cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mallory-Denk Bodies are Associated with Outcomes and Histologic Features in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background & Aims Mallory–Denk bodies (MDBs) are inclusions found in hepatocytes of patients with chronic liver diseases. Their clinical significance and prognostic value are not understood. Methods We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) enrolled in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) trial to identify clinical features associated with MDBs and changes in MDBs over time. Biopsy specimens were obtained at baseline and 1.5 and 3.5 years after patients were assigned to groups for the HALT-C trial; and patients were followed up to assess clinical and histologic outcomes. Results Of biopsy samples collected from 1050 patients, MDBs were present in 15%. They were associated with insulin resistance and laboratory and histologic markers of advanced liver disease (higher levels of periportal fibrosis, pericellular fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammation). After adjusting for disease severity (the ratio of aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase, albumin, platelets, fibrosis, steatosis), the presence of MDBs was associated with histologic progression (odds ratio, 1.97; P = .04). Of the 844 patients from whom serial biopsy samples were collected, 61 (7.2%) developed MDBs (MDB gain) and 101 (12.0%) lost MDBs (MDB loss). The presence or absence of diabetes mellitus was associated with MDB gain (P = .006) or loss (P = .024), respectively. Development of MDBs was associated with decompensation (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.81; P Conclusions The presence of MDBs in liver biopsy samples from patients with CHC is associated independently with fibrosis progression. Gain of MDBs over time is associated with decompensation and progression to cirrhosis; and occurs most frequently among diabetic patients. MDBs might be used as prognostic factors for patients with CHC.
Evaluation of three-dimensional root surface changes and resorption following rapid maxillary expansion: a cone beam computed tomography investigation.

Structured Abstract Objectives To evaluate root surface changes and resorption following toothborne rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Setting and Sample Population The Department of Orthodontics at The University of Texas Health Science Center. Twenty-four consecutively treated patients (mean age: 12.8 years) requiring maxillary expansion. Material and Methods An observational cohort included 48 CBCT images collected prior to (T1) and 4.8 months after (T2) RME from the study sample. Maxillary (study group) and mandibular (control group) first molars (n = 48) and first premolars (n = 48) were segmented and digitally registered using a ‘best-fit’ algorithm. Linear surface and volumetric changes between the study and control groups were compared using independent sample t-tests. Additionally, individual root length measurements were compared between the T1 and T2 images in each group using paired t-tests. Results All study teeth had significant changes for the evaluation of maximum linear surface area and volumetric changes as compared to control teeth (p < 0.05). On average, premolars and molars in the study group experienced a root shortening of 0.36–0.52 mm (p < 0.05). Color-coded diagrams demonstrated thinning and resorption occurring primarily at the apex and buccal aspects of the roots. Severity of these changes was individual-specific, as root resorption patterns were non-uniform. Conclusion Significant volume loss, linear surface area changes, and thinning/shortening of maxillary first molar and premolar roots were common findings with the use of toothborne RME therapy.
Vorticity Evolution Leading to Tornadogenesis and Tornadogenesis Failure in Simulated Supercells

AbstractA three-dimensional idealized cloud model was used to study the storm-scale differences between simulated supercells that produce tornado-like vortices and those that do not. Each simulation was initialized with a different Rapid Update Cycle, version 2 (RUC-2), sounding that was associated with tornadic and nontornadic supercells in nature. The focus is an analysis of vorticity along backward-integrated trajectories leading up to tornadogenesis (19 simulations) and tornadogenesis failure (14 simulations). In so doing, the differences between the nontornadic and tornadic cases can be explored in relation to their associated environmental sounding.Backward-integrated trajectories seeded in the near-surface circulation indicate that the largest differences in vertical vorticity production between the tornadic and nontornadic simulations occur in parcels that descend to the surface from aloft (i.e., descending). Thus, the results from this study support the hypothesis that descending air in the rear ...
A NEURAL NETWORK SYSTEM WITH REINFORCEMENT LEARNING TO CONTROL A DYNAMIC ARM MODEL

A neural network system is presented for controlling a two-link dynamic arm model where the task is to move the arm from any initial position to any final position in the sagittal plane. The controller produces joint torque-lime profiles that begin and end with equilibrium values at the initial and final positions, respectively. A memory type neural network is trained by supervised learning methods to predict the joint's static equilibrium torque values corresponding to joint angles. A reinforcement learning network is used to determine the parameters needed for synthesis of the torque-time profiles for each joint. The reinforcement signal is computed based on the distance between the desired end point position and velocity and the states achieved based on the generated torque profiles. The general pattern of the torque-time plots is decided a priori according to the literature. The methods of training and an illustrative example of the algorithm's performance are presented.
Evaluation of Oral Dilution as a First Aid Measure in Poisoning

Dilution with large volumes of water is a widely recommended first aid measure for the treatment of poisoning from ingested chemical agents. In view of the lack of experimental work to support its clinical application and of possible adverse effects that may attend its use, further investigation was undertaken to determine the influence of oral dilution on blood levels of sodium pentobarbital, quinine hydrochlo-ride, and aspirin. The results indicate that oral dilution with large volumes of water increases the rate and degree of gastrointestinal absorption of pentobarbital and quinine, although it has no significant effect on the absorption of aspirin. In view of the possibility of enhanced gastrointestinal absorption of certain chemicals causedl by oral dilution, it is suggested that this procedure not be employed as a first aid treatment for ingested systemic poisons.
Higher-order dispersion in a propagating pulse

Using exact results previously obtained we investigate the spreading of a propagating pulse due to higher order dispersion. An explicit example is considered where the spread and associated quantities are calculated exactly. We also discuss the effects of higher order dispersion on the contraction of pulses. We show that the average frequency of the initial pulse plays a much more important role when higher order terms are included.
Characterizing flux through micro- and nanostructured composites

Nano- and microstructured materials differ from bulk materials because they are heterogeneous matrixes with large internal surface area. Interfaces inside nano- and microstructured composites can impact flux of probes through the matrix through unique interfacial chemistry and structure, interfacial binding and repulsion, and interfacial gradients. Gradients in properties are established at the interface between immiscible components; gradients generate forces which can drive flux. In microstructured composites, where a large fraction of molecules moving through the composite are exposed to interfaces and their associated chemistry, structure, and gradients, effects unimportant in homogeneous materials should be considered. First, the relationship between structure and flux can be evaluated by varying the ratio of internal surface area to internal volume of the composite. Structure−flux relationships provide design constraints for forming composite materials. Second, the structure of the interface itself ...
Data visualization and data mining of continuous numerical and discrete nominal‐valued microarray databases for bioinformatics

Purpose – To present research in the area of the applications of modern heuristics and data mining techniques in knowledge discovery.Design/methodology/approach – Applications of data mining for neural networks using NeuralWare Predict® software, genetic algorithms using Biodiscovery GeneSight® (2005) software, and regression and discriminant analysis using SPSS® were selected for bioscience data sets of continuous numerical‐valued Abalone fish data and discrete nominal‐valued mushroom data.Findings – This paper illustrates the useful information that can be obtained using data mining for evolutionary algorithms specifically as those for neural networks, genetic algorithms, regression analysis, and discriminant analysis.Research limitations/implications – The use of NeuralWare Predict® was a very effective method of implementing training rules for neural networks to identify the important attributes of numerical and nominal valued data.Practical implications – The software and algorithms discussed in the ...
R-Ras Contributes to LTP and Contextual Discrimination

The ability to discriminate between closely related contexts is a specific form of hippocampal-dependent learning that may be impaired in certain neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Down Syndrome. However, signaling pathways regulating this form of learning are poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that the calcium-dependent exchange factor Ras-GRF1, an activator of Rac, Ras and R-Ras GTPases, is important for this form of learning and memory. Moreover, the ability to discriminate contexts was linked to the ability of Ras-GRF1 to promote high-frequency stimulation long-term potentiation (HFS-LTP) via the activation of p38 Map kinase. Here, we show that R-Ras is involved in this form of learning by using virally-delivered miRNAs targeting R-Ras into the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus and observing impaired contextual discrimination. Like the loss of GRF1, knockdown of R-Ras in the CA1 also impairs the induction of HFS-LTP and p38 Map kinase. Nevertheless, experiments indicate that this involvement of R-Ras in HFS-LTP that is required for contextual discrimination is independent of Ras-GRF1. Thus, R-Ras is a novel regulator of a form of hippocampal-dependent LTP as well as learning and memory that is affected in certain forms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Emergency medicine resident documentation: results of the 1999 american board of emergency medicine in-training examination survey.

. Objectives: To assess how emergency medicine (EM) residents perform medical record documentation, and how well they comply with Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) Medicare charting guidelines. In addition, the study investigated their abilities and confidence with billing and coding of patient care visits and procedures performed in the emergency department (ED). Finally, the study assessed their exposure to both online faculty instruction and formal didactic experience with this component of their curriculum. Methods: A survey was conducted consisting of closed-ended questions investigating medical record documentation in the ED. The survey was distributed to all EM residents, EM—internal medicine, and EM—pediatrics residents taking the 1999 American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) In-Training examination. Five EM residents and the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) board of directors prevalidated the survey. Summary statistics were calculated and resident levels were compared for each question using either chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Alpha was 0.05 for all comparisons. Results: Completed surveys were returned from 88.5% of the respondents. A small minority of the residents code their own charts (6%). Patient encounters are most frequently documented on free-form handwritten charts (38%), and a total of 76% of the respondents reported using handwritten forms as a portion of the patient's final chart. Twenty-nine percent reported delays of more than 30 minutes to access medical record information for a patient evaluated in their ED within the previous 72 hours. Twenty-five percent “never” record their supervising faculty's involvement in patient care, and another 25% record that information “1-25%” of the time. Seventy-nine percent are “never” or “rarely” requested by their faculty to clarify or add to medical records for billing purposes. Only 4% of the EM residents were “extremely confident” in their ability to perform billing and coding, and more than 80% reported not knowing the physician charges for services or procedures performed in the ED. Conclusions: The handwritten chart is the most widely used method of patient care documentation, either entirely or as a component of a templated chart. Most EM residents do not document their faculty's participation in the care of patients. This could lead to overestimation of faculty noncompliance with HCFA billing guidelines. Emergency medicine residents are not confident in their knowledge of medical record documentation and coding procedures, nor of charges for services rendered in the ED.
Interface-Induced Spin and Dipole Ordering of the Copper Spin ½ Molecule: Bis(4-cyano-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)copper(II)

Using light-polarization-dependent angle-resolved photoemission, the metal−organic molecule bis(4-cyano-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)copper(II) (or Cu(CNdpm)2, i.e., C24H36N2O4Cu, Cu(II))...
Isolation and characterization of α-fetoprotein from the mouse hepatoma bw7756

Abstract Purification of α-fetoprotein from mouse hepatoma BW7756 extracts was performed using ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and isoelectric focusing. These procedures produced a 5.6% yield of α-fetoprotein with 96% purity. Polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis, extended agarose electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis demonstrated that mouse hepatoma α-fetoprotein migrated at pH 8.6 as a rapid α 1 , or postalbumin globulin. Crossed antibody electrophoresis of the agarose zone containing α-fetoprotein failed to demonstrate microheterogeneity. Molecular weight analysis of the mouse hepatoma α-fetoprotein on a calibrated Sephadex G-200 column yielded a value of 72 000–73 000 for the native protein. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis subsequently demonstrated a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 72 000. Amino acid analysis showed the α-fetoprotein to be an acidic protein dominated by hydrophobic residues. The total carbohydrate content was 5.5% and 3 mol of sialic acid were detected per mol of α-fetoprotein. Although neutral sugars were the principal class present, galactosamine was the most abundant single sugar detected.
Effects of carbon on charge loss in EPROM structures

Charge loss failures on EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory) devices are conclusively linked to the presence of carbon in oxidizing ambients. Oxides grown in hydrogen chloride (HCl) and trichloroethane (TCA) are compared on polysilicon and single crystal substrates. Both product and test structures are used for evaluation oxide quality. Carbon dioxide (CO/sub 2/) injected into HCl oxidation cycles is used to isolate carbon as the cause of device yield degradation. TCA oxidations are shown to be similar in result to CO/sub 2/ enhanced HCl oxidations. Elemental analysis of silicon substrates oxidized in carbon bearing atmospheres reveals an accumulation of carbon at the oxide-silicon interface. >
Guided slides: Flexible lectures using a tablet PC

Numerous studies tout the effectiveness of guided lecture notes in improving the quality of student in-class notes, and subsequently improving student performance on quizzes and exams. We have extended this idea, producing electronic dasiaguided slidespsila for use in a first semester discrete mathematics course taught for undergraduate computer science students. Using a tablet PC, the instructor augmented these slide outlines during lectures. The resulting slide images were posted on-line after each lecture for students to access. This paper reports our experiences with this method over two consecutive semesters. Survey feedback shows that students overwhelmingly support this lecture approach.
Sensitivity analysis of fire behavior modeling with LIDAR-derived surface fuel maps

Each year, wildland fires burn millions of hectares of forest worldwide. Fire managers need to provide effective methods for mapping fire fuels accurately. Fuel distribution is very important for predicting fire behavior. The overall aim of this project is to model fire behavior using FARSITE (Fire Area Simulator) and investigate differences in modeling outputs using fuel model maps, which differ in accuracy, in east Texas. This simulator model requires as input spatial data themes such as elevation, slope, aspect, surface fuel model, and canopy cover along with separate weather and wind data. Seven fuel models, including grass, brush, and timber models, are identified in the study area. To perform modeling sensitivity analysis, two different fuel model maps were used, one obtained by classifying a QuickBird image and the other obtained by classifying a LIDAR (LIght Detection and Ranging) and QuickBird fused data set. Our previous investigations showed that LIDAR improves the accuracy of fuel mapping by at least 13%. According to our new results, LIDAR-derived variables also provides more detailed information about characteristics of fire. This study will show the importance of using accurate maps of fuel models derived using new LIDAR remote sensing techniques.
Borrelia burgdorferi RevA Antigen Binds Host Fibronectin

Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease-causing spirochete, can persistently infect its vertebrate hosts for years. B. burgdorferi is often found associated with host connective tissue, where it interacts with components of the extracellular matrix, including fibronectin. Some years ago, a borrelial surface protein, named BBK32, was identified as a fibronectin-binding protein. However, B. burgdorferi BBK32 mutants are still able to bind fibronectin, indicating that the spirochete possesses additional mechanisms for adherence to fibronectin. We now demonstrate that RevA, an unrelated B. burgdorferi outer surface protein, binds mammalian fibronectin in a saturable manner. Site-directed mutagenesis studies identified the amino terminus of the RevA protein as being required for adhesion to fibronectin. RevA bound to the amino-terminal region of fibronectin. RevA binding to fibronectin was not inhibited by salt or heparin, suggesting that adhesin-ligand interactions are primarily nonionic and occur through the non-heparin-binding regions of the fibronectin amino-terminal domains. revA genes are widely distributed among Lyme disease spirochetes, and the present studies determined that all RevA alleles tested bound fibronectin. In addition, RevB, a paralogous protein found in a subset of B. burgdorferi strains, also bound fibronectin. We also confirmed that RevA is produced during mammalian infection but not during colonization of vector ticks and determined that revA transcription is controlled through a mechanism distinct from that of BBK32.
Emergence of Erythromycin- and Clindamycin-Resistant Streptococcus pyogenes emm 90 Strains in Hawaii

We identified 12 erythromycin- and clindamycin-resistant emm 90 group A streptococcus (GAS) isolates during a retrospective invasive disease survey in Hawaii. A comparison with 20 type-matched isolates showed all resistant isolates to be emm 90.4b with the constitutive or inducible macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotype (cMLS(B) or iMLS(B)). All isolates had the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern, suggesting clonal spread.
Pseudosarcomas of Soft Tissue

One of the most common and important pitfalls in soft tissue pathology are the so-called pseudosarcomas. These lesions are nonneoplastic; however, their rapid growth, hypercellularity, cytologic atypia, and mitotic activity makes them prone to be misinterpreted as sarcoma. The most common of these lesions are fibroblastic/myofibroblastic and matrix-forming proliferations, including nodular fasciitis, proliferative fasciitis and myositis, ischemic fasciitis, massive localized edema, myositis ossificans, and bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation and related entities. Most of these lesions rarely recur following simple excision; therefore, their accurate recognition helps prevent excessive therapy.
Inflammatory and Locally Advanced Breast Cancer

Despite the advances in early detection and treatment of breast cancer, a significant proportion of patients still present with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). These advanced tumors include patients with stage IIB disease (T3N0) and stage IIIA to IIIC disease and are characterized by high relapse rates and poor prognosis. Multimodality management, which includes preoperative systemic therapy followed by surgery and radiation therapy, has had a tremendous impact on the outcome of patients presenting with LABC. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a particularly aggressive subtype of LABC, which progresses rapidly and is characterized by the presence of edema and erythema of the skin. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, staging, diagnosis, prognostic factors, molecular markers, and treatment approaches for these malignancies. IBC, although included in the definition of LABC, will have separate annotations due to its distinct clinical presentation and aggressive behavior.
Identifying the Molecular Origin of Global Warming

We have investigated the physical characteristics of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to assess which properties are most important in determining the efficiency of a GHG. Chlorofluorcarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), nitrogen fluorides, and various other known atmospheric trace molecules have been included in this study. Compounds containing the halogens F or Cl have in common very polar X-F or X-Cl bonds, particularly the X-F bonds. It is shown that as more F atoms bond to the same central atom, the bond dipoles become larger as a result of the central atom becoming more positive. This leads to a linear increase in the total or integrated XF bond dipole derivatives for the molecule, which leads to a non-linear (quadratic) increase in infrared (IR) intensity. Moreover, virtually all of the X-F bond stretches occur in the atmospheric IR window as opposed to X-H stretches, which do not occur in the atmospheric window. It is concluded that molecules possessing several F atoms will always have a large radiative forcing parameter in the calculation of their global warming potential. Some of the implications for global warming and climate change are discussed.
The design of wideband arrays of closely-spaced wire and slot elements

The quest for wide band operation of antenna arrays, for example reaching 10 to 1 or more, has led to the consideration of many different types of elements. Spirals and other wide band elements have been tried as one alternative, but this leads to large elements with wide interelement spacing that results in grating lobes at high frequencies. Munk [1, 2] has shown that simple dipoles and slots can be effectively used to achieve wide band widths without grating lobes by the effective use and control of element to element coupling and wide band matching techniques. This paper outlines the logic of this array design procedure. Many impedance calculations used in planar wideband array design are made using the Periodic Moment Method code [3]. The theory behind PMM is based on a plane wave expansion technique [4], and yields the analysis of infinite, periodic, and planar arrays of scattering elements (wires or slots). Semi-infinite calculations are made using a code referred to as SPLAT [5, 6].
A quantitative survey of local adaptation and fitness trade-offs.

Abstract: The long history of reciprocal transplant studies testing the hypothesis of local adaptation has shown that populations are often adapted to their local environments. Yet many studies have not demonstrated local adaptation, suggesting that sometimes native populations are no better adapted than are genotypes from foreign environments. Local adaptation may also lead to trade‐offs, in which adaptation to one environment comes at a cost of adaptation to another environment. I conducted a survey of published studies of local adaptation to quantify its frequency and magnitude and the costs associated with local adaptation. I also quantified the relationship between local adaptation and environmental differences and the relationship between local adaptation and phenotypic divergence. The overall frequency of local adaptation was 0.71, and the magnitude of the native population advantage in relative fitness was 45%. Divergence between home site environments was positively associated with the magnitude ...
Suitable extender models I

We investigate both iteration hypotheses and extender models at the level of one supercompact cardinal. The HOD Conjecture is introduced and shown to be a key conjecture both for the Inner Model Program and for understanding the limits of the large cardinal hierarchy. We show that if the HOD Conjecture is true then this provides strong evidence for the existence of an ultimate version of Godel's constructible universe L. Whether or not this "ultimate" L exists is now arguably the central issue for the Inner Model Program.
All-optical 16 /spl times/ 2.5 Gb/s WDM signal simultaneous up-conversion based on XPM in an NOLM in ROF systems

A novel all-optical wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM) signal up-conversion scheme based on cross-phase modulation in a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) was proposed and experimentally demonstrated. For the first time, we have successfully realized the simultaneous up-conversion of 16 /spl times/ 2.5 Gb/s WDM signals in the whole C-band with 40-GHz local oscillator (LO) signal. The experimental results show the performances of WDM signals are in good accordance with a single signal in an NOLM without any interference, and the carrier-to-sideband ratio is greatly related to the optical LO power.
Performance characteristics of mirror servers on the Internet

As a growing number of Web sites introduce mirrors to increase throughput, the challenge for clients is determining which mirror will offer the best performance when a document is to be retrieved. We present findings from measuring 9 clients scattered throughout the United States retrieving over 490,000 documents from 47 production Web servers which mirror three different Web sites. We have several interesting findings that may aid in the design of protocols for choosing among mirror servers. Though server performance varies widely, we have observed that a server's performance relative to other servers is more stable and is independent of time scale. In addition, a change in an individual server's transfer time is not a strong indicator that its performance relative to other servers has changed. Finally, we have found that clients wishing to achieve near-optimal performance may only need to consider a small number of servers rather than all mirrors of a particular site.
Characterizing IGBT Losses for Switched Mode Operation

Accurate loss analysis of switch mode circuits that use IGBTs as a switching device is difficult. Switching losses are a function of switch current, collector voltage and junction temperature. These three-dimensional parameters increase equation complexity and are often time consuming in their determination. However, computer programs such as MathcadTM MatlabTM ExcelTM and Table CurveTM provide practical means of curve fitting empirical data. This paper outlines a methodology for recording and converting empirical IGBT performance data into accurate and useful equations. These equations may then be utilized as simple function calls for loss analysis calculations. The examples covered in this paper are the IGBT clamped inductive turn-off energy and VCE(SAT) on-state drop. The losses predicted by the empirical equations are compared with in-circuit measured losses. IGBTs representing two different technologies are modeled.
Intraretinal pH in diabetic cats.

Purpose: To examine intraretinal extracellular H+ concentration ([H+]O) in diabetic cats. Methods: Double-barreled H+-selective microelectrodes were used to measure [H+]O as a function of retinal depth ([H+]O profiles) in four cats with different stages of diabetic retinopathy. Profiles from “normal” and “damaged” areas of the retina were compared to profiles previously obtained from healthy cats. Results: In the healthy retina, [H+]O is generally highest in the middle of the retina and decreases toward the choroid and the vitreous. In 48% of the profiles from diabetic animals with visible retinopathy, the inner retinal gradient was reversed so that the vitreous was more acidic than the middle of the retina. The profiles with reversed inner retinal gradients were classified as damaged. On the average, the inner retina tended to be 0.07–0.08 pH units more acidic in diabetic animals than in healthy normoglycemic animals, but of similar acidity to healthy hyperglycemic animals. In areas with damaged inner re...
Dynamic knee joint stiffness in subjects with a progressive increase in severity of knee osteoarthritis

Background Persons with knee osteoarthritis demonstrate a reduction in knee joint excursion during loading response which is often coupled with a reduction in the moment acting to flex the knee. While these individual kinetic and kinematic changes are well documented, the interaction between changes in joint moment and changes in joint angle (dynamic joint stiffness) is not well understood in persons with knee osteoarthritis.
Improving the clinical utility of microbiology data: An update

One of the main goals of the clinical microbiology laboratory is to improve the usefulness of its data to clinicians. With that in mind, this article addresses how to optimally process the routine specimen. The role of the laboratory in optimal care of the patient is emphasized and demonstrated. The following subjects are discussed: cultures of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, feces, respiratory specimens, and wounds, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Unless specifically stated, these guidelines are evidence based, in accordance with the recent edict of the Institute of Medicine.
Spinal cord schistosomiasis: unexpected postmortem finding.

Objectives: To report a case of a US resident, originally from Liberia, with chronic hepatitis C infection who developed acute neurologic symptoms of the lower limbs. Methods: Our case is compared to previously reported similar cases, with emphasis on clinical symptoms, investigations, diagnosis, and prognosis. Results: The patient was transferred to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics for further management of severe retroperitoneal bleeding and died 2 days after admission. The diagnosis of schistosomiasis was established on examination of the spinal cord at autopsy, where multiple Schistosoma mansoni eggs were seen in the vasculature of the spinal cord. Conclusions: The diagnosis of schistosomiasis may go undiagnosed in countries where the disease is not endemic but should be considered when investigating spinal cord disease in patients native to an endemic area or international travelers.
Breed Differences in Response to Feeding Antibiotics

Abstract VARIABILITY in response due to the feeding of antibiotics among different strains and breeds of chickens is of interest to both nutritionists and geneticists. The nutritionist is interested because the variability has a bearing on the efficiency of experimental designs for evaluating the feed. A knowledge of this variability would also enable the nutritionist to exercise better judgment in evaluating reports of others who use different strains and breeds as experimental subjects. The poultry geneticist is interested in the possible relationship between growth stimulation due to heterosis (a genetic effect) and that resulting from feeding antibiotics (an environmental effect). Would inbreds, for example, show a different response to antibiotics than hybirds since the former lack the heterotic effect on growth and livability? The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether chicks of diferent breeding respond similarly to diets containing antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three rations were used. The composition …
Variant of atelosteogenesis? Report of a 20‐week fetus

We report on a 20-week fetus with manifestations similar, but not identical, to those of atelosteogenesis. The present fetus had rhizomelic micromelia with absence of ossification in the humerus, radius, ulna, and cervical and upper thoracic vertebral bodies; coronal clefts in the ossified thoracic vertebral bodies; and talipes equinovarus. The physes were relatively normal on histologic examination.
Using Rasch Theory to Guide the Practice of Survey Development and Survey Data Analysis in Science Education and to Inform Science Reform Efforts: An Exemplar Utilizing STEBI Self-Efficacy Data.

Over many decades, science education researchers have developed, validated, and used a wide range of attitudinal instruments. Data from such instruments have been analyzed, results have been published, and public policies have been influenced. Unfortunately, most science education instruments are not developed using a guiding theoretical measurement framework. Moreover, ordinal-level attitudinal data are routinely analyzed as if these data are equal interval, thereby violating requirements of parametric tests. This paper outlines how researchers can use Rasch analysis to develop higher quality science education instruments and why researchers must use Rasch analysis to prepare appropriate ordinal-level data for parametric analyses. Detailed recommendations are set forth to help science education researchers increase the rigor of attitudinal instrument development and analysis. Suggestions are also set forth regarding how philosophical and analytical Rasch techniques align with broad goals of the science education research community. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed95:258–280, 2011
Fast, stable computation of thermodynamic properties of ammonia-water mixtures

Abstract Software implementations of thermodynamic property routines for ammonia-water mixtures are developed for refrigeration and air-conditioning applications. Saturation correlations are employed to identify single-phase state points, yielding up to a 5-fold reduction in property evaluation time. A run-time database of previously evaluated state points is implemented to improve initial guesses for iterative property evaluation, reducing property evaluation time by 45% in a representative study. The property routines are implemented in a standalone program and as a compiled routine for use in MATLAB® and Simulink®. Both implementations perform property evaluations significantly faster than existing software packages. Program performance is measured on a 2.2 GHz machine, and average individual state point evaluation times were found to range from 50 to 930 µs, depending on the provided input properties. Additionally, a segmented, transient, ammonia-water absorber model is developed in Simulink® to assess the use of the property routines for practical engineering calculations. The proposed computational techniques can be applied to accelerate property evaluations for other mixtures.
Direction of Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Lifestyle Behaviors in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: the Heart and Soul Study.

Emerging evidence indicates that the association between depression and subsequent cardiovascular events is largely mediated by health behaviors. However, it is unclear whether depression is the cause or the consequence of poor health behaviors. The purpose of the present study is to examine prospective, bidirectional relationships of depressive symptoms with behavioral and lifestyle factors among patients with coronary heart disease. Depressive symptoms and lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, medication adherence, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, sleep quality, and smoking status) were assessed at baseline and 5 years later among a prospective cohort of 667 patients with stable coronary heart disease. Greater depressive symptoms at baseline predicted poorer lifestyle behaviors 5 years later (less physical activity, lower medication adherence, higher body mass index, higher waist to hip ratio, worse sleep quality, and smoking). After adjustment for demographics, cardiac disease severity, comorbidity, and baseline lifestyle behaviors, depressive symptom severity remained predictive of subsequent worsening of physical activity (beta = −0.08; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = −0.16, −0.01; p = 0.03), medication adherence (beta = −0.16; 95 % CI = −0.24, −0.08; p < 0.001), and sleep quality (beta = −0.19; 95 % CI = −0.27, −0.11; p < 0.001). Baseline lifestyle behaviors also predicted 5-year change in depressive symptoms, although the associations were attenuated after adjustment for baseline depressive symptoms and covariates. Among patients with coronary heart disease, depressive symptoms were linked to a range of lifestyle risk factors and predicted further declines in physical activity, medication adherence, and sleep quality.
Improving Food Bank Gleaning Operations: An Application in New York State

Gleaning is increasingly attracting the attention of food safety networks, including food banks, as a valuable tool that simultaneously reduces food loss and alleviates food insecurity. However, managing gleaning operations can be challenging because the arrival of gleaning opportunities and the attendance of gleaner volunteers are both stochastic. We develop a stochastic optimization model to characterize and optimize a gleaning operation. The food bank chooses the gleaning schedule, which affects the gleaner capacity and the number of gleaning opportunities scheduled. In a specific field study of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier in New York, we analyze the tradeoff between call and volume service levels to find the optimum schedule that maximizes the expected total volume gleaned. Moreover, we find that increasing the gleaning window and increasing slot availability can be used as substitute mechanisms for increasing the total volume gleaned. Additionally, we use our model to assess the impact of recruiting more volunteer gleaners.
Dynamic Discovery Service Protocols for Next Generation Vehicle Network

The widespread deployment of inexpensive communications technology, computational resources in the networking infrastructure, and network-enabled end-devices pose an interesting problem: how does one locate a particular network service or a device out of millions of accessible services and devices? Traditionally, these services are accessed through well-known URLs or retrieved through search engines. However, these results tend to be very general and may not satisfy the requirements of the user. Moreover, the traditional model cannot react to the dynamic changes in service attributes and client parameters. As a solution, a secure directory tool that tracks services in the network and allows authenticated users to locate them through expressive queries can be used. This paper discusses the Next Generation Vehicle Network (NGVN), an architecture based on Java/Jini and Dynamic Discovery Service (DDS) technology. This paper also discusses what features should be modified to adapt this architecture to implement the required auto NGVN Internet services. Finally, some discovery protocols will be discussed and the application for discovery services will be presented.
Abstract 544: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator Response Element Modulates LDL-receptor Transcription in Response to PPAR Agonists.

Hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR) binds to and internalizes circulating LDL-cholesterol thereby facilitating its clearance from the serum. LDLR is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level by a sterol-regulatory element (SRE) in its proximal promoter region which is the site of action of SRE-binding protein (SREBP1/2). Additionally, SRE-dependent modulation of LDLR by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has also been previously described. However whether additional promoter elements directly regulate LDLR transcription is not very well understood. We observed that treatment with the PPARδ agonist L165041 elevated luciferase-reported activity of human LDLR promoter as well as the mRNA and protein expression of LDLR in both, human and mouse cell lines. The induction of LDLR mRNA in HepG2 cells was dose-dependent with maximal expression observed at 20uM. We also observed that the half-life of LDLR mRNA was similar in control and L165041 treated samples, suggesting that the induction was a result of transactivation of mRNA synthesis. Combinatorial treatment of HepG2 cells with L165041 and rosuvastain (RSV) demonstrated additive effects of the two compounds on LDLR mRNA as well as protein expression. Transcription factor prediction programs indicated presence of a single PPAR-response element (PPRE)-like sequence motif in the human LDLR promoter, located at -768 to -752 bases upstream of the translation start site. Luciferase reporter analyses indicated that mutation or deletion of this PPRE-like element resulted in attenuation of L165041 mediated upregulation of LDLR promoter luciferase activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays further confirmed the binding of PPARδ/RXR heterodimers to the LDLR-PPRE site. Taken together, our studies identify a novel PPRE in the proximal promoter of LDLR and suggest that combinatorial treatment of statin with PPAR agonist may have advantageous effects on LDLR expression.
Regional Dynamic Behavior of the Total Right Ventricle

SummaryRight ventricular regional contractile behavior demonstrated that the sinus free wall and interventricular septum contract synchronously and in similar fashions in response to physiological interventions. The conus musculature, being very scanty in the septal region, has its regulatory behavior confined primarily to the free wall. Conal intramyocardial pressures, unlike the sinus region, are always greater than underlying cavity pressures particularly during inotropic states, thus behaving as a pressure regulator to the outflow of the right ventricle.
Metabolic encephalopathies in the critical care unit.

Purpose of Review: This article summarizes the most common etiologies and approaches to management of metabolic encephalopathy.Recent Findings: Metabolic encephalopathy is a frequent occurrence in the intensive care unit setting. Common etiologies include hepatic failure, renal failure, sepsis, elec
Myotrophic effects of estrogen in mice and lack of effect in rats.

SummaryThe subcutaneous administration of estrogen for 10 days increased perineal muscle weight in mice, but not in rats. Stilbestrol treatment appeared to produce a myotrophic effect on mouse perineal muscles since the nitrogen content was increased and the water content was unchanged. The results indicated that the estrogen acted directly on the perineal muscles, rather than via the adrenal or pituitary glands. It was suggested that the response of the perineal muscles in mice to estrogen might have some correlation with the anabolic effect of estrogens in domestic animals.
Cancer patient age and family caregiver bereavement outcomes

This study drew on life course theory to argue that the strains of cancer caregiving and bereavement are modified by the age of the patient. We expected that caregivers of middle-aged patients would be more distressed than caregivers of older patients. This panel study conducted 199 interviews with family caregivers of advanced cancer patients; first following diagnosis and again shortly after the patient’s death. Among caregivers of middle-aged patients (40–59), grief mediated the relationship between baseline caregiving and bereavement depressed mood, with grief increasing risk of depression in bereavement. Among caregivers of young-old patients (60–79), grief had a suppressor effect on the relationship between caregiving and bereavement depressed mood, showing greater distress during caregiving than at bereavement. Caregiving for middle-aged cancer patients may increase the risk for severe grief and depression, whereas caregivers of young-old cancer patients appeared to experience relief at bereavement. After bereavement, continued observation may be warranted for caregivers of a middle-aged patient; grief, added to the ongoing demands of their lives (which may include those left behind by a middle-aged patient), may put such caregivers at risk for greater psychological and emotional distress.
OMERACT II: the biologics perspective.

The development of biologic agents for the treatment of rheumatic diseases will necessitate inclusion of pharmacoeconomic analyses in the phase III trials. These products are expensive to manufacture, administer, and monitor. Typically, they require parenteral administration and regular monitoring. Often the duration of benefit is brief ; although they may effectively serve as induction therapy. For example, we have a wonderful new biologic agent, judged effective by the ACR preliminary index for improvement, which after 2 treatment courses at $1500 (US) each, offers a year of clinically meaningful improvement with an acceptable safety profile in most patients. How will we convince our regulatory authorities and health services agencies that it should be approved and added to our formularies ? It will be necessary to prospectively collect information about its costs (both direct and indirect) and the costs of alternative treatments. In the multicenter clinical trials for approval, patients' opinions about their health status, quality of life, and the treatment itself must be sought. In addition to a disease specific measure of function/disability, a generic measure of health status/quality of life should be included. Use of a health utilities instrument will allow comparison of different therapeutic interventions. The promise of specifically targeting disregulated immune responses without altering underlying normal immune function makes biologic agents uniquely attractive for use in an early disease population. It will therefore be important to identify those indirect costs saved or gained by maintaining function and work capacity, as well as the direct (and indirect) costs incurred by treatment associated toxicities. Recognizing that all clinical trials are imperfect models of current medical practice, it will be necessary to analyze trial data in the context of additional demographic and epidemiologic information about the disease and currently available tr
On the Need for Membership Grades in Fuzzy Sets

Fuzzy sets have shed much light on the problem of imprecision in human thinking. The problem of evaluating the membership grades in using fuzzy sets has somewhat limited its applicability. This paper shows that many uses involving fuzzy sets only require ordinal information with respect to membership grades. This has the effect greatly reducing the information need in using fuzzy sets and making it, indeed, a method for handling imprecision.