cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ECG Delineation and Arrhythmia Classification System using Slope Variation Measurement by Ternary SecondOrder Delta Modulators for Wearable ECG Sensors.

This paper presents a system for electrocardiogram (ECG) delineation and arrhythmia classification. The proposed system consists of a front-end integrated circuit, a delineation algorithm implemented on an FPGA board, and an arrhythmia classification algorithm. The front-end circuit applies a ternary second-order Delta modulator to measure the slope variation of the input analog ECG signal. The circuit converts the analog inputs into a pulse density modulated bitstream, whose pulse density is proportional to the slope variation of the input analog signal regardless of the instantaneous amplitude. The front-end chip can detect the minimum slope variation of 3.2 mV/ms 2 within a 3 ms timing error. The front-end integrated circuit was fabricated with a 180 nm CMOS process occupying a 0.25mm 2 area with a 151 nW power consumption at the sampling rate of 1 kS/s. Based on the slope variation obtained from the front-end circuit, a delineation algorithm is designed to detect fiducial points in the ECG waveform. The delineation algorithm was tested on a Spartan-6 FPGA. The delineation system can detect the intervals, slopes, and morphology of the QRS/PT waves and form a feature set that contains 22 features. Based on these features, a rotate linear kernel support vector machine (SVM) is applied for patient-specific arrhythmia classification of the ventricular ectopic beat (VEB), supraventricular ectopic beat (SVEB), and normal heartbeat. The performance of the proposed system is comparable to the recently published methods while providing a promising solution for the low-complexity implementation of future wearable ECG monitoring systems.
Adherence Mechanisms in Urinary Tract Infections

This chapter provides an overview of the bacterial adhesins that promote colonization of the human urinary tract. Particular attention is addressed to the adherence properties that may contribute to symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with underlying urinary defects including urinary catheterization. Recent progress regarding the adherence properties of bacteria associated with acute community-acquired UTI is also reviewed. Unlike other adhesins discussed in the chapter, type 1 pili are present in most Escherichia coli and other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. However, in the Donovan study, many more people experienced bowel colonization with Klebsiella pneumoniae than experienced symptomatic UTI, so that the net benefit of prophylaxis to eliminate K. pneumoniae from all patients would have been marginal. As investigators move closer to understanding the structural requirements for recognition and binding of bacterial adhesins to tissue and for the assembly of functional adherence organelles, rational design of novel antiadherence or antiassembly agents will become possible. Little is known about the urinary tract adherence mechanisms of Enterococcus faecalis, although it is the primary or secondary cause of UTI in certain patient groups. P pili appear to be a risk factor in the progression of kidney infection to urosepsis. The effectiveness of the test strain for preventing subsequent symptomatic disease is under investigation.
Observations of electromagnetic whistler precursors at supercritical interplanetary shocks

We present observations of electromagnetic precursor waves, identified as whistler mode waves, at supercritical interplanetary shocks using the Wind search coil magnetometer. The precursors propagate obliquely with respect to the local magnetic field, shock normal vector, solar wind velocity, and they are not phase standing structures. All are right-hand polarized with respect to the magnetic field (spacecraft frame), and all but one are right-hand polarized with respect to the shock normal vector in the normal incidence frame. They have rest frame frequencies f(sub ci) < f much < f(sub ce) and wave numbers 0.02 approx < k rho (sub ce) approx <. 5.0. Particle distributions show signatures of specularly reflected gyrating ions, which may be a source of free energy for the observed modes. In one event, we simultaneously observe perpendicular ion heating and parallel electron acceleration, consistent with wave heating/acceleration due to these waves. Al though the precursors can have delta B/B(sub o) as large as 2, fluxgate magnetometer measurements show relatively laminar shock transitions in three of the four events.
The Smad3 protein is involved in TGF-β inhibition of class II transactivator and class II MHC expression

TGF-β is a immunoregulatory cytokine that inhibits class II MHC expression in a variety of cell types. Previous studies have shown that the class II MHC transactivator (CIITA), a master regulator that controls class II MHC expression, is targeted by TGF-β for repression of IFN-γ-induced class II MHC expression in astrocytes. The mechanism(s) underlying the TGF-β inhibitory effect is not understood. In this study, we demonstrate that TGF-β inhibition of CIITA expression occurs at the transcriptional level, and that both constitutive and IFN-γ-induced human CIITA type IV promoter activity is inhibited by TGF-β. TGF-β does not affect the signaling events that mediate IFN-γ activation of CIITA expression; i.e, TGF-β does not inhibit IFN-γ-induced STAT-1α phosphorylation and/or DNA binding ability, nor is IFN-γ induction of IFN regulatory factor affected. The inhibitory effect of TGF-β on the type IV CIITA promoter is mediated through a promoter region within 80 bp from the transcription start site. Elimination of TGF-β inhibition of class II MHC and CIITA expression in Smad3-deficient astrocytes, as well as restoration of the inhibitory effect by overexpression of the Smad3 protein, demonstrates that Smad3 is essential in mediating TGF-β inhibition of CIITA and class II MHC expression.
Present and future trends in the atmospheric burden of ozone-depleting halogens

The burden of ozone-depleting chemicals in the lower atmosphere has been decreasing since 1994 as a result of the Montreal Protocol1,3. Here we show how individual chemicals have influenced this decline, in order to estimate how the burden could change in the near future. Our measurements of atmospheric concentrations of the persistent, anthropogenic chemicals that account for most ozone-depleting halogens in today's stratosphere show that the decline stems predominantly from the decrease in the atmospheric load of trichloroethane (CH3CCl3), a previously common cleaning solvent. The influence of this chemical on the decline has now peaked, however, and will become much smaller over the next five to ten years. As this influence lessens, a decrease in theburden of ozone-depleting halogen will be sustained only if emissions of other halocarbons fall. Although emissions of most gases regulated by the Montreal Protocol have decreased substantially over the past ten years (refs 4), emissions of the potent ozone-depleting gas CBrClF2 (halon-1211) have remained fairly constant during this period12,29, despite stringent limits on production in developed countries since 1994. The consequent atmospheric accumulation of this halon is retarding the decline of ozone-depleting halogens in the atmosphere more than any other persistent gas.
Urban Biodiversity: Patterns and Mechanisms

The patterns of biodiversity changes in cities are now fairly well established, although diversity changes in temperate cities are much better studied than cities in other climate zones. Generally, plant species richness often increases in cities due to importation of exotic species, whereas animal species richness declines. Abundances of some groups, especially birds and arthropods, often increase in urban areas despite declines in species richness. Although several models have been proposed for biodiversity change, the processes underlying the patterns of biodiversity in cities are poorly understood. We argue that humans directly control plants but relatively few animals and microbes—the remaining biological community is determined by this plant “template” upon which natural ecological and evolutionary processes act. As a result, conserving or reconstructing natural habitats defined by vegetation within urban areas is no guarantee that other components of the biological community will follow suit. Understanding the human-controlled and natural processes that alter biodiversity is essential for conserving urban biodiversity. This urban biodiversity will comprise a growing fraction of the world's repository of biodiversity in the future.
Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor 8-derived peptide attenuates organ injury and improves survival in sepsis

Sepsis involves overwhelming inflammatory responses with subsequent immune-suppression that can lead to multiple organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor-factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a secretory protein found to have multiple biological activities against autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. MFG-E8 contains an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In sepsis, excessive neutrophils migration through endothelial cells and matrix to sites of inflammation results in organ damage. We hypothesized that MFG-E8-derived short peptides (MSP) flanking its RGD motif could provide protection against organ injury in sepsis. The differentiated human neutrophil-like HL-60 cells (dHL60) were incubated with a series of peptides flanking the RGD motif of human MFG-E8 for a cell adhesion assay to fibronectin or human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). For the induction of sepsis, male C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g) were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Peptide MSP68 (1 mg/kg body weight) or normal saline (vehicle) was injected intravenously at 2 h after CLP. Blood and tissue samples were collected at 20 h after CLP for various measurements. After screening, peptide MSP68 (VRGDV) had the highest inhibition of dHL-60 cell adhesion to fibronectin by 55.8 % and to PAEC by 67.7 %. MSP68 treatment significantly decreased plasma levels of organ injury marker AST by 37.1 % and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α by 61.9 % and 22.1 %, respectively after CLP. MSP68 improved the integrity of microscopic architectures, decreased IL-6 levels in the lungs by 85.1 %, and reduced apoptosis. MSP68 treatment also significantly reduced the total number of neutrophil infiltration by 61.9 % and 48.3 % as well as MPO activity by 40.8 % and 47.3 % in the lungs and liver, respectively, after CLP. Moreover, the number of bacteria translocated to mesenteric lymph nodes was decreased by 57 % with MSP68 treatment. Finally, the 10-day survival rate was increased from 26 % in the vehicle group to 58 % in the MSP68-treated group. MSP68 effectively inhibits excessive neutrophils infiltrating to organs, leading to moderate attenuation of organ injury and significantly improved survival in septic mice. Thus, MSP68 may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating sepsis.
Long range dependence in Internet backbone traffic

We report the first statistical analysis of Internet backbone traffic, based on traces with levels of aggregation 10 times larger and timestamp accuracy 1000 times better than in previous studies. We analyze the first three moments, marginal distributions and correlation structures of packet size, packet inter-arrival time, byte count and packet count, and find that the highly aggregated Internet backbone traffic is still long-range dependent and self-similar. In fact, all time series examined (packet size, inter-arrival time, byte count, packet count) exhibit long-range dependency and self-similarity. In addition to the now-classical analysis at large time-scales (> 100 ms), we report the first statistically relevant results on the short-term correlation ([50 /spl mu/s, 10 ms]) of byte and packet count processes. We also study fitness of various analytical models to the traffic traces. The empirical queuing analysis confirms the long-range dependence detected through direct analysis by showing that the queue behavior at high level of aggregation still diverges greatly from that predicted by Poisson model. As expected, statistical multiplexing gains improve the queuing performance, leading to economy of scale.
Partial discharge characteristics and residual breakdown strength of natural nanofilled polypropylene films when aged with different voltage profiles

It is known from literature that several electrical characteristics such as partial discharge resistance and breakdown strength of polypropylene films can be improved by homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers into the polymer matrix. In this work, effect of variation in aging voltage on partial discharge characteristics of PP and its remnant breakdown strength after aging with partial discharges are investigated for unfilled (PP+0%) and natural nanofilled PP (PP+2% & PP+6%). Using partial discharge measurement set up, several AC voltages (multiples of inception voltage, Vi) were applied to each sample for a duration of two hours and partial discharge parameters were continuously acquired. After the completion of partial discharge measurement experiments, surface erosion of aged PP samples were measured using profilometer to investigate effects of change in applied voltage and nanofillers concentrations on the partial discharge resistance of polypropylene samples. Comparison of partial discharge characteristics of all unaged and aged is done and the results of our findings are explained.
Immunoisolation of pancreatic epithelial cells from endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates with magnetic beads for downstream molecular application.

Background Evaluation of pancreatic mass is routinely performed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). However, molecular analyses of the tumor cells on FNA samples are limited by the significant cellular heterogeneity. The goal of the current study is to evaluate a magnetic immunoconcentration technique in isolating pancreatic epithelial cells from needle aspirates, and to demonstrate that the isolated cells could be utilized for molecular analysis. Methods Pancreatic EUS–FNA specimens were processed and stored at −80°C. Based on the cytopathological diagnosis, 17 adenocarcinoma, 3 lymphoproliferative, and 3 benign cases were retrieved from the collection for further analyses. Epithelial cells were isolated using antihuman epithelial cell specific antibody-bound magnetic beads, and the isolated cellular component was confirmed cytologically. Genomic DNA was extracted, quantitated, and evaluated with methylation-specific PCR for cyclin D2 in 8 adenocarcinoma cases. Results After optimization, malignant epithelial cells were successfully isolated from all adenocarcinoma cases. Normal pancreatic ductal cells were isolated from three benign cases. No cells were retrieved after immunomagnetic isolation in all three lymphoproliferative cases. DNA yields were 5–2646 ng, with a mean of 357 ng. Methylation-specific PCR for cyclin D2 on the 8 carcinoma cases showed methylated state at the promoter region, demonstrating feasible evaluation of the methylation status. Conclusion The magnetic immunoconcentration of pancreatic EUS–FNA specimen described here is a practical method of isolating pancreatic epithelial cells from needle aspirates. Isolated cells were sufficient for performing subsequent molecular analysis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:32–38. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The “magic” paradigm revisited

Abstract The “magic” paradigm was devised to assess conservation of number in young children. Previous results with the paradigm have suggested that children acquire the ability to conserve number by 3 years of age. Because these results indicate a very precocious development of number conservation relative to performance on the classic conservation task, a comparison of these two procedures was made. Several differences which might account for the superior performance with the magic paradigm were noted: The arrays are presented successively rather than simultaneously, the arrays are presented side by side rather than parallel to one another, and the displacement is performed surreptitiously rather than openly. In the present research the magic paradigm was modified in several steps so that these differences between procedures were removed. None of the changes had an impact on the performance of 3-year-olds. It was concluded that insofar as small numbers are concerned, young children treat displacement as irrelevant to number. In regard to the question of whether young children are capable of conserving small numbers, it was concluded that no answer can be given. Basically, the problem is that we lack sufficient information on how young children solve the magic paradigm.
Application of DNA probes to antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Legionella pneumophila

The commercial availability of a DNA probe assay for the detection of Legionella (Gen-Probe Incorporated, San Diego, CA) provides a unique opportunity to investigate the application of this technology to antibiotic susceptibility testing of L. pneumophila. We examined the ability of erythromycin, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin to kill L. pneumophila in buffered ACES-yeast extract broth (YEB). The test organism was incubated for a total of 96 hr in the presence of 10 micrograms/ml erythromycin, 1 micrograms/ml rifampin, or 1 micrograms/ml ciprofloxacin. Growth was monitored at 24-hr intervals by quantitative plating and the DNA probe assay. The correlation between organism concentration [colony-forming units (CFU) per ml] and DNA probe activity (counts per min) was excellent (r = 0.97). The percent decrease in CFU/ml at 96 hr relative to control counts was greater than 99% for erythromycin, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin. The percent decrease in CPM at 96 hr versus control was 87% for erythromycin, 89% for rifampin, and 93% for ciprofloxacin. This data documents a novel application of DNA probe technology, which may be useful in future studies of in vitro susceptibility of Legionella to various agents.
Effects of age, milk replacer composition, and rumen function on lipogenesis in adipose tissue of young calves.

Abstract Rates of utilization of glucose, acetate, and lactate and activities of selected enzymes were determined in vitro to evaluate the effects of age and diet on lipogenesis in perirenal adipose tissue of calves. Three-day-old Holstein bull calves were fed up to 12 wk of age on one of three dietary treatments: 1) a high carbohydrate milk replacer; 2) a high fat milk replacer; and 3) weaning at 6 wk of age from high fat replacer to calf starter. Adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from calves at 2, 5, 8, and 12 wk of age. Rates of fatty acid synthesis and activities of enzymes of the pentose phosphate and citrate cleavage pathways were increased in calves fed high carbohydrate milk replacer. These parameters were decreased in calves fed high fat replacer and were further depressed after weaning. Substrate preference for fatty acid synthesis in all calves was acetate, then lactate, then glucose. With increase in age from 2 to 12 wk, adipose tissue of calves fed milk replacer partitioned more acetate and lactate toward fatty acid synthesis and less toward oxidation. The pentose phosphate cycle was characterized by high rate of recycling and contributed at least 50% of reducing equivalents required for fatty acid synthesis. It appeared that several features of lipogenesis characteristic of functional ruminants are also shared by preruminant calves.
Knot wormholes in geometrodynamics

The familiar wormhole model of geometrodynamics is extended to allow for knotted embeddings of the initial hypersurface. It is shown that topology change is not only a means to modify the connectivity of the space, but also the knot invariants of its embedding. In a probabilistic framework the process of “wormhole scattering” can be expressed by creation and annihilation operators acting on the wave function of quantum geometrodynamics. Implications concerning Wheeler's exciton model of elementary particles, thef-gravity approach to hadronic matter, and interrelations with Jehle's flux quantization program are discussed.
Intensity of the Soft X-Ray Background Flux

Soft x ray extragalactic background flux measurements, considering correction for absorption by interstellar medium
Receiver-initiated busy-tone multiple access in packet radio networks

The ALOHA and Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) protocols have been proposed for packet radio networks (PRN). However, CSMA/CD which gives superior performance and has been successful applied in local area networks cannot be readily applied in PRN since the locally generated signals will overwhelm a remote transmission, rendering it impossible to tell whether a collision has occurred or not. In addition, CSMA and CSMA/CD suffer from the “hidden node” problem in a multihop PRN. In this paper, we develop the Receiver-Initiated Busy-Tone Multiple Access Protocol to resolve these difficulties. Both fully connected and multihop networks are studied. The busy tone serves as an acknowledgement and prevents conflicting transmissions from other nodes, including “hidden nodes”.
Use of intelligent systems in reservoir characterization via synthetic magnetic resonance logs

Abstract Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) logs are well logs that use nuclear magnetic resonance to accurately measure free fluid, irreducible water (MBVI), and effective porosity (MPHI). Permeability is then calculated using a mathematical function that incorporates these measured properties. This paper describes the methodology developed to generate synthetic MRI logs using data obtained by conventional well logs such as SP, Gamma Ray, Caliper, and Resistivity. The synthetically generated logs are named Virtual Magnetic Imaging Logs or “VMRI” logs for short.
Reactivity of poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PCTFE) oil and PCTFE derivatives with phenyllithium and phenyl Grignard reagents

Poly(chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PCTFE) oil upon reaction with phenyllithium at-78°C formed functionalized products that could be isolated in three fractions by solvent extraction with pentane, ether, and tetrahydrofuran (THF). At-125°C crosslinking of polytrifluoroethylene (PF3E), and Kel-F 800, a co-polymer of 72% chlorotrifluoroethylene and 28% vinylidene fluoride, with phenyllithium or phenylmagnesium bromide formed glassy black insoluble products. Infrared spectroscopy showed aromatic functional groups had been introduced in all the products. However, alkyl peaks were also evident in the infrared spectra of the lithiated products. Size exclusion chromatography of soluble Kel-F 800 reaction products indicated cracking to lower molecular weight material.
Hepatitis B vaccination in pregnancy: factors influencing efficacy.

Abstract Objective: To determine seroprotective antibody response after hepatitis B vaccination during pregnancy and to assess factors influencing the rate of maternal seroprotection. Methods: Records of 80 healthy gravidas who elected hepatitis B vaccination during pregnancy, after being identified as hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and antibody (HbsAb) negative on initial prenatal screen, were analyzed retrospectively. Each gravida was begun on a series of three recombinant hepatitis B vaccines at 0, 1, and 6 months. At 36–40 weeks’ gestation, all gravidas were rescreened for seroprotective levels of HbsAb using qualitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis. The women were grouped by maternal age (less than 25 years or at least 25 years), smoking history, maternal weight, body mass index (BMI) (less than 30, at least 30, less than 34, or at least 34), number of vaccinations received, race-ethnicity, gestational age at vaccination, and vaccination-to-rescreening interval. Data were compared by t test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was done. Results: At rescreening, 39 (49%) of the 80 women had seroprotective HbsAb conversion. After two vaccinations, obese women (BMI at least 30) (P = .04), women at least 25 years old (P = .04), and women with smoking histories (P = .005) were significantly less likely to respond to the vaccine. Logistic regression analysis for predicting failure of seroprotective response after two vaccinations showed significantly increased odds for severe obesity with BMI at least 34 (odds ratio [OR] 16.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7, 154.7), smoking history (OR 7.5; 95% CI 2.0, 27.7), and age at least 25 years (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.1, 14.4). Conclusion: Maternal obesity, advancing age, and smoking have negative influences on the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in pregnant women.
A method for identifying genes related to a quantitative trait, incorporating multiple siblings and missing parents

When studying either qualitative or quantitative traits, tests of association in the presence of linkage are necessary for fine-mapping. In a previous report (Kistner and Weinberg [2004] Genet Epidemiol 27:33–42), we suggested a polytomous logistic approach to testing linkage and association between a di-allelic marker and a quantitative trait locus, using genotyped triads, consisting of an individual whose quantitative trait has been measured and his or her two parents. Here we extend that approach to incorporate marker information from entire nuclear families. By computing a weighted score function instead of a maximum likelihood test, we allow for both an unspecified correlation structure between siblings and “informative” family size (Williamson et al. [2003] Biometrics 59:36–42). Both this approach and our original approach allow for population admixture by conditioning on parental genotypes. The proposed method allows for missing parental genotype data through a multiple imputation procedure. We use simulations based on a population with admixture to compare our method to a popular non-parametric family-based association test (FBAT), testing the null of no association in the presence of linkage (Rabinowitz and Laird [2000] Human Hered 50:211–223). Genet. Epidemiol. 2005. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Initiation of Flowering and Changes in Endogenous Inhibitors and Promoters in Olive Buds as a Result of Chilling

Olive trees require a period of chilling temperatures, either diurnally fluctuating, or at a constant—but definite—level before inflorescences develop. In this study, bud and leaf samples were taken at weekly intervals during this critical period from trees receiving temperatures favorable for flowering and from trees under temperature conditions known to prevent flowering. Extracts were obtained from these samples, separated by paper chromatography and the different growth-active materials were bioassayed by the mung bean rooting test for the presence of promoters and inhibitors. Extracts from buds on trees under conditions unfavorable for flowering generally consisted only of promoters. Extracts from buds on trees placed under conditions favorable for flowering showed a definite and consistent pattern for the presence of rooting inhibitors and promoters. Within one or two weeks after being placed under such conditions a strong inhibitor band appeared from Rf 0.50 to 0.70. This persisted for 6 to 7 weeks, gradually decreasing in intensity, followed by promoters at these bands. During this period all other bands, at different Rf values, showed strong promoters. Extracts from leaves on shoots under temperature regimes favorable for flowering showed a pattern like the buds in the appearance and disappearance of inhibitors and at the same Rf values but with about one week lag in time. Bud extracts from defoliated shoots on trees under temperature conditions known to result in inflorescence production failed to show the characteristic inhibitor pattern associated with flowering. Such defoliated shoots do not form inflorescences.
527 THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN MILK AND INFANT FORMULAS ON CIRCULATING HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN

Infant formulas, in contrast to human milk, contain up to 3 times as much polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) and about 10% as much cholesterol. Such formulas are known to reduce plasma cholesterol in comparison to human milk, but the reduction has been difficult to attribute specifically either to reduced dietary cholesterol or increased PUFA. Circulating lipoproteins were studied in infants (4-6 mos.) fed at least 90% of energy from human milk (12-15% PUFA), SMA (15% PUFA) or Enfamil (52% PUFA). Apoproteins A-I. and A-II, the major proteins of high density lipoprotein (HDL), were quantitated by radialimmunodiffusion against rabbit antihuman serum. HDL and plasma cholesterol were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography and LDL cholesterol was assumed to account for the remaining circulating cholesterol. Breast-fed and SMA-fed infants had identical amounts of both circulating HDL apoproteins and cholesterol, but LDL cholesterol was significantly lower in SMA-fed infants. Apoproteins A-I and A-II were lower in Enfamil- vs. SMA-fed infants by 25 and 20%, and HDL and LDL cholesterol by 35 and 18%, respectively. The data suggest that dietary cholesterol increases LDL cholesterol but not HDL cholesterol, and that PUFA most significantly decreases circulating HDL, although the reduction in total plasma cholesterol with Enfamil vs. SMA feeding was attributed equally to changes in HDL and LDL cholesterol concentration.
An unusual cause of duodenal obstruction: Ureteropelvic junction obstruction and the renoalimentary relationship

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction may present with a variety of urologic and gastrointestinal complaints. The constellation of symptoms is most often attributed to shared visceral pathways. In cases of giant hydronephrosis, mechanical obstruction of the gastric outlet or duodenal sweep may play an additional role in presentation. We present an unusual case of duodenal obstruction caused by ureteropelvic junction stenosis. The anatomic and autonomic renoalimentary relationships are reviewed.
Dietary compliance in ornithine aminotransferase deficiency.

Ornithine δ-aminotransferase (OAT) deficiency (McKusick 258870) is associated with hyperornithinaemia, thought to be the cause of the progressive retinal degeneration that occurs in this disorder. For the large majority of cases unresponsive to the co-factor pyridoxine, treatment is based on reducing ornithine plasma levels below 400 μ mol/L with an arginine-restricted diet. This has been shown to slow the progression of retinal disease. (Santinelli et al 2004). In Table 1 we present our experience in the dietary management of 12 patients (7 female) from 8 families. Compliance was defined as good, intermediate or poor according to plasma ornithine levels. Only one patient could be categorized as a good complier, 5 were intermediate, and 6 were poor. The age at start of treatment was the most important factor as regards ability to comply with diet. Our study emphasizes the difficulty with dietary treatment and need for early diagnosis. For the older patients, alternative treatments such as the use of oral lysine to increase renal losses of ornithine need to be investigated further (Peltola et al 2000).
Impairment of collagen and elasin crosslinking by an amine oxidase inhibitor.

SummaryTendons of chicks fed 0.1% iproniazid (IPN) contained twice as much 1 M NaCl- and 0.5 M acetic acid-extractable collagen as tendons from pair-fed controls. The concentration of elastin in aortas was reduced. Iproniazid fed to chicks inhibited the amine oxidase activity in homogenates of liver, heart, and aorta. Addition of pyridoxal phosphate to homogenates from both control and IPN-fed chicks enhanced the activity of amine oxidase in aorta to a greater extent than that of other tissues. Iproniazid decreased the oxidation of peptidyl lysine in elastin isolated from aortas grown in organ culture. In vitro inhibition of the aortic enzyme by IPN was competitively reversed by pyridoxal phosphate. These data support the hypothesis that an amine oxidase found in connective tissue and requiring pyridoxal phosphate is an important enzyme in the maturation of collagen and elastin.
Coaxial electrospun Si/C-C core-shell composite nanofibers as binder-free anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Si/C–C core–shell nanofiber structure was designed by dual nozzle coaxial electrospinning and subsequent carbonization. This core–shell nanofiber structure has Si/C composite as the core and carbon as the shell. Used as an anode in lithium-ion batteries, the carbon shell can help buffer the large volume expansion/contraction of the Si/C core during charge/discharge and restrain the capacity fading caused by the mechanical failure of the active material. Results showed that after 50 cycles, the discharge capacity of Si/C–C core–shell composite nanofibers was 63% higher than that of Si/C composite nanofibers and the capacity retention increased from 48.6 to 72.4%. It is, therefore, demonstrated that Si/C–C core–shell composite nanofibers are promising anode material with large reversible capacity and good cycling stability.
Stress- and cue-induced cigarette craving: effects of a family history of smoking.

Abstract Individuals with multiple smokers among first-degree relatives (FH+) are significantly more likely to be persistent smokers themselves. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are unknown. An independent line of research has suggested that persistent smoking is more common among smokers with heightened levels of cigarette craving after being exposed to smoking cues and stressors. The present study experimentally tested the hypothesis that FH+ smokers would exhibit stronger stress- and cue-induced craving reactions compared to FH− smokers. We also explored gender and ethnicity-related differences in these effects. To that end, 160 smokers were recruited by advertisement and exposed to neutral (changing a light bulb), stressful (dental work), and smoking (lighting up after a meal) situations, using script-guided imagery under controlled laboratory conditions. Participants completed craving questionnaires before and after each condition. Supporting the hypotheses, even after controlling smoking history and strength of habit, FH+ smokers (n = 86) displayed stronger craving reactions to both dental and smoking imagery (p's
Walsh Functions in Image Processing, Feature Selection and Pattern Recognition

Walsh functions have become quite useful in the applications of image processing and feature selection. Due to their inherent efficiency of implementation, (they are a subset of the Reed Muller Codes and Hadamard matrices), they have become popular for coding, enhancement and other signal processing tasks. This paper will briefly describe applications in some of these areas with emphasis on a correlation analysis for justification purposes.
Do young people benefit from AA as much, and in the same ways, as adult aged 30+? A moderated multiple mediation analysis

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) confers significant recovery benefit to adults suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Concerns persist, however, that AA may not work as well for younger adults, who tend to have shorter addiction histories, different social circumstances, and less spiritual/religious interest than adults. METHODS: Secondary data analysis of Project MATCH, using a prospective, moderated multiple mediation analysis to test and compare six previously identified mechanisms of change in younger adults (n=266) vs. adults aged 30+ (n=1460). Nine clinical sites within the United States. Treatment-seeking adults (n=1726) suffering from AUD who participated in 12 weeks of outpatient treatment and completed follow-ups at 3-, 9- and 15-months. AA attendance during treatment; mediators at 9 months; and outcomes [percentage of days abstinent (PDA) and drinks per drinking day (DDD)] at 15 months. RESULTS: AA attendance was associated with improved drinking outcomes in both younger adults (PDA: F(1, 247)=8.55, pCONCLUSION: Unidentified mechanisms of behavior change that are mobilized by AA participation appear to be at work in young people. Once identified, these mechanisms may shed new light on how exactly AA confers similar benefits for young people and, more broadly, may enhance our understanding of recovery-related change for young adults that could yield novel intervention targets. Language: en
Breast cancer immunobiology driving immunotherapy: vaccines and immune checkpoint blockade

Breast cancer is immunogenic, and infiltrating immune cells in primary breast tumors convey important clinical prognostic and predictive information. Furthermore, the immune system is critically involved in clinical responses to some standard cancer therapies. Early breast cancer vaccine trials have established the safety and bioactivity of breast cancer immunotherapy, with hints of clinical activity. Novel strategies for modulating regulators of immunity, including regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and immune checkpoint pathways (monoclonal antibodies specific for the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 or programmed death), are now available. In particular, immune checkpoint blockade has enormous therapeutic potential. Integrative breast cancer immunotherapies that strategically combine established breast cancer therapies with breast cancer vaccines, immune checkpoint blockade or both should result in durable clinical responses and increased cures.
The Pursuit of Excellence: An Analysis of the Honors College Application and Enrollment Decision for a Large Public University

Honors colleges housed in public universities began only in the last half century, but have become nearly ubiquitous over the last 20 years. This paper, using recent data from the oldest stand-alone honors college in the country, is the first to study how the application and enrollment decisions of honors college students differ from the general population of students considering a large public university. Overall, the empirical results suggest that honors college applicants and enrollees are drawn from the right-tail of its host institution’s ability distribution, independent of residency status. Nonetheless, honors-college applicants are still more likely to enroll in selective and liberal arts institutions than the general pool of admits to a large public university, which is only partially offset by the effect of honors-college admission. It follows that honors colleges enroll academically stronger, but not the strongest, admits to a large public university.
Delusional depression, family history, and DST response: a pilot study.

Abstract Results of the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), performed on 65 patients with major unipolar depression, were classified both by suppression versus nonsuppression and by three ranges of postdexamethasone cortisol levels. Subgroups of patients were then compared for familial prevalence for depression and alcoholism and for delusional symptomatology. A strong association emerged among (1) high postdexamethasone cortisol levels, (2) a significantly increased familial prevalence for depression, and (3) the presence of delusions in probands. In this study, ranges of DST responses were superior to suppression versus nonsuppression criteria alone in defining this subgroup.
Developmental biology: survival by self-digestion.

Mammals face a problem just after birth: they are no longer nourished through the placenta, but suckling has not yet begun. How do they survive? Digestion of the animal's own cells could be the answer.
A comparison of Carnegie and NCES data on postsecondary faculty: Ambiguities and disjunctures

This paper compares the results of NCES and Carnegie surveys of postsecondary faculty to identify points of agreement and disagreement between them, and to contrast the respective survey results to other recent research on faculty. The two surveys utilized differently constructed samples, experienced different response rates, and employed different weighting schemes for purposes of analyzing and interpreting the results. Certain important inconsistencies in the results of the two surveys were observed and the paper provides a critical analysis of methodological and interpretive issues raised in a comparison of the surveys' results.
Forces which Shape the Implemented Curriculum in High School Science and Mathematics.

Abstract A synthesis of five studies of high school science and mathematics classes indicated that the ability of teachers to manage student behavior effectively was a major driving force on the implemented curriculum. Other factors which influenced what happened in classrooms were tests and examinations, and textbooks. Most teachers endeavored to cover the curriculum in the planned time whether or not learning occurred and the cognitive demands of the work were low. During whole-class activities a few target students dominated interactions with the teacher. These higher ability students, who usually were males, asked most questions, answered most teacher questions, and received most feedback from the teacher. The results suggest that teachers' knowledge and beliefs are the potent forces which influence academic work in science and mathematics classes.
Editorial: the empirical mode decomposition and the Hilbert-huang transform

1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA 2Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA 3Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Molecular Physiology Biophysics, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA 4Civil Engineering Specialty, Division of Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Desensitization of central cholinergic mechanisms and neuroadaptation to nicotine.

This review focuses on neuroadaptation to nicotine. The first part of the paper delineates some possible general mechanisms subserving neuroadaptation to commonly abused drugs. The postulated role of the mesocorticolimbic neuroanatomical pathway and drug-receptor desensitization mechanisms in the establishment of tolerance to, dependence on, and withdrawal from psychoactive drugs are discussed.
Private agricultural colonization on a Brazilian frontier, 1970–1980

Abstract Private colonization is the use of companies and cooperatives to survey, demarcate and occupy land, build infrastructure, open roads, plan urban areas, and provide health services and education. Although state-directed colonization projects are strongly implicated in recent environmental and social changes in the Brazilian Amazon, areas settled by private colonization were larger than state-led settlement. The paper considers this poorly examined aspect of the region's recent settlement history by focusing upon a colonization cooperative and private company that settled smallholders from southern Brazil to eastern Mato Grosso State between 1970 and 1980. The analysis emphasizes how private colonization cooperatives successfully secured land title, setting the stage for subsequent commercial agricultural development. This study rejects prevailing interpretations of private colonization as a tool of authoritarian government in Brazil. Rather, private colonization secured land tenure and organized an economically viable production system in a frontier environment of unpredictable state bureaucracies, high transaction costs, risk, and precarious markets.
Molecular cloning of cDNA encoding the ∞ unit of CNGC gene from human fetal heart

Abstract Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) play crucial roles in visual and olfactory signal transduction. As a first step to explore the presence of a CNGC gene in human heart, we cloned a human heart CNGC gene. The sequence consists of 111 bp 5′ non-coding region and a 2064 bp open reading frame which is followed by a 459 bp 3′ non-coding region. The predicted protein consists of 688 amino acids with a short highly charged segment rich in lysine and glutamate. Sequence comparison indicates that the human heart cDNA is almost identical to the retinal rod photo receptor CNGC cDNA. However, the human cardiac cDNA is lacking a 205bp Alu fragment in the 5′-uncoding region, has a glutamic acid residue at amino acid position 129, and has a replacement of glutamic acid with a lysine residue at amino acid position 99. Data obtained with northern blot analysis confirm the presence of RNA for the CNGC alpha chain. This channel might play a role in cyclic nucleotide-mediated cellular processes, such as the inotropic effect in the heart.
CINNI - A Generic Calculus of Explicit Substitutions and its Application to λ- ς- and π-Calculi

Abstract We approach the general problem of representing higher-order languages, that are usually equipped with special variable binding constructs, in a less specialized first-order framework such as membership equational logic and the corresponding version of rewriting logic. The solution we propose is based on CINNI, a new calculus of explicit substitutions that makes use of a term representation that contains both the standard named notation and de Bruijn's indexed notation as special subcases. The calculus is parametric in the syntax of the object language, which allows us to apply it to different object languages such as λ-calculus, Abadi and Cardelli's object calculus (ς-calculus) and Milner's calculus of communicating mobile processes (π-calculus). As a practical result we obtain executable formal representations of these object languages in Maude with a representational distance close to zero.
Minimally invasive surgery in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain in children.

Purpose of review Children with abdominal pain sometimes require surgical intervention, and laparoscopy is increasingly the preferred approach for the diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic abdominal pain in children. This review describes the current state of the art and recent developments in the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of children with various abdominal pain syndromes. Recent findings Laparoscopy provides distinct advantages over traditional open surgery, including less pain, shorter recovery and improved cosmesis. Cumulative experience and ongoing outcomes research continue to substantiate the safety and efficacy of the approach when applied thoughtfully and by experienced practitioners. In fact, as minimally invasive surgery is being applied to treat more wide-ranging disorders, it is becoming apparent that for many conditions laparoscopy should be adopted as the standard of care. Summary Recent advances in minimally invasive surgery have clearly benefited children with abdominal pain who need surgery, and as techniques improve and instruments get smaller we can expect this trend to continue into the future.
Internships for Future Faculty: Meeting the Career Goals of the Next Generation of Educators in Marriage and Family Therapy

A key component of a doctoral education in marriage and family therapy (MFT) is the completion of an internship. Virtually all MFT doctoral internships are focused on advanced clinical practice and often are located in agencies unconnected with an academic setting. This article describes an MFT doctoral internship specifically designed to foster the skills needed as a faculty member. The primary purpose of this "future faculty" internship is to expose doctoral interns to faculty life, including participation in graduate teaching, clinical supervision, research, and faculty service-while still meeting typical clinical requirements. Results of semistructured qualitative interviews with five doctoral interns associated with the site are reported. Guidelines for the development of other doctoral internships designed for future MFT faculty members are discussed.