cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic role of arachidonate 12- and 5-lipoxygenases in nephrotoxic serum nephritis

Hemodynamic role of arachidonate 12- and 5-lipoxygenases in nephrotoxic serum nephritis. The role of arachidonate 12- and 5-lipoxygenation eicosanoids in mediating acute changes in renal hemodynamics was assessed in nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NSN) in the rat. Following a single intravenous injection of nephrotoxic serum (NTS), significant decrements in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) occurred at one hour, and were associated with increments in glomerular polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) counts and in the synthesis of thromboxane (Tx) B 2 , leukotriene (LT) B 4 and 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). Pretreatment of rats with the arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor, baicalein, partially but significantly ameliorated the decrements in GFR and RBF, and blocked the enhanced glomerular synthesis of 12-HETE following administration of NTS. Likewise, pretreatment of rats with the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor, U-66858, partially ameliorated the decrements in GFR and RBF induced by NTS. Combined pretreatment of rats with baicalein and U-66858 ameliorated the decrements in GFR and RBF to an extent no different to that of U-66858 alone. In rats pretreated with the LTB 4 receptor antagonist, U-75302, GFR and RBF remained depressed to levels no different than in animals which received NTS alone. These observations indicate that in NSN, the acute decrements in GFR and RBF are partially mediated by 12-HETE and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenation products. Leukotrienes other than LTB 4 , such as LTD 4 and LTC 4 , are the likely candidates.
Transformation of Calcium Fluoride for Caries Prevention

Oral application of fluoride for caries prevention may tend to form calcium fluoride (CaF 2) instead of the desired fluorapatite. In view of this, the transformability of CaF2 to fluorapatite has been studied. This investigation shows that CaF2 can be converted to fluorapatite in phosphate solutions ar various temperatures ranging between 25 and 75 degrees C in the pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. In the initial stage, phosphate ions, believed to be HPO4= adsorb on the particle surface. A dissolution/precipitation mechanism is proposed for the growth of fluorapatite.
YUMA KINSHIP TERMSI1

1The Yuma kinship terms have been listed and their structure analyzed. 2Comment has been made on certain morphological features of the kinship terms. 3From the analysis of the usage pattern of male and female terms the suggestion has been derived that a relatively simple conceptual system underlies the relatively complex terminological system. 4Some congruence has been shown between the affinal kinship terminology, the naming practices, and the probable former local group organization.
Cells collected from the corneal surface in Sjögren's syndrome, dry eye, and normals.

Cells collected by contact lens cytology (CLC) have been described as nucleated or ghost, based on the presence of a nucleus in fluorescence microscopy. Cell ghosts resemble cells in the appearance of their cytoplasm, but are without nuclei. It is hypothesized that the instability of the tear film in the dry eye states increases the accumulation of both categories of cells on the corneal surface. Hence, more cells will be collected from the dry eye than from the normal eye. The purpose of this study was to determine if cells on the corneal epithelial surface are harvested more easily in the dry eye states.
Intravascular retained surgical items: a multicenter study of risk factors

Abstract Introduction Retained surgical items (RSIs) have been previously studied in patients undergoing major surgical procedures. This is the first study that specifically examines potential risk factors for intravascular RSI (ivRSI). Methods Multicenter retrospective review of 83 RSIs was performed. Among these, 13 cases involved ivRSI. Cases in the ivRSI group were compared with a group of similar control cases to determine potential risk factors for ivRSI, including procedural factors (urgency and complicating factors), patient factors (body mass index), equipment failure (structural or functional), and safety variances. Fisher's exact testing was performed. Results Thirteen ivRSI cases and 14 controls were examined. There were no differences between the two groups with regard to age, gender, or body mass index. ivRSI items included guide wires (8/13), catheter/catheter fragments (4/13), and a coil (1/13). The incidence of unexpected procedural factors was significantly higher among ivRSI cases (10/13) than among controls (3/14) ( P P 500 mL, evening procedures, or trainee involvement. Both groups had a very high proportion of safety variances (8 in ivRSI and 11 in control group, P = not significant). In addition, seven of 13 ivRSIs were missed on initial confirmatory postprocedural imaging. Discussion Unexpected procedural factors and equipment failure are significantly associated with ivRSI. Of concern, over half of all ivRSIs were missed on confirmatory postprocedural imaging. Strict adherence to established protocols and stringent radiographic review for intravascular procedures is required to prevent ivRSI.
Conversion principles and the basis of aristotle's modal logic

Aristotle founds his modal syllogistic, like his plain syllogistic, on a small set of ‘perfect’ or obviously valid sylligisms. The rest he reduces to those, usually by means of modal conversion principles. These principles are open to more than one reading, however, and they are in fact invalid on one traditional reading (de re), valid on the other (de dicto). It is argued here that this way of framing the contrast is not Aristotelian, and that an interpretation involving modal copulae allows us to see how these principles, and the modal system as a whole, are to be understood in light of close and precise connections to Aristotle's essentialist metaphysics.
Timing of gold mineralisation in the Ballarat goldfields, central Victoria: constraints from 40Ar/39Ar results*

40Ar/39Ar data for muscovite separates and hydrothermally altered whole‐rock samples from the Ballarat West and the Ballarat East goldfields indicate that mesothermal gold mineralisation at Ballarat occurred during several episodic pulses, ranging in age from the Late Ordovician to the Early Devonian. Initial formation of auriferous structures in the Ballarat goldfields coincided with folding and thrusting associated with the development of the western Lachlan Fold Belt between 460 and 440 Ma. Subsequent fault reactivation and magmatism resulted in remobilisation and additional mineralisation between 410 and 380 Ma, and around 370 Ma. The results presented herein are in agreement with findings for other major gold deposits in central Victoria and further constrain the history of deformation, metamorphism and mineralisation in the western subprovince of the Lachlan Fold Belt.
The predictive value of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale among patients with asthma.

Abstract Objective: The present study examines how alexithymia, self-report of symptoms, and pulmonary function are related to each other among a sample of patients with asthma. The goal was to extend previous research showing that alexithymia may complicate treatment of asthma. Methods: Seventy-four participants with asthma completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), Asthma Symptom Checklist (ASC), Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS), and spirometry testing. Results: The “Difficulty identifying feelings” subscale (IDE) of the TAS was associated with increased report of emotional symptoms (panic–fear) as well as physical symptoms (fatigue) during the past week, but not pulmonary function on the day of testing. This relationship appeared to be influenced by trait anxiety. The “Difficulty communicating feelings” subscale (COM) was correlated with decreased pulmonary function, but not report of emotional or physical sensations experienced during the prior week. The “Externally oriented thinking” subscale (EOT) was not related to any of the dependent measures. Conclusion: These data suggest that alexithymia may complicate optimal management of asthma and this relationship is best studied by examining the subscales of the TAS separately.
Accuracy of indirect immunofluorescence testing in the diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus

Abstract Background: Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is an autoimmune disease defined in part by autoantibodies with unique specificity. Initial reports suggested that indirect immunofluorescence with rodent bladder epithelium was highly reliable in detecting these autoantibodies. Objective: We compared the sensitivity and the specificity of indirect immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of PNP in a large number of cases. Methods: Indirect immunofluorescence was performed on stratified squamous epithelium of monkey esophagus and mouse tongue, bladder, liver, and myocardium. Sera were obtained from 28 patients with PNP and from 29 control subjects with autoimmune blistering diseases. Results: The sensitivity of murine bladder as a substrate was 75%, with a specificity of 83%. Indirect immunofluorescence on liver was specific (96.5%) but insensitive (43%). Sensitivity and specificity with myocardium were intermediate. Conclusion: Indirect immunofluorescence on murine bladder epithelium is an adequate screening test for PNP but is negative or indeterminate in as many as one fourth of patients. Negative indirect immunofluorescence does not exclude the diagnosis of PNP, and immunochemical techniques such as immunoprecipitation must be performed.
Modeling ice stream flow

Ice flow speed within an ice sheet can vary from a few meters to thousands of meters per year. Fast flowing ice streams can affect sea level, and their flow variation is one factor that determines whether an ice sheet is gaining or losing mass. But different ice streams exhibit different behaviors, and these spatial and temporal variations are not well understood, causing uncertainty about sea level change when ice streams stop or accelerate. Bougamont et al. used a three-dimensional ice sheet model coupled with a model of the underlying subglacial environment to investigate the relationship between ice flow and basal till properties. This new coupled model reveals new and significant complexities in ice stream behavior, which are related to the spatial and temporal evolution of bed properties. Furthermore, they found that even small differences in the subglacial hydrology can significantly influence ice stream flow. Their results also reveal that ice streams may well have a memory insofar as their current flow is conditioned by their previous behavioral history and physical condition. The study is a step toward understanding the complex behavior of Antarctic ice streams. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Earth Surface, doi:10.1029/2011JF002025, 2011)
Smell with inspiration: The evolutionary significance of olfaction

The olfactory receptor gene family is the largest in the mammalian genome (and larger than any other gene family in any other species), comprising 1% of genes. Beginning with a genetic radiation in reptiles roughly 200 million years ago, terrestrial vertebrates can detect millions of odorants. Each species has an olfactory repertoire unique to the genetic makeup of that species. The human olfactory repertoire is quite diverse. Contrary to erroneously reported estimates, humans can detect millions of airborne odorants (volatiles) in quite small concentrations. We exhibit tremendous variation in our genes that control the receptors in our olfactory epithelium, and this may relate to variation in cross-cultural perception of and preference for odors. With age, humans experience differential olfactory dysfunction, with some odors remaining strong and others becoming increasingly faint. Olfactory dysfunction has been pathologically linked to depression and quality of life issues, neurodegenerative disorders, adult and childhood obesity, and decreased nutrition in elderly females. Human pheromones, a controversial subject, seem to be a natural phenomenon, with a small number identified in clinical studies. The consumer product industry (perfumes, food and beverage, and pesticides) devotes billions of dollars each year supporting olfactory research in an effort to enhance product design and marketing. With so many intersecting areas of research, anthropology has a tremendous contribution to make to this growing body of work that crosses traditional disciplinary lines and has a clear applied component. Also, anthropology could benefit from considering the power of the olfactory system in memory, behavioral and social cues, evolutionary history, mate choice, food decisions, and overall health.
Propranolol HCl release from acrylic films prepared from aqueous latexes

Abstract Polymeric films containing propranolol HCl were prepared by dissolving the drug in the aqueous colloidal polymer dispersion, Eudragit RS 30D, before casting and drying. The release of propranolol HCl was studied as a function of drug content, Eudragit RS 30D/RL 30D ratio, plasticizer content, method of film preparation and storage humidity. The addition of the more hydrophilic Eudragit RL 30D increased the permeability of the films. The amount of water-soluble plasticizer, triethyl citrate, added had a pronounced effect on drug release. The release was rapid at low and high plasticizer concentrations because of incomplete coalescence of the latex and leaching of the plasticizer. The drug release from latex-cast films was faster when compared to that from solvent-cast films.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRUGS USED FOR VASOCONSTRICTION OF THE NASAL MUCOUS MEMBRANE.

Abstract Using changes in nasal temperature to reflect changes in nasal blood flow, an assessment has been made of the efficacy of various nasal vasoconstrictive drugs. The drugs tested were 10 per cent and 5 per cent cocaine, 1 1,000 epinephrine, and naphazoline hydrochloride 0.05 per cent (Privine), with normal saline solution as a control. The drugs were found to be effective in producing nasal vasoconstriction if applied following induction of anesthesia rather than prior to induction, as usually recommended. Epinephrine 1 1,000 and 10 per cent cocaine were found to be the most efficacious drugs in producing vasoconstriction of nasal mucous membrane. Naphazoline hydrochloride 0.05 per cent was comparable to 5 per cent cocaine in producing vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa.
Electrochemical reduction of alkyl halides at vitreous carbon cathodes in dimethylformamide

Abstract At vitreous carbon electrodes in dimethylformamide which contains tetramethylammonium perchlorate, cyclic voltammograms for 1-iododecane, 1-bromodecane, and 2-bromooctane consist of one irreversible reduction wave signaling formation of the alkyl carbanion, whereas voltammograms for 2-iodooctane, t-butyl bromide, and t-butyl iodide reveal stepwise generation of the alkyl radical and carbanion. Large-scale electrolysis of 1-iododecane at reticulated vitreous carbon yields decane, eicosane, 1-decene, and 1-decanol; the first two compounds arise, respectively, from reaction of decyl carbanions with a proton donor and with unreduced alkyl iodide, whereas the last two species are produced via chemical attack of hydroxide ion on 1-iododecane. Reduction of 1-bromodecane results in production of decane, 1-decene, and 1-decanol, but little or no eicosane is seen. Electrolysis of 2-bromooctane gives octane, 1-octene, 2-octene, 2-octanol, and 7,8-dimethyltetradecane, the last species probably being formed by coupling of 2-octyl radicals; the other compounds are derived from the 2-octyl carbanion. Although products obtained upon reduction of 2-iodooctane are identical with those from 2-bromooctane, both radicals and carbanions (the relative amounts of which are potential dependent) are involved in the formation of products from the secondary alkyl iodide. A combination of reactions involving t-butyl radicals and t-butyl carbanions is responsible for production of isobutane, isobutylene, and 2,2,3,3-tetramethylbutane during electrolyses of t-butyl bromide.
hnRNP U Enhances Caspase-9 Splicing and Is Modulated by AKT-dependent Phosphorylation of hnRNP L

Caspase-9 has two splice variants, pro-apoptotic caspase-9a and anti-apoptotic caspase-9b, which are regulated by RNA trans-factors associated with exon 3 of caspase-9 pre-mRNA (C9/E3). In this study, we identified hnRNP U as an RNA trans-factor associated with C9/E3. Down-regulation of hnRNP U led to a decrease in the caspase-9a/9b mRNA ratio, demonstrating a novel enhancing function. Importantly, hnRNP U bound specifically to C9/E3 at an RNA cis-element previously reported as the binding site for the splicing repressor, hnRNP L. Phosphorylated hnRNP L interfered with hnRNP U binding to C9/E3, and our results demonstrate the importance of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT pathway in modulating the association of hnRNP U to C9/E3. Taken together, these findings show that hnRNP U competes with hnRNP L for binding to C9/E3 to enhance the inclusion of the four-exon cassette, and this splice-enhancing function is blocked by the AKT pathway via phosphorylation of hnRNP L.
Commercially available accelerometry as an ecologically valid measure of ambulation in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Ambulatory impairment is a prevalent consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS) that is often measured in controlled contexts using performance tests that lack ecological validity. This underscores the importance of considering alternative, ecologically valid approaches, such as commercially available accelerometers, for measuring community ambulation in individuals with MS. This consideration is warranted based on problems with existing measures of ambulation in MS (e.g., poor responsiveness and patient-clinician discordance); conceptual associations among MS pathology, impairment and gait function with relevance for the signal detected by accelerometers; assumptions that are empirically supported for the application of commercially available accelerometers as a measure of community ambulation; and evidence supporting the output of commercially available accelerometers as a measure of ambulation. Collectively, the authors believe the time is ripe for the application of commercially available accelerometers as an outcome measure of community ambulation in MS. Such an application has the potential to maximize the understanding of ambulatory impairments in real-world conditions for clinical research and practice involving individuals with MS.
Is Partial-Dimension Convergence a Problem for Inferences from MCMC Algorithms?

Increasingly, political science researchers are turning to Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to solve inferential problems with complex models and problematic data. This is an enormously powerful set of tools based on replacing difficult or impossible analytical work with simulated empirical draws from the distributions of interest. Although practitioners are generally aware of the importance of convergence of the Markov chain, many are not fully aware of the difficulties in fully assessing convergence across multiple dimensions. In most applied circumstances, every parameter dimension must be converged for the others to converge. The usual culprit is slow mixing of the Markov chain and therefore slow convergence towards the target distribution. This work demonstrates the partial convergence problem for the two dominant algorithms and illustrates these issues with empirical examples.
Order of report and ear asymmetry in dichotic listening

This study is an attempt to reduce some confusion over reports of an ear asymmetry effect in the dichotic listening paradigm and to assess the criticism that the effect is artifactual. A within-S design was used in which six pairs of digits per trial were presented at 2 pair/sec. When order of report was controlled, a dramatic ear asymmetry and a clear ear order effect was evident The orthogonality of these effects implies that the asymmetry is not an artifact of order of reporting.
Seeking Cancer-Related Information From Media and Family/Friends Increases Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Cancer Patients

Previous research suggests positive effects of health information seeking on prevention behaviors such as diet, exercise, and fruit and vegetable consumption among the general population. The current study builds upon this research by examining the effect of cancer patients' active information seeking from media and (nonmedical) interpersonal sources on fruit and vegetable consumption. The results of this longitudinal study are based on data collected from a randomly drawn sample from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry, comprising breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer patients who completed mail surveys in the fall of 2006 and 2007. There was a 65% response rate for baseline subjects (resulting n = 2013); of those, 1,293 were interviewed one year later and 845 were available for final analyses. We used multiple imputation to replace missing data and propensity scoring to adjust for effects of possible confounders. There is a positive effect of information seeking at baseline on fruit and vegetable servings at follow-up; seekers consumed 0.43 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.58) daily servings more than nonseekers adjusting for baseline consumption and other confounders. Active information seeking from media and interpersonal sources may lead to improved nutrition among the cancer patient population.
Caught in the middle: Mothers in stepfamilies

This article presents a grounded theory investigation of the roles women fulfill as mothers in stepfamilies. A key role for these 24 mothers was serving as the link between the stepfather (her husband) and her children. When conflicts arose between children and stepfathers, mothers’ loyalties lay with their children, and they engaged in protective behavior manifested in four ways: defender, gatekeeper, mediator, and interpreter. Influences on these roles include (i) expectations for and perceptions of her family, (ii) her partner’s experiences with families and children, (iii) structural characteristics of stepfamilies, and (iv) beliefs about children’s needs. The performance of protective mother roles has important implications for the integration and development of the stepfamily, familial roles for family members, and women’s general well-being.
Tongue Reconstruction Procedures for Treatment of Cancer

Cancer of the tongue is the second most common oral cavity malignancy seen in the general population. When otolaryngologists decide to treat patients surgically, perioperative nurses must institute special nursing interventions directed toward patients' tongue reconstruction procedures and rehabilitation. Surgical management of patients undergoing tongue reconstruction procedures requires extensive knowledge of the tongue's anatomy and both current and new physiology created by surgical reconstructive procedures. Equally important is the multidisciplinary care provided to patients during rehabilitation.
History of Science Today, 1. Uniformity as Hidden Diversity: History of Science in the United States, 1920–1940

Between the two World Wars an extensive body of writings appeared in the United States explicitly or implicitly on the historical development of the sciences. I am not referring to the vast literature of popularization in magazines and newspapers but to substantial works, often in book form, coming from various intellectual and scholarly traditions. Only a few examples are classifiable by later standards as professional history of science. Following Arnold Thackray, one can designate some authors as ‘proto-historians’ of science. Most of the writings, including those of the ‘proto-historians,’ have distinctive attributes: methods, attitudes and goals, reflecting traditions other than professional history of science or even the general history exemplified by the American Historical Association's membership of that era. What follows is a bird's eye view of a past of interest for its own sake and for clues about the professionalization of history of science after 1950.
INFORMATION REVELATION AND BUYER PROFITS IN REPEATED PROCUREMENT COMPETITION

I investigate how procurement costs are affected by the information that buyers reveal about sellers' behavior, in a setting with two sequentially offered contracts for which a seller's privately known costs are identical. Expected prices are lowest when sellers learn nothing until all contracts are allocated, are higher when they learn all sellers' price offers as contracts are allocated, and typically are even higher when they learn only the winner's identity, or the winner's identity and price offer. The results suggest that buyers engaged in repeated procurement may pay less by revealing minimal or extensive information, rather than an intermediate amount.
BCG-Induced Macrophages as Suppressor Cells

(1983). BCG-Induced Macrophages as Suppressor Cells. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 151-161.
Aberrant interleukin‐1 signalling does not increase susceptibility of mice to NOD2‐dependent uveitis

Background NOD2 is the genetic cause of Blau syndrome, an autoinflammatory disease that manifests as coincident uveitis and arthritis. Since dysregulation of IL-1 signalling is considered a pathogenic mechanism in a number of related autoinflammatory conditions, we examined the extent to which unimpeded interleukin (IL)-1 signalling influences NOD2-dependent inflammation of the eye versus the joint. Methods Mice deficient for IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra) were administered the NOD2 agonist muramyl dipeptide (MDP) by systemic (intraperitoneal) or local (intraocular and/or intra-articular) injections. NOD2-deficient mice received an intraocular injection of recombinant IL-1β. Uveitis was evaluated by intravital videomicroscopy and histopathology, and arthritis was assessed by near-infrared imaging and histopathology. Ocular levels of IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-1Ra were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results IL-1Ra deficiency did not render mice more responsive to systemic exposure of MDP. Despite the increased production of IL-1R agonists IL-1α and IL-1β in response to intraocular injection of MDP, deficiency in IL-1Ra did not predispose mice to MDP-triggered uveitis, albeit intravascular cell rolling and adherence were exacerbated. NOD2 expression was dispensable for the potential of IL-1 to elicit uveitis. However, we find that IL-1Ra does play an important protective role in arthritis induced locally by MDP injection in the joint. Conclusions Our findings highlight the complexity of NOD2 activation and IL-1 signalling effects that can be compounded by local environmental factors of the target organ. These observations may impact how we understand the molecular mechanisms by which NOD2 influences inflammation of the eye versus joint, and consequently, treatment options for uveitis versus arthritis.
Bourdieu and phenomenology A critical assessment

This article sets out to examine and critically evaluate Bourdieu's critique of phenomenology as presented in his Outline of a Theory of Practice (1977) and The Logic of Practice (1990). Since it is not possible to properly understand Bourdieu's critique without situating it within the context of his broader theoretical orientation, the article begins with an exploration of some of the key concepts underpinning his version of practice theory. Of particular importance for this article are his notions of habitus, body hexis and doxa. Having reviewed these central constructs, the article turns to discuss Bourdieu's critique of phenomenology. Following this, some of the problems with his critique are examined in light of the work of Edmund Husserl and Alfred Schutz. The article concludes with two points: a brief discussion of how Bourdieu's project, while at times richly nuanced, can itself be criticized for being an overly deterministic rendering of human thought, feeling and behavior; and a call for anthrop...
A comparison of rotating and stationary membrane disk filters using computational fluid dynamics

Rotating disk filters, implemented either with an impermeable disk rotating above a stationary membrane disk or with a stationary baffle next to a rotating membrane disk, are investigated numerically using a commercial computational fluid dynamics package. The fluid is assumed to be Newtonian, incompressible, non-fouling and isothermal. The ‐ model is used to describe turbulent flow in the vessel surrounding the rotating disk. For given values of the flow rate and RPM, stationary membrane disk filters require less power input. Rotating membrane disk filters produce a higher shear stress on the membrane surface which may reduce fouling but may also result in a reversed flow of permeate due to the ‘back pressure’ induced by centrifugal force on fluid within the membrane disk. Operating conditions and design parameters should be selected to minimize this ‘back pressure’ phenomenon and maximize the effective membrane available for filtration. ©2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Energy density and weight change in a long-term weight-loss trial

Health risks linked to obesity and the difficulty most have in achieving weight loss underscore the importance of identifying dietary factors that contribute to successful weight loss. This study examined the association between change in dietary energy density and weight loss over time. Subjects were 213 men and women with BMI of 30–39 kg/m2 and without chronic illness enrolled in 2004 in a randomized trial evaluating behavioral treatments for long-term weight loss. Subjects completed a 62-item food frequency questionnaire at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18 months. Pearson correlations between BMI and energy density (kcals/g of solid food) at baseline were not significantly different from zero (r = -0.02, p = 0.84). In a longitudinal analysis, change in energy density was strongly related to change in BMI. The estimated β for change in BMI (kg/m2) of those in the quartile representing greatest decrease in energy density at 18 months compared to those in the quartile with the least was -1.95 (p = 0.006). The association was especially strong in the first six months (estimated β = -1.43), the period with greatest weight loss (mean change in BMI = -2.50 kg/m2 from 0–6 months vs. 0.23 kg/m2 from 12–18 months) and the greatest contrast with respect to change in energy density. Decreased energy density predicted weight loss in this 18 month weight loss study. These findings may have important implications for individual dietary advice and public health policies targeting weight control in the general population
Integer sorting in O(1) time on an n*n reconfigurable mesh

A constant-time integer sorting algorithm on a reconfigurable mesh is presented. More specifically, a sequence of n integers can be sorted in O(1) time on a reconfigurable mesh of size n*n. As applications of integer sorting, a constant-time algorithm to convert an edge-list representation of a graph to an adjacency-list representation and a constant-time algorithm to convert a parent-pointer representation of a rooted tree to standard form are described. >
Automated Extraction of Activity Features in Linear Envelopes of Locomotor Electromyographic Patterns

For the envelope of the electromyographic activity recorded during locomotion, a feature extraction scheme has been developed. It recognizes the time, duration, and amplitude of phases of activity. The method is based on the Tauberian approximation for modeling waveforms as a sum of identically shaped pulses with different time delays and amplitudes. Initial conditions on the pulse properties are set and an optimal solution is sought. Any multiple pulses that model one phase of activity are then combined into one equivalent pulse. The method is completely automated; thus, it operates without any user intervention.
Excitation of isovector monopole and quadrupole giant resonances in 90Zr(n,p) at 65 MeV

Abstract The 90 Zr(n,p) 90 Y reaction at 65 MeV has been studied over a wide range of angles down to 0°. The data confirm the isovector monopole giant resonance recently observed in (π ± ,π 0 ) data. In addition, the data together with an RPA-DWA analysis provide evidence for the T +1 isospin component of the isovector quadrupole giant resonance and for a new giant resonance, the spin monopole, both centered near Q np =−21 MeV .
Differing effects of antihypertensive drugs on the incidence of diabetes mellitus among patients with hypertensive kidney disease.

Background The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension was a multicenter trial of African Americans with hypertensive kidney disease randomized to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril), a β-blocker (metoprolol succinate), or a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine besylate). We compared the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the composite outcome of impaired fasting glucose or DM (IFG/DM) for the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension interventions. Methods Cox regression models were used to evaluate (post hoc) the association of the randomized interventions and the relative risk (RR) of DM and IFG/DM and to assess the RR of DM and IFG/DM by several prerandomization characteristics. Results Among 1017 participants, 147 (14.5%) developed DM; 333 (42.9%) of 776 participants developed IFG/DM. Respective DM event rates were 2.8%, 4.4%, and 4.5% per patient-year in the ramipril-, amlodipine-, and metoprolol-treated groups. The RRs of DM with ramipril treatment were 0.53 ( P = .001) compared with metoprolol treatment and 0.49 ( P = .003) compared with amlodipine treatment. Respective IFG/DM event rates were 11.3%, 13.3%, and 15.8% per patient-year in the ramipril-, amlodipine-, and metoprolol-treated groups. The RRs of IFG/DM with ramipril treatment were 0.64 ( P P = .09) compared with amlodipine treatment. The RRs of DM and IFG/DM with amlodipine treatment compared with metoprolol treatment were 1.07 ( P = .76) and 0.84 ( P = .26), respectively. Conclusion Ramipril treatment was associated with a significantly lower risk of DM in African Americans with hypertensive kidney disease than amlodipine or metoprolol treatment.
The promise and challenge of virtual gaming technologies for chronic pain: the case of graded exposure for low back pain

SUMMARY Virtual reality (VR) technologies have been successfully applied to acute pain interventions and recent reviews have suggested their potential utility in chronic pain. The current review highlights the specific relevance of VR interactive gaming technologies for pain-specific intervention, including their current use across a variety of physical conditions. Using the example of graded-exposure treatment for pain-related fear and disability in chronic low back pain, we discuss ways that VR gaming can be harnessed to optimize existing chronic pain therapies and examine the potential limitations of traditional VR interfaces in the context of chronic pain. We conclude by discussing directions for future research on VR-mediated applications in chronic pain.
Inequality and Sovereign Default under Democracy

Do differences in the inequality of income affect the likelihood that democratic governments decide not to honor their foreign debt contracts? I argue that sovereign default involves an intertemporal tradeoff between an immediate consumption boost and a future tax increase. Since a poorer voter internalizes less of the future cost of default, as the median is poorer, the majority’s demand for default increases. Therefore, greater income inequality implies a higher default risk. I then present a signaling game that models strategic selection that a sovereign must go through to get to the default decision node. I show that sovereign default is most likely to actually occur when the level of income inequality is intermediate. The intuition is that sovereign default occurs when risky sovereigns successfully induce creditors to provide a loan, but the most risky ones are among those least able to do so. Empirical findings support the claim.
Computational Nanocharacterization for Combinatorially Developed Bulk Metallic Glass

Bulk metallic glasses synthesized at specialized facilities at Yale using magnetron cosputtering are sent to Southern Connecticut State University for elemental characterization. Characterization is done using a Zeiss Sigma VP SEM coupled with an Oxford EDS. Characterization is automated using control software provided by Oxford. Collected data is processed and visualized using computational methods developed internally. Processed data is then organized into a database suitable for web retrieval. This technique allows for the rapid characterization of a combinatorial wafer to be carried out in ~11 hours for a single wafer containing ~600 unique compounds.
100G and DWDM: Application Climate, Network and Service Architecture

Current devices at both the switching and DWDM level are ill-equipped to deal with increasing bandwidth demands. Ethernet switches are falling further behind and no suitable building blocks for large-scale services exist.
Estimating residual source statics from 2D/3D VSP data in multi-layered anisotropic media

The estimation and correction of residual source statics is critical to the accurate imaging of land walkaway VSP (WVSP) and 3D VSP data. We present here a new methodology to estimate residual source statics from WVSP and/or 3D VSP data. We adapt the Fomel and Stovas’ traveltime function originally developed for surface seismic reflection moveout corrections to fit the first-break (FB) times in WVSP or 3D VSP data with large source offsets, for any anisotropic (VTI) layered velocity model. We employ a global optimization algorithm called simulated annealing (SA) to automatically search for the four parameters in the Fomel and Stovas’ traveltime function. After the best-fit FB time function is solved, the residual source statics are straightforwardly derived by calculating the deviation of the FB time of each source from the fitting function curve. We demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of our methodology using synthetic model data and a field WVSP dataset. The end result of the application of accurate residual statics is better migration focusing and improved VSP image data quality.
Safety Information Presentation: Factors Influencing the Potential for Changing Behavior:

Studies of several on-product warnings and product safety messages provide evidence that on-product warnings have not been effective in preventing injuries. However, there are examples of information presentations that, in conjunction with other factors, do modify human behavior. Some of these examples are safety-related. The authors examine the factors that influence the potential for changing human behavior and their implications for safety information about consumer products.
Brain Multimodality Monitoring: Updated Perspectives

The challenges posed by acute brain injury (ABI) involve the management of the initial insult in addition to downstream inflammation, edema, and ischemia that can result in secondary brain injury (SBI). SBI is often subclinical, but can be detected through physiologic changes. These changes serve as a surrogate for tissue injury/cell death and are captured by parameters measured by various monitors that measure intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood flow (CBF), brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2), cerebral metabolism, and electrocortical activity. In the ideal setting, multimodality monitoring (MMM) integrates these neurological monitoring parameters with traditional hemodynamic monitoring and the physical exam, presenting the information needed to clinicians who can intervene before irreversible damage occurs. There are now consensus guidelines on the utilization of MMM, and there continue to be new advances and questions regarding its use. In this review, we examine these recommendations, recent evidence for MMM, and future directions for MMM.
Final importance ratings determining of customer requirements in quality function deployment

To obtain the final importance ratings of the customer requirements in Quality Function Deployment(QFD),a method based on rough set theory was proposed.Using the method of relative positive field in rough set,a model to determine the fundamental importance ratings was constructed.The concepts of planned improved increment,actual improved increment and possibility factor of competitive seating arrangement on the customer requirements were introduced as an exact measurement of the enterprise's desire to improve product competitiveness,and then the formulas of calculating the correct factor of the fundamental importance ratings were developed.Based on a combination of the fundamental importance ratings of the customer requirements and their correct factors,the final importance ratings of the customer requirements were determined.Finally,a case study was provided to illustrate the application of the proposed method.
Early response of cattle and swine to inactivated foot-and-mouth disease vaccine.

SUMMARY Cattle and swine exposed to virulent homologous foot-and-mouth disease virus, 3 to 14 days after vaccination with oil emulsified inactivated virus vaccine, were found to be resistant to infection. Ninety percent. of vaccinated cattle and 80% of vaccinated swine had no signs of foot-and-mouth disease. By measuring serum-neutralizing antibody throughout the exposure period, it was shown that the animals that did become infected were not necessarily those with the lowest antibody level. No alteration in the vaccination antibody response in cattle or swine was evident after exposure to virulent virus. The preparation of a purified viral vaccine of known antigen content is described. From these studies, it is indicated that the vaccine could be used near a focus of infection and that a reasonable degree of protection against foot-and-mouth disease could be expected in 3 to 4 days.
Effect of Nanoparticle Functionalization on the Performance of Polycyanurate/Silica Nanocomposites

The impact of silica functionalization in determining the performance of polycyanurate networks polymerized from 1,1-bis(4-cyanatophenyl)ethane, known commercially as Primaset LECy, reinforced with modified fumed silica, was elucidated through systematic comparison of the properties of nanocomposite networks in which the silica surface treatment was altered. Three types of surfaces were investigated: moderately acidic (unmodified silanol), neutral (alkylsilane modified), and slightly basic (3-aminopropylsilane modified). In terms of cyanate ester cure, the acidic surface proved to be moderately catalytic, the neutral surface mildly catalytic due to slight residual silanol content, and the basic amino-functional surface mildly inhibitory. In terms of network performance, the amino-functional surface led to significant degradation of the network at elevated temperatures, while the silanol-functional surface outperformed the alkyl-functional surface in terms of protection against hydrolytic degradation. In a...
A Data Science Approach to Identify Previously Unknown Indicators that Could Lead to the Prevention of Suicide in USA

The goal of this research paper is to propose an approach to uncovering important and previously unknown indicators that could prevent suicide by analyzing data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC data includes 75 variables that identify characteristics and demographics of the deceased. This paper describes the process of exploring data science methods to build a predictive model that could lead to prevention of suicide rate in USA. The data was explored with the Python programming language, R scripting language, RStudio and in the Tableau environment. Preliminary analysis of the CDC 2013 deaths by suicide data indicate that education was one of the important factors that lead to suicide; further analysis of this and other data may provide a new set of objective risk factors from one or more of the variables in this data set.
Bilateral Purtscher-Like Retinopathy With Profound Macular Ischemia and Vision Loss in Severe Pre-Eclampsia

Purtscher-like retinopathy is an extremely rare condition in patients with pre-eclampsia. The bilateral vision loss as seen in the current case is infrequent, but devastating. Our patient is a 27-year-old healthy primigravida patient with severe pre-eclampsia undergoing uncomplicated cesarean section due to abnormal kidney function and worsening hypertension. Postoperatively, she developed Purtscher-like retinopathy with profound macular ischemia and count-finger only vision. Neuroimaging was unrevealing. Her postoperative course was significant for hyponatremia, acute kidney injury, ileus, pancreatitis, leukocytosis, and postoperative fevers with suspected septic pelvic thrombophlebitis. The resultant visual acuity overall improved, but remained limited to 20/150 and 20/250 at 3 months postpartum. Purtscher-like retinopathy in the setting of pre-eclampsia can result in vision loss even in the absence of findings on neuroimaging or presence of HELLP syndrome. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2016;5(3):97-99 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jcgo410w
Rapid Visual Screening and Programmable Subtype Classification of Ebola Virus Biomarkers

The massive outbreaks of the highly transmissible and lethal Ebola virus disease were caused by infection with one of the Ebolavirus species. It is vital to develop cost-effective, highly sensitive and selective multitarget biosensing platforms that allow for both the detection and phenotyping. Here, a highly programmable, cost-efficient and multianalyte sensing approach is reported that enables visual detection and differentiation of conserved oligonucleotide regions of all Ebolavirus subtypes known to infect human primates. This approach enables the detection of as little as 400 amols (24 × 106 molecules) of target sequences with the naked eye. Furthermore, the detection assay can be used to classify four virus biomarkers using a single nanoprobe template. This can be achieved by using different combinations of short single stranded initiator molecules, referred to as programming units, which also enable the simultaneous and rapid identification of the four biomarkers in 16 different combinations. The results of 16 × 5 array studies illustrate that the system is extremely selective with no false-positive or false-negative. Finally, the target strands in liquid biopsy mimics prepared from urine specimens are also able to be identified and classified.
The graphene oxide contradictory effects against human pathogens

Standing out as the new wonder bidimensional material, graphene oxide (GO) has aroused an exceptional interest in biomedical research by holding promise for being the antibacterial of future. First, GO possesses a specific interaction with microorganisms combined with a mild toxicity for human cells. Additionally, its antibacterial action seems to be directed to multiple targets in pathogens, causing both membranes mechanical injury and oxidative stress. Lastly, compared to other carbon materials, GO has easy and low-cost processing and is environment-friendly. This remarkable specificity and multi-targeting antibacterial activity come at a time when antibiotic resistance represents the major health challenge. Unfortunately, a comprehensive framework to understand how to effectively utilize this material against microorganisms is still lacking. In the last decade, several groups tried to define the mechanisms of interaction between GO flakes and pathogens but conflicting results have been reported. This review is focused on all the contradictions of GO antimicrobial properties in solution. Flake size, incubation protocol, time of exposure and species considered are examples of factors influencing results. These parameters will be summarized and analyzed with the aim of defining the causes of contradictions, to allow fast GO clinical application.