cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective substitution of amino acids limits proteolytic cleavage and improves the bioactivity of an anti-biofilm peptide that targets the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Abstract The interaction of the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, with oral streptococci such as Streptococcus gordonii precedes colonization of the subgingival pocket and represents a target for limiting P. gingivalis colonization of the oral cavity. Previous studies showed that a synthetic peptide (designated BAR) derived from the antigen I/II protein of S. gordonii was a potent competitive inhibitor of P. gingivalis adherence to S. gordonii and subsequent biofilm formation. Here we show that despite its inhibitory activity, BAR is rapidly degraded by intact P. gingivalis cells in vitro. However, in the presence of soluble Mfa protein, the P. gingivalis receptor for BAR, the peptide is protected from proteolytic degradation suggesting that the affinity of BAR for Mfa is higher than for P. gingivalis proteases. The rate of BAR degradation was reduced when the P. gingivalis lysine-specific gingipain was inhibited using the specific protease inhibitor, z-FKcK, or when the gene encoding the Lys-gingipain was inactivated. In addition, substituting d -Lys for l -Lys residues in BAR prevented degradation of the peptide when incubated with the Lys-gingipain and increased its specific adherence inhibitory activity in a S. gordonii–P. gingivalis dual species biofilm model. These results suggest that Lys-gingipain accounts in large part for P. gingivalis-mediated degradation of BAR and that more effective peptide inhibitors of P. gingivalis adherence to streptococci can be produced by introducing modifications that limit the susceptibility of BAR to the Lys-gingipain and other P. gingivalis associated proteases.
EFFECT OF DIETARY IODINE ON SERUM INORGANIC AND SALIVARY IODINE.

Abstract The quantitative relationships of the concentration of inorganic iodine (I 127 ) in serum (SII) and salivary iodine concentration with the dietary iodine intake were studied in 4 normal women living at home and following their usual dietary, work, and recreational habits. Under these conditions SII was found to be directly proportional to the dietary iodine intake on the day the blood sample was obtained. Salivary iodine concentrations and salivary iodine secretion rates were also directly proportional to iodine intake, but the proportionality was linear only at intake levels below 167 μg./day. In addition, SII, salivary iodine concentrations, salivary iodine secretion rates, and salivary protein bound iodine concentrations were determined in 19 subjects during a 5-week period. The frequency distributions of these 4 parameters proved to be lognormal. The implications of the data are discussed.
The rise of divorce and separation in the United States, 1880–1990

I use the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series to assess the potential effects of local labor-market conditions on long-term trends and race differences in marital instability. The rise of female labor-force participation and the increase in nonfarm employment are closely associated with the growth of divorce and separation. Moreover, higher female labor-force participation among black women and lower economic opportunities for black men may account for race differences in marital instability before 1940, and for most of such differences in subsequent years. However, unmeasured intervening cultural factors are probably responsible for at least part of these effects.
Insulin stimulates the release from liver plasma membranes of a chemical modulator of pyruvate dehydrogenase

Abstract Incubation of a rat liver particulate fraction with physiological concentrations of insulin enhances the production of a small molecular weight substance which modulates adipocyte as well as liver mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase. While low concentrations of insulin enhance production of this activity, levels of greater than 10−9M produce significantly less. Similarly, while increasing concentrations of mediator cause increased stimulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, higher concentrations no longer exhibit this effect. The putative insulin mediator was partially purified on HPLC and Sephadex G-25 columns. Its molecular weight was about 1000–2000. These results indicate the presence of a chemical mediator of insulin action in liver similar to that observed in other insulin target tissues.
Adjusting water resources management to climate change

The nature of climate impacts and adjustment in water supply and flood management is discussed, and a case study of water manager response to climate fluctuation in California's Sacramento Basin is presented. The case illuminates the effect on climate impact and response of traditional management approaches, the dynamic qualities of maturing water systems, socially imposed constraints, and climate extremes. A dual pattern of crisisresponse and gradual adjustment emerges, and specific mechanisms for effecting adjustment of water management systems are identified. The case study, and broader trends in U.S. water development, suggest that oversized structural capacity, the traditional adjustment to climate variability in water resources, may prove less feasible in the future as projects become smaller and new facilities are delayed by economic and environmental concerns.
Assessment of target dose delivery in anal cancer using in vivo thermoluminescent dosimetry.

Abstract Purpose : To measure anal dose during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) using in vivo dosimetry, to study the difference of measured from prescribed dose values, and to evaluate possible associations of such differences with acute and late skin/mucosal toxicity and anorectal function. Materials : Thirty-one patients with localized anal carcinoma underwent in vivo measurements during the first EBRT session. Themoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) were placed at the center of the anal verge according to a localization protocol. No bolus was used. Patients received a median dose of 39.6 Gy (range: 36–45 Gy) by anteroposterior opposed AP/PA pelvic fields with 6 or 18 MV photons, followed by a median boost dose of 20 Gy (range: 13–24 Gy). Concomitant chemotherapy (CCT), consisting of 1–2 cycles of continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and bolus mitomycin-C (MMC), was usually administered during the first weeks of the pelvic and boost EBRT courses. Acute and late skin/mucosal reactions were recorded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity scale. Anal sphincter function was assessed using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) scale. Results : TLD anal doses differed by a mean of 5.8% (SD: 5.8) in comparison to the central axis prescribed dose. Differences of at least 10% and at least 15% were observed in eight (26%) and three (9.7%) patients, respectively. TLD doses did not significantly correlate with acute or late grade 2-3 skin or mucosal toxicity. However, patients having good-fair MSKCC anal function had a significantly greater mean difference in anal TLD dose (10.5%, SD: 5.9) than patients having excellent function (3.8%, SD: 4.6) ( P =0.004). Prescribed dose values, length of follow-up, and age at diagnosis did not correlate with late sphincter function. Conclusions : These data show that AP/PA fields using megavoltage photons deliver adequate dose to the anal verge. However, in about one quarter of patients treated with this technique the anal dose varied from the prescribed dose by at least 10%. The observed correlation of TLD values and late sphincter function suggests that direct measurement of the dose delivered to the anal verge might be clinically relevant.
The effect of direct electrical current stimulation on the bone/porous metallic implant interface.

Abstract Cylindrical porous plugs (6.35 mm dia. 11 mm long, average pore size of 190 μ dia.) made of electrically conductive Co-Cr-Mo surgical alloy powders were implanted in the canine femur. An electrical stimulation device (mercury battery, 1.35 V, connected in series with a 150 kΩ resistor) was attached to all implants directly. The in vivo current was about 8 μA for the stimulated implants while no current was delivered for the control ones. After predetermined implant periods, tensile test specimens were made to measure the interfacial strength between bone and implants. Some samples were used for histological observations. The present results show that in vivo electrical stimulation substantially increased the strength of the union between porous implants and bone when compared to the controls up to 12 weeks. Histological observations show that the increased strength is mainly due to the increased new bone formation in the pores of implants. It was also observed that the fractional callus volume in the intramedullary canal for the stimulated samples retained more than the controls after reaching maximum at 3 weeks.
A new strategy applied to the synthesis of an α-helical bicyclic peptide constrained by two overlapping i, i+7 side-chain bridges of novel design

Abstract A conformationally constrained, bicyclic, 14-residue peptide containing two overlapping i, i+7 side-chain bridges has been synthesized. The design of the side-chain linkage, which is built around a p -substituted benzene ring for rigidity, and the solid-phase approach applied to the peptide synthesis, are both new. A Boc/Benzyl peptide chain assembly method was combined with Fmoc/OFm orthogonal side-chain deprotection and solid-phase cyclization to form the first side-chain lactam bridge. A 2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl group (2-Pet), activated by methylation with CH 3 I in DMF, was then used in combination with Fmoc to allow a second orthogonal side-chain deprotection and solid-phase cyclization to form the second bridge. The circular dichroism spectrum of the product indicates that it is highly helical.
Popov-like stability criterion for a class of time-varying continuous systems

Using functional-analysis methods, a Popov-like stability criterion is derived for use in the analysis of a class of time-varying control systems, consisting of a time-varying gain followed by a causal time-invariant linear convolution operator. The stability criterion provides a simple graphical means of obtaining stability information which complements the existing information for this class of systems.
Use of a parallel artificial membrane system to evaluate passive absorption and elimination in small fish

A parallel artificial lipid membrane system was developed to mimic passive mass transfer of hydrophobic organic chemicals in fish. In this physical model system, a membrane filter-supported lipid bilayer separates two aqueous phases that represent the external and internal aqueous environments of fish. To predict bioconcentration kinetics in small fish with this system, literature absorption and elimination rates were analyzed with an allometric diffusion model to quantify the mass transfer resistances in the aqueous and lipid phases of fish. The effect of the aqueous phase mass transfer resistance was controlled by adjusting stirring intensity to mimic bioconcentration rates in small fish. Twenty-three simple aromatic hydrocarbons were chosen as model compounds for purposes of evaluation. For most of the selected chemicals, literature absorption/elimination rates fall into the range predicted from measured membrane permeabilities and elimination rates of the selected chemicals determined by the diffusion model system.
Behavioral sensitization to binge-pattern cocaine administration is not associated with changes in protein levels of four major G-proteins

Abstract Behavioral sensitization is a characteristic sequelae of repeated cocaine exposure. It likely occurs due to long-lasting neuroadaptations produced by cocaine, although the exact nature of these adaptations has yet to be defined. The goal of the present study was to determine if behavioral sensitization to cocaine is accompanied by alterations in G-protein levels. Adult male rats were administered cocaine or saline three times daily in a binge-pattern for 1, 3, or 14 days and activity monitored. Levels of four major G-protein α-subunits, Gαs, Gαolf, Gαo and Gαi1, and their mRNAs were measured in the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, and cingulate/frontal cortex using Western blot analysis and in situ hybridization, respectively. Fourteen days of binge-pattern cocaine administration resulted in behavioral sensitization as evidenced by increased behavioral activity over the 14 days of drug exposure. Results demonstrated that Gαolf mRNA expression was significantly reduced in the nucleus accumbens after 1, 3 or 14 days of cocaine, whereas Gαi1 mRNA was increased following 3, but not 1 or 14 days of cocaine in the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens and cingulate cortex. Gαs and Gαo mRNA expression were not altered in any region investigated at any time point. In contrast to gene expression, protein levels of the four G-protein α-subunits were not significantly different from saline-injected rats in the caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, or frontal cortex following 1, 3, or 14 days of cocaine administration. These results suggest that alterations in the level of G-proteins are not necessary for the development of cocaine-induced sensitization.
Healthy babies through infant-centered feeding protocol: An intervention targeting early childhood obesity in vulnerable populations

Poor feeding practices during infancy contribute to obesity risk. As infants transition from human milk and/or formula-based diets to solid foods, these practices interfere with infant feeding self-regulation and healthy growth patterns. Compared with other socioeconomic groups, lower-income mothers are more likely to experience difficulty feeding their infants. This may include misinterpreting feeding cues and using less-than-optimal feeding styles and practices, such as pressuring infants during mealtimes and prematurely introducing solid food and sweetened beverages. The Healthy Babies trial aims to determine the efficacy of a community-based randomized controlled trial of an in-home intervention with economically and educationally disadvantaged mother-infant dyads. The educational intervention is being conducted during the infant's first 6 months of life to promote healthy transition to solids during their first year and is based on the theory of planned behavior. We will describe our study protocol for a multisite randomized control trial being conducted in Colorado and Michigan with an anticipated sample of 372 economically and educationally disadvantaged African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian mothers with infants. Participants are being recruited by county community agency staff. Participants are randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group. The intervention consists of six in-home visits by a trained paraprofessional instructor followed by three reinforcement telephone contacts when the baby is 6, 8, and 10 months old. Main maternal outcomes include a) maternal responsiveness, b) feeding style, and c) feeding practices. Main infant outcome is infant growth pattern. All measures occur at baseline and when the infant is 6 and 12 months old. If this project is successful, the expected outcomes will address whether the home-based early nutrition education intervention is effective in helping mothers develop healthy infant feeding practices that contribute to improving infant health and development and reducing the risk of early-onset childhood obesity. Current Controlled Trials ACTRN126100000415000
A conjugate of camptothecin and a somatostatin analog against prostate cancer cell invasion via a possible signaling pathway involving PI3K/Akt, αVβ3/αVβ5 and MMP-2/-9

Camptothecin (CPT) was conjugated to the N-terminal of a somatostatin analog (SSA) directly via a carbamate group and a basic N-terminal linking motif, D-Lys-D-Tyr-Lys-D-Tyr-D-Lys. This new CPT-SSA conjugate termed JF-10-81 was evaluated as a receptor-specific delivery system for its anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic activities. It was found that, in addition to blocking migration and invasion of highly invasive prostate cancer PC-3 cells, this conjugate also inhibited in vitro capillary-like tube formation of endothelial cells and in vivo angiogenesis in C57B1/6N female mice. JF-10-81 was found to block PC-3 cell attachment to various extracellular matrix components, mainly to vitronectin, the ligand of cell surface receptors integrin alphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta5. Additionally, JF-10-81 reduced expression of integrins alphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta5 on PC-3 cell surfaces, without effects on beta1 or any alphabeta1 heterodimers. This conjugate also inactivated phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), down-regulated the expression of latent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-9, but had little effect on MMP-3/-10. Meanwhile, membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) and the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) were not detectable in PC-3 cells. alphaVbeta3/alphaVbeta5 and MMP-2/-9 are known to be highly expressed in many tumor cells and play an important role in tumor progression. Our results support that this conjugate could possibly inhibit prostate cancer PC-3 cell invasion through a signaling pathway involving PI3K/Akt, alphaVbeta3/alphaVbeta5 and MMP-2/-9, and this SSA could be used as an efficient vector to deliver CPT or other cytotoxic agents to target sites for cancer therapy.
Intermolecular interactions in the crystal structures of substituted tetrazolones

This manuscript reports crystallographic data on 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-tetrazol-5(4H)-one (2a), 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-tetrazol-5(4H)-one (2b), 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5(4H)-one (3a) and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5(4H)-one (3b). 2a and 2b associate in the solid-state to form dimers through the formation of hydrogen bonds. There are no strong structure-directing interactions present in the crystal lattices of 3a and 3b, and packing in these molecules is attributed to weak electrostatic interactions of the type N⋯H–C and C–H⋯π. The analyses of the structural parameters show that there is some degree of electron delocalization in the heterocyclic ring.
Teratocytes : Growth and numbers in the hemocoel of Heliothis virescens attacked by Microplitis croceipes

Abstract When the egg of Microplitis croceipes hatches in its host, Heliothis virescens, spherical cells (teratocytes) from the extraembryonic membrane are released into the host's hemolymph. Approximately 750 teratocytes are liberated from the parasitoid egg, and they average 10.5 μm in diameter when released. These cells increase in size, reaching a maximum average diameter of 140 μm in 8–9 days. The developing parasitoid emerges from the host in 9 days. The host remains alive and contains approximately 750 teratocytes, indicating that the teratocytes are not consumed by the parasitoid. These results suggest that teratocytes are not a direct source of nutrition for the developing parasitoid. Observations showed that encapsulation can occur in the presence of teratocytes even following the emergence of the parasitoid. The results indicate that teratocytes do not block the host's ability to encapsulate certain foreign materials within its hemocoel.
England in the Reign of Edward III

The reign of Edward III is usually remembered for his stirring victories over the French and Scots. Yet these triumphs occurred against a domestic backdrop of economic upheaval, crime, high taxation and the Black Death. Edward's ability to pursue his ambitions amid such challenges shows the effectiveness of his leadership and the resilience of English institutions. This book examines the strains on English life in this remarkable era, and shows how an interlocking network of hierarchies at each level enabled Edward to reach into local communities to get what he needed. Compliance, however, required hard bargaining as subjects chafed under incessant taxes and royal demands and, during Edward's reign, parliament became the primary arena for negotiations between the king and the community. Professor Waugh's incisive account of these tumultuous events also contains an extensive guide to further reading, in addition to a glossary of the more abstruse medieval terms.
Mephistopheles’ Flohlied Meets Beethoven’s Devilish Sting

The essay argues, first, that Beethoven’s attraction to Goethe’s Faust I and the Flohlied, which he read in 1790 at the age of nineteen, carries greater meaning than simply being an expression of sassy humour. Instead, Beethoven’s initial interest is best understood within the context of Bonn’s belated Enlightenment and its lasting impact on the composer. Second, the paper discusses Beethoven’s perplexing decision to include the incongruous satirical song among a group of six Lieder, published as op. 75 in 1810. And finally, it explores the question of why the ambitious composer never ventured further into Goethe’s most significant theatrical work.
An integrated system for demographic estimation from two age distributions

This paper presents a simple method for estimating a birth rate and a level of mortality for an intercensal period. The birth rate is estimated from the intercept of a line fitted to data and the level of mortality from the slope of that line. The formula that is developed is based upon a recent generalization of stable population relations. An estimate of childhood mortality level is an optional but significant piece of additional input. An important by-product of the procedure is an estimate of the true age distribution.
The nature of the mixed halides of mercury(II)

Abstract The material which has often been referred to as the mixed mercury(II) halide HgBrl was prepared using several different methods in order to investigate the nature of the compound in the solid state. The Raman spectrum shows that “HgBrI” is a homogeneous equilibrium mixture of HgBr 2 HgBIHgI 2 and cannot be prepared as a pure compound. Equimolar mixtures of the mercury(II) halides (HgCl 2 , HgBr 2 , HgI 2 ) were prepared in solvents, such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetone and isopropanol, in order to gain a more extensive picture of their solution equilibria. Relative intensities of Raman bands and their depolarization ratios suggest that these solutions are quite similar.
Fiber optic chemical sensors using a modified conducting polymer cladding

A new class ofsensors has been designed and prepared based on replacing the original cladding material on a small section of an optical fiber with a conducting polymer or other environmentally sensitive material. Vapor induced chemical interactions with the polymer result in refractive index and optical absorption changes in the polymer cladding. These changes lead to an optical intensity modulation induced within the multi-mode optical fiber. Polyaniline and polypyrrole were used as the modified cladding material on the fiber core. An in-situ deposition method was used to produce uniform thin film coatings of the electronic polymer on the optical fiber. It was found that optimization ofthe sensor sensitivity can be achieved by selecting the proper incident wavelength, excitation conditions, and optical detection technique. Chemical sensors were developed and tested for detection ofHCl and NH3 vapors along with the reducing agent hydrazine. The results clearly demonstrate that conjugated polymer coated fiber optics represent a promising new approach for the detection of volatile toxic gasses.
Commutivity of track formation and surface preparation in BP-1 track-etch detectors

Abstract Using the Trek detector, an array of barium phosphate glass track-etch detectors deployed on the Russian space station Mir from 1991 to 1995, we have measured the abundances of elements with Z >70 in the galactic cosmic-rays (GCRs). Trek consisted of stacks of individually polished thin BP-1 glass detectors. The next generation BP-1 cosmic-ray detector, the Extremely heavy Cosmic-ray Composition Observer (ECCO), will be capable of measuring the age of GCR nuclei using the extremely rare actinides (Th, U, Pu, Cm) as clocks. ECCO will be a very large instrument (23–30 m 2 in area, depending on spacecraft), but will achieve both excellent resolution and low cost through use of a novel detector configuration. An essential feature of the new configuration is that detector surfaces are ground and polished after exposure on orbit. Naively, one might expect post-flight surface preparation to have a deleterious effect on detector signal. Here we show that, in BP-1 detectors, post-exposure surface preparation has no measurable effect on either the amplitude or the dispersion of the detector signal – in other words, latent nuclear track formation and detector surface preparation commute . This property of BP-1 enables ECCO to be effectively pointable, and also dramatically reduces the costs of pre-flight detector construction and post-flight detector processing.
Substance P neurons project from the ventral medulla to the intermediolateral cell column and ventral horn in the rat

The descending substance P projections from the ventral medulla were studied in the rat. Electrolytic lesions which included the nucleus interfascicularis hypoglossi decreased the substance P-like immunoreactivity (SP-I) in both the intermediolateral cell column and the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Lesions of other ventral medullary areas and midbrain hemisections did not change spinal cord SP-I levels. Intracerebroventricular administration of the serotonin neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, reduced the SP-I content of the ventral horn but not of the intermediolateral cell column.
A test of a pattern recognition system for identification of spiders

Growing interest in biodiversity and conservation has increased the demand for accurate and consistent identification of arthropods. Unfortunately, professional taxonomists are already overburdened and underfunded and their numbers are not increasing with significant speed to meet the demand. In an effort to bridge the gap between professional taxonomists and non-specialists by making the results of taxonomic research more accessible, we present a partially automated pattern recognition system utilizing artificial neural networks (ANNs). Various artificial neural networks were trained to identify spider species using only digital images of female genitalia, from which key shape information had been extracted by wavelet transform. Three different sized networks were evaluated based on their ability to discriminate a test set of six species to either the genus or the species level. The species represented three genera of the wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae). The largest network achieved the highest accuracy, identifying specimens to the correct genus 100% of the time and to the correct species an average of 81% of the time. In addition, the networks were most accurate when identifying specimens in a hierarchical system, first to genus and then to species. This test system was surprisingly accurate considering the small size of our training set.
Management of cystic craniopharyngiomas with phosphorus-32 intracavitary irradiation.

OBJECTIVE The efficacy of stereotactic intracavitary irradiation with phosphorus-32 ((32)P) for patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas was assessed on the basis of patient survival, tumor control, and visual and endocrinological function before and after treatment. Limited data are available regarding long-term outcomes. METHODS Forty-nine patients were treated with stereotactic (32)P intracavitary irradiation. Of these, 25 had had no prior treatment as the primary treatment, and 24 were treated for residual or recurrent tumor cysts. At the time of (32)P intracavitary irradiation, 34 of the patients were adults, and 15 were children younger than 16 years of age. The mean cyst volume was 13 ml. The radiation dose varied from 189 to 250 Gy to the cyst wall during five half-lives of the isotope (mean, 224 Gy). The mean follow-up periods were 7 years after diagnosis and 4 years after (32)P treatment. RESULTS The actuarial survival rates were 90% at 5 years after the diagnosis and 80% at 10 years. The actuarial tumor cyst control rates were 76% at 5 years and 70% at 10 years after the diagnosis. After treatment, 9 (23%) of 40 patients who underwent preoperative and postoperative visual testing were found to have delayed worsening in visual function, 6 as a result of tumor progression and 3 attributed to irradiation. Nineteen patients (48%) had improved visual function. Of 17 patients who had normal preoperative pituitary function or stalk effect, 12 (71%) had preserved and 5 (29%) had worsened visual function. No complications other than visual or endocrinological deterioration occurred in these patients. CONCLUSION For patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas, (32)P intracavitary irradiation proved effective, with a low risk of complications, for the control of tumor cysts but not of solid tumor components.
Lattice Theory of the Elastic Dielectric

A homogeneously deformed and uniformly polarized elastic dielectric is considered. For small displacements of the medium from the deformed and polarized state, the equation of motion and the equation for the change in polarization due to the displacement are derived to the first order in the deformation parameter and the macroscopic electric field, using Toupin's general theory of the elastic dielectric. Born and Huang's treatment of the vibrations of an ionic lattice is extended to the case where the lattice is homogeneously deformed and has a uniform electric field. The equation of motion and the equation for the change in polarization due to small displacements from the deformed and polarized state are derived on lattice theory. A comparison of lattice-theoretical equations at long wavelength with the continuum-mechanical equations yields the expressions for the electrical susceptibility, the piezoelectric constants, and the second-order elastic constants together with their linear coefficients of variation with the deformation and the electrical field.
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery for those with body mass index of 70-125 kg/m2.

Abstract Background Data on laparoscopic bariatric surgery in the extremely obese are limited. Technical difficulties, in addition to the patients' severe weight-related co-morbidities, can compromise the safety of bariatric surgery in these patients. Our objectives were to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic bariatric surgery in extremely obese patients and to compare the outcomes of different surgical approaches at a bariatric surgery center of excellence in an academic medical center. Methods We reviewed our prospectively collected database and identified all patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥70 kg/m2 who had undergone bariatric surgery. The data on patient demographics, baseline characteristics, and outcomes of bariatric surgery were retrieved. Results A total of 49 patients with a mean BMI of 80.7 kg/m2 (range 70–125) underwent 61 bariatric procedures. Of the 49 patients, 26 underwent sleeve gastrectomy, 11 gastric bypass, and 12 underwent a 2-stage procedure (sleeve gastrectomy followed by gastric bypass). At a mean follow-up of 17.4 months, the average BMI had decreased to 60.9 kg/m2 (36% excess weight loss). Overall, the patients who underwent a 2-stage procedure achieved greater percentage of excess weight loss (54.5%) than did those who underwent either single-stage sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass (25.4%, P = .002 and 43.8%, P = .519, respectively). Of the 61 cases, 60 (98.4%) were completed laparoscopically. The early complication rate was 16.4% overall; most were minor complications. The late complication rate was 14.8%. A single late mortality occurred in this series. Conclusion Laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed safely on patients with a BMI of ≥70 kg/m2. A staged approach might offer better weight loss results.
On a Causal Linear Optimization Theorem

Abstract In this note we specialize our results on causal commutant lifting theory from Foias and Tannenbaum (J. Funct. Anal. 118 (1993), 407-441) and Foias et al. (Acta. Sci. Math. 57-(1993), 101-123) to operators with a certain structure which appear in control theory. For such operators, we give an elementary proof of the causal commutant lifting theorem.
Update on Ibuprofen for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In doses of 1,200 mg/day or more, ibuprofen is as effective as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The tolerability and safety of ibuprofen are superior to those of aspirin and compare favorably with those of other NSAIDs. Although additional controlled trials are indicated to determine optimal dose, ibuprofen's excellent the rapeutic index establishes it as a useful drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Role of FBEOL Al pads and hard dielectric for improved mechanical performance in lead-free C4 products

One of the major reliability concerns of current and next generation integrated circuits is mechanical failure due to stresses induced by the chip-package interactions (CPI). The packaged parts are subjected to thermal-mechanical stresses due to a mismatch of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the Si, lead-free C4 bumps, and the organic flip-chip substrate leading to mechanical delamination or cracking in the weaker low-k/ultra-low K films within the chip. This work discusses the role of Aluminum (Al) pads in the far-back-end-of-line (FBEOL) levels of the chip in CPI stress mitigation of the weak low-k and ultra-low k (ULK) BEOL levels. The affect of the Al pad thickness, size and shape on the CPI stresses have been studied by means of 3D mechanical finite element analysis. “White C4” bump data showing the benefits of increasing the thickness of the Al pads and growing the Al pad size to be larger than the under bump metallurgy (UBM) diameter in alleviating detrimental stresses from the weak BEOL levels is also been discussed in the paper. This paper also outlines through mechanical modeling and “white C4” bump data the reduction in CPI stresses in the weaker BEOL levels with increasing thickness of the FBEOL hard dielectric.
Coagulation factor VIII: structure and stability

Factor VIII (FVIII), a coagulation factor in the blood, is one of the most complex proteins known today. To facilitate the rapid development of a more convenient and safer FVIII product and to improve the quality of life for hemophilia patients, this short article reviews the recent investigations on the structure, activity, and more importantly, stability of FVIII.
Surfactant-Free Hybridization of Transition Metal Oxide Nanoparticles With Conductive Graphene for High-Performance Supercapacitor

In order to improve specific capacitance and limit electrical resistance, high-quality exfoliated graphene decorated with transition metal (Fe, Mn, Co) oxide nanoparticles (NPs) has been successfully synthesized without the use of surfactantvia a simple, general, environmentally-friendly chemical process. The specific capacitance of as-prepared graphene/Mn3O4 composite reach 239.6 F/g, when employed as the anode material in neutral NaCl electrolyte solutions (cf. 98.2 F/g for pristine graphene and 141.4 F/g for pure Mn3O4 NPs), which indicate the synergetic effects from both graphene and attached Mn3O4 NPs. Moreover, the high conductivity of graphene eliminates the need for conductive carbon black as fillers. The current density of graphene/Mn3O4 reached as high as 4.5 A g−1 which is much higher than that of graphene oxide (GO) or reduced GO-based composites. This significant enhancement of capacitance and current density was attributed to the surfactant-free approach to hybridize graphene with transition metal oxide NPs, the excellent conductivity of pristine graphene combined with its large surface area, as well as a uniform distribution of NPs on the clean surface of conductive graphene. Thus the low-toxicity, inexpensive graphene-based hybrids show promising utility as high current density electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.
An atlas of the deep cerebellar nuclei and subtentorial brainstem of the cat with compensation for skull-size.

Abstract BERNTSON, G. G., T. S. PAULUCCI AND M. W. TORELLO. An atlas of the deep cerebellar nuclei and subtentorialbrainstem of the cat, with compensation for skull-size. BRAIN RES. BULL. 3(5)475–492, 1978.—The bony tentorium in the cat precludes a stereotaxic approach, in the coronal plane, to widespread areas of the cerebellum and underlying brainstem. To facilitate the application of the stereotaxic method in these areas, an atlas of the subtentorial brainstem was prepared, with plates (30° from the vertical) based on an angle of entry which avoids the tentorium. In addition, a placement error regression function, based on a measure of skull size, was derived to provide atlas coordinate corrections for different brain sizes. The application of this regression function, together with the present atlas plates, can greatly increase placement accuracy.
Triage by laparoscopy in patients with penetrating abdominal trauma

Laparoscopy was performed on 33 patients with penetrating abdominal injuries to identify those with peritoneal penetration. Diagnostic or therapeutic manoeuvres were not attempted; evidence of peritoneal penetration mandated exploratory laparotomy. Twenty-two patients had gunshot wounds and 11 stab wounds. Ten patients had multiple penetrating injuries. Intraperitoneal injury was not evident by clinical assessment in any patient and all were haemodynamically stable. Twenty-three patients underwent negative laparoscopy and no intraperitoneal injury was subsequently detected. Laparoscopy demonstrated peritoneal penetration in ten patients and subsequent laparotomy detected intraperitoneal injuries in nine. No complications of laparoscopy occurred. In stable patients with penetrating trauma and no clinical evidence of intraperitoneal injury, laparoscopy effectively and safely detects those with peritoneal penetration.
Complete anal membrane in a female: a rare malformation and indication for prone cross-table lateral radiograph

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a 27 week gestation female fetus suggested an abnormal rectum. Subsequent examination of the term newborn confirmed an imperforate anus present in the normal position. No meconium was seen on the perineum by 18 hours. A prone cross-table lateral radiograph confirmed that rectal gas was present 3 mm beneath the membrane leading to the diagnosis of complete anal membrane, and an anoplasty rather than a colostomy was performed.
Manometric Abnormalities in the Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Case Series

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a rare disease that is believed to be mediated by dysautonomia. Gastrointestinal complaints in POTS patients are common and disturbing but not well characterized. We hypothesized that gastrointestinal dysmotility may be contributory to these symptoms. We studied 12 POTS patients who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms to a tertiary referral center. Gastrointestinal symptoms were quantified using a previously validated symptom questionnaire. All patients underwent gastroduodenal manometry (GDM); select patients also underwent further testing including esophageal manometry (EM), anorectal manometry (ARM), plain abdominal radiography (AXR), abdominal computed tomography (CT), gastric emptying studies (GES), and colonic transit time (CTT) studies. The four most common symptoms were bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting, all experienced by greater than 70 % of patients. On GDM testing, 93 % of patients demonstrated signs of neuropathy, and the most common abnormalities observed included bursts of uncoordinated phasic activity in both fasting (59 %) and post-prandial (42 %) states, low contractility in the post-prandial state (67 %), and lack of post-prandial pattern (42 %). A total of 67 % of patients undergoing EM and 86 % of those undergoing ARM demonstrated abnormalities consistent with dysmotility. On AXR or CT, 58 % demonstrated either dilated intestinal loops or air-fluid levels. On CTT 80 % demonstrated delayed colonic transit, while on GES 60 % demonstrated delayed gastric emptying. In this cohort of POTS patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, there is a high prevalence of abnormal manometric and radiographic findings suggestive of dysmotility.
Job Offers to Individuals With Severe Mental Illness After Participation in Virtual Reality Job Interview Training

Objective:Individuals with severe mental illness have low employment rates, and the job interview presents a critical barrier for them to obtain competitive employment. Prior randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that virtual reality job interview training (VR-JIT) improved job interviewing skills among trainees. This study assessed whether VR-JIT participation was associated with greater odds of receiving job offers in the six-months after completion of training.Methods:To assess the efficacy of VR-JIT, trainees (N=39) in the method and a comparison group (N=12) completed a brief survey approximately six months after participating in the RCTs. Primary vocational outcome measures included receiving a job offer and number of weeks searching for employment.Results:A larger proportion of trainees than comparison participants received a job offer (51% versus 25%, respectively). Trainees were more likely to receive a job offer than comparison participants (odds ratio=9.64, p=.02) after analyses account...
Dynamics of gender, ethnicity, and race in understanding classroom incivility

Classroom incivility is influenced by many factors. This chapter identifies three that are commonly thought of as influencing the degree to which students will engage in inappropriate behaviors in the classroom.
A Pricing Mechanism which Implements in Nash Equilibria a Rate Allocation Problem in Networks

We present a pricing mechanism which implements in Nash equilibria a rate allocation problem in unicast service provisioning. This mechanism is different from the ones which appear in the existing literature since it accounts for the strategic behavior of individual users and achieves efficient allocations. We provide some insight on how one may generalize our mechanism, and we determine a particular network structure under which this mechanism is informationally efficient.
Phase-matching optimization of large-scale nonlinear frequency upconversion in neutral and ionized gases

We suggest and discuss two techniques that could radically improve the efficiency of large-scale nonlinear frequency upconversion: quasi-phase matching of high-order harmonic generation in density-modulated media and high-order difference-frequency mixing in plasma. We demonstrate theoretically that both techniques permit optimal phase matching with tight focusing of pump beams, which is detrimental to current approaches to frequency upconversion, with a potentially drastic increase in conversion efficiency. Optimal phase-matching conditions that we obtained in the perturbation limit are shown to be likely to hold for strong pumping fields as well.
Discrete-time self-similar systems and stable distributions: applications to VBR video modeling

This paper investigates the application of discrete-time statistically self-similar systems to modeling variable-bit rate (VBR) video traces. Potential application to classifying scenes in VBR video is explored. The work is motivated by the fact that while VBR video has been characterized as self-similar by various researchers, models based on self-similarity considerations have not been previously studied. This paper also shows that using heavy-tailed inputs these models can be used to match both the scene density time-series autocorrelation as well as its marginal distribution.
The induction of behavioural sensitization is associated with cocaine-induced structural plasticity in the core (but not shell) of the nucleus accumbens.

Repeated exposure to cocaine increases the density of dendritic spines on medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens (Acb) and pyramidal cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). To determine if this is associated with the development of psychomotor sensitization, rats were given daily i.p. injections of 15 mg ⁄kg of cocaine (or saline) for 8 days, either in their home cage (which failed to induce significant psychomotor sensitization) or in a distinct and relatively novel test cage (which induced robust psychomotor sensitization). Their brains were obtained 2 weeks after the last injection and processed for Golgi‐Cox staining. In the Acb core (AcbC) cocaine treatment increased spine density only in the group that developed psychomotor sensitization (i.e. in the Novel but not Home group), and there was a significant positive correlation between the degree of psychomotor sensitization and spine density. In the Acb shell (AcbS) cocaine increased spine density to the same extent in both groups; i.e. independent of psychomotor sensitization. In the mPFC cocaine increased spine density in both groups, but to a significantly greater extent in the Novel group. Furthermore, when rats were treated at Home with a higher dose of cocaine (30 mg ⁄kg), cocaine now induced psychomotor sensitization in this context, and also increased spine density in the AcbC. Thus, the context in which cocaine is experienced influences its ability to reorganize patterns of synaptic connectivity in the Acb and mPFC, and the induction of psychomotor sensitization is associated with structural plasticity in the AcbC and mPFC, but not the AcbS.
When sporadic disease is not sporadic: the potential for genetic etiology.

Background Approximately 2% of Alzheimer disease cases and 10% to 15% of prion disease cases are due to mutations in autosomal dominant genes. Mutations have been found in patients without family histories of neurological disease. Objectives To emphasize the need for consideration of a genetic etiology of prion disease and early-onset Alzheimer disease, regardless of the absence of a significant family history, as well as the need for pretest genetic counseling of all patients or their families. Design Three case reports. Patients and Results Patient 1, a 53-year-old man with possible Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, was enrolled in a research study that included sequencing of the prion protein gene. Although there was no family history of neurological disease, an E200K mutation was found. This unexpected result caused the family significant distress. Patient 2, a 55-year-old woman with biopsy-proven Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, participated in a prion disease research study. Her family was counseled about the possibility of hereditary Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, despite the lack of family history. After assessing the ramifications, the family decided not to learn about the patient's genetic test results. Patient 3 was a 54-year-old man with a 6-year history of memory loss. A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer disease was given, and the patient and his family were counseled on the availability of presenilin 1 testing, although there was no known family history of dementia. The family agreed to testing, and a presenilin 1 mutation was identified. Conclusions Certain neurodegenerative diseases may have a genetic etiology, despite the lack of a positive family history. Revealing a newly discovered hereditary cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or Alzheimer disease can have a profound effect on families. Pretest counseling on genetic issues is essential to better prepare families and to allow them to make an informed choice about learning genetic test results.