cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A neural network to analyze fertility data

Objective To program an artificial intelligence system, a neural network, and use it to predict results of sperm penetration in bovine cervical mucus (Penetrak assay; Serono Laboratories, Norwell, MA) and zonafree hamster egg penetration from the semen analysis. Design Results of 139 Penetrak assays, 1,416 zona-free hamster egg penetration assays, and the corresponding semen analyses were retrospectively analyzed by an artificial neural network. Main Outcome Measures Classification errors of the neural network were compared with those of linear and quadratic discriminant function analyses. Results Data were separated into training and test sets. For the Penetrak result, linear and quadratic discriminant function analysis correctly predicted 58% and 74% of the training set results and only 64.1% and 69.2% of the test data, respectively. The neural network correctly predicted 92% of training set results and 80% of test set results. For the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay outcome, linear and quadratic discriminant function analysis correctly classified 66.3% and 46.0% of the training set and 64.9% and 44.7% of the test set, respectively. The neural network correctly classified 75.7% of the training data and 67.8% of the test data. Conclusions Using the semen analysis, the neural network correctly classified 67.8% of zona-free hamster egg penetration assay results and 80% of Penetrak results it had not encountered previously, suggesting that this method of data analysis may be successfully employed to predict fertility potential.
Objective and subjective response criteria to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia

The disease entity of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by the interaction of anatomical hyperplasia of the prostate, urodynamic subvesical obstruction, the response of the detrusor muscle, and the subjective symptom complex of prostatism. A comprehensive evaluation of a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of this disease should include an assessment of each of these conditions. Similarly, treatments for BPH should be judged by their ability to influence all these conditions or selected ones. The administration of a standardized symptom score, a digital rectal examination, and a urodynamic evaluation tailored to the specific situation of each patient constitute a set of subjective and objective response criteria for the diagnosis of BPH and the evaluation of treatment response.
Evaluation of dusting versus basketing — can new technologies improve stone-free rates?

Over the past two decades, the management of upper-tract urinary stones has dramatically changed towards an increase in the use of ureteroscopic treatment. This change has been driven by technological advances such as the creation of flexible ureteroscopes with reduced calibre (which now have digital, disposable and dual flexion capability) and holmium lasers with increased power. Two basic principles exist when treating stones ureteroscopically: either creating stone dust and small fragments (<1-2 mm) to theoretically enable spontaneous passage of the small particles or stone fragmentation that enables safe extraction of the stone pieces with a basket or grasper in an efficient manner. Each method has unique advantages and disadvantages, but, ultimately, surgeon preference, stone size, composition, location and intrarenal and/or ureteral anatomy determine which technique is used. To date, clinical trials comparing these two techniques are lacking.
Early Development and Diversity of Gryllus Appendages

Among insects, orthopterans such as Gryllus bimaculatus display an extraordinary diversity regarding the arrangement and morphology of their appendages. In the head region, previous studies have shown that despite the superficial similarities in the morphology of mandibulate mouthparts between holometabolous and hemimetabolous species, the development of these appendages may be regulated in different ways. At present, a comprehensive analysis in any hemimetabolous mandibulate species is lacking; therefore studying the mouthparts in Gryllus will significantly improve the current understanding of the evolution of mouthparts in insects. Orthopteran wings are also quite distinct, featuring the hardened, leathery protective forewings (FWs) and the membranous flying hind wings (HWs). Furthermore, the FWs in Gryllus are characterized by a complex vein-intervein arrangement, similar to the ancestral hardened wings observed in fossils, providing a unique opportunity to understand the evolution of wing sclerotization in basal insects. Finally, orthopterans feature one of the best-known examples of appendage modification in insects – the presence of the greatly enlarged jumping hind leg. Studies of gene expression and functional analyses suggest that this enlargement is controlled by the Hox gene Ultrabithorax (Ubx), which acts as a “trigger” for differential leg growth. Furthermore, rather than acting on all genes in the leg development network, Ubx seems to selectively upregulate growth factors such as decapentaplegic (dpp) and Lowfat in Gryllus. Hence, cricket hind leg can serve as an exceptional model for combined studies of both tissue growth and segmental patterning during embryonic leg development. Overall, this review formulates a general framework that can be used for future studies on the development and diversification of insect appendages.
Subacute Progressive Myelopathy: Transverse Myelitis or Subacute Combined Degeneration? A Case Report.

Abstract Evolving subacute myelopathies have many possible etiologies. This is a report of a patient who presented with progressive paresthesias, proprioceptive loss, and gait disturbance with acute myelitis seen on magnetic resonance imaging initially concerning for transverse myelitis. However, she also had vitamin B12 deficiency, and her clinical course ultimately suggested a diagnosis more compatible with subacute combined degeneration. The clinical features, laboratory, and imaging findings and prognosis of the 2 disorders are compared. Level of Evidence V
An Evaluation of Treatment Integrity and Acceptability of Check & Connect:

The study reports the treatment integrity and acceptability of Check & Connect (C&C), after implementation by 234 adult mentors with 341 students with social, emotional, and behavioral problems. To...
Resection of a Perirectal Leiomyosarcoma via a Posterior Transcoccygeal Approach

The management of perirectal tumors often requires rectal wall resection, and sometimes a complete proctectomy is required. Access to posterior perirectal masses via a posterior, transcoccygeal approach (Kraske procedure) avoids dissection of the intraperitoneal rectum. The patient was a 63-year-old male who presented to his primary care physician with debilitating perirectal pain of several months’ duration. He did not respond to therapy with pain medications and topical agents, and underwent a lateral internal sphincterotomy for what was thought to be an anal fissure, without relief prior to referral. Diagnostic workup showed a low signal intensity mass on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy revealed high-grade leiomyosarcoma with myxoid features. Staging workup included a contrast-enhanced computed tomography chest, abdomen and pelvis, flexible sigmoidoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound. A lytic lesion in his left ilium on MRI was found to be avid on fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scan and was therefore consistent with oligometastatic disease. He received six cycles of adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and dacarbazine, with good response. The metastatic lesion was treated with 24 Gy of radiotherapy, while the primary tumor was treated with 50 Gy of radiotherapy. The patient underwent the Kraske approach with radical resection of the perirectal mass. The rectal wall was closed with interrupted silk sutures, and layered closure of incision over a drain was performed. An R0 resection was achieved. A laparoscopic diverting loop ileostomy to protect the rectal repair was performed. The Kraske approach allows for adequate resection, while avoiding the morbidity of the transabdominal approach, and allowing the patient to maintain a continent rectum.
Geographic Variation in Savanna Baboon (Papio) Ecology and its Taxonomic and Evolutionary Implications

Jolly (1993) stated that the degree of ecological niche separation among closely related taxa may help to distinguish their evolutionary relationships since ecological divergence is often thought of as a characteristic of true biological species. Based on qualitative data, Jolly (1993) hypothesized that there is little niche separation among savanna baboon forms and therefore suggested that they are a single species. In addition, a recent study by Frost and colleagues (2003) found that baboon cranial morphology covaried with latitude that also suggests a single species designation. This present study quantitatively examined the ecological niche space of savanna baboons to test Jolly’s hypothesis and to examine how their ecological variation varied with geography. To investigate this idea, previously published long-term data were accumulated from over twenty savanna baboon populations. Variables from four categories were used to quantify their niche space: 1) Environment, 2) Diet, 3) Activity budget, and 4) Social organization. A discriminant function and principal components analysis was conducted for each dataset, and confirmed that savanna baboon subspecies inhabit significantly distinct environments, yet display a statistically non-significant difference in their diet, activity budget, and social organization. In addition, a hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that savanna baboon ecology followed a latitudinal cline. Therefore, the results of these analyses cannot falsify Jolly’s hypothesis that there is little ecological niche separation among baboon taxa.
Pouvoir et passion. Communautes emotionnelles en Francie au VII^e siecle

Le pouvoir et le sacre sont des categories commodes pour explorer les phenomenes politiques du haut Moyen Âge. Les emotions sont ici proposees comme categorie analytique nouvelle et utile. Les paradigmes aujourd’hui anciens de l’histoire des emotions, elabores par Johan Huizinga et Norbert Elias qui imaginaient un Moyen Âge en enfance et emotionnellement incontrole, ne sont plus viables. Les cognitivistes et les constructionnistes ont demontre depuis que les emotions sont des jugements pre ou non-verbaux profiles par les societes elles-memes. Cette approche nous permet de postuler l’existence de « communautes emotionnelles », chacune dotee de son vocabulaire et de ses propres modes d’expression. Deux de ces communautes du VIIe siecle sont ici examinees : la premiere a pris forme dans la cour neustrienne de Clotaire II et de son fils, Dagobert Ier ; la seconde correspond aux factions qui se sont exprimees au cours des vingt dernieres annees du siecle. Leurs differences radicales jettent une lumiere nouvelle a la fois sur le pouvoir et le sacre au debut du Moyen Âge.
In-utero exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and cognitive development among infants and school-aged children.

Background Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) continues to be used for control of infectious diseases in several countries. In-utero exposure to DDT and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) has been associated with developmental and cognitive impairment among children. We examined this association in an historical cohort in which the level of exposure was greater than in previous studies.
Energy Resilient Urban Planning

Recent discussions on Geodesign reoriented Geographic Information System (GIS) and Planning Support System (PSS) professionals to be more design-focused. The paper introduces a GIS-based energy performance and carbon emissions assessment for urban design that is a forward-looking modeling approach to address the issue of how the scientific-based analysis articulates design. Seven global cities and their central urban districts are chosen for mapping the urban form structure, energy performance, carbon footprint and solar availability of the built environment. The relationship between urban form and its energy and carbon efficiency is explored through benchmarking their performance. A sample urban block modeling is conducted and an interventional design approach is taken for showing how new urban form and internal organization of cities matter and affect the energy and carbon efficiency. Urban design is seen as a tool to synthesize complex factors for projecting a forward-looking future urban system.
STEM and Underrepresented Populations: What’s at Stake

This chapter examines three categories of groups typically underrepresented within STEM fields in the United States: Women, ethnic/racial minorities, and the economically disadvantaged. Although the aforementioned groups do not face all the same obstacles toward greater inclusion within STEM fields, the central features of their struggle are similar in that they map directly onto inequality that these marginalized groups face in US society at large. The recent history of these underrepresented groups within STEM fields in the United States shows that, despite tremendous gains made by each group, the goal of full inclusion is still unfulfilled. I argue that each of these groups must be considered in any discussion about the relationship between STEM fields and university rankings because a failure to do so will ensure greater disparities and less inclusion within future iterations of the academy.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Ablation of Liver Tumors

"Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided ablative therapies have advanced significantly and have led to experimental applications in locations that have been difficult to image and/or reach with percutaneous approaches, such as the caudate and left lobe of the liver. EUS-guided treatments of the liver are under development. The literature has shown that many percutaneous ablative techniques are readily adaptable for EUS. In this review, the authors discuss the current developments on EUS-guided ablation of liver tumors, including injection of sclerosants, thermal therapy, and EUS-guided portal injection of chemotherapy."
Use of Repair-Deficient Mammalian Cells for the Identification of Carcinogens

The most prominent cellular effects of DNA-damaging agents are cytotoxicity (cell killing), mutagenesis, and the induction of cytogenetic changes including chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges. Although bioassays for environmental carcinogens in mammalian cells have employed several of these end points, mutagenesis has generally been considered the one most intimately involved in the process of carcinogenesis. In general terms, the use of hypermutable cells should improve the sensitivity of a bioassay for a carcinogen which is based on its mutagenic potential, particularly if such lines were relatively insensitive to the cytotoxic effects of the carcinogen.
Serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone in bulls during exposure to elevated ambient temperature.

Eight mature Angus bulls were used to evaluate the effects of exposure to 34 C on concentrations of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone before and after treatment with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). After a 3-week period of adjustment at 22 C, the bulls were randomly assigned to either a control (22 +/- 1 C) or a heat stress ( 34 +/- 1C) treatment for 15 days. Blood was sampled via jugular cannula at 30-min intervals for 12 hr on days -2, 6 and 15 of treatment. After the 12 hr sampling period, 200 micrograms of GnRH were rapidly infused and blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 1 hr and then at 30-min intervals for 5 hours. Average serum LH concentrations, the areas under 12-hr LH profiles and the magnitude of episodic releases of LH were reduced (P greater than .05) in heat stressed bulls on day 6 of treatment, but only average LH concentration was reduced (P greater than .10) on day 15. Average serum testosterone concentrations, the areas under 12-hr testosterone profiles and the number and magnitude of testosterone secretory spikes were similar for heat stressed and control bulls on day 6 of treatment. However, serum testosterone concentrations were slightly reduced (P greater than .13) after 15 days of heat stress. Testosterone and LH responses to GnRH infusion were not influenced by heat stress. These results indicate that exposure of bulls to increased ambient temperatures causes a transitory reduction in serum LH concentrations after 6 days of exposure but that serum testosterone is not significantly altered.
Advancement in Orthopedics Through an Accessible Wearable Device

Wearable technology holds great potential in transforming healthcare. This technology already has applications in medical education and in enhanced accessibility in healthcare. Wearable technology allows medical professionals to access data more efficiently while monitoring patient behavior, thus improving patient care as a whole. The implementation of wearable technology will increase the accuracy of the diagnostic process and decrease cases of medical malpractice, due to improved accuracy. Proposed is a wearable device concept, utilizing wrist-band technology to assist in the development and maintenance of orthopedic health, while avoiding other ailments through enhanced training.
Urdu translation and validation of shorter version of Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) on Pakistani bank employees.

Objective To translate, adapt and validate shorter version of positive affect and negative affect scale on Pakistani corporate employees. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 2014 to December 2015. The study was completed into two independent parts. In part one, the scale was translated by forward translation. Then it was pilot-tested and administered on customer services employees from commercial banks and the telecommunication sector. Data of the pilot study was analysed by using exploratory factor analysis to extract the initial factor of positive affect and negative affect scale. Part two comprised the main study. Commercial bank employees were included in the sample using convenient sampling technique. Data of the main study was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis in order to establish construct validity of positive affect and negative affect scale. Results There were145 participants in the first part of the study and 495 in the second. Results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of positive affect and negative affect scale suggesting that the scale has two distinct domains, i.e. positive affect and negative affect. Conclusions The shorter version of positive affect and negative affect scale was found to be a valid and reliable measure.
Noninferior Outcomes between Central versus Percutaneous Right Ventricular Assist Device Support Immediately after LVAD Placement

Purpose Postoperatively, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation can be complicated by right ventricular failure in up to 40% of patients. Typically, temporary right side mechanical circulatory support (MCS) necessitates re-sternotomy and central placement of pulmonary artery and right atrial cannulas. However, percutaneous right ventricular assist device (pRVAD) can be placed without need for reoperation. Minimal literature exists comparing pRVAD with surgical RVAD (sRVAD) in patients in right heart failure that underwent LVAD placement. We believe that these two techniques are equally efficacious and can produce similar outcomes. Methods Data from Penn State Hershey Medical Center was retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving RVAD support during the same hospitalization as LVAD implant were evaluated. Results Between 2013 and 2019, 22 patients were identified who underwent LVAD implant and subsequent RVAD MCS. 14 patients required sRVAD (mean age 56), and 8 required pRVAD (mean age 54). 85% of sRVAD patients had support initiated intraoperatively at the time of LVAD insertion, while only 25 % of pRVAD patients had intraoperative support (range 0 to 9 days following LVAD implant). Despite later initiation of support in pRVAD patients, hospital mortality was similar between groups (57% vs 62% with sRVAD & pRVAD, respectively). Duration of RVAD MCS was similar between those who survived to RVAD explant (mean 16.7 days vs 17.8 days in 11 sSVR and 5 pSVR patients, respectively). Those who survived had similar total LOS (70 vs 69 days) and ICU LOS (54.0 vs 57.4 days). Interestingly, maximum CVP in the 24 hours following RVAD implant was found to be lower in only 21% of sRVAD patients, while it was reduced in 89% of pRVAD patients. In addition, among those who survived and did not receive a tracheostomy (6 surgical and 5 percutaneous), pRVAD patients had shorter mean duration of ventilation (13.2 days v 30.8 days). Rates of CRRT were similar (64% vs 62%), and average decrease in creatinine by postoperative day 3 was also similar (-0.02 vs 0.25). Conclusion Percutaneous RVAD is an effective method of right heart MCS that can avoid the morbidity of reintubation and general anesthesia in the operating room, and achieve comparable outcomes to surgically placed RVAD while avoiding return to the operating room.
Current reporting of usability and impact of mHealth interventions for substance use disorder: A systematic review.

Abstract Background Connected interventions use data collected through mobile/wearable devices to trigger real-time interventions and have great potential to improve treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). This review aims to describe the current landscape, effectiveness and usability of connected interventions for SUD. Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify articles evaluating connected health interventions for SUD in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Three databases (PubMed, IEEE, and Scopus) were searched over a five-year period. Included articles described a connected health intervention targeting SUD and provided outcomes data. Data were extracted using a standardized reporting tool. Results A total of 1676 unique articles were identified during the initial search, with 32 articles included in the final analysis. Seven articles of the 32 were derived from two large studies. The most commonly studied SUD was alcohol use disorder. Sixteen articles reported at least one statistically significant result with respect to reduced craving and/or substance use. The majority of articles used ecological momentary assessment to trigger interventions, while four used biologic/physiologic data. Two articles used a wearable device. Common intervention types included craving management, coping assistance, and tailored feedback. Twenty-three articles measured usability factors, and acceptability was generally reported as high. Conclusion Identified themes included a focus on AUD, use of smart phones, use of EMA for intervention delivery, positive effects on SUD related outcomes, and overall high acceptability. Wearables that directly monitor biologic data and predictive analytics using integrated data streams represent understudied opportunities for new research.
Kyasanur Forest Disease and Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus—Two Neglected Zoonotic Pathogens

Kyasanur Forest disease virus (KFDV) and Alkhurma hemorrhagic fever virus (AHFV) are tick-borne flaviviruses that cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fever in humans with case fatality rates of 3–5% for KFDV and 1–20% for AHFV, respectively. Both viruses are biosafety level 4 pathogens due to the severity of disease they cause and the lack of effective countermeasures. KFDV was discovered in India and is restricted to parts of the Indian subcontinent, whereas AHFV has been found in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In recent years, both viruses have spread beyond their original endemic zones and the potential of AHFV to spread through ticks on migratory birds is a public health concern. While there is a vaccine with limited efficacy for KFDV used in India, there is no vaccine for AHFV nor are there any therapeutic concepts to combat infections with these viruses. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about pathogenesis, vector distribution, virus spread, and infection control. We aim to bring attention to the potential public health threats posed by KFDV and AHFV and highlight the urgent need for the development of effective countermeasures.
Predictors of Carbon Monoxide Levels and Peak Flow Measurements Among Participants in Dominican Republic

Background: Indoor coal or wood stoves have been associated with high carbon monoxide levels and reduced peak flow measurements. The purpose of this study is to determine the associated factors related to carbon monoxide levels and peak flow measurements among participants in Dominican Republic. Methods: This study is based on data collected in March 2019 among participants in rural Dominican Republic (n = 62). This study was approved by the ethical board. Individuals were randomly selected from predetermined towns by randomly sampling households. Descriptive statistics were computed among behavioral and environmental factors, carbon monoxide levels and peak flow measurements. Linear regression was conducted to determine the associated factors associated with two outcomes: carbon monoxide levels and peak flow measurements. Results: Among all participants (n = 62), the majority were females (59.0%), had a mean age of 46.9, used wood or coal cookstove (63.9%), and used an inside stove (55.4%). The mean carbon monoxide level was 4.24%, and the mean peak flow was 327.4. For the carbon monoxide multivariable model, none of the predictors were statistically significant (age, gender, wood or coal vs. gas stove, and cook stove location). For the peak flow multivariable model, being female was statistically significantly associated with reduced peak flow levels (Est: -135.10, P = .0002), after adjusting for other covariates. Cook stove material and location were not associated with either carbon monoxide levels or peak flow measurements. Conclusions: Future studies should examine a broader context of behavioral factors associated with indoor cooking practices among this population Disclosures: None; Sponsored Research: None.
Do Independent Living Services Protect Youth Aging Out Foster Care From Adverse Outcomes? An Evaluation Using National Data.

Objective:Youth aging out foster care are at high risk of experiencing adverse outcomes. Federal funded programs have provided independent living services (ILSs) to these youth. This study evaluate...
The Origins of 'Raza:' Racializing Difference in Early Spanish

The concept and terminology associated with the Spanish raza developed as a culturally and linguistically situated metaphor during the medieval period and first decades of the early modern period. The early biologization of raza appears after a first conceptual transfer from the textile field reinforced through semantic overlapping transfers from gemology and metallurgy lexicons. A second push toward this biologization came from an administrative language that leveraged existing though unsystematized vocabulary of (marked) selective reproduction. These developments played a key role in the early racialization of difference.
Clinical Aspects of Subdural Hemorrhage (SDH)

This chapter describes the clinical aspects of subdural hemorrhage (SDH). Acute SDH are generally considered to manifest within 48 h from injury and are reported to occur in 5 to 22% of patients with severe head injuries. The impact that causes SDH can also cause cerebral hemorrhages, contusions, and diffuse parenchymal injury. These associated injuries have a greater influence on prognosis than the presence of a hematoma in the subdural space. The outcome from acute SDH remains largely unsatisfactory. No large series reports mortality less than 35%, and most report mortality of 50% or more. The initial SDH, occurring either spontaneously or following mild trauma, may produce only mild symptoms or none at all. Chronic SDH has been treated by both nonoperative and operative means. Nonoperative management, consisting of a combination of bedrest, osmotic diuretics, and corticosteroids has been utilized in selected patients with minimal neurologic signs. When SDHs are bilateral, both must be removed as evacuation of one side only can cause a rapid shift of midline structures and neurologic deterioration.
Electron beam induced effects on gas adsorption utilizing auger electron spectroscopy: Co and O2 on Si: II. Structural effects

Abstract The effect of electron beam monitored gas adsorption on the structure of the Si(111) surface is studied using Auger electron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Dissociation of CO and O2 by the beam produces atomic oxygen which diffuses into the Si bulk. The oxygen concentration (as determined by AES) is substantially larger in the area probed by the beam during O2 and CO adsorption than it is on other surface areas. Upon high temperature annealing the atomic oxygen and Si combine as SiO and evaporate from the sample, exposing triangular thermal etch pits. These pits are observed by SEM to occur only in the beam probed area.
Abstract 17710: Phrenic Nerve Injury Despite High-Output Pacing in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: High-output pacing has been advocated as a strategy to avoid injury to the phrenic nerve (PN) during antral pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. We assessed the hypothesis that pacing does not prevent PN injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: The medical records of 198 consecutive patients (age=63±12 years, 129 men, ejection fraction=57±10%, LA=44±6mm, paroxysmal=49%) undergoing their first ablation procedure for AF were reviewed. All patients underwent antral PV isolation using a 3D mapping system (CARTO XP or CARTO 3) and a 3.5 mm irrigated-tip ablation catheter (maximum power, 25 W). Prior to RF energy delivery, high-output pacing (20 mA @ 10 ms, maximum output) was performed to asses for PN capture. Sites that afforded PN capture were avoided and RF energy was delivered at adjacent sites without PN capture. The 3-D maps were reviewed to identify the prevalence and sites of PN capture. Results: High-output pacing along the anterior right antrum resulted in PN capture in 35 patients (18%). The most common site with a positive response was the crux between the upper and lower PVs (60%), followed by the right superior PV (43%), and the right inferior PV (20%). Of the patients with PN capture, 49% had only one site of capture, 20% with two sites, and 31% had 3 or more sites. All PVs were isolated at the end of the procedure. Two patients (1%) developed PN injury (symptom onset on the day after the procedure), which was confirmed on radiography. In neither case was there evidence of PN capture during the procedure. Symptoms resolved in both patients within 3 months, with normalization of radiographic findings. Conclusions: High-output pacing along the anterior right PV antrum yields PN capture in roughly one-fifth of the patients undergoing PV isolation. Despite a negative response to pacing and alteration of the lesion set, PN injury may occur. The reason for this discordance is unknown, but may include the possibility that the capture threshold of the PN exceeds the maximum output of the stimulator, or that RF energy may injure the pericardiophrenic artery, which accompanies the PN. Avoiding high-power or long-duration lesions and high contact force in this region may minimize the risk of PN injury.
Rethinking Wrongful Discharge: A Descriptive-Continuum Approach

Over two hundred articles have been written critiquing employment at-will and wrongful discharge since 1985. However, little radical change has occurred in state courts on this issue in some time. In spite of strong judicial resistance to modify employment at will, wrongful discharge scholarship is still saturated with normative criticism of the doctrine. Scholarship in this area can deliver a valued benefit if it focuses on understanding wrongful discharge systematically as a coherent body of law. This article adopts a "descriptive-continuum" approach that organizes wrongful discharge law into five distinct and interrelated categories. This article also provides a sequential, systematic method for classifying employer discharges within the broad continuum of wrongful discharge law. Finally, this article uses a case study to highlight the benefits of the descriptive-continuum approach for courts, employers and employees alike.
Computer-based information retrieval and decision support for birth defects and genetic disorders.

The increasing power and low price of the personal computer opens up many new possibilities for the management, storage, and retrieval of information in the convenience of your office. In addition to maintaining patient, accounting, and other vital records, the personal computer also gives the physician direct access to data and bibliographic sources formerly available only at large medical libraries. Furthermore, a number of other new online computer-based information services are also available. These information systems contain large databanks from which the physician makes requests. Unlike books and other printed publications that can become quickly outdated, central information banks are maintained to assure the most current data and research information.
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition in head and neck squamous carcinoma: association of Src activation with E-cadherin down-regulation, vimentin expression, and aggressive tumor features.

BACKGROUND Epithelial–mesenchymal transformations (EMT) are critical for the invasion, progression, and metastasis of epithelial carcinogenesis. The role of EMT in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) tumorigenesis remains unexplored. In the current study, the expressions of several factors associated with the induction of EMT in HNSC cell lines and tumor specimens were investigated to define their functional and pathologic role in HNSC. METHODS Eleven HNSC cell lines and 50 primary tumor tissue specimens formed the materials of this study. Western blot analysis as well as immunohistochemical, and functional techniques were used to assess the status of activated Src (p-Src), E-cadherin, and vimentin in both cell lines and tumor tissues and the results were correlated with patients' clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS The results demonstrated the inverse expression of p-Src and E-cadherin in the majority of cell lines and in primary tumor tissues compared with normal squamous mucosa. Elevated levels of p-Src were accompanied by down-regulation of E-cadherin and the expression of vimentin in epithelial tumor cells. In vitro inhibition of Src led to E-cadherin reexpression and increased cell contact in squamous carcinoma cell lines. Immunophenotypic analysis of these markers in primary tumor tissues demonstrated a significant correlation between increased p-Src, decreased E-cadherin, and vimentin expression and aggressive tumor features including penetrating invasive fronts, high-grade sarcomatoid transformation, and lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study indicate that Src and E-cadherin may play an important role in EMT, invasion, and aggressive clinicopathologic features of HNSC. These proteins may be targeted for the therapeutic intervention of patients with HNSC. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Airway Pressure Release Ventilation

Traditional mechanical ventilation effects inflation of the lungs by increasing airway pressure above the ambient. Positive pressure lung inflation reverses the physiological variations in airway and intrathoracic pressure that occur during a normal spontaneous respiratory cycle. Such a fundamental alteration in cardiopulmonary mechanics frequently leads to complications and therapeutic compromise (Montgomery et al. 1985). High airway and intrathoracic pressure during positive pressure breaths does not allow adequate restoration of functional residual capacity with the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and, consequently, prevents optimization of gas exchange and lung mechanics (Katz and Marks 1985; Kirby et al. 1975). Increased work of spontaneous breathing and impaired matching of ventilation and perfusion diminish the efficiency of ventilation, thereby leading to an increase in the requirement for mechanical ventilatory support (Froese and Bryan 1974; Wolff et al. 1986). Even when the ventilator is adjusted carefully, positive pressure ventilation (PPV) will elevate mean intrathoracic pressure and result in cardiovascular compromise in patients with normal or low intravascular volume. Periodic alveolar hypertension may cause barotrauma in compliant areas of the lung, may impair healing of the lung, and may even cause additional iatrogenic damage in the diseased alveoli.
Spiral Inductors With Floating Low-Loss RF Shields for $LC$ Resonator Applications

A method for designing $LC$ tank circuits to improve energy efficiency and reduce layout area is described. The approach uses a projected shield that is floating, overlaps the trace of the overlying inductor, and adds capacitance to the tank’s inductor. Capacitance is distributed along the spiral traces, and the layout area is thus decreased. In this paper, we investigate the properties of spiral inductors with and without projected shielding, and compare the method with similar circuits including those with floating shields shaped as patterned ground shields. In addition, a measurement methodology for $LC$ tank resonators is developed and presented. Test structures are implemented as microstrip spiral inductors and evaluated as $LC$ tank circuits that resonate between 100 and 500 MHz. The $Q$ values of shielded structures are up to 7% greater than those without shields, and area savings for $LC$ resonators—compared with side-by-side layouts of $L$ and $C$ —are up to 35%.
Talk is cheap in the city

Telecommunications companies have paid a heavy price for their share of the radio spectrum. So they have been quick to exploit 'multiple antennas' that can increase transmission rates in urban areas.
Exact Asymptotics for Large Deviation Probabilities, with Applications

Three related groups of problems are surveyed, all of which concern asymptotics of large deviation probabilities themselves — rather than the much more commonly considered asymptotics of the logarithm of such probabilities. The former kind of asymptotics is sometimes referred to as “exact”, while the latter as “rough”. Obviously, “exact” asymptotics statements provide more information; the tradeoff is that additional restrictions on regularity of underlying probability distributions and/or on the corresponding zone of deviations are then required.
Temporal coupled-mode theory model for resonant near-field thermophotovoltaics

A temporal Coupled-Mode Theory model is developed to predict performance of resonant near-field ThermoPhotoVoltaic systems, which typically requires numerically intensive calculations. It is formulated for both orthogonal and non-orthogonal (coupled) modes and includes load-voltage dependencies and non-idealities, such as background absorption and radiation losses. Its good accuracy is confirmed by comparing with exact transfer-matrix calculations for two simple planar systems: a plasmonic emitter across a bulk semiconductor absorber and a metal-backed thin-film semiconductor emitter across an identical absorber.
Winter phytoplankton communities of Utah Lake, Utah, USA

Phytoplankton samples were collected from ice-covered Utah Lake during February and March, 1979 in order to characterize the winter algal flora. These samples were analyzed for presence and abundance of diatoms and non-diatom algae as well as selected water chemical parameters. A total of 159 diatom taxa and 20 non-diatoms was found in the water column under the ice. The flagellates Carteria stellifera, Euglena gracilis and Chlamydomonas globosa dominated the winter non-diatom flora while Stephanodiscus cf. dubius, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Navicula minima, Fragilaria construens var. venter, and Melosira granulata var. angustissima dominated the winter diatom flora. Species richness and abundance were elevated in the major bays of the lake.
AGENDA SETTING, PUBLIC POLICY, AND MINORITY GROUP INFLUENCE: AN INTRODUCTION1

The question of where policy issues originate and gain attention is an important one, particularly when issues of concern of minority communities are at stake. Yet the literature on the impact of minority groups in the agenda setting process is virtually nonexistent. This introductory article sets the context for the symposium on “Agenda Setting, Public Policy, and Minority Group Influence” by raising several theoretical and contextual questions about the utility of the extant agenda setting literature as a paradigm for understanding minority group influence on the agenda setting process.
Targeting collagen strands by photo-triggered triple-helix hybridization

Collagen remodeling is an integral part of tissue development, maintenance, and regeneration, but excessive remodeling is associated with various pathologic conditions. The ability to target collagens undergoing remodeling could lead to new diagnostics and therapeutics as well as applications in regenerative medicine; however, such collagens are often degraded and denatured, making them difficult to target with conventional approaches. Here, we present caged collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) that can be photo-triggered to fold into triple helix and bind to collagens denatured by heat or by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) digestion. Peptide-binding assays indicate that the binding is primarily driven by stereo-selective triple-helical hybridization between monomeric CMPs of high triple-helical propensity and denatured collagen strands. Photo-triggered hybridization allows specific staining of collagen chains in protein gels as well as photo-patterning of collagen and gelatin substrates. In vivo experiments demonstrate that systemically delivered CMPs can bind to collagens in bones, as well as prominently in articular cartilages and tumors characterized by high MMP activity. We further show that CMP-based probes can detect abnormal bone growth activity in a mouse model of Marfan syndrome. This is an entirely new way to target the microenvironment of abnormal tissues and could lead to new opportunities for management of numerous pathologic conditions associated with collagen remodeling and high MMP activity.
IMPACT OF A COURSE ON AGING ON RATINGS OF FAMILY AND NONFAMILY MEMBERS

The impact of an introductory course on aging knowledge and attitudes toward aging was examined. Twenty‐five students from class and 20 comparison group members rated their grandparents and older men and women in general at pre‐test and post‐test on 19 attitudinal dimensions. During the class, students were exposed to the process of aging directly through two experiential exercises. The results suggested that the students viewed their own family members as exceptions both before and after the class. The ratings of nonfamily elders, although not as positive as the ratings of grandparents, changed more dramatically during the course of the study. Implications for teaching are suggested.
Motivating and Evaluating Growth in Ballet Technique

In teaching young dancers ballet, the utilization of effective assessments in partnership with supportive and creative teaching strategies can transform not only the learning experience, but the da...
Human skin and gingival keratinocytes show differential regulation of matrix metalloproteinases when combined with fibroblasts in 3-dimensional cultures.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibitors are expressed in tissues during interactions between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Maintaining the balance between MMPs and their inhibitors is critical; failure to do so can lead to severe tissue damage or complete destruction, as seen in periodontal disease. Previously we showed that 3-dimensional (3-D) cultures of homotypically-combined skin and gingival cells mimicked the tissues in protein and lipid production, but heterotypic cultures did not. Methods: We examined the production and activation of MMPs in these homotypic and heterotypic combinations of skin and gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts during the critical time that they reformed the tissues. Primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes were isolated from normal human gingiva and skin and grown in 3-D cultures for up to 42 days. MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in the media and inhibition of MMPs from these cultures were analyzed. Results: These experiments determined that skin fibroblast...
Prediction of radio frequency power generation of Neptune's magnetosphere from generalized radiometric Bode's law

Magnetospheric radio frequency emission power has been shown to vary as a function of both solar wind and planetary values such as magnetic field by Kaiser and Desch (1984). Planetary magnetic fields have been shown to scale with planetary variables such as density and angular momentum by numerous researchers. This paper combines two magnetic scaling laws with the radiometric law to yield 'Bode's'-type laws governing planetary radio emissions. Further analysis allows the reduction of variables to planetary mass and orbital distance. These generalized laws are then used to predict the power otuput of Neptune to be about 1.6 x 10 to the 7th W; with the intensity peaking at about 3 MHz.
Pigeons' choices in situations of diminishing returns: fixed- versus progressive-ratio schedules.

In two different discrete-trial procedures, pigeons were faced with choices between fixed-ratio and progressive-ratio schedules. The latter schedules entail diminishing returns, a feature analogous to foraging situations in the wild. In the first condition (no reset), subjects chose between a progressive-ratio schedule that increased in increments of 20 throughout a session and a fixed-ratio schedule that was constant across blocks of sessions. The size of the fixed ratio was varied parametrically through an ascending and then a descending series. In the reset condition, the same fixed-ratio values were used, but each selection (and completion) of the fixed ratio reset the progressive-ratio schedule back to its minimal value. In the no-reset procedure, the pigeons tended to cease selecting the progressive ratio when it equaled or slightly exceeded the fixed-ratio value, whereas in reset, they chose the fixed ratio well in advance of that equality point. These results indicate sensitivity to molar as well as to molecular reinforcement rates, and those molar relationships are similar to predictions based on the marginal value theorem of optimal foraging theory (e.g., Charnov, 1976). However, although previous results with monkeys (Hineline & Sodetz, 1987) appeared to minimize responses per reinforcement, the present results corresponded more closely to predictions based on sums-of-reciprocals of distance from point of choice to each of the next four reinforcers. Results obtained by Hodos and Trumbule (1967) with chimpanzees in a similar procedure were intermediate between these two relationships. Variability of choices, as well as median choice points, differed between the reset and no-reset conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)