cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of obesity on biochemical and clinical failure after external-beam radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. Several reports have shown that obesity is associated with increased risk of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy. However, limited information is available regarding the impact of obesity on prostate cancer progression after radiotherapy. The current study sought to determine whether obesity was an independent predictor of biochemical failure (BF) and clinical recurrence (CF) among patients treated with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT). METHODS. A retrospective analysis was performed on 873 patients receiving EBRT as the sole treatment for localized prostate cancer between 1988 and 2001. The Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. RESULTS. Of the 873 patients, 18% were mildly obese and 5% were moderately to severely obese. Obesity was related to younger age at diagnosis (P < .001), more recent year of diagnosis (P = .03), and race (P = .03), with African-American men having the highest obesity rates. During a mean follow-up of 96 months, 295 patients experienced BF and 127 had CF. On multivariate analysis, controlling for clinical and treatment characteristics, increased body mass index (BMI) significantly predicted BF (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.04; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02–1.07) with a positive trend by BMI category (P = .001). Similar results were found when the outcome was CF; BMI remained an independent predictor of progression (HR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.09), with a statistically significant trend by increased BMI category (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS. The current findings validate the important role of obesity, not only on BF but also on CF, and suggest a link to the biologic basis of tumor progression that can be therapeutically exploited. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Reswitching as a cusp catastrophe

Abstract This paper examines a model with an infinite and differentiable technology for which the presence of reswitching generates discontinuous behaviour along the optimal dynamic path. The form of this dynamic discontinuity will be shown to be a cusp catastrophe of three dimensions. The bifurcation set of catastrophe points will be delineated. Also the cusp point will be identified which is the bifurcation set of the bifurcation set.
The initial step in the archaeal aspartate biosynthetic pathway catalyzed by a monofunctional aspartokinase.

The activation of the β-carboxyl group of aspartate catalyzed by aspartokinase is the commitment step to amino-acid biosynthesis in the aspartate pathway. The first structure of a microbial aspartokinase, that from Methanococcus jannaschii, has been determined in the presence of the amino-acid substrate l-­aspartic acid and the nucleotide product MgADP. The enzyme assembles into a dimer of dimers, with the interfaces mediated by both the N- and C-terminal domains. The active-site functional groups responsible for substrate binding and specificity have been identified and roles have been proposed for putative catalytic functional groups.
Use and Recall of Positively and Negatively Valenced Adjectives in Impression Formation

Summary In a conventional impression formation paradigm, five sets of descriptions of an anonymous person were developed with use of adjectives selected from positive and negative extremes of Anderson's list of personality trait words. Effects of sex of S, proportions of the descriptions that were consistent, and valence (positive or negative evaluative sign) of the words listed by Ss were studied in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial design using 176 Ss (88 of each sex). Following the descriptions and a brief interpolated activity, Ss were asked to recall the exact descriptive words included in the original description. Both words correctly recalled and words listed, independent of correctness, were employed as dependent measures. Predictions of a positivity bias for words listed (i. e., more positive adjectives listed than negative) were supported for the measure not requiring correct recall (p < .01). Also not considering word correctness, females produced more positive or fewer negative adjectives than males (p < ...
Generation of equatorial jets by large-scale latent heating on the giant planets

Abstract Three-dimensional numerical simulations show that large-scale latent heating resulting from condensation of water vapor can produce multiple zonal jets similar to those on the gas giants (Jupiter and Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus and Neptune). For plausible water abundances (3–5 times solar on Jupiter/Saturn and 30 times solar on Uranus/Neptune), our simulations produce ∼ 20 zonal jets for Jupiter and Saturn and 3 zonal jets on Uranus and Neptune, similar to the number of jets observed on these planets. Moreover, these Jupiter/Saturn cases produce equatorial superrotation whereas the Uranus/Neptune cases produce equatorial subrotation, consistent with the observed equatorial-jet direction on these planets. Sensitivity tests show that water abundance, planetary rotation rate, and planetary radius are all controlling factors, with water playing the most important role; modest water abundances, large planetary radii, and fast rotation rates favor equatorial superrotation, whereas large water abundances favor equatorial subrotation regardless of the planetary radius and rotation rate. Given the larger radii, faster rotation rates, and probable lower water abundances of Jupiter and Saturn relative to Uranus and Neptune, our simulations therefore provide a possible mechanism for the existence of equatorial superrotation on Jupiter and Saturn and the lack of superrotation on Uranus and Neptune. Nevertheless, Saturn poses a possible difficulty, as our simulations were unable to explain the unusually high speed (∼ 400 m s - 1 ) of that planet’s superrotating jet. The zonal jets in our simulations exhibit modest violations of the barotropic and Charney–Stern stability criteria. Overall, our simulations, while idealized, support the idea that latent heating plays an important role in generating the jets on the giant planets.
Organization of hematopoietic tissue in the intermolt lobster, Homarus americanus.

Hematopoiesis in the American lobster Homarus americanus, as in most decapod crustaceans, occurs in a thin tissue covering the dorsal surface of the foregut. This tissue is composed of loosely attached, ovoid lobules containing the hematopoietic precursors and maturing hemocytes. Release of hemocytes into the dorsal hemocoel is accomplished by rupture of a portion of the connective tissue capsule covering the lobule. Cross sections of the lobules contain between 6 and 40 hematopoietic cells, of which approximately 90% constitute stages in granulocyte maturation and 10% are intermediates in hyaline cell maturation. Hematopoietic precursors in these two lines are similar to those recently described in a penaeid shrimp Sicyonia ingentis. The mitotic rate averaged 5.1% (range = 0.7% to 15.8%) in intermolt lobsters, 90% comprised granulocyte precursors. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Solving nonsteady heat-conduction problems for multilayer systems by the finite-difference method

The problem of heat propagation in a multilayer system with intrinsic heat liberation of any subsystem depending on the temperature, coordinates, and time is considered.
Effects of Bison Trampling on Stream Macroinvertebrate Community Structure on Antelope Island, Utah

ABSTRACT I quantified hydrologic features and macroinvertebrate distribution, abundance, and community structure for paired areas with and without bison trampling (crossings) in each of eight streams on Antelope Island, Utah. Percent cover of macro vegetation was significantly lower, while the percentage of sand and mud was significantly higher, in samples from trampled areas. Total species richness and number of unique taxa did not differ between trampled and untrampled stream sections, but mean sample richness, diversity, and evenness were all significantly greater in untrampled samples. Of twenty taxa common enough to analyze individually, nine did not differ significantly with the presence of native ungulates, one was more common in trampled areas, four were more common in untrampled areas, and six had significant interactions between trampling and specific stream. Percent composition of vegetation was a significant covariate for the population density of four taxa and fine sand and mud sediments sign...
Tunable Extraordinary THz Transmission Using Liquid Metal-Based Devices

In this paper, we report novel designs of tunable THz plasmonic devices based on liquid metals. The designed devices will be able to dynamically control and change the spectrum responses of extraordinary THz wave transmissions. Different THz device configurations are investigated, and numerical simulations have been conducted to theoretically verify the performance of the proposed structures. Moreover, an equivalent circuit model has been developed to describe the operating principle of the proposed THz devices. Good agreement has been achieved between the theoretical models and the numerical results. These new THz devices are expected to be applied in various areas of sensing, communication, and imaging.
Lower bounds for covering times for reversible Markov chains and random walks on graphs

For simple random walk on aN-vertex graph, the mean time to cover all vertices is at leastcN log(N), wherec>0 is an absolute constant. This is deduced from a more general result about stationary finite-state reversible Markov chains. Under weak conditions, the covering time for such processes is at leastc times the covering time for the corresponding i.i.d. process.
Some studies involving the use of chiral amine oxides for the enantioselective preparation of (propargyl alcohol)Co2(CO)5(PR3) complexes

The enantioselective preparation of (propargyl alcohol) dicobalt pentacarbonylphosphine complexes (2) via kinetic resolution with an optically active amine oxide was examined. Variations in temperature, solvent, phosphine, amine oxide, and substrate were studied. Diastereoselectivity showed marked improvement over thermal methods, while enantioselectivity was modest. The typical e.e. for product 2a was 20% at 30–40% conversion when the reaction was carried out at −58°C in a 1:1 mixture of tetrahydrofuran/dichloromethane with brucine N-oxide as the promoter.
Magnetic properties of pulsed laser deposited MnZn-ferrite films as a function of composition

The magnetic properties of MnZn-ferrite films grown on (100) MgO single-crystal substrates using pulsed laser deposition were investigated as a function of composition. The structural and magnetic properties were examined using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, ferrimagnetic resonance, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The films are single phase and well oriented; however, the compositions of the films were measured to be on average about 42% deficient in Zn with excess Mn and Fe. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy field, H/sub A/, was found to vary significantly as function of composition such that direction could be changed from a hard to an easy direction with increasing Zn content.
Benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for major blunt tracheobronchial trauma in the paediatric age group

Tracheobronchial rupture due to blunt chest trauma is a rare but life-threatening injury among children. The severity of this condition ranges from death before hospital admission to clinical stability resulting in delayed management. Diagnosis is difficult because there is sometimes no evidence of external trauma, in spite of severe chest crush injury and consecutive rupture of airways. Here, we report the case of a 32-month-old girl whose torso was crushed by a van, resulting in bilateral bronchi disconnection. She was admitted to our hospital with cardiac and respiratory arrest. After prompt resuscitation, flexible bronchoscopy permitted the accurate visualization of the rupture and its extent. The life-saving procedure consisted of surgical repair using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as ventilatory support. This provided rapid relief from the injury, which was previously expected to result in death. These data suggest that ECMO could be beneficial as supportive therapy for selected paediatric patients with major tracheobronchial traumas.
Effect of high intensity focused ultrasound on intracellular signaling in rat liver

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) can be used as a minimal invasive therapeutic modality for ablating diseased tissue. The objective of the present investigation was to determine the effect of of HIFU treatment on adjacent tissue of the treatment zone (i.e., tissue in the near field of the HIFU beam). Activity of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase and protein kinase C (PKC), and expression of early response gene (c-jun) were chosen to investigate changes in intracellular signalling in rat liver following HIFU treatment.
Characterization of cross-bridge elasticity and kinetics of cross-bridge cycling during force development in single smooth muscle cells.

Force development in smooth muscle, as in skeletal muscle, is believed to reflect recruitment of force-generating myosin cross-bridges. However, little is known about the events underlying cross-bridge recruitment as the muscle cell approaches peak isometric force and then enters a period of tension maintenance. In the present studies on single smooth muscle cells isolated from the toad (Bufo marinus) stomach muscularis, active muscle stiffness, calculated from the force response to small sinusoidal length changes (0.5% cell length, 250 Hz), was utilized to estimate the relative number of attached cross-bridges. By comparing stiffness during initial force development to stiffness during force redevelopment immediately after a quick release imposed at peak force, we propose that the instantaneous active stiffness of the cell reflects both a linearly elastic cross-bridge element having 1.5 times the compliance of the cross-bridge in frog skeletal muscle and a series elastic component having an exponential length-force relationship. At the onset of force development, the ratio of stiffness to force was 2.5 times greater than at peak isometric force. These data suggest that, upon activation, cross-bridges attach in at least two states (i.e., low-force-producing and high-force-producing) and redistribute to a steady state distribution at peak isometric force. The possibility that the cross-bridge cycling rate was modulated with time was also investigated by analyzing the time course of tension recovery to small, rapid step length changes (0.5% cell length in 2.5 ms) imposed during initial force development, at peak force, and after 15 s of tension maintenance. The rate of tension recovery slowed continuously throughout force development following activation and slowed further as force was maintained. Our results suggest that the kinetics of force production in smooth muscle may involve a redistribution of cross-bridge populations between two attached states and that the average cycling rate of these cross-bridges becomes slower with time during contraction.
Spatial angular compounding for ultrasound elastography

In this article, a new approach is described that enables the reduction of noise artifacts in elastography without a significant reduction in either the contrast or spatial resolution. The technique uses angular weighted compounding of local angular strains estimated from echo signals scanned at different insonification angles. Strain estimated along angular insonification directions can be separated into strain tensor components along the axial (direction of compression) and lateral directions. The mechanical stimulus is applied only along one direction. Angular weighting factors are derived from the relationship between the axial and lateral strains under the assumption of tissue incompressibility. Experimental results using a uniformly elastic tissue-mimicking phantom demonstrate the improvement in the SNR/sub e/ obtained with angular weighted compounding. Variation in the SNR/sub e/ obtained using different angular increments is also investigated. Elastograms obtained from an inclusion phantom also demonstrate the improvement in contrast detail resolution.
Proteins conjugated to poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles as potential neuroprotective agents.

Poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles (NPs) can penetrate blood-brain barrier providing the means for drug delivery to the central nervous system. Here, we study attachment of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and anti-glutamate N-methyl D-aspartate receptor 1 (NR1) antibody to PBCA NPs with the ultimate goal to design neuroprotective therapeutics for treatment of secondary spinal cord injury. Synthesis of monodispersed, ∼200 nm-diameter PBCA NPs was performed using polymerization at pH 2.0 with Dextran 70,000 as the stabilizer. Sulfo-HSAB spacers were used to covalently attach SOD and NR1 antibodies to the dextran-coated NPs. The prepared protein-NP conjugates possessed SOD activity and were capable of binding to rat cerebellar neurons. Thus, SOD and NR1 antibodies may be simultaneously attached to PBCA NPs while retaining at least a fraction of enzymatic activity and receptor-binding ability. The conjugates showed neuroprotective efficacy in vitro with rat cerebellar cell cultures challenged by superoxide.
Strategies and struggles with privacy in an online social networking community

Online social networking communities such as Facebook and MySpace are extremely popular. These sites have changed how many people develop and maintain relationships through posting and sharing personal information. The amount and depth of these personal disclosures have raised concerns regarding online privacy. We expand upon previous research on users' under-utilization of available privacy options by examining users' current strategies for maintaining their privacy, and where those strategies fail, on the online social network site Facebook. Our results demonstrate the need for mechanisms that provide awareness of the privacy impact of users' daily interactions.
Preemptive use of palliative sedation and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Patients in the advanced stages of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis often are faced with the dilemma of whether to use or continue to use mechanical ventilation. Patients who elect to terminate ventilatory support may be subject to significant and even extreme respiratory symptoms. Severe dyspnea and other symptoms are sometimes treated with palliative sedation, which is generally recommended as a last resort approach to refractory symptoms. However, the preemptive use of palliative sedation is sometimes appropriate. The preemptive use of palliative sedation is examined through a case-based analysis of a patient with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Dynamic Changes in Splanchnic Blood Flow and Blood Volume in Dogs during Activation of Sympathetic Nerves

Arterial inflow to and venous outflow from the vascularly isolated splanchnic region were measured simultaneously by using cannulating electromagnetic square-wave flow transducers in 25 anesthetized dogs with intact abdomens. Change in splanchnic blood volume (SBV) was calculated as the instantaneous difference between inflow and outflow. Addition of the respective increases and decreases in SBV induced by changing carotid sinus pressure from the control value (mean, 136 mm Hg) to 200 or to 40 mm Hg gave an average total volume of 93 ml of blood (SD, ±21.7) that could be mobilized reflexly from the splanchnic circulation, Electrical stimulation (15 v, 2 cps, 3 msec duration) of the left thoracic splanchnic nerve for 2 to 10 minutes decreased SBV by 159 ml of blood (SD, ±84). These mean values represent 32 and 48%, respectively, of the calculated total SBV. In both situations the translocation of blood was rapid, 50% of the total change in splanchnic blood flow and SBV occurring within 30 seconds. During a 2-minute hemorrhage (7.2 ml/kg), a mean volume of 56 ml of blood (SD, ±16) was mobilized from the splanchnic region. This represented 54% of the total volume bled. Under these circumstances, blood moved out of the splanchnic circulation at a fairly constant rate.
Force-frequency relations in the failing rabbit heart and responses to adrenergic stimulation.

Background: Recent experiments have documented the importance of beta-adrenergic regulation of the force-frequency relation (FFR) in the normal and failing heart. As in isolated human cardiac muscle, a descending limb of the FFR occurs at high frequencies in the intact rabbit heart, and therefore a new model of atrial pacing-induced heart failure was developed in the rabbit. Responses of the FFR to beta-adrenergic stimulation were then assessed in the conscious state before and after the induction of heart failure. Methods and Results: Rapid atrial pacing for an average of 19.5 days in instrumented rabbits produced severe left ventricular dilation with reduced cardiac output (echocardiography) and depressed myocardial contractility and relaxation rate (left ventricular dP/dt, catheter-tip micromanometer), associated with reductions in beta-adrenergic receptor density and adenylyl cyclase activity. Before heart failure, heart rate was slowed in the conscious animal from 280 ± 30 (SD) to about 225 beats/min using a sinus node inhibitor (zatebradine), and heart rate was then increased in steps by atrial pacing from 250 to 450 beats/min; the heart rate-versus-left ventricular dPdtmax (FFR) response showed an ascending response (increasing contractility), with a descending limb at rates greater than 375 beats/min, and dobutamine infusion amplified the ascending limb of the FFR (increased slope) and attenuated the descending limb. In heart failure the basal FFR was severely depressed with a descending limb over 350 beats/min; dobutamine shifted the FFR upward somewhat without change in the slope of the ascending limb, whereas dobutamine prevented the descending limb of the FFR. Similar responses were observed in the relations between heart rate and cardiac output. Conclusions: A new model of heart failure in the conscious rabbit was developed using rapid atrial pacing and applied to study force-frequency effects. In heart failure, normal beta-adrenergic amplification of the ascending limb of the FFR by dobutamine was absent, but a marked descending limb of the FFR at higher heart rates was prevented by dobutamine. Observed reductions in components of the beta-adrenergic receptor system likely were responsible for impaired beta-adrenergic FFR amplification, but the mechanism(s) for the descending limb and its correction by dobutamine are not yet established. These responses of the FFR may influence importantly the ability of the failing heart to respond to exercise and stress.
Low-Income Mothers' Experience with Poor Health, Hardship, Work, and Violence Implications for Policy

Welfare reform in 1996 increased work requirements for welfare recipients. Poor mothers face multiple barriers to work, among them poor health and abuse. In a sample (N = 504) of low-income mothers of children with chronic illnesses, women who had experienced violence had significantly worse health, experienced increased hardship, and faced more barriers to employment than women who did not experience violence. Battered women's health outcomes were assessed in the context of welfare policies that emphasize work without making reasonable accommodations for health and other employment barriers, including violence.
From leaf to scene: scaling problems in remote sensing of vegetation

Some important spatial scaling issues associated with remote sensing of vegetation are addressed. These include estimation of leaf optical properties and canopy parameters such as LAI, land cover and vegetation type from reflectances of a scene. Based on a relationship between canopy architecture and canopy reflectance, the authors discuss why the above goals are easier to achieve for a homogeneous canopy/scene and very difficult for a heterogeneous one. Some preliminary thoughts on new algorithms which may succeed for the heterogeneous scene are presented.
Meme-tracking and the dynamics of the news cycle

Tracking new topics, ideas, and "memes" across the Web has been an issue of considerable interest. Recent work has developed methods for tracking topic shifts over long time scales, as well as abrupt spikes in the appearance of particular named entities. However, these approaches are less well suited to the identification of content that spreads widely and then fades over time scales on the order of days - the time scale at which we perceive news and events.We develop a framework for tracking short, distinctive phrases that travel relatively intact through on-line text; developing scalable algorithms for clustering textual variants of such phrases, we identify a broad class of memes that exhibit wide spread and rich variation on a daily basis. As our principal domain of study, we show how such a meme-tracking approach can provide a coherent representation of the news cycle - the daily rhythms in the news media that have long been the subject of qualitative interpretation but have never been captured accurately enough to permit actual quantitative analysis. We tracked 1.6 million mainstream media sites and blogs over a period of three months with the total of 90 million articles and we find a set of novel and persistent temporal patterns in the news cycle. In particular, we observe a typical lag of 2.5 hours between the peaks of attention to a phrase in the news media and in blogs respectively, with divergent behavior around the overall peak and a "heartbeat"-like pattern in the handoff between news and blogs. We also develop and analyze a mathematical model for the kinds of temporal variation that the system exhibits.
Contingent Countryside: Settlement, Economy, and Land Use in the Southern Argolid since 1700.

Contingent Countryside: Settlement, Economy, and Land Use in the Southern Argolid since 1700. Susan Buck Sutton. ed. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2000. 391 pp.
Global Existence for Dirichlet-wave Equations with Quadratic Nonlinearities in High Dimensions

We prove global existence of solutions to quasilinear wave equations with quadratic nonlinearities exterior to nontrapping obstacles in spatial dimensions 4 and higher. This generalizes a result of Shibata and Tsutsumi in spatial dimensions greater than or equal to 6. The technique of proof would allow for more complicated geometries provided that an appropriate local energy decay exists for the associated linear wave equation.
A Java cryptography service provider implementing one-time pad

Security is a challenging aspect of communications today that touches many areas including memory space, processing speed, code development and maintenance issues. When it comes to dealing with lightweight computing devices, each of these problems is amplified. In an attempt to address some of these problems, Sun's Java 2 standard edition version 1.4 includes the Java cryptography architecture (JCA). The JCA provides a single encryption API for application developers within a framework where multiple service providers may implement different algorithms. To the extent possible application developers have available multiple encryption technologies through a framework of common classes, interfaces and methods. The one time pad encryption method is a simple and reliable cryptographic algorithm whose characteristics make it attractive for communication with limited computing devices. The major difficulty of the one-time pad is key distribution. In this paper, we present an implementation of one-time pad as a JCA service provider, and demonstrate its usefulness on Palm devices.
A pilot study evaluating the use of EyeSpy video game software to perform vision screening in school-aged children

Purpose To compare the vision-screening results of school-aged children tested with EyeSpy software and those of children examined by a pediatric ophthalmologist. We also compared combined results of an electronic visual acuity (EVA) tester and stereopsis testing to the results of a professional eye examination. Methods In this pilot study, all children were tested with an EyeSpy and ETDRS EVA tester, followed by ocular examination including stereopsis assessment and cyclopegic refraction. The order of presentation of the EVA and EyeSpy assessments was assigned randomly. The EyeSpy test was performed twice (with an occlusive eyepatch and red-blue dissociative goggles). EyeSpy registered pass or refer results for visual acuity testing at a threshold of 20/32 visual acuity and stereopsis of 300 arcsec. Similar threshold values were used in the EVA/stereopsis testing. Results The average age of 72 subjects was 11.4 ± 2.2 years. Prevalence of visual impairment was 25 (34.7%) of 72 as reported by the professional examination. The sensitivity, specificity, and conventional positive likelihood ratio were 88%, 87%, and 6.8 when EyeSpy was used with a patch; 88%, 74%, and 3.44 when EyeSpy was used with goggles; and 88%, 94%, and 13.79 for EVA/stereospsis, respectively, compared with the gold-standard professional eye examination. EyeSpy screening results using a patch were not significantly different than those of a professional examination ( p = 0.508). The 2 results concurred in 63 (87.5%) of 72 subjects. Conclusions EyeSpy software has potential for use as a vision-screening device. The use of EyeSpy with an occlusive patch outperformed EyeSpy with dissociative glasses.
Whistleblowing in Physical Therapy

Because of their central role in rehabilitation medicine, physical therapists often are cognizant of possible wrongdoing that persists in their facilities. Often, they may be perplexed whether or how to effect a remedy. This article presents issues for physical therapists to consider in identifying and alleging instances of misconduct within organizational settings. Specific suggestions are provided for approaches to remediating wrongful and dangerous situations when customary organizational channels are ineffectual. This article also examines the various kinds of organizational hostilities that may be inflicted on employees who publicly speak out against wrongdoing and the type of legal protection afforded to whistleblowers.
Recurrent Ebstein-Barr Virus–Associated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in an Ascending Aorta Graft

A 51-year-old man with Marfan syndrome and multiple previous surgical interventions presented with an enlarging aortic root pseudoaneurysm. His past history was significant for type A aortic dissection at age 25 years, treated with composite root replacement with a Bjork-Shiley valved conduit. Revision of the left coronary button was performed 1 year later as a result of pseudoaneurysm formation. At age 48 years, he had documented ventricular tachycardia with an echocardiogram showing inferolateral hypokinesis. His cardiac enzymes were negative, and he received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Although asymptomatic, he was referred to the Marfan Clinic at our institution a few months later. Transthoracic echocardiography showed mobile density in the ascending aortic graft (Figure 1), and computed tomography (CT) angiography showed a large amount of intraluminal thrombus in the ascending aorta graft, as well as coronary button aneurysms (Figure 2). Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed infarcts in multiple vascular distributions. The patient underwent redo aortic root replacement with a 25-mm CarboMedics composite graft that required a short segment of a saphenous vein interposition graft to the small left coronary button. A large amount of intraluminal thrombus within the ascending aorta was noted at the time of surgery (Figure 3), and histological evaluation of this thrombus revealed Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The neoplastic lymphocytes expressed CD20, MUM1, and BCL2 and in situ hybridization studies …
Evidence for the Involvement of miRNA in Redox Regulated Angiogenic Response of Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Objective— A Dicer knockdown approach was used to test the significance of miRNA in regulating the redox state and angiogenic response of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs). Methods and ...
Tissue-Specific Gene Silencing Mediated by a Naturally Occurring Chalcone Synthase Gene Cluster in Glycine max

Chalcone synthase, a key regulatory enzyme in the flavonoid pathway, constitutes an eight-member gene family in Glycine max (soybean). Three of the chalcone synthase (CHS) gene family members are arranged as inverted repeats in a 10-kb region, corresponding to the I locus (inhibitor). Spontaneous mutations of a dominant allele (I or ii) to a recessive allele (i) have been shown to delete promoter sequences, paradoxically increasing total CHS transcript levels and resulting in black seed coats. However, it is not known which of the gene family members contribute toward pigmentation and how this locus affects CHS expression in other tissues. We investigated the unusual nature of the I locus using four pairs of isogenic lines differing with respect to alleles of the I locus. RNA gel blots using a generic open reading frame CHS probe detected similar CHS transcript levels in stems, roots, leaves, young pods, and cotyledons of the yellow and black isolines but not in the seed coats, which is consistent with the dominant I and ii alleles mediating CHS gene silencing in a tissue-specific manner. Using real-time RT-PCR, a variable pattern of expression of CHS genes in different tissues was demonstrated. However, increase in pigmentation in the black seed coats was associated with release of the silencing effect specifically on CHS7/CHS8, which occurred at all stages of seed coat development. These expression changes were linked to structural changes taking place at the I locus, shown to encompass a much wider region of at least 27 kb, comprising two identical 10.91-kb stretches of CHS gene duplications. The suppressive effect of this 27-kb I locus in a specific tissue of the G. max plant represents a unique endogenous gene silencing mechanism.
Distinguishing different stages of mouse pregnancy using Second Harmonic Generation images

This paper presents an image processing approach for distinguishing three pregnancy stages of mice using Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy images. Three classes of SHG images for day 6, day 12 and day 18 of the 19-day mouse gestation period are considered. A classification is performed based on morphological features previously used for such SHG images, wavelet-based texture features, and a combination of morphological and wavelet-based texture features. It is shown that the combination of the features provide a more effective mechanism for distinguishing the three stages of mouse pregnancy as compared to each separate set of features.
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) interference and seed production dynamics in cotton

Abstract Velvetleaf has been a major concern of Southern cotton growers, yet information on its competitiveness and seed production in cotton is lacking. Experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 at the Central Crops Research Station in Clayton, NC, to evaluate density-dependent effects of velvetleaf interference and seed production dynamics in conventional tillage cotton. Velvetleaf at densities of up to 3.5 plants m−1 of row did not influence cotton height until at least 4 wk after planting. Velvetleaf height increased as plant density increased throughout the season in 1997, but it was not affected until 9 wk after planting in 1998. Because of differences in environmental conditions, velvetleaf and cotton achieved maximum height later in 1998 than in 1997; however, velvetleaf seed production and cotton yields were higher in 1998 than in 1997 regardless of velvetleaf density. Velvetleaf density had no effect on the fresh weight, dry weight, and stem diameter of velvetleaf plants in 1997. But in 1998, ...
Use of Ocular Coherence Tomography in Children With Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension—A Single-Center Experience

Abstract Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is a disorder characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without an identifiable etiology. Detection of papilledema may be challenging and leads to diagnostic uncertainty in evaluating a child for possible idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Ocular coherence tomography has the potential to add accuracy to the diagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The goal of the present study was to determine if there was a relationship between severity of papilledema (as determined by direct ophthalmoscopy and confirmed by fundus photography) and measures of ocular coherence tomography in a pediatric population with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Methods Thirteen pediatric patients were recruited prospectively after diagnosis of either definitive idiopathic intracranial hypertension (with papilledema) or possible idiopathic intracranial hypertension (without papilledema) at Children's Hospital of Michigan over a period of one year. Clinical data and results of initial ocular coherence tomography and visual field testing were collected and statistically analyzed. Results The Frisen scale of papilledema significantly correlated with average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness of each eye (r = 0.633, P = 0.02 in right eye and r = 0.868, P = 0.001 in left eye). The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (mean ± SD) was significantly higher in the definitive group than in the possible group (189 ± 65 μm vs 104 ± 10 μm in right eye, 165 ± 42 μm vs 106 ± 9 μm in left eye, P Conclusions Ocular coherence tomography may be used as a supplementary method to aid in the reliable detection of papilledema in evaluating a child for idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Concentration Effects of Carbon Oxides on Sensing by Graphene Nanoribbons: Ab Initio Modeling

We study detection of CO and CO2 gas molecules by change in quantum conductance of armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNR) with a width of ∼1 nm. Quantum conductance modulations are calculated by using the second-order Moller–Plesset (MP2) method and density functional theory (DFT) for geometry optimization and a hybrid approach for electronic structure calculations. We determine stable and metastable physisorption orientations of gas molecules with varying concentrations. Our MP2-calculated binding energies relate 8.33% and 16.33% surface coverages of CO and CO2, respectively, to 1.72 × 104 and 497 ppm. With such concentrations, adsorption of molecules results in conductance characteristics shifts on the order of few meV. As the concentrations detected in experiments are much less, other mechanisms including substrate and/or carrier gas doping as well as adsorption on defects or electrodes may contribute toward gas sensing using graphene plates. We also discuss temperature effects and propose possible metho...
A Probable Correlation between Serum SOST Expression and Fluoride Bone Injury among Fluoride Exposed Population

[Objective] To observe the expression of human serum sclerostin(SOST) in fluoride(F) exposed population,to study its correlation with alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and F bone injury,and try to explore the role of SOST in the process of F bone injury.[Methods] General physical status,past and present health state of people exposed to fluoride were questionnaired.Their blood samples were collected from the cubital vein to measure the concentrations of SOST,ALP and blood fluoride(BF).Their orthophoric forearm radiographies were taken.Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 18.0.[Results] The concentration of SOST in high BF group was(4.806±0.525) μg/L,which was significantly different from that in middle group and low group(P 0.01).The SOST positive rate of high BF group was 25.0%,which was significantly different from that of low BF group(P 0.05).The SOST concentration in injury group,non-injury group and control group were(4.870±0.504) μg/L,(5.100± 0.627) μg/L and(5.234±0.603) μg/L respectively,and there was significant difference between injury group and non-injury group(P 0.05).The linear correlation coefficient of SOST and ALP in high fluoride area was r=-0.319(P=0.001).Individuals with SOST positive rendered,significantly higher risk to develop F bone injury(OR=2.417) compared with those with SOST negative(P 0.05).[Conclusion] The serum SOST is significantly decreased in fluoride exposed population.SOST is related to ALP rising and fluorosis like bone injury.The reduced SOST may be involved in the development of fluorosis bone injury,however,its mechanism is still unrevealed.
Stress Analysis and Strength Evaluation of the EH-112A Quench Boilers

The three-dimensional finite element models of a analysis temperature field and a structure stress field were separately founded using ANSYS software for the domestic EH-112A quench boilers.The temperature fields and stress fields under various working conditions were analyzed and calculated,and a strength evaluation was conducted based on the stress classification.
Bilateral Pulmonary Agenesis: A Rare and Unexpected Finding in a Newborn

Background Bilateral pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly incompatible with life that can be missed on routine prenatal screening. Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of this fatal anomaly can aid in prenatal counseling and postdelivery care. Case Study We report the case of a newborn who was born prematurely at 29 weeks gestation and underwent several unsuccessful intubation attempts immediately after delivery. Conclusion Autopsy examination revealed bilateral pulmonary agenesis with a short, blindly ending trachea.
Influence of ruthenium on microstructural evolution in a model CoAlW superalloy

Abstract The effect of 2 at.% Ru addition on the elemental partitioning and microstructural evolution of a base Co-8.8Al-7.3W at.% superalloy, consisting of a γ-(fcc) matrix with γ’-(L12 structure) precipitates is studied using scanning electron microscopy and atom-probe tomography. Ruthenium partitions to the γ’-precipitates in the Co-9.4Al-7.5W-2.1Ru at.% alloy with a partitioning coefficient, K Ru γ ′ /γ = 1.27, after aging at 900 °C for 16 h, in contrast to the behavior observed in Ni-base superalloys and theoretically predicted for Co-base superalloys, for which Ru partitions preferentially to the γ-phase. The addition of ruthenium does not significantly affect the γ′ volume-fraction or the coarsening kinetics of the γ′ precipitates compared to the base ternary alloy. The addition of Ru also leads, however, to a rapid discontinuous transformation of (γ plus γ′), which initiates at the grain boundaries after 128 h aging at 900 °C; (γ plus γ′) is transformed into a lamellar phase mixture containing Co3W (D019), fcc solid-solution (γ), and Co(Al,W) (B2). After 256 h aging at 900 °C in the Ru-containing alloy, some grains have completely transformed, although regions of γ plus γ′ persist. The base ternary Co Al W alloy does not exhibit a discontinuous transformation and contains a (γ plus γ′) microstructure up to 1024 h of aging at 900 °C.
Planning iconic Coney Island: an encounter in planning rationalities

ABSTRACTPlanning theorists have commonly explained planning conflict in terms of the imposition of an ostensibly universal set of values that ignores, obscures, or erases local contingencies. Most recently, this discussion has concerned the hegemony of market rationality in planning theory and practice. Within this framework, planning entails the application of a singular idea of what is rational and the marginalization of its alternatives. Treating encounters among divergent rationalities in terms of conflict and domination, however, obscures their indeterminacy in planning practice. Through a case study of the redevelopment of Coney Island, I propose a less rigid framing that treats encounters among rationalities not as inherently adversarial, but as negotiations throughout which a multiplicity of values may be suppressed, created, or transformed.
A Rate Distortion Method for Beamforming in RF Image Formation

Conventional RF image formation relies on a fixed waveform set that is based largely on obtaining maximum resolution for a given amount of bandwidth present in a waveform. However, the correlation process for a given waveform set varies widely depending on the cross correlation properties of the waveform and the geometry of the aperture interrogating the object to be imaged. We propose a method that maximizes quality of the imagery being reconstructed based by first using an orthogonal basis to minimize the unwanted correlation response for the waveform. We then shape the frequency and temporal correlation response of the waveform for a given target using a rate distortion criteria and demonstrate the performance of the method.
3D Printing and Personalized Airway Stents

In recent years, the 3D printing industry has undergone rapid development. Clinicians and researchers have begun to apply this technology in procedural planning, tissue engineering, and device manufacturing. Rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques in the healthcare field have already yielded very exciting results and point to a bright future involving these technologies. This is especially true in pulmonology. 3D printing industry growth is accompanied by increased availability of 3D printers and printable materials, which offers exciting arrays of possible applications. In this review, we present a brief history of 3D printing and its applications in the medical field with a focus on pulmonology. Additionally, we describe a methodology on how to 3D model and print personalized airway prosthesis via 3D Slicer and a commercial 3D printer. We hope this will help to stimulate additional innovation and application of 3D printing in medicine.
Promoting Sustainable Management: World Wildlife Fund’s Hybrid Strategy to Change the Luxury Industry

Scholars generally characterize activist organizations as pursuing either “reformist” or “radical” agendas and using either collaborative or confrontational strategies to engage with firms. This paradigm oversimplifies the behavior of these organizations and ignores the possibility that they may pursue hybrid approaches that combine a range of strategies. This chapter explores how the non profit WWF used such an approach to engage the luxury industry in its 2007 Deeper Luxury report. The chapter analyzes the report’s descriptive and injunctive normative statements that positively engage the industry and its controversial rating system that directly confronts the top ten luxury firms. The chapter also examines the sustainability-related documents of the ten rated companies, and finds that their responses to WWF’s normative demands varied significantly, with L’Oreal, LVMH, and PPR demonstrating the greatest responsiveness. It concludes that this hybrid approach had mixed results in promoting sustainable management within the luxury industry, and may require collaboration among organizations with different skills and reputations.