, emphasizing on the various sources of hazard for Class I flammable products. The factors that influence the quantity of a flammable gas or vapor released into the air: (1) the type and size of the source of hazard. (2) The temperature and pressure in the system. and (3) The flammability class of the flammable product. The extent of explosion danger for Class II Flammable Products is highlighted in the chapter, specifying steps to be followed for establishing the proper dimensions for these Class II flammable products. Illustrations of sources of hazard, additional danger zones, and safe distances — such as, safe distances for heavier-than-air products, lighter-than-air products conclude the chapter.
The Ruinscape: UNESCO, the State, and the Construction of Identity and Heritage in Phimai, Thailand

Prasat Hin Phimai is the largest ancient Khmer temple outside Cambodia. Located in the northeast region of Thailand, the prasat has been on Thailand’s Tentative List for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for a decade (2004–2014, at the time of this writing). The potential inscription of the prasat on that renowned list is not universally embraced in the eponymous town of Phimai, in whose center the prasat is located. This chapter explores the national and universal values ascribed to Prasat Hin Phimai and their intersection with local values and local constructions of heritage.
Aspects of the growth and regulation of the filamentous phages.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes two series of studies of the physiology and genetics of bacteriophage fl, with implications beyond the phage itself. It discusses the regulation of filamentous phage DNA synthesis and the unexpected participation of thioredoxin in phage morphogenesis. Phages in a lytic cycle do not need to limit their overall expression— their main interest is precisely to gain maximum expression at as great an expense to the host as possible. Any control they exhibit is meant to manage their own course of development and streamline the exploitation of the hapless host. Filamentous phages (fl, M13, and fd), on the other hand, are nonlytic; instead they grow continuously as long-term parasites (8-l0) and so must consider the appropriate balance of host and phage metabolism. These phages are particularly adept at this kind of control. Thioredoxin is a heat stable, ubiquitous protein containing active-site sulfhydryl groups that readily and reversibly form a disulfide on oxidation. In addition to extensive biochemical studies, thioredoxin has also been studied by X-ray crystallographic methods. Thioredoxin is also a constituent of phage T7 DNA polymerase, an enzyme that, when isolated, contains two polypeptide chains, one is the product of T7 gene 5 and the other is thioredoxin.
Deactivating the state of exception: imagining a popular trial for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed

This essay examines the controversy over the proposed civilian trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed inaugurated a moment with the potential to nullify what Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben calls the ...
Abstract 2305: Residential airborne heavy metal concentrations and breast cancer characteristics

Background: Ambient air metal concentrations have recently been implicated in the etiology of breast cancer. Previous studies have shown airborne concentrations of arsenic and cadmium are associated with the development of estrogen receptor-negative tumors. This study aims to replicate these findings and examine the role of other toxic and essential heavy metals. Methods: Participants were women who were diagnosed with breast cancer in Chicago between 2005 and 2008. We examined estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative (ER-/PR-) and high-grade tumors as markers of aggressive breast cancer, and estimated 15-year markers of exposure of 11 heavy metals. Exposures were calculated using census tract-level airborne concentrations from the National-scale Air Toxics Assessment and participants’ residential histories. We adjusted all models for socioeconomic status and reproductive factors. Results: We found that prevalent ER-/PR- tumors were associated with increased residential exposure to airborne concentrations of antimony (Q4 vs Q1: OR= 1.81; 95% CI: 0.95, 3.44; P trend = 0.04), cobalt (Q4 vs Q1: OR= 2.37; 95% CI: 1.26, 4.45; P trend trend = 0.04), and selenium (Q4 vs Q1: OR= 1.85; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.29; P trend = 0.05), and also identified marginally significant trends for arsenic (P trend = 0.06), chromium (P trend = 0.08), lead (P trend = 0.08), and mercury (P trend = 0.07). We did not identify any overall associations with high-grade tumors, however when stratifying by menopausal status we found that antimony (Q4 vs Q1: OR= 6.97, 95% CI: 1.61-30.19) and arsenic (Q4 vs Q1: OR= 6.97, 95% CI: 1.61-30.19) were associated with prevalent high-grade tumors in premenopausal women only. Discussion: This study found further support for a role of airborne arsenic concentrations, and novel evidence implicating other airborne estrogen-pathway disrupting metal concentrations, in the development of aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Additionally, this is the first study to implicate heavy metal exposure in the etiology of high-grade tumors. These results suggest that long-term, low-dose exposures to certain heavy metals play a role in the etiology of aggressive breast cancer characteristics. Airborne exposures have the ability to affect large populations and findings from this and similar studies have large public health implications. Citation Format: Jacob K. Kresovich, Serap Erdal, Maria Argos, Hua Yun Chen, Peter H. Gann, Garth H. Rauscher. Residential airborne heavy metal concentrations and breast cancer characteristics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2305. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2305
Controls on the Variation of Methylmercury Concentration in Seagrass Bed Consumer Organisms of the Big Bend, Florida, USA

Mercury poses both ecosystem and human health concerns that are exacerbated by the production of methylmercury (CH3Hg+; MeHg), which is often associated with sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in marine sediments. We examined the relationship between MeHg concentrations and reduced-sulfur stable isotope δ34S values in four coastal consumer organisms collected from northern and southern regions of Florida’s Big Bend seagrass meadows: pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), black sea bass (Centropristis striata), and shrimp (Tozeuma carolinense and Tozeuma serratum). We tested the hypothesis that depletion in δ34S, which is an indicator of the extent of sulfate reduction within sediments of seagrass dominated systems, would be related to the concentration of MeHg in fauna within these systems. We found that as δ34S became more depleted, indicating more relative sulfate reduction in sediments, the MeHg concentrations increased significantly (r = 0.52; p < 0.001; total n = 157). Stable δ34S values ranged from 17.4 to 4.8‰ and MeHg concentrations from 37.3 to 832 ng g−1 dry weight (DW). Correlations between tissue MeHg and δ13C were also observed (r = 0.44; p < 0.001; total n = 122), indicating that variations in benthic/water column feeding could also be important in controlling the MeHg distributions in the selected fauna. In addition, we observed spatial differences in δ34S, δ13C, and δ15N isotopic values and MeHg concentrations of consumers. Fauna from the southern region of the study area were 13C enriched, 15N depleted, 34S depleted, and had elevated MeHg concentrations relative to their northern Big Bend counterparts.