cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Analysis of Quality of Life and Toxicity Outcomes in Treating Early Breast Cancer With Breast Conservation Therapy and Intraoperative Radiation Therapy.

Introduction: Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a minimally invasive radiation option for select patients with early stage breast cancer. This prospective, single institution, pilot study summarizes patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes and clinician-reported toxicity following IORT following breast conservation therapy. Methods: Forty-nine patients were enrolled in a prospective study from 2013 until 2015 to assess QoL and toxicity following breast conservation therapy and IORT. Nine patients did not meet criteria for IORT alone on final pathology and required whole breast irradiation afterwards. These patients were evaluated separately. Validated QoL questionnaires were provided to patients at one-week, one-month, and subsequent six-month intervals for two years. Radiation-related toxicity symptoms were evaluated by clinicians at the same time intervals. Likert scale responses were converted to continuous variables to depict patient-reported and clinician-reported outcomes. Results: Outcomes were analyzed as weighted averages of the Likert scale for each symptom. Responses for negative QoL symptoms ranged largely from 0 (none) to 2 (moderate). Responses for positive QoL symptoms ranged largely from 3 (quite a bit) to 4 (very much). Seventy-five percent of patients developed a toxicity; however, 99% of the toxicities were grades 1 and 2. All toxicities demonstrated a downward trend over time, with the exception of breast fibrosis and nodularity, which increased over time. There were no local recurrences upon two-year follow up. Conclusion: Early stage breast cancer treated with IORT yields favorable QoL outcomes and minimal toxicity profiles with adequate short-term local control.
Genetic analysis of KillerRed in C. elegans identifies a shared role of calcium genes in ROS-mediated neurodegeneration

In C. elegans, neurodegeneration induced by excitotoxicity or aggregation of misfolded proteins is dependent on genes involved in calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can also induce neurodegeneration, but the relationship between ROS-mediated neurodegeneration and calcium has not been established. We activated KillerRed in the GABA neurons of C. elegans to produce ROS that leads to functional loss and structural degeneration of these neurons and demonstrated that the severity of neurodegeneration was dependent on extent of KillerRed activation. To genetically examine the role of calcium in ROS-mediated neurodegeneration, we measured functional neurodegeneration in itr-1 (inositol trisphosphate receptor), crt-1 (caltreticulin), and unc-68 (ryanodine receptor) mutants. Similar to other neurotoxic conditions, neurodegeneration triggered by KillerRed was reduced in itr-1 and crt-1 mutants. Somewhat unexpectedly, genetic or pharmacological disruption of unc-68 had a minimal effect on neurodegeneration. Our results indicate ROS-mediated neurodegeneration occurs through a conserved calcium regulated mechanism and suggest that components of the degeneration process have different sensitivities to ROS.
Pathogenese des Multiplen Myeloms

Das Multiple Myelom (MM) ist eine hamatologische Neoplasie, bei der sich maligne Plasmazellen im Knochenmark (KM) ausbreiten, die gesunde Hamatopoese verdrangen und lytische Knochenlasionen verursachen. Trotz erheblicher Erfolge in der Therapie ist bei den meisten Patienten eine Krankheitsprogression nicht zu verhindern. Das MM gilt weiterhin als unheilbar. Die Progressionsphasen werden beschrieben, um in diesem Rahmen die aktuellen Erkenntnisse zur Pathogenese des MM vorzustellen. Diskussion von Grundlagenarbeiten und aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Publikationen. Genetische Pradisposition, Inflammation und abnorme Immunantwort sind an der Genese des MM beteiligt. Das initiierende genomische Ereignis erfolgt wahrend der B‑Zell-Reifung, woraufhin monoklonale Plasmazellen das KM besiedeln. Dieses fruhe Stadium wird als monoklonale Gammopathie unklarer Signifikanz bezeichnet. Ab einer KM-Infiltration >10 % liegt ein asymptomatisches Myelom vor. Treten Endorganschadigungen auf, besteht ein symptomatisches, behandlungsbedurftiges MM. Nach neuesten Erkenntnissen ist das MM durch eine raumliche klonale Heterogenitat gekennzeichnet, wobei aggressive Klone auf fokale Lasionen begrenzt und somit am Beckenkamm nicht nachweisbar sein konnen. Aggressive Klone haben oft vollstandig inaktivierte Tumorsuppressorgene, wie TP53, und werden durch die Therapie selektiert, weshalb jedes Rezidiv beim MM schwieriger zu behandeln ist. Die Tumorbiologie bestimmt den Verlauf des MM und erklart die heterogenen Therapieergebnisse, die trotz intensiver Behandlung zu beobachten sind.
Productions of volatile oil and gas-condensate from liquid rich shales

The growth in productions of liquid hydrocarbons from tight formations (shales) has been phenomenal in recent years. During the production of liquids (oil and condensate), large amounts of associated gas are also produced. The economic viability of a producing well depends on maintaining a reasonable proportion of liquid. The compositions and state of reservoir fluid play an important role in producing liquids from tight formations or shales in the USA such as Eagle Ford in Texas, Niobrara in Wyoming-Colorado, and Bakken in North Dakota. Small deviation in reservoir temperature around the critical point changes the state of the fluid (volatile oil or condensate) and as a result, the production of liquid is affected. Impacts of the state of the fluid (volatile oil or condensate), reservoir permeability and operating conditions on ultimate recoveries and produced gas liquid ratio are studied here. Five different reservoir fluids representing low to high liquid hydrocarbon contents are considered. Around 2% increment in condensate recovery after 10 years of production is observed from 100 nD permeability reservoir filled with the richest fluid (fluid 5) when the well is operated at 3000 psia compared to 1000 psia. At the same conditions, 9.3% more condensate is recovered for the leanest fluid (fluid 1). Therefore, operating the well at higher flowing bottom hole pressure (BHP) maximized the liquid recoveries of volatile oils and condensates in case of low permeability reservoirs (100 nD). However, in case of higher permeability (1000 nD) reservoir, lower operating pressure was preferable to increase the recovery. Conclusively, bottom hole pressure has less impact on the richer fluids and higher permeability reservoir. Operating well at higher BHP (3000 psia) also suppresses the production of gas and relatively enhances the production of liquid. Liquid to gas ratio (LGR) declines more rapidly for 100 nD permeability reservoirs compared to 1000 nD at BHP of 1000 psia. High fracture permeability (1000mD and above) appeared to negatively affect liquid recoveries at higher BHP resulting in reduction of recovery by around 2%. An optimum fracture permeability may be necessary based on reservoir permeability, operating pressure and type of fluid. Cited as : Panja, P., Pathak, M., Deo, M. Productions of volatile oil and gas-condensate from liquid rich shales. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2019, 3(1): 29-42, doi: 10.26804/ager.2019.01.02
Light chain amyloidosis induced inflammatory changes in cardiomyocytes and adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a progressive, degenerative disease characterized by the misfolding and amyloid deposition of immunoglobulin light chain (LC). The amyloid deposits lead to organ failure and death. Our laboratory is specifically interested in cardiac involvement of AL amyloidosis. We have previously shown that the fibrillar aggregates of LC proteins can be cytotoxic and arrest the growth of human RFP-AC16 cardiomyocytes in vitro. We showed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSC) can rescue the cardiomyocytes from the fibril-induced growth arrest through contact-dependent mechanisms. In this study, we examined the transcriptome changes of human cardiomyocytes and AMSC in the presence of AL amyloid fibrils. The presence of fibrils causes a 'priming' immune response in AMSC associated with interferon associated genes. Exposure to AL fibrils induced changes in the pathways associated with immune response and extracellular matrix components in cardiomyocytes. We also observed upregulation of innate immune-associated transcripts (chemokines, cytokines, and complement), suggesting that amyloid fibrils initiate an innate immune response on these cells, possibly due to phenotypic transformation. This study corroborates and expands our previous studies and identifies potential new immunologic mechanisms of action for fibril toxicity on human cardiomyocytes and AMSC rescue effect on cardiomyocytes.
Exact and approximate mechanisms for pure bending of sheets

Abstract Direct measurement of the moment-curvature response of sheets or wires up to high curvatures can aid in modeling creasing, pleating, and other forming operations. We consider theoretical issues related to the geometry of pure bending. We present a linkage design that, for homogeneous deformation of the sample, results in an exact pure bending state up to arbitrarily high curvature, by combining a cochleoidal trajectory with an angle-doubling mechanism. The full mechanism is single degree of freedom and position controlled, a desirable feature for measurement of soft materials. We also present an optimal approximation to the cochleoid using a more easily implemented circular trajectory, and compare this with an existing commercial system for fabric testing. We quantify the error of the approximate test by calculating the deformation of an Euler elastica, a structure with linear moment-curvature response. While the circular mechanism can approximate the exact boundary conditions quite well up to moderately large curvatures, the resulting curvature of the test sample still deviates significantly from homogeneous response. We also briefly discuss expectations of localization behavior in pure bending tests.
A versatile microwave source for cold atom experiments controlled by a field programmable gate array.

We present a microwave source that is controlled by a commercially available field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Using an FPGA allows for precise control of the time dependent microwave-dressing applied to a sample of trapped cold atoms. We test our microwave source by exciting Rabi oscillations in a Na spinor Bose–Einstein condensate. We include, as supplements, the complete source code, parts’ lists, pin connection diagrams, and schematics to make it easy for any group to build and use this device.
Power-Efficient Design Techniques for mm-Wave Hybrid/Digital FDD/Full-Duplex MIMO Transceivers

This article describes system and circuit design techniques to enhance power efficiency and incorporate new features in millimeter-wave multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) transceivers. The higher peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the signal transmitted from a digital beamformer (DBF) or a fully connected hybrid beamforming (FC-HBF) transmitter compared with the conventional partially connected hybrid beamforming (PC-HBF) transmitter is identified for the first time. It is then shown that when a power amplifier (PA) with better back-off efficiency than Class-A PA is used, the overall power efficiency of the FC-HBF is superior to the PC-HBF for a given antenna geometry. Second, a new mechanism for built-in dual-band, per-element self-interference cancellation (SIC) is introduced to enable multi-antenna frequency-division-duplex (FDD) and full-duplex (FD) operation. Such SIC can only be supported in the proposed FC-HBF architecture. Several innovative circuit concepts are introduced, including low-loss wideband antenna interface design, dual-band power combining PA, dual-band RF-SIC design, and bidirectional MIMO signal path design. To demonstrate these techniques, a 28-/37-/39-GHz bidirectional two-stream front-end single-element prototype is designed in the 65-nm CMOS. The prototype can be configured as a transmit (TX) or receive (RX) element in DBFs or FC-HBFs which can in turn be configured to support TDD, FDD, or FD operation. The front-end achieves 16-/11-dB RX gain, 6.2-/7-dB NF, 15.8-/16.8-dBm saturated PA output power, and 20%/21.6% peak PA efficiency in the 28-/37-GHz bands. Extensive characterization results are presented to compare the energy efficiencies of the PC-HBF and FC-HBF architectures. The prototype is also characterized in the FDD/FD mode and achieves 36-dB peak RF-domain SIC and better than 26-dB RF-domain SIC across 0.5-GHz modulation bandwidth.
Scope-of-Practice for Nurse Practitioners and Adherence to Medications for Chronic Illness in Primary Care

Nonadherence to medications is costly and improving adherence is difficult, requiring multifactorial solutions, including policy solutions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of one policy strategy on medication adherence. Specifically, we examine the effect on adherence of expanding scope-of-practice regulations for nurse practitioners (NPs) to practice and prescribe without physician supervision. We conducted three difference-in-difference multivariable analyses of commercial insurance claims. Patients who filled at least two prescriptions in one of three chronic therapeutic medications: anti-diabetics (n = 514,255), renin angiotensin system antagonists (RASA) (n = 1,679,957), and anti-lipidemics (n = 1,613,692). Medication adherence was measured as the proportion of days covered (PDC). We used one continuous (PDC 0–1) and one binary outcome (PDC of > .8), the latter indicating good adherence. Patients taking anti-diabetic medications had a 1.9 percentage point higher medication adherence rate (p < 0.05) and a 2.7 percentage point higher probability of good adherence (p < 0.001) in states that expanded NP scope-of-practice. Medication adherence for patients taking RASA was higher by 2.3 percentage points (p < 0.001) and 3.4 percentage points (p < 0.01) for both measures, respectively. Patients taking anti-lipidemics saw a smaller, but statistically insignificant, improvement in adherence. Results indicate that scope-of-practice regulations that allow NPs to practice and prescribe without physician oversight are associated with improved medication adherence. We postulate that the mechanism for this effect is increased access to health care services, which in turn increases access to prescriptions. Our results suggest that policies allowing NPs to maximally use their skills can be beneficial to patients.
Finding the Other Manaforts: How, and How Much, Foreign Money is Spent on Lobbying in the United States

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) exempts foreign commercial entities who have registered under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) from registering with the US Department of Justice (DOJ). However, if the lobbying efforts of these entities benefit a foreign power they are required to be registered under FARA, not LDA. This paper will demonstrate that foreign entities—potentially hundreds—are likely exploiting the LDA exemption to circumvent FARA requirements and obfuscate foreign lobbying efforts. This examination will reveal which foreign commercial entities are exploiting the LDA exemption, deepening the capabilities of academic researchers to explore the threat of foreign influence and unveil efforts to destabilize democracies, in the United States and beyond.
Abstract 17325: Obesity, Blood Pressure, and Diurnal Variation in Natriuretic Peptides: A Clinical Trial

Background: Obese individuals have disturbed blood pressure (BP) rhythmicity and relative natriuretic peptide (NP) deficiency. The relationship of diurnal variation in NP levels and 24h BP rhythm i...
The Effect of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use on the Course of Kidney Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stages G3a to G4.

ABSTRACT Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are widely used and implicated in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We evaluated the relation between chronic PPI use in veterans with CKD G3a to G4 and the rate of decline in renal function. Methods We accessed the Veteran Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure national database to evaluate the relation between chronic PPI use and rate of decline in renal function in veterans with CKD (eGFR Results The PPI group had a significantly increased risk of CKD progression, dialysis and all-cause mortality (aHR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.19; aHR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.26 to 2.67; and aHR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.65, respectively). The PPI cohort also had a trend for development of metabolic acidosis (aHR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.998 to 1.80), although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions The data suggest that chronic PPI use accelerates progression of kidney disease and is associated with increased mortality in CKD patients.
Ecological specialization of Hawaiian Drosophila : II. The community matrix, ecological complementation, and phyletic species packing.

The ecological overlap of three species of Hawaiian Drosophila: D. mimica D. kambysellisi, and D. imparisetae, has been investigated by analysis of the community matrix. The basic model is a Lotka-Volterra formulation, suitably expanded to include sexual dimorphism. We have also investigated equilibrium population sizes and stability properties of all possible communities which might be constructed from these species. Our findings are: 1) There is considerable ecological diversification among these species and between sexes of the same species. 2) The two sexes of any one species overlap more than does either with other components of the community. 3) The two sibling species, D. mimica and D. kambysellisi overlap the least, and D. imparisetae is ecologically intermediate. 4) The current three-species community supports greater numbers than would be maintained by any of the one- or two-species alternatives, and appears to make more efficient use of the available resources. 5) The present community is numerically stable. Although its taxonomic saturation is difficult to judge with certainty, it appears to be unsaturated. 6) The simpler communities would all be invasible by the remaining species. The implications for sympatric speciation of D. mimica and D. kambysellisi are discussed. It is suggested that D. imparisetae might have acted as an ecological wedge, contributing to ecological displacement, reproductive isolation, and further species packing.
Visual and somatosensory feedback mechanisms of precision manual motor control in autism spectrum disorder.

Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show deficits processing sensory feedback to reactively adjust ongoing motor behaviors. Atypical reliance on visual and somatosensory feedback each have been reported during motor behaviors in ASD suggesting that impairments are not specific to one sensory domain but may instead reflect a deficit in multisensory processing, resulting in reliance on unimodal feedback. The present study tested this hypothesis by examining motor behavior across different visual and somatosensory feedback conditions during a visually guided precision grip force test. Methods Participants with ASD (N = 43) and age-matched typically developing (TD) controls (N = 23), ages 10-20 years, completed a test of precision gripping. They pressed on force transducers with their index finger and thumb while receiving visual feedback on a computer screen in the form of a horizontal bar that moved upwards with increased force. They were instructed to press so that the bar reached the level of a static target bar and then to hold their grip force as steadily as possible. Visual feedback was manipulated by changing the gain of the force bar. Somatosensory feedback was manipulated by applying 80 Hz tendon vibration at the wrist to disrupt the somatosensory percept. Force variability (standard deviation) and irregularity (sample entropy) were examined using multilevel linear models. Results While TD controls showed increased force variability with the tendon vibration on compared to off, individuals with ASD showed similar levels of force variability across tendon vibration conditions. Individuals with ASD showed stronger age-associated reductions in force variability relative to controls across conditions. The ASD group also showed greater age-associated increases in force irregularity relative to controls, especially at higher gain levels and when the tendon vibrator was turned on. Conclusions Our findings that disrupting somatosensory feedback did not contribute to changes in force variability or regularity among individuals with ASD suggests a reduced ability to integrate somatosensory feedback information to guide ongoing precision manual motor behavior. We also document stronger age-associated gains in force control in ASD relative to TD suggesting delayed development of multisensory feedback control of motor behavior.
Photon and Pion Production in Heavy Ion Collisions

Why has so much effort been expended in the measurement and interpretation of the phenomena of photon and γ-ray yields in heavy ion collisions? Several motivations may be given: 1. These data may give information on the early reaction time scale during the most violent part of the reaction. 2. They may provide a probe of the nuclear equation of state (EOS). 3. Their interpretation via reaction models may suggest interesting new mechanisms for these reactions, and in any case provide a better understanding of mass and energy transport. Of these (3) may be the strongest motivation, in that much more straightforward measurements of emitted nucleons probably will give better answers to (1) and (2) than the more convoluted interpretation of the production of secondary reaction products such as photons and mesons.
Guided Growth With Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis to Treat Ankle Valgus in a Skeletally Immature Individual: A Case Report

Guided growth is useful in correcting pediatric angular deformities. Ankle valgus is a coronal plane deformity and is often seen in skeletally immature patients with congenital or acquired lower extremity pathologic features. Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with a percutaneous transphyseal medial malleolar screw is a surgical treatment capable of correcting the angular deformity and can offer effective correction. In the present case study, a 12-year-old male with dorsal-lateral peritalar subluxation and ankle valgus underwent a reconstructive procedure and temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with a percutaneous medial malleolar screw. After removal of the screw, reduction of his peritalar subluxation was achieved, improving his lateral-distal tibial angle from 81° preoperatively to 89° at the final follow-up examination. The patient returned to his preoperative sporting activities and ambulated comfortably and pain free in sneakers with orthotics. In conclusion, temporary hemiepiphysiodesis with a transphyseal medial malleolar screw is an effective treatment option for ankle valgus in a skeletally immature individual.
GM crops and foods: What do consumers want to know?

Agricultural biotechnology—GMOs—has a huge positive impact on farming and farmers but remains controversial among the skeptical public. Curious but anxious consumers, driven by scare stories and ps...
General solutions to poroviscoelastic model of hydrocephalic human brain tissue.

Abstract Hydrocephalus is a well-known disorder of brain fluidic system. It is commonly associated with complexities in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation in brain. In this paper, hydrocephalus and shunting surgery which is used in its treatment are modeled. Brain tissues are considered to follow a poroviscoelastic constitutive model in order to address the effects of time dependence of mechanical properties of soft tissues and fluid flow hydraulics. Our solution draws from Biot's theory of poroelasticity, generalized to account for viscoelastic effects through the correspondence principle. Geometrically, the brain is conceived to be spherically symmetric, where the ventricles are assumed to be a hollow concentric space filled with cerebrospinal fluid. A generalized Kelvin model is considered for the rheological properties of brain tissues. The solution presented is useful in the analysis of the disorder of hydrocephalus as well as the treatment associated with it, namely, ventriclostomy surgery. The sensitivity of the solution to various factors such as aqueduct blockage level and trabeculae stiffness is thoroughly analyzed using numerical examples. Results indicate that partial aqueduct stenosis may be a cause of hydrocephalus. However, only severe occlusion of the aqueduct can cause a significant increase in the ventricle and brain's extracellular fluid pressure. Ventriculostomy shunts are commonly used as a remedy to hydrocephalus. They serve to reduce the ventricular pressure to the normal level. However, sensitivity analysis on the shunt's fluid deliverability parameter has shown that inappropriate design or selection of design shunt may cause under-drainage or over-drainage of the ventricles. Excessive drainage of CSF may increase the normal tensile stress on trabeculae. It can cause rupture of superior cerebral veins or damage to trabeculae or even brain tissues which in turn may lead to subdural hematoma, a common side-effect of the surgery. These Post-Surgery Reaction (PSR) patterns might occur on much larger time scales than those of the surgery itself, depending on the flow conductivity parameters of the brain. The viscoelastic effects can be significant contingent on the long term tissue moduli and their contrast with the initial ones.
The anterior cingulate cortex and pain processing

The neural network that contributes to the suffering which accompanies persistent pain states involves a number of brain regions. Of primary interest is the contribution of the cingulate cortex in processing the affective component of pain. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent data obtained using novel behavioral paradigms in animals based on measuring escape and/or avoidance of a noxious stimulus. These paradigms have successfully been used to study the nature of the neuroanatomical and neurochemical contributions of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to higher order pain processing in rodents.
Accumulation, tissue distribution and elimination of 203HgCl2 and CH3 203HgCl in the tissues of the American oyster Crassostrea virginica

Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were exposed for 3 days to mercury-203 labeled HgCl2 or CH3HgCl added directly to artificial seawater or added preconcentrated on the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The concentration of mercury in 5 tissues was measured for 45 days after mercury was removed from the ambient water. At the beginning of the depuration period, the highest concentrations of mercury in tissues were attained in: gill>digestive system>mantle>gonad>muscle in oysters exposed to water containing mercury; and in digestive system>gill>mantle> gonad>muscle in oysters fed labeled algae. This same distribution pattern is seen for both chemical forms of mercury. Although the initial pattern of accumulation was identical for both mercury compounds within each exposure group, the fate of the accumulated mercury was very different after 45-days depuration. In oysters accumulating mercury directly from seawater, inorganic mercury residues rapidly declined in gill and digestive tissue, but were slowly reduced in mantle, gonadal, and muscle tissue. This pattern was duplicated by oysters exposed to methyl mercuric chloride in seawater except that gonadal and muscle residues greatly increased during depuration. In oysters ingesting labeled P. tricornutum cells, mercuric chloride and methyl mercuric chloride residues rapidly declined in gill and digestive tissue, remained constant in the mantle, but sharply increased in gonadal and muscle tissue during depuration.
The association between body mass index and severe biliary infections: a multivariate analysis

Abstract Background Obesity has been associated with worse infectious disease outcomes. It is a risk factor for cholesterol gallstones, but little is known about associations between body mass index (BMI) and biliary infections. We studied this using factors associated with biliary infections. Methods A total of 427 patients with gallstones were studied. Gallstones, bile, and blood (as applicable) were cultured. Illness severity was classified as follows: none (no infection or inflammation), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (fever, leukocytosis), severe (abscess, cholangitis, empyema), or multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (bacteremia, hypotension, organ failure). Associations between BMI and biliary bacteria, bacteremia, gallstone type, and illness severity were examined using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results BMI inversely correlated with pigment stones, biliary bacteria, bacteremia, and increased illness severity on bivariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusions Obesity correlated with less severe biliary infections. BMI inversely correlated with pigment stones and biliary bacteria; multivariate analysis showed an independent correlation between lower BMI and illness severity. Most patients with severe biliary infections had a normal BMI, suggesting that obesity may be protective in biliary infections. This study examined the correlation between BMI and biliary infection severity.
Why implementing corporate innovation is so difficult

Abstract While corporate innovation is commonly touted as a viable strategy for sustaining superior performance in today's corporations, the successful implementation of corporate innovation remains quite elusive for most companies. A recent Accenture survey of more than 500 executives revealed that over 50% report a poor innovation process, while fewer than 18% believe their own innovation strategy provides a competitive advantage for the firm. While many causal reasons can be offered, our research on corporate entrepreneurship and innovation demonstrates there are four key implementation issues that most corporations are not recognizing or responding to effectively. Effective recognition of and response to these four implementation issues may represent the difference between those companies that create a successful corporate innovation strategy and those that do not. The four issues are: (1) understanding what type of innovation is being sought, (2) coordinating managerial roles, (3) effectively using operating controls, and (4) properly training and preparing individuals. Together, these four issues—if understood and appropriately addressed—help create an effective innovative ecosystem within the organization.
Separation of C6 isomers by vapor permeation and pervaporation through ZSM-5 membranes

Abstract An alkali-free synthesis method (Si/Al=600 in the gel) was used to prepare H-ZSM-5 zeolite membranes supported on porous stainless steel and alumina tubes. These membranes separated mixtures of C 6 isomers with high selectivities by both vapor permeation and pervaporation. The single gas and mixture permeances were similar for vapor permeation through the stainless steel-supported membrane, indicating that separation was due to shape selectivity; the linear molecule diffused faster. The n -hexane/2,2 dimethylbutane separation selectivity went through a maximum greater than 1000 as the temperature increased, and the membrane separated the isomer mixture to at least 575 K. The alumina-supported membrane had higher permeances and similar mixture selectivities, but both preferential adsorption and shape selectivity contributed to the high selectivity for vapor permeation. The selectivities for pervaporation were lower than for vapor permeation in the stainless steel supported-membrane, the selectivity dependence on temperature was different, and the fluxes were higher and increased significantly with temperature. Membranes evaluated over 9 months showed reproducible fluxes and selectivities.
Rapid species identification of cooked red snapper using isoelectric focusing

A rapid method using isoelectric focusing (IEF) was developed to identify species of cooked snapper. The IEF protein band patterns of red snapper as impacted by two extraction systems (water and 8M urea), various cooking times (raw, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 min) and cooking methods (microwave, bake, steam, broil, deep fry, and pan fry) were investigated. Samples were desalted and cleaned using a 10-sec rinsing procedure. The characteristic IEF protein pattern of red snapper was reproducible for various cooking conditions. Both 8M urea and water could be used as extractant of snapper sarcoplasmic proteins. IEF protein bands in the acidic region of the polyacrylamide gel (pH 3.5-9.5) were useful as markers for species identification.
Intramolecular Ligand Dynamics in d15-(PPh3)-Capped Gold Nanoparticles Investigated by 2H NMR

The knowledge of intramolecular dynamics, geo-metric confinement, and structure of surface-bound ligands are important factors for understanding surface chemistry, catalysis, and design of catalytically optimized nanoparticles. In this report, intramolecular dynamics of perdeuterated triphenylphosphine ligands, d15-(PPh3), bound to the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are characterized by pulsed deuteron nuclear magnetic resonance (2H NMR) in the solid state. The 2H quadrupolar echo Fourier transform NMR line shapes indicate fast 180° flip dynamics (π flip) of phenyl rings in surface-bound d15-(PPh3) ligands about the P−C bond at the rate of k ≥ 7 × 107 s−1. In contrast, the d15-(PPh3)AuCl complex, a model compound that is also present in this nanoparticle system, does not exhibit measurable π flips on the time scale sampled by the experiment (∼10−5 s). Its phenyl rings appear rigid from ambient temperature up to 386 K. The experimental 2H NMR line shape results are consistent with a theoretical mode...
Acute circumferential subendocardial infarction

A 48-year-old black man had his first attack of chest pain on exertion, radiating to both arms, in December 1982 (angina pectoris). It was undoubtedly preceded by a period of asymptomatic coronary atherosclerosis of unknown duration. The first anginal attack was followed by three to four similar episodes over the next four months. The attacks became more prolonged, frequent, and severe thereafter (so-called "pre-infarct" angina), and six days later the patient showed signs of having developed actual myocardial necrosis. The patient underwent saphenous vein coronary artery bypass surgery but could not be weaned from the pump. He died late on the day of surgery. He was found at autopsy to have severe old three-vessel coronary artery disease with the myocardial changes that would be expected from the severe global ischemia to which this heart was undoubtedly subjected. Several basic and important differences between this sort of a circumferential subendocardial infarct and a transmural infarct are discussed, as is the basis for the striking subendocardial hemorrhage.
PULMONARY VASCULAR LESIONS IN THE DOG PRODUCED BY AUTOGENOUS CLOT EMBOLISM.

Abstract The morphogenesis of pulmonary vascular lesions produced by autogenous clot embolism has been studied for comparison with lesions produced by hyperkinetic pulmonary hypertension. Embolic lesions differ from those produced by hyperkinetic hypertension. The embolic lesion is an eccentric fibrous plaque that protrudes into the lumen of the vessel and replaces in large part the vascular media beneath it.
A novel preparation of cyclic sulfites through photosulfoxidation of alkenes

Abstract The cyclic sulfite, 4-ethyl-5-methyl-1,3,2-dioxathiolane 2-oxide, has been prepared by the photosulfoxidation of trans -2-pentene, and the quantum yield for the reaction has been determined. The proposed mechanism involves the reaction of a charge transfer complex formed between sulfur dioxide and the alkene, and is consistent with the participation of the triplet state of the former.
Nitric oxide is a neurotransmitter in the chloride secretory response to serotonin in rat colon

Abstract Background: Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) has been shown to induce chloride secretion through a nonadrenergic/noncholinergic neural pathway, mediated by a 5-HT3 receptor. We hypothesized that 5-HT3–induced Cl– secretion is ultimately mediated by nitric oxide (NO). Methods: Unstripped sheets of rat distal colon were mounted in Ussing chambers and short-circuited. The 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT, was added in the absence and presence of the NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME. Companion studies involved the addition of sodium nitroprusside to tissue that was incubated with or without tetrodotoxin. Results: L-NAME caused a significant reduction in the 2-methyl-5-HT–induced change in circuit current, in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium nitroprusside caused a change in circuit current over baseline in 5 minutes. The addition of tetrodotoxin did not significantly alter the change in circuit current; however, the apical Cl– channel blocker, anthracene-9-carboxylic acid, abolished this response. Conclusions: Neurally mediated Cl– secretion in response to 2-methyl-5-HT is inhibited by an NO synthase inhibitor. Exogenous NO mimics this response, which is unaffected by tetrodotoxin. These data suggest that neurally mediated serotoninergic Cl– secretion is, in part, mediated by NO. The ability of exogenous NO to induce a change in circuit current in the presence of tetrodotoxin suggests that NO is a final neurotransmitter in this neural-mucosal reflex and therefore acts directly on the enterocyte to induce secretion. (Surgery 2000;128:240-5.)
Comparison of applicants and nonapplicants to human relations training laboratories.

Students who applied to participate in a human relations training laboratory were compared with a group of students who did not apply by means of the administration of several “relationship” assessment instruments. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that the two groups were not significantly different in the manner by which they evaluated their relationship styles. The findings also imply that few if any “psychological” differences exist between applicants and nonapplicants to human relations training laboratories.
Presence: A Concept Analysis

Healthy therapeutic relationships enhance wholeness and healing; they are the key to effective health promotion. Therapeutic nursing presence demonstrates caring, empathy, and connection, qualities...
Droplets of 3He–4He mixtures

Abstract We study the properties of 3 He– 4 He mixture droplets using a phenomenological density functional. The structure of a liquid drop with and without vortices is investigated using Monte Carlo simulations.
Developing collaborative autonomous learning abilities in computer mediated language learning: attention to meaning among students in wiki space

This study reports on attention to meaning among 40 NNS pre-service EFL teachers as they collaboratively constructed a wiki in a 16-week online course. Focus is placed upon the nature of individual and group behavior when attending to meaning in a long-term wiki-based collaborative activity as well as the students' collaborative autonomous language learning abilities. Phases of group collaboration as well as individual language acts were analyzed. Student interaction and language use appear to benefit from flexible learning environments although student use of these spaces may not be consistent with instructor expectations. More important than the quality of the final wiki is the process students engage in as they write collaboratively. The paper concludes with a proposed framework for CALL research and practice.
Neurological Deficit and Extent of Neuronal Necrosis Attributable to Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats Statistical Validation

Background and Purpose Occluding a large intracranial artery in rats produces a brain lesion that grows in terms of an increase in both surface area and number of necrotic neurons. The present study investigated whether reperfusing the ischemic territory 30 to 60 minutes after the arterial occlusion would have a beneficial effect on either the clinical or the histological outcome of the lesion. Methods One hundred four adult rats (including appropriate controls) were used; 97 had a middle cerebral artery occluded by inserting a nylon monofilament via the right external carotid artery. The arterial occlusion was transient in two groups and permanent in another; survival times were comparable for all groups. Control animals were subjected to a sham operation during which the artery was occluded for less than 1 minute. The outcome was evaluated by measuring the extent of the neurological deficit and the severity of the histological injury. Results Mean neurological score and mean number of necrotic neurons i...
Formation of a phosphoramide mustard-nucleotide adduct that is not by alkylation at the N7 position of guanine.

Summary The reaction of 2′-deoxyguanosine 3′-monophosphate with phosphoramide mustard resulted in the formation of several adducts. One of these adducts was formed by linking phosphoramide mustard to the phosphate group of 2′-deoxyguanosine 3′-monophosphate rather than by the generally accepted mechanism involving alkylation at the N7 position of guanine. This adduct served as an acceptor for the transfer of 32 P from[γ 32 P]ATP by polynucleotide kinase and thus could be detected by the sensitive 32 P-postlabeling assay.
Data Reconciliation in Gas Pipeline Systems

In natural gas pipeline systems, all product transactions are based on flow rate measurements. Thus, it is essential to have good estimates of these variables. Currently, these variables are estima...
Obstructive sleep apnea and transportation: Medicolegal issues

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with neurocognitive deficits, particularly in the domains of attention/vigilance, delayed long-term visual and verbal memory, visuospatial/constructional abilities, and executive function. Patients with OSA with sleep restriction have further impairments in neurocognitive function and driving ability. Subjective and objective testing have been used to assess daytime functioning. Limitations of these tests preclude definitive policies based solely on testing to identify those patients at risk for driving accidents. Legal culpability for an accident depends on the level of consciousness of the individual as well as the degree of understanding that an action will result in harm. Thus, education of the patient and public on the risk of OSA on driving ability is a critical role of the clinician. Laws and regulations regarding OSA and driving vary by region, and physicians are responsible for familiarizing themselves with policies that govern their jurisdiction.
Simulating Continental Surface Waters: An Application to Holocene Northern Africa

Abstract A model (SWAM) to predict surface waters (lakes and wetlands) on the scale of atmospheric general circulation models is developed. SWAM is based on a linear reservoir hydrologic model and is driven by runoff, precipitation, evaporation, topography, and water transport directions. SWAM is applied to the modern climate using observed estimates of the hydrologic variables and a 5′ × 5′ digital terrain model to represent topography. It simulates the surface water area of northern Africa (about 1% of the land area) in reasonable agreement with observed estimates (0.65%). A middle Holocene (6000 yr BP) simulation using the results of the GENESIS atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) illustrates the sensitivity of the simulated surface waters to climatic changes and the model’s utility as a diagnostic tool for AGCMs. SWAM and GENESIS capture the general pattern of climate change 6000 yr BP. There is an increase in the simulated surface water area from about 1% to about 3% of the land area, includ...
Topography of nucleic acid helices in solutions. XXIV intercalation specificities of DNA and their possible role in the recognition process

Abstract Through the use of reporter molecules, I, it is shown that more than one type of intercalating site must exist in DNA. Although this finding is completely consistent with the DNA structure it has not yet been demonstrated. The significance of the presence of different intercalating sites in DNA may be of extreme importance in the recognition of nucleic acid-protein systems.
The impact of surgery on survival of elderly women with endometrial cancer in the SEER program from 1992-2002.

Abstract Objectives Few population-based studies have evaluated surgical treatment and outcomes in elderly patients with endometrial cancer. The National Cancer Institute's SEER, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results, Program provides a database to examine this issue. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which elderly women with endometrial cancer receive surgical treatment and to evaluate the impact of surgery on survival. Methods Data were obtained from the SEER registries for expanded races from 1992–2002. The inclusion criteria were women ages 50 to 95 with pathologically confirmed endometrial cancer. Cases with multiple primaries were excluded. The data were examined with respect to histology, radiotherapy use, extent of surgery and FIGO stage. The survival data were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazard model. Chi-squared tests were used to examine the extent to which elderly women with endometrial cancer receive surgical treatment, hysterectomy at minimum. Endometrial cancer-specific mortality was analyzed. Results 27,517 women were analyzed with 94% of the cohort receiving surgical treatments. There is a significant trend that suggests elderly women, aged 65+ years at time of endometrial cancer diagnosis, received surgical treatment less often than younger women ( p The age-adjusted hazard of death was reduced with surgical intervention. After adjustment for stage at diagnosis, histology, and radiotherapy, the hazard ratios for endometrial cancer-specific mortality were decreased when surgery was undertaken. Conclusions In this population-based study, the poor prognosis associated with advanced age may be in part associated with the decreased frequency of surgical treatment. The reasons need to be further investigated. Continued efforts should be directed at providing surgical treatment for elderly patients with endometrial cancer.
Specific association of T-2 toxin with mammalian cells

The binding of radiolabeled T-2 toxin to a mammalian cell line derived from a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) was studied. The toxin bound to, or was taken up by, cells in a time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent manner. The binding was saturable, of high affinity (Kd approximately 0.1 to 1 nM), reversible at 37 degrees (half-time approximately 2 hr), and specific. The kinetics of T-2-cell association and the rate of toxin-induced inhibition of protein synthesis closely paralleled one another. Likewise, the concentration-response for inhibition of protein synthesis and the toxin binding isotherm were similar. A synthetically derived epimer of T-2 bound less tightly to cells, but apparently to the same site as authentic T-2. The epimer was also less potent at inducing inhibition of protein synthesis. Two other trichothecene toxins, one more and one less toxic than T-2, blocked labeled T-2 binding to cells in a manner reflective of their protein synthesis inhibitory potencies. We conclude that the binding we defined is an accurate measure of the toxin responsible for inhibition of protein synthesis in CHO cells. The data also suggested that, at equilibrium, the interaction of T-2 with cells is not static, but is the sum of a continuous uptake and release process.