cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Personalized medicine and comparative effectiveness research in an era of fixed budgets

For personalized medicine to be widely adopted in clinical practice, stakeholders need evidence of effectiveness, cost effectiveness and financial viability. Comparative effectiveness research (CER) using population based, retrospective data can inform assessments of personalized medicine. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential and the limitations of CER. While the analytic methods and data used for CER overcome many of the disadvantages of randomized controlled trials, there are significant barriers, including lack of routinely collected genetic information, patient-reported outcomes and information on new and emerging technologies. Recommendations for using CER include augmenting current data with genetic information, promoting the collection of uniform health outcomes, using value of information analysis to guide development of new technologies, and greater use of decision analysis. Finally, in order to address stakeholder concerns regarding short term financial viability, additional emphasis should be devoted to cost analysis of implementation costs and overall financial impact.
Emergency Head & Neck Imaging: Infections and Inflammatory Processes

Emergency neck infections are diverse in both their presentation and their affected patient population; with pathology ranging from a transient enlargement of a child’s cervical lymph node to a rapidly spreading necrotizing fasciitis in an adult diabetic. Despite the widespread availability of antibiotics and early surgical intervention, deep neck infections still present significant morbidity and mortality in clinical centers. Complex neck anatomy can frequently obscure or delay diagnoses, so timely and appropriate radiological interpretation are critical to patient care. This article reviews common neck infections that may be encountered in the emergency room and details some of their most salient findings on imaging.
Case Report—Physical Therapy After Total Knee Replacement Surgery: A Comparison of Two Patients

The primary purpose of rehabilitation is to return the patient to a level of function enabling them to resume activities that are important to them. Physical therapy following total knee replacemen...
The effects of infant births on male-female relationships in Cebus capucinus.

Most primates are characterized by cohesive male-female bonds that are maintained year round. While recent studies have addressed the selective pressures influencing the evolution of male-female relationships in primates, we know relatively little about the proximate mechanisms affecting them. It has been demonstrated that newborn white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) attract the attention of other group members and this may be an important mechanism influencing male-female relationships. We studied two groups of C. capucinus in the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, Costa Rica, between February and July 2007. A total of 348 hr of focal data were collected on all adult males (n=6) residing in each of the study groups. During our study, 13 of the 14 group females were either pregnant or lactating, and 9 infants were born. We calculated an average daily affiliation rate between all group males combined and each adult female four weeks before and four weeks after the birth of her infant. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed no significant changes in affiliation following infant births (F=2.262, df=1, P<0.176). Results remained nonsignificant for rank (F=1.550, df=1, P<0.260) and group membership (F=0.729, df=1, P<0.429). Infant sex was the only variable with a significant effect on affiliation rates between males and females (F=10.020, df=1, P<0.019). Adult males increased their affiliation with all adult females that gave birth to male infants (n=4), while their rates decreased with all but one of the adult females with female infants (n=4). While preliminary, these results indicate that the adult males may cultivate relationships with other males at a young age.
Latinidad and Vernacular Discourse: Arts Activism in Toledo's Old South End

This article examines the activism of Toledo area Latina/o artists as vernacular discourse. Artists attempt to reimagine the borders of Old South End by creating public art and advancing critical awareness with community members.
Worsening of neurologic syndrome in patients with Wilson's disease with initial penicillamine therapy.

• We describe a patient with Wilson's disease who presented with neurologic disease, was treated with D-penicillamine, and suffered sudden neurologic deterioration coincident with therapy. Replicate brain magnetic resonance imaging examinations after six weeks and 11 months of penicillamine therapy documented the development of new brain lesions during this period, while liver biopsy specimen data disclosed that excellent hepatic decoppering had occurred. To develop information on the relative rarity or frequency of neurologic worsening with the initiation of penicillamine therapy, we conducted a retrospective survey of 25 additional patients with Wilson's disease who met the criteria of presenting with neurologic disease and having been treated with penicillamine. The replies indicate that, at least from the patient's viewpoint, this syndrome occurs frequently. We suggest that the cause of this distressing syndrome, and ways to mitigate or circumvent it, must be discovered.
The Demography of Disability and the Effects of Immigrant History: Older Asians in the United States

Using data from the 2000 U.S. census, we compare the older Asian population with U.S.-born, non-Hispanic whites with respect to three indicators of disability. Insofar as any Asian “advantage” in health vis-a-vis whites exists among the population aged 65 and over, our evidence suggests that it occurs primarily among the U.S.-born segments of this population. We also investigate how differences in disability levels among Asian immigrant groups are influenced by country of birth and by the combined effects of duration of residence in the United States and life cycle stage at entry. These results highlight the diversity of the older Asian population with respect to the ways in which immigration and origin history are linked to disability outcomes. We conclude that in later life, immigrant status confers few disability advantages among the Asian population in the United States.
Polyphosphate formation by caries-conducive streptococcus SL-1

Abstract 1. 1. The goal of this investigation was to determine whether caries-conducive streptoccoci form polyphosphates. 2. 2. A new technique of double isotopic labelling of washed stationary phase cells was employed. Polyphosphates were identified using the criteria of extraction and chromatographic characterization of 32P-labelled anionic components free of 14C. 3. 3. The barium precipitability criterion for the presence of polyphosphates was satisfied; however, it was insufficiently stringent. Highly anionic 32P-labelled compounds, free fo 14C, were isolated chromatographically and shown to behave like known polyphosphates by anion-exchange chromatography. 4. 4. Streptococci have not previously been shown to form polyphosphates. 5. 5. No 32P was incorporated into phospholipid. 6. 6. There is considerable phosphate turnover in the nucleic acids of these non-growing cells, devoid of an exogenous nitrogen source.
Mechanism whereby nitric oxide (NO) infused chronically intrauterine in ewes is antiluteolytic rather than being luteolytic.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been reported to be luteolytic in vitro and in vivo in cows. However, an NO donor reversed PGF2alpha-induced inhibition of rat luteal progesterone secretion in vitro and an NO donor or endothelin-1 stimulated bovine luteal tissue secretion of prostaglandins E (PGE; PGE1, PGE2) in vitro without affecting progesterone or PGF2alpha secretion. In addition, chronic infusion of an NO donor into the interstitial tissue of the ovarian vascular pedicle adjacent the luteal-containing ovary prevented the decline in circulating progesterone, while a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor did not affect luteolysis. The objective of this experiment was to determine whether an NO donor or NOS inhibitor infused chronically intrauterine adjacent to the luteal-containing ovary during the ovine estrous cycle was luteolytic or antiluteolytic. Ewes were treated either with vehicle (N=5), diethylenetriamine (DETA-control for DETANONOate; N=5), (Z)-1-[2-(2-aminoethyl)-N-(2-ammonioethyl)amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (DETANONOate-long acting NO donor; N=6), l-arginine (N=5), l-nitro-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME-NOS inhibitor; N=6), or NG-monomethyl-l-arginine acetate (l-NMMA; NOS inhibitor; N=5) every 6h from 2400h (0h) on day 8 through 1800h on day 18 of the estrous cycle. Jugular venous blood and inferior vena cava plasma via a saphenous vein cathether 5cm anterior to the juncture of the ovarian vein and inferior vena cava were collected every 6h for analysis for progesterone and PGF2alpha and PGE, respectively, by RIA. Corpora lutea were collected at 1800h on day 18 and weighed. Weights of corpora lutea were heavier (P or =0.05). Profiles of progesterone in jugular venous blood on days 8-18 differed (P or =0.05) amongst each other. The PGE:PGF2alpha ratio profile in inferior vena cava plasma of DETANONOate-treated ewes was increased (P< or =0.05) when compared to all other treatment groups. In a second experiment, conversion of [3H PGE2] to [3H PGF2alpha] by day 15 ovine caruncular endometrium in vitro was determined in vehicle, DETA, or DETANONOate-treatment groups. Conversion of [3H PGE2] to [3H PGF2alpha] was decreased (P< or =0.05) only by DETANONOate. It is concluded that NO is not luteolytic during the ovine estrous cycle, but may instead be antiluteolytic and prevent luteolysis by altering the PGE:PGF2alpha ratio secreted by the uterus.
Measurement of single electron and nuclear spin states based on optically detected magnetic resonance

A novel approach for measurement of single electron and nuclear spin states is suggested. Our approach is based on optically detected magnetic resonance in a nano-probe located at the apex of an AFM tip. The method provides single electron spin sensitivity with nano-scale spatial resolution.
A Comparison of Thoracoscopic Talc Insufflation, Slurry, and Mechanical Abrasion Pleurodesis

The purpose of this study was to compare the anatomic and histopathologic results of four different methods of pleurodesis in 10 dogs. Each animal was randomly assigned to receive two of the following methods of pleurodesis: thoracoscopic talc insufflation (poudrage), talc slurry administration, focal gauze abrasion by limited thoracotomy, and mechanical abrasion by thoracoscopy using a commercially available pleural abrader. Animals were killed 30 days after pleurodesis. At autopsy, the efficacy of pleurodesis was graded by evaluating the gross appearance of each pleural cavity and lung (pleurodesis score), and by determining the extent of adhesion formation (obliteration grade). Pleural and lung biopsy specimens were obtained from the areas most representative of adhesion formation for histopathologic evaluation. Pleurodesis scores (on a scale of 0 to 4) were 3.0±0.7 for talc poudrage (p
The Pathogenesis of Pneumonitis Due to Murine Cytomegalovirus

Virus replication and interstitial pneumonia were studied in BALB/c mice inoculated intranasally with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). In normal mice MCMV replicated in lung tissue but did not produce any consistent histologic abnormalities through day 21. The addition of a single dose of cyclophosphamide (0.20 mg/g) 24 hr after virus inoculation resulted in a slight increase in lung virus titers on day 10. No histologic abnormalities were noted before day 10. However, 22 of 32 virus-infected mice treated with a single dose of cyclophosphamide but only two of 26 simultaneously mock-infected, cyclophosphamide-treated mice developed severe interstitial pneumonia 10-14 days after inoculation. In contrast, animals given cyclophosphamide (0.05 mg/g) every five days after the initial dose developed a 10-fold increase in lung virus titer, but interstitial pneumonia was not observed. These data suggest that the interstitial pneumonitis seen with MCMV pulmonary infection may be immunologically mediated rather than the result of direct viral damage to the lung.
Meteorological Forcing and Water Level Fluctuations on Lake Erie

Abstract Analyses of both overtake wind and water level data in Lake Erie are presented for the summer periods of 1979 and 1980. The new data sets are compared to the more conventional land-based data and, where appropriate, to the results of several numerical models. Differences between land-based and open-water data are particularly significant on the shorter time scales of a few hours to several days in length (for winds and less than a few hours in the case of water levels). In practical applications of Lake Erie meteorological forcing functions these differences are shown to be important to such problems as storm surge forecasting. Thus, further research into the relation between land-based and lake-based forcing is recommended.
A comparison of order release strategies in production control systems

SUMMARY This research investigates the performance of four order release strategies for use in production control. Two of these strategies, the constant work-in-process (WIP) and the bottleneck strategies, are developed with the use of characteristic curves which define the relationship between WIP and rate of production. A third strategy matches order releases to those orders completing production over prior time periods. The fourth strategy fixes order release at a desired level of production output. All strategies were simulated over a range of shop conditions. Results demonstrate that both the constant-WIP and bottleneck strategies are stronger performers.
Transcriptional analysis of the Streptococcus mutans hrcA, grpE and dnaK genes and regulation of expression in response to heat shock and environmental acidification

The dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans persists and causes diseases in highly dynamic environments and gains a selective ecological advantage in environmental conditions that frequently exceed the limits for growth of the organism, particularly with regard to environmental pH. The goal of this study was to begin a molecular genetic analysis of a major stress protein, DnaK/Hsp70, to begin to understand how stress responses are regulated in this lactic acid bacterium and to establish a relationship between dnaK gene expression and exposure to acidic environments. Cloning and nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the dnaK gene is preceded by, and is in an operon-like arrangement with, the hrcA and grpE genes, although intergenic spacing was unlike that described in other bacteria. An inverted repeat (a CIRCE element) was identified by sequence analysis and, using primer extensions, a heat shock-responsive, sigmaA-type promoter, P1, 5' to the hrcA gene, and a sigmaB-type promoter, 5' to the grpE translational start site, were identified. No promoters were detected between grpE and dnaK. A strain carrying a strongly polar insertion in the hrcA gene had markedly diminished levels of dnaK mRNA, indicating that dnaK was transcribed as part of an operon from P1, and to a lesser extent from P2. Results from physiological manipulation of S. mutans in continuous chemostat culture demonstrated that steadystate levels of S. mutans dnaK mRNA and DnaK protein were (i) increased in response to acid shock; (ii) elevated in acid 'adapted' cells; and (iii) induced in response to alkali shock of acid 'adapted' cells. In all cases, increased amounts of dnaK mRNA could be correlated with enhanced transcription from P1. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the expression of a heat shock gene from an oral isolate, and the evidence provided suggests that sigmaB-like promoters may also be involved in class I heat shock gene expression in some Gram-positive organisms.
Eigenvalue Veering in Quartz Tuning Fork Sensors and its Effect on Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy

Quartz tuning fork (QTF) sensors offer an attractive alternative to traditional silicon microcantilevers for sensing applications in dynamic atomic force microscopy (DAFM). The QTF sensor consists of two identical, weakly-coupled tines with a sharp tip affixed to the distal end of one tine. The fundamental anti-phase mode of the QTF achieves a stable resonant frequency with a high Quality factor making it ideal for DAFM applications in which a small shift in the resonant frequency is linked to a tip-sample force. The addition of the tip-sample force also breaks the symmetry of the QTF leading to a classic eigenvalue veering scenario. The eigenvalue veering and accompanying mode localization phenomena violate the standard DAFM modeling assumptions which treat the addition of the tip-sample force as a small perturbation to a single-degree-of-freedom oscillator. We find that the eigenvalue veering can contribute a systematic error in force measurements on the order of 20%. Methodology for correcting the systematic error caused by eigenvalue veering is proposed.
The stereoisomers of 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-triene

Abstract Four geometrical steroisomers of 3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-triene have been synthesized. The PMR and 13 C NMR spectra of these compounds provide important information on the geometry of Me substituted double bonds, while the mass spectra distinguish (E and Z,E)-isomers from (E and Z,Z)-isomers.
Regioselective oxidation of 2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-8-oxo-1H-pyrrolo [1,2-α]indoles. Useful intermediates for the synthesis of mitosenes

This paper describes the regioselective oxidative functionalization of 2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-8-oxo-1Hpyrrolo[1,2-a]indoles 1a and 1c. Treatment of these compounds with varying amounts of DDQ afforded either 2,3-dihydro-8-hydroxy-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole 6, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]indole 8, or 8-oxopyrrolo [1,2-a]indole 9, depending upon the substituent at C-9 and the reaction conditions. In the presence of alcohols, the resulting C-1 substituted ethers 7a,b were obtained from 1a.
A futurological justification for historical cost and multi-dimensional accounting

Abstract Futurology, interpreted as a forecast or, even better, as projections intended to influence the future, is applied to justify retention of historical costs in the context of proposed multidimensional accounting extensions for business, government and national goals accounting. Budgetary disclosures supported by opportunity costs and tradeoffs are also examined via multiple-objective models of goal programming varieties. Independent audit and attest is suggested not only for the mathematical model but also for managerial explanations of subsequent discrepancies from plans in each pertinent dimension.
Query optimization using restructured views: Theory and experiments

We study optimization of relational queries using materialized views, where views may be regular or restructured. In a restructured view, some data from the base table(s) are represented as metadata-that is, schema information, such as table and attribute names-or vice versa. Using restructured views in query optimization opens up a new spectrum of views that were not previously available, and can result in significant additional savings in query-evaluation costs. These savings can be obtained due to a significantly larger set of views to choose from, and may involve reduced table sizes, elimination of self-joins, clustering produced by restructuring, and horizontal partitioning. In this paper we propose a general query-optimization framework that treats regular and restructured views in a uniform manner and is applicable to SQL select-project-join queries and views without or with aggregation. Within the framework we provide (1) algorithms to determine when a view (regular or restructured) is usable in answering a query and (2) algorithms to rewrite queries using usable views. Semantic information, such as knowledge of the key of a view, can be used to further optimize a rewritten query. Within our general query-optimization framework, we develop techniques for determining the key of a (regular or restructured) view, and show how this information can be used to further optimize a rewritten query. It is straightforward to integrate all our algorithms and techniques into standard query-optimization algorithms. Our extensive experimental results illustrate how using restructured views (in addition to regular views) in query optimization can result in a significant reduction in query-processing costs compared to a system that uses only regular views.
Kinetic analysis of chemotactic factor generation in human serum via activation of the classical and alternate complement pathways.

Abstract The kinetics of complement-related chemotactic factor generation in human serum were evaluated. Addition of immune complexes to serum resulted in formation of chemotactic activity within 5 min of incubation while activation with S. typhosa endotoxin of serum from normal subjects resulted in a prolonged (15–20 min) latent period prior to generation of chemotactic activity. In contrast to S. typhosa, endotoxin incubation of serum with E. coli endotoxin resulted in rapid formation of chemotactic activity with a kinetic pattern similar to that noted with immune complexes. In these sera antibody to E. coli but not S. typhosa endotoxin was demonstrable; analysis of sera from immunized individuals with demonstrable S. typhosa antibody showed a pattern of chemotactic factor formation similar to that of immune complexes and E. coli endotoxin. Activation of human serum deficient in C2 ( Since normal levels of chemotactic factor may be present after 60 min of incubation, despite complete block of one complement pathway, kinetic analysis may be required to detect clinically important abnormalities.
ExSPAnder: a universal repeat resolver for DNA fragment assembly

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have raised a challenging de novo genome assembly problem that is further amplified in recently emerged single-cell sequencing projects. While various NGS assemblers can use information from several libraries of read-pairs, most of them were originally developed for a single library and do not fully benefit from multiple libraries. Moreover, most assemblers assume uniform read coverage, condition that does not hold for single-cell projects where utilization of read-pairs is even more challenging. We have developed an exSPAnder algorithm that accurately resolves repeats in the case of both single and multiple libraries of read-pairs in both standard and single-cell assembly projects. Availability and implementation: http://bioinf.spbau.ru/en/spades Contact: ur.uabps.fnioib@pa
Role of Hageman Factor in the Activation of Vasodilator Activity in Human Plasma

HAGEMAN factor is a clot-producing substance which is not found in the plasma of patients with Hageman trait1. The coagulation of blood obtained from patients with Hageman trait is grossly abnormal, although haemostasis is usually unimpaired. The defect in blood in Hageman trait may be corrected in vitro by the addition of partially purified Hageman factor1,2. Margolis3,4 has shown that Hageman factor is required for the appearance in glass-treated human plasma of a permeability factor and of a pain-producing and smooth muscle-contracting substance believed to be a plasma kinin. Three separate stages have been proposed for the release of plasma kinin when plasma was treated with glass.
Direct Inhibition of Gastric Electrolyte Secretion by Insulin, Independent of Hypoglycemia or the Vagus

Insulin inhibition of histamine-stimulated gastric secretion of H+, Cl−, K+, and water in unanesthetized dogs could not be reversed by the subsequent correction of hypoglycemia or prevented by the prevention of hypoglycemia. These findings suggested that inhibition by insulin was not related directly to hypoglycemia or to any of its homeostatic consequences. Further evidence for the direct action of insulin on the stomach was derived from inhibition of H+ and Cl− secretion in guinea-pig gastric mucosa in vitro in the presence of adequate glucose.
An alternative to radioactive microspheres for measuring regional myocardial blood flow, part 1: Colored microspheres

Objective: To compare measurements of regional myocardial blood flow between color and radioactive microspheres. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: Pigs. Interventions: Pigs underwent constriction of the left anterior descending artery, either incremental and then 0 constriction with epinephrine, 0.5 to 3 μ/kg/min (n = 5; “variable”) or only 0% and 100% constriction without epinephrine (n = 4, “single”). Radioactive and color microspheres were injected simultaneously. For variable constriction, 5 colors (3 × 106/mL) were tested in random order and, for single, red and yellow (6 × 106/2 mL). Measurements and Main Results: Measurements of regional endocardial, epicardial, and transmural myocardial blood flow were compared by regression analysis (linear and nonlinear). With radioactive measurements as the point of reference, when regional flow was 50 to 150 mL/min/100 g, correlation was high (r = 0.85), although regression slope was low. With endocardial and epicardial flow between 30 and 100 mL/min/100 g, correlation was close (r = 0.84). Overall nonlinear correlation was higher with single than variable constriction (r = 0.72). When regional flow was less than 100 mL/min/100 g, linear correlation was r = 0.72. When transmural flow measured by color microspheres was less than 25 mL/min/100 g, correlation was high (r = 0.86) but, with endocardial or epicardial flow, low (r = 0.67). When transmural flow was greater than 100 mL/min/100 g, correlation was extremely low (r = 0.1; n = 26 data points). The overall correlations for regional endocardial and epicardial flows were also low, except in the ischemic zone. Conclusions: Color and radioactive measurements correlate well during modereate and ischemic regional myocardial blood flow, ischemic blood flow requiring a higher concentration of color microspheres. A major limitation of using color microspheres is imprecision when flow is greater than 150 mL/min 100 g.
The Evolution of Federal Reserve Transparency Under Greenspan and Bernanke

This paper traces the evolution of US central bank transparency and provides new evidence bearing on the question of whether the Fed has become more transparent in recent years. Before Alan Greenspan, who eventually became a grudging advocate of transparency, Federal Reserve Board chairmen typically prized secrecy over transparency. Ben Bernanke's empirical research led him to conclude that transparency actually enhances the effectiveness of monetary policy. Our original empirical approach incorporates reaction functions in comparing how the FOMC responds to a set of macroeconomic stimuli vs. how the futures market responds to the same variables. The evidence suggests that the Fed was not very transparent in the early Greenspan years, but became progressively transparent through Greenspan's later period and into the early, pre-crisis, Bernanke era.
Marital satisfaction and conventionalization examined dyadically

Edmonds (1967) developed the Marital Conventionalization Scale to measure an apparent social desirability bias in marital quality measurement at the individual level. The original conceptualization of marital conventionalization has not been supported by subsequent research and conventionalization appears to represent another aspect of marital quality. This study investigated whether marital satisfaction and conventionalization are best conceptualized at the individual or couple level. A series of analyses suggest that these constructs must be interpreted as dyadic variables rather than simply as individual perceptions of marriage. Husbands and wives tend to report similar levels of marital satisfaction and conventionalization, especially among dissatisfied couples and couples with a high level of satisfaction.
Influence of inorganic additives on oxygen chemisorption on cellulosic chars

Abstract Chemisorption of oxygen on cellulosic chars is the initial step leading to gasification and is a significant factor in controlling chemical reactivity and heat release in smoldering and glowing combustion of cellulose. Oxygen chemisorption kinetics have been determined for chars (HTT 550°C) prepared from cellulose and cellulose treated with inorganic additives. Elovich kinetic analysis indicates that combustion behavior can be correlated with chemisorption kinetics. Addition of the same inorganic additives by grinding with pure cellulose chars had little or no effect on chemisorption kinetics. These data indicate that the mode of action on inorganic additives in enhancing or inhibiting the solid phase combustion of cellulose chars involves their influence on char functionality developed during pyrolysis. Chemisorption of oxygen on chars results in a decrease in free radical concentration, and heat treatment at 400°C in flowing nitrogen restores the original concentration. However, free radical concentrations do not differ significantly between additive treatments over most of the temperature range studied. Therefore, combustion behavior cannot be explained strictly in terms of changes in free radical concentration and other functional groups must also play a significant role.
Defensive behavior of colonies of the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus, against vertebrate predators over the colony cycle

A major threat to eusocial colonies is predation (Starr, 1990) since these colonies place their entire reproductive investment into a single nest (Hansell, 1996). The vertebrate predator is probably the most destructive type of predator in that it can remove the entire nest and thereby destroy all of the investment made by the colony.¶ In this study I considered how the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus, changes its defensive behavior over the colony cycle. The colonies were presented with a model of an adult Red-winged Blackbird and a speaker that vibrated the comb. The simulated attack was designed to give each colony the same experience. ¶The colonies of Polistes fuscatus became more aggressive over the colony cycle. After the emergence of the gynes, the colony showed no aggression towards a vertebrate predator. The aggression levels of the colony were positively correlated with the number of reproductive-destined brood (but not worker-destined brood) in the nest. This suggests that the brood representing direct reproductive investment (reproductive brood) affects the level of defense in the colony and not the indirect reproductive investment (worker brood).
The importance of reconstruction of the abdominal wall after gastrointestinal fistula closure

Operation for gastrointestinal cutaneous fistula almost always requires resection and anastomosis. Those of use who do this surgery frequently have learned the hard way that closure of the abdominal wall, preferably with native tissue, is essential for refistulization to not occur. What is one to do when component separation or an Abramson type of approach is insufficient and flaps either can not be done or are not available? Recently, it has been proposed that inert biological material may be the answer for abdominal closure and somehow it is more resistant to infection and less likely to fistulize than totally synthetic material. However, data has slowly been coming available that suggests that use of inert biological material may in fact not be satisfactory and may in fact have an increased tendency to infection, wound breakdown, and refistulization.
In vivo validation of compensatory enlargement of atherosclerotic coronary arteries

Necropsy examinations and epicardial ultrasound studies have suggested that atherosclerotic coronary arteries undergo compensatory enlargement. This increase in vessel size may be an important mechanism for maintaining myocardial blood flow. It also is of fundamental importance in the angiographic study of coronary disease progression and regression. The purpose of this study was to determine, using intracoronary ultrasound, whether coronary arteries undergo adaptive expansion in vivo. Forty-four consecutive patients were studied (30 men, 14 women; mean age 56 ± 10 years). Eighty intravascular ultrasound images were analyzed (32 left main, 23 left anterior descending and 25 right coronary arteries). Internal elastic lamina area, a measure of overall vessel size increased as plaque area expanded (r = 0.57, p = 0.0001, SEE = 5.5 mm2). When the left main, left anterior descending and right coronary arteries were examined individually, there continued to be as great or greater positive correlation between internal elastic lamina and plaque area (left anterior descending: r = 0.75, p = 0.0001; right coronary arteries: r = 0.63, p = 0.0007; left main: r = 0.56, p = 0.0009), implying that each of the vessels and all in aggregate underwent adaptive enlargement. When only those vessels with <30% area stenosis were examined, internal elastic lamina correlated well with plaque area (r = 0.79, and p = 0.0001), and for each 1 mm2 increase in plaque area, internal elastic lamina increased 2.7 mm2. This suggests that arterial enlargement may overcompensate for early atherosclerotic lesions. As a result, there was no relation between percent area stenosis and lumen area for <30% stenosis, but with greater stenoses, lumen area significantly declined. These human in vivo results validate the hypothesis that individual coronary arteries undergo adaptive enlargement that maintains or augments lumen area during the early stages of atherosclerosis.
Encoding Words Into Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets Using an Interval Approach

This paper presents a very practical type-2-fuzzistics methodology for obtaining interval type-2 fuzzy set (IT2 FS) models for words, one that is called an interval approach (IA). The basic idea of the IA is to collect interval endpoint data for a word from a group of subjects, map each subject's data interval into a prespecified type-1 (T1) person membership function, interpret the latter as an embedded T1 FS of an IT2 FS, and obtain a mathematical model for the footprint of uncertainty (FOU) for the word from these T1 FSs. The IA consists of two parts: the data part and the FS part. In the data part, the interval endpoint data are preprocessed, after which data statistics are computed for the surviving data intervals. In the FS part, the data are used to decide whether the word should be modeled as an interior, left-shoulder, or right-shoulder FOU. Then, the parameters of the respective embedded T1 MFs are determined using the data statistics and uncertainty measures for the T1 FS models. The derived T1 MFs are aggregated using union leading to an FOU for a word, and finally, a mathematical model is obtained for the FOU. In order that all researchers can either duplicate our results or use them in their research, the raw data used for our codebook examples, as well as a MATLAB M-file for the IA, have been put on the Internet at: http://sipi.usc.edu/ ~ mendel.
QUANTUM-STATISTICAL THEORY OF A MULTICOMPONENT FULLY IONIZED GAS.

The quantum-statistical theory of a nonrelativistic fully ionized gas in thermal equilibrium is developed using the well-known linked-cluster expansion of the grand potential. A systematic analysis of the self-energy structures leads to a master-graph formulation of quantum statistics. This provides a much simpler derivation and improved version, with important differences, of the earlier work of Mohling and Grandy. In particular, the analysis of the photon self-energy structures is now entirely different. The present formulation includes the technique of adding and subtracting in the Hamiltonian a single-particle operator, and the relation of this technique to the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-transformation method of Mohling, RamaRao, and Shea is indicated. As an application of the general theory, the lowest-order calculations of the photon self-energy and photon momentum distribution are presented. The result for the photon momentum distribution is different from that of Hwang and Grandy, and the reason for the difference is given. Finally, explicit connections between the master-graph line factors and Green's functions are outlined, and the consequences of such a connection are indicated.
Marked Reduction in 30-day Mortality among Elderly Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract Background Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common infectious cause of death in the US. Over the last 2 decades, patient characteristics and clinical care have changed. To understand the impact of these changes, we quantified incidence and mortality trends among elderly adults. Methods We used Medicare claims to identify episodes of pneumonia, based on a validated combination of diagnosis codes. Comorbidities were ascertained using the diagnosis codes located on a 1-year look back. Trends in patient characteristics and site of care were compared. The association between year of pneumonia episode and 30-day mortality was then evaluated by logistic regression, with adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. Results We identified 2,654,955 cases of pneumonia from 1987-2005. During this period, the proportion treated as inpatients decreased, the proportion aged ≥80 years increased, and the frequency of many comorbidities rose. Adjusted incidence increased to 3096 episodes per 100,000 population in 1999, with some decrease thereafter. Age/sex-adjusted mortality decreased from 13.5% to 9.7%, a relative reduction of 28.1%. Compared with 1987, the risk of mortality decreased through 2005 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.47). This result was robust to a restriction on comorbid diagnoses assessing for the results' sensitivity to increased coding. Conclusions These findings show a marked mortality reduction over time in community-acquired pneumonia patients. We hypothesize that increased pneumococcal and influenza vaccination rates as well as wider use of guideline-concordant antibiotics explain a large portion of this trend. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Characterization of a Silicon-Micromachined Thermal Shear-Stress Sensor

Abstract : A detailed characterization is presented of a silicon-micromachined thermal shear-stress sensor employing a thin-film platinum-sensing element on top of a silicon-nitride membrane that is stretched over a vacuum cavity. The sensor was operated in a constant current mode and characterized using a four-point probe configuration to isolate the sensor response from the effects of external compensation circuitry. The characterization results consist of static sensitivity data at multiple overheat ratios (maximum of 11 mV/Pa at an overheat of 1.0), pressure sensitivity spectra (<1 microvolt/Pa), noise floor spectra (100 nV/square root of Hz), and direct dynamic calibration data (up to 7 kHz). Noise floor measurements reveal a minimum detectable shear stress of 9 microPa/Hz, thus resulting in a sensor dynamic range of over 100 dB (9 microPa 1.7 Pa).
Detecting organic tracers from biomass burning in the atmosphere.

This is a brief review key to the literature on the determination of organic tracers from biomass burning which are detectable even after long-range global transport in total extracts of atmospheric particles. The major tracers are thermal degradation products from the biopolymer cellulose, namely the didehydromonosaccharide derivatives levoglucosan, galactosan and mannosan and the resin acid derivative dehydroabietic acid, with minor β-sitosterol. Dehydroabietic acid is emitted primarily from burning of conifer fuel and these tracers are found in most aerosol samples from the North American continent. Particulate matter from the atmosphere over oceanic areas contains organic tracers from both natural and biomass burning emissions. The major biomarker compounds characterized are natural products from continental vegetation consisting primarily of epicuticular wax components and trace components from biomass burning emissions. The presence of these tracers in atmospheric particulate matter over the ocean confirms the long-range transport of smoke from biomass burning off the continents.
HIFU-Induced Gene Activation in a Cell-Embedded Tissue Mimicking Phantom

The synergistic integration of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) thermal ablation and HIFU-induced gene therapy represents a promising approach in improving the overall efficacy and quality of cancer therapy. Previous studies have demonstrated that HIFU can induce GFP gene activation under the control of hsp70B promoter in a murine tumor model [1]. Thermal stress has been identified as the primary mechanism to regulate the gene expression. However, the natural heterogeneity and opacity of solid tumors has hindered direct correlation of site-specific gene expression level with in situ thermal dosimetry. We have developed a homogeneous and transparent cell-embedded tissue mimicking phantom as an alternative for simultaneous assessment of temperature distribution, HIFU lesion formation, and gene expression.© 2007 ASME
Women in Steady Exercise Research (WISER): Study design and methods

Abstract Purpose Women at elevated risk for breast cancer are motivated to reduce their risk. Current approaches rely primarily on hormonal intervention. A preventive exercise intervention might address the same hormonal issues, yet have fewer serious side effects and less negative impact on quality of life as compared to prophylactic mastectomy. WISER Sister was a randomized controlled trial which examined effects of two doses of exercise training on endogenous sex hormone exposure, hormonally active breast tissue, and other breast cancer risk factors. Methods Subjects for this single site trial were recruited from across the U.S., in collaboration with organizations that serve women at elevated risk, via emails, flyers, and letters. Eligibility criteria included age ≥ 18, eumenorrheic, and at elevated risk for breast cancer (e.g. BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and/or ≥ 18% lifetime risk according to prediction models). A 1:1:1 randomization scheme was used to allocate participants into: control, low dose (150 min/week), or high dose (300 min/week) home based treadmill exercise. Participants provided first morning urine samples daily for two menstrual cycles at study beginning and end for calculation of endogenous hormone exposure. In addition, women completed breast dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, a fasting blood draw, a treadmill exercise test, and surveys at baseline and follow-up. Discussion WISER Sister randomized 139 women, 122 of whom completed the study. The overall drop-out rate was 12%. Findings will be useful in understanding the potential for exercise to assist with reducing risk for breast cancer among women at elevated risk.
Coregistration of diffuse optical spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging in a rat tumor model

We report coregistration of near-infrared diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the study of animal model tumors. A combined broadband steady-state and frequency-domain apparatus was used to determine tissue oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and water concentration locally in tumors. Simultaneous MRI coregistration provided structural (T2-weighted) and contrast-enhanced images of the tumor that were correlated with the optical measurements. By use of Monte Carlo simulations, the optically sampled volume was superimposed on the MR images, showing precisely which tissue structure was probed optically. DOS and MRI coregistration measurements were performed on seven rats over 20 days and were separated into three tumor tissue classifications: viable, edematous, and necrotic. A ratio of water concentration to total hemoglobin concentration, as measured optically, was performed for each tissue type and showed values for edematous tissue to be greater than viable tissue (1.2 +/- 0.49 M/microM versus 0.48 +/- 0.15 M/microM). Tissue hemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2) also showed a large variation between tissue types: viable tissue had an optically measured StO2 value of 61 +/- 5%, whereas StO2 determined for necrotic tissue was 43 +/- 6%.
Prevention of HPV-related oral cancer: assessing dentists' readiness

Abstract Objectives Epidemiological research indicates an association between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) with a subset of oral cancers (OC). Dentists may play a role in primary prevention of HPV-related OC by discussing the HPV vaccine with patients. This study assessed dentists' readiness to discuss the HPV vaccine with female patients. Study design Cross-sectional web-based survey. Methods A web-based survey based on the Transtheoretical Model was administered among Florida dentists ( n = 210). Results The majority of participants (97%) fell into the precontemplation and contemplation stages of readiness to discuss the HPV vaccine with patients. Perceived role and liability were determined to be predictive of dentists in contemplation stage as opposed to those in precontemplation ( P Conclusions Findings suggest liability and perceived role as processes of change necessary to guide dentists to primary prevention of HPV-related OC despite high levels of knowledge. As public awareness of HPV-related OC increases, dentists may become more involved in primary prevention. Results of the current study may assist in developing intervention strategies for engaging dentists in discussing the HPV vaccine with patients.
A Thermodynamic Approach for Prediction of Wear Coefficient Under Unlubricated Sliding Condition

During a sliding process, the surface asperities tend to undergo fatigue fracture, break off, and form wear debris. This article applies the principles of continuum damage mechanics (CDM) to predict the appropriate adhesive wear coefficient. Using the CDM approach, we predict the number of cycles before crack nucleation sets in, evaluate the probability that an asperity forms a wear particle, and use this information to derive an expression for the wear coefficient. Experimental wear coefficient results for Aluminum 6061 sliding against stainless steel support the validity of the analytical expression for wear coefficient. A series of results are presented for the variation of wear coefficient as a function of friction coefficient for SAE 4340, Aluminum 6061, Aluminum 2024, and Titanium 6ALV4.
The medial prefrontal cortex in constructing personality models.

A recent study by Hassabis et al. suggests that the brain constructs ‘personality models' of other people. When imagining another individual, multi-voxel patterns of fMRI activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) contained information about the individual's unique combination of personality traits. The authors propose that, in concert with other regions, the mPFC assembles a model of another's personality that is ultimately used to predict behavior.
Developmental changes of cerebral phenylalanine uptake from severely elevated blood levels.

Brain phenylalanine concentrations at plasma levels raised to that in phenylketonuric subjects were studied in rats from fetal through postnatal life. Suppression of the hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase with α methylphenylalanine, and injections of age-adjusted doses of phenylalanine on the next day, assured the persistence of the same elevation of plasma levels for at least four hours prior to assay. The net phenylalanine uptake determined under these conditions underwent several-fold decreases between the fourth day and the end of the suckling period, and by about the age of 30 days it was as low as in adulthood. The development of transport properties studied here could contribute to the change with age in the vulnerability of the brain to the same degree of hyperphenylalaninemia and, since the cerebral phenylalanine uptake may decrease to non-damaging levels during childhood, it is pertinent to defining the age at which the rigorous diet of phenylketonurics might be safely relaxed.