cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-hodgkin malignant lymphoma with tissue neutrophilia: a report of 3 cases.

c Context.—Neutrophils, in the absence of necrosis, are uncommon in non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma. Recently, a neutrophil-rich type of Ki-1 (CD30)-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma was described. Objectives.—We report 3 cases of nonanaplastic large cell lymphoma with an abundance of tissue neutrophils; 2 cases were associated with breast carcinoma and possible infection. Results.—Peripheral blood neutrophilia was noted in only 1 of these 3 patients. Neutrophilia in the lymph nodes occurred in either a sinusoidal or interstitial pattern. Multiple biopsies were available for review in 2 patients; however, tissue neutrophilia was present in only 1 biopsy each. Conclusion.—These findings suggest that nonanaplastic large cell lymphoma‐related tissue neutrophilia is a transient phenomenon. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2000;124:735‐738)
Igκ allelic inclusion is a consequence of receptor editing

The discovery of lymphocytes bearing two light chains in mice carrying self-reactive antibody transgenes has challenged the “one lymphocyte–one antibody” rule. However, the extent and nature of allelically included cells in normal mice is unknown. We show that 10% of mature B cells coexpress both Igκ alleles. These cells are not the result of failure in allelic exclusion per se, but arise through receptor editing. We find that under physiological conditions, editing occurs both by deletion and by inclusion with equal probability. In addition, we demonstrate that B lymphocytes carrying two B-cell receptors are recruited to germinal center reactions, and thus fully participate in humoral immune responses. Our data measure the scope of allelic inclusion and provide a mechanism whereby autoreactive B cells might “escape” central tolerance.
Assessment of Guilt and Shame in Patients with Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Compared with Patients with Breast and Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE: Patients with lung cancer might feel more guilt and shame resulting from previous smoking. This study was designed to determine the levels of guilt and shame among patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with breast and prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surveys were sent to participants 3 times (at enrollment, 2 months, and 6 months). Patients were eligible if they had stage IV NSCLC, breast cancer, or prostate cancer. The survey included tests of generalized guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety as well as guilt, shame, and embarrassment related to one’s cancer. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two participants completed ≥ 1 questionnaire: 96 patients with NSCLC, 30 patients with breast cancer, and 46 patients with prostate cancer. Of the patients with NSCLC, 91.7% were current or former smokers versus 67.1% of the comparison patients. A composite score of embarrassment related to one’s cancer (perceived cancer-related stigma; PCRS) was higher in patients with NSCLC (P < .01). Mean baseline generalized guilt and shame scores were not different among groups and did not change over time. A history of smoking correlated with increased levels of guilt and shame, regardless of tumor type. A personal identification of past behaviors as contributing to cancer correlated with higher levels of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression. Of the patients with NSCLC, 29.5% felt that their behaviors contributed to their cancer compared with 10.5% of the comparison patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with NSCLC had higher levels of PCRS than patients with prostate cancer or breast cancer but not higher baseline levels of shame and guilt. Smoking is correlated with higher levels of guilt and shame. A belief that one caused one’s own cancer is correlated with higher levels of guilt, shame, anxiety, and depression. These findings could be translated into an increased need for open communication among patients and their providers surrounding issues of cancer causation, guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety.
Update: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

Studies over the last few years have clearly established that at least 25% of men with type 2 diabetes have subnormal free testosterone concentrations in association with inappropriately low LH and FSH concentrations. Another 4% have subnormal testosterone concentrations with elevated LH and FSH concentrations. The Endocrine Society, therefore, now recommends the measurement of testosterone in patients with type 2 diabetes on a routine basis. The subnormal testosterone concentrations are not related to glycosylated hemoglobin or duration of diabetes, but are associated with obesity, very high C-reactive protein concentrations, and mild anemia. In addition, subnormal testosterone concentrations in these men are associated with a two to three times elevated risk of cardiovascular events and death in two early studies. Short-term studies of testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes have demonstrated an increase in insulin sensitivity and a decrease in waist circumference. However, the data on the effect of testosterone replacement on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol and C-reactive protein concentrations are inconsistent. As far as sexual function is concerned, testosterone treatment increases libido but does not improve erectile dysfunction and thus, phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be required. Trials of a longer duration are clearly required to definitively establish the benefits and risks of testosterone replacement in patients with type 2 diabetes and low testosterone.
The Terrorist Endgame: A Model with Moral Hazard and Learning

The author models the relationship between a government and former terrorists as a game with both moral hazard and learning. The government is uncertain about both the former terrorists’ ability and skill at providing counterterrorism aid. The government has the option—after observing the success or failure of counterterrorism—of replacing the former terrorist leadership with a new negotiating partner. This study demonstrates that the threat of replacement, in addition to promised concessions, provides incentives for former terrorists to exert counterterrorism effort, particularly when the potential replacements are of moderate ability. Furthermore, the author identifies conditions under which governments are likely to replace the former-terrorist leadership with which it has been negotiating. The model also has implications for the effect of counterterrorism successes on future concessions and the impact of the government’s ability to consider replacing the former terrorists on concessions and counterter...
Motion Artifact Reduction in Photopleythysmography Using Magnitude-Based Frequency Domain Independent Component Analysis

Corruption of photopleythsmograms by motion artifacts has been a serious obstacle to the reliable use of pulse oximeters for real-time, continuous state-of-health monitoring. In this work, we propose a motion artifact reduction methodology that is effective even in the case of severe subject movement. The methodology involves an enhanced preprocessing unit consisting of a motion detection unit (MDU), period estimation unit, and a Fourier series reconstruction unit. The MDU aids in identifying clean data frames versus those corrupted with motion artifacts. The period detection unit is used to determine the fundamental frequency of a corrupt frame. The Fourier series reconstruction unit reconstructs the final preprocessed signal. The reconstruction process primarily utilizes the spectrum variability of the pulse waveform. Preprocessed data are then fed to a magnitude- based frequency domain independent component analysis (FD-ICA) unit. This helps reduce motion artifacts present at the frequency components chosen for reconstruction. Experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed motion artifact reduction method. The efficacy of the technique is compared with time domain ICA and complex frequency domain ICA methods.
GLORIA: Geostationary/Low-Earth Orbiting Radar Image Acquisition System: a multi-static GEO/LEO synthetic aperture radar satellite constellation for Earth observation

In this paper, we present a novel approach to continuous remote sensing of Earth. The proposed concept "GLORIA" drastically enhances the ability of scientists to study the Earth in a manner not possible before. The proposed system is based on a constellation of few geostationary, radar transmitter satellites and several low Earth orbiting synthetic aperture radar receiver satellites. Just as the sun is the radiation source for optical remote sensing, transmitters of microwave energy in a geostationary orbit provide the energy for radar remote sensing. Advantages of such a constellation lie in (1) a much larger number of observables, due to multi-static measurements, which significantly enhances the accuracy of retrieval algorithms, 2) the distribution of failure risk is by eliminating total system failure if a single satellite stops operating, 3) simple modular system design of small satellites through separation of transmitters and receivers (reducing weight, cost and power consumption by each satellite), and 4) flexibility in operation, that is, the receivers can be configured for different modes.
Medical pearl: the ice-pack sign in brachioradial pruritus.

P atients with brachioradial pruritus (BRP) often report that their itch feels ‘‘deep,’’ that scratching only makes it worse, and that the only thing that provides any relief is the application of ice packs, chilling the skin to the point of numbness. The ice-pack sign is nearly pathognomonic for this condition. The weight of available evidence suggests that BRP is a neurogenic/neuropathic itch. It usually presents with a picking, prickling, burning, or just plain itchy itch of one or both forearms. BRP can involve, or ‘‘spread,’’ to the upper arms as well (especially the lateral aspects). It occasionally spreads across the upper back, and very occasionally across the neck and uppermost chest. In some patients, sunlight acts as a trigger. Despite offering temporary relief, it is also possible that ice-pack application may be counterproductive, but this remains to be determined. There are anecdotal reports that treatment with oral gabapentin may be helpful in treating some patients with severe BRP.
Influence of exercise training on heart rate variability in post-menopausal women with elevated arterial blood pressure.

Low heart rate variability (HRV) has been reported to be an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease in women and has recently been identified as a risk factor for cardiac sudden death and all-cause mortality. We have recently demonstrated that endurance-trained post-menopausal women demonstrate higher levels of HRV than sedentary control subjects. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that 12 weeks of regular aerobic exercise would increase HRV in sedentary post-menopausal women with elevated arterial blood pressure (BP) (i.e. either high normal BP or stage I hypertension). A secondary aim was to test the hypothesis that the increase in HRV with exercise training, if observed, would be associated with an increase in spontaneous cardiac baroreflex sensitivity (SBRS), an important physiological determinant of HRV. To accomplish these aims, we studied eight sedentary post-menopausal women (age = 54.5 +/- 1.3 years) before and after 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training (3.3 +/- 0.3 days per week at 70% +/- 2% of maximal heart rate for 43 +/- 3 min per day). Maximal oxygen uptake and body weight did not change (P > 0.05) with training, but percentage fat (35.5 +/- 2.6% vs. 34.5 +/- 2.3%, P 0.05) from baseline levels after 12 weeks of aerobic training. Similarly, the high-frequency, low-frequency and total power of HRV (frequency domain measures) were also unchanged from baseline (all P > 0.05). SBRS was also not different before and after aerobic exercise training (10 +/- 2 vs. 13 +/- 3 ms mmHg-1 respectively, P > 0.05). In contrast, systolic and diastolic BP were reduced approximately 8 and approximately 5 mmHg with training (both P < 0.05) respectively. These results indicate that 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training does not increase HRV or SBRS, despite producing a clinically significant reduction in BP at rest in post-menopausal women with elevated BP. Considered together with our previous findings in female master endurance athletes, these findings suggest that more intense and prolonged exercise training may be required to produce increases in HRV and SBRS in sedentary post-menopausal women.
Macrophage Role in the Anti-Prostate Cancer Response to One Class of Antiangiogenic Agents

Background. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can either promote angiogenesis (i.e., the formation of new blood vessels) in tumors by secreting tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a )o r inhibit angiogenesis by producing granulocyte‐macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which in turn stimulates production of the antiangiogenic protein plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2). We tested, alone or in combination, the anti-prostate cancer activity of agents that perturb macrophage function. Methods: By use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we measured the effects of Linomide® (roquinimex), thalidomide, pentoxifylline, and genistein on TNF-a and GM-CSF production in vitro by virally transformed RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages and on PAI-2 production in vitro by human macrophages. The antitumor effects of these agents were tested in vivo on transplanted Dunning R-3327 MAT-Lu rat prostate cancers; TAM numbers and blood vessel densities in these cancers were determined by use of immunocytochemistry. Results: Linomide selectively inhibited mouse macrophage secretion of TNF-a but not of GM-CSF; however, thalidomide, pentoxifylline, and genistein inhibited the production of both cytokines. Linomide, but not thalidomide or pentoxifylline, increased production of PAI-2 by human macrophages. When administered to rats bearing MAT-Lu tumors, each of the tested agents reduced TAM numbers (Linomide, by 46%; thalidomide, by 94%; pentoxifylline, by 71%; and genistein, by 96%). However, all of the agents reduced tumor blood vessel density and tumor growth, with Linomide being the most effective (44% reduction in blood vessel density and 69% inhibition of tumor growth). None of the other agents potentiated Linomide’s antitumor effect. Conclusions: Linomide is unique among the antiangiogenic agents tested, in that it inhibits the stimulatory effects of TAMs on tumor angiogenesis without eliminating their antiangiogenic effects, and may thus prove to be more effective against prostate cancer. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1998;90:1648‐53]
A Hybrid system with what-where-memory for multi-object recognition

To improve the efficiency of multi-object recognition in complex scenes, a hybrid system is proposed to learn the concurrencies and spatial relationships among different objects, and to apply such relationships for better recognitions. The hybrid system includes a bottom-up saliency map to generate regions of interest (ROIs), an independent classifiers to recognize these ROIs based on object appearances, and a what-where-memory (WWM) to cast the top-down knowledge of object relationships to help the recognitions provided by independent classifiers. The WWM learns not only the concurrencies but also the spatial layouts of different classes, which can filter out the classes that unlikely appear, and distinguish the correct class from ambiguous classes provided by independent classifiers. Experiments of multi-object recognition on two well-known image datasets demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed system.
Considerations for Drug Dosing Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Acute physiologic changes after bypass graft surgery may temporarily result in reduced drug elimination and dosing requirements for the desired effect. Substantially lower doses for drugs such as the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban may need to be considered when initiating therapy soon after surgery if the therapeutic window is narrow and impaired liver, kidney, or cardiac function is present. Initial dosing approaches, with follow-up infusion rate adjustments and allowances for the extended time needed to establish and maintain an activated partial thromboplastin time value in the target ratio range, also need to consider the risk of thrombosis or bleeding complications. The duration of reduced dosing may depend on several variables, and, as systems recover, the dosage may need to be adjusted upwards. Retrospective analysis for identifying heparin-induced thrombocytopenia may be difficult in situations where other causes of thrombocytopenia are present, suggesting that posttest scoring methods also be considered to confirm its presence until better, validated methods become available.
Nanodiamond-DGEA peptide conjugates for enhanced delivery of doxorubicin to prostate cancer

The field of nanomedicine has emerged as an approach to enhance the specificity and efficacy of cancer treatments as stand-alone therapies and in combination with standard chemotherapeutic treatment regimens. The current standard of care for metastatic cancer, doxorubicin (DOX), is presented with challenges, namely toxicity due to a lack of specificity and targeted delivery. Nano-enabled targeted drug delivery systems can provide an avenue to overcome these issues. Nanodiamonds (ND), in particular, have been researched over the past five years for use in various drug delivery systems but minimal work has been done that incorporates targeting capability. In this study, a novel targeted drug delivery system for bone metastatic prostate cancer was developed, characterized, and evaluated in vitro. NDs were conjugated with the Asp–Gly–Glu–Ala (DGEA) peptide to target α2β1 integrins over-expressed in prostate cancers during metastasis. To facilitate drug delivery, DOX was adsorbed to the surface of the ND-DGEA conjugates. Successful preparation of the ND-DGEA conjugates and the ND-DGEA+DOX system was confirmed with transmission electron microscopy, hydrodynamic size, and zeta potential measurements. Since traditional DOX treatment regimens lack specificity and increased toxicity to normal tissues, the ND-DGEA conjugates were designed to distinguish between cells that overexpress α2β1 integrin, bone metastatic prostate cancers cells (PC3), and cells that do not, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Utilizing the ND-DGEA+DOX system, the efficacy of 1 µg/mL and 2 µg/mL DOX doses increased from 2.5% to 12% cell death and 11% to 34% cell death, respectively. These studies confirmed that the delivery and efficacy of DOX were enhanced by ND-DGEA conjugates. Thus, the targeted ND-DGEA+DOX system provides a novel approach for decreasing toxicity and drug doses.
Determinants of Medical System Delay in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Within the Veteran Affairs Health System

The goals of this study are to evaluate determinants of the time in the medical system until a colorectal cancer diagnosis and to explore characteristics associated with stage at diagnosis. We examined medical records and survey data for 468 patients with colorectal cancer at 15 Veterans Affairs medical centers. Patients were classified as screen-detected, bleeding-detected, or other (resulting from the evaluation of another medical concern). Patients who presented emergently with obstruction or perforation were excluded. We used Cox proportional hazards models to determine predictors of time in the medical system until diagnosis. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of stage at diagnosis. We excluded 21 subjects who presented emergently, leaving 447 subjects; the mean age was 67 years and 98% were male, 66% Caucasian, and 43% stage I or II. Diagnosis was by screening for 39%, bleeding symptoms for 27%, and other for 34%. The median times to diagnosis were 73–91 days and were not significantly different by diagnostic category. In the multivariable model for time to diagnosis, older age, having comorbidities, and Atlantic region were associated with a longer time to diagnosis. In the multivariable model for stage-at-diagnosis, only the diagnostic category was associated with stage; the screen-detected category was associated with decreased risk of late-stage cancer. Our results point to several factors associated with a longer time from the initial clinical event until diagnosis. This increased time in the health care system did not clearly translate into more advanced disease at diagnosis.
Safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in children 6 to 23 months old

ContextBeginning with the winter season of 2004-2005, influenza vaccination has been recommended for all children 6 to 23 months old in the United States. However, its safety in young children has not been adequately studied in large populations.ObjectiveTo screen for medically attended events in the clinic, emergency department, or hospital after administration of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in children 6 to 23 months old.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsRetrospective cohort using self-control analysis, with chart review of significant medically attended events at 8 managed care organizations in the United States that comprise the Vaccine Safety Datalink. Participants were all children in the Vaccine Safety Datalink cohort 6 to 23 months old who received trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine between January 1, 1991, and May 31, 2003 (45 356 children with 69 359 vaccinations).Main Outcome MeasureAny medically attended event significantly associated with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in risk windows 0 to 3 days, 1 to 14 days (primary analysis), 1 to 42 days, or 15 to 42 days after vaccination, compared with 2 control periods, one before vaccination and the second after the risk window. All individual ICD-9 codes as well as predefined aggregate codes were examined.ResultsBefore chart review, only 1 diagnosis, gastritis/duodenitis, was more likely to occur in the 14 days after trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (matched odds ratio [OR], 5.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-24.81 for control period 1, and matched OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.23-15.21 for control period 2). Thirteen medically attended events were less likely to occur after trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, including acute upper respiratory tract infection, asthma, bronchiolitis, and otitis media. After chart review, gastritis/duodenitis was not significantly associated with trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (matched OR, 4.00; 95% CI, 0.85-18.84 for control period 1; matched OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 0.92-12.11 for control period 2).ConclusionsIn the largest population-based study to date of the safety of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in young children, there were very few medically attended events, none of which were serious, significantly associated with the vaccine. This study provides additional evidence supporting the safety of universally immunizing all children 6 to 23 months old with influenza vaccine.
Simple Modification of Sheet Resistivity of Conducting Polymeric Anodes via Combinatorial Ink‐Jet Printing Techniques

Due to its capability of dispensing very small volumes of different liquids in a control manner, ink-jet printing is well suited for combinatorial experiments. The multi-nozzle ink-jet delivery system is especially advantageous for parallel chemical synthesis of different materials. We have used ink-jet printing of an oxidizing agent to pattern a pre-ocated conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy)-thiophene-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS), yielding electrodes with predefined shapes and a controlled degree of sheet resistivity for use in gray-scale organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). The electrical and optical properties of the PEDOT-PSS layer are modified via chemical interaction using the oxidizing agent, These experiments were performed using a desktop ink-jet printer in conjunction with common graphic software which employed color functions such as CMY (cyan, magenta and yellow), HSL (hue, saturation and luminosity) and RGB (red, green and blue).
On Rocks, Walks, and Talks In West Africa: Cultural Categories and an Anthropology of the Senses

In southeastern Ghana, among Anlo-Ewe-speaking people, a five-senses model (of sight, touch, taste, hearing, and smell) has little relevance for theorizing about how we know what we know. Instead, Anlo people invoke a domain of experience called seselelame (literally "feel-feel-at-flesh-inside") that links sensation to emotion, disposition, and vocation. This article explores cultural models that govern sensory and other immediate bodily experiences in Anlo-Ewe worlds. Language analysis is interwoven with cultural interpretations of walking and talking, and attention is given to child socialization strategies that kinesthetically instantiate Anlo-Ewe moral codes.
Developmental expression of HNK-1-reactive antigens in the rat cerebellum and localization of sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids in molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei.

: Monoclonal antibody HNK-1-reactive carbohydrate epitope is expressed on proteins, proteoglycans, and sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids (SGGLs). The developmental expression of these HNK-1-reactive antigens was studied in rat cerebellum. The expression of sulfoglucuronyl lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide (SGGL-1) was biphasic with an initial maximum at postnatal day one (PD 1), followed by a second rise in the level at PD 20. The level of sulfoglucuronyl lacto-N-norhexaosyl ceramide (SGGL-2) in cerebellum was low until PD 15 and then increased to a plateau at PD 20. The levels of SGGLs increased during postnatal development of the cerebellum, contrary to their diminishing expression in the cerebral cortex. The expression of HNK-1-reactive glycoproteins decreased with development of the rat cerebellum from PD 1. Several HNK-1-reactive glycoproteins with apparent molecular masses between 150 and 325 kDa were visualized between PD 1 and PD 10. However, beyond PD 10, only two HNK-1-reactive bands at 160 and 180 kDa remained. The latter appeared to be neural cell adhesion molecule, N-CAM-180. A diffuse HNK-1-reactive band seen at the top of polyacrylamide electrophoretic gels was due mostly to proteoglycans. This band increased in its reactivity to HNK-1 between PD 15 and PD 25 and then decreased in the adult cerebellum. The lipid antigens were shown by two complementary methodologies to be localized primarily in the molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei as opposed to the granular layer and white matter. A fixation procedure which eliminates HNK-1-reactive epitope on glycoproteins and proteoglycans, but does not affect glycolipids, allowed selective immunoreactivity in the molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei. In order to confirm this localization, SGGLs were analyzed by HPTLC-immunoverlay method in micro-dissected cerebellar layers from freeze-dried cryocut sections: they were found primarily in the molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei and were undetectable in the granule cell layer and white matter. These results, along with the lack of SGGLs and disialosyl lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide (LD1) in several Purkinje cell-deficient murine mutants reported previously, indicate that these glycolipids are associated specifically with Purkinje cell dendrites in the molecular layer and Purkinje cell axon synapses in deep cerebellar nuclei.
Recovery of function after brain damage: On withdrawals from the memory bank

The present research addressed the question of whether any change between the conditions of original preoperative learning and postoperative recovery would interfere with the availability and retrieval of the spared memories. The procedure was to train rats initially on a brightness discrimination for appetitive rewards and then postoperatively reinstate the appetitive motivation but require that the animals recover the brightness habit, or its reversal, to escape/avoid footshock. The postoperative availability of the spared memories of the preoperative learning was quantified by the occurrence of impaired postoperative reversal training. The results indicated that simply reinstating the preoperative motivation state is insufficient to allow the animal access to the preoperative memories. However, if the preoperative motivation state is reinstated and the animal is also provided rewards appropriate to that motivation, then the addition of another motivation and rewards will not prevent the retrieval of spared preoperative memories.
Diminished contractile reserve in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and increased end-systolic stress during dobutamine stress echocardiography

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with decreased contractile response to inotropic stimulation in animal models, but this has not been documented in humans. To determine whether LVH is associated with decreased myocardial contractile reserve, we measured left ventricular mass, heart rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (Vcfc), end-systolic stress, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with LVH and increased end-systolic stress (n = 6) and in patients without LVH (n = 7) who had a normal response to dobutamine stress echocardiography (increased LVEF and no wall motion abnormalities). The afterload-dependent indexes of left ventricular systolic performance were normal at baseline and showed significant increases at peak dobutamine dose (LVH group: Vcfc 0.91 +/- 0.11 to 1.76 +/- 0.59, p = 0.006; LVEF 49 +/- 5 to 65 +/- 6, p = 0.001; group without LVH: Vcfc 1.16 +/- 0.24 to 1.99 +/- 0.36, p = 0.001; LVEF 61 +/- 6 to 68 +/- 6, p = 0.05). The Vcfc/ end-systolic stress relation, a load-independent index of myocardial contractility, rose in a dose-dependent fashion in both groups, but the increment was significantly less for patients with LVH (p < 0.02), suggesting a blunted myocardial contractile reserve to inotropic stimulation. The change in heart rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening per unit of change in end-systolic stress in each patient at each dobutamine dose showed a linear and inverse relationship. The increment in heart rate-corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening for a given reduction in end-systolic stress was larger in patients without LVH than in patients with LVH (p = 0.01). These results suggest that in patients with LVH and increased end-systolic stress, ventricular performance is maintained at the expense of limited myocardial contractile reserve, and that inotropic stimulation unmasks this abnormality, despite a normal response in LVEF and velocity of circumferential fiber shortening. This approach may identify patients with LVH at risk of developing systolic dysfunction and heart failure.
A new approach to structural failure detection based on adaptive lattice filtering

A new approach to structural failure detection and localization previously introduced by the authors (1993) based on acoustic reflections is reviewed. It is shown that the cross-sectional areas of structural elements can be computed directly in terms of the reflection coefficients of an optimal finite impulse response filter realized in lattice form. This leads to an elegant method to detect and localize structural failures using recursive online estimation methods. In addition, for the present paper, the reflectivity method theory is investigated for noisy measurements. Also, it is shown how the theory may be applied to compound bars of varying materials and cross sectional areas. A simulation example of a compound bar is given which demonstrates the method. >
Modeling Web session behavior using cluster analysis: A comparison of three search settings

Session characteristics taken from large transaction logs of three Web search environments (academic website, public search engine, consumer health information service) are modeled using cluster analysis to determine if different session groups emerge for each environment. The analysis reveals that several distinct clusters of session behaviors emerge, with brief “hit and run” sessions on focused topics, brief sessions on popular topics, and sustained sessions on focused topics with more query modifications. A better understanding of session characteristics can help system designers by developing interfaces or search features that cater to identifiable groups of users based on their search behaviors.
Dietary Polyphenols and Obesity

The prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated metabolic disorders are considered a major threat to the public's health. While several diet and exercise programs are available for weight loss and prevention of weight regain, progress is often slow and disappointing. Recently, natural bioactive phytochemicals present in foods have been discovered for their potential health benefit effects on the prevention of chronic disorders such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory and metabolic diseases including obesity. Polyphenols are a class of naturally-occurring phytochemicals, of which some such as catechins, anthocynines, resveratrol and curcumin have been shown to modulate physiological and molecular pathways that are involved in energy metabolism, adiposity, and obesity. The potential in vivo, beneficial effects of these polyphenols on adiposity and obesity as complementary agents in the up-regulation of energy expenditure have emerged by investigating these compounds in cell cultures, animal models of obesity and in some human clinical and epidemiological studies. In this brief review, the efficacy of the above-named polyphenols and their potential efficacy to modulate obesity and some associated disorders are discussed.
Cellular flow in paper-based microfluidics

Abstract We reported a novel, non-optical technique to analyse and quantify the transportation of bacterial cells in paper-based microfluidics. This approach was based on real-time measurement of the microbial electricity production. Our device was designed to have three hydrophilic regions linked by a channel on a paper layer by patterning hydrophobic barriers in the paper. Each region came into contact with an anodic electrode layer which was stacked with a cathodic compartment through a proton exchange membrane. When bacterial cells were transported to each region by capillary force, the bacteria cells were promoted to adhere onto the anode and the cells completed their respiration by transferring the electrons to the anode. A conductive load connected the anode and cathode to complete the external circuit through which the electrons flowed. The protons generated by the anodic reactions passed through the proton exchange membrane and travelled to the cathode, where they combined with electrons in the reduction process. By measuring the current through the load, bacterial cells’ transportation through the channels in paper was quantitatively investigated according to the pore size of the paper. Further understanding was made by analysing electron microscope examination of the hydrophilic regions. This work will determine more efficient cell movement within a paper material by controlling the paper's microfluidic dimensions and pore size. It will also provide a quantitative understanding of the flow of large organisms for use in paper-based diagnostics.
Bioconcentration of two basic pharmaceuticals, verapamil and clozapine, in fish

The present study examined the bioconcentration of 2 basic pharmaceuticals: verapamil (a calcium channel blocker) and clozapine (an antipsychotic compound) in 2 fresh water fishes, fathead minnow and channel catfish. In 4 separate bioconcentration factor (BCF) experiments (2 chemicals × 1 exposure concentration × 2 fishes), fathead minnow and channel catfish were exposed to 190 μg/L and 419 μg/L of verapamil (500 μg/L nominal) or 28.5 μg/L and 40 μg/L of clozapine (50 μg/L nominal), respectively. Bioconcentration factor experiments with fathead consisted of 28 d uptake and 14 d depuration, whereas tests conducted on catfish involved a minimized test design, with 7 d each of uptake and depuration. Fish (n = 4-5) were sampled during exposure and depuration to collect different tissues: muscle, liver, gills, kidneys, heart (verapamil tests only), brain (clozapine tests only), and blood plasma (catfish tests only). Verapamil and clozapine concentrations in various tissues of fathead and catfish were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In general, higher accumulation rates of the test compounds were observed in tissues with higher perfusion rates. Accumulation was also high in tissues relevant to pharmacological targets in mammals (i.e. heart in verapamil test and brain in the clozapine test). Tissue-specific BCFs (wet wt basis) for verapamil and clozapine ranged from 0.7 to 75 and from 31 to 1226, respectively. Tissue-specific concentration data were used to examine tissue-blood partition coefficients.
Commercial Applications of Metal Foams: Their Properties and Production

This work gives an overview of the production, properties and industrial applications of metal foams. First, it classifies the most relevant manufacturing routes and methods. Then, it reviews the most important properties, with special interest in the mechanical and functional aspects, but also taking into account costs and feasibility considerations. These properties are the motivation and basis of related applications. Finally, a summary of the most relevant applications showing a large number of actual examples is presented. Concluding, we can forecast a slow, but continuous growth of this industrial sector.
Serological studies with respiratory syncytial virus.

Cross-neutralization tests with 9 strains of RS virus and antisera prepared against them by intra-nasal infection of ferrets, showed that antigenic variation does occur among RS virus strains. One strain, 8/60, differed from all the other strains tested, and there were smaller differences between some other strains.
On Risk Management in Supply Chains: An Empirical Analysis of Inventory Management in Hospitals

In this study we propose a risk management approach in health care supply chains by empirically examining the relationship between supply chain risk and risk buffering strategies on hospital invent...
A Comparison of CFD Hover Predictions for the Sikorsky S-76 Rotor

Hover performance calculations are performed for the S-76 model-scale rotor using different Computational Fluid Dynamics solvers to assess the variability in predictions. Time-accurate Navier-Stokes calculations are performed using HPCMP CREATETM-AV Helios with OVERFLOW and FUN3D as near-body solvers, and using the standalone OVERFLOW solver. Different modeling options are exercised including structured and unstructured meshes for the blades, adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) in the blade mesh, AMR in the wake mesh, and inviscid and detached eddy simulation (DES) modeling in the wake. Rotor performance, blade airloads, and wake geometry from the different calculations are compared to assess the variability.
Part-whole physicalism and mental causation

A well-known ``overdetermination''argument aims to show that the possibility of mental causes of physical events in a causally closed physical world and the possibility of causally relevant mental properties are both problematic. In the first part of this paper, I extend an identity reply that has been given to the first problem to a property-instance account of causal relata. In the second, I argue that mental types are composed of physical types and, as a consequence, both mental and physical types may be causally relevant with respect to the same physical effect, contrary to the overdetermination argument. In further sections, I argue that mental types have causal powers, consider some objections and reject an alternative version of part-whole physicalism. Throughout I assume that causal relata are tropes and property types are classes of tropes.
Monitoring in-vitro bovine embryo development during the first days after fertilization(Conference Presentation)

Conventional label-based contrast enhancement techniques (e.g., fluorescence) frequently modify the genetic makeup of tagged cells, making them poor candidates for use in in-vitro fertilization applications. Instead, we choose a label-free form of contrast, based on interferometric imaging, sensitive to optical path length differences. Compared to, single HeLa cells, typical mammalian ova and embryos are more than an order of magnitude thicker. As a result, regions of large phase variation lead to phase wrapping and an overall reduction in signal intensity occurs due to multiple scattering. These effects manifest themselves in low-spatial frequencies (blurs), with the desired details buried in the background. We present a phase shifting interferometer that yields the derivative of the phase, a quantity whose value is particularly sensitive to local variations and fine details. We demonstrate that our new real-time imaging platform is valuable in measuring the multiday development of bovine embryos. Reconstructing the derivative of the image phase and amplitude, we characterize the motion of previously low-contrast structures, which are relevant for embryo viability tests.
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder of the pediatric airway: Presentation and management.

Abstract Objective Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare complication of immunosuppression with little consensus on its evaluation and management. The purpose of this contemporary review is to describe a pediatric patient with PTLD of the airway and review the literature to provide multidisciplinary recommendations regarding management. Data Sources Retrospective chart and literature review. Review Methods A pediatric patient with PTLD of the airway is described. An extensive literature search to review the existing data on pediatric PTLD of the upper airway was also performed. Results A pediatric patient with mixed fetal/embryonal hepatoblastoma developed laryngo-tracheal PTLD following liver transplantation. Diagnostic positron emission tomography (PET) scan demonstrated multiple sites of abnormal fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake within the larynx, distal esophagus, cervical lymph nodes, and abdomen concerning for PTLD. Laryngeal biopsy demonstrated Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positive cells confirming the diagnosis. Rituximab therapy and reduction of immunosuppression resulted in resolution of his laryngeal disease in 3 months. An extensive literature search to review the existing data on pediatric PTLD of the larynx and trachea revealed 14 reported cases. Conclusions PTLD of the pediatric airway is an EBV-associated disease that requires a high index of suspicion as patients can often present with non-specific signs and symptoms but progress to have significant airway compromise. Evaluation consists of peripheral blood polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, biopsy, and PET/CT imaging. Management options include reduction of immunosuppression and/or systemic therapies.
Hong Kong Consumers’ Perception of Domestic Versus Foreign Banks

In recent years, as a result of increased competition and introduction of advanced technology into banking sector, commercial banks of all sizes have taken an active interest in applying marketing concepts and techniques. With this in mind, the purpose of this empirical study is to determine the importance of selected patronage factors used by Hong Hong consumers in choosing domestic versus foreign banks. Although Hong Kong consumers use domestic banks more, they perceive the usefulness of a select number of services in a similar manner for both domestic and foreign banks.
Coping with accountability: guidelines for supervisors.

The supervisory role is critical in ensuring that data on client outcomes and overall program impact are interpreted correctly for the agency by its direct service workers. Guidelines are offered t...
Upward Migration of Indwelling Ureteral Stents

Polyethylene ureteral stents suspended from the kidney by a pigtail memory in the proximal end were placed bilaterally in a patient with ureteral obstruction secondary to retroperitoneal sarcoma. Both stents migrated upward and 1 migrated into the renal parenchyma. We recommend that these stents be inserted into the renal pelvis, as opposed to the calices, and that sufficient length be allowed to prohibit migration above the bladder.
Ypt1 and TRAPP interactions: optimization of multicolor bimolecular fluorescence complementation in yeast.

Ypt/Rab GTPases are conserved molecular switches that regulate the multiple vesicular transport steps of all intra-cellular trafficking pathways. They are stimulated by guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). In yeast, Ypt1 regulates transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to two alternative pathways: secretion and autophagy. Ypt1 is activated by TRAPP, a modular multi-subunit GEF. Whereas TRAPP I activates Ypt1 to mediate transport through the Golgi, TRAPP III, which contains all the subunits of TRAPP I plus Trs85, activates Ypt1-mediated transport to autophagosomes. The functional pair Ypt31/32 regulates traffic in and out of the trans Golgi and is activated by TRAPP II, which consists of TRAPP I plus two specific subunits, Trs120 and Trs130. To study the interaction of Ypts with specific TRAPP subunits and interactions between the different subunits of TRAPP, including the cellular sites of these interactions, we have employed a number of approaches. One approach that we have recently optimized for the use in yeast is multi-color bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). BiFC, which employs split fluorescent tags, has emerged as a powerful approach for determining protein interaction in vivo. Because proteins work in complexes, the ability to determine more than one interaction at a time using multi-color BiFC is even more powerful. Defining the sites of protein interaction is possible by co-localization of the BiFC puncta with compartmental markers. Here, we describe a set of plasmids for multi-color BiFC optimized for use in yeast. We combined their use with a set of available yeast strains that express red fluorescence compartmental markers. We have recently used these constructs to determine Ypt1 and TRAPP interactions in two different processes: intracellular trafficking and autophagy.