cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of C57BL/6 mice to tumorigenicity induced by dimethylnitrosamine and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo (4,5-b)pyridine in the neonatal bioassay

Male C57BL/6 neonates were treated on days 8 and 15 with 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP, 6.5 or 26.2 mg/kg) or dimethylnitrosamine (DMN, 2.6 or 10.5 mg/kg). No tumors were seen in PhIP-treated animals at 15 months of age. Liver and lung tumor incidences in DMN-treated animals were 67-79 and 0-7%, respectively. In comparison with data from other strains, our results indicate that (1) neonatally-treated C57BL/6 mice are resistant to the induction of liver and lung tumors by PhIP and lung tumors by DMN and (2) the susceptibility of this strain to induced liver tumors correlates with the activity of hepatic DMN N-demethylase and PhIP N-hydroxylase in the (untreated) neonates.
Women's responses to ultrasound examinations during routine screens in an obstetric clinic.

Objective. The primary purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of prenatal ultrasound consultation on maternal-fetal attachment, knowledge of fetal behavior, and development and reduction of anxiety in pregnant women scheduled for routine ultrasound screens. A standard depression screen was also used to evaluate depression levels of women undergoing these screens in the sonography clinic. Methods. To evaluate the impact of an ultrasound consultation, the following were undertaken: (1) a preliminary observational study of routine screens in the sonography clinic was performed; (2) ari ultrasound consultation manual was developed and established as reliable; and (3) women undergoing evaluations between 16 and 26 weeks' gestational age were randomly assigned to a standard care group (n = 24; the standard clinical ultrasound screen) or an ultrasound consultation group (n = 28; the Ultrasound consultation was done, including the standard screen with extended consultation on fetal development, maternal and familial responses, and maternal-fetal interaction). Results. The ultrasound consultation group had a significant positive change in maternal-fetal attachment scores, lower state anxiety scores, and more favorable responses to the sonographic examination (P ≤.05). Women's depression scores did not differ between the ultrasound consultation and standard care groups and were similar to maternal prenatal depression levels in other studies. Conclusions. Ultrasound consultation was responsible for increasing maternal-fetal attachment and reducing maternal anxiety. It may be an important component of more comprehensive prevention/intervention strategies. The implications for ultrasound consultation in clinical research and practice are discussed.
Nerve-target interactions in the gustatory system following unilateral chorda tympani nerve section.

Although much effort has been directed at examining the morphological characteristics of denervated and regenerated taste buds, relatively little is known about the physiology of reinnervated taste cells (Vintschgau and Honigschmied, 1876; Guth, 1957; Fujimoto and Murray, 1970; Cheal and Oakley, 1977; Whitehead et al., 1987). Over 25 years ago, Oakley (Cheal et al., 1977) and colleagues found that some chorda tympani fibers reinnervated fungiform papillae on the gerbil’s anterior tongue in <2 weeks post-sectioning. Studies that examined recovery of taste function following nerve damage (Cain et al., 1996; Cheal et al., 1977; Ninomiya, 1998; Yasumatsu et al., 2003) indicate that regenerated taste nerves generally recover normal function after progressing through a transitional period. Only relatively recently has the impact of environment on the adult regenerating taste system been explored. Regenerating taste receptor cells in adult rats are susceptible to dietary influences (Hill and Phillips, 1994). Sectioning the chorda tympani unilaterally in rats fed a sodium-restricted diet at adulthood resulted in a regenerated nerve that had attenuated responses to sodium salts. Responses to other stimuli were unaffected. In addition, there were other, novel effects. In the same rat, the contralateral, uncut nerve was supersensitive to sodium salts. The supersensitivity developed progressively following an initial
Evaluation of Treatment Methods: Psychotherapy

Despite decades of research and a voluminous clinical literature, psychotherapy remains in an embattled state. Does it work? Is it effective? Whom does it benefit? Should it be covered under National Health Insurance, and if so, to what extent? How can psychotherapeutic services be made less costly and more readily available? Who is qualified to be a psychotherapist? What background training should be required? These are but a few of the questions which continue to exercise the minds of proponents and opponents alike. Complicating the situation is the Government’s recent interest in the controversy. How can legislators and policymakers resolve the dispute among scientists, practitioners, and third parties? How can they evaluate the scientific evidence? How can they enact intelligent and reasonable legislation? Since psychotherapy is now described as a billion dollar “industry”, the issues are not trivial and the stakes are high. Two things are clear: the problems are not likely to be resolved in the foreseeable future and they will not be decided on the basis of scientific evidence alone. The best one may hope is that political decisions will be maximally informed by rationality and reason.
Application of metabolomics to prostate cancer

The prostate has long been known to exhibit unique metabolite profiles. In the last decade, advances in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry have been applied toward identifying metabolic alterations in prostate cancer that may provide clinically useful biomarkers. As with genomics and proteomics, advances in technology and bioinformatics have led to the application of metabolomic profiling to prostate cancer-the high throughput evaluation of a large complement of metabolites in the prostate and how they are altered by disease perturbations. Recently, high profile publications have drawn attention to the potential of metabolomic analysis to identify biomarkers for early detection or disease progression from readily accessible body fluids as well as tissue specimens from biopsy and surgery. This review will examine applications of metabolomics to prostate cancer and highlight clinical associations and potential challenges.
Image-guided Thermal Ablation of Tumors Increases the Plasma Level of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10

Purpose: To identify changes in plasma cytokine levels after image-guided thermal ablation of human tumors and to identify the factors that independently predict changes in plasma cytokine levels. Materials and Methods: Whole-blood samples were collected from 36 patients at three time points: before ablation, after ablation (within 48 hours), and at follow-up (1–5 weeks after ablation). Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured using a multiplex immunoassay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using cytokine level as the dependent variable and sample collection, time, age, sex, primary diagnosis, metastatic status, ablation site, and ablation type as the independent variables. Results: There was a significant increase in the plasma level of IL-6 after ablation compared with before ablation (9.6fold 31-fold, Po.002). IL-10 also showed a significant increase after ablation (1.9-fold 2.8-fold, Po.02). Plasma levels of IL-1α, IL-2, and TNF-α were not significantly changed after ablation. Cryoablation resulted in the largest change in IL-6 level (454-fold), whereas radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation showed 3.6-fold and 3.4-fold changes, respectively. Ablation of melanomas showed the largest change in IL-6 48 hours after ablation (92� ), followed by ablation of kidney (26� ), liver (8� ), and lung (6� ) cancers. Multivariate analysis revealed that ablation type (Po.0003) and primary diagnosis (Po.03) were independent predictors of changes to IL-6 after ablation. Age was the only independent predictor of IL-10 levels after ablation (Po .019). Conclusions: Image-guided thermal ablation of tumors increases plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-10, without increasing plasma levels of IL-1α, IL-2, or TNF-α.
The Crescent Lab: A smart home lab for students

Active learning comes from experiencing phenomena; computing and computer technology requires a place for these experiences to occur. A "Smart Home" is a type of intelligent environment that can provide such a place for this experiential learning. Smart Homes continue to entice us with their promise of anticipating and meeting our needs as they unobtrusively adapt to our changing preferences and goals. The delivery of this promise, however, has met with limited success in terms of functionality and user acceptance. Many commercial and academic efforts are in progress to create true smart home systems. Taking these premises into consideration, students should have lab experiences that relate to both commercial technology as well as state-of-the-art research in computer science. The TCU Crescent Smart Home Lab has been defined to fill this need.
Rural Lesbians and Gays

Abstract The author examines rural helping professionals' perceptions of lesbian and gay consumers and the effects their perceptions have on the provision of services to this population, including the tensions that result when helping professionals' perceptions hinder their acceptance of gay and lesbian consumers. This article uses reports from helping professionals to supplement the discussion. This article challenges helping professionals to evaluate their perceptions of gay and lesbian social service consumers which may hinder their accepting these consumers so that practitioners may gain full acceptance of their gay and lesbian service consumers.
CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE OF SHOPE PAPILLOMA VIRUS-INDUCED ARGINASE ASSOCIATED WITH MUTATION OF THE VIRUS

The change in the state of the virus-induced enzyme associated with a mutation in the virus provides additional evidence that the enzyme is synthesized from virus rather than rabbit genetic information. This change in structure results in differences in stability of polymerization, degree of optical rotary dispersion (ORD) specific rotation, change in elution characteristics from carboxymethyl cellulose, and a reduction in specific activity of the arginase. Liver arginase differs markedly in ORD characteristics from the virus-induced enzyme. In contrast to the virus-induced enzyme, it showed no negative Cotton effect at 233 nm until it was activated with manganese. Manganese had no influence on the ORD spectrum of virus-induced arginase. In addition, liver arginase is denatured by 4 M urea, while the virus-induced enzyme requires 10 M urea for denaturation.
Epithelial Innate Immune Response to Acinetobacter baumannii Challenge

Currently, Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as one of the major pathogens seriously threatening our health care delivery system. Aspects of the innate immune response to A. baumannii infection are not yet well understood. Human β-defensins (hBDs) are epithelial cell-derived cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that also function to bridge the innate and adaptive immune system. We tested the induction of hBD-2 and -3 by A. baumannii on primary oral and skin epithelial cells and found that A. baumannii induces hBD-3 transcripts to a greater extent than it induces hBD-2 transcripts on both types of cells. In addition, we found that A. baumannii is susceptible to hBD-2 and -3 killing at submicromolar concentrations. Moreover, hBD-3 induction by A. baumannii was found to be dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase resulted in reduced expression of both hBD-2 and -3. Lastly, a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17; also known as TACE) was found to be critical for hBD-3 induction, while ADAM10 and dual oxidase 1 (Duox1) were not required for hBD-3 induction. Induction of AMPs is an important component of innate sensing of pathogens and may play an important role in triggering systemic immune responses to A. baumannii infection. Further studies on the interactions between epithelial cells and A. baumannii will help us understand early stages of infection and may shed light on why some individuals are more vulnerable to A. baumannii infection.
Evolutionary links between circadian clocks and photoperiodic diapause in insects.

In this article, we explore links between circadian clocks and the clock involved in photoperiodic regulation of diapause in insects. Classical resonance (Nanda–Hamner) and night interruption (Bunsow) experiments suggest a circadian basis for the diapause response in nearly all insects that have been studied. Neuroanatomical studies reveal physical connections between circadian clock cells and centers controlling the photoperiodic diapause response, and both mutations and knockdown of clock genes with RNA interference (RNAi) point to a connection between the clock genes and photoperiodic induction of diapause. We discuss the challenges of determining whether the clock, as a functioning module, or individual clock genes acting pleiotropically are responsible for the photoperiodic regulation of diapause, and how a stable, central circadian clock could be linked to plastic photoperiodic responses without compromising the clock’s essential functions. Although we still lack an understanding of the exact mechanisms whereby insects measure day/night length, continued classical and neuroanatomical approaches, as well as forward and reverse genetic experiments, are highly complementary and should enable us to decipher the diverse ways in which circadian clocks have been involved in the evolution of photoperiodic induction of diapause in insects. The components of circadian clocks vary among insect species, and diapause appears to have evolved independently numerous times, thus, we anticipate that not all photoperiodic clocks of insects will interact with circadian clocks in the same fashion.
The deferrable server algorithm for enhanced aperiodic responsiveness in hard real-time environments

Most existing scheduling algorithms for hard real-time systems apply either to periodic tasks or aperiodic tasks but not to both. In practice, real-time systems require an integrated, consistent approach to scheduling that is able to simultaneously meet the timing requirements of hard deadline periodic tasks, hard deadline aperiodic (alert-class) tasks, and soft deadline aperiodic tasks. This paper introduces the Deferrable Server (DS) algorithm which will be shown to provide improved aperiodic response time performance over traditional background and polling approaches. Taking advantage of the fact that, typically, there is no benefit in early completion of the periodic tasks, the Deferrable Server (DS) algorithm assigns higher priority to the aperiodic tasks up until the point where the periodic tasks would start to miss their deadlines. Guaranteed alert-class aperiodic service and greatly reduced response times for soft deadline aperiodic tasks are important features of the DS algorithm, and both are obtained with the hard deadlines of the periodic tasks still being guaranteed. The results of a simulation study performed to evaluate the response time performance of the new algorithm against traditional background and polling approaches are presented. In all cases, the response times of aperiodic tasks are significantly reduced (often by an order of magnitude) while still maintaining guaranteed periodic task deadlines. >
Development of whole-building energy performance models as benchmarks for retrofit projects

This paper presents a systematic development process of whole-building energy models as performance benchmarks for retrofit projects. Statistical regression-based models and computational performance models are being used for retrofit projects in industry but these require existing utility data for calibration and validation. Furthermore, a common retrofit design question is the prioritization of choices for replacement of building components and systems yielding optimal energy performance for a given budget. Benchmarking techniques prescribed in current energy standards do not explicitly address such inquiry. Given these constraints and requirements, a benchmarking process is proposed, with categorization of input data, informational sources and relationships between the two. A schematic depiction of the process with data feed-ins from pertinent sources is given. Results indicate diversified use of data sources (for building envelope category) and extensive dependence on information flows external to current energy standards (for thermal zoning, occupancy, lights and equipment, operational schedules, etc.).
Influence of coenzyme Q10 on tissue distribution of archaeosomes, and pegylated archaeosomes, administered to mice by oral and intravenous routes.

AbstractThe biodistribution of orally and intravenously administered archaeosomes in mice was compared to that of archaeosomes containing either coenzyme Q10 (archaeosome-CoQ10), polyethylene glycol (archaeosome-PEG), or PEG plus CoQ10 (archaeosome-PEG-CoQ10). The archaeosome formulations were prepared by a reverse-phase evaporation method using the total polar lipids from the archaeobacterium Methanosurcina mazei. In the case of oral gavage, the most striking observation was that a significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentration (42.28 ± 4.17%) of administered dose was found in the stomach content 3 h after administration of unmodified archaeosomes, as compared to that of archaeosome-CoQ10 (16.98 ± 2.48%) and archaeosome-PEG-CoQ10 (5.8 ± 4.05%) vesicles. This correlated with an increased uptake, notably of the archaeosome-PEG-CoQ10 vesicles, into liver and spleen; however, no more than 7% of the administered dose was found in liver, spleen and blood at any time point studied. In the case of intravenous adm...
New or Noteworthy Streptanthus (Brassicaceae) for the Flora of North America

Streptanthus glandulosus Hooker subsp. josephinensis Al-Shehbaz & M. Mayer (Brassicaceae) is described as new. The new combinations S. glandulosus subsp. niger (Greene) Al-Shehbaz, M. Mayer & D. W. Taylor, S. glandulosus subsp. sonomensis (Kruckeberg) M. Mayer & D. W. Taylor, and S. vimineus (Greene) Al-Shehbaz & D. W. Taylor, as well as a new status for S. glandulosus subsp. albidus (Greene) Al-Shehbaz, M. Mayer & D. W. Taylor and S. glandulous subsp. hoffmanii (Kruckeberg) M. Mayer & D. W. Taylor, are proposed. A key to the eight subspecies of S. glandulosus is presented. Mesoreanthus fallax Greene and S. sparsiflorus Rollins are reduced to synonymy of S. vimineus and S. platycarpus A. Gray, respectively. The names M. vimineus Greene and S. niger Greene are lectotypified. The IUCN status of S. glandulosus subsp. josephinensis is given as Critically Endangered (CE).
Obstructive lesions of the inferior vena cava: clinical features and endovenous treatment.

Objective Chronic obstructions of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are associated with many odd features. Even total occlusions may remain entirely silent or present late with acute symptoms. Renal dysfunction is rare. Many have chronic symptoms, but often only one limb is affected. We describe the clinical features in a series of 120 patients seen over a 10-year period and the results of successful stent placement in 99 limbs. Methods Patients with acute onset of symptoms due to distal thromboses underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis. Patients with significant chronic symptoms were investigated by duplex, venous function tests, transfemoral venography and finally intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Stenotic segments were balloon dilated and occluded segments were recannalized when feasible; stents were placed under IVUS control. Results In the asymptomatic group, 10 patients with total occlusions had transient or no occlusive symptoms. In the acute symptom group, four patients with chronic IVC occlusions presented with acute onset of deep venous thrombosis distal to the occlusion but became asymptomatic when the clot was lysed. In the chronic symptom group, 97 patients (99 limbs) had symptoms of chronic venous disease of variable distribution and intensity. In two-thirds, limb symptoms were unilateral. Pathology was total occlusion in 14%, and the rest were stenoses. The lesion extended above the renal vein in 18%. Common iliac obstruction was concurrent in 93%. Distal reflux was present in 66%. Modifications of the basic stent technique were required in recanalization of total occlusions (four extending up to the atrium), two bilateral stent deployments, and nine IVC filter cases. Stent deployment across the renal and hepatic veins or the contralateral iliac vein had no adverse sequelae. Stent patency (cumulative) at 2 years was 82%. Complete relief (cumulative) of pain and swelling at 3.5 years was 74% and 51%, respectively. The cumulative rate of complete ulcer healing at 2 years was 63%. Overall clinical outcome was rated as good or excellent in 70%. Conclusions The unusual clinical features of IVC obstructions seem related to the rich collateralization, which has an embryonic basis. Common iliac vein patency seems to be a crucial link in collateral function, and its concurrent occlusion produces symptoms. Percutaneous stent placement has an emerging role in the treatment of IVC obstructive lesions, with good mid-term stent patency and clinical results.
Quality Uncertainty in International Grain Markets: Analytical and Competitive Issues

One of the important issues dominating the competitive environment of the world grain market is quality consistency and uncertainty. Quality uncertainty in the grain marketing chain can be defined in a number of ways and can result in variability of end-use processing characteristics. Quality uncertainty is important because variability can increase costs for buyers, processors, and grain handlers. Quality uncertainty affects competition within countries and across international borders. Various strategies have been pursued by major exporters. Processors concerned with obtaining a high-quality product may pursue vertical integration, purchase, loading, and contracting strategies to reduce quality uncertainty. Future research for grain quality could include examination of factors contributing to quality uncertainty and private and public strategies and policies to reduce or manage quality variability.
Management of the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient

Progressive experience and success in application of blood and marrow transplantation has heightened attention to clinical management of the complications and long-term outcomes of such procedures. More than 20,000 patients yearly undergo transplant therapy and more than 25,000 patients survive beyond 5 years after transplantation. The recognition, prophylaxis, management, and screening for early complications and for late effects following successful transplant have developed by extrapolation of procedures for intensive therapy of hematologic malignancy (e.g., acute leukemia) and by recognition of specific toxicities, immunodeficiencies and problems encountered uniquely by the transplant recipient.1 Similar to other hematology/oncology procedures, most management strategies are supported principally by empirically derived and some experience-supported evidence. Overall, less than one-quarter of transplant decision making is supported by Level 1 evidence. We review the approach to transplant complications through the phases of therapy emphasizing the available evidence, the frequently held consensus opinions, and areas for future study.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid Induced-Developmental Cardiotoxicity: Are Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor α (PPARα) and Bone Morphorgenic Protein 2 (BMP2) Pathways Involved?

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is an environmental contaminant known to induce developmental toxicity in animal models through activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). Previously, it was demonstrated that in ovo exposure to PFOA induced cardiotoxicity in chicken embryos and hatchlings. To investigate potential PPARα-mediated mechanisms, fertile chicken eggs were injected prior to incubation with WY 14,643, a PPARα agonist. Cardiac morphology and function were evaluated in late-stage embryos and hatchlings. Histologically, unlike PFOA, WY 14,643 did not induce thinning of the right ventricular wall. Via echocardiography, however, WY 14,643 induced effects similar to those of PFOA, including increased left ventricular wall thickness and mass, elevated heart rate, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and decreased stroke volume. Additionally, to investigate mechanisms associated with early heart development, a separate group of fertile chicken eggs was injected prior to incubation with PFOA or WY 14,643 and in early-stage embryos, gene expression and protein concentration associated with the bone morphogenic protein (BMP2) pathway were determined. Although changes were not statistically consistent among doses, expression of BMP2, Nkx2.5, and GATA4 mRNA in early embryos was altered by PFOA exposure; however, protein concentrations of these targets were not markedly altered by either PFOA or WY 14,643. Protein levels of pSMAD1/5, a transcriptional regulator stimulated by BMPs, were altered by both PFOA and WY 14,643, but in different directions; PFOA reduced cytoplasmic pSMAD1/5, whereas WY 14,643 decreased nuclear pSMAD1/5. Taken together, these data suggest that developmental cardiotoxicity induced by PFOA likely involves both PPARα and BMP2 pathways.
Relationship between circulating interferon and anti-interferon antibodies and impaired natural killer cell activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

Interferon (IFN) production and response are impaired in a high percentage of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. In addition, elevated serum levels of alpha-IFN or anti-alpha-IFN antibodies are present in some SLE patients. This study examined the relationship of circulating IFN and anti-IFN antibodies to the impairment of natural killer (NK) cell function in SLE. All 15 SLE patients studied had measurable circulating alpha-IFN, while the normal controls had minimal serum IFN. Neither patient nor control sera contained any detectable anti-alpha-IFN activity. However, most of the SLE patients demonstrated defects in NK cell function. Because these defects in NK cell function appeared to be associated with circulating IFN, but not anti-IFN, antibodies, the effect of prolonged in vitro IFN exposure on NK cell function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined. It was found that prolonged exposure to IFN induced both an apparent defect in IFN response and a definite impairment of baseline NK cell function. These results suggest that prolonged elevation of circulating alpha-IFN levels could be responsible, in part, for the defects in natural cytotoxicity present in SLE.
Computing the Capacity Region of a Wireless Network

National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Grant NSF CNS-0437415) (Grant NSF ECCS-0426831) (Grant NSF CNS-0834409) (CAREER grant NSF CNS-0546590) (Grant NSF CCF-0728554)
CHARACTERIZATION OF VOLTAGE- AND Ca 2+ -ACTIVATED K + CHANNELS IN SQUID OLFACTORY RECEPTOR NEURONS

We performed whole-cell voltage-clamp experiments on isolated olfactory neurons from the squid Lolliguncula brevis. Total outward currents were composed of three identifiable K+ currents: a delayed rectifier K+ current that showed slow inactivation and was sensitive to 5 mmol l-1 tetraethylammonium; a rapidly inactivating, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive, A-type K+ current and a Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ current that was blocked by 200 nmol l-1 charybdotoxin and 10 mmol l-1 Cd2+ but was insensitive to apamin. The proportion of each current type varied from cell to cell, suggesting that responses to a given odorant would depend of the complement of channels present. The kinetics of the K+ currents were affected by temperature, with Q10 values ranging from 2 to 6. The identification and characterization of these K+ currents will greatly aid our understanding of action potential generation in these cells and will facilitate modelling of how odor responses are transduced and coded in squid olfactory receptor neurons.
Laparoskopische Appendektomie im Belegkrankenhaus / Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Die Entfernung des Blinddarmes ist eine der haufigsten Operationen in der Allgemeinchirurgie. Minimalinvasive Operationsverfahren gelten bei bestimmten Indikationen als operative Therapie der ersten Wahl (Gallensteinleiden, Refluxkrankheit). Zur Zeit werden nur 20% der Appendektomien in Deutschland laparoskopisch begonnen. Die Ergebnisse unserer 255 offenen und 131 laparoskopischen Appendektomien werden zusammengefast. Nach dem minimalinvasiven Eingriff fanden wir eine signifikant niedrigere Inzidenz von Wundinfektionen, eine kurzere Operationsdauer, eine bessere intraoperative Differentialdiagnostik und eine kurzere postoperative stationare Verweildauer. Deshalb ist die laparoskopische Appendektomie fur uns die Methode der Wahl.
Undergraduate Music Program Alumni's Career Path, Retrospective Institutional Satisfaction, and Financial Status.

The purpose of this study was to examine undergraduate music education and performance alumni's career path, retrospective institutional satisfaction, and financial status. Data for this study were drawn from respondents from the 2010 administration of the nationwide, multi-institutional survey conducted by the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP). Regarding career path, nearly half of the music performance degree graduates reported performing as their current job, and slightly more than half of the music education degree graduates reported working in K–12 schools. Participants were generally satisfied with their institutional experiences, although relatively low levels of satisfaction were reported for networking and career advising services. The respondents reported being most satisfied with aspects of their current jobs that reflected the intrinsic benefits of contributing to a greater good, satisfying personal interests and values, and opportunities to be creative. The majority of the sample...
CARS microscopy: 3D vibrational imaging of proteins, DNA, and lipids in living cells

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy offers a 3D imaging technique with inherent chemical selectivity based vibration spectra of molecules.[1] A major drawback of this technique is the presence of a large non-resonant background arising from the electronic contributions. We have demonstrated polarization CARS (P-CARS) microscopy that effectively suppresses the non-resonant background and improves the vibrational contrast.[2] P-CARS makes use of the polarization difference between the resonant signal and the non-resonant background. A polarization analyzer is used before the detector to reject the non-resonant background. With P-CARS microscopy, we are able to image protein distribution in living cells with a high contrast, as shown in Figure 1.
A World of Odors

The morning air has a slight bite to it, but despite this early morning chill, I decide to walk into my biology office. My young companion on this journey has a far more intimate knowledge about this world of odors than I do. I am just an interloper only vaguely aware of all of the smells around me. The traveler accompanying me on this particular trek is a 6-month-old Shiba Inu named Cedric. As any dog owner can tell you, smell is how dogs “see” the world. It is the sense that they use to greet each other, “know” where home territory is located, and when food is available. When I take Cedric to the dog park, the other dogs rush over to get a good sniff to see if they know him from a past encounter. As Cedric and I pass any standing object, be it tree, fire hydrant, or parked car, he wants to stop and take a good sample of the chemical milieu.
Imaging sub-cellular structures using three-dimensional sparse deconvolution SLIM

We demonstrate a 2.5x resolution enhancement of three-dimensional quantitative phase maps using a novel sparse deconvolution method. This method was used to visualize and characterize two previously invisible coil-like structures in E. coli cells.
Using Optimization for the Mixed Exact-Approximate Synthesis of Planar Mechanisms

Exact synthesis algorithms for planar mechanisms for rigid-body guidance are limited by the number of poses the mechanism can position the rigid-body in Euclidean space. The mixed exact-approximate synthesis algorithm described guides a rigid exactly through two positions and approximately through n guiding positions. It breaks down a rigid-body guidance task into n sub-problems of three positions to be solved by an exact synthesis algorithm. A novel algorithm utilizing MATLAB’s constrained non-linear optimization tools is proposed. The algorithm can be utilized to find within a bounded design parameter space the RR dyad that exactly reaches two positions and minimizes the distance to n positions. Two such dyads can be synthesized independently and then combined to yield a planar four-bar mechanism. An example using the proposed algorithm to design a planar four-bar mechanism to solve McCarthy’s 11-position synthesis problem stated at the 2002 ASME Conference is included.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
DIRECTIONAL AND STABILIZING DENSITY-DEPENDENT NATURAL SELECTION FOR PUPATION HEIGHT IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

Six populations of Drosophila melanogaster have been kept at extreme population densities, three high and three low, for 175 generations. Larvae from the high density populations pupate 50%-100% higher than larvae from the low density populations. At high larval test densities there is both a directional and a stabilizing component to selection, with viabilities ranging from 0.14 to 0.992, depending on the choice of pupation site. The directional component is stronger on the populations which have evolved at low densities, while the stabilizing component is stronger on the populations which have evolved at high densities. There is no indication that the evolution of this trait, in response to density, has altered its phenotypic plasticity.
Common-sense management of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastroduodenal disease. Personal views.

SUMMARY We have tried to present a rational approach to the medical treatment of peptic ulcer disease and nonulcer dyspepsia in the era of H. pylori. We are aware that the natural history of peptic ulcer disease is still debated. Some clinicians believe that peptic ulcer disease may “burn out” over a 10- to 15-year period, 13 , 14 and in light of this, the emphasis toward a nonsurgical “cure” for peptic ulcer disease may seem misguided. Yet, all factors must be taken into account. Current medical therapy has demonstrated inadequacies. H. pylori is unequivocally (in our view) associated with peptic ulcer disease. Anti–H. pylori therapy has proven efficacy in the long-term prevention of peptic ulcer recurrence. Despite our enthusiasm for treatment of H. pylori in select circumstances, we encourage further controlled clinical trials to better delineate the role of H. pylori in the natural history and treatment of peptic ulcers. The association between H. pylori and nonulcer dyspepsia is tenuous at best. Treatment directed at eradicating H. pylori in nonulcer dyspepsia does not impress us favorably. We are intrigued by preliminary data that, despite a lack of improvement in the short term, H. pylori eradication in nonulcer dyspepsia patients may reduce symptoms over the long term. 20 , 22 Unfortunately, this study suffers methodologic difficulties. 19 If other studies were to confirm these findings, this would provide a cogent reason for us to reassess our views on the treatment of H. pylori in nonulcer dyspepsia. At present, the costs, benefits, and risks of anti–H. pylori therapy in nonulcer dyspepsia are not sufficient to warrant its use outside of therapeutic trials.
Incidence, Management, and Outcome of Symptomatic Postoperative Posterior Fossa Pseudomeningocele: A Retrospective Single-Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND Pseudomeningocele is a source of considerable morbidity after posterior fossa surgery, but incidence and optimal management strategies are unclear. OBJECTIVE To define risk factors, evaluate management strategies, and identify predictors of resolution. METHODS A prospectively maintained database of 687 consecutive posterior fossa operations at a single institution was analyzed to identify cases of symptomatic postoperative pseudomeningocele. Retrospective analysis of treatment strategies and outcome was performed. RESULTS Overall rate of symptomatic postoperative pseudomeningocele was 14.1% (97 cases). The highest rate was for midline posterior fossa surgery (16.5%), and the lowest rate was for retrosigmoid surgery (11.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of increased ventricle size on postoperative imaging predicted significantly higher risk of failure of lumbar drainage (odds ratio, 6.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-36.59; P < .05). Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that time to clinical resolution was significantly associated only with use of temporary lumbar drainage (hazards ratio, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.04-5.00; P < .05), and time to radiographic resolution was associated only with placement of a ventricular shunt (hazards ratio, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.19-6.78; P < .05). CONCLUSION Pseudomeningocele is a common complication after posterior fossa surgery, but incidence is not related to age or medical comorbidity. Postoperative ventriculomegaly portends failure of temporary cerebrospinal fluid diversion, and early consideration of shunting might be appropriate in such cases. In the absence of ventriculomegaly, temporary use of a lumbar drain leads to earlier clinical resolution, but complete radiographic resolution is rare when a permanent shunt is not implanted. Further research should be performed to establish the most effective treatment strategy.
ESTRELLA DE LA MAÑANA DE JACOBO FIJMAN: POESÍA Y APOCALIPSIS

Este estudio se propone una lectura de la poesia ostensiblemente catolica del poeta judeoargentino Jacobo Fijman (1898-1970) en su Estrella de la manana (1931) como un ejemplo modernizado, eclectico e idiosincrasico del genero apocaliptico. A pesar de la fuerte intertextualidad con el libro de Revelacion, la caracteristica que mas diferencia los poemas de Estrella del discurso apocaliptico tradicional, y en efecto de la expresion visionaria o mistica en general, es la autocaracterizacion del sujeto hablante como una entidad dotada de atributos divinos
Evaluation of Seismic Performance Factors in High Rise Steel Buildings with Dual Lateral Systems Consisting of Buckling Restrained Braced Frames and Intermediate Moment Frames

Abstract Dual lateral systems are commonly used in high rise buildings for various architectural reasons. Buckling Restrained Braced Frame (BRBF) is an emerging seismic force-resisting system that is currently being used either as a single seismic force-resisting system or in combination with other seismic force resisting systems. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) provides distinct directions regarding the estimation of Seismic Performance Factors such as, Seismic Response Modification Factor (R), Over Strength Factor (Ωo) and Deflection Amplification Factor (Cd) when Eccentrically Braced Frames (EBF) and Special Moment Resisting Frames (SMRF) are used in combination. But ASCE gives no clear suggestion about what should be the values for R, Ωo and Cd when stiffer BRBF systems are used in conjunction with softer Intermediate Moment Frame (IMF) Systems. Since, these seismic parameters (R, Ωo and Cd) vary significantly for BRBF systems in comparison with IMF systems, it is essential to estimate and evaluate the correct values for them. In conventional practice, ASCE suggests that when a stiffer lateral system is used in conjunction with a softer system in a dual configuration, the lowest Response Modification Factor (R) pertaining to the softer system shall be used.
Associations of attitudes towards electronic cigarettes with advertisement exposure and social determinants: a cross sectional study

The exposure of young adults to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) advertisements has risen rapidly. E-cigarette ads have been shown to increase short term perceived acceptability of using e-cigarettes in places where traditional cigarettes are banned. We set out to investigate if advertising exposure was related to perceptions of harm, addictiveness, and acceptability of use of e-cigarettes in places where traditional cigarettes are banned. Using a cross-sectional design, 6037 students at a large Midwestern university between the ages of 18–24 were surveyed about e-cigarette use and smoking status. Bivariate analyses were performed associating perception of harm, addictiveness, and acceptability of e-cigarette use in places where smoking is banned with demographic and other background factors, and e-cigarette advertising exposure through different media channels. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship of these factors on perceptions of harm, addictiveness and acceptability of e-cigarette use in places where smoking is banned. More than a quarter (27.4%) of respondents had used an e-cigarette, greater than half (53.2%) had seen an advertisement on TV and 42.0% had seen an advertisement on the Internet. Logistic regressions revealed that being white, male, an e-cigarette user, a smoker, having a mother who smoked, and Internet advertisement exposure were associated with lower perceived harm of e-cigarettes. The same factors, plus having seen advertisements on TV, were associated with increased likelihood of perceiving e-cigarette use in bars, stores, at work and in a dorm as acceptable. Perceiving use of e-cigarettes as acceptable in classrooms was also associated with the aforementioned factors and also included race. Only being male and an e-cigarette user were associated with lower perceived addictiveness of e-cigarettes. E-cigarette use is increasing in adolescents and young adults, as is exposure to e-cigarette advertising. Independent of nicotine use and demographics factors, e-cigarette advertising is associated with increased beliefs in acceptability of e-cigarette use in places where cigarettes are banned. E-cigarette advertisements may be responsible for normalizing e-cigarette use. Exposure to internet e-cigarette advertisements was associated with lower perceived harm; this may be due to the false health claims often made in internet advertisements.
Natural selection can favor the evolution of ratchet robustness over evolution of mutational robustness

The vast majority of mutations are deleterious. How natural populations evolve to cope is a question of fundamental interest. Previous studies have reported the evolution of mutational robustness, that is, natural selection favoring mutations that reduce effects of deleterious mutations elsewhere in the genome. Here, we demonstrate that finite, asexual populations' ability to purge recurrent deleterious mutations declines with increased mutational robustness. Consequently, higher mutational robustness leads to higher risk of extinction by Muller's ratchet. We therefore hypothesize that in the long run, natural populations may instead evolve robustness against Muller's ratchet by increasing sensitivity to deleterious mutations, despite the short-term fitness consequences. We call this phenomenon "ratchet robustness". Using individual-based simulations, we first confirm that ratchet robustness is inversely correlated with mutational robustness on fitness landscapes without epistasis. Next, we demonstrate that negative epistasis increases ratchet robustness, precisely because on fitness landscapes with negative epistasis sensitivity to deleterious mutations increases as mutations accumulate. We also show that on a fitness landscape with adjacent fitness peaks exhibiting exclusively positive and negative epistasis, the populations will converge on the latter. On the other hand, introducing even a vanishingly small region of positive epistasis on a single-peaked fitness landscape that otherwise exhibits negative epistasis is enough to entirely ablate ratchet robustness, exposing the population to Muller's ratchet. We conclude that while regions of the fitness landscape with higher mutational robustness could be favored in the short term, purely because of temporary fitness advantage, in the long run mutational robustness may render a population vulnerable to extinction. Some empirical support exists for this prediction.
Facebook and romantic relationships: A daily diary analysis

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of daily Facebook communications with one’s romantic partner on mood and relationship quality. Undergraduate participants from a large Midwestern university who had been involved in a romantic relationship for a minimum of three months completed 14 daily surveys that measured their daily loneliness, mood, relationship satisfaction, and emotional closeness, as well as communications with their romantic partner and all others on Facebook, inperson, and using other forms of communication. Negative Facebook communications with one’s partner significantly predicted more daily loneliness, lower daily positive mood, higher daily negative mood, lower daily relationship satisfaction, and lower daily emotional closeness. Positive Facebook communications with one’s partner significantly predicted higher daily relationship satisfaction and emotional closeness. This study presents a first step in providing strong evidence for the importance of the effect of Facebook on mood and relationship quality.
The role of movement errors in modifying spatiotemporal gait asymmetry post stroke: a randomized controlled trial:

Objective:Current rehabilitation to improve gait symmetry following stroke is based on one of two competing motor learning strategies: minimizing or augmenting symmetry errors. We sought to determi...
Characteristics of personal health information management groups: findings from an online survey using Amazon’s mTurk

Objective: The study characterized three groups with different levels of familiarity with personal health information management (PHIM) in terms of their demographics, health knowledge, technological competency, and information sources and barriers. In addition, the authors examined differences among PHIM groups in subjective self-ratings and objective test scores for health literacy. Methods: A total of 202 survey participants were recruited using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk) service, a crowdsourcing Internet service. Using K-means clustering, three groups with differing levels of familiarity with PHIM were formed: Advanced, Intermediate, and Basic. Results: The Advanced group was the youngest, and the Basic group contained the highest proportion of males, whereas the Intermediate group was the oldest and contained the fewest males. The Advanced group was significantly more likely to engage in provider- or hospital-initiated PHIM activities such as emailing with providers, viewing test results online, and receiving summaries of hospital visits via email or websites than the other groups. The Basic group had significantly lower information management skills and Internet use than the other groups. Advanced and Basic groups reported significant differences in several information barriers. While the Advanced group self-reported the highest general literacy, they scored lowest on an objective health literacy test. Conclusions: For effective personal health records management, it is critical to understand individual differences in PHIM using a comprehensive measure designed to assess personal health records–specific activities. Because they are trained to perform an array of information management activities, medical librarians or patient educators are well positioned to promote the effective use of personal health records by health consumers.