cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality of amino acid solutions for preterm infants.

To the Editor. — With great interest, we read the article by Clark et al1 published in the December 2007 issue of Pediatrics. The authors concluded that higher doses of amino acid supplementation did not improve neonatal growth, and might even be unfavorable in terms of metabolic tolerance (increased blood amino acid and urea nitrogen levels). However, we have some comments. Blood chemistry results, including amino acid concentrations, are reported for postnatal days 1, 7, and 28. Regrettably, no such information is provided for day 4, which shows a peak amino acid intake in the “high-dose group” and the largest difference in amino acid intake between groups. We also learn that, for most infants, the parenteral nutrition had been gradually replaced by enteral nutrition. Except for a single value on day 7, however, no …
Influence of Cardiac Functional Capacity on Gender Differences in Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Children

Objective To examine the role of gender differences in cardiac functional capacity in explaining higher mean values for maximal oxygen uptake ( o 2 max) in boys than in girls. Design Comparative group exercise testing. Setting Pediatric exercise testing laboratory. Subjects Twenty-five prepubertal boys (mean [± SD] age, 12 ± 0.4 years) and 24 premenarcheal girls (mean age, 11.7 ± 0.5 years). Interventions Maximal incremental upright cycle exercise. Measurements and results Mean values for o 2 max were the following: boys, 47.2 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min; and girls, 40.4 ± 5.8 mL/kg/min (16.8% difference; p 2 for boys and 55 ± 9 mL/m 2 for girls (12.7% difference; p o 2 max and maximal stroke volume (SV) were expressed relative to lean body mass, gender differences declined but persisted, falling to 6.2% and 5.2%, respectively. Conclusions These findings indicate that differences in SV as well as in body composition contribute to gender-related variations in o 2 max during childhood. Whether this reflects small gender differences in relative heart size or dynamic factors influencing ventricular preload and contractility during exercise is unknown.
What makes goals choiceworthy? A qualitative study of hedonic, eudaimonic, and structural motives

Research on goal choice has been limited by restricted explanatory categories, unidimensional quantitative ratings of goal importance, and limited samples in academic settings. Open-ended inquiry can yield a much richer picture of goal choices. This grounded theory interview study with 11 college graduates assessed goal importance three times over four months. The grounded theory of goal importance had four coding levels: three theoretical categories (hedonic motives, eudaimonic motives, and structural motives), seven thematic codes, 19 axial codes, and 56 basic codes. Very diverse reasons were reported for goal choice, reflecting aspects of many goal pursuit theories. Respondents gave multiple reasons for pursuing each goal, often in multiple theoretical categories. Basic codes provided the most explanatory information, with higher level categories offering more descriptive information. Results suggest that only complex theories of goal pursuit can encompass the range of goal motives and that qualitative...
Prevention of Lens Opacification During Diabetic Vitrectomy

Lensectomy at the time of vitrectomy on diabetic patients markedly increases the risk of postoperative neovascular glaucoma, and is to be avoided when possible. We conducted a randomized prospective double-blind trial to determine if the addition of supplemental glucose to BSS Plus intraocular irrigating solution would lessen or prevent intraoperative lens opacification. Ten subjects received BSS Plus (glucose = 100 mg/dl); five (50%) developed intraoperative lens changes which interfered with the surgeon's view (three to an extent necessitating lensectomy). Ten subjects received glucose fortified BSS Plus (glucose = 400 mg/dl); none developed intraoperative lens changes (P less than 0.03, Mann-Whitney Rank). There was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups with respect to preoperative lens changes, infusion fluid volume, operative time, patient age, duration of diabetes, fasting blood glucose level, hemoglobin A1 level or lens clarity 5 months after surgery. We conclude that glucose fortification of BSS Plus significantly reduces intraoperative lens opacification during diabetic vitrectomy.
Nest Turnover Rates and List-Frame Decay in Bald Eagles: Implications for the National Monitoring Plan

In accordance with federal regulations, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service developed a postdelisting monitoring plan for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) designed to detect a change in the number of occupied nests on a national scale. The plan employs a dual-frame approach to the survey design where a list frame (list of known nests) and an area frame (set of survey plots) are used in concert to estimate the number of occupied nests in 5-year intervals over a 20-year period. The plan offers no provisions for changes in list-frame integrity, nor does it contemplate the impact of such changes on survey performance. We used a long-term data set to quantify occupancy patterns for nests in Virginia, USA, and evaluated their influence on integrity of the list frame and performance of the proposed dual-frame monitoring approach. The average annual turnover rate for nests was 0.261, resulting in a rapid decay of the list frame. Decay of the list frame leads to a functional collapse of the dual-frame approach, down to the area-frame survey alone, early within the monitoring time horizon. This early decay of the list frame implies that the area-frame coverage needed to maintain the same statistical power as stated in the monitoring plan would have to be increased by a factor of 3 to 5 beyond that recommended in the current plan. Remedies for this deficiency undermine the cost benefit associated with inclusion of the list frame. We examined response of the dual-frame survey to variation in nest turnover rates and population growth rates and defined a state space where time to collapse is beyond the proposed 20-year time horizon. Because, under realistic estimates of turnover rates, the dual-frame approach collapses to the area frame within the proposed monitoring window, we recommend that the costs of list-frame maintenance be included in the procedure to optimize allocation of survey effort.
Ethical Implications in Cross‐Cultural Counseling and Training

The nonspecificity of the ethical guidelines forces counselors to develop personal philosophies in regard to serving culturally unique clients. The resulting variability in the quality and availability of services threatens the growth and dilutes the integrity of the counseling profession. The worldview of the counselor is discussed as it affects client welfare, self-determination, and cultural autonomy in the counseling alliance. Ethical issues surrounding the development and implementation of cross-cultural training programs are reviewed and discussed.
THE ELASTIC BIAXIAL MODULUS OF AG-PD MULTILAYERED THIN FILMS MEASURED USING THE BULGE TEST

Analysis and sample preparation techniques for the bulge test have been improved to the point where the test can provide reliable and accurate measurements of the mechanical properties of thin films. Ag-Pd multilayer films of variable bilayer period were prepared for this study and characterized by cross-section transmission electron microscopy and by x-ray methods. The films were tested in the bulge test to determine their biaxial moduli. The data show no peak in biaxial modulus at a critical composition wavelength and no nonlinear elastic behavior. They do show a slight trend toward increasing elastic modulus with increasing strength of (111) crystallographic texture. These findings refute a previous report of the “supermodulus” effect in this system and add to the evidence that the effect is caused by artifacts of the mechanical testing technique. Methods for eliminating such artifacts are discussed.
Enzymes of the Heme Biosynthetic Pathway in the Nonphotosynthetic Alga Polytomella sp.

Heme biosynthesis involves a number of enzymatic steps which in eukaryotes take place in different cell compartments. Enzyme compartmentalization differs between photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic eukaryotes. Here we investigated the structures and subcellular localizations of three enzymes involved in the heme pathway in Polytomella sp., a colorless alga evolutionarily related to the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Functional complementation of Escherichia coli mutant strains was used to isolate cDNAs encoding three heme biosynthetic enzymes, glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase, protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, and ferrochelatase. All three proteins show highest similarity to their counterparts in photosynthetic organisms, including C. reinhardtii. All three proteins have N-terminal extensions suggestive of intracellular targeting, and immunoblot studies indicate their enrichment in a dense cell fraction that is enriched in amyloplasts. These results suggest that even though the plastids of Polytomella sp. are not photosynthetically active, they are the major site of heme biosynthesis. The presence of a gene for glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase suggests that Polytomella sp. uses the five-carbon pathway for synthesis of the heme precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid.
Public Choice Economics and Public Pension Plan Funding An Empirical Test

Public choice theory (PCT) assumes that elected officials and public administrators act in their self-interest, not in the public interest. This article tests the theory regarding the effects of public governance on U.S. public pension plans, which are increasingly important socioeconomic institutions. The authors develop several PCT-based hypotheses regarding the dependent variable of plan funding, a measure of plan performance. Data sources include biennial PENDAT survey data for 1992-1996. The results indicate limited support for PCT. A positive relationship between the presence of boards of trustees and plan funding is found, but no relationship between citizen voting and plan funding.
Problematic Lucidity: Stephen Krasner's "State Power and the Structure of International Trade"

Stephen D. Krasner's article in this journal in 1976, “State Power and the Structure of International Trade,” defined the agenda for years of scholarship by being both lucid and problematic. Krasner presented a clear puzzle but manifestly failed adequately to answer the questions that he raised. His key proposition, that strong international economic regimes depend on hegemonic power, was supported by only half of the six cases that he discussed. Yet the cogency of Krasner's formulation of the argument, and the pungency of his rhetoric, led “State Power” to serve as a focal point in a coordination game among three major constituencies in the international political economy field. Liberal transnationalists, statist realists, and their audiences all benefited from Krasner's lucid specification of the issues. As a result of research prompted by Krasner's article, we understand the relationship between international political structure and economic openness much better than we did before it appeared.
Does testosterone have a role in erectile function

Purpose Despite the well-established role of testosterone in enhancing libido, its exact contribution to erections in men remains unclear. The main objectives of this review are to clarify the role of testosterone in erectile function and evaluate its therapeutic value in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods Review of the relevant literature (English, French, and Spanish) from 1939 to June 2005 was conducted using data sources from MEDLINE, endocrinology text books, and hand searching of cross-references from original articles and reviews. Clinical trials, animal studies, case reports, reviews, and guidelines of major associations were included. Results Animal and preliminary human studies suggest that testosterone may facilitate erection by acting as vasodilator of the penile arterioles and cavernous sinusoids. Following castration, most, but not all, men had partial or complete loss of erection. Hypogonadism is not a common finding in ED, occurring in about 5% of cases, and in general, there is lack of association between serum testosterone levels, when present in normal or moderately low levels, and erectile function. Most trials using testosterone for treatment of ED in hypogonadal men suffer from methodological problems and report inconsistent results, but overall, suggest that testosterone may be superior to placebo. Erectile function is more likely to improve with testosterone therapy in patients with severe degrees of hypogonadism. Testosterone treatment may ameliorate the response to the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in hypogonadal men and men with low-normal serum testosterone. Repeated measurement of morning serum total testosterone is a fairly accurate and easy method to evaluate androgenecity, but measurement of free or bioavailable testosterone is recommended in conditions that alter the levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), such as in the elderly and in obesity. Conclusions Available data suggest that in most men circulating levels of testosterone, well below the normal range, are essential for normal erection and that higher levels of serum testosterone may not have major impact on erectile function. Screening for hypogonadism in all men with ED is necessary to identify cases of severe hypogonadism and some cases of mild to moderate hypogonadism, who may benefit from testosterone treatment.
Predicting Outcome in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Success and Attrition

This study explored predictors of treatment response and attrition in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Participants were 99 families of 3- to 6-year-old children with disruptive behavior disorders. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify those pretreatment child, family, and accessibility factors that were predictive of success or attrition. For all study participants, waitlist group assignment and maternal age were the significant predictors of outcome. For treatment participants (study participants excluding those who dropped out after the initial evaluation but before treatment began), only maternal ratings of parenting stress and maternal inappropriate behavior during parent-child interactions were significant predictors of treatment outcome. These results suggest that for treatment studies of disruptive preschoolers, the benefits of using a waitlist control group may be outweighed by the disproportionate number of dropouts from this group. Once families begin PCIT, however, parent-related variables become salient in predicting treatment outcome.
Elizabeth Peabody and Other Transcendentalists on History and Historians

(1967). Elizabeth Peabody and Other Transcendentalists on History and Historians. The Historian: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 72-86.
Surface area measurements of marine basalts: Implications for the subseafloor microbial biomass

colonization. SSA ranged from 0.3 to 52 m 2 /g of basalt with the lowest value coming from pillow basalt and the highest value from breccia. The average for massive and pillow basalts combined was 2.3 m 2 /g. The total specific surface area of the extrusive volcanic rocks of the ocean crust is estimated to be 10 24 m 2 . This surface area could provide attachment for up to 10 34 cells if cell density is the same as that of experimentally colonized basalt surfaces. Independent measures and calculations of biomass in basalts suggest that cell densities on surfaces are only 10 −4 times those in laboratory experiments and, therefore, the surface area of basalt does not limit microbial biomass in the igneous ocean crust. Citation: Nielsen, M. E., and M. R. Fisk (2010), Surface area measurements of marine basalts: Implications for the subseafloor microbial biomass, Geophys. Res. Lett., 37, L15604, doi:10.1029/2010GL044074.
MEMBERSHIP SURVEY TO DEVELOP PLANS FOR A FIFTH EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF PSYCHOLOGISTS

Abstract At its 1988 meetings in Australia, the Executive Committee of IUPsyS discussed tentative plans for a fifth edition of the International Directory of Psychologists to be published under the auspices of IUPsyS. A general consensus was reached that a comprehensive international directory would only be feasible if information is compiled and pro-vided in standard form by each National Society. Since little was known about the resources of National Members or about their capabilities for producing either camera-ready copy or computer-based disk files in a standard format, the Committee on Communication and Publications was asked to conduct a membership survey. Preliminary results of this survey were discussed at the 1989 Executive Committee meetings in Brussels in mid-July. GCry d'Ydewalle, Deputy Secretary-General and former editor of the International Journal of Psychology, agreed to assume responsibility for coordinating the Directory project, if membership response was sufficiently encouraging to ...
The Risk of Breast Cancer Associated with Dietary Lignans Differs by CYP17 Genotype in Women

Lignans are plant compounds metabolized in the gut to produce the phytoestrogens enterolactone and enterodiol. Reduced breast cancer risks associated with higher urinary lignan excretion may be related to competitive inhibition of endogenous estrogens. Evidence exists that associations with reproductive risk factors for breast cancer differ according to cytochrome P450c17alpha (CYP17) genotype. Genetic variability in estrogen metabolism could affect lignan metabolism thereby modifying risk associations. We examined breast cancer risk, dietary lignans and CYP17 genotype among 207 women with primary, incident, histologically confirmed breast cancer and 188 controls frequency matched to cases by age and county of residence. Self-reported frequency of intake of 170 foods and beverages during the 2 y before the interview and other relevant data were collected by detailed in-person interviews. Dietary lignan intake was expressed as the sum of enterolactone and enterodiol production from foods. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, education and other breast cancer risk factors. Women in the highest tertile of dietary lignans tended to have reduced breast cancer risk (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20-1.01 and OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.28-1.27, pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively). Substantially reduced risks in the highest tertile of lignans were observed for premenopausal women with at least one A2 allele (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.50). Our results suggest that CYP17 genotype may be important in modifying the effect on breast cancer risk of exogenous estrogens, particularly for premenopausal women.
Force-velocity relationship of myogenically active arterioles

We compared the shortening velocity of smooth muscle in arterioles that had low or high levels of myogenic tone or norepinephrine (NE)-induced tone. We hypothesized that enhanced myogenic tone of a...
The Emotional Gatekeeper: A Computational Model of Attentional Selection and Suppression through the Pathway from the Amygdala to the Inhibitory Thalamic Reticular Nucleus.

In a complex environment that contains both opportunities and threats, it is important for an organism to flexibly direct attention based on current events and prior plans. The amygdala, the hub of the brain's emotional system, is involved in forming and signaling affective associations between stimuli and their consequences. The inhibitory thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) is a hub of the attentional system that gates thalamo-cortical signaling. In the primate brain, a recently discovered pathway from the amygdala sends robust projections to TRN. Here we used computational modeling to demonstrate how the amygdala-TRN pathway, embedded in a wider neural circuit, can mediate selective attention guided by emotions. Our Emotional Gatekeeper model demonstrates how this circuit enables focused top-down, and flexible bottom-up, allocation of attention. The model suggests that the amygdala-TRN projection can serve as a unique mechanism for emotion-guided selection of signals sent to cortex for further processing. This inhibitory selection mechanism can mediate a powerful affective ‘framing’ effect that may lead to biased decision-making in highly charged emotional situations. The model also supports the idea that the amygdala can serve as a relevance detection system. Further, the model demonstrates how abnormal top-down drive and dysregulated local inhibition in the amygdala and in the cortex can contribute to the attentional symptoms that accompany several neuropsychiatric disorders.
Reversibility of High-Grade Atrioventricular Block with Revascularization in Coronary Artery Disease without Infarction: A Literature Review.

Complete atrioventricular (AV) block is known to be reversible in some cases of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (MI). The reversibility of high-grade AV block in non-MI coronary artery disease (CAD), however, is rarely described in the literature. Herein we perform a literature review to assess what is known about the reversibility of high-grade AV block after right coronary artery revascularization in CAD patients who present without an acute MI. To illustrate this phenomenon we describe a case of 2 : 1 AV block associated with unstable angina, in which revascularization resulted in immediate and durable restoration of 1 : 1 AV conduction, thereby obviating the need for permanent pacemaker implantation. The literature review suggests two possible explanations: a vagally mediated response or a mechanism dependent on conduction system ischemia. Due to the limited understanding of AV block reversibility following revascularization in non-acute MI presentations, it remains difficult to reliably predict which patients presenting with high-grade AV block in the absence of MI may have the potential to avoid permanent pacemaker implantation via coronary revascularization. We thus offer this review as a potential starting point for the approach to such patients.
Multiple Packaging: A Merchandising Tool:

Multiple-unit packaging, the practice of banding from two to twelve units of a product and selling them as a package, is an increasingly important force in American merchandising. Primarily a carri...
P2-11-10: Low Toll-Like Receptor 9 Expression Is Required for the Aggressive Behavior of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells in Hypoxia.

Toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) is a cellular DNA-receptor and a member of the innate immune system which is widely expressed in breast cancers. Although synthetic TLR9-ligands stimulate breast cancer cell invasion in vitro, through down-regulation of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3), the role of this protein in breast or other cancer pathophysiology is unclear. We discovered that low tumor TLR9 expression is associated with a significantly shortened breast cancer specific survival among patients with triple negative tumors, but not among those with ER+ tumors. We further discovered that hypoxia induces TLR9 expression in breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Although the triple negative TLR9 siRNA MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells (with lower TLR9 expression) were less invasive than control siRNA cells in normoxia, these cells became highly aggressive in hypoxia and they formed significantly larger tumors than corresponding control cells in an orthotopic model in vivo. Further in vitro experiments revealed that the removal of TLR9 expression through siRNA significantly potentiated the hypoxia-induced invasive capacity of the triple negative MDA-MB-231 cells, but not that of the ER+ T47-D cells. Low TLR9 expression in hypoxia resulted also in complete disappearance of TIMP-3 in the MDA-MB-231 cells, but not in the ER+ T47-D cells. Taken together, these studies suggest that low TLR9 expression has different effects on the behavior of triple negative and ER+ breast cancer cells in hypoxia; triple negative cells become more invasive under these conditions, possibly through loss of endogenous invasion inhibitors, such as TIMP-3. Furthermore, these studies suggest that low TLR9 expression in triple negative breast cancers may serve as a novel prognostic factor and help characterize the group of patients that are at a high risk of relapse. Finally, our results suggest that any treatments or factors that lower TLR9 expression or induce hypoxia in residual or metastatic triple negative breast cancer cells, might actually induce their spread. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-11-10.
The Second Interaction (Cross) Virial Coefficient for Moist Air.

The results of calculations of the second interaction (cross) virial coefficient Baw for water vapor and air, based on enhancement data obtained at NBS at 30, 40, and 50 °C, are presented. Comparisons are made with the results of calculations based on the enhancement data of Politzer and Strebel, Webster, and Goff et al. and with the results of the theoretical calculations of Mason and Monchick and of Chaddock. An empirical equation is given for interpolation and extrapolation. The random (one standard deviation) uncertainty in the mean values of Baw , arising from the scatter of previously obtained NBS values of the enhancement factor, is estimated to range from 0.7 percent at 30 °C to 1.4 percent of 50 °C. The estimated systematic uncertainties range from 4 percent at 30 °C to 6 percent at 50 °C, respectively.
Corn stover harvest changes soil hydrology and soil aggregation

Abstract In the United States, commercial-scale cellulosic-ethanol production using corn ( Zea mays L.) stover has become a reality. As the industry matures and demand for stover increases, it is important to determine the amount of biomass that can be sustainably harvested while safe-guarding soil quality and productivity. Specific study objectives were to measure indices of soil hydrological and aggregate stability responses to harvesting stover; since stover harvest may negatively impact soil hydrological and physical properties. Responses may differ with tillage management; thus, this paper reports on two independent studies on a tilled (Chisel field) and untilled field (NT1995 field). Each field was managed in a corn/soybean ( Glycine max [Merr.]) rotation and with two rates of stover return: (1) all returned (Full Return Rate) and (2) an aggressive residue harvest leaving little stover behind (Low Return Rate). Unconfined field soil hydraulic properties and soil aggregate properties were determined. Hydrological response to residue treatments in the Chisel field resulted in low water infiltration for both rates of residue removal. In NT1995 field, Full Return Rate had greater capacity to transmit water via conductive pathways, which were compromised in Low Return Rate. Collectively, indices of soil aggregation in both experiments provided evidence that the aggregates were less stable, resulting in a shift toward more small aggregates at the expense of larger aggregates when stover is not returned to the soil. In both fields, aggressive stover harvest degraded soil physical and hydrological properties. No tillage management did not protect soil in absence of adequate residue.
Boundary value problems for pseudo-differential equations with singular symbols

Let \(\varOmega \subset \mathbb{R}^{n}\) be a bounded domain with a smooth boundary or \(\varOmega = \mathbb{R}^{n}.\) This chapter discusses well-posedness problems of general boundary value problems for pseudo-differential and differential-operator equations of the form $$\displaystyle\begin{array}{rcl} L[u]& \equiv & \frac{\partial ^{m}u} {\partial t^{m}} +\sum _{ k=0}^{m-1}A_{ k}(t)\frac{\partial ^{k}u} {\partial t^{k}} = f(t,x),\quad t \in (T_{1},T_{2}),\ x \in \varOmega,{}\end{array}$$ (4.1) $$\displaystyle\begin{array}{rcl} B_{k}[u]& \equiv & \sum _{j=0}^{m-1}b_{ kj}\frac{\partial ^{j}u(t_{kj},x)} {\partial t^{j}} =\varphi _{k}(x),\quad x \in \varOmega,\,k = 0,\mathop{\ldots },m - 1,{}\end{array}$$ (4.2) where f(t, x) is defined on \((T_{1},T_{2})\times \varOmega,\) \(-\infty <T_{1} <T_{2} \leq \infty,\) and \(\varphi _{k}(x),\,x \in \varOmega,\,k = 0,\ldots,m - 1,\) are given functions; A k (t) and b kj , \(k = 0,\ldots,m - 1,\,j = 0,\ldots,m - 1,\) are operators acting on some spaces (specified below) of functions defined on Ω; and \(t_{jk} \in [T_{1},T_{2}],\,j,k = 0,\ldots,m - 1.\) For example, when \(\varOmega = \mathbb{R}^{n},\) the latter operators may act as ΨDOSS defined on the space of distributions \(\varPsi _{-G,p^{'}}^{'}(\mathbb{R}^{n})\) with an appropriate \(G \subset R^{n}\).
The biomechanical cost of variable angle locking screws

Abstract Introduction Variable angle (VA) locking plates in fracture fixation surgery allow screws to be fastened to the plate within a conical “locus of vectors” in order to avoid existing prostheses, joint surfaces, or poor quality bone. Clinical failures of VA constructs in which screws have rotated at the plate/screw interface have been reported raising the concern that there may be a biomechanical cost for the increased flexibility that VA provides. The objective of this study was to test the mechanical properties of one commonly used VA locking mechanism with screws placed in both nominal and off–axis trajectories and compare these against the standard locking mechanism. Methods VA locking screws were inserted into plates for distal femur fractures (VA Curved Condylar) at various angles (0° to 15° away from perpendicular). A control group of standard locking screws/plates was also tested. Maximum moment at the screw/plate interface and moment at two reference displacements were determined. Results VA screws locked perpendicular to the plate provided the greatest maximum moment and moment at the reference displacements when using the VA system, and demonstrated lower moments compared to standard locking screws/plates (p Discussion Standard locking systems provided greater resistance to rotational failure at the screw/plate interface than variable angle locking systems. Variable angle systems provided the greatest resistance to rotation when the screw was inserted perpendicular to the plate. As the off-axis angle increased, the resistance to rotation at the screw/plate interface decreased almost linearly. It is unknown if these differences are clinically significant in an actual fracture construct, but recent reported failures in the distal femur suggest that they might be. Conclusion Surgeons should weigh the risks and benefits of VA systems and attempt to minimize the off-axis angle magnitude when VA systems are selected.
A light and electron microscopic study of experimental portal-systemic (ammonia) encephalopathy. Progression and reversal of the disorder

A sequential light and electron microscopic study of cerebral cortex was performed in a rat model of portal-systemic encephalopathy produced by creating a portacaval shunt and followed by ammoniate resin feedings. Prior to coma, astrocytes were characterized ultrastructurally by marked cytoplasmic enlargement, proliferation of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, and an accumulation of cytoplasmic glycogen. The Alzheimer type II astrocyte change was seen only in coma and was characterized ultrastructurally by additional hydropic and degenerative mitochondrial and nuclear changes. Attempts at reversal of the encephalopathy were successful only if ammoniated resin feedings were discontinued prior to coma. Results suggest (1) that the astrocyte response initially reflects an ammonia-induced increased metabolic activity in that cell; (2) that subsequently a gliopathy develops having the light microscopic appearance of the Alzheimer type II change; and (3) that the Alzheimer type II astrocyte change may be responsible for an irreversible clinical course in this experimental condition.
Theory and Practice for Distance Education: A Heuristic Model for the Virtual Classroom

A new world of distance education demands new thinking. Key components to completing the distance educational system requires that institutions determine how the process is designed, delivered, integrated, and supported. Unfortunately, educational administrators tend to view distance education merely as a process of taking existing readings, exercises, handouts, and posting them to the Web. While this approach may seem cost effective, such an approach is not educationally effective. Although the meaningful 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com INFORMATION SCIENCE PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Distance Learning and University Effectiveness: Changing Educational Paradigms for Online Learning, edited by Caroline Howard, Karen Schenk, and Richard Discenza. Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. 120 Beck and Schornack Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. transition to e-education has just begun, determining measures of effectiveness and efficiency requires innovations in social and political thought beyond the advances in technology. The educational process requires feedback from the professor, from the student, and from the wider community, especially businesses who hire the graduates. As e-learning and higher education reach new heights, they are changing the functions of the university. E-learning changes all the ground rules, including time, distance, and pedagogy. We now have new ways to reach and interact with students, present rich content in courses, and deliver the technologies of the smart classroom to students, wherever they are in the world.
Common Genetic Variants Found in HLA and KIR Immune Genes in Autism Spectrum Disorder

The “common variant - common disease” hypothesis was proposed to explain diseases with strong inheritance. This model suggests that a genetic disease is the result of the combination of several common genetic variants. Common genetic variants are described as a 5% frequency differential between diseased versus matched control populations. This theory was recently supported by an epidemiology paper stating that about 50% of genetic risk for autism resides in common variants. However, rare variants, rather than common variants, have been found in numerous genome wide genetic studies and many have concluded that the “common variant—common disease” hypothesis is incorrect. One interpretation is that rare variants are major contributors to genetic diseases and autism involves the interaction of many rare variants, especially in the brain. It is obvious there is much yet to be learned about autism genetics. Evidence has been mounting over the years indicating immune involvement in autism, particularly the HLA genes on chromosome 6 and KIR genes on chromosome 19. These two large multigene complexes have important immune functions and have been shown to interact to eliminate unwanted virally infected and malignant cells. HLA proteins have important functions in antigen presentation in adaptive immunity and specific epitopes on HLA class I proteins act as cognate ligands for KIR receptors in innate immunity. Data suggests that HLA alleles and KIR activating genes/haplotypes are common variants in different autism populations. For example, class I allele (HLA-A2 and HLA-G 14bp-indel) frequencies are significantly increased by more than 5% over control populations (Table2). The HLA-DR4 Class II and shared epitope frequencies are significantly above the control populations (Table 2). Three activating KIR genes: 3DS1, 2DS1 and 2DS2 have increased frequencies of 15%, 22% and 14% in autism populations, respectively. There is a 6% increase in total activating KIR genes in autism over control subjects. And, more importantly there is a 12% increase in activating KIR genes and their cognate HLA alleles over control populations (Torres, 2012). These data suggest the interaction of HLA ligand/KIR receptor pairs encoded on two different chromosomes is more significant as a ligand/receptor complex than separately in autism.
Hybrid simulation theory for a classical nonlinear dynamical system

Hybrid simulation is an experimental and computational technique which allows one to study the time evolution of a system by physically testing a subset of it while the remainder is represented by a numerical model that is attached to the physical portion via sensors and actuators. The technique allows one to study large or complicated mechanical systems while only requiring a subset of the complete system to be present in the laboratory. This results in vast cost savings as well as the ability to study systems that simply can not be tested due to scale. However, the errors that arise from splitting the system in two requires careful attention, if a valid simulation is to be guaranteed. To date, efforts to understand the theoretical limitations of hybrid simulation have been restricted to linear dynamical systems. In this work we consider the behavior of hybrid simulation when applied to nonlinear dynamical systems. As a model problem, we focus on the damped, harmonically-driven nonlinear pendulum. This system offers complex nonlinear characteristics, in particular periodic and chaotic motions. We are able to show that the application of hybrid simulation to nonlinear systems requires a careful understanding of what one expects from such an experiment. In particular, when system response is chaotic we advocate the need for the use of multiple metrics to characterize the difference between two chaotic systems via Lyapunov exponents and Lyapunov dimensions, as well as correlation exponents. When system response is periodic we advocate the use of L2 norms. Further, we are able to show that hybrid simulation can falsely predict chaotic or periodic response when the true system has the opposite characteristic. In certain cases, we are able to show that control system parameters can mitigate this issue.
The Prognostic Importance of T and NK-Cells in a Consecutive Series of Newly Diagnosed Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Background: Patients with CLL have a variable clinical course. Current novel prognostic indicators (ZAP-70, CD38, IgVH gene mutation status, FISH) are able to identify early-stage CLL patients at high risk of rapid disease progression. These prognostic factors focus on characteristics of the malignant B cell clone and are not currently changeable factors. Identification of modifiable characteristics of the host unrelated to the leukemic B-cell but that relate to CLL-specific survival may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Since the immune system is likely to modulate disease progression in CLL patients, we evaluated critical features of that system in relation to the size of the circulating clonal B-cell population in a CLL cohort. Methods: 186 consecutive patients with CLL who were evaluated at Mayo Clinic within 2 months of diagnosis between 2000 and 2002 were identified. The primary end-point of the study was to assess if host immunity affected time to treatment (TTT). Baseline flow cytometry analysis was available for 166 patients (88%) and was used to calculate the absolute number of T-cell and natural kill (NK)-cells present at diagnosis. The size of the T-cell/NK-cell compartment relative to the size of the malignant monoclonal B-cell (MBC) compartment was then evaluated by calculating the NK:MBC ratio and T:MBC ratio. Relationships with other prognostic parameters and with TTT were evaluated. Results: Patients exhibited substantial variation in the absolute number of T-cells and NK cells as well as T:MBC and NK:MBC ratios at the time of diagnosis. Higher T:MBC and NK:MBC ratios were observed among patients with early Rai stage and mutated IgVH genes (all P≤0.0002). As continuous variables, both the T:MBC ratio (p value=0.03) and NK:MBC ratio (p value=0.02) were associated with TTT. Since they correlated with TTT as continuous variables, thresholds to classify MBC, T:MBC ratio, and NK:MBC were identified using the method of Contal and O’Quigly. On multivariate Cox modeling including stage, CD38, absolute MBC count, T:MB ratio, and NK:MB ratio, the independent predictors of TTT were disease stage, T:MB ratio, and NK:MB ratio (Table 1). Conclusion: Measurable characteristics of the host immune system appear to relate to the rate of disease progression in patients with newly diagnosed CLL. These characteristics can be modified and continued evaluation of immunomodulatory drugs, vaccination strategies, and cellular therapies to delay/prevent disease progression are warranted. Additional studies exploring how interactions between the host immune system and the leukemic clone influence clinical outcomes are needed.
A Flicr of hope for autoimmunity

The long noncoding RNA Flicr modifies Foxp3 chromatin accessibility to reduce T regulatory cell differentiation and function.
Woman as Symptom: Beyond Gender?

This chapter reprises a once lively debate in feminist anthropology regarding the alleged universality of masculine domination. The book’s analysis of Chinese patriliny suggests that the ubiquity of masculine domination may rest, in part, upon the fact that the production of the person is an existential, philosophical, and psychological irritant everywhere; because mothers produce people, they trouble any culturally constructed fantasy of autonomous self-constitution. Contrary to the commonly implied notion that Chinese culture devalues women because China is patriarchal—that is, because men have power—my analysis suggests China is patriarchal because Chinese patriliny (as instituted fantasy) seeks to obviate women.
Perception or Reality: The Relationship Between Stereotypes, Discrimination, and the Academic Outcomes of African American Male College Athletes:

The current study examined the degree to which stereotypes and racial discrimination affected the academic outcomes of African American male college athletes. Furthermore, the ability of athletic i...
Coronavirus subgenomic replicons as a mechanism for mRNA amplification.

Assuming promoter sequences for synthesizing antigenome lie within the 3′ noncoding region on the Coronavirus genome (approximately 300 bases), and the promoter for synthesizing genome lie within the antileader sequence (approximately 80 bases) on the minus strand, we asked why do mRNAs not replicate? Coronavirus mRNAs have been shown to possess 3′ and 5′ noncoding regions in common with the genome (Brown et. al., 1984; Brown et. al., 1986; Lai et. al., 1984; Shieh et. al., 1987). If mRNA replication occurs, then we would predict the existence of (1) subgenomic (mRNA-length) minus strands, (2) subgenomic (mRNA-length) double-stranded replicative forms, and (3) subgenome mRNA replication rates that exceed that of the genome. We present evidence that suggests these three conditions are fulfilled for TGEV, and we, therefore, conclude that TGEV mRNAs undergo replication. We propose that this is a mechanism for mRNA amplification, a mechanism not yet described for any other RNA virus family having a nonsegmented genome.
GPU power prediction via ensemble machine learning for DVFS space exploration

A software-based approach to achieve high performance within a power budget often involves dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS). Thus, accurately predicting the power consumption of an application at different DVFS levels (or more generally, different processor configurations) is paramount for the energy-efficient functioning of a high-performance computing (HPC) system. The increasing prevalence of graphics processing units (GPUs) in HPC systems presents new challenges in power management, and machine learning presents an unique way to improve the software-based power management of these systems. As such, we explore the problem of GPU power prediction at different DVFS states via machine learning. Specifically, we propose a new ensemble technique that incorporates three machine-learning techniques --- sequential minimal optimization regression, simple linear regression, and decision tree --- to reduce the mean absolute error (MAE) to 3.5%.
Mild Exercise Reduces Cerebral Vasospasm After Aneurysm Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Clinical Study and Correlation with Laboratory Investigation

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a leading cause of death and disability and is often complicated by cerebral vasospasm (CV). Conventional management to prevent CV includes bedrest; however, inactivity places the patient at risk for nonneurological complications. We investigated the effect of mild exercise after SAH in clinical and laboratory settings. Methods: Clinical: Data from 80 patients with SAH were analyzed retrospectively. After aneurysms were secured, physical therapy was initiated as tolerated. CV and complications were compared by the timing of active physical therapy. Laboratory: 18 Rodents were divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) SAH without exercise, and (3) SAH plus mild exercise. On day 5, brainstems were removed and analyzed for the injury marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Results: Clinical: Mild exercise before day 4 significantly lowered the incidence of symptomatic CV compared with the nonexercised group. There was no difference in the incidence of additional complications based upon exercise. Laboratory: Staining for iNOS was significantly higher in the SAH group than the control group, but there was no difference between exercised and nonexercised SAH groups, confirming that exercise did not promote neuronal injury. Conclusion: Early mobilization significantly reduced clinical CV. The relationship should be studied further in a prospective trial with defined exercise regimens.
Summary of Results and Conclusions

Our remarks fall under four heads: The Federalist study, authorship problems generally, discrimination and classification problems, and Bayesian studies.
Perennial biomass crop establishment, community characteristics, and productivity in the upper US Midwest: Effects of cropping systems seed mixtures and biochar applications

Abstract Native perennial plants have potential as bioenergy feedstocks, but their use is currently limited by relatively long establishment times and low biomass yields. Some research suggests that incorporating plant species diversity and applying biochar as a soil amendment might alleviate these limitations by creating a more resilient crop and soil system. The objective of this research was to investigate how 1) seeded plant diversity and 2) biochar soil amendments interact to affect the establishment, yield, and plant species composition of biomass cropping systems during the first four years of growth on productive soils. We measured species emergence, cover, peak and post-frost biomass, and biomass composition for three biomass cropping systems seed mixtures – a switchgrass monoculture, a three-species grass mixture, and a highly diverse mixture of grasses and forbs – either with or without application of a mixed wood gasification biochar (9.3 Mg ha−1). We found that seed mixture had significant effects on nearly every variable measured, with switchgrass monocultures outperforming the two more diverse mixtures by the third year of the experiment (12.0 Mg ha−1 in switchgrass, 8.7 Mg ha−1 in low diversity plots, and 3.9 Mg ha−1 in high diversity plots), despite an initial switchgrass establishment failure. The high diversity plots exhibited poor sown species establishment in the first year due to high weed pressure in a drought year, but continued to improve over time. Biochar application had no consistent effect on plant biomass or community traits, and significantly affected only two community traits, light transmittance and leaf area index. Our results suggest that on productive soils perennial bioenergy productivity may be achieved through selection of one or a few high-yielding grass species, with little or no effect of biochar applications on perennial biomass crop establishment, diversity, or productivity.