cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial and ethnic differences in pediatric obesity-prevention counseling: national prevalence of clinician practices.

Objective: To assess the frequency of clinician-reported delivery of obesity-prevention counseling (OPC) at well-child visits; evaluating for racial/ethnic discrepancies. Methods and Procedures: Combined, weighted well-child visit data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 2001 to 2004 were analyzed for patients aged 4–18 years. Obesity-prevention counseling was defined as the combined delivery of diet/nutrition and exercise counseling. Patients receiving over- or underweight related diagnoses were excluded. Counseling frequencies were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the relationship of OPC with race, ethnicity, region, provider, sex, age, and payor type. Results: Of 55,695,554 (weighted) visits, 24.4% included OPC (90.8% of these from NAMCS). 15.4% of Hispanic patients received OPC compared to 28.8% of non-Hispanics. Frequencies were similar between Whites and Blacks (25.0 and 27.1%). Patients with private insurance received more counseling (26.9%) than Medicaid (19.1%) or self-pay (15.1%). In logistic regression models, non-Hispanics were more likely to receive OPC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.94; confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–3.32), and patients in the West were less likely to receive OPC (OR = 0.39; CI = 0.18–0.85). Payor type was not predictive in regression analysis. Patients in hospital-based practices received less OPC (11.9% vs. 25.7% with OR = 0.40; CI =0.22–0.74). Discussion: Obesity prevention, like treatment, is a complex and multifactorial process. With the documented racial and ethnic disparities in rates of pediatric obesity, reasons for discrepancies in the provision of OPC must be further investigated as preventive strategies are formulated.
Complete Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Presenting as “Seizures”

Limb shaking is a rare and atypical presentation for a transient ischemic attack. It can be described as a “cerebral ischemic claudication” due to attenuation in an already compromised cerebral perfusion. The uncharacteristic presentation may lead to confusion and misdiagnosis, for example, focal epilepsy, delaying appropriate therapy. We describe such a case highlighting the clinical implications and options for addressing the underlying cerebrovascular pathology. A 57-years-old female with a 2 weeks history of slurred speech and involuntary shaking of the right upper and lower extremities lasting for a few minutes, which was not associated with loss of consciousness or amourosis fugax. Neuroimaging demonstrated a complete left internal carotid artery occlusion at its origin and a severe focal stenosis of the proximal external carotid artery. Supraclinoidal internal carotid artery was reconstituted via collaterals between ophthalmic artery and branches of left internal maxillary artery. The right internal carotid contributed via the anterior communicating artery. An external carotid endarterectomy was performed, resulting in a complete resolution of her symptoms. In conclusion, limb shaking as a manifestation of carotid occlusion is a rare phenomenon. To prevent misdiagnosis and appropriate treatment, cerebral ischemic claudication must always be considered in the appropriate setup. Any treatment must preserve the collaterals supplying the compromised cerebral vasculature.
Functional-derivative study of the Hubbard model. II. Self-consistent equation and its complete solution

We develop a self-consistent method to solve the basic equation for the self-energy correction of the Hubbard model obtained previously. The term ..pi..(..delta..) involving second functional derivatives is neglected, and the quantities and are initially assumed to be independent of the external fields epsilon(sigma) and epsilon(sigma-bar). Under these restrictions, the complete self-energy correction is shown to be expanded in powers of epsilon (sigma) and epsilon (sigma-bar) in the form ..sigma../sub R R prime sigma/(tt') = xi/sub 0/(RR'sigma-bart) delta/sub tt'/ + ..sigma../sub n//sub 0/ ..sigma../sub R prime prime/ ..sigma../sub R prime prime prime/ xi/sup( n)/ (RR';R''R''') epsilon (R''R'''sigmat) delta/sub t t prime/, where xi/sub 0/ consists of all possible terms linear in epsilon (sigma-bar), while xi/sup( n)/ is made up of all possible terms of the nth degree in epsilon (sigma-bar). Equations for xi/sub 0/ and xi/sup( n)/ are solved exactly and the resulting series is summed analytically, yielding a compact and complete analytic solution for the restricted equation results. The part which is linear in epsilon is shown to be equal to the perturbation result obtained in the previous paper;the claim that the perturbation result ismore » exact through terms linear in epsilon is thus confirmed. The method is extended and the effect of delta /deltaepsilon and delta /deltaepsilon is included. The effect is found to eliminate the difficulty that the value of one of the terms in the self-energy correction is abnormally overestimated in the previous result in the split-band, half-filled limit.« less
The effect of nicotine extraction filters on pulse rate and vasomotor activity: a methodological note.

Abstract Smoking cigarettes through high- or low-nicotine extraction filters produced cardiovascular changes similar to those produced by smoking high- and low-nicotine cigarettes. The methodological implications of these findings are discussed.
Bonding in Metal Atom Cluster Compounds from the d-Orbital Overlap Model to SCF-Xα-SW Calculations

This paper gives a survey of results pertaining to the electronic structures of metal atom cluster compounds. The development of progressively more complete and accurate calculations, from the simple d-orbital overlap model of Cotton and Haas (1964) through approximate Hartree–Fock (Fenske–Hall) calculations to recent SCF-Xα-SW calculations incorporating corrections for relativistic effects. It is shown that the qualitative essentials of the bonding are apparent even in the simplest treatment but that the more sophisticated methods are required to interpret spectra and other experimental data quantitatively.
POLI: An Expert System Model of U.S. Foreign Policy Belief Systems

One of the more fruitful systematic approaches to the study of foreign policy views nations as information processors and explains foreign policy as a function of information and processing thereon. Much of such processing depends on the prior beliefs of decision makers, but for a variety of reasons these systems of prior beliefs are very difficult to analyze using “standard” empirical and modeling techniques. Computational modeling, including expert system technology, provides an alternative methodology that allows such analysis. I present Policy Arguer (POLI), an expert system model of U.S. foreign policy making in Asia. Poli has been very successful in reproducing actual U.S. responses to events in Asia from the 1950s. More important, POLI recreates policy debate in the form of the arguments and counterarguments used to justify policy alternatives. The model explains foreign policy outputs in terms of a complete process from foreign policy beliefs, through debate, to choice.
Challenges in studying the etiology of breast cancer subtypes

Research that classifies breast tumors into homogenous subgroups could ultimately help to define public health prevention strategies for aggressive breast cancer subtypes. However, etiologic research on molecular breast cancer subtypes must overcome several challenges. Stratifying breast cancers into subgroups can reduce statistical power and, therefore, may require non-traditional analytical methods. Integrating results across studies is hampered by varying definitions of molecular subtypes, with some studies using triple negative status and others using specific markers to define basal-like cancers. In addition, triple negative and basal-like breast cancers appear to show strong associations with race, so the varied racial and ethnic composition of different datasets can make comparison across studies challenging. In spite of these challenges, some strong and consistent associations between triple negative or basal-like breast cancer and demographic variables are emerging, and there are hints that prevention strategies for this aggressive subtype of breast cancer may also be attainable.
Topology optimization of continuum structures under uncertainty – A Polynomial Chaos approach

Abstract A computational method for topology optimization in the presence of uncertainty is proposed. The method combines the spectral stochastic approach for the representation and propagation of uncertainties with an existing deterministic topology optimization technique. The idea in spectral stochastic formulations is to add an extra dimension, a random dimension, to the problem where the stochastic variability of the input parameters (and outputs of interest) can be modeled. The resulting compact representations for the response quantities allow for efficient and accurate calculation of sensitivities of response statistics with respect to the design variables which are then fed into a gradient-based optimizer that searches for the optimum design. From a variety of frameworks for uncertainty-informed optimization, robust topology optimization is chosen to demonstrate the applicability of the method. Examples from continuum topology optimization under uncertainty in material properties are presented. It is also shown that results obtained from the proposed method are in excellent agreement with those obtained from a Monte Carlo-based optimization algorithm.
Improving On‐Time Counseling Attendance in a Methadone Treatment Program: A Contingency Management Approach

Two studies were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of contingency management techniques in promoting punctual counseling attendance among methadone maintenance patients. In Study 1, 50 participants were recruited from an inner‐city methadone maintenance program. Study 1 used an A–B–A design with baseline, intervention, and return‐to‐baseline phases. On‐time attendance was reinforced during the intervention phase with a voucher that was redeemable for a draw out of a box containing 100 tokens with values varying from $0.00 to $100.00. Methadone maintenance patients who exhibited poor attendance during baseline showed a significant positive response during the contingency management intervention phase. Study 2 used the same design as Study 1 except that the 52 participants were randomized into reinforcement groups that received either the variable rate of reinforcement as in Study 1 or a fixed value reinforcer of $3.25. As in Study 1, Poor Attenders significantly improved counseling attendance duri...
Enhanced inhibition of orthopoxvirus replication in vitro by alkoxyalkyl esters of cidofovir and cyclic cidofovir.

ABSTRACT The nucleotide phosphonates cidofovir (CDV) and cyclic cidofovir (cCDV) are potent antiviral compounds when administered parenterally but are not well absorbed orally. These compounds have been reported to have activity against orthopoxvirus replication in vitro and in animal models when administered parenterally or by aerosol. To obtain better oral activity, we synthesized a novel series of analogs of CDV and cCDV by esterification with two long-chain alkoxyalkanols, 3-hexadecyloxy-1-propanol (HDP-CDV; HDP-cCDV) or 3-octadecyloxy-1-ethanol (ODE-CDV; ODE-cCDV). Their activities were evaluated and compared with those of CDV and cCDV in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells infected with vaccinia virus (VV) or cowpox virus (CV) using a plaque reduction assay. The 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) against VV in HFF cells for CDV and cCDV were 46.2 and 50.6 μM compared with 0.84 and 3.8 μM for HDP-CDV and HDP-cCDV, respectively. The EC50s for ODE-CDV and ODE-cCDV were 0.20 and 1.1 μM, respectively. The HDP analogs were 57- and 13-fold more active than the parent nucleotides, whereas the ODE analogs were 231- and 46-fold more active than the unmodified CDV and cCDV. Similar results were obtained using CV. Cytotoxicity studies indicated that although the analogs were more toxic than the parent nucleotides, the selective index was increased by 4- to 13-fold. These results indicate that the alkoxyalkyl esters of CDV and cCDV have enhanced activity in vitro and need to be evaluated for their oral absorption and efficacy in animal models.
Radiation injury following an A-bomb explosion.

Excerpt Radiation injury to large numbers of people had never occurred before the atomic bomb explosions in Japan. Consequently, reports of the thermal and ionizing radiation effects of this unique...
Defensin Modulates Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator and Plasminogen Binding to Fibrin and Endothelial Cells *

Abstract Defensins are naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that may participate in host defense against microorganisms. We previously reported that the amino acid sequence of leukocyte defensins resembles the lysine-binding site in the kringles of plasminogen and that defensin inhibits fibrinolysis mediated by tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen. In the present paper we analyze the mechanisms of this inhibition. Defensin binds specifically to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) (half-maximal binding = 3 μM) as well as to fibrin. At saturating concentrations (5-10 μM), defensin stimulates the maximum binding of plasminogen to HUVEC and to fibrin approximately 10-fold. However, defensin inhibits plasminogen binding to both surfaces at concentrations >10 μM. Defensin also inhibits tPA and plasminogen-mediated fibrinolysis in a dose-dependent manner at all concentrations tested. Fibrinolysis is almost totally inhibited by 6 μM defensin, a concentration that stimulates the binding of plasminogen to fibrin. Discordance between the enhancement of plasminogen binding and its activation cannot be explained by an inhibitory effect of defensin on tPA binding nor by inhibition of plasmin activity, each of which occur only at higher concentrations. Rather, these results suggest that plasminogen bound to fibrin in the presence of defensin is less susceptible to activation by tPA.
Classical Genotropic Versus Kinase-Initiated Regulation of Gene Transcription by the Estrogen Receptor α

Elucidation of kinase-initiated routes by which the estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) control gene transcription, along with evidence of distinct biologic outcomes in response to ligands that can selectively activate nongenotropic signaling of the ERs or the androgen receptor, suggest that the ERs control a range of genes wider than that regulated by their direct association with DNA. To ascertain the extent and significance of nongenotropic ER-mediated transcription, we employed transduced HeLa cells expressing wild-type ERα or the ligand binding domain of ERα localized to the cell membrane (E-Mem), the OB-6 osteoblastic cell line, MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells and uteri from mice treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), or the nongenotropic signaling activator 4-estren-3α,17β-diol (estren). E2 and estren induced ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in ERα or E-Mem stably transfected HeLa cells; however, the phosphorylation kinetics differed between the two cell lines. In all four models, nongenotropic ER action...
THE ROLE OF DIFFUSIVE SHOCK ACCELERATION ON NONEQUILIBRIUM IONIZATION IN SUPERNOVA REMNANTS

We present results of semianalytic calculations which show clear evidence for changes in the nonequilibrium ionization behind a supernova remnant forward shock undergoing efficient diffusive shock acceleration (DSA). The efficient acceleration of particles (i.e., cosmic rays (CRs)) lowers the shock temperature and raises the density of the shocked gas, thus altering the ionization state of the plasma in comparison to the test-particle (TP) approximation where CRs gain an insignificant fraction of the shock energy. The differences between the TP and efficient acceleration cases are substantial and occur for both slow and fast temperature equilibration rates: in cases of higher acceleration efficiency, particular ion states are more populated at lower electron temperatures. We also present results which show that, in the efficient shock acceleration case, higher ionization fractions are reached noticeably closer to the shock front than in the TP case, clearly indicating that DSA may enhance thermal X-ray production. We attribute this to the higher postshock densities which lead to faster electron temperature equilibration and higher ionization rates. These spatial differences should be resolvable with current and future X-ray missions, and can be used as diagnostics in estimating the acceleration efficiency in CR-modified shocks.
An Exploratory Study of the Role of Kinship Ties in Promoting Resilience Among African American Adult Children of Alcoholics

Abstract This study utilized a multi-method design that integrated both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study sought to identify differences in kinship social support, self-esteem, and coping responses between African American college students who identify themselves as adult children of alcoholic parents (ACOAs) and adult children of nonalcoholic parents (non-ACOAs) at two separate universities. The results indicate that ACOAs utilized more effective coping responses than non-ACOAs and there were no differences in levels of self-esteem and kinship social support. Personal constructs of adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs)' coping responses while living with an alcoholic parent and/or caregiver were investigated using in-depth interviews, and follow-up participant checks were used. A theoretical model was developed describing: (a) causal conditions that underlie the development of resilience, (b) phenomena that arose from those causal conditions, (c) context that influenced strategy development,...
Technological Developments with the FDA Adverse Drug Reaction File System

A review of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) file system. This paper describes the current operations for maintaining the on-line computerized data entry, storage and retrieval programs, and the microfilm retrieval system. Other technology developments discussed include data diskette exchange and laser disc storage and retrieval.
Long-term frequency shifts in the chromosomal polymorphisms of Drosophila robusta in the Great Smoky Mountains

We resurveyed an elevational transect in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park first sampled in 1947 for chromosomal polymorphisms in populations of Drosophila robusta. Combining these results with those from previous surveys, unpublished data, and long-term meteorological data from this region up to 2003, we found that these chromosomal polymorphisms had continued to shift in frequency consistent with long-term temperature changes, yet had maintained elevational clines. Intensity of linkage disequilibrium for X-chromosome gene arrangements had shifted up and down the transect over the 56-year sampling period, suggesting shifting patterns of adaptation. Chromosomal frequency changes through the 1980s clearly demonstrated concerted directional evolution in response to cooler temperatures, but over the 20 years until 2003, frequency changes in most high-elevation populations reversed for many of the most temperature-sensitive gene arrangements. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 88, 131–141.
Subcutaneous Administration of Amino Acids

SUMMARY When used subcutaneously, aminosol-glucose is an innocuous parenteral feeding, provided that the ampoule, once broken, is not used a second time. The preparation can very well replace the Ringer solution and glucose, and in consequence a protein thereapy can be realised even when oral feeding is found impossible or made difficult, or when injections in veins, bone marrow and abdomen have to be spared for other purposes. We have found that the suitable quantity is 20–40 ml per kg bodyweight and day, given by 1–2 injections daily.
Management of an incidental liver mass.

The wide availability and use of advanced imaging modalities, including ultrasonography (US), CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET), have led to increased identification of incidental liver masses (ILMs). The discovery of an ILM typically occurs during the course of an evaluation for an unrelated suspected or existing clinical problem. ILMs have also been detected during whole-body cross-sectional imaging offered on a proprietary basis for screening purposes. 1 On detection of ILM, it is incumbent on caring physicians to balance the potential risks posed by a lesion with the costs of further evaluation or treatment. Real harm can result from failure to diagnose a malignancy or inappropriate work-up of a harmless lesion. Through careful consideration of patient factors and imaging characteristics of ILMs, clinicians can recommend a safe, effective, and efficient course of action. This article begins by considering the clinical factors that should be incorporated into the risk assessment of ILMs. Subsequently, the radiologic features of ILMs are reviewed, which are used in conjunction with clinical circumstances to define the risk of malignancy and the need for further evaluation and management. Specific indications for biopsy or therapeutic intervention are discussed. The article concludes with consideration of the specific pathologic entities accounting for the majority of ILMs. An algorithmic approach is outlined as a conceptual framework to assist with the development of an individualized assessment and management strategy for each patient confronted with an ILM (Fig. 1). CLINICAL FACTORS RELATED TO INCIDENTAL LIVER MASS RISK Although most of this discussion focuses on the radiographic or physical characteristics of ILMs, placing incidental imaging findings in the appropriate clinical context is of the utmost importance. Factors, including patient age, gender, history of malignancy,
Sustainable development vs. sustainable redevelopment

Attentive managers will find that sustainable development presents two distinct challenges depending upon where in the world they are operating. The business of sustainable development is quite different in the industrialized and developing worlds. The industrial north, for example, has a well-developed and prosperous economic infrastructure that provides its citizens with a level of wealth that was unimaginable a century ago. But those economic gains have come at a high environmental cost. The industrial world's economic system is proving to be ecologically unsustainable and is threatening to undo the planet's biological balance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ion-drag electrohydrodynamic pumping-selecting an optimum working fluid

An ion-drag pump in a vertical axisymmetric configuration was built. The electrodes were designed from the fluid mechanics standpoint. Different dielectric fluids were compared to establish which produced the best pumping performance. Experimental results showed that pumping performance depended on fluid properties, primarily fluid viscosity and electrical conductivity. >
Retinal Detachment Following the Acute Retinal Necrosis Syndrome

Abstract Twenty-six patients with the acute retinal necrosis involving 32 eyes have been followed at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Sixteen eyes developed retinal detachment and surgical repair was attempted in thirteen. Ten eyes were successfully reattached. Vitreous surgery was necessary in ten eyes and was performed in eight of the ten successful eyes. The clinical characteristics of the retinal detachments as well as the surgical procedures and results are presented.
An integer programming approach to the bloodmobile routing problem

Abstract Every day, a blood center must determine a set of locations among a group of potential sites to route their vehicles for blood collection so as to avoid shortfalls. In this study, a vehicle routing problem is modeled using an integer programming approach to simultaneously identify number of bloodmobiles to operate and minimize the distance travelled. Additionally, the model is extended to incorporate uncertainty in blood potentials and variable durations in bloodmobile visits. Optimal routings are determined using CPLEX solver and branch-and-price algorithm. Results show that proposed algorithm solve the problem to optimality up to 30 locations within 3600 s.
Looking to Statutory Intertext: Toward the Use of the Rabbinic Biblical Interpretive Stance in American Statutory Interpretation

American legal texts--from contracts to statutes to patents--are rarely complete on their own terms. They may not sufficiently anticipate all future factual situations or may simply be unclear. Such incompleteness is not unique: for thousands of years, Jewish legal authorities have struggled to discern meaning from religious texts that are similarly incomplete. To determine the meaning of a particular passage, Jewish legal authorities look first to the text containing that passage and then, if necessary, to other biblical texts: the "intertext." Jewish legal authorities can look to the intertext because they treat the Bible as a perfectly harmonious unit written by one source: God. Treating various texts as a single textual unit allows for consistency in interpretation and access to additional interpretive sources--the intertext--but also risks ignoring diverse, perhaps contradictory, interpretations that the author actually intended. Despite some qualitative differences between the Jewish and American legal systems, interpreters of American statutes can learn from the rabbinic biblical interpretive stance. This Note proposes that when the text of a statute yields no clear answers, interpreters should look to American statutory intertext: the collection of American statutes. Constitutional and jurisprudential concerns for majoritarianism and integrity provide a normative justification for an intertextual approach.
Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics to Prevent Abscess Formation Following Hepatic Ablation in Patients with Prior Enterobiliary Manipulation

Prior enterobiliary manipulation confers a high risk for liver abscess formation after hepatic ablation. We aimed to determine if prophylactic antibiotics could prevent post-ablation abscess in patients with a history of hepaticojejunostomy. This single-institution retrospective study identified 262 patients who underwent 307 percutaneous liver ablation sessions between January 2010 and August 2014. Twelve (4.6 %) patients with prior hepaticojejunostomy were included in this analysis. Ten (83> %) had received an aggressive prophylactic antibiotic regimen consisting of levofloxacin, metronidazole, neomycin, and erythromycin base. Two (16.6 %) had received other antibiotic regimens. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings were used to identify abscess formation and antibiotic-related side effects. Twelve ablation sessions were performed during the period studied. During a mean follow-up period of 440 days (range, 77–1784 days), post-ablation abscesses had developed in 2 (16.6 %) patients, who both received the alternative antibiotic regimens. None of the 10 patients who received the aggressive prophylactic antibiotic regimen developed liver abscess. One of the 10 patients who received the aggressive prophylactic antibiotic regimen developed grade 2 antibiotic-related diarrhea and arthralgia. An aggressive regimen of prophylactic antibiotics may be effective in preventing liver abscess formation after liver ablation in patients with prior hepaticojejunostomy.
The effect of a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline, and a pyrrole, dehydroretronecine, on the biochemical functions of the pulmonary endothelium.

Monocrotaline was placed in the drinking water of rats at a concentration of 20 mg per liter for periods of up to three weeks. This method of administration produced pulmonary arterial hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy without inflammatory changes. No changes were noted in liver weight or RNA or protein synthesis in the liver. Isolated, perfused lungs from treated rats were examined for changes in four endothelial cell functions: angiotensin converting enzyme (E.C.3.4.99.3), 59-nucleotidase (E.C.3.1.3.5), serotonin uptake and metabolism, and norepinephrine uptake and metabolism. Monoamine oxidase (E.C.1.4.3.4) is involved in the metabolism of both transmitters. The activities per lung of the 3 enzymes were unaltered. Norepinephrine transport was also unaffected. Serotonin transport was specifically and markedly impaired. Extraction of serotonin from the perfusate was reduced to 33% of control. Dehydroretronecine, a metabolite of monocrotaline, produced right ventricular hypertrophy following daily subcutaneous administration for 2 weeks at a dose of 4 mg/kg. Acid-fast activity remained in lungs following perfusion with [ 3 H]dehydroretronecine. Dehydroretronecine, coperfused through isolated lungs at 1 mM concentration, or injected subcutaneously 24 hours before sacrifice at a dose of 100 mg/kg, did not affect the activities of 59-nucleotidase or angiotensin converting enzyme. However, the retention of serotonin by the lungs was decreased, and the release of metabolites was increased. The different effects observed between monocrotaline and dehydroretronecine may indicate that the pulmonary toxicity of monocrotaline is not mediated through dehydroretronecine. Alternatively, the differences may be due to increased permeability of the endothelial cell caused by the high doses of dehydroretronecine used relative to the levels of monocrotaline. Dehydroretronecine dosages were chosen to be consonant with work by others on this metabolite. These data indicate that the slow release of metabolites from the liver into the circulation following low-level exposure to monocrotaline results in a specific inhibition of an endothelial cell function in the lung. As well as providing insight into the molecular mechanism of action of pyrrolizidine in the lung, this information suggests that human populations exposed to low levels of pyrrolizidines may have impaired ability to regulate circulating vasoactive substances.
Simultaneous Measurements of Heat Capacity, Electrical Resistivity and Hemispherical Total Emittance by a Pulse Heating Technique: Zirconium, 1500 to 2100 K.

Simultaneous measurements of heat capacity, electrical resistivity and hemispherical total emittance of zirconium in the temperature range 1500 to 2100 K by a subsecond duration, pulse heating technique are described. The results are expressed by the relations: C p = 36.65 - 1.435 × 10 - 2 T + 6.624 × 10 - 6 T 2 ρ = 87.95 + 1.946 × 10 - 2 T ϵ = 0.2031 + 6.362 × 10 - 5 T where C p is in J · mol-1 · K-1, ρ is in 10-8 Ω · m, and T is in K. Estimated inaccuracies of the measured properties are: 3 percent for heat capacity, 2 percent for electrical resistivity and 5 percent for hemispherical total emittance.
Selection and Specificity of the Colorado Potato Beetle for Solanaceous and Nonsolanaceous Plants

The acceptability by and suitability for larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), of 104 plant species belonging to 87 genera and 39 families was investigated. Of these 104 species, 36 were accepted to some degree, but only 15 supported growth of fourth-instar larvae to pupation. The 15 plants belong to 5 unrelated families. In addition to the Solanaceae, 4 nonsolanaceous plants supported growth from egg to adult: Asclepias syrioca, A. tuberosa, Capsella bursapastoris, and Lactuca sativa var. romana. A. syriaca and L. s. romana were the most suitable and permitted continuous culturing for several generations. Preference experiments showed discrimination between solanaceous and nonsolanaceous plants. In the presence of potato leaves, the non-host plants were not selected, although in confinement some were accepted and supported growth. This fact suggests that botanically restricted chemicals are of importance. Oviposition preference experiments were conducted to determine the preference of the adults for potato and other plants. Eleven solanaceous and 6 nonsolanaceous plants were tested. In all but 2 cases the potato plant was preferred, the exceptions being Solanum rostratum and S. nigrum. The beetle's strongly positive response to S. nigrum, which is not eaten by cither adults or larvae, proved that oviposition preference of the adult is not a consequence of feeding preference. Capsicum annuum did not elicit oviposition, indicating the presence of inhibitors. It is evident that specific stimuli also are required to induce normal oviposition.
Oxygen Isotopes from Turtle Bone: Applications for Terrestrial Paleoclimates?

The oxygen isotope values (8) of turtle-bone phosphate for two freshwater emydid genera from the United States vary linearly with isotopic values (8J of environmental water. Mud, box, and snapping turtles do not fall on this regression line, while a soft-shelled turtle and marine loggerhead and leatherback turtles do. Although ectothermic, emydid turtles depend upon basking to raise their body temperatures. The mean temperature of bone growth is similar (3133?C) in emydid individuals analyzed as indicated by their bone and body-water oxygen isotopes. Unlike regressions for mammals, the slope of 8p versus 8, for these emydid turtles is unity, suggesting that the divergence from equilibrium is due to simple fractionation between environmental water and body water. Thus, bone 8, values from these genera of turtles (and potentially others) may be used to reconstruct local meteoric water 8w values in the fossil record. Concurrent study of fossil freshwater fish or molluscs may then be used to reconstruct local paleotemperatures.
Abstract PL02-04: The obesity-inflammation connection: Implications for breast carcinogenesis

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of several malignancies including hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women and has been associated with an increased risk of recurrence and reduced survival. Chronic inflammation increases the risk of multiple tumor types. A link between obesity, breast inflammation and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer was previously unknown. Obesity causes subclinical inflammation in visceral and subcutaneous white adipose tissue, characterized by macrophages surrounding necrotic adipocytes forming crown-like structures (CLS). Estrogen synthesis is catalyzed by aromatase, which is encoded by CYP19. Recently, we found increased numbers of CLS, activation of the NF-κB transcription factor, increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and elevated aromatase levels and activity in the mammary glands of obese mice. These preclinical findings raised the possibility that the obesity→inflammation→aromatase axis is important for breast carcinogenesis. Importantly, these findings have now been translated to women. Breast tissue was obtained from women who underwent surgery. CLS of the breast (CLS-B) were found in nearly 50% of patient samples. The severity of breast inflammation, defined as the CLS-B index, correlated with both body mass index and adipocyte size. Consistent with our preclinical findings, increased NF-κB binding activity, increased levels of pro-inflammatory mediators and elevated aromatase expression and activity were found in the inflamed breast tissue of overweight and obese women. Collectively, our results suggest that the obesity→inflammation →aromatase axis is present in the breast tissue of most overweight and obese women and is likely to contribute to the increased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The presence of CLS-B may be a biomarker of increased breast cancer risk or poor prognosis. The discovery of the connection between obesity, breast inflammation and changes in the expression of genes linked to breast cancer provides a mechanistic rationale for the development of behavioral, dietary and pharmacological strategies to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Recently conducted caloric restriction experiments provide proof-of-principle evidence that obesity-related mammary gland inflammation can be reversed. Citation Format: Andrew J. Dannenberg. The obesity-inflammation connection: Implications for breast carcinogenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PL02-04.
Methods of Estimating Demand

LACK of knowledge of demand curves for particular commodities has been a troublesome problem for marketing practitioners and economists. Some economists have felt that microeconomic price theory under conditions of monopolistic competition is of limited usefulness because it is based on a false assumption of sellers' knowledge of average revenue curves. On the other side, many marketing men have summarily dismissed the teachings of economists on the grounds that the necessary information is not available. It may be largely for this reason that most business firms report their pricing policies as quite different from those indicated in economic theory. The U.S. Department of Commerce a few years ago questioned about 300 leading firms regarding any studies they had ever made of the price elasticity of demand for their products. The results were not published, chiefly because they were so meager. Few of these leading firms reported having made any demand studies for purposes of pricing. Many of them said it was company policy to price as low as possible, regardless of demand. One summed it up this way:
Lycopersicon and Solanum spp. Resistant to the Carmine and the Two-Spotted Spider Mite

Resistance to the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval), and to the two-spotted spider mite. T. urlicae Koch, was observed in the greenhouse in accessions of Solanum penncllii Carrel, Lycopcrsicon hirsulum Humb & Bonpl. and L. hirsutum f. glabratum C. H. Mull. but not in L. peruvianum var. dentatum Dun. or L. glandulosum C. H. Mull. The mites became entangled in the sticky exudates of the glandular hairs of these species. The density of the glandular hairs, though stable in S. pennellii , varied in L. hirsutum . Selection and selling of plants of L. hirsutum f. glabratum that had high pubescence and were thus resistant to mites indicated that these characters are inherited by the progeny.
Thermodynamics of Deep Levels in Semiconductor

Thermodynamnies is obviously central to the ultimate goal ol an exquisite control of the electronic properties of scmiconducting devices and to the uinderstanding this will require. It should also be useful for the subsidiary goal of the firm identification of the various electrically active defects. This subsidiary goal will not be achieved unless adequate attention is paid to the reactions among the various atomic and ionization states of the defects, the electrons and the holes.
Early Complications and Secondary Procedures in Transfibular Total Ankle Replacement.

Background:A new transfibular total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) system has not been assessed for potential early complications.Methods:We retrospectively assessed prospectively collected data on the initial cohort of patients undergoing TAA with this implant. We evaluated visual analog scale (VAS) pain and function, range of motion, and early radiographic outcomes.Results:Twenty consecutive TAAs (19 patients) were treated with the implant from January 2013 through June 2014. Average patient age was 63.7 (range, 41-80) years, with an average follow-up of 18 (range, 12-27) months. No fibular nonunion or implant failure was found at 12 months postoperatively. One patient had asymptomatic mild tibial lucency. Four of 20 TAAs underwent additional surgery for anterior impingement (1 ankle), deep infection and symptomatic fibular hardware (1 ankle), and symptomatic fibular hardware (2 ankles).Conclusion:Of 20 ankles treated with a new transfibular arthroplasty system, no fibular nonunion, delayed union, or implant ...
Overview of de-icing technology for transmission lines

Present de-icing technologies are summarized in this paper and the methods of AC and DC de-icing are introduced respectively.AC de-icing method is divided into short-circuit de-icing and on-load de-icing.DC de-icing method,according to the types of transmission lines,is classified into AC line de-icing and DC line de-icing.Different de-icing theories are elabrated and AC short-circuit de-icing and DC de-icing are introduced emphatically.Compared with other de-icing methods from the aspects of application scope,effect on the system and operation difficulty,it is found that DC de-icing has many advantages and is the further developing orientation.Furthermore,a new DC de-icer based on IGBT is proposed which can serve as static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) during non-ice melting.
Monovalent cation composition and ATP and lipid content of irreversibly sickled cells

Discontinuous Stractan gradients were used to separate heterogeneous populations of sickle cells into discrete subpopulations containing varying proportions of reticulocytes, mature discoid cells, and irreversibly sickled cells (ISC). The improved homogeneity of these preparations, together with an enhanced yield of ISC, allowed us to distinguish effects of cell maturation from those of irreversible sickling. With these cell preparations we have begun to define physical properties of ISC. We confirmed the marked abnormalities in cation composition of native ISC. Measurements of ATP in ISC did not substantiate prior reports of ATP deficits. Finally, no evidence for substantial loss of membrane lipids during the process of ISC formation could be demonstrated.
Theory of multiple quantum dot formation in strained-layer heteroepitaxy

We develop a theory for the experimentally observed formation of multiple quantum dots (QDs) in strained-layer heteroepitaxy based on surface morphological stability analysis of a coherently strained epitaxial thin film on a crystalline substrate. Using a fully nonlinear model of surface morphological evolution that accounts for a wetting potential contribution to the epitaxial film's free energy as well as surface diffusional anisotropy, we demonstrate the formation of multiple QD patterns in self-consistent dynamical simulations of the evolution of the epitaxial film surface perturbed from its planar state. The simulation predictions are supported by weakly nonlinear analysis of the epitaxial film surface morphological stability. We find that, in addition to the Stranski-Krastanow instability, long-wavelength perturbations from the planar film surface morphology can trigger a nonlinear instability, resulting in the splitting of a single QD into multiple QDs of smaller sizes, and predict the critical wavelength of the film surface perturbation for the onset of the nonlinear tip-splitting instability. The theory provides a fundamental interpretation for the observations of “QD pairs” or “double QDs” and other multiple QDs reported in experimental studies of epitaxial growth of semiconductor strained layers and sets the stage for precise engineering of tunable-size nanoscale surface features in strained-layer heteroepitaxy by exploiting film surface nonlinear, pattern forming phenomena.
Time dependent 2D Fourier transform spectra reveal femtosecond solvent dynamics

Femtosecond 2D Fourier transform spectra simultaneously provide time resolution and two dimensions (excitation, signal) of frequency resolution limited only by the sample. 2D spectra of IR144 in methanol provide a clear view of ultrafast solvation.
Role of Mixed Solvation and Ion Pairing in the Solution Structure of Lithium Ion Battery Electrolytes

The solution structures of organic carbonate solvents (ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and diethyl carbonate (DEC)) as electrolyte solutions of LiPF6 were investigated with FTIR and NMR spectroscopy and DFT computational methods. Both coordinated and uncoordinated solvents are observed by IR spectroscopy, allowing the determination of solvent coordination numbers, which a range from 2 to 5. The predominant species in solution changes as a function of LiPF6 concentration. At low salt concentrations ( 2.0 M) the predominant species in solution is the contact ion pair. In mixed solvent systems (PC–DMC, PC–DEC, EC–DMC, or EC–DEC), the mixed solvated cations are observed in the presence of high concentrations of uncoordinated cyclic carbonate despite the much larger dielectric constant of the cyclic carbonates than dielectric constant of linear carbonate.
Community Health Needs Assessment in a Rural Setting: Foundation for a Community–Academic Partnership

The Community-based Cooperative for Studies Across GEnerations (CoSAGE) is a rural community–academic partnership with the long-term goal of developing community- and individual-level interventions to promote community well-being. The purpose of this study was to conduct a community needs assessment to solicit perceptions of the characteristics of the community, health-related resources, health-related barriers, and high-impact health problems and environmental factors. Key informant interviews (N = 30) were conducted with community leaders representing schools, businesses, churches, health care providers, and government. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes across respondents. Church, family, and schools emerged as central community resources. Age-related hearing impairment was endorsed as the highest impact health condition, and lack of jobs was the highest impact environmental factor. These results provide insights into the health-related resources and needs of rural communities. Findings will be utilized to develop and prioritize a community-driven research agenda.
A Review of Voice Therapy Techniques Employed in Treatment of Dysphonia with and Without Vocal Fold Lesions

The purpose of the review is to provide otolaryngologists a framework for understanding voice evaluation by speech-language pathologists and the voice therapy techniques they employ. Recent reports have demonstrated the efficacy of behavioral voice therapy in the management of a variety of types of dysphonia, including those associated with vocal fold lesions and those without. Otolaryngologists can be experts in managing specific laryngeal lesions to improve voice. However, not all voice problems have lesions amenable to surgical or medical therapies. Many are associated with maladaptive voicing behaviors. Speech-language pathologists can be experts in both the evaluation of vocal function and technique. They may employ a variety of techniques to improve vocal quality and function in patients with and without structural or neurologic laryngeal pathology. Otolaryngologists can partner to manage a constellation of voice problems with directed voice evaluation and therapy. A basic review of these techniques and this partnership with voice therapists is presented.
Survival and disinfection of an enveloped surrogate virus on Tyvek suits used for health care personal protective equipment

The survival and disinfection of bacteriophage Φ6, an enveloped surrogate virus, was evaluated on Tyvek suits used as health care personal protective equipment. After 6 hours there was 2-log10 inactivation of virus on Tyvek suits at both 40% and 60% relative humidity. Both hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium produced a >3.21- and >4.33-log10 reduction of the virus, respectively, after 1-minute contact time. Enveloped viruses can survive on Tyvek suits beyond the length of a single patient care encounter, but they can be inactivated by chemical disinfectants.
Self-Contained Problem Sets as a Means of Incorporating Quantitative-Skill Development in Existing Introductory Geoscience Courses

We have modified our introductory geoscience course by adding self-contained problem sets dealing with isostatic rebound, flood recurrence intervals, and geochronology. Students had access to faculty and undergraduate-student TAs, but no class or lab time was devoted to the problems or their solutions. The students produced formal reports, with their responses supported by tables and graphs. We found that the students were generally undaunted by the problem sets, even when they introduced advanced mathematical concepts and required substantial data manipulation. Subsequent exam questions suggested they developed an understanding of the concepts covered by the problem sets.