cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P1-01-15: Relationship amongst sentinel lymph node pressure, volume, and breast cancer tumor size

Background: Angiogenesis in growing breast cancers (BCs) leads to leaky vessels with resultant increased interstitial fluid volume, pressure, and enhanced lymphatic flow to axillary sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). As the BC grows the intra-tumoral pressure increases. SLNs are often firm and enlarged because of reactive sinusoidal hyperplasia, growth of metastases, and stromal responses to cytokines and fluid flow. We hypothesized that intranodal pressure (INP) of the SLN would increase with increasing primary BC tumor and SLN size. Methods: Axillary SLNs were identified intra-operatively using standard blue dye and radioactive techniques. The stained lymph node was visually detected and confirmation was made with a gamma probe. Pressure in the SLN was measured in vivo using a noncoring needle and recording device in 278 patients. A zero mmHg reading was obtained in the air adjacent to the node, and the INP was recorded in the SLN. The axillary SLNs along with the primary BC were excised and examined using standard pathological techniques. The size of the primary tumor (maximum dimension in cm) was recorded for each patient, along with the SLN volume = (4/3)(π)(length x width x thickness), and compared to the INP. Spearman9s correlation coefficients were used to look at relationships between variables. We looked for significant relationships between variables while controlling for SLN metastasis size using multiple regression modeling. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results: INP from tumor-containing SLNs was 21.39±12.83 mmHg (N = 62), and 9.25±6.33 mmHg (N = 216) for those with no SLN metastasis (p Conclusion: The INP of BC SLNs increased with increased tumor metastasis size and also with the volume of the SLN. Because the SLN volume did not differ when metastasis was present or not, and because the INP was elevated when there was metastasis present, it is likely that pre-metastatic angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, seen pathologically as sinusoidal hyperplasia, may not be enough to cause the interstitial fluid pressure to rise. Our data suggests that increased INP requires tumor cells in the SLN or mechanical factors due to tumor emboli to create conditions sufficient to increase the measurable pressure significantly. Proof of this postulate requires careful quantitative evaluation of other components in the metastatic SLN, such as stromal and lymphoid hyperplasia. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P1-01-15.
QUADRATIC RECURRENCES WITH A POSITIVE DENSITY OF PRIME DIVISORS

For f(x) ∈ ℤ[x] and a ∈ ℤ, we let fn(x) be the nth iterate of f(x), P(f, a) = {p prime: p|fn(a) for some n}, and D(P(f, a)) denote the natural density of P(f, a) within the set of primes. A conjecture of Jones [5] indicates that D(P(f, a)) = 0 for most quadratic f. In this paper, we find an exceptional family of (f, a) such that D(P(f, a)) > 0 by considering ft(x) = (x + t)2 - 2 - t and at = ft(0) for t ∈ ℤ. We prove that if t is not of the form ±M2 ± 2 or ±2M2 ± 2, then D(P(ft, at)) = ⅓. We also determine D(P(ft, at)) in some cases when the density is not equal to ⅓. Our results suggest a connection between the arithmetic dynamics of the conjugates of x2 and the conjugates of x2 - 2.
Scope and Limitations in the Use of α-Silyl and α-Stannyl Sulfones as Latent α-Sulfonyl Anions

Abstract Three methods for the regeneration of α-sulfonyl anions from α-silyl sulfones and α-stannyl sulfones are investigated. These methods include: (1) treatment of α-silyl sulfones with electrophiles (aldehydes and acid halides) in the presence of fluoride ion; (2) reaction of α-silyl sulfones with n-butyllithium which produces an α-silyl anion via a migration of the -SiMe3 group from the α-position to the ortho-position of the phenyl sulfones; and (3) direct transmetalation of α-stannyl sulfone by treatment with n-butyllithium. The addition of cerium [III] chloride is shown to substantially decrease enolization problems associated with addition of α-sulfonyl anions to carbonyl compounds bearing enolizable protons.
Influence of uranium-induced renal injury on flow and composition of renal lymph.

SummaryUranium nephropathy resulted in a 3-fold increase in renal lymph flow as compared to the flow in control, untreated animals. Normal animals showed a significant 4.5-fold increase in lymph flow during mannitol loading while uranium treated animals showed a significant 8-fold increase. The difference between groups (4.5 vs. 8-fold change) was not significant, however. All animals with uranium nephropathy showed a significant proteinuria at the time of the experiment as well as a significant reduction in lymph protein concentration. Prediuresis levels of urine flow were higher in untreated as compared to treated animals. Mannitol infusion was accompanied by an average increase in urine flow of about 20-fold in normal control animals. Animals with uranium nephropathy showed about a 5-fold increase in urine flow. These data appear to be consistent with the histological finding of primary damage to the distal segment of the proximal tubule resulting in leakage of fluid and electrolytes. This leakage of p...
A Class of Rigid Coxeter Groups

A Coxeter group W is said to be rigid if, given any two Coxeter systems (W;S) and (W;S 0 ); there is an automorphism : W ! W such that (S) = S 0 : We consider the class of Coxeter systems (W;S) for which the Coxeter graph S is complete and has only odd edge labels (such a system is said to be of \type Kn"). It is shown that if W has a type Kn system, then any other system for W is also type Kn: Moreover, the multi-set of edge labels on S and S0 agree. In particular, if all but one of the edge labels of S are identical, then W is rigid.
Modeling the Mass-Action Expression for Bidentate Adsorption

The number of bidentate binding sites on a pristine surface (i.e., sites comprising two adjacent monodentate sites plus the space between them) can be substantially larger than the maximum number of bidentate molecules that can adsorb to the surface. When bidentate sorption occurs, the number of available bidentate sites decreases in response to direct occupation of some sites, but an even more significant loss results from the fact that several unoccupied sites immediately surrounding each adsorbed molecule can also become unavailable. Recognition of this phenomenon allows development of a model for the adsorption process that matches simulated data from Monte Carlo (MC) modeling extremely well. The model also explains the observation that, on a given surface with a given fractional occupation, the number of available bidentate sites depends on whether the occupied sites are populated by monodentate or bidentate adsorbed species. A model developed more than 60 years ago but not widely recognized by moder...
Possible Explanation for Star-Crushing Effect in Binary Neutron Star Simulations

A possible explanation is suggested for the controversial star-crushing effect seen in numerical simulations of inspiraling neutron star binaries by Wilson, Mathews and Marronetti (WMM). An apparently incorrect definition of momentum density in the momentum constraint equation used by WMM gives rise to a post-1-Newtonian error in the approximation scheme. We show by means of an analytic, post-1-Newtonian calculation that this error causes an increase of the stars' central densities which is of the order of several percent when the stars are separated by a few stellar radii, in agreement with what is seen in the simulations.
The Photon Scintillator

A new sealed-off detector for accurate photon counting in the ultraviolet (1100-1800 A%o) is described. The resultant pulse height distributions exhibit a clear separation between signal and multiplier dark current. At operating voltages of 20-25 KV across the photon scintillator the peak of the signal distribution occurs at pulse heights greater than 30 times that of the average single electron. Because of the broad valley between signal and dark current the counting rate is relatively insensitive to substantial changes in bias level. The integral background above the bias level due to both the photon scintillator and the coupled photomultiplier dark current is of the order of 1 count/ sec or less. The pulse height resolution (FWHM) at 25 KV for low-light level ultraviolet radiation (single events) is approximately 45%.
Electron microscopic analysis of residual asbestos remaining in preparative vials following bleach digestion

A recurring question that concerns researchers who use digestion techniques for the electron microscopic study of asbestos and ferruginous body (FB) load in tissue is: “Do appreciable numbers of the total fibers or FBs remain adhered to the walls of preparative vials after digestion?” A test series was devised to evaluate the fiber and FB content remaining in digestion vials (glass or plastic) as well as the effectiveness of removing these particulates through variations in the rinsing procedure. The material used for all studies was digested lung tissue from a former amosite asbestos worker. The digestion procedure was based on the bleach technique of Smith and Naylor (Am. J. Clin. Pathol.: 58:250–54, 1972), as modified by Williams et al. (J. Toxicol. Environ. Health:10:627–628, 1982). Aliquots (1.5 ml) of the digests were used to create reproducible standards. These were placed in either the clean glass or polystyrene vials that had been cut to fit in an AMRAY 1000A scanning microscope interfaced with an X-ray energy dispersive analysis system. The aliquots were allowed to remain in the vials for 10 min or 24 h before rinsing was initiated. Aliquots used for the glass vials contained 5.1 × 106 fibers and 20 × 103 FBs, while aliquots for the polystyrene vials contained 6.9 × 106 fibers and 64 × 103 FBs. The maximum errors encountered for the glass and polystyrene vials were, respectively, 0.094% and 0.12% for fibers and 0.0098% and 0.0084% for FBs and are considered small when compared with potential sources for errors in the other stages of the preparative techniques. Also, it was concluded that if at least three thorough rinses are applied, the loss was minimal in either the glass or polystyrene vials.
Parallel synchronous and asynchronous implementations of the auction algorithm

In this paper we discuss the parallel implementation of the auction algorithm for the classical assignment problem. We show that the algorithm admits a totally asynchronous implementation and we consider several implementations on a shared memory machine, with varying degrees of synchronization. We also discuss and explore computationally the tradeoffs involved in using asynchronism to reduce the synchronization penalty.
Combining AFM and FRET for high resolution fluorescence microscopy.

Here we demonstrate a new microscopic method that combines atomic force microscopy (AFM) with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). This method takes advantage of the strong distance dependence in Forster energy transfer between dyes with the appropriate donor/acceptor properties to couple an optical dimension with conventional AFM. This is achieved by attaching an acceptor dye to the end of an AFM tip and exciting a sample bound donor dye through far-field illumination. Energy transfer from the excited donor to the tip immobilized acceptor dye leads to emission in the red whenever there is sufficient overlap between the two dyes. Because of the highly exponential distance dependence in this process, only those dyes located at the apex of the AFM tip, nearest the sample, interact strongly. This limited and highly specific interaction provides a mechanism for obtaining fluorescence contrast with high spatial resolution. Initial results in which 400 nm resolution is obtained through this AFM/FRET imaging technique are reported. Future modifications in the probe design are discussed to further improve both the fluorescence resolution and imaging capabilities of this new technique.
Acquired ADAMTS-13 deficiency in pediatric patients with severe sepsis

We studied the state of ultralarge von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) proteolysis in 21 pediatric patients with severe sepsis and found that the overall group of patients had moderately reduced ADAMTS-13 activity, but 31% had severe enzymatic deficiency. The severe deficiency correlated with greater adhesion activity of von Willebrand factor, severity of thrombocytopenia and plasma levels of interleukin-6. It also correlated clinically with severity of illness and organ dysfunction. These results suggest that ULVWF proteolysis is insufficient in septic patients and severely deficient in a subgroup of patients. The deficiency may contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia and ischemic organ failure associated with sepsis.
Clever Nihilism: Cynicism in Evidence Based Medicine Learners.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) educators are often confronted with learners who use their new critical appraisal skills to dismiss much of the medical literature. Does this cynical atti-tude of “clever nihilism” affect educational outcomes, such that educators need to tailor their cur-ricula to these learners? The authors proposed that this critical skepticism may be an intermediate developmental stage for EBM learners as they progress from “naive empiricism” to “mature pragmatism”, and sought to observe its effect on educational outcomes from an intensive, 6 week EBM course. In this course, fifty-four medical residents reported significantly improved skills in critical appraisal and electronic searching. However there was no association between a measure of clever nihilism and the self-reported educational outcomes. The role of clever nihilism in the EBM classroom remains a potentially important issue, and its lack of effect here may be a product of several methodological limitations addressed in the discussion. Such a construct requires fur-ther validation The question remains as to whether such cynicism is a learning style or a devel-opmental phase.
Connectivities of estuarine fishes to the coastal realm

Abstract Connectivity is an important concept in landscape ecology, but has several meanings. Here, I treat this term generically, including interactions among land- and seascape elements, transfers of nutrients among them, and interactions among closely related species comprising guilds. Complex relationships between the natural histories of estuary-dependent fishes are best understood in the context of the “coastal realm”, the heterogeneous and diverse portion of Earth where land, sea, and atmosphere interact with great intensity through exchanges of energy and materials. Especially for anadromous fishes, estuaries form especially important conduits between terrestrial watersheds and the coastal ocean. For this reason, these species may be termed “estuary-dependent”. However, for many species that use estuaries, dependency may be difficult to define. I illustrate coastal-realm connectivities for two groups of closely related estuarine species from different latitudes: (1) clupeids of the US east coast, and (2) salmonids of the Bering Sea. These groups inhabit coastal-ocean waters as adults and use estuaries and/or freshwaters for reproduction or as nursery areas. Both groups have evolved metapopulation structures, perhaps also contingent patterns of behavior, that indicate hierarchical interactions within metaestuarine or metafluvial systems. Their natural histories suggest an estuary-dependent adaptive complex involving opportunistic life histories and redundancies within species guilds, which offer resiliency for these guilds under conditions of ecological and/or environmental change. I conclude that: (1) estuarine connectivities are best illustrated for fishes that can be shown to be estuary dependent at some life-history stage; (2) resiliency for functionally important guilds may also offer resiliency to their ecosystems; and (3) further understanding connectivities among coastal fishes and their changing environments depends on the fusion of natural history with land–seascape ecology on multiple scales.
Interaction between F plasmid partition proteins SopA and SopB.

Two different yeast two hybrid systems were used to examine interaction between the partition proteins SopA and SopB of F plasmid as well as their self association. In one system, the yeast Gal4 protein DNA binding domain (Gal4-BD) is fused to the N-terminus of the bait protein, and the Gal4 activation domain (Gal4-AD) is fused to the N-terminus of the target protein (1). In the other system, the target hybrid remains unchanged but E. coli LexA protein (LexA) is fused to the C-terminus of the bait protein (2). It is found that C-terminus part of SopB is involved in interaction with itself, as an N-terminal truncation of SopB, SopB-(120-323) remains capable of self association. For interaction between SopA, deletion of the N-terminal part weakens but does not abolish the interaction. Interaction between SopB and SopA protein was also detected, but only by the use of the second system. Full length SopB [SopB-(1-323)] or SopB-(1-180) lacking the C-terminal region beyond amino acid 180 can interact with full-length SopA-(1-383) protein.
Spontaneous resolution of prenatal megalourethra

Urethral obstruction in the fetus is rare. Whereas proximal obstruction most often is caused by posterior urethral valves, causes of distal obstruction are less well recognized and can include urethral atresia, urethral webs, and anterior urethral valves. These latter abnormalities can lead to urinary retention, incontinence, enuresis, spontaneous bladder rupture, and megacystis. The authors present 3 fetuses (gestational age range, 18 to 20 weeks) in whom distal urethral obstruction was suspected by prenatal ultrasonography in the absence of a demonstrable lesion. All 3 experienced spontaneous resolution of the presumed obstruction. On follow-up, all are alive and well with no adverse genitourinary tract sequelae. No postpartum intervention was required.
Another call to increase STEM education

[1] As science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education becomes increasingly important, U.S. students are lagging behind other nations on international assessments, according to a recent Trends in International Mathematics and Science study. A 22 June report from the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) calls for increasing the focus on STEM education in the United States. “To make progress in improving STEM education for all students, policy makers at the national, state, and local levels should elevate science to the same level of importance as reading and mathematics,” states the report, “Successful K–12 STEM Education: Identifying Effective Approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.” It outlines several goals: expand the number of students who pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields; expand the STEM-capable workforce, while also broadening the participation of women and minorities; and increase STEM literacy for all students, whether or not they pursue STEM-related careers or additional study in those areas.
CT findings in hepatosplenic and renal candidiasis.

Fourteen patients with the diagnosis of leukemia and one with lymphoma developed systemic candidiasis. Involvement of the liver (15 patients), spleen (nine patients), and kidney (five patients) was diagnosed by clinical, CT, and pathologic findings. The CT findings ranged from low-density lesions (11 livers, nine spleens, and five kidneys) to hepatomegaly or hepatospleno-megaly. All livers and three kidneys had positive biopsy findings for Candida. Two patients with diffuse splenic lesions underwent splenectomy and were proven to have candidiasis. During a 1 year follow-up, two patients developed hepatic calcifications and one developed renal calcifications. In proper clinical setting, CT should be done for simultaneous evaluation of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These studies, when positive, are useful to guide percutaneous or open biopsy and to follow the results of therapy. However, regardless of the hepatic CT finding, biopsy should be obtained to establish the diagnosis and begin proper treatment.
Ultrafast dynamics of unbundeled single-walled carbon nanotubes

We have used ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy to explore carrier dynamics in micelle-suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes. We observe two distinct relaxation regimes and attribute them to intraband carrier relaxation towards the band edge and radiative interband recombination
Proceedings of the 14th annual meeting of the society for pediatric dermatology Quebec City, Quebec, Canada June 22-24, 1989

The fourteenth annual meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dennatology was held in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada and hosted by Drs. Beraice Krafchik, Lionel Boxall, and the dennatology staff of L'Hotel-Dieu de Quebec, particularly Drs. Raymond Lessard and Richard Cloutier. The fifth annual Sidney Hurwitz Lecture was presented by Professor Ruggero Caputo of the University of Milan. He discussed the histiocytoses, which he classified by their clinical, histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical characteristics. Histiocytosis X is a proliferation of unknown cause of a distinct histiocytic cell type containing Langerhans' granules in the cytoplasm and staining positively for S-100 and OK-T6. The disease can be divided into four clinical subtypes: Letterer-Siwe disease, Hand-SchuDer-Christian disease, eosinophilic granuioma, and congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis. Letterer-Siwe is the acute disseminated form of histiocytosis X. Cutaneous lesions are present in approximately 80% of cases, particularly on the trunk and scalp, and these lesions are frequently the presenting sign of the disease. Lesions may present as papules (often with scaling, purpura, or crusts), pustules, petechiae, and purpuric striae of the nail beds.
Parents-as-teachers: design and establishment of a training programme for paediatric residents.

Objectives To improve the training of paediatric residents in general and to provide more meaningful insights into family functioning. Design The programme is one facet of a 1-month developmental disabilities rotation for paediatric PL2 residents. It incorporates elements of family-centred care whereby physicians learn through home and community site visits about the importance of developing partnerships with parents and service providers in order to give better care to children with chronic conditions. Setting Gillette Specialty Health Care Center, St Paul, Minnesota. Subjects Paediatric PL2 residents and a parent group. Results Of 18 residents, 11 completed written and 18 completed oral feedback evaluations. There were infrequent but consistent complaints relating to logistics; more positive comments were made about the programme and individuals involved. Conclusions In the minds of all participants, the Parents-as-Teachers (PAT) programme has been highly successful, as documented by short-term objective and subjective parent and resident feedback. The PAT experience represents a unique opportunity for parents and physicians-in-training to improve their mutual understanding. While not analysed in this report, the inclusion of a complementary programme involving on-site teaching in various community agencies also appears to be of value.
Economic development, marine protected areas and gendered access to fishing resources in a Polynesian lagoon

This study examines the potential socio-spatial impacts of a new series of marine protected areas (MPAs) on fishers in Moorea, French Polynesia. The establishment of the MPAs is contextualized within recent and historical processes of economic development and theories of women in development and gender, culture and development. Seventy adults from three neighborhoods in Moorea were interviewed. Analysis of the data provides new information about the characteristics of fishing in Moorea. Unlike most fishing cultures and communities throughout the Pacific Islands, men and women in Moorea have similar, as opposed to segregated, spatial patterns of fishing activities and fishing methods. The study also points out the potential negative impacts of the MPAs on both men and women, particularly younger and lower-income fishers.
Ranolazine for chronic stable angina

Ranolazine is a new and unique antianginal drug that has been approved for the treatment of chronic stable angina pectoris. The drug is administered as a sustained-release formulation. Although the drug's mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, current thinking is that ranolazine, a selective inhibitor of late sodium influx, attenuates the abnormalities of ventricular repolarisation and contractility associated with ischaemia. Three randomised trials have shown efficacy for ranolazine in increasing exercise testing or reducing anginal episodes or use of glyceryl trinitrate. Side-effects include dizziness, constipation, nausea, and the potential for prolongation of the QT(c) interval. Ranolazine seems to be a safe addition to current traditional drugs for chronic stable angina, especially in aggressive multidrug regimens.
Accumulation of arginine in plants afflicted with iron-deficiency type chlorosis.

of the strain as a new type, to be assigned a number in accordance with the recommendations of the International Bacteriological Nomenclature Subcommittee on Streptococei and Pneumococei, or (ii) its identity with a previously recognized type. Whatever the outcome of future serologic studies with the Red Lake strain, there is no doubt that, under some circumstances, it is nephritogenic and must therefore be taken into account, together with types 12 and 4, in studies on the relationship of group-A streptococci to acute glomerulonephritis.
Observed versus reported precepting skills: teaching behaviours in a community ambulatory clerkship.

Purpose Community-based doctors are increasingly utilised for the clinical education of medical students. Faculty development programmes are frequently provided. However, data about the community faculty–student teaching interaction and the longterm impact of such programmes are limited. This study observes community faculty–student teaching interactions and assesses the use of clinical teaching methods taught during faculty development workshops. Methods Between March and August 2002, 13 rural, urban and suburban community-based faculty who completed at least 1 faculty development workshop were observed during faculty−student−patient encounters and interviewed. Observer-interviewers utilised a checklist to record teaching styles, methods and skills, and administered a questionnaire to obtain community faculty's self-perceptions. Results On observation, the assertive precepting style and didactic teaching predominated in 90% and 86% of teaching encounters, respectively. Interactive discussion and direct observation occurred less often, in 71% and 18% of encounters, respectively. Feedback was provided in 25% of encounters. On interview, community faculty reported that faculty development workshops resulted in improved precepting effectiveness and professional satisfaction with moderate to considerable improvement in feedback, interactive teaching and use of multiple precepting styles for 100%, 77% and 77% of community faculty, respectively. Community faculty reported that their skills in addressing problem students, direct observation and didactic teaching improved moderately. There was little statistical correlation between self-assessed and observed skills. Conclusions Community-based faculty rate their teaching skills as improved following faculty development. Observation reveals that interactive discussion, direct observation, feedback and problem management skills are still lacking.
NEW PERSPECTIVES ON THE MATERIALS INTERFACE WITH THE THREE E'S -- ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND ECONOMICS

The past, present, and future energy picture is described from 1850 through the year 2030. The major energy sources such as oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and several new emerging energy options are compared and contrasted. The lead time, capital, and materials required for bringing on-stream new energy sources is described. Previous US energy forecasts are reviewed and are found to be too optimistic. The US materials situation is outlined with an emphasis on per capita materials use and the critical role that foreign sources play in our materials supply. The interrelationship between energy and materials production is considered for three areas: (1) industrial processing, (2) construction and buildings, and (3) the automobile. 23 references.
The spectral sensitivity of “red” and “green” cones in the normal eye

Abstract If green light (540 nm) is exchanged for red light (640 nm) with energies so adjusted that each excites the “red” cones equally (their isolept), then only “green” cones can respond to the exchange. The exchanging lights are projected upon a steady background light of either 540 or 640 nm with energies so adjusted that they raise the exchange threshold equally. We conclude that this energy ratio is the isolept for “green” cones. The experiment was repeated with exchange energies now at the isolept for “green” cones, and the background ratio now gives the isolept for “red” cones. Our Analytical anomaloscope is set with the 640 and 540 nm primaries at the isolept energy values for (say) “green” cones. Then these cones absorb a fixed quantity Q of light from the (red + green) mixture independent of the R/G ratio. So, when a Rayleigh match is made for any wave length λ, the fraction of incident energy E λ absorbed by “green” cones is the fixed amount Q . Consequently the spectral sensitivity of “green” cones is inversely as E λ . The spectral sensitivity of “green” and “red” cones so measured coincides with that of protanopes and deuteranopes. This supports Konig's views, and justifies the extraction of the “Konig fundamentals” from (C.I.E.) colour matching functions using the confusion concurrences of dichromats.
Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in serum and follicular fluid of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization

Abstract Objective: To define the relationship between serum and follicular fluid (FF) levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E 2 , and P in patients undergoing IVF; to quantify the effects of hCG on serum levels of VEGF during early pregnancy; and to report serial measurements of serum and ascites fluid levels of VEGF in a patient with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: University IVF program. Patient(s): Women undergoing conventional IVF, receiving donated oocytes or spontaneously conceiving. One patient hospitalized with severe OHSS. Main Outcome Measure(s): Concentrations of VEGF, E 2 , and P in serum, FF, or peritoneal fluid. Result(s): At the time of egg retrieval, FF VEGF concentrations were positively correlated with serum and FF P concentrations and with patient age. At 11 to 14 days after ET, pregnant recipients of autologous fresh embryos had higher serum VEGF levels than both nonpregnant recipients of autologous fresh embryos and pregnant recipients of donor eggs. Elevated serum VEGF levels in a patient with severe OHSS coincided with the clinical onset and recurrence of symptoms. Conclusion(s): In patients undergoing IVF, FF VEGF levels at the time of egg retrieval correlated with the degree of follicular luteinization. There is a significant ovarian contribution to circulating VEGF levels during early gestation. Elevated serum VEGF levels may be a factor in the etiology of OHSS symptoms.
Convergence of the sinc overlapping domain decomposition method

The sinc-collocation overlapping method is developed for two-point boundary-value problems for second-order ordinary differential equations. The discrete system is formulated and the bordering algorithm used for the solution of this system is described. It is then shown that the convergence rate is exponential even if the solution has boundary singularities. The details of the convergence proof are given for a sinc-collocation method for two-point boundary-value problems when the original domain is divided into two subdomains. The extension to multiple domains is then straightforward. The analytical results are illustrated with numerical examples that exhibit the exponential convergence rate.
Evaluation of the enterococci indicator in biosolids using culture-based and quantitative PCR assays

Abstract The utility of the enterococci indicator for measuring biosolids quality was evaluated in biosolids from 22 U.S. wastewater treatment facilities. Enterococci were enumerated using 23S rRNA quantitative PCR (qPCR) and membrane filtration with mEI-agar culture analyses in biosolids collected after mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD, class B, 13 treatment plants), composting (class A, 10 treatment plants), and temperature-phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD, class A, six treatment plants). Enterococci qPCR and culture values were not significantly different for a given treatment ( P > 0.05 , paired t -test) and both assays showed differences in biosolid treatment effectiveness—anaerobic digestion treatments averaged 5–5.5 log genomic units (GU) and colony forming units (CFU)/dry g while composting decreased enterococci on average to 3.7 log GU and 3.8 log CFU/dry g. Only in class A TPAD biosolids dewatered with a belt-filter press were culture values significantly lower than qPCR values (1.7 log CFU/dry g vs. 5 GU/dry g). Further investigation of compost inactivation was compared for enterococci and other fecal indicators ( n = 5 treatment plants)—the enterococci indicator was more resistant to compost treatment than fecal coliforms, with reductions averaging only 1–2.5 logs for enterococci, male-specific coliphages, and sulfite-reducing Clostridia while 5-log reductions were observed for fecal coliforms. Lastly, biosolid isolates from culture-based methods were identified using DNA sequencing—these results revealed that non-enterococci, including Bacillus spp. and Vagococcus spp., were commonly isolated from compost and TPAD biosolids using mEI agar. Given the equivalency of culture- and qPCR-based enterococci concentrations in biosolids and the more conservative inactivation noted for both assays during class A composting, the use of enterococci qPCR monitoring could bypass non-specificity issues with culture-based methods while providing an improved description of pathogen fate in biosolids.
Verbal interference with visual classification: Optimal processing and experimental design

The speed of classification of six alternative ink colors into two categories of three colors each was measured in tasks for which the colors were displayed as either XXXX patterns or incongruent words (Stroop stimuli). Substantial interference from the words occurred when the classification required grouping nonadjacent hues (red, yellow, and blue vs. orange, green, and purple) regardless of whether subjects received exclusive practice with this classification. Interference also occurred when the classification required grouping adjacent hues (red, orange, and yellow vs. green, blue, and purple), but only if this classification was intermixed within blocks of trials with the nonadjacent classification; subjects who received exclusive practice with the adjacent classification sorted the Stroop stimuli as rapidly as the XXXX stimuli.
Development of a Materials for Energy Storage Course for Engineering Students

The advanced energy storage industry is a rapidly growing field. This industry is looking for engineering graduates with the skills and training to work in the area of energy storage. The School of Engineering at Grand Valley State University is developing a three-course certificate in advanced energy to address this need. The objective of the certificate is to prepare students with a sound engineering and science education which is augmented with knowledge of energy as applied to advanced energy storage for electrified vehicles and power management.As part of the certificate in advanced energy, a course is being developed in Materials for Energy Storage. This course will study the components of electrochemical cells and the various materials used for these components. The focus will be on the properties of the different materials, the benefits and drawbacks of each one, and the selection of materials for specific applications. The interaction between the materials of the individual components within the cells will be examined. Finally, the electrochemical energy storage system will be considered as a whole and the testing and performance of the cells will be studied.This paper will present a description and overview of the course, and the topics that will be covered. As the course is in the development stage, the plans for assessment after its pilot offering will be discussed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Evaluation of spatial abilities within a 2D auditory platform game

In this paper, we compare the mental maps created by sighted participants with the maps created by participants with visual impairments during the study of an auditory platform game. The game uses audio cues to convey a 2D side-scrolling view of the spatial layout of the game world. We studied three groups with 9 participants each: a control group of sighted participants playing an audio-visual version of the game, sighted participants playing the audio-only version of the game, and participants with visual impairments playing the audio-only version of the game. Immediately after playing two of the game's levels, we transferred the participants' verbal descriptions of the level's layout onto paper maps and gave each map a "mapping score" that expressed how closely a map matched the actual layout of the game level. The results suggest that in this setting, all participants were able to create maps with roughly the same accuracy no matter which version of the game they played (audio-visual or audio-only) and independent of the participant's level of visual ability (sighted persons or persons with visual impairments).
A Perspective on the Complexity of Dietary Fiber Structures and Their Potential Effect on the Gut Microbiota

Even though there are many factors that determine the human colon microbiota composition, diet is an important one because most microorganisms in the colon obtain energy for their growth by degrading complex dietary compounds, particularly dietary fibers. While fiber carbohydrates that escape digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract are recognized to have a range of structures, the vastness in number of chemical structures from the perspective of the bacteria is not well appreciated. In this article, we introduce the concept of “discrete structure” that is defined as a unique chemical structure, often within a fiber molecule, which aligns with encoded gene clusters in bacterial genomes. The multitude of discrete structures originates from the array of different fiber types coupled with structural variations within types due to genotype and growing environment, anatomical parts of the grain or plant, discrete regions within polymers, and size of oligosaccharides and small polysaccharides. These thousands of discrete structures conceivably could be used to favor bacteria in the competitive colon environment. A global framework needs to be developed to better understand how dietary fibers can be used to obtain predicted changes in microbiota composition for improved health. This will require a multi-disciplinary effort that includes biological scientists, clinicians, and carbohydrate specialists.
The Natural History of Symptoms and Distress in Patients and Families Following Cystectomy for Treatment of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Purpose: We characterized the natural history of symptoms with time in patients with bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy.Materials and Methods: For 6 months we followed 33 participants treated with muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment with cystectomy in this prospective cohort study. Patients and family caregivers completed validated symptom assessment and satisfaction surveys at baseline, and 2, 4 and 6 months later. Primary outcomes were the change from baseline in pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, quality of life and spiritual well-being. Secondary outcomes included posttraumatic growth, patient satisfaction and family caregiver burden.Results: Pain increased after radical cystectomy and remained increased 6 months postoperatively based on Brief Pain Inventory scores (baseline and 6-month scores 4.0, 95% CI 0–8.0 and 9.8, 95% CI 1.9–17.6, respectively, p = 0.03). Posttraumatic growth showed a trend toward an increase at 2 months (p = 0.06). Fatigue peaked at 4 months but did not change significa...
SMART (strategic memory allocation for real-time) cache design

A discussion is presented as to why the present approach to cache architecture design results in unpredictable performance improvements in real-time systems with priority-based preemptive scheduling algorithms. The SMART cache design is shown to be compatible with the goals of scheduling in a real-time system. The results of this research provide a scheme not only for utilizing the performance enhancement provided by hierarchical memory designs, but also for fine tuning these enhancements to provide increased benefit to the desired scheduling goal. >
Democracy Assistance and Political Transition in Russia: Between Success and Failure

International Security, Vol. 25, No. 4 (Spring 2001), pp. 68–106 © 2001 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Democracy Assistance and Political Transition In one of the more stunning developments of the post–Cold War era, Russia has been host since the early 1990s to a virtual army of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from the United States, Britain, Germany, and elsewhere in Europe. These NGOs, many of which receive funding from Western governments, have worked for years with local political and social activists on various aspects of democratic institutional development, such as helping to establish competitive political parties and elections, independent media, civic advocacy groups, free trade unions, and independent judiciaries.1 Little is known (although much good and bad is believed) about the impact of this “democracy assistance.” For example, how have Western efforts helped, hurt, or been irrelevant to Russians? What have been their positive and negative unintended consequences?
Characterization of GaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy on vicinal Ge(100) substrates

In this article we investigate the growth of GaAs on two different vicinal surfaces of Ge (100), cut 6° off the (100) plane toward the (110) plane or toward the (111) plane. Both substrates exhibit evidence of a regular array of double steps. Ge substrates and GaAs films are characterized with low energy electron diffraction, low temperature photoluminescence, scanning tunneling microscopy, electron channeling, and scanning electron microscopy. GaAs grown on wafers cut toward the (111) plane exhibits high quality as compared to reference GaAs samples, whereas GaAs grown on wafers cut toward the (110) plane displays clear evidence of three-dimensional growth and low crystallinity.
Indole Compounds Related to Auxins and Goitrogens of Woad (Isatis tinctoria L.)

Five conspicuous indole derivatives are present in leaves and other tissues of woad (Isatis tinctoria L.). They were identified as tryptophan, isatan B, glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, and glucobrassicin-1-sulfonate. The latter three indole glucosinolates are present at levels of at least 260, 69, and 200 milligrams per kilogram fresh weight and were isolated as crystalline salts. Comparison of physical and chemical properties, particularly NMR spectral analysis, confirms that the 1-methoxyglucobrassicin structure suggested for neoglucobrassicin is correct, whereas further evidence for the even more unusual sulfonation of the ring nitrogen in glucobrassicin-1-sulfonate was obtained. Glucobrassicin-1-sulfonate has an enzymic degradation pattern identical to that of glucobrassicin. As it too releases thiocyanate, it must be added to the list of known plant goitrogens. These studies and the techniques described establish woad as exceptionally suitable higher plant material for metabolic studies of indoles related to goitrogens and auxins.
Reaffirming the Unique Identity of Counseling Psychology: Opting for the “Road Less Traveled By”

Chwalisz's (2003 [this issue])call to adopt the evidence-based practice model provides an opportunity for counseling psychologists to reexamine both their commitment to the scientist-practitioner model and their unique professional identity. In this reaction, the author offers her critique of several assumptions underlying the evidence-based approach and presents her position that a shift to the evidence-based worldview would move the field further away from its roots as a specialty, including its particular commitment to prevention, multiculturalism, and social justice. A set of standards or competencies to advance counseling psychologists' commitments to a prevention-oriented, social justice approach is needed to guide counseling training, practice, and research. In addition, significant barriers to the implementation of a prevention-oriented agenda in counseling psychology will need to be overcome.
Edge Wave Asymmetries

Meridional asymmetry arising from the inclusion of meridional variation in the Coriolis parameter is shown to be a fundamental property of the higher-order dynamics of Eady edge waves. This asymmetry may be relevant to structural characteristics of observed atmospheric transients, particularly short waves propagating along the extratropical dynamic tropopause.
Use of Skeletal Surveys to Evaluate for Physical Abuse: Analysis of 703 Consecutive Skeletal Surveys

OBJECTIVES: The goals were to assess the use of the skeletal survey (SS) to evaluate for physical abuse in a large consecutive sample, to identify characteristics of children most likely to have unsuspected fractures, and to determine how often SS results influenced directly the decision to make a diagnosis of abuse. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of a consecutive sample of children who underwent an SS at a single children9s hospital over 4 years was performed. Data on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, SS results, and effects of SS results on clinical diagnoses were collected. A positive SS result was defined as a SS which identified a previously unsuspected fracture(s). RESULTS: Of the 703 SSs, 10.8% yielded positive results. Children CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date to describe the use of the SS. Almost 11% of SS results were positive. The SS results influenced directly the decision to make a diagnosis of abuse for 50% of children with positive SS results. These data, combined with the high morbidity rates for missed abuse and the large proportion of children with healing fractures detected through SS, suggest that broader use of SS, particularly for high-risk populations, may be warranted.