cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative antihypertensive effects of losartan 50 mg and losartan 50 mg titrated to 100 mg in patients with essential hypertension.

The antihypertensive activity of losartan potassium (losartan, Cozaar), an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, was evaluated in a parallel 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in hypertensive patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. After a 4-week, single-blind, placebo lead-in period, which included monitoring of baseline variables, 366 patients with a group mean sitting diastolic blood pressure of 101 +/- 5 (s.d.) mmHg were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups: placebo, losartan 50 mg, or losartan 50 mg with the option to titrate to 100 mg after the first 6 weeks if the target sitting diastolic blood pressure ( or = 90 mmHg at week 6 were mock titrated (changed to a new tablet containing the same study medication and dose). Sitting diastolic blood pressure was also evaluated at the end of the trial during a 1-week off-drug period to assess for rebound hypertension. At week 6, patients in the active-drug-treatment arms experienced significantly greater peak (6 h post-dose) and trough (24 h post-dose) reduction in systolic and diastolic sitting blood pressures compared with placebo (p < or = 0.01). Based on trough blood pressures at week 12, active drug (both arms) was more effective than placebo in lowering sitting diastolic blood pressure, with a very small additional benefit associated with increasing the dose of losartan to 100 mg in patients who did not reach the target blood pressure after the first 6 weeks on losartan 50 mg. There was no evidence of rebound hypertension during 1 week after withdrawal of losartan. The correlation between baseline plasma renin activity and reduction in peak and trough blood pressure at week 12, although statistically significant, was generally poor in the active treatment groups. In this trial, losartan was efficacious and well tolerated, and was similar to placebo with regard to adverse-experience profile. Adverse experiences that could reasonably be related to excessive lowering of blood pressure were not common and there was no evidence of rebound hypertension.
BACTERIA-CLAY INTERACTION: STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN SMECTITE INDUCED DURING BIOFILM FORMATION

Bacteria play an important role in determining the properties and behavior of clay minerals in natural environments and such interactions have great potential for creating stable biofilms and carbon storage sites in soils, but our knowledge of these interactions are far from complete. The purpose of this study was to understand better the effects of bacteria-generated biofilms on clay interlayer expansion. Mixtures of a colloidal, 2-water hectorite clay and Pseudomonas syringae in a minimal media suspension evolve into a polysaccharide-rich biofilm aggregate in time-series experiments lasting up to 1 week. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that upon aggregation, the clay undergoes an initial interlayer contraction. Short-duration experiments, up to 72 h, result in a decrease in the d001 value from 1.50 to 1.26 nm. The initial interlayer contraction is followed in long-duration (up to 1 week) experiments by an expansion of the d001 value of 1.84 nm. The expansion is probably a result of large, biofilm-produced, polymeric molecules being emplaced in the interlayer site. The resultant organo-clay could provide a possible storage medium for carbon in a microbial colony setting.
RFID-Enabled Logistic Flow Tracing in Supply Chains: Communication, Protocol, and Security

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an important ubiquitous computing technique used for automatic item identification and data capture. It has been widely deployed in various areas to automate previously labor-intensive inventory control and item identification. In this paper, we develop a framework to apply RFID in securely tracing of materials flows in supply chains. Timely and accurate material flow control is critical to supply chain visibility and improvement of the organizations' competitive advantage. We develop a secure tag-reader authentication protocol to ensure the authenticity of RFID tags and readers. Our approach requires constant time in the best case in RFID database key search in order to identify a legitimate tag, which makes real-time item identification possible and also increases RFID system scalability.
Estimation of all-terminal network reliability using an artificial neural network

The exact calculation of all-terminal network reliability is an NP-hard problem, with computational effort growing exponentially with the number of nodes and links in the network. During optimal network design, a huge number of candidate topologies are typically examined with each requiring a network reliability calculation. Because of the impracticality of calculating all-terminal network reliability for networks of moderate to large size, Monte Carlo simulation methods to estimate network reliability and upper and lower bounds to bound reliability have been used as alternatives. This paper puts forth another alternative to the estimation of all-terminal network reliability -- that of artificial neural network (ANN) predictive models. Neural networks are constructed, trained and validated using the network topologies, the link reliabilities, and a network reliability upperbound as inputs and the exact network reliability as the target. A hierarchical approach is used: a general neural network screens all network topologies for reliability followed by a specialized neural network for highly reliable network designs. Both networks with identical link reliability and networks with varying link reliability are studied. Results, using a grouped cross-validation approach, show that the ANN approach yields more precise estimates than the upperbound, especially in the worst cases. Using the reliability estimation methods of the ANN, the upperbound and backtracking, optimal network design by simulated annealing is considered. Results show that the ANN regularly produces superior network designs at a reasonable computational cost.
Nerve dependent macromolecular synthesis in the pectoral fin regenerate of the fish, Fundulus

Total resection of the brachial plexus of the regenerating pectoral fin in the fish Fundulus immediately affects protein and DNA synthesis. As in the case of nerve dependent synthesis in urodele limb regeneration, there is at first an outburst in macromolecular synthesis which peaks in the early hours after denervation. Then there is just as rapid a decline to a plateau value about 50–60% of its normal one at 24 to 48 hours after denervation. These data are discussed against the background of previous results from this laboratory on denervated newt limb regenerates.
Sex hormone binding globulin facilitates female sexual receptivity except when coupled to dihydrotestosterone.

Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is produced in brain where it is often co-localized with oxytocin. Infusions of SHBG into the medial preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus facilitate female sexual receptivity. SHBG has receptors on plasma membranes of the prostate gland where binding of the 5alpha-reduced androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by SHBG acts as an antagonist on SHBG receptors. This study attempted to determine whether pre-coupling DHT to SHBG would inhibit SHBG-induced facilitation of female sexual receptivity. Ovariectomized rats were injected daily with 0.75 microg estradiol benzoate for 3 days. On the fourth day after a pre-infusion baseline behavioral test animals were infused with 1 microl per side through bilateral cannulae with SHBG (1.77x10(-6) M), SHBG coupled to DHT (SHBG-DHT; 1.66x10(-6) M DHT), with DHT alone or with artificial cerebrospinal fluid vehicle. As before, SHBG significantly increased female sexual receptivity when infused into the medial preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus. Rats infused with SHBG-DHT had significantly lower sexual receptivity. Therefore, whereas SHBG in the medial preoptic area facilitated female sexual behavior, SHBG coupled to DHT did not. DHT itself did not significantly affect sexual receptivity. Pre-coupling DHT to SHBG eliminated the facilitative effect of SHBG on female sexual receptivity just as DHT inhibits SHBG activity at prostate SHBG receptors suggesting that central receptors for SHBG are similar to those demonstrated in the periphery.
Anterior Dental Microwear and Its Relationship to Diet and Feeding Behavior in Three African Primates (Pan troglodytes troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla gorilla and Papio hamadryas)

Anterior dental microwear is shown to be related to diet and to feeding habits in three groups of extant African primates including Pan troglodytes troglodytes, Gorilla gorilla gorilla and Papio hamadryas. Five distinct types of incisal microwear are found in these groups. These include: fine wear striae, polish, small pits, large pits and microflakes. It is demonstrated that each species ex- hibits a different set of microwear types. Chimpanzees exhibit extensive pitting, mesiodistally oriented fine wear striae and small areas of polish, features of microwear that are probably related to the husking of hard fruit skins and the occasional stripping of leaves. Gorillas show large areas of polish, small pits and labiolingually oriented wear striae, a combination of features that may be asso- ciated with the stripping of leaves and pith. Baboons show extensive edge damage involving clusters of large pits and microflakes; this set of microwear types may be related to the initial chewing of gravel-laden seeds, roots and rhizomes. Microwear found on the canine/premolar complex of all three groups corresponds to the puncture-crushing and to the slicing of food.
Using a chlorophyll meter to manage nitrogen applications to corn with high nitrate irrigation water

Abstract Chlorophyll meters can aid in measuring the nitrogen (N) status of corn (Zea mays), but will the use of chlorophyll meters decrease total N use or increase corn grain yield? Use of a fully fertilized reference strip with a chlorophyll meter (SPAD 502) is an accepted management strategy. The critical level of relative chlorophyll necessary to trigger supplement N is uncertain. To determine the impact of using a 96 or 92% critical level of chlorophyll readings relative to a fully fertilized reference strip, 0 and 112 N kg ha‐1 were applied at planting for three years. Specific plots were fertilized with an additional 56 kg N ha‐1 whenever the meter reading on those plots was below either 96 or 92% of the reference area. The experiment was conducted on two Typic Haplustolls and an Entic Haplustoll. Irrigation water contained nitrate ranging from 20 to 38 mg L‐1. Irrigation water supplied from 43 to 120 kg N ha‐1 season‐1. For all treatments that received N‐supplements based on the chlorophyll meter,...
An approximate analysis of thickness-stretch waves in an elastic plate

Abstract Two-dimensional equations for coupled extensional and thickness-stretch waves in an elastic plate are simplified by eliminating the extensional displacements in a systematic manner; the result is a single equation governing thickness-stretch motions. A similar reduction is also performed for coupled extensional, thickness-stretch, and symmetric thickness-shear waves. The procedure is similar to that used in the thickness-shear approximation, wherein the flexural displacement is eliminated from the equations for coupled flexural and thickness-shear motions. The resulting equations are used to discuss the energy-trapped vibration of plates in thickness-stretch modes.
Instructors' ratings of delinquents after outward bound survival training and their subsequent recidivism.

After participating in an Outward Bound survival training course, 60 male delinquents were evaluated by patrol leaders. Successful students were awarded a certificate and all Ss were then paroled. ...
Microwave spectrum of the HI—HF complex

Abstract Twenty-seven ΔJ = +1 rotational transitions for the HI—HF complex were observed in the 8–18 GHz frequency range. The lines were measured 10 an accuracy of 5 kHz using a pulsed-beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The spectroscopic constants obtained by fitting the observed transitions are 21(B + C) = 2220.74746(82) MHz DJ = 8.842(32) kHz eqQ = 687.012(26) MHz and Δ(eqQ) = −40.6(2.6) kHz.
Using quadratic residue arithmetic for computing skew cyclic convolutions

The quadratic residue number system (QRNS) has been proven to be a system in which the complex multiplication can take place in a completely parallel fashion using only two real multiplications instead of four. The Letter shows how the QRNS can be used in computing skew cyclic convolutions.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOCUSED ON FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: CHANGING TEACHERS, CHANGING SCHOOLS

This paper outlines an approach to improving learning and teaching that combines two strong research bases: The research on formative assessment or assessment for learning provides information about what to change; research on teacher learning communities guides decisions about how to change. In this paper we describe the content and process for one model of teacher professional development. Two case studies for two school districts engaged in this process of teacher change are then presented along with descriptions of the observed effects on both the participating teachers and their larger school contexts.
Locomotor head movements and semicircular canal morphology in primates

Animal locomotion causes head rotations, which are detected by the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Morphologic features of the canals influence rotational sensitivity, and so it is hypothesized that locomotion and canal morphology are functionally related. Most prior research has compared subjective assessments of animal “agility” with a single determinant of rotational sensitivity: the mean canal radius of curvature (R). In fact, the paired variables of R and body mass are correlated with agility and have been used to infer locomotion in extinct species. To refine models of canal functional morphology and to improve locomotor inferences for extinct species, we compare 3D vector measurements of head rotation during locomotion with 3D vector measures of canal sensitivity. Contrary to the predictions of conventional models that are based upon R, we find that axes of rapid head rotation are not aligned with axes of either high or low sensitivity. Instead, animals with fast head rotations have similar sensitivities in all directions, which they achieve by orienting the three canals of each ear orthogonally (i.e., along planes at 90° angles to one another). The extent to which the canal configuration approaches orthogonality is correlated with rotational head speed independent of body mass and phylogeny, whereas R is not.
Mixed convection along slender vertical cylinders with variable surface temperature

Abstract Mixed convection in laminar boundary layer flow along slender vertical cylinders is analyzed for the situation in which the surface temperature Tw(x) varies arbitrarily with the axial coordinate ϵ. It covers the entire mixed convection regime from pure free convection (ϵ = 0) to pure forced convection (ϵ = l), where ϵ = [1 + (Gr x /Re x 2 ) 1 4 ] −1 is the mixed convection parameter. The governing boundary layer equations along with the boundary conditions are first cast into a dimensionless form by a non-similar transformation and the resulting system of equations is then solved by a weighted finite-difference method of solution in conjunction with cubic spline interpolation. Sample calculations are performed for the case of power law variation in surface temperature,Tw(x)− T∞ = axn, for fluids with Prandtl numbers of 0.1, 0.7, 7, and 100 over a wide range of surface curvature parameters 0 ⩽ Λ⩽ 50 (or 0 ⩽ ξ⩽ 5). Local and average Nusselt numbers are presented. It is found that the local Nusselt number in the form Nu x (Re x 1 2 + Gr x 1 4 ) increases with increasing surface curvature, Prandtl number, and the exponent n, but for low values of Λ, it initially decreases and then increases as ϵ goes from 0 to 1. As curvature increases a linear relationship is found to exist between the Nusselt number and the mixed convection parameter. Correlation equations for the local and average Nusselt numbers are also presented.
Presentation of Sebaceous Carcinoma and Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans Subsequent to Intralesional Interferon Alfa-2b for the Treatment of In Situ Squamous Cell Carcinoma

To the Editor.— Intralesional interferon alfa-2b (Schering Corp, Kenilworth, NJ) has generated significant clinical interest for its potential use in the treatment of a variety of benign and malignant skin tumors. The acute side effects of the interferons are well described and are usually transient. 1 We report two unusual malignant cutaneous tumors (dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the scalp and sebaceous carcinoma of the nasal root) that developed in two of five study patients subsequent to treatment with intralesional interferon alfa-2b for in situ squamous cell carcinoma. Report of Cases.—Case 1.— In May 1989, a 59-year-old white man was enrolled in an interferon alfa-2b (Schering Corp, Kenilworth, NJ) protocol for a primary 2.2 × 1.4-cm squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the left upper arm. After an informed consent was obtained, the patient received 1.5 × 10 6 IU of intralesional interferon triweekly for 3 consecutive weeks. There
Digital Age Document Delivery Librarianship

This paper points out some significant areas in which document delivery librarians may contribute to the current academic climate in which disintermediation has impacted our usual roles.
Risk‐benefit‐based design decisions for low‐probability/high consequence earthquake events in Mid‐America

Decision-making under uncertainty is a difficult task when the information available is scarce and consequences are large. Such is the case in assessing vulnerabilities of buildings and transportation facilities to earthquakes in Mid-America where large events have occurred in the past and yet very few events have been recorded at intensity levels of interest to engineers. A rational approach to this problem requires careful consideration of both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties in the demand and capacity of the systems under consideration, the performance of those systems, the consequences of unsatisfactory performance in terms of direct damages and costs incurred over time, and costs required for retrofitting existing systems or building new systems. A balance must be achieved between risk and benefit for an optimal design decision. Some recent developments in this approach as it applies to design and retrofit for earthquake effects are briefly reviewed. A risk–benefit-based procedure is proposed and illustrated for buildings that must withstand earthquake effects in Mid-America. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IS GENETIC AMNIOCENTESIS WARRANTED WHEN ISOLATED CHOROID PLEXUS CYSTS ARE FOUND

Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of trisomy 18 in the setting of isolated fetal choroid plexus cysts and then to consider the risk of trisomy 18 versus the risks of genetic amniocentesis. Fetuses with choroid plexus cysts were prospectively obtained from a total mid-trimester population of 18861 fetuses with known outcomes. If the fetuses had trisomy 18, they were part of the study group and part of the control group if they had normal karyotypes. Scans were retrospectively reviewed for the characterization of cysts according to size, laterality, and appearance (simple or complex echo patterns). Chi-square analysis of contingency tables of results was performed. 208/18861 (1.1 per cent) fetuses had choroid plexus cysts. 201/208 (96.6 per cent) were normal fetuses or newborns, while 7/208 (3.4 per cent) of the fetuses with choroid plexus cysts had trisomy 18. Overall, 16 fetuses had trisomy 18 and seven (44 per cent) of these had choroid plexus cysts. 0/16 fetuses had choroid plexus cysts as the only sonographic finding. Although laterality or complexity of the cysts did not correlate with the presence or absence of a cytogenetic abnormality, cysts > or = 10 mm were more often associated with trisomy 18 than with a normal karyotype (P < 0.01). We conclude that the discovery of choroid plexus cysts in otherwise normal fetuses in the late second trimester does not by itself justify the risks of genetic amniocentesis.
A calibration system for large-aperture sonar arrays

Acoustic calibration of a large-aperture, low-frequency sonar array presented several problems not normally encountered in conventional sonar array calibration: \bullet Far-field measurements were not possible due to sound field refraction from warm water near the surface. \bullet Pulse separation of surface reflections couldn't be used due to the free-time/pulse-length ratio. \bullet Rotator shaft indexing for beam patterns was not feasible due to barge motion and extreme hydrophone separation. A calibration system was designed and built which utilized quasi-far-field measurements with a directional' transducer and an auxiliary acoustic angular position reference system. The system was installed and used to obtain transmit and receive beam pattern and response data with calibration accuracy close to conventional techniques.
Measurement of cell numbers in microtiter culture plates using the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258

A sensitive fluorimetric assay based on DNA binding of the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258 was developed to quantitate cell numbers in microtiter plates. The cells were fixed and incubated with the dye solution. The bound dye was extracted with ethanol and fluorescence was measured in a spectrofluorimeter. The method is sensitive for as little as a thousand cells and is particularly useful for the normalization of enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) data obtained from the same cells. Another major advantage of this new technique is that in contrast to previously described methods, it requires commonly available, inexpensive equipment.
Patterns of shrub-dwelling arthropod diversity across a desert shrubland–grassland ecotone: a test of island biogeographic theory

Abstract This study tested the applicability of Island Biogeographic Theory to arthropod assemblages on ‘islands’ of creosotebush ( Larrea tridentata ) across a desert shrubland-grassland ecotone in central New Mexico, U.S.A. We assumed that herbivorous arthropod taxa that specialize on creosotebush view these shrubs as ‘islands’ of suitable habitat in a ‘sea’ of grassland, and used the Island Biogeographic Theory to examine the observed plant and arthropod patterns. Specifically, we addressed predictions concerning the relationship among arthropod species richness and (1) shrub ‘island’ area, (2) distance between ‘island’ and ‘continent’, and (3) ‘island’ isolation. Using a pyrethrum insecticide, we defaunated 36 shrubs within three ecotonal areas (12 shrubs per area), defined as ‘continental’ (high shrub density), ‘archipelago’ (medium shrub density, close to the ‘continent’), and ‘oceanic’ (low shrub density, far from the ‘continent’). We assessed the initial arthropod distribution and then repeated the defaunation after two weeks to assess immigration patterns. The arthropods from both samples were catalogued and related to ‘island area’ (shrub volume), ‘island’ distance from the defined ‘continent’, and ‘island’ isolation (density). We found that in the initial sample, specialist herbivore species richness was (1) positively related to shrub volume, (2) negatively related to shrub distance from the ‘continent’, but (3) not significantly related to shrub density. Following the recolonization period, we found that specialist herbivore species richness was again significantly positively related to shrub volume, but was not significantly related to shrub distance from the ‘continent’ or to shrub density. We also examined the relationship between generalist predator arthropod (spiders and mantids) populations and shrub ‘island’ characteristics as well as specialist prey abundances on the shrubs. We found that predator abundances on individual shrubs were positively related to shrub volume prior to and following defaunation, negatively related to shrub density both initially and following recolonization, and positively related to the architectural complexity of host shrubs initially. We also found that predator population sizes on shrubs were positively correlated with abundances of specialist prey species. We concluded that our model conformed fully to the species richnes·island area and species richnes·island distance relationships of Island Biogeographic Theory, but only in part to the species richnes·island isolation relationship. We also found that species-specific dispersal ability was a critical factor with regard to the observed species distribution patterns.
Nerve terminal effects of indoleamine psychotomimetics on 5-hydroxytryptamine

The mode of action of indoleamine psychotomimetics has been closely linked to 5-HT. Early work showed increases in rat brain levels of 5-HT which were later localized to the nerve-ending fraction. With improved methodology, the 5-HT increment was further detected in the synaptic vesicle fraction. These effects were obtained with several indoleamine hallucinogens but not with mescaline. LSD has been most thoroughly studied and has served as the prototypical compound in ascertaining the mode of action of these drugs. Pretreatment with reserpine abolished the 5-HT effects of LSD in the vesicular fraction. However, a new compartment, termed "juxtavesicular," displayed 5-HT increases following reserpine and LSD. A soluble binding site for 5-HT within the synaptoplasm has been postulated in confirmation of independent results by other groups of investigators. The origin of the 5-HT increment appears to be associated with newly synthesized amine. This was deduced from experiments involving various 5-HT synthesis blockers. To ascertain whether inhibition of raphe neuronal firing is responsible for the accumulation of 5-HT at the nerve terminal, two sets of experiments were performed. Destruction of the raphe cell bodies by radiofrequency lesions failed to abolish the LSD-induced 5-HT increase early after the lesion. Destruction of cortical 5-HT neurons with the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine completely abolished the 5-HT effect of LSD. It was concluded that an intact nerve terminal is necessary for the expression of the LSD-mediated increases in 5-HT. A LSD "autoreceptor" is postulated, possibly identical to a 5-HT presynaptic receptor inhibiting the release of 5-HT.
An FM Telemetry Demodulator for Telephone Pacemaker Clinics

An economical wideband FM telemetry demodulator has been developed for use in telephone telemetry pacemaker clinics. The device features wide bandwidth to accommodate most commercial FM telephone telemetry transmitters, automatic gain control, callback and system test capabilities.
p53 suppresses carcinoma progression by inhibiting mTOR pathway activation

Genetic alterations in human cancers and murine models indicate that retinoblastoma (Rb) and p53 have critical tumor suppressive functions in retinoblastoma, a tumor of neural origin, and neuroendocrine tumors including small cell lung cancer and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Rb inactivation is the initiating lesion in retinoblastoma and current models propose that induction of apoptosis is a key p53 tumor suppressive function. Genetic studies in mice, however, indicate that other undefined p53 tumor suppressive functions are operative in vivo. How p53 loss cooperates with Rb inactivation to promote carcinogenesis is also not fully understood. In the current study, genetically engineered mice were generated to determine the role of Rb and p53 in MTC pathogenesis and test the hypothesis that p53 suppresses carcinogenesis by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Conditional Rb ablation resulted in thyroid tumors mimicking human MTC, and additional p53 loss led to rapid tumor progression. p53 suppressed tumorigenesis by inhibiting cell cycle progression, but did not induce apoptosis. On the contrary, p53 loss led to increased apoptosis that had to be overcome for tumor progression. The mTOR activity was markedly increased in p53-deficient tumors and rapamycin treatment suppressed tumor cell growth, identifying mTOR inhibition as a critical p53 tumor suppressive function. Rapamycin treatment did not result in AKT/mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, providing evidence that this feedback mechanism operative in other cancers is not a general response to mTORC1 inhibition. Together, these studies provide mechanistic links between genetic alterations and aberrant signaling pathways critical in carcinogenesis, and identify essential Rb and p53 tumor suppressive functions in vivo.
Hoarseness and Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A Survey of Primary Care Physician Practice Patterns

Importance Current approaches to the diagnosis and subsequent management of specific voice disorders vary widely among primary care physicians (PCPs). In addition, sparse literature describes current primary care practice patterns concerning empirical treatment for vocal disorders. Objective To examine how PCPs manage patients with dysphonia, especially with regard to laryngopharyngeal reflux. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, questionnaire-based study by an academic laryngology practice among academic PCPs from all major US geographic regions. Main Outcomes and Measures A 16-question web-based survey, distributed via e-mail, concerning management and possible empirical treatment options for patients with dysphonia. Results Of 2441 physicians who received the e-mail broadcast, 314 (12.9%) completed the survey. Among those who completed the survey, 46.3% were family practitioners, 46.5% were trained in internal medicine, and 7.2% identified as specialists. Among all respondents, 64.0% preferred to treat rather than immediately refer a patient with chronic hoarseness (symptoms persisting for >6 weeks) of unclear origin. Reflux medication (85.8%) and antihistamines (54.2%) were the most commonly selected choices for empirical treatment. Most physician respondents (79.2%) reported that they would treat chronic hoarseness with reflux medication in a patient without evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Conclusions and Relevance Most PCPs who responded to our survey report empirically treating patients with chronic hoarseness of unknown origin. Many physician respondents were willing to empirically prescribe reflux medication as primary therapy, even when symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were not present. These data suggest that PCPs strongly consider reflux a common cause of dysphonia and may empirically treat patients having dysphonia with reflux medication before referral.
Cutaneous Fistula from the Gastric Remnant Resulting from a Chronic Suture-associated Biofilm Infection

A 53-year-old woman developed three chronic draining sinuses after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; these persisted for almost 1 year despite antibiotics and local wound care. At approximately 1 year post-operatively, the drainage from the most superior sinus increased significantly and assumed a greenish hue, prompting concerns for gastrocutaneous fistula despite negative radiologic evaluation. At surgery, the patient was found to have a retained permanent multifilament suture at the base of each sinus, with associated inflammatory and fibrous tissue and a "slimy" matrix. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of both the explanted sutures and investing soft tissue revealed extensive bacterial biofilm formation. Also at surgery, a frank fistulous track was noted communicating the most superior suture/sinus to the gastric remnant, necessitating laparotomy and remnant gastrectomy in addition to removal of the foreign bodies (sutures) and concomitant panniculectomy. The patient has subsequently been free of complaint or finding for over 3 years.
Design considerations and tradeoffs for passive RFID tags

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems are widely used in a variety of tracking, security and tagging applications. Their operation in non line-of-sight environments makes them superior over similar devices such as barcode and infrared tags. RFID systems span a wide range of applications: medical history storage, dental prosthesis tracking, oil drilling pipe and concrete stress monitoring, toll ways services, animal tracking applications, etc. Passive RFID tags generate their power from the incoming signal; therefore, they do not require a power source. Accordingly, minimizing the power consumption and the implementation area are usually the main design considerations. This paper presents a complete analysis on designing a passive RFID tag. A system design methodology is introduced including the main issues and tradeoffs between different design parameters. The uplink modulation techniques used (ASK, PSK, FSK, and PWM) are illustrated showing how to choose the appropriate signaling scheme for a specific data rate, a certain distance of operation and a limited power consumption budget. An antenna system (transmitter and receiver) is proposed providing the maximum distance of operation with the transmitted power stated by FCC regulations. The backscatter modulation scheme used in the downlink is shown whether to be ASK-BM or PSK-BM and the differences between them are discussed. The key building blocks such as the charge pump, voltage reference, and the regulator used to generate the DC supply voltage from the incoming RF signal are discussed along with their design tradeoffs. A complete architecture for a passive RFID tag is provided as an example to illustrate the proposed RFID tag design methodology.
Female sex and discontinuation of isoniazid due to adverse effects during the treatment of latent tuberculosis

Summary Objectives To determine the rate of and risk factors for discontinuation of isoniazid due to adverse effects during the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in a large, multi-site study. Methods The Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium (TBESC) conducted a prospective study from March 2007–September 2008 among adults initiating isoniazid for treatment of LTBI at 12 sites in the US and Canada. The relative risk for isoniazid discontinuation due to adverse effects was determined using negative binomial regression. Adjusted models were constructed using forward stepwise regression. Results Of 1306 persons initiating isoniazid, 617 (47.2%, 95% CI 44.5–50.0%) completed treatment and 196 (15.0%, 95% CI 13.1–17.1%) discontinued due to adverse effects. In multivariable analysis, female sex (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32–2.10, p p = 0.003) were independently associated with isoniazid discontinuation due to adverse effects. Conclusions The rate of discontinuation of isoniazid due to adverse effects was substantially higher than reported earlier. Women were at increased risk of discontinuing isoniazid due to adverse effects; close monitoring of women for adverse effects may be warranted. Current alcohol use was also associated with isoniazid discontinuation; counseling patients to abstain from alcohol could decrease discontinuation due to adverse effects.
Tracking in the CLEO III detector

Abstract The Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) is embarking on a four-year luminosity upgrade program with a goal in excess of 10 fb −1 per year. The new focusing layout at the interaction region will require replacing the CLEO tracking chambers. The CLEO collaboration will take advantage of this rebuilding of the inner detector to improve the capability for high momentum particle identification, while maintaining the excellent charged particle momentum resolution, and electromagnetic calorimeter resolution, of the present detector.
An analytic benchmark solution to the linear, time-dependent multiregion isothermal slug flow fission-product plateout problem

Abstract The analytic solution to the time-dependent, linear, convective—diffusion equation with radioactive decay is derived for axisymmetric slug flow through multiple materials in a cylindrical pipe under isothermal conditions. The Davidon variable metric minimization algorithm is used to determine the coupling coefficients. These solutions, which describe the transport of fission products in a flowing stream, are then used to determine the concentration of radioactive material deposited on a conduit wall and on the adsorber materials using a standard mass-transfer model.
Early Palaeocene palaeoclimatic inferences from fossil floras of the western interior, USA

Abstract Twenty one early Palaeocene floral assemblages were collected from a variety of alluvial depositional environments from sites in the Williston, Powder River and Raton basins of the western interior of the USA. Leaf fossils were assigned to morphotypes and their physiognomy was quantified for palaeoclimatic analysis. Two methods were used, Climate Leaf Analysis Multi variate Program (CLAMP) and Leaf Margin Analysis (LMA). Temperature estimates and trends derived from CLAMP and LMA indicate that early Palaeocene palaeotemperatures decreased from the latest Cretaceous, particularly in northern areas of North America. Climatic zones shifted southwards from their latest Cretaceous positions, resulting in a steepened north-south temperature gradient and decreased equability in the early Palaeocene. Sub-tropical conditions prevailed as far north as the Raton Basin with the 20°C mean annual temperature isotherm (megathermal-mesothermal boundary) located at approximately 45°N palaeolatitude. The 13°C mean annual temperature isotherm (mesothermal-microthermal boundary) was located at approximately 55°N palaeolatitude to the south of the Williston Basin. CLAMP estimates indicate that precipitation increased significantly in all areas sampled directly after the KT boundary event, especially in the southern Rockies. Precipitation levels decreased somewhat after this initial peak but remained high throughout the early Palaeocene. Evidence from this and other studies suggests that seasonality increased from the latest Cretaceous into the Palaeocene and was most pronounced in central and northerly areas of the North American continent.
Short-range correlations in isospin symmetric and asymmetric nuclear matter: A microscopic perspective

Short-range correlations in nuclear and neutron matter are examined through the properties of the correlated wave function obtained by solving the Bethe--Goldstone equation. Tensor correlations are explored through the dominant tensor-driven transition and central correlations through the singlet and triplet $S$ waves. Predictions from a popular meson-theoretic nucleon-nucleon potential employed in the Dirac--Brueckner--Hartree--Fock approach are compared with those from two- and three-body high-quality chiral interactions in Brueckner $G$-matrix calculations. Short-range correlations in symmetric matter are remarkably stronger than in neutron matter. It is found that short-range correlations are very model dependent and have a large impact on the symmetry energy above normal density.
Automated Scoring of the Level of Integrative Complexity from Text Using Machine Learning

Integrative complexity is a construct developed in political psychology and clinical psychology to measure an individual's ability to consider different perspectives on a particular issue and reach a justifiable conclusion after consideration of said perspectives. Integrative complexity (IC) is usually determined from text through manual scoring, which is time-consuming, laborious and expensive. Consequently, there is a demand for automating the scoring, which could significantly reduce the time, expense and cognitive resources spent in the process. Any algorithm that could achieve the above with a reasonable accuracy could assist in the development of intervention systems for reducing the potential for aggression, systems for recruitment processes and even training personnel for improving group disparity in the corporate world. In this study we used machine learning to predict IC levels from text. We achieved over 78% accuracy in a three way classification.
VE-cadherin Regulates Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Sensitivity to Apoptosis

The mechanisms by which the bone marrow microenvironment regulates tumor cell survival are diverse. This study describes the novel observation that in addition to Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cell lines, primary patient cells also express Hypoxia Inducible Factor-2α (HIF-2α) and Vascular Endothelial Cadherin (VE-cadherin), which are regulated by Abl kinase. Tumor expression of the classical endothelial protein, VE-cadherin, has been associated with aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis in other models, but has not been investigated in hematopoietic malignancies. Targeted knockdown of VE-cadherin rendered Ph+ ALL cells more susceptible to chemotherapy, even in the presence of bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) derived survival cues. Pre-treatment of Ph+ ALL cells with ADH100191, a VE-cadherin antagonist, resulted in increased apoptosis during in vitro chemotherapy exposure. Consistent with a role for VE-cadherin in modulation of leukemia cell viability, lentiviral-mediated expression of VE-cadherin in Ph− ALL cells resulted in increased resistance to treatment-induced apoptosis. These observations suggest a novel role for VE-cadherin in modulation of chemoresistance in Ph+ ALL.
Cost-Effective Paramagnetic Bead Technique for Purification of Cycle Sequencing Products

The quality of sequencing results depends greatly upon the quality and purity of the template as well as the purity of the fluorescently labeled products generated by cycle sequencing. Numerous approaches have been used for purification of cycle sequencing products, including alcohol precipitation, affinity-based chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, commercially-available proprietary methods, and paramagnetic bead technology. In this paper, we describe an affordable paramagnetic technology method using BioMag Carboxyl beads. Compared to other well-established, proprietary methods for purification of cycle sequencing products, this method produced consistently good results, with a very low reagent cost and short procedure time.
Simultaneous wastewater concentration and flow rate equalization

Simple models are developed and validated to predict the performance of waste-strength equalization basins.
The Determinants of Price in Internet Auctions of Used Cars

This study analyzes how auction, seller, and product factors influence the price premium in an eBay used car auction market. In auctions with at least one bid, the reputation of the seller, title status, and the time the auction ended influenced the price premium on the highest bid. For auctions that resulted in a sale, cars with clear title and dealers were able to secure significantly greater price premiums, but seller reputation had no significant effect. Using a binary logit model, cars had a greater probability of selling if the seller had a better reputation. The quality of the presentation and number of pictures did not enhance the price premium in any of the models.
Characterization of anisotropic moisture absorption in polymeric composites using hindered diffusion model

Abstract A new method to characterize three-dimensional, anisotropic moisture absorption in polymeric composites using experimental gravimetric absorption data is presented. This is achieved by using the three-dimensional hindered diffusion model to recover the moisture absorption properties of composites which may exhibit Fickian or non-Fickian behavior. Effectiveness of the recovery of absorption properties is assessed using artificially generated experimental data. Anisotropic diffusivities, equilibrium moisture content ( M ∞ ), and molecular binding ( γ ) and unbinding ( β ) probabilities that govern absorption dynamics are recovered by minimizing the difference between model predictions and experimental data. Using artificial moisture absorption data, diffusivities and M ∞ are recovered with less than 1% error, whereas γ and β are recovered with less than 3% error in the non-Fickian diffusion case. Equilibrium moisture content is shown to be accurately determined much earlier by using partial gravimetric data obtained from the initial phases of absorption, even in the presence of considerable measurement error.
One-year outcomes of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) mid-urethral slings in overweight and obese women.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) success rates, patient satisfaction, and complications 1 year following surgery. Baseline and 1-year postsurgery outcomes were abstracted, including Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores, and patient satisfaction ratings. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between outcomes and BMI. Subjects (N = 195) with a mean age of 59.3 ± 12.6 were included. There was significant improvement within each group (all p values 0.05). Differential counseling of overweight or obese women regarding outcomes of the TVT procedure is not supported by these results; longer follow-up is warranted.
Reactive Rayleigh-Taylor turbulent mixing: a one-dimensional-turbulence study.

We study the problem of reactive Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence in the Boussinesq framework using one-dimensional-turbulence (ODT) simulations. In this problem a reaction zone between overlying heavy/cold reactants and underlying light/hot products moves against gravity. First, we show that ODT results for global quantities in non-reactive Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence are within those from direct numerical simulations (DNS). This comparison give us confidence in using ODT to study unexplored flow regimes in the reactive case. Then, we show how ODT predicts an early stage of reactive Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence that behaves similarly to the non-reactive case, as observed in previous DNS. More importantly, ODT indicates a later stage where the growth of the reaction zone reduces considerably. The present work can be seen as a step towards the study of supernova flames with ODT.
Sculpting horizons in organic chemistry

Organic chemistry as a discipline derives from and impacts on the biological and abiological world in which we live. Its challenges lie in the areas of structure, reactivity, techniques, and concepts. Powerful structural tools reveal structures from biology that range from control of insect development and behavior to whole new metabolic pathways in humans. Unnatural products create beautiful new molecular shapes whose properties cannot be predicted as well as catalysts that function with enzyme-like control. From structure flows reactivity. Exploration of known reactions points to new directions, and development of new reactions offers the opportunity of streamlined synthetic design. Emerging new techniques offer new dimensions for performing and studying reactions as well as the hope for developing new ones. Merging disparate facts into unified concepts increases predictive capabilities. The extraordinary difficulty of finding the resultant of many small effects may obscure the presence of general theories, creates the art in the practice of the science, and challenges the practitioner. From these general themes derives the quest for selectivity--chemo-, regio-, diastereo-, and enantio-. An examination of the fundamental underpinnings of the applications of organic chemistry reveals that, while impressive strides have been made, the science is best described as being between infancy and childhood. The cross-fertilization between organic chemistry and molecular biology vividly illustrates a merging of chemistry and biology.