cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Focus on diagnosis: Dysphagia.

1. Ethan A. Mezoff, MD 1. Fellow in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati, OH. Dysphagia, or difficulty with swallowing, may present alone or with accompanying signs and symptoms. The evaluation of dysphagia is guided by an accurate and thorough history, taken in consideration of the vast differential diagnosis. A brief review of the physiology of swallowing is followed by a differential diagnosis and historical points that should direct the diagnostic evaluation. Finally, a review of diagnostic and treatment options is presented. Swallowing prepares and transfers a bolus of consumed or secreted substance from the mouth to the stomach. Initially, the pooling of oral secretions forms a bolus, with or without masticated food. This bolus is then transferred to the upper esophagus during the oropharyngeal phase of swallowing. During this phase, the epiglottis covers the larynx to prevent aspiration of the bolus. Additionally, the soft palate is elevated against the nasopharynx to prevent nasal regurgitation of the bolus. Transfer of the bolus to the stomach then occurs through peristaltic muscle contractions of the circular and longitudinal smooth muscles of the esophagus and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The developmental milestone of swallowing typically is reached at 34 weeks gestational age in premature infants. It is best to separate oropharyngeal from esophageal causes when considering the differential diagnosis of dysphagia. Oropharyngeal causes, in general, are grouped as neuromuscular, infectious/inflammatory, or structural (Table 1). Esophageal causes are divided into …
An Investigation of Thermal Stability in Electrodeposited Nanocrystalline Ni-19%Fe Alloy

The thermal stability of an electrodeposited Ni-19%Fe alloy with grain size of-20 nm was investigated.Alloys were isothermal annealed in the temperature range of 573~873 K and the grain sizes were analyzed by X-ray diffraction technique.The grain growth exponent and the apparent activation energy were estimated by the Arrhenius-type equation.It was found that the grain growth in low temperature regime(below 573 K) was accommodated mainly by grain boundary diffusion,while the grain growth in high temperature regime(673~873 K) was accommodated by lattice diffusion and grain boundary diffusion.
Calibration of Distributed Rainfall-Runoff Model in Hamilton County, Ohio

Appropriate parameter estimation for the assessment of green infrastructure alternatives in combined sewer systems (CSS) is becoming more important in rainfall…
Vector taylor series expansion with auditory masking for noise robust speech recognition

In this paper, we address the problem of speech recognition in the presence of additive noise. We investigate the applicability and efficacy of auditory masking in devising a robust front end for noisy features. This is achieved by introducing a masking factor into the Vector Taylor Series (VTS) equations. The resultant first order VTS approximation is used to compensate the parameters of a clean speech model and a Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) estimate is used to estimate the clean speech features. The proposed algorithms are validated through experiments on a noise corrupted TIMIT speech recognition database. We show significant performance gain for the proposed method as compared to the traditional VTS algorithm.
MEASUREMENT OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF THE RETINA

ABSTRACT A description of the test procedure for the determination of the mechanical tensile behavior of retina with a computer controlled test system is given. Data from in vitro tests of bovine retina are presented and discussed.
Quality Control, Repair, and Testing

The dominance of the consumer electronics, steel, automotive, semiconductor, and computer industries by Japan is largely attributed to the manufacture by Japanese firms of products of consistent quality. Thus, quality control is the key to effective competition in the international market. An actual difference in cost effectiveness will result when manufacturable designs are produced in tightly controlled processes.
Probabilistic Causality in Space and Time

It is my intention in this paper to survey results and problems in the theory of probabilistic causality with an emphasis on the theory in the context of space and time. In view of this emphasis, the first section is devoted to problems of space and the second to problems of time. Here, space and time are construed in the sense of classical physics, although in some of the examples considered no real physics will enter. The third section is devoted to space-time, but the problems considered are restricted to those that arise in the framework of special relativity. Questions about probability and causality are difficult enough in this framework without considering the still more difficult case of general relativity.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Nitrification Inhibitors on Methane and Nitrous Oxide Fluxes in Irrigated Corn

Agricultural systems contribute a large proportion of the global emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) to the atmosphere. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer influences the flux rates of these gases in agroecosystems. Methane and nitrous oxide fluxes were measured periodically in an irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) field from time of fertilization to harvest. Fertilizer treatments included 0 and 218 kg urea-N ha-1, as well as applications of the nitrification inhibitors (NIs), nitrapyrin [2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl)-pyridine], and encapsulated calcium carbide (ECC). Brief periods of CH4 emissions were observed after irrigations, with no effect of N or NIs. Methane consumption was not affected by urea fertilization, but was reduced 43% by the addition of ECC. The contribution, however, of changes in the consumption of CH4 as a result of ECC addition to the net greenhouse effect was negligible (<0.1%) compared to the reduction in N2O emissions. Nitrous oxide emissions were 16 times greater in urea-fertilized plots than in unfertilized soils. The application of NIs with urea decreased N2O emissions 43–71%.
Rustic Architecture: The Metamorphosis of Nature and Architecture in Eighteenth-Century Britain

To historians of European culture, the eighteenth-century English landscape garden represents one of the most significant aesthetic developments in post-Renaissance culture. Naturalistic waterways and tree plantings presented a different way of conceiving the landscape. The garden follies scattered across these gardens are often interpreted as harbingers of the broader Neo-classical and Gothic Revival movements in architecture. Exotic follies like mosques and pagodas also betray a receptiveness to non-Western aesthetics that would flower in the eclecticism of the nineteenth century.
Loss of lipid phosphatase SHIP1 promotes macrophage differentiation through suppression of dendritic cell differentiation

SH2-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase-1 (SHIP1) deficiency in mice results in abnormal myeloid expansion, and proinflammatory conditions in the lung. However, the mechanisms involved in SHIP1-mediated regulation of myeloid differentiation remain unclear. Here we show that SHIP1 is a key regulator of early differentiation for dendritic cells (DCs). We also provide critical evidence to modify the function of SHIP1 in in vitro development of BMDCs using the recent framework of defining DCs. We found that loss of SHIP1 suppresses GM-CSF-induced formation of bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) colonies, leading to reduced BMDC number in BM cell culture. The number of maturated BMDCs decreased in SHIP1-KO culture, due to reduction of immature BMDCs, suggesting SHIP1 is critical for lineage commitment rather than for maturation from myeloid precursors to DCs. We further showed that F4/80+/MHCIIlow BM macrophage-like cells (BMMs) were the main population of SHIP1-KO BM culture. Treatment of wild-type BM culture with 3 α-aminocholestane (3AC), a specific inhibitor for functional activity of SHIP1, caused a similar developmental defect in BMDCs as seen in SHIP1-KO cells, resulting in the absence of BMDC colony, and increased number of BMMs in BM culture. In conclusion, our results suggest that differentiation of BMDCs are markedly impaired under SHIP1 deficient condition, which causes skewed development of myeloid lineage cells manifested as pathological conditions associated with an excess of macrophage population.
Pelagic tar balls collected in the North Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea from 1988 to 2016 have natural and anthropogenic origins

Abstract Tar balls are prevalent in oceans and the coastal environment; however, their origins are not well constrained on a global scale. To address this, we used gas chromatography to analyze the molecular composition of a unique set of 100 pelagic tar balls collected in the Western North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea between 1988 and 2016. Hierarchal cluster analysis (HCA) was employed to classify the samples into groups based on the relative proportions of resolved and unresolved hydrocarbon distributions. Additional analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons revealed that 28% of samples originated from heavy fuel oils and therefore had anthropogenic origins consistent with the classifications based on HCA. Other samples examined could originate from anthropogenic or natural origins, such as natural seeps. This study provides a preliminary record of 100 classified pelagic tar ball samples and demonstrates an approach to determine their origin to the environment.
The Present and Future of Museum Accessibility for People with Visual Impairments

People with visual impairments (PVI) have shown interest in visiting museums and enjoying visual art. Based on this knowledge, some museums provide tactile reproductions of artworks, specialized tours for PVI, or enable them to schedule accessible visits. However, the ability of PVI to visit museums is still dependent on the assistance they get from their family and friends or from the museum personnel. In this paper, we surveyed 19 PVI to understand their opinions and expectations about visiting museums independently, as well as the requirements of user interfaces to support it. Moreover, we increase the knowledge about the previous experiences, motivations and accessibility issues of PVI in museums.
Blood-brain barrier at the interface of air pollution-associated neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation

Abstract The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective membrane barrier at the brain microvessel level that facilitates transport between the systemic circulation and the central nervous system. A growing body of evidence supports a major role for the BBB in the etiology and pathogenesis of multiple vascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, an appreciation for the impact of air pollution exposures on neurological function has emerged. The BBB may serve as an intermediary between environmental agents and downstream neurological consequences. This review describes the structure and function of the BBB and its involvement in metabolic, vascular, and neurodegenerative diseases such as diabetes mellitus, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. The relationship between neuroinflammation and BBB disruption is examined, and a possible role for the BBB in air pollution exposure-associated neurological impairments is discussed. Commonly used clinical and preclinical methods to detect BBB permeability are described as are animal models used to study BBB breakdown. Finally, open questions concerning the impact of environmental stressors on the BBB are explored and current approaches aimed at altering BBB integrity to enhance pharmaceutical uptake into the CNS are discussed.
Hodge Index Theorem and the Adjunction Formula

In a fundamental paper [Ara 2], Arakelov showed how to complete a family of curves over the ring of integers of a number field by introducing the components at infinity, and getting a divisor class group which in many ways plays the role of the Picard group on complete surfaces.
The origin, fate, and contribution of macrophages to spinal cord injury pathology

Virtually all phases of spinal cord injury pathogenesis, including inflammation, cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as tissue remodeling, are mediated in part by infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages. It is now clear that these infiltrating macrophages have distinct functions from resident microglia and are capable of mediating both harmful and beneficial effects after injury. These divergent effects have been largely attributed to environmental cues, such as specific cytokines, that influence the macrophage polarization state. In this review, we also consider the possibility that different macrophage origins, including the spleen, bone marrow, and local self-renewal, may also affect macrophage fate, and ultimately their function that contribute to the complex pathobiology of spinal cord injury.
The three causes of low-mass assembly bias

We present a detailed analysis of the physical processes that cause halo assembly bias -- the dependence of halo clustering on proxies of halo formation time. We focus on the origin of assembly bias in the mass range corresponding to the hosts of typical galaxies and use halo concentration as our chief proxy of halo formation time. We also repeat our key analyses across a broad range of halo masses and for alternative formation time definitions. We show that splashback subhaloes are responsible for two thirds of the assembly bias signal, but do not account for the entire effect. After splashback subhaloes have been removed, we find that the remaining assembly bias signal is due to a relatively small fraction ($\lesssim 10\%$) of haloes in dense regions. We test a number of additional physical processes thought to contribute to assembly bias and demonstrate that the two key processes are the slowing of mass growth by large-scale tidal fields and by the high velocities of ambient matter in sheets and filaments. We also rule out several other proposed physical causes of halo assembly bias. Based on our results, we argue that there are three processes that contribute to assembly bias of low-mass halos: large-scale tidal fields, gravitational heating due to the collapse of large-scale structures, and splashback subhaloes located outside the virial radius.
Fate of iron during hydrothermal liquefaction of hemin

Abstract Hemin, an iron porphyrin, was used as a model compound to study the fate of iron during hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). Hemin decomposed hydrothermally and produced an oil-phase with appreciable iron content only at temperatures exceeding 250 °C. Both the temperature of and the time in the hydrothermal environment affect the iron concentration in the oil from hemin HTL, with severe conditions leading to lower iron concentrations. Catalysts (Ni/Al2O3-SiO2) and solvents (MTBE) that were effective in algal HTL biocrude demetallation also reduced iron concentrations in oil from hemin HTL. Iron porphyrinic species were identified in the oil from hemin HTL. They were much less prevalent when a Ni/Al2O3-SiO2 catalyst was also used, which points to the effectiveness of catalytic HTL for demetallation of the oil. In addition, there were many species in the oil products with two nitrogen atoms, which formed from hemin decomposition.
A large-scale standardized physiological survey reveals functional organization of the mouse visual cortex

To understand how the brain processes sensory information to guide behavior, we must know how stimulus representations are transformed throughout the visual cortex. Here we report an open, large-scale physiological survey of activity in the awake mouse visual cortex: the Allen Brain Observatory Visual Coding dataset. This publicly available dataset includes the cortical activity of nearly 60,000 neurons from six visual areas, four layers, and 12 transgenic mouse lines in a total of 243 adult mice, in response to a systematic set of visual stimuli. We classify neurons on the basis of joint reliabilities to multiple stimuli and validate this functional classification with models of visual responses. While most classes are characterized by responses to specific subsets of the stimuli, the largest class is not reliably responsive to any of the stimuli and becomes progressively larger in higher visual areas. These classes reveal a functional organization wherein putative dorsal areas show specialization for visual motion signals.
How Ideological Divides Serve to Limit Bureaucratic Autonomy: A Case Study of the BLM:

The main question this article seeks to address is how the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) bureaucratic autonomy is affected by deep ideological divides over public lands management policy. Danie...
Evaluation of the joint nurse scientist role across academia and practice

Abstract Background Mapped with the guiding principles of academic-practice partnerships (APPs) outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, a joint nurse scientist role between a nursing school and acute care facility at a large academic health center was developed and characterized by a PhD-prepared nurse appointed in a research role across organizations. To date, eight faculty are now appointed across the School and four health systems. Purpose Describe outcomes, facilitators and vulnerabilities of the joint nurse scientist role. Methods Review of administrative records. Discussion Outcomes include the 1) conduct and dissemination of joint research, 2) translation of evidence into practice, 3) development of educational programs for health system nurses, 4) scholarly activities among health system nurses, and 5) improved visibility and valuation of the PhD-prepared nurse. Role facilitators include those previously reported for APPs, the joint nurse scientists' ability to broker opportunities across settings, and the evolving nature of the role. Role vulnerabilities pertain to the negotiation of workload, promotion, and institutional priorities. Conclusion The joint nurse scientist role fosters shared scholarly successes across academia and service.
The Breakup 2.1: The ten-year update

Since 2007–2008, American undergraduates’ media ecology has changed dramatically without an accompanying transformation in how they use media to end relationships. The similarities in people’s brea...
Effect of Earlier Atrioventricular Valve Intervention on Survival After the Fontan Operation.

Whereas the prevalence and impact of atrioventricular valve (AVV) regurgitation in patients with single ventricle physiology has become increasingly apparent, the optimal timing for valve intervention is unclear. To investigate this, we performed a retrospective review of all 1,167 patients from the Mayo Clinic Fontan database. Thirteen percent (153 patients) had AVV repair or replacement during their staged single ventricle palliation. We found that patients with right ventricular morphology and common AVV were at increased risk for AVV intervention. Patients who underwent AVV intervention had increased risk of death/transplant compared with those who did not (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.75, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.23, p
Infrared Space Observatory Short Wavelength Spectrometer Observations of H II Regions in NGC 6822 and I Zwicky 36: Sulfur Abundances and Temperature Fluctuations

We report Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) Short Wavelength Spectrometer infrared spectroscopy of the H II region Hubble V in NGC 6822 and the blue compact dwarf galaxy I Zw 36. Observations of Br?, [S III] at 18.7 and 33.5 ?m, and [S IV] at 10.5 ?m are used to determine ionic sulfur abundances in these H II regions. There is relatively good agreement between our observations and predictions of S+3 abundances based on photoionization calculations, although there is an offset in the sense that the models overpredict the S+3 abundances. We emphasize a need for more observations of this type in order to place nebular sulfur abundance determinations on firmer ground. The S/O ratios derived using the ISO observations in combination with optical data are consistent with values of S/O, derived from optical measurements of other metal-poor galaxies. We present a new formalism for the simultaneous determination of the temperature, temperature fluctuations, and abundances in a nebula, given a mix of optical and infrared observed line ratios. The uncertainties in our ISO measurements and the lack of observations of [S III] ?9532 or ?9069 do not allow an accurate determination of the amplitude of temperature fluctuations for Hubble V and I Zw 36. Finally, using synthetic data, we illustrate the diagnostic power and limitations of our new method.
Клинико-анамнестическая характеристика детей первого года жизни с гипоксически-ишемическим поражением ЦНС

Хворобам нервової системи належить друге місце серед причин дитячої інвалідності. Перинатальні ураження нервової системи становлять до 65–75 % усіх захворювань нервової системи в дитячому віці та призводять до інвалідизації 15–30 % доношених новонароджених, 40–60 % передчасно народжених, у тому числі чималої кількості дітей, які народжені з екстремально низькою масою тіла . Мета роботи – надати клініко-анамнестичну характеристику новонароджених з гіпоксично-ішемічним ураженням ЦНС. Матеріали та методи. Обстежили 100 новонароджених дітей: основна група – 31 пацієнт з гіпоксично-ішемічним ушкодженням ЦНС, яке ускладнилось інфекційним процесом; група порівняння – 35 пацієнтів із гіпоксично-ішемічним ураженням ЦНС без інфекційного процесу; контрольна група – 34 умовно здорових дітей, які народилися без ознак гіпоксично-ішемічного ушкодження нервової системи та запальних захворювань. Протягом роботи використали клініко-анамнестичний метод, методи математичної статистики. Статистичне опрацювання результатів виконали, використовуючи ліцензійний пакет програми Statistica 13.0 (StatSoftInc, серійний номер JPZ8041382130ARCN10-J). Результати. Встановили, що неможливо оцінювати стан новонародженої дитини, не враховуючи акушерський анамнез перебігу вагітності, оскільки ускладнення пренатального періоду призводять до дії різноманітних шкідливих факторів на незрілий організм плода та можуть спричиняти тяжкі ушкодження, як-от розвиток гіпоксично-ішемічного ураження головного мозку. Висновки. Передчасно народжені діти з гіпоксично-ішемічним ушкодженням ЦНС, що ускладнене інфекційним процесом, на відміну від умовно здорових передчасно народжених дітей, характеризуються низьким гестаційним віком (29,55 ± 4,20 тижня та 36,0 ± 0,0 тижня відповідно), поширеністю патології другої половини вагітності та загрози переривання вагітності. Наявність ускладненого акушерського анамнезу значно збільшує можливість виникнення гіпоксично-ішемічного ураження головного мозку у новонароджених, а його інфекційно-запальне ускладнення, найімовірніше, виникне в дітей з низькою масою тіла та низькими показниками за шкалою Апгар. Явища і гіпоксичної, і циркуляторної гіпоксії характерніші для хворих з гіпоксично-ішемічним ушкодженням ЦНС, які народжені достроково.
Buyer Signaling Improves Matching: Evidence from a Field Experiment

In a large online market, buyers were given the opportunity to signal their relative preferences over price and quality—first experimentally, then later as the default experience in the market. The possibility of signaling caused substantial sorting by sellers to buyers of the right “type.” However, sellers clearly tailored their bids to the type of buyer they faced, bidding up against buyers with a high revealed willingness to pay. Despite this markup, a separating equilibrium was sustained over time, post-experiment, suggesting buyers found revelation incen- tive compatible. We find evidence that informative signaling improved both matching efficiency and match quality.
In Vivo Whole-Nerve Electrophysiology Setup, Action Potential Recording, and Data Analyses in a Rodent Model

In vivo rodent, whole peripheral nerve models are useful for studying the electrical conduction of sensory and motor fibers under normal physiological conditions as well as for assessing neurological outcomes after the application of physical alterations or pharmacological agents to the nervous system. Significant literature has focused on single-neuron and central nervous system electrophysiology protocol development. However, creation and development of in vivo whole-nerve electrophysiological recording protocols are sparse in the scientific literature. Here, detailed protocols for designing and building an in vivo whole-nerve electrophysiology system are described, including straightforward techniques to create working stimulation and recording electrodes that may be adapted to numerous study designs. Further, we include details for rodent anesthesia, surgical dissection (for the sciatic nerve), compound action potential signal optimization, data acquisition, data analyses, and troubleshooting tips. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: In vivo electrophysiology system wiring, hardware, and software setups Support Protocol 1: Design and 3D printing of electrophysiology base electrodes Support Protocol 2: Building needle electrodes Basic Protocol 2: Rodent anesthesia and surgery for nerve exposure Basic Protocol 3: Compound action potential recording and troubleshooting using WinWCP Basic Protocol 4: Compound action potential data analysis using WinWCP.
ACERCAMIENTO A LAS PRÁCTICAS DE LA ECONOMÍA SOCIAL, LA ECONOMÍA SOLIDARIA Y LA ECONOMÍA DEL BIEN COMÚN, ¿QUÉ NOS OFRECEN?

It is well known that throughout history there have always been economic practices based on solidarity to protect all the members of the community. Capitalism, nevertheless, promoted an individualistic system that believed the Common Good would be achieved just in the course of attaining our own self-interest. The failure to solve problems such us poverty, inequality, unemployment, environmental destruction, and so, has given a new impulse to the practices of the Solidarity Economy all over the world. This article gives us an insight into these practices, and the contributions and alternatives suggested by the Solidarity Economy and the Common Good Economy in a context of economic, ecological, political and moral crisis.
Shrink-wrapping the formula for better information: end user vs. MIS computer documentation preferences

Information is typically the lowest rated component when measuring overall satisfaction of a software product. This is particularly disconcerting when you realize that in many software environments, the information is the face of the product, the first exposure most customers have. In 1993, IBM conducted a survey of current users of systems software product documentation-MIS professionals. We initiated the survey to determine what aspects of documentation were frustrating or upsetting to computer users. Because this first survey only concentrated on MIS professionals, we felt it was critical to continue the research with end users of applications software. This paper reports the results of the second study of end user attitudes towards documentation. It describes the similarities and differences in responses between MIS professionals and end users and makes specific recommendations based on the findings. The results from the first survey were published in the 1993 IPCC Proceedings. >
PEIRCE'S PRAGMATIC THEOLOGY AND STOIC RELIGIOUS ETHICS1

Charles S. Peirce believed that his pragmatic philosophy could reconcile religion and science and that this reconciliation involves a religious ethics creating a real community with the cosmos and God. After some rival pragmatic approaches to God and religious belief inconsistent with Peirce's philosophy are set aside, his metaphysical plan for a reconciliation of religion and science is outlined. A panentheistic God makes the best match with his desired conclusions from the Neglected Argument for the reality of God, and this God is also capable of fulfilling the pragmatic role demanded by Peirce's ethical expectations for the intelligent functioning of religion. The discussion proceeds to an elaboration of the aesthetic, metaphysical, and ethical elements of Peirce's philosophical system, which indicate why Peirce's religious ethics is best categorized as akin to Stoicism, with some Christian elements. For Peirce, religious ethics proceeds from the (potentially universal) agapic community's cooperation with God's loving creativity of the universe.
Structure of a proof-producing compiler for a subset of higher order logic

We give an overview of a proof-producing compiler which translates recursion equations, defined in higher order logic, to assembly language. The compiler is implemented and validated with a mix of translation validation and compiler verification techniques. Both the design of the compiler and its mechanical verification are implemented in the same logic framework.
smt- SPRINTS : software precomputation with intelligent streaming for resource-constrained SMTs

We present SPRINTS, a source-level speculative precomputation framework for scientific applications running on SMTs with two execution contexts. Our framework targets memory-bound applications and reduces memory latency by prefetching long streams of delinquent data accesses. A unique aspect of SPRINTS is that it requires neither hardware nor compiler support. It is based on partial cache simulation and a compression algorithm which can accurately summarize very long streams of cache misses. SPRINTS extracts patterns from the streams, which are in turn used to generate source-level, highly optimized precomputation code. SPRINTS achieves significant performance improvements over plain thread-level parallelization and indiscriminate precomputation based on code cloning. We demonstrate these improvements using two realistic scientific applications.
Epidemiology of adult acute myeloid leukemia: Impact of exposures on clinical phenotypes and outcomes after therapy

Abstract Background An increased risk of adult myeloid leukemia (AML) has recently been associated with lifestyle and environmental exposures, including obesity, smoking, some over the counter medications, and rural/farm habitats in case control studies. The association of these exposures with AML cytogenetic categories, outcomes after therapy, and overall survival is unknown. Methods Relevant exposures were evaluated in a cohort of 295 consecutive AML patients diagnosed and treated at Mayo Clinic in Florida and Arizona. Standard cytogenetic risk categories were applied and reviewed in a central cytogenetic laboratory. The association of epidemiologic exposures with cytogenetic risk, complete remission after therapy, and overall survival was evaluated using logistic and Cox regression models. Results A significant association between obesity and intermediate-abnormal cytogenetics was identified (OR: 1.94, P =0.025). Similarly, those with secondary AML were more likely to have poor risk (OR: 2.55, P P =0.003) cytogenetics. In multivariate analysis, overall survival was improved for patients ≥60 years receiving intensive (RR: 0.21, P P P =0.032), and those with poor risk cytogenetics (RR: 3.96, P =0.002) or poor performance status (RR: 1.69, P P =0.016) and increased complete remission after intensive chemotherapy was identified, while prior solid organ transplantation was associated with significantly lower complete remission rate after therapy (OR: 0.10, P =0.035). Conclusion Our results provide evidence that specific epidemiologic exposures, including obesity, are significantly associated with unique AML cytogenetic risk categories and response to therapy. This supports a link between patient lifestyles, clinical exposures, and leukemogenesis.
Vasopressin inhibits sympathetic ganglionic transmission but potentiates sympathetic neuroeffector responses in hindlimb vasculature of rabbits

To determine whether vasopressin (AVP) affects vasoconstrictor responses to electrical stimulation of sympathetic nerves or i.a. norepinephrine (NE), changes in perfusion pressure were measured during lumbar sympathetic nerve stimulation (LSNS, 1-8 Hz), or administration of NE (50-200 ng), in the isolated constant-flow perfused hind limb of chloralose-anesthetized rabbits (n = 7), before and after i.a. infusion of AVP (0.65 mU/kg/min). AVP significantly potentiated responses to LSNS (relative potency (RP) = 1.59) and to NE (RP = 5.17). The potentiation of LSNS and NE by AVP infusion was abolished by the AVP V1 antagonist, d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2]AVP, 400 ng, total dose (n = 6). Because there was a significant difference between the RP of LSNS (stimulation of both preganglionic and postganglionic nerves) and NE (direct effect on the vascular smooth muscle), we verified whether this difference might represent disparate actions of AVP on the ganglia and/or sympathetic neuroeffector sites. To evaluate responses to stimulating only the postganglionic sympathetic nerves, we repeated the above study in animals pretreated with a supramaximal dose of the ganglionic blocking agent hexamethonium (25 mg/kg i.v.). After ganglionic blockade the responses to LSNS were reduced to 22% of control. In the presence of ganglionic blockade, AVP potentiated responses to LSNS (RP = 4.09) (n = 6).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Location, Location, Location: An MCMC Approach to Modeling the Spatial Context of War and Peace

This article demonstrates how spatially dependent data with a categorical response variable can be addressed in a statistical model. We introduce the idea of an autologistic model where the response for one observation is dependent on the value of the response among adjacent observations. The autologistic model has likelihood function that is mathematically intractable, since the observations are conditionally dependent upon one another. We review alternative techniques for estimating this model, with special emphasis on recent advances using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques. We evaluate a highly simplified autologistic model of conflict where the likelihood of war involvement for each nation is conditional on the war involvement of proximate states. We estimate this autologistic model for a single year (1988) via maximum pseudolikelihood and MCMC maximum likelihood methods. Our results indicate that the autologistic model fits the data much better than an unconditional model and that the MCMC estimates generally dominate the pseudolikelihood estimates. The autologistic model generates predicted probabilities greater than 0.5 and has relatively good predictive abilities in an out-of-sample forecast for the subsequent decade (1989 to 1998), correctly identifying not only ongoing conflicts, but also new ones.
Comparison of 2 Techniques of Tracheocutaneous Fistula Closure: Analysis of Outcomes and Health Care Use

Importance Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) can be repaired using various techniques. This research is an outcomes and health care use comparative analysis of 2 commonly used techniques to repair TCF. Objectives To compare outcomes and health care use for 2 techniques of TCF repair. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care children’s hospital. The study population comprised 50 consecutive patients aged 11 to 216 months who underwent surgical treatment for persistent TCF between January 2007 and August 2012. Interventions Tracheocutaneous fistula closure was achieved using excision of the TCF alone and healing by secondary intent or excision of the TCF plus primary closure over a drain. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences in perioperative and postoperative outcomes. Results In total, 30 patients underwent excision of a TCF plus primary closure over a drain (closure group), and 20 patients underwent excision of a TCF alone and healing by secondary intent (excision group). Statistically, the closure and excision groups were not significantly different regarding gestational age, age at tracheotomy, duration between decannulation and TCF repair, and duration of tracheostomy. The mean (SD) procedure durations were 9.7 (3.7) minutes for the excision group and 37.4 (25.1) minutes for the closure group ( P P = .001). The mean (SD) lengths of intensive care unit stay were 0.0 (0.0) day for the excision group and 1.0 (1.5) day for the closure group ( P = .001). Closure success rates were 20 of 22 for the excision group and 30 of 30 for the closure group ( P = .17). Complication rates were 0 of 22 for the excision group and 2 of 30 for the closure group ( P = .50). Conclusions and Relevance The rates of success and complications were not significantly different between TCF closure and excision groups. Excision of a TCF alone with healing by secondary intent requires less operating room time and shorter hospital stay, which may suggest more efficient health care use.
Variability in word-recognition performance

The present study, employing a backward visual masking paradigm and a computer-based CRT display system, examines the word-recognition performance for 220 four-, five-, and six-letter words, with a sample of 50 subjects. Results, as found previously, continue to demonstrate very large individual variabilities in such information processing tasks.
Human Resource Functioning in an Information Society: Practical Suggestions and Future Implications

This paper explores the state human resources management in an information society. As technology rapidly changes organizations and human resources professionals need to be mindful of the impact th...
Nd-Sr isotope composition of lower crustal xenoliths — Evidence for the origin of mid-tertiary felsic volcanics in Mexico

Isotopic data were collected on lower crustal xenoliths to constrain the Mexican lower crust as source material for the mid-Tertiary Sierra Madre Occidental, which is one of the largest silicic volcanic piles known. The xenoliths are predominantly pelitic gneisses and mafic orthogneisses that were brought to the surface on the eastern edge of the Sierra Madre Occidental by recent alkalic basalts. The pelitic gneisses are uniform in mineral assemblage and contain garnet+quartz+plagioclase+sanidine+rutile +sillimanite/kyanite+graphite. The orthogneisses are plagioclase, garnet and/or spinel bearing two pyroxene granulites. Available geothermometric and geobarometric data show that the xenoliths equilibrated at temperatures and pressures consistent with those of the mantle/crust boundary in those areas. The xenoliths range from 46.2 to 67.2 SiO2. Paragneisses are in general more silicic than the orthogneisses. The xenoliths have Rb concentrations between 0.4 and 97 ppm but most samples are very low, with less than 3 ppm Rb. The Sr isotopic ratios of orthogneisses from the lowermost crust throughout most of northern Mexico are very similar and range from ca. 0.705 to 0.706. Previous studies indicate that these rocks have measured ɛ(inNd) values between+2 and −5. Paragneiss xenoliths are generally more radiogenic in Sr isotopic ratio, up to 0.730, and have lower ɛ Nd values of−11. The Nd and Sr isotopic characteristics of the orthogneisses are similar to those of the voluminous mid-Tertiary ignimbrites of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The xenoliths cannot represent cumulate material produced during the mid-Tertiary volcanism because they are Paleozoic or older. Consequently, based on Sr and Nd isotopic data, the silicic ignimbrites could comprise up to 100% lower crustal material.
Surface states of a semi-infinite superlattice.

The surface states of a semi-infinite superlattice with a step discontinuity in the potential at the interface has been calculated within the framework of the Kronig-Penney model. An explicit solution is obtained for the eigenenergy of the surface state. Surface states are shown to exist only for certain values of the barrier widths and/or heights of the semi-infinite superlattice and of the potential step discontinuity at the interface. Approximate, but very accurate, formulas are derived for the surface-state energy and its respective characteristic decay length, allowing one to readily determine the conditions for the existence of surface states.
Nuclear binding energy parameters in terms of realistic two-nucleon-potentials

Abstract Effective forces are derived from realistic two-body forces, and renormalizations coming from excitation of closed shells are shown to be important in achieving agreement with empirical binding energies.
Constraints on effective elaboration: Effects of precision and subject generation

Two experiments are presented which examine constraints that determine the effectiveness of subject-generated and experimenter-provided elaborations. Experiment I demonstrates that elaborations facilitate performance only when they clarify the precise significance of target concepts in the acquisition sentences. Experiment II demonstrates that prompting subjects to ask relevant questions facilitates both the precision of elaboration and subsequent retention. The implications of these findings for theories of learning and retention are discussed.
More about the moment of inertia of Mars

Differences between Mars and other terrestrial planets are discussed. Unlike other terrestrial planets, Mars has two nonhydrostatic components of moments of inertia that are nearly equal. The most probable value of I/MR-squared is slightly less than 0.3650.
Mandatory child restraint laws: Impact on childhood injuries due to traffic crashes

Research has indicated that laws requiring use of restraint devices for young children traveling in automobiles have had significant effects in increasing restraint use and reducing crash-related childhood injuries. This study examined dimensions along which the effectiveness of Michigan's April 1982 mandatory child restraint law varied. All children involved in motor vehicle crashes in Michigan from January 1978 through December 1982 were analyzed using multivariate intervention analysis methods. Research revealed that the effectiveness of the law in reducing childhood injuries was primarily due to reductions in less severe injuries occurring in crashed vehicles experiencing low to moderate levels of damage. Furthermore, the mechanism for the law's effects was not simply an increase in restraint use. In addition, the number of children riding in the more dangerous front-seat and cargo-area positions apparently decreased following implementation of the law, with children increasingly riding in the safer rear-seat position.
A New Model for Studying Immigration Policy

This article's purpose is fourfold: to identify gaps in current immigration literature, to discuss the underlying needs that support further immigration policy study, to provide the background information for a new model to study immigration policy, and to introduce a new model to study immigration policy, the Cappiccie Lawson evolution immigration model (CLEIM).
Lessons for the Stem Cell Discourse from the Gene Therapy Experience

The discovery of human embryonic stem cells has pointed to the potential use of these cells in developing new approaches to therapy for many major human diseases. While there is general agreement that such applications are possible and will require a great deal of additional basic and preclinical research, some discussions of the therapeutic applications of human embryonic stem cells have been characterized by the kinds of exaggerations and elevated expectations that characterized the field of human gene therapy a decade ago. In the case of gene therapy, public perception of and confidence in the field were damaged by the hype. Most unfortunate of all, the hopes of patients and their advocates were disappointed. The eventual success of a gene therapy approach, albeit one still plagued by serious adverse events, has come through scientific advance and careful clinical application. The probable eventual use of human embryonic stem cells for therapy of human disease will also require thorough basic and clinical research, but that goal is endangered by the current level of inaccurate representations and undeliverable promises.
Antibody directed at a surface structure inhibits cytolytic but not suppressor function of human T lymphocytes

Experiments using conventional antisera1,2 and monoclonal antibodies3–5 have shown that there are two functionally distinct human T-cell subsets which express unique cell-surface glycoproteins6–9. The inducer population expresses a 62,000-molecular weight (Mr) antigen termed T4 (ref. 6) whereas the cytotoxic/suppressor population lacks T4 but expresses T5 antigen. This antigen is a 76,000-Mr molecule in nonreducing conditions and a 33,000-Mr glycoprotein occasionally appearing as a doublet in reducing conditions. As the functions of subset-specific T-cell surface glycoproteins have not been elucidated, we have now examined the effect on T-cell function of three monoclonal antibodies reactive with the cytotoxic/suppressor subset; anti-T8A antibody markedly inhibited cell-mediated lympholysis (CML) and anti-T8 partially affected CML, whereas anti-T5 had no effect. In contrast, there was no effect on suppressor cell function. Immunoprecipitation studies and competitive binding experiments indicated that anti-T8 and anti-T8A, like anti-T5, defined a 33,000-Mr antigen. Taken together, our results suggest that of a possible family of 33,000-Mr glycoproteins on the human cytotoxic/suppressor T-lymphocyte subset, that which is reactive with anti-T8A has some effect on the cytolytic mechanism.
Integrating Emerging Disciplines

Abstract ▪ The dynamics of medicine force us to continually update the content of residency curricula. Before selecting the material to be added or withdrawn from the curricula, goals for the desir...
Hemodynamic Evaluation of Glucagon in Symptomatic Heart Disease

Glucagon was administered as a 5 mg intravenous bolus in 26 patients. Studies were performed in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and soon after cardiac surgery. When the response to glucagon was compared on the basis of functional classification, patients with class I and II heart disease had a significantly greater increase in cardiac output (+700 ml) than patients with class III and IV heart disease (+100 ml). Isoproterenol augmented cardiac output by a significantly greater amount (+2500 ml) than glucagon in eight of these patients. It is concluded that glucagon is a less effective inotropic agent than isoproterenol and that glucagon's usefulness is limited in patients with advanced symptomatic heart disease.
Relationships between autofocus methods for SAR and self-survey techniques for SONAR

Autofocus methods in SAR and self-survey techniques in SONAR have a common mathematical basis in that they both involve estimation and correction of phase errors introduced by sensor position uncertainties. Time delay estimation and correlation methods have been shown to be effective in solving the self-survey problem for towed SONAR arrays. Since it can be shown that platform motion errors introduce similar time-delay estimation problems in SAR imaging, the question arises as to whether such techniques could be effectively employed for autofocus of SAR imagery. With a simple mathematical model for motion errors in SAR, we show why such correlation/time-delay techniques are not nearly as effective as established SAR autofocus algorithms such as phase gradient autofocus or sub- aperture based methods. This analysis forms an important bridge between signal processing methodologies for SAR and SONAR.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.