cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment and Outcome of 82 Patients with Angiosarcoma

Angiosarcomas are an uncommon type of malignancy that are generally thought to behave usually in a locally aggressive fashion; they often metastasize to distant sites. Patients with a diagnosis of angiosarcoma treated at our institution between 1980 and 2006 were analyzed for patient demographics, tumor characteristics, multimodality treatment, and outcomes. A total of 82 patients were divided into those with primary and advanced disease. Overall, the median age was 65 (range, 22–91) years, and 44% of patients were women. Median size of tumors was 3.8 cm, and 76% of tumors were intermediate or high grade. Tumors were located throughout the body: 32 cutaneous, 22 deep soft tissues or organs, 10 radiation or lymphedema field, 8 bone, and 7 nonirradiated breast. Of 46 patients with primary disease, all patients underwent surgical resection, 67% received radiotherapy, and 27% received chemotherapy. Five-year disease-specific survival was 60%, and negative prognostic factors included intermediate or high grade, and tumors arising in a radiated or lymphedema field. Of 36 patients with advanced disease, 36% underwent a palliative operation, 78% received radiation, and 58% received chemotherapy. Median survival was just 7.3 months, and cutaneous tumors predicted a better prognosis compared with other sites. Primary angiosarcomas treated with aggressive surgical resection and the addition of radiation for close margins or worrisome pathologic features can result in long-term survival in most patients. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy is unclear. Patients with advanced disease have a poor prognosis, but there can be dramatic responses to chemotherapy in a minority of patients.
High-dose oral misoprostol for mid-trimester pregnancy interruption

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose oral misoprostol for mid-trimester pregnancy interruption. Methods: We reviewed our experience with high-dose ora
Physical aging in polystyrene: Comparison of the changes in creep behavior with the enthalpy relaxation

Physical aging in polystyrene was studied by annealing samples isothermally (at 22°, 57°, and 93°C) for various lengths of time and measuring the changes in the enthalpy and the flexural creep property. The enthalpy decrease reached a constant value after about 10 hours of aging at 93°C, indicating an apparent attainment of equilibrium, whereas the creep behavior continued to change with prolonged aging even after 10 hours. At room temperature it took about a year of aging to induce a measurable change in enthalpy, while the creep behavior showed changes clearly only after hours of aging. These and other items of evidence indicate that the effect of aging on the creep behavior cannot be interpreted solely in terms of the free volume concept. Thus the hope of being able to predict the mechanical properties of aged polymers from the measurement of specific volume or enthalpy alone is not likely to be realized.
25-Hydroxyergocalciferol: A biologically active metabolite of vitamin D2

Abstract A polar, biologically active metabolite of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) has been isolated in pure form from the plasma of pigs fed 500,000 I.U. of vitamin D2 per day for 26 days. By means of its behavior during gas-liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectra, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic spectrometry, its structure has been positively identified as 25-hydroxyergocalciferol.
The Prevalence of Hypopharynx Findings Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux in Normal Volunteers

Routine laryngeal examination of patients with otolaryngologic complaints often reveals findings thought to result from gastroesophageal reflux. The direct association between these mucosal findings and uncontrolled reflux is not well established. To begin exploring the specificity of tissue signs, 105 normal, healthy, adult volunteers were examined by routine video fiber-optic endoscopy for the presence of findings attributed to reflux disease. Medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and ENT complaints were surveyed to reveal potential airway irritants, while the study design attempted to eliminate silent reflux. The majority of subjects (86%) had findings associated with reflux and certain signs reached a prevalence of 70%. Prevalence was not affected by ENT complaint, smoking, alcohol, or asthma. Intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement information is provided. The traditional attribution of hypopharynx irritation signs to reflux is challenged; the need for improved diagnostic specificity is highlighted.
The Analysis on the Incentive Mechanism of Technological Innovations in Industrial Symbiosis

In order to explore relationship between industrial symbiosis and technological innovation, the paper applied the Becker-Stigler principal-agent model to analyze relevant factors that affect the technological innovation in companies engaged in industrial symbiosis and established the incentive mechanism for technological innovation in industrial symbiosis. The results indicates the extra income received from the technological innovation activities, the income received after the technological innovation activities are discovered and the company has been punished and the annual income of the waste generation company are the major factors that affect the waste generation companies on their technological innovation behaviors.
Isoperimetric Inequality for Some Eigenvalues of an Inhomogeneous, Free Membrane

Szego’s inequality concerning the second eigenvalue of a homogeneous, free membrane is extended to the case of an inhomogeneous free membrane. With the help of a variational principle and the conformal mapping technique, upper bounds are constructed for the sum $1/\mu _2 + 1/\mu _3 $, where $\mu _2 $ and $\mu _3 $ denote the second and third eigenvalues. These bounds depend only on the total mass of the domain and on a simple expression involving the mass distribution and its logarithm.
1073 INTRAVENOUS HUMAN IMMUNE GLOBULIN PREVENTS NEUTRO PENIA, NEUTROPHIL SUPPLY EXHAUSTION AND DEATH IN EXPERIMENTAL GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL SEPSIS

In neonatal animals with group B streptococcal (GBS) sepsis, neutropenia and depletion of the marrow neutrophil (neut) reserves are prevented and survival markedly improved by murine hybridoma anti-GBS antibody. This product is not practical for use in human infants, however, because of its non-human origin. Therefore, we tested intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) for its effect on blood and marrow neut kinetics and survival. Groups of 15-30 neonatal rats were transthoracically inoculated with 105 GBS/gm. All animals which received 40 ml/kg (containing 5 gm% IgG) lived (albumin control survival = 0%), 95% given 20 ml/kg survived, and 20% given 2 ml/kg lived. Even when delayed for 2h, 20 ml/kg resulted in 100% survival. Survival fell to 57% when IVIG was delayed for 6h and to 46% at 22h. IVIG also facilitated the neut inflammatory response: 1) IVIG recipients released neut more promptly from the marrow (after 2h, IVIG animals had released 5.5±0.8×106 neut from reserves vs 1.2±0.6×106 in controls, x±SEM, p<0.05), 2) IVIG prevented neutropenia (2763±216/mm3 IVIG vs 148±38/mm3 control, p<0.001), 3) neut supply did not become exhausted in IVIG recipients (4.5±0.5×106 reserve neut 20h after inoculation vs 0.3±0.1×106 in controls, p<0.001), 4) accumulation of neut at the site of GBS inoculation was more rapid (myeloper-oxidase-a neut marker-in lung 2h after inoculation=1.7±0.2 units vs 1.0±0.1 in controls, p<0.05). Therefore, IVIG markedly facilitated the neut response and improved survival. These findings provide support for a trial of IVIG in infected human neonates.
EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS

1. It was shown that in the rat a marked and permanent increase in water-intake and urine-output may be produced by a fine puncture made in the brain-stem near the pituitary gland. 2. The exact place was located in the skull through which a puncture with a scalpel regularly produces a polydipsia and polyuria. 3. Although the effect is permanent, the curve of the increase varies considerably. The maximum increase may be reached on the first day after the puncture, or the increase may be very gradual, so that the maximum is not reached for several months afterwards. 4. The increase in water-intake may be very great. One animal drank almost twice its body-weight each day. 5. The effects produced by these brain-stem punctures are limited to the increase in water-intake and urine-output. There is no increase in food-intake, and body-weight remains unaffected. There are no constant changes in the spontaneous running activity or in the sexual cycles. One animal showed marked loss of hair on the inside of its legs. 6. The absence of changes in the sex cycle suggests that the pituitary gland was not injured in these operations. 7. Evidence is presented which indicates that polydipsia precedes polyuria. 8. The nature and the localization of the lesion in the brain-stem will be described in a later paper.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Oral Desensitization in Hemophiliacs Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus With a History of Hypersensitivity Reactions

• Hemophiliacs infected with human immunodeficiency virus with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to a combination product of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole were desensitized orally. Six of the seven patients included in the study successfully completed the desensitization protocol and received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 5 to 7 months after desensitization (mean length of treatment, 5.7 months) for prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The small number of patients and the short follow-up allow us to suggest that oral desensitization may be an effective and inexpensive means to treat hemophiliacs infected with human immunodeficiency virus with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. ( AJDC . 1991;145:1428-1429)
Solvent extraction of fatty acids from natural oils with liquid water at elevated temperatures and pressures.

The use of liquid water at elevated temperatures and pressures as an extractive solvent for separating mixtures of compounds which occur in natural oils has been studied. A southern pine tall oil and a distillate from the deodorization of soybean oil were extracted with liquid water at temperatures from 298 to 312°C and pressures between 103 and 121 bar. Results indicate that water can be used to extract fatty and resin acids from crude tall oil to obtain a product with a high acid content that produces less pitch during distillation. The process can also be used to extract fatty acids from vegetable oil deodorizer distillate.
FLUID DRAG ESTIMATION BASED ON ANALYSIS OF THE KOZENY-CARMAN EQUATION

Based upon an analysis of the Kozeny-Carman equation, a general expression was developed for the fluid drag on a particle which is different in size from the other particles in the bed. It is expected that the limitations of usage of the general equation derived will be the same as for the Kozeny-Carman equation, except that the porosity dependence on the solid fraction of specified species in the theory should be determined otherwise. An interesting effect of the size ratios on the fluid drag was illustrated by use of past experimental data on packing porosity. The present analysis suggests a way of estimating the fluid drag on a particle in assemblages of solid particles of various sizes.
Effect of glia maturation factor on glial fibrillary acidic protein and fibronectin: a comparative study on glioblasts and fibroblasts using immunofluorescence

Abstract Glia maturation factor (GMF) was tested on separate cultures of glioblasts and fibroblasts isolated from the same rate fetuses. The astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic (GFA) protein and the fibroblast marker fibronectin were visualized with immunofluorescence. Before GMF stimulation, glioblasts showed only background fluorescence for GFA protein and fibronectin. After GMF stimulation, glioblasts showed intense fluorescence for GFA protein, especially in the processes and end-feet. GMF-stimulated glioblasts also showed a slight increase in intracellular fluorescence for fibronectin, mainly in the perinuclear cytoplasm but never in the process terminals. At no time was extracellular fibronectin observed in glioblast cultures. In contrast, fibroblast cultures formed an extensive extracellular network of fibronectin whether or not they were exposed to GMF, GFA protein never showed up in fibroblast cultures regardless of stimulation by GMF. The results indicate that GMF stimulates an increase of GFA protein in glial processes and confirms the astrocytic nature of these glioblasts.
Three dimensional first-pass myocardial perfusion imaging at 3T: feasibility study.

Background In patients with ischemic heart disease, accurate assessment of the extent of myocardial perfusion deficit may be important in predicting prognosis of clinical cardiac outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of three dimensional (3D) and of two dimensional (2D) multi-slice myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in determining the size of defects, and to demonstrate the feasibility of 3D MPI in healthy volunteers at 3 Tesla.
Anomalous M3 moment in 39K as a test of nuclear structure.

In light of a recent experiment indicating an anomalously large enhancement of the M3 moment in /sup 39/K we examine in detail the possible mechanisms usually at play in the renormalization of magnetic moments. These include meson exchange currents, core polarization, and ..delta.. excitations. We conclude that none of the nuclear structure mechanisms presently known are able to account for any enhancement of the M3 moment and suggest the need for a reevaluation of the experimental analysis.
Gastric intramucosal PCO2 as a quantitative indicatorof the degree of acute hemorrhage

Purpose: Gastric intramucosal PCO2 (Pico2) is a marker of splanchnic dysoxia and hypoperfusion that is increasingly used in intensive care medicine. We assessed two methods, saline-balloon tonometry versus continuous capnometric recirculating gas tonometry (CRGT), for detecting changes in Pico2 in animals subjected to various degrees of hemorrhage and examined whether changes in Pico2 would correlate with the degree of hemorrhage as assessed by blood loss volume. Materials and Methods: Following a baseline equilibrationperiod, 20 anesthetized dogs were subjected to bleeding of 0, 23, 35, 41, or 47 mL/kg. After 30 minutes, the shed blood was reinfused and the experiments continued for an additional 120 minutes. Results: Aggregate baseline Pico2 was 43 mm Hg byboth methods. Pico2 did not change significantly over time in the control animals by either method. Pico2 by CRGT rose significantly in each of the other groups at the end of the hemorrhage period and after resuscitation. Similar trends were observed in Pico2 measured by saline tonometry but were significant only with the most severe hemorrhage. Strong correlation was observed between the degree of hemorrhage and change in Pico2 by both methods. Conclusion: Pico2 serves as a quantitative indicator ofthe severity of hypovolemic perfusion failure associated with hemorrhage. Compared with standard saline tonometry, CRGT may be a more sensitive method of monitoring the severity of hemorrhage.
Quantifying the Routes of Transmission for Pandemic Influenza

Motivated by the desire to assess nonpharmaceutical interventions for pan- demic influenza, we seek in this study to quantify the routes of transmission for this disease. We construct a mathematical model of aerosol (i.e., droplet-nuclei) and contact transmission of influenza within a household containing one infected. An analysis of this model in conjunction with influenza and rhinovirus data suggests that aerosol transmis- sion is far more dominant than contact transmission for influenza. We also consider a separate model of a close expiratory event, and find that a close cough is unlikely (≈1% probability) to generate traditional droplet transmission (i.e., direct deposition on the mu- cous membranes), although a close, unprotected and horizontally-directed sneeze is po- tent enough to cause droplet transmission. There are insufficient data on the frequency of close expiratory events to assess the relative importance of aerosol transmission and droplet transmission, and it is prudent to leave open the possibility that droplet transmis- sion is important until proven otherwise. However, the rarity of close, unprotected and horizontally-directed sneezes—coupled with the evidence of significant aerosol and con- tact transmission for rhinovirus and our comparison of hazard rates for rhinovirus and influenza—leads us to suspect that aerosol transmission is the dominant mode of trans- mission for influenza.
Adam Smith: Class, labor, and the industrial revolution

Abstract Economists of virtually all schools of thought regard Adam Smith sympathetically. This article explores Adam Smith's authoritarian side, showing the close connection between Smith's notion of appropriate behavior and the prevailing economic organization. This article explores how this dimension of Smith's pre-analytic vision shaped his writings.
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE USE OF WARBURG RESPIROMETERS IN PLANT PHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Although Warburg respirometers have been used extensively in animal physiology for a number of years they have not been employed by plant physiologists as much as their accuracy and convenience seem to warrant. Harrington (2) used a modification of the Warburg principle in his respirometers, but Tang (6) and Murlin (5) apparently are the only workers to use the standard type of respirometer for studies of seed respiration. The Warburg respirometer permits simultaneous measurement of 02 consumption and C02 production on small samples for short time intervals. This makes possible easy and rapid replication of determinations without excessive use of material. By tne use of respirometer vessels of suitable size and shape not only seeds, but small fruits, small seedlings, excised roots, buds, flowers and other plant parts may be placed in them. A careful study of the technique was made in connection with their use in an investigation of the respiration of acorns at various temperatures. It was found that several factors must be considered which are not included in the technique as given in the papers describing their operation (4, 5, 6, 7). This paper suggests certain modifications of the standard procedure together with suggestions on the operation of both large and small respirometer vessels.
A Noise and Emissions Assessment of the N3-X Transport

Analytical predictions of certification noise and exhaust emissions for NASA's N3-X - a notional, hybrid wingbody airplane - are presented in this paper. The N3-X is a 300-passenger concept transport propelled by an array of fans distributed spanwise near the trailing edge of the wingbody. These fans are driven by electric motors deriving power from twin generators driven by turboshaft engines. Turboelectric distributed hybrid propulsion has the potential to dramatically increase the propulsive efficiency of aircraft. The noise and exhaust emission estimates presented here are generated using NASA's conceptual design systems analysis tools with several key modifications to accommodate this unconventional architecture. These tools predict certification noise and the emissions of oxides of nitrogen by leveraging data generated from a recent analysis of the N3-X propulsion system.
Confused or multicultural: Third culture individuals’ cultural identity

Abstract This study examined the cultural identity of third culture individuals, defined as people who lived outside their passport country during their developmental years. A qualitative approach utilizing in-depth interviews with 19 participants from six different countries and with varied intercultural experiences was employed in order to explore their perceptions of identity, sense of belonging, multiculturalism, intercultural communication competence, as well as positive and negative factors attributed to their experiences of a life on the move. Results show that third culture individuals are more apt to possess multiple cultural identities or a multicultural identity than a confused cultural identity, as previous research had indicated. Additionally, results suggest that while they lack a clear sense of belonging, they are competent intercultural communicators and perceive their experiences as mainly beneficial.
Ionic effects on firefly bioluminescence assay of red blood cell ATP.

1. (1) Light emission mediated by firefly luciferin-luciferase and ATP is inhibited by increasing the ionic strength of the medium. 2. (2) The inhibition of firefly luciferase by ions has been found to vary with the ion used. Cation inhibition occurs in the following order: Ca++ > K+ > Na+ > Rb+ > Li+ > choline+. Anion inhibition occurs in the following order: I− > H2PO4− > Br− > ClO3− > Fl− > Fl− > HCO3− > COOCH3·H2O−. 3. (3) Inhibition of light emission by Na+ and K+ at 110 mM ionic strength is characterized by maximal emission at concentrations of 87 mM Na+ and 23 mM K+. 4. (4) 10−4M ouabain does not affect light emission. 5. (5) Use of the luciferase assay for RBC ATP requires careful control of the ionic composition of the assay. Adequate extraction of ATP requires either boiling or TCA extraction with a volume ratio of 201, TCARBC.
“we feed our father”: paternal nurture among the Sabarl of Papua New Guinea

Among matrilineal peoples in Papua New Guinea, power symmetries and asymmetries, with their bases in indigenous models of gender and generation-based relations, are often revealed in the way paternal nurture is conceptualized and the way people act in relation to it. In the case of the Sabarl, these relations are marked in “paths” of symbolic action and embodied concretely in the movement of ritual foods and objects featured in affinal exchanges. The ritual action and exchange scene is especially elaborate and circumscribing at death, when the contribution of males to the reproductive process is formally acknowledged. The position of males within the matrilineal system is examined here in relation to the larger theme of societal and cultural continuity, [ceremonial exchange, matrilineal systems, mortuary symbolism, Papua New Guinea]
Nutrition and pancreatic cancer

Epidemiologic evidence on the relation between nutrition and pancreatic cancer is reviewed. A number of epidemiologic studies of diet and cancer of the pancreas have been reported including descriptive, case-control, and cohort studies. Overall, fairly consistent patterns of positive associations with the intake of meat, carbohydrates, and dietary cholesterol have been observed. Consistent inverse relationships with fruit and vegetable intakes and, in particular, with two markers of such foods, namely fiber and vitamin C, also have been noted. However, the methodologic limitations of these studies, particularly the descriptive and case-control studies, are such that causal inferences regarding these empirical associations currently are not warranted. Future follow-up of existing dietary cohorts should enable more precise assessment of the possible role of diet in the etiology of cancer of the pancreas.
In Vitro Activity of Carbapenems Alone and in Combination With Amikacin Against KPC-Producing Klebsiella Pneumoniae

Background : Although carbapenems are the primary treatment strategy for invasive infections caused by ESBL bacteria, case reports of these pathogens with reduced carbapenem susceptibility have emerged. One potential treatment modality is to optimize the use of anti-infectives with combination therapy. We evaluated the activity of carbapenems alone and in combination with amikacin against these clinical isolates. Methods : Time-kill studies evaluated ertapenem (ETP), imipenem (IPM), meropenem (MEM), and amikacin (AMK) against 4 non-duplicate clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae that were resistant to these antibiotics. Synergy was defined as ≥ 2 log 10 decrease CFU/mL at 24 h for the combination when compared with the most active single agent of the combination, plus the number of surviving organisms for the antimicrobial combination was ≥ 2 log 10 less than the initial inoculum. Results : All isolates carried bla KPC-3 and genes encoding TEM-1 and SHV-11/-36; and were resistant to carbapenems (MIC at ≥ 8 µ g/mL for ETP, MEM and IPM) and AMK (MIC 32 µ g/mL) using broth microdilution. As monotherapy, none of the carbapenems nor AMK achieved and maintained bactericidal activity defined as ≥ 99.9% or > 3 log 10 killing. From time-kill studies, synergy was demonstrated for MEM and IPM in combination with AMK over the entire 24 h against all isolates. In addition, MEM and IPM with AMK achieved and maintained bactericidal activity ( ≥ 99.9% killing) at 24 h against 2 and 1 isolate(s), respectively. Bactericidal activity and synergy were not observed for ETP combinations. Conclusions : The combination of MEM or IPM with AMK displayed synergistic activity against KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. doi:10.4021/jocmr551w
Cross-Layer Channel Allocation Protocol for OFDMA Ad Hoc Networks

A new cross-layer design taking advantage of OFDMA in ad hoc networks is presented. OFDMA technology is exploited at the physical layer to improve data rate through multiuser diversity and to enhance network throughput by enabling multiple concurrent transmissions over orthogonal subchannels, each consisting of a group of tones. A new tone-assignment algorithm is presented that takes advantage of channel fading and is adapted to the limitations of ad hoc networks and operates alongside the signaling of the resulting medium access control (MAC) protocol called Concurrent Communication medium Access or CoCo-MAC. The new MAC addresses the synchronization requirements of OFDMA and the tone assignment algorithm's necessities, and also enables concurrent initiation of data transmissions from multiple nodes to the same receiver or from a single transmitter to multiple receivers. We present simulation results on the throughput advantages of our technique compared to traditional tone assignment algorithms and MAC protocols based on contention-based avoidance of interference.
Computational methods for quantitative analysis of three-dimensional features in geological specimens

Volumetric imaging techniques, such as high-resolution X-ray computed tomography, allow three-dimensional measurements of discrete objects inside solid samples. This paper introduces a new computer program called BLOB3D that is designed to allow efficient measurement of up to thousands of features in a single sample, such as porphyroblasts, sediment grains, clasts, and voids. BLOB3D implements an original suite of software methods, divided into three modules, which respectively enable the tasks of segmenting those regions in the data volume that correspond to the material of interest; separating touching or impinging objects; and extracting measurements from the interpreted volume. Program functions are demonstrated and verified with a set of phantoms used to test determinations of particle size distributions and particle-particle contact orientations.
Real-time RT-PCR for detection of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus, Raspberry leaf mottle virus and characterizing synergistic interactions in mixed infections.

a b s t r a c t Two TaqMan-based real-time One-Step RT-PCR assays were developed for the rapid and efficient detec- tion of Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) and Raspberry leaf mottle virus (RLMV), two of the most common raspberry viruses in North America and Europe. The primers and probes were designed from conserved fragments of the polymerase region of each virus and were effective for the detection of different iso- lates tested in this study. The RBDV assay amplified a 94 bp amplicon and was able to detect as few as 30 viral copies. Whereas the RLMV assay amplified a 180 bp amplicon and detected as few as 300 viral copies from plant and aphid RNA extracts. Both assays were significantly more sensitive than their cor- responding conventional RT-PCR methods. The sensitivity of the RLMV assay was also tested on single aphids after a fixed acquisition access period (AAP). In addition, the assays revealed a novel synergistic interaction between the two viruses, where the concentration of RBDV was enhanced ∼400-fold when it occurred in combination with RLMV compared to its concentration in single infections. The significance of this finding and the importance of the development of real-time RT-PCR assays for the detection of RBDV and RLMV are discussed.
Central effects of residual hearing: implications for choice of ear for cochlear implantation.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The study tested the hypothesis that among patients with similar levels of residual hearing in the nonimplanted ear, speech perception outcome is the same whether or not the implanted ear has profound or severe levels of hearing loss. Study Design: Retrospective. Methods: Levels of hearing loss in postlingually deafened adults who had cochlear implantation at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) between 1991 and 2002 were classified according to pure-tone averages as bilateral severe (n = 20), severe-profound (severe in one ear and profound in the other) (n = 23), and bilateral profound (n = 43). There was no significant difference in the age at onset and duration of deafness among the three patient groups. Individuals in the bilateral severe and severe-profound groups had comparable levels of severe hearing loss in their nonimplanted ears, whereas those in severe-profound and bilateral profound groups had comparable levels of profound hearing loss in their implanted ears. Speech perception performance was evaluated using words from the Consonant Nucleus Consonant word list, Hearing in Noise Test sentences in quiet, and Central Institute for the Deaf sentences through recorded presentation at 70 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Results: Despite the profound hearing loss of the implanted ear in the asymmetrical group, there was no significant difference in mean speech perception scores compared with the bilateral severe group within the first year after implant surgery. By comparison, the bilateral profound group had lower speech perception results compared with patients with residual hearing in one or both ears. Conclusion: The study results suggest that implantation of the profoundly deafened ear does not diminish the functional advantage conferred by residual hearing in a patient with asymmetrical hearing loss. Therefore, the central auditory pathway may be the site at which persistent auditory function has its most beneficial effects.
Market dominance as a precursor of market failure: emerging technologies and the competitive advantage of new entrants

Dominant players in a number of industries have pursued policies that may once have been effective, but that now make their markets attractive targets for new entrants. The strategies of new entrants rely on lower overhead costs, new technologies, and alternative distribution channels, and the active targeting of profitable customers. Dominant firms will struggle to respond to the threats, and may find that their existing resources, customers, and contracts limit their ability to react.
Luminol-labeled gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive chemiluminescence-based chemical analyses

We report a study on chemiluminescence-based chemical analyses using luminol molecules covalently attached to 10 nm diameter gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Chemiluminescence (CL) has been systematically studied under two schemes by varying the concentrations of luminol-labeled GNPs and [Fe(CN)6]3− catalyst, respectively. The CL signal of luminol-labeled GNPs is enhanced by 5 to 10 times compared to the bulk luminol solutions of the same concentration. The log–log plot of the CL signal versus the number of luminol-labeled GNPs suspended in a standard 96-well plate shows two characteristic linear curves with distinct slopes across eight orders of magnitude variation in the GNP quantity (from 1.82 × 102 to 1.82 × 1010 GNPs per well). The detection limit represented by the cross-point of these two curves can reach down to ∼6.1 × 105 GNPs per well (corresponding to 1.0 × 10−14 M GNP and 2.4 × 10−11 M equivalent luminol concentration). The attachment of luminol molecules to GNP nano-carriers allows a large amount of luminol to be placed in a greatly reduced volume (or area) toward developing miniaturized CL sensors. We have demonstrated this by preloading dried luminol-labeled GNPs in homemade microwell arrays (with a volume of ∼12 μL per well). A linear log–log curve can be obtained across the full range from 1 × 103 to 1 × 1010 GNPs per microwell. The CL signal was detectable with as few as ∼1000 GNPs. We have further applied this microwell method to the detection of highly diluted blood samples, in both intact and lysed forms, which releases Fe3+-containing hemoglobin to catalyze luminol CL. The lysed blood sample can be detected even after a 108 fold dilution (corresponding to ∼0.18 cells per well). This ultrasensitive CL detection method may be readily adapted for developing various miniaturized multiplex biosensors for rapid chemical/biochemical analyses.
Stimulation of CREB Binding Protein Nucleosomal Histone Acetyltransferase Activity by a Class of Transcriptional Activators

The transcriptional coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP) possesses intrinsic histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity that is important for gene regulation. CBP binds to and cooperates with numerous nuclear factors to stimulate transcription, but it is unclear if these factors modulate CBP HAT activity. Our previous work showed that CBP interacts with the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded basic region zipper (b-zip) protein, Zta, and augments its transcriptional activity. Here we report that Zta strongly enhances CBP-mediated acetylation of nucleosomal histones. Zta stimulated the HAT activity of CBP that had been partially purified or immunoprecipitated from mammalian cells as well as from affinity-purified, baculovirus expressed CBP. Stimulation of nucleosome acetylation required the CBP HAT domain, the Zta DNA binding and transcription activation domain, and nucleosomal DNA. In addition to Zta, we found that two other b-zip proteins, NF-E2 and C/EBPα, strongly stimulated nucleosomal HAT activity. In contrast, several CBP-binding proteins, including phospho-CREB, JUN/FOS, GATA-1, Pit-1, and EKLF, failed to stimulate HAT activity. These results demonstrate that a subset of transcriptional activators enhance the nucleosome-directed HAT activity of CBP and suggest that nuclear factors may regulate transcription by altering substrate recognition and/or the enzymatic activity of chromatin modifying coactivators.
Coding pulse sequences using a combination of factorial pulse coding and arithmetic coding

A Factorial Pulse Coding approach using combinatorial functions for coding of pulse sequences is presented. An arithmetic coding approach for coding of pulse sequences is also described. Factorial pulse coding and arithmetic coding are compared. A method of combining the two approaches is proposed. The proposed combining method works by extending the pulse sequence by one bit whose probability is found from the arithmetic coding bounds.
Undescended superior parathyroid gland: a potential cause of failed cervical exploration for hyperparathyroidism.

Background. The undescended inferior parathyroid gland is a well-established although infrequent embryologic abnormality resulting in an ectopically located gland usually associated with thymic tissue and is found most commonly within the carotid sheath at the level of the carotid bifurcation. Embryologically undescended superior glands (either normal or enlarged), clearly above the level of the upper pole of the thyroid gland and found within or in approximation to the lateral, pharyngeal wall, have not been previously, described. Methods. The locations of all parathyroid glands at the time of cervical exploration were carefully examined as to embryologic origin in a combined experience of more than 3000 patients with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. Results. Five patients had enlarged abnormal glands located within or in close approximation to the pharyngeal wall. All were above the upper pole of the thyroid gland. Two were identified at reoperation on the basis of localization studies. One gland, was found after resection of a massive concomitant cervical goiter. The other two were found after an extensive search for a superior gland. Conclusions. Undescended superior glands are extremely rare (0.08%). They are located within or in approximation to the pharynx above the level of the thyroid gland with an unusual blood supply, which supports an embryologic rather than acquired cause for their ectopic location.
Manipulation planning with caging grasps

We present a novel motion planning algorithm for performing constrained tasks such as opening doors and drawers by robots such as humanoid robots or mobile manipulators. Previous work on constrained manipulation transfers rigid constraints imposed by the target object motion directly into the robot configuration space. This often unnecessarily restricts the allowable robot motion, which can prevent the robot from performing even simple tasks, particularly if the robot has limited reachability or low number of joints. Our method computes ldquocaging graspsrdquo specific to the object and uses efficient search algorithms to produce motion plans that satisfy the task constraints. The major advantages of our technique significantly increase the range of possible motions of the robot by not having to enforce rigid constraints between the end-effector and the target object. We illustrate our approach with experimental results and examples running on two robot platforms.
Neural Evidence for Representation-Specific Response Selection

Response selection is the mental process of choosing representations for appropriate motor behaviors given particular environmental stimuli and one's current task situation and goals. Many cognitive theories of response selection postulate a unitary process. That is, one central response-selection mechanism chooses appropriate responses in most, if not all, task situations. However, neuroscience research shows that neural processing is often localized based on the type of information processed. Our current experiments investigate whether response selection is unitary or stimulus specific by manipulating response-selection difficulty in two functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments using spatial and nonspatial stimuli. The same participants were used in both experiments. We found spatial response selection involves the right prefrontal cortex, the bilateral premotor cortex, and the dorsal parietal cortical regions (precuneus and superior parietal lobule). Nonspatial response selection, conversely, involves the left prefrontal cortex and the more ventral posterior cortical regions (left middle temporal gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, and right extrastriate cortex). Our brain activation data suggest a cognitive model for response selection in which different brain networks mediate the choice of appropriate responses for different types of stimuli. This model is consistent with behavioral research suggesting that response-selection processing may be more flexible and adaptive than originally proposed.
The combined use of fluorescence, reflectance, and light-scattering spectroscopy for evaluating dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus.

Intrinsic fluorescence, diffuse reflectance, and light-scattering spectroscopy provide complementary information on biochemical and morphologic information extending potentially from the molecular to the tissue level. Model-based spectral analysis in each case yields results about specific tissue parameters in a quantitative manner. Preliminary studies demonstrate that these parameters can be used for the development of algorithms that can detect dysplastic changes in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) with high sensitivity and specificity. Studies validating tri-modal spectroscopybased algorithms and real-time spectroscopic data analysis are under way to provide a more accurate and extensive assessment of the potential of this approach as a clinical noninvasive tool that could improve the management and treatment of BE dysplasia.
Computing multiple solutions to systems of interlinked separation columns

Globally convergent homotopy continuation methods have been used successfully to find multiple solutions to systems of nonlinear equations used to model multicomponent, multistage separation processes. However, the solutions were achieved by using a multitude of different starting points. This paper describes a procedure for finding all or some solutions of the nonlinear equation system from just one starting point. A reliable algorithm, which utilizes a deflated decomposition technique to overcome the turning-point problem, an efficient procedure to estimate step sizes, and variable mapping functions to prevent failure when computing physical properties, is developed to follow the homotopy path. The Jacobian matrix is retained as a special structure in all calculation steps. The algorithm has found, from one starting point, all the real roots of the interlinked separation system studied by Chavez et al. (1986). Two additional examples, including one optimization problem and one constrained nonlinear equation system, are presented to illustrate other applications of the algorithm.
A globally stable saturated desired compensation adaptive robust control for linear motor systems with comparative experiments

This paper integrates the recently proposed saturated adaptive robust controller with desired trajectory compensation to achieve global stability with much improved tracking performance. The algorithm is tested on a linear motor drive system which has a limited level of control effort and is subject to parametric uncertainties, unmodeled nonlinearities, and external disturbances. Global stability is achieved by employing back-stepping design with bounded (virtual) control input in each step. A guaranteed transient performance and final tracking accuracy is achieved by incorporating the well-developed adaptive robust controller with effective parameter identifier. The noise effect is further alleviated by replacing the noisy velocity signal with the cleaner position feedback when implementing the adaptation function. Furthermore, asymptotic output tracking can be achieved when only the parametric uncertainties are present.
Mediterranean Diet and Coronary Heart Disease

The traditional Mediterranean diet is the diet that prevailed in the olive tree-growing areas of the Mediterranean basin up to the early 1960s, before globalization invaded the local food culture. The seminal studies by Keys and his colleagues brought the concept of the Mediterranean diet into the mainstream of the science focusing on the relation between nutrition and health. The interest in the diet has resurged in recent years with further studies indicating lower incidence of coronary heart disease and reduced mortality in those adhering to this traditional dietary pattern.
Nutrition and metabolism in poultry: role of lipids in early diet

Modern strains of broiler chickens are selected for fast growth and are marketed anywhere from 36 to 49 days after a 21-day incubational period. For a viable healthy chick, all the necessary nutrients required for growth and development must be provided by the hen through the fertilized egg. The current feeding strategies for improved growth, health and productivity are targeted towards chicks after hatching. Considering the fact that developing chick embryo spends over 30 % of its total life span inside the hatching egg relying on nutrients deposited by the breeder hen, investigations on nutritional needs during pre-hatch period will improve embryonic health, hatchability and chick viability. In this context, investigations on hatching egg lipid quality is of utmost importance because, during incubation, egg fat is the major source of energy and sole source of essential omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids to the chick embryo. Due to the unique roles of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in growth, immune health, and development of central nervous system, this review will focus on the role of early exposure to essential fatty acids through maternal diet and hatching egg and its impact on progeny in meat-type broiler chickens.
Perceptions of Self-Employment Among Mid-Career Executives in the People’s Republic of China

Policy makers in transitional economies have recognized the importance of self-employment as a mechanism for economic growth. Institutional support, however, lags this recognition. Individuals, the...
A perspective of Soviet blood banking.

Soviet blood banking of fresh cellular blood components, as well as other blood products or pertinent hematology, is reviewed at two major centers, the Order of Lenin Central Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Moscow, and the Leningrad Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Leningrad. During two scientific exchange visits, in 1969 and 1973, clinical and research activities were reviewed. Scientific publications pertinent to the work of the individual scientists or groups visited are summarized, with bibliographic references. Professional contact is described with Soviet exchange scientists in the U.S. Brief visits to only two major institutions profoundly limit any study. However, the report provides evidence that Soviet blood bankers have some of the same problems of procurement, storage, and utilization of blood.
Conservation needs of the coconut crab Birgus latro on the Nicobar Islands, India

We describe the distribution of the coconut crab Birgus latro, categorized as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List, local perspectives towards the species, and its conservation needs on the Nicobar Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean. The species is threatened with extinction across most of its range and in India it is found only on a few islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelagoes. We carried out informal discussions with Nicobari communities to examine issues regarding conservation of the species and conducted timed searches in areas where coconut crabs were likely to be found. The discussions revealed that there are social taboos against hunting the coconut crab on most of the Nicobar Islands. However, on some islands these taboos are not being followed and community members may hunt the crab for consumption. Athough the coconut crab is legally protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act none of the villagers were aware of this. Of the six islands surveyed we recorded the presence of 17 and 14 crabs on two islands, respectively. On four islands villagers reported the presence of the crab prior to the tsunami of 2004, and on two of these islands the species may now be locally extinct. A small population size and a fragmented distribution in areas of coconut plantations suggest that the species is threatened. We recommend monitoring and detailed research on the ecology and genetics of the coconut crab, along with community-based conservation initiatives to conserve the species and its habitat.
Limit of hazard rate function of coherent system with discrete life

In this paper we study the limiting behavior of the hazard rate function of a coherent system &#x1d4ae; whose components are independent and have discrete lifetimes. The lifetime of the system &#x1d4ae; can be viewed as the lifetime of a parallel system consisting of the series systems obtained from the minimal paths of &#x1d4ae;. If we appropriately interpret the ‘strongest’ minimal path(s) of the system &#x1d4ae;, it will be shown that the limit of the hazard rate functions of &#x1d4ae; is the same as that of the ‘strongest’ path(s) of &#x1d4ae;. The application of the main results are also provided. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Replication of Bacteriophage φX174 in a Temperature-Sensitive Deoxyribonucleic Acid Host Cell

Bacteriophage φX174 is unable to replicate in Escherichia coli t3 at the restrictive temperature. However, if progeny phage synthesis is initiated at the permissive temperature, it will continue after a shift to the restrictive temperature.