cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring structural deterioration of railway turnout systems via dynamic wheel/rail interaction

Abstract ‘ Big data ’ obtained from wayside detection systems and sensors installed on board a train show that actual loading history for a railway track is rather dynamic and transient. The dynamic loadings due to train and track interactions redistribute from the rails to the rail pad, from the rail pad to the railway sleeper, and from the railway sleeper to the underlying ground. Dynamic content redistributed onto each layer of track is also filtered by energy dissipation characteristic of materials and structures. As a critical infrastructure, railway turnout is a structural grillage system used to divert a train to other directions or other tracks. The wheel–rail contact over the crossing transfer zone often causes detrimental impact loads that rapidly deteriorate the turnout and its components. The dynamic responses of wheel–rail interaction depend largely on the non-smooth trajectory or wearing condition of crossing geometry. In reality, a railway line spreads over a large distance and monitoring such rail infrastructure is one of the challenges in rail industry. This paper presents a methodology and application to evaluate and monitor the structural deterioration of railway turnout systems in an Australian urban rail network. The method has integrated numerical train/track simulations, axle box acceleration and ride quality data obtained from the calibrated track inspection vehicle “AK Car”.
A positron lifetime spectrometer for a DC positron beam

Abstract A lifetime spectrometer for use with an isotope-based DC positron beam is described. The system utilizes secondary electrons emitted from the sample and annihilation gamma rays to determine positron lifetimes. The device has been tested with porous silica films capped with a 25 nm layer of Cu. For positron implantation energies between 1.7 and 15 keV, the time resolution was found to be between 985 and 425 ps, respectively.
Error estimation in two-dimensional magnetotelluric analyses☆

Abstract Standard expressions for calculating two-dimensional impedances from magnetotelluric observations are functions of power spectra and coherencies. Treating the noise components of these measured quantities as statistically independent, equations for the variances of impedance magnitudes and phases have been derived. Taking a lognormal density function as a reasonable approximation to the observed distribution of the complex impedances, expressions for combining data from a number of different time series, leading to error estimates in apparent resistivities and phases oriented along the principal tensor axes, have been obtained. An example of their use is presented.
Comparison of oral and tympanic temperatures in a Veterans Administration outpatient clinic.

ABSTRACT Background To examine the accuracy of noncontact tympanic (NCT) temperatures in outpatients, we conducted a prospective study comparing NCT temperature with temperatures obtained by oral mercury thermometers. Methods The study included 410 patients in whom oral and NCT temperatures were obtained. Results Mean oral temperature was 36.47 ± 0.44 °C and mean NCT temperature was 36.36 ± 0.49 °C. On paired-sample, two-sided t-testing, oral temperature differed significantly from NCT temperature, with aP-value Conclusion We conclude that NCT temperature measurement is not reliable in an internal medicine outpatient clinic setting.
The Role of Appraisal Distortion, Contempt, and Morality in Couple Conflict: A Grounded Theory

A common goal of couples' therapy is to help individuals modify their view of each other and the relationship. Distorted views and appraisals contribute to conflict, and these can be manifest by use of rationalization or denial. This study explored appraisal distortion as an evaluative and moral process that occurs during partner conflict, particularly when it becomes contemptuous and aggressive. Using a philosophical base that is grounded in the ethical relationship, a model of appraisal distortion and couple conflict was created using constructivist grounded theory methods. The theoretical concepts derived from the data show relationships between one's relational stance, appraisal distortion, and verbal and physical aggression. This model implies that helping individuals take responsibility for appraisals is important in treating conflict.
A fast algorithm for testing isomorphism of permutation networks

The problem of deciding whether two given permutation sequences are conjugate is addressed. The author exhibits an algorithm that solves this problem in time O(N log N), where N is the sum of the sizes of the two sequences. The algorithm can be applied to the problem of deciding whether two permutation networks are equivalent. The time bound for the algorithm is a significant improvement over the O(N/sup 2/) bound of the algorithm due to Y.A. Oruc and M.Y. Oruc (1985). The author's method applies techniques used by the Hopcroft-Tarjan algorithm for deciding planar graph isomorphism. >
Improved Quantum Theory of Many-Electron Systems. I. Construction of Eigenfunctions of S^ 2 Which Satisfy Pauli's Principle

A general method of obtaining many-electron wave functions which are eigenfunctions of S-^2 and which also satisfy Pauli's principle is developed. This method is based on the properties of the irreducible units of the group algebra of the symmetric group. Using this method, expansions of the exact wave function are found which will in succeeding articles form the basis of a powerful method of obtaining accurate and quite useful many-electron wave functions for atoms, molecules, and solids.
A Case of Group B Streptococcal Pyomyositis

The group B streptococcus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a variety of serious infections including bacteremias, puerperal sepsis, and neonatal meningitis. Group B streptococcal infections of muscle are rare. We report here an unusual case of group B streptococcal pyomyositis. Pyomyositis arises predominantly from infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and, occasionally, Streptococcus pyogenes. Because of the rarity of pyomyositis in temperate climates, the common lack of localizing signs or symptoms, and the frequently negative blood cultures, considerable delay often precedes the diagnosis of pyomyositis; in fact, the infection has been initially misdiagnosed as muscle hematoma, cellulitis, thrombophlebitis, osteomyelitis, or neoplasm. Diagnosis may be greatly aided by radiologic techniques that can demonstrate the sites of muscle enlargement and the presence of fluid collections. The response to antibiotics is usually rapid, but resolution of the infection may require aspiration of deeply situated muscle abscesses. This report describes a diabetic patient with an unusual presentation of pyomyositis that mimicked an acute abdomen.
Semidefinite descriptions of cones defining spectral mask constraints

We discuss in detail an additive structure of cones of trigonometric polynomials nonnegative on the union of a finite number of pairwise disjoint segments of the unit circle. We derive new descriptions of these cones in terms of semidefinite constraints. We explain the results of M. Krein and A. Nudelman [M. Krein, A. Nudelman, The Markov Moment Problem and Extremal Problems, American Mathematical Society, Providence, 1977] providing a description of dual cones in terms of the same type of constraints.
The versatile soybean

China’s most valuable gift to the Western World— the food of millions for centuries and an ingredient in modern adhesives, plastics, foaming solutions, spreaders, waxes, soaps, linoleum, paints and numerous other industrial products.
Distribution of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the dorsal vagal complex and other selected nuclei in the human medulla

Abstract Muscarinic cholinergic receptors were localized in human brainstem by quantitative autoradiography, using the radioligand [ 3 H]quinuclidinyl benzilate. Receptor densities were highest in the hypoglossal nucleus. The second highest density was found in the medial region of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Moderately high numbers of receptors were present in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the dorsal NTS, subpostremal NTS, lateral NTS and ventral NTS. Intermediate densities were present in the dorsal and medial accesssory nuclei of the inferior olive and the spinal trigeminal nucleus pars interpolaris. Low densities were found in the area postrema, principle nucleus of the inferior olive, gracile nucleus, cuneate nucleus and the tractus of the NTS. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the dorsal vagal complex are an important component of the neural substrate governing visceral function. These receptors may be the central site of action of anticholinergic medications in suppressing emesis.
Application of Genetic Algorithms in Nonlinear Heat Conduction Problems

Genetic algorithms are employed to optimize dimensionless temperature in nonlinear heat conduction problems. Three common geometries are selected for the analysis and the concept of minimum entropy generation is used to determine the optimum temperatures under the same constraints. The thermal conductivity is assumed to vary linearly with temperature while internal heat generation is assumed to be uniform. The dimensionless governing equations are obtained for each selected geometry and the dimensionless temperature distributions are obtained using MATLAB. It is observed that GA gives the minimum dimensionless temperature in each selected geometry.
Meandering worms: mechanics of undulatory burrowing in muds

Recent work has shown that muddy sediments are elastic solids through which animals extend burrows by fracture, whereas non-cohesive granular sands fluidize around some burrowers. These different mechanical responses are reflected in the morphologies and behaviours of their respective inhabitants. However, Armandia brevis, a mud-burrowing opheliid polychaete, lacks an expansible anterior consistent with fracturing mud, and instead uses undulatory movements similar to those of sandfish lizards that fluidize desert sands. Here, we show that A. brevis neither fractures nor fluidizes sediments, but instead uses a third mechanism, plastically rearranging sediment grains to create a burrow. The curvature of the undulating body fits meander geometry used to describe rivers, and changes in curvature driven by muscle contraction are similar for swimming and burrowing worms, indicating that the same gait is used in both sediments and water. Large calculated friction forces for undulatory burrowers suggest that sediment mechanics affect undulatory and peristaltic burrowers differently; undulatory burrowing may be more effective for small worms that live in sediments not compacted or cohesive enough to extend burrows by fracture.
Ultrastructural effects of recombinant gamma-interferon on cultured human keratinocytes.

To extend our initial observations that recombinant gamma-interferon (r γIFN) influences the growth and differentiation of normal cultured human keratinocytes, we studied the electron microscopic changes induced by r γIFN. Treatment of cultured human keratinocytes with 103 units/ml (7.1 nM) of r γIFN produced a shift toward an increasing percentage of attached cells that had a mature-type, differentiated appearance rather than a basal type of proliferating cell, as observed in control, untreated cultures. This report extends the number of cell types that can be influenced by r γIFN at the ultrastructural level and supports the notion that r γIFN can influence both growth and maturation of normal cultured human keratinocytes.
Multiple-Path Dissociation Mechanism for Mono- and Dinuclear Tris(hydroxamato)iron(III) Complexes with Dihydroxamic Acid Ligands in Aqueous Solution

Linear synthetic dihydroxamic acids ([CH3N(OH)CO)]2(CH2)n; H2Ln) with short (n = 2) and long (n = 8) hydrocarbon-connecting chains form mono- and dinuclear complexes with Fe(III) in aqueous solution. At conditions where the formation of Fe2(Ln)3 is favored, complexes with each of the two ligand systems undergo [H+]-induced ligand dissociation processes via multiple sequential and parallel paths, some of which are common and some of which are different for the two ligands. The pH jump induced ligand dissociation proceeds in two major stages (I and II) where each stage is shown to be comprised of multiple components (Ix, where x = 1−3 for L2 and L8, and IIy, where y = 1−3 for L2 and y = 1−4 for L8). A reaction scheme consistent with kinetic and independent ESI-MS data is proposed that includes the tris-chelated complexes (coordinated H2O omitted for clarity) {Fe2(Ln)3, Fe2(L2)2(L2H)2, Fe(LnH)3, Fe(L8)(L8H)}, bis-chelated complexes {Fe2(Ln)22+, Fe(LnH)2+, Fe(L8)+}, and monochelated complexes {Fe(LnH)2+}. Ana...
Geographic Distribution of Stroke Mortality Among Immigrants to the United States

Background and Purpose This study examines the geographic distribution of stroke mortality among immigrants and natives of the United States. Methods National Center for Health Statistics and Bureau of the Census data were used to determine the geographic distribution of age-adjusted, race-, and race/sex-specific stroke mortality rates among immigrants and natives of the United States for 1979 to 1981. Results For whites and blacks and for each of the respective race/sex groups, immigrants had markedly and highly statistically significantly lower age-adjusted stroke mortality rates than either the entire US-born resident population or the US-born interregional migrant population. The spatial pattern of immigrant rates did not parallel the patterns for US-born populations. Immigrant rates were highest in the West and lowest in the Midwest for whites and highest in the Midwest and lowest in the Northeast for blacks, whereas for both US-born whites and blacks, resident and native rates were highest in the South and lowest in the Midwest. With few exceptions, region-specific immigrant rates for whites and blacks were significantly lower than rates for either US-born regional residents, US-born migrants to the regions, or US-born natives of the regions. In contrast, white immigrants to the West had significantly higher rates than US-born groups in that region. Conclusions Selection factors strongly influence stroke mortality rates among immigrants to the United States. The aberrantly high rates among white immigrants to the West may in part reflect a bias due to large census undercounts of this population.
Use of Epidural Corticosteroids in Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE:To review the literature regarding the safety and efficacy of epidural corticosteroid injections in the treatment of low back pain (LBP) of various etiologies.DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966–February 1999) of English-language literature pertaining to the use of epidural corticosteroids in LBP was performed. Additional literature was obtained from reference lists of pertinent articles identified through the search.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All articles were considered for the review. The clinical trials included are those that enrolled a larger patient population and were primarily controlled clinical trials. The authors selected pertinent information for further discussion.DATA SYNTHESIS: Nerve root compression and inflammation are thought to be factors contributing to LBP. Corticosteroids act to decrease inflammation and may be of benefit in relieving LBP, especially if administered directly to the affected area via the epidural route. However, data on the efficacy of various co...
Grain and Vegetative Biomass Reduction by the Russian Wheat Aphid1 in Winter Wheat

Abstract. The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a severe pest of wheat, Triticum aestivum L; barley, Hordeum vulgare L; other small grains; and grasses. Although the Russian wheat aphid is a significant pest of small grains, its feeding effects on grain yield and vegetative biomass in large-scale wheat fields have not been well documented. Data were collected for 3 years in dryland and irrigated wheat fields in Texas and Oklahoma. The insect reduced grain yield 50.2 to 82.9% and biomass by 55.4 to 76.5%. These results suggested that winter wheat suffers significant economic loss from Russian wheat aphid.
Change in prevalence of restrictive lung impairment in the U.S. population and associated risk factors: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1988-1994 and 2007-2010.

Data for the U.S adult population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to evaluate risk factors for a restrictive pattern on spirometry and estimate the change in its prevalence from the 1988–1994 to 2007–2010 sampling periods. Several previous epidemiologic studies used the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease fixed forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) > 0.70 criteria for classifying restrictive pattern rather than the age-defined American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) lower limit of normal (LLN) criteria, which may lead to misclassification. Spirometry measurements from NHANES data for the 1988–1994 and 2007–2010 periods were analyzed to estimate the age-standardized prevalence of a restrictive pattern on spirometry and the change in prevalence over time for adults aged 20–79. A restrictive pattern was defined based on ATS/ERS LLN criteria as FEV1/FVC > LLN and FVC < LLN, and a moderate to more severe restrictive pattern was further evaluated using FEV1 < 70% predicted. The associations between demographic and other individual risk factors for restrictive lung impairment were examined using multivariable logistic regression models for the two consecutive time periods. The overall age-standardized prevalence of restrictive pattern decreased significantly from 7.2% (1988–1994) to 5.4% (2007–2010) (p = 0.0013). The prevalence of moderate to more severe restrictive pattern also decreased significantly from 2.0% to 1.4% (p = 0.023). Factors positively associated with restrictive pattern on spirometry included age, female sex, white race, lower education, former and current smoking, and comorbidities including doctor-diagnosed cardiovascular disease, doctor-diagnosed diabetes, and abdominal obesity. The overall prevalence of restrictive pattern and moderate to more severe restrictive pattern decreased between the 1988–1994 and 2007–2010 survey periods despite a population increase in the proportion of comorbidities associated with restrictive pattern (i.e. diabetes and abdominal obesity). This suggests a decline in individual risk factors for restrictive pattern and a need for future research.
Invasion of Human Fallopian Tube Epithelium by Escherichia coli Expressing Combinations of a Gonococcal Porin, Opacity-Associated Protein, and Chimeric Lipo-oligosaccharide

The transepithelial migration of Escherichia coli that expressed all possible combinations of a plasmid-encoded gonococcal porin (Por), opacity-associated protein (Opa), and 3F11 lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) epitope was investigated. Surface expression of Por mediated selective changes in E. coli antibiotic susceptibility, and coexpression of Opa and the 3F11 LOS epitope mediated bacterial clumping (P <.01). In the human fallopian tube organ-culture model, Opaproducing variants attached up to 44-fold better than control bacteria (P <.01), and Por-producing variants exceeded submucosal invasion of control bacteria by 500-fold (P <.01). Opa and Por each facilitated intracellular invasion 20-40-fold (P <.01). In dual expresser variants, the 3F11 LOS epitope markedly reduced attachment and invasion mediated by Opa or Por. The LOS inhibitory effect was curbed when all 3 factors were expressed, which suggests an additional interaction of the 3 factors at the bacterial surface. Por, Opa, and LOS play important roles in Neisseria gonorrhoeae trafficking across human fallopian tube epithelium.
Reemergence of Macrolide Resistance in Pharyngeal Isolates of Group A Streptococci in Southwestern Pennsylvania

We previously reported on the emergence of macrolide-resistant pharyngeal isolates of group A streptococci (GAS) in our community. The purpose of the present study was to track longitudinal trends in macrolide resistance in these isolates in southwestern Pennsylvania. Testing for susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin was performed for all pharyngeal GAS isolates recovered at the Children9s Hospital of Pittsburgh and a local pediatric practice between September 2001 and May 2002. Macrolide resistance phenotypes and genotypes were determined by double-disk diffusion and PCR, respectively. Strain relatedness was determined by field inversion gel electrophoresis and emm gene sequence typing. A total of 708 isolates of GAS were recovered during the study period; 68 (9.6%) were macrolide resistant, while all isolates were sensitive to clindamycin. The monthly prevalence of macrolide resistance ranged from 0 to 41%. Only 21 of 573 (3.7%) strains recovered from September 2001 through March 2002 were macrolide resistant. A sudden increase in the rate of macrolide resistance (47 of 135 isolates [35%]) was seen in April and May 2002. Sixty-two isolates demonstrated the M phenotype (resistance to macrolide antibiotics), and six isolates demonstrated the MLS B phenotype (resistance to most macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B antibiotics); these isolates were confirmed to be mef (A) and erm (A), respectively. Three unique mef (A) clones and four unique erm (A) clones were identified among the resistant isolates. The MIC at which 50% of isolates are inhibited (MIC 50 ) for the mef (A) strains was 16 μg/ml, while the MIC 50 for erm (A) strains was 8 μg/ml. The finding of high levels of macrolide resistance among pharyngeal isolates of GAS for a second successive year in our community raises the concern that this problem may be more common in the United States than was previously appreciated. Longitudinal surveillance of isolates from multiple centers is needed to define the prevalence of antimicrobial agent-resistant GAS in the United States.
The FCC Digital Television Standards Decision

The FCC’s DTV standards decision of December 1996 is criticized on the grounds that it is likely to hinder rather than to help the development of a viable broadcasting service. The standard-setting process began in 1987, resulting in a proposal to the FCC in 1995. The so-called Grand Alliance proposal was not perfect, as it had too many scanning formats, it used interlace, and had no provision for inexpensive receivers or easy upgrading, but it was a complete system Because of a dispute between the computer and TV industries, a private advisory committee was formed at FCC urging. It met secretly without public participation, in of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The committee agreed to eliminate the table of scanning formats, and the FCC adopted this radical proposal within a month. Rather than correcting the drawbacks of the GA proposal, the FCC made it worse by introducing uncertainty as to which formats would be for broadcasting and which formats receivers would accept. In so doing, the FCC ignored the views of other government agencies, public-interest groups, and disinterested individuals, but apparently accepted the often erroneous and self-serving statements of the commercial entities involved
A Novel Internet‐Based Geriatric Education Program for Emergency Medical Services Providers

Despite caring for large numbers of older adults, prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) providers receive minimal geriatrics-specific training while obtaining their certification. Studies have shown that they desire further training to improve their comfort level and knowledge in caring for older adults, but continuing education programs to address these needs must account for each EMS provider's specific needs, consider each provider's learning styles, and provide an engaging, interactive experience. A novel, Internet-based, video podcast-based geriatric continuing education program was developed and implemented for EMS providers, and their perceived value of the program was evaluated. They found this resource to be highly valuable and were strongly supportive of the modality and the specific training provided. Some reported technical challenges and the inability to engage in a discussion to clarify topics as barriers. It was felt that both of these barriers could be addressed through programmatic and technological revisions. This study demonstrates the proof of concept of video podcast training to address deficiencies in EMS education regarding the care of older adults, although further work is needed to demonstrate the educational effect of video podcasts on the knowledge and skills of trainees.
Foraging range movements of the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat, Lasiurus cinereus semotus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

We documented nightly movements of Hawaiian hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus semotus) on the island of Hawai'i. Based on data from 28 radiotagged individuals mean foraging range (FR) was 230.7 ± 72.3 ha, core-use area (CUA) was 25.5 ± 6.9 ha (or 11.1% of mean FR), and the mean long axis (LAX) across the FR was 3,390.8 ± 754.3 m. There was almost no overlap in CUAs among 4 adult males having overlapping foraging areas and tracked simultaneously or within a 90-day window of each other. CUAs of subadults partially overlapped with multiple adult males or with one other subadult. High variance in FRs, cores use areas, and LAX across the FR perhaps reflect localized stochastic variables such as weather, habitat, and food resources. Hawaiian hoary bats use moderately large FRs among insectivorous bats studied with comparable methodologies; however, foraging activity indicated by documentation of acoustic feeding buzzes is concentrated within one or a few disjunct areas cumulatively forming the 50% fixed kernel of C...
Size-Controlled Interparticle Charge Transfer between TiO2 and Quantized Capacitors

The charge-transfer quenching of photoexcited TiO2 nanoparticles by hexanethiolate monolayer protected gold clusters (MPCs) with core diameters of 1.1−4.9 nm is reported. The quenching efficiency of Au MPCs was compared using Stern−Volmer plots. The quenching constants (KQ) taken from slopes of the plots reveal that KQ increases from 5.6 × 105 to 4.09 × 107 by more than 70-fold as the core diameter increases from 1.1 to 4.9 nm. The origin of the size dependence is considered. KQ was found to linearly correlate with the MPC capacitance. This suggests that the quenching process is dominantly controlled by the capacitance of the electron acceptor (Au MPC). KQ for 1.1 nm diameter Au MPC was found to be significantly smaller than that predicted by the KQ-capacitance correlation. This may reflect the size-dependent opening of an energy gap at the Fermi level for molecule-like MPCs.
THE DOLLARS AND SENSE OF SIMULATION

This paper deals with the economics of computer simulation applied to problems in the operations management/industrial engineering area. First, the material in the literature dealing with the economics of simulation is summarized. However, the amount of information available on the economics of simulation is very small. A number of hypotheses are presented for this paucity of material. Since many managers operate in an environment in which costs and benefits are relevant to their decision-making process, the lack of data on the economics of simulation may be a barrier to the utilization of the technique. In an attempt to improve this situation, a framework for the collection and specification of the economics of simulation modeling projects is proposed as a method of urging management scientists to begin to collect and publish data on the economics of simulation projects.
Determination of gas phase nicotine and 3‐ethenylpyridine, and particulate phase nicotine in environmental tobacco smoke with a collection bed – capillary gas chromatography system

A combined sampling and analysis technique for the determination of gas phase nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine, and of particulate phase nicotine in environmental tobacco smoke with capillary gas chromatography is reported. The major advantage of the technique is that all of the collected particulate phase material is analyzed by thermal desorption of the collected material rather than by analysis of only a fraction of the sample extracted from the collection medium. A Teflon filter microtube is used to collect particulate phase nicotine. This microtube is follwed by a small Tenax sorbent bed to collect gas phase nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine. After sampling, the Teflon filter is transferred to a clean glass tube and the tube becomes an insert for a modified packed column injector port where the material collected on the filter is heat desorbed to a cold capillary tubing trap. Gas phase nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine are also transferred from the Tenax to the GC column by thermal desorption from the Tenax sorbent bed. Gas phase nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine, and particulate phase nicotine are each determined by GC analysis of the desorbed material. Nicotine and 3-ethenylpyridine are quantitated by the use of external standards. This technique is straightforward and can be used for semi-real time determination of both gas and particulate phase compounds in environmental tobacco smoke. The results obtained by this technique compare well with those obtained by sampling with annular diffusion denuders.
Quantitative localization of heterogeneous methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) expression phenotypes in normal and Rett syndrome brain by laser scanning cytometry

Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X-linked, dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, encoding the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). A major paradox in the pathogenesis of RTT is how mutations in ubiquitously transcribed MECP2 result in a phenotype specific to the central nervous system (CNS) during postnatal development. To address this question, we have used a novel approach for quantitating the level and distribution of wild-type and mutant MeCP2 in situ by immunofluorescence and laser scanning cytometry. Surprisingly, cellular heterogeneity in MeCP2 expression level was observed in normal brain with a subpopulation of cells exhibiting high expression (MeCP2(hi)) and the remainder exhibiting low expression (MeCP2(lo)). MeCP2 expression was significantly higher in CNS compared with non-CNS tissues of human and mouse by automated quantitation of MeCP2 on multiple tissue arrays. Quantitative localization of MeCP2 expression phenotypes in normal human brain showed a mosaic, but distinct, distribution pattern, with MeCP2(hi) neurons highest in layer IV of the cerebrum and MeCP2(lo )neurons highest in the granular layer of the cerebellum. In female RTT brains, MECP2 mutant-expressing cells were identified as cells negative for the MeCP2 C-terminal epitope. MECP2 mutant-expressing cells were randomly localized in Rett cerebrum and cerebellum and showed normal MeCP2 expression with N-terminal-specific anti-MeCP2. These results demonstrate a CNS-specific cellular phenotype of MeCP2 high expression and suggest that MECP2 mutations in RTT are only manifested in MeCP2(hi) cells. In addition, our results demonstrate the power of laser scanning cytometry in examining complex cellular phenotypes in disease pathogenesis.
Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair A Fertile Field of Innovative Treatment Strategies

The mitral valve is a complex structure composed of the leaflets, annulus, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles. Competency of the mitral valve is dependent on the proper function of each of these component structures. The pathophysiological triad of mitral regurgitation (MR) was originally described by Carpentier in 1983.1 It included the etiology of the valve lesion, the valve lesion itself, and the resultant valve dysfunction. He subsequently described a classification of leaflet dysfunction in MR that is commonly used and relevant for patient selection and evaluation of percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR). In type I dysfunction, there is normal leaflet motion, and valvular incompetence is due to either annular dilatation or leaflet perforation. Type II mitral dysfunction includes patients with increased leaflet motion (prolapse) of one or both leaflets so that there is failure of coaptation during systole resulting in mitral regurgitation. Patients in this category are those with degenerative myxomatous disease of the valve with chordal and/or papillary muscle elongation or rupture. Patients with type IIIa dysfunction have restriction of leaflet motion during both systole and diastole caused by leaflet and subvalvular apparatus thickening and fusion (rheumatic heart disease). The cause of valvular incompetence in patients with type IIIb dysfunction is restricted leaflet motion during systole caused by apical displacement of the papillary muscle from ventricular enlargement in dilated cardiomyopathy (functional MR) and lateral displacement of a posterior papillary muscle in ischemic MR. Patients may have a combination of causes of dysfunction (annular dilation, apical papillary muscle displacement), especially in advanced disease. Patients with MR for purposes of surgical and percutaneous intervention can broadly be categorized as having intrinsic disease (type II) and functional or ischemic (type I or type IIIb). Article p 2329 We are now embarking on a new era in the treatment of valvular heart …
Assessing bone mineral density in vivo: dual energy X-ray absorptiometry

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry can be used as a noninvasive tool to monitor the skeletal integrity of live birds. A pDexa X-ray bone densitometer was used to determine bone mineral densities (BMD) of the left tibia together with the fibula and the humerus of live, unanesthetized birds. Densitometry effectively detected changes in bone integrity of live birds fed varying levels of dietary calcium. Hens consuming 1.8, 3.6, or 5.4% dietary calcium had BMD of 0.147, 0.157, and 0.176 g/cm2 (SEM = 0.005), respectively (linear effect, P < 0.001). Likewise, bone ash weight, breaking force, stress, modulus of elasticity, and eggshell traits also increased linearly in response to increased calcium in the diet (P < 0.05). Densitometric live scans for BMD were positively correlated (P < 0.001) with bone breaking force (r = 0.65) and bone ash (r = 0.77). We also monitored BMD in live Leghorn and broiler females during their life cycle. The tibial BMD of White Leghorns and broilers increased from 15 to 65 wk of age with the BMD of the broiler tibia increasing at a greater rate than that of the Leghorn tibia (line x age interaction, P < 0.0001). A precipitous drop in BMD occurred during an induced molt of Leghorns subjected to 10 d of feed withdrawal. Our long-term goal is to improve skeletal integrity in egg-type chickens by genetic selection for improved BMD. By crossing a broiler with an egg-laying line, an F2 resource population of birds has been developed to identify quantitative trait loci influencing BMD in chickens.
Carbon black pastes as coatings for improving thermal gap-filling materials

Carbon black pastes were found to be effective as coatings for improving the performance of thermal gap-filling materials, including flexible graphite, aluminum and copper. The thermal contact conductance across copper mating surfaces was increased by up to 180%. A fluidic form of carbon black paste (based on polyethylene glycol) was more effective than a thixotropic form (based on polyol esters). The carbon black pastes were much more effective as coatings than a commercial silver paste. With a carbon black paste coating, aluminum foil (7 μm thick) was a superior gap-filling material compared to similarly coated flexible graphite (130 μm thick). However, without a coating, flexible graphite was superior to aluminum. Commercial silicone-based gap-filling materials were inferior to flexible graphite or aluminum (whether coated or not).
Anatomy of the Corpus vasculare paracloacale of the Male Turkey

The copulatory apparatus of the male turkey consists of two parts: the Phallus nonprotrudens, composed of the paired Corpora phallica lateralia and Plicae lymphaticae, and the paired Corpora vascularia paracloacalia. The Corpus vasculare paracloacale receives its vascular supply and drainage from the Arteria (A.) and Vena (V.) pudenda interna, respectively, and its innervation from the Nervus pudendus internus. During sexual stimulation lymph produced in the Corpora vascularia paracloacalia rapidly flows through the lymph sinuses into larger lymph channels located in the Phallus nonprotrudens producing tumescence. With detumescence, the lymph flows cranially from Phallus nonprotrudens into the Vasa lymphatica pudenda interna, which parallels the A. and V. pudenda interna.
Stochastic Integral Representations of the Extrema of Time-homogeneous Diffusion Processes

The stochastic integral representations (martingale representations) of square integrable processes are well-studied problems in applied probability with broad applications in finance. Yet finding explicit expression is not easy and typically done through the Clack-Ocone formula with the advanced machinery of Malliavin calculus. To find an alternative, Shiryaev and Yor (Teor Veroyatnost i Primenen 48(2):375–385, 2003) introduced a relatively simple method using Ito’s formula to develop representations for extrema of Brownian motion. In this paper, we extend their work to provide representations of functionals of time-homogeneous diffusion processes based on the Ito’s formula.
Perfectionism in Academic Settings

In this chapter, we build a model supporting a multivalenced view of perfectionism in academic settings. Our model is derived from several other conceptual and empirical approaches for understanding the effects that personality factors have on academic outcomes. We argue that adaptive and maladaptive strands of perfectionism are two sides of the same (high) standards coin. The sides differ in the effects that self-critical aspects of perfectionism can have on outcomes relevant to students in academic settings. We explain how this inherently performance-based construct affects academic outcomes in positive and negative ways, but we only briefly acknowledge other ways that perfectionism becomes intertwined with personal and interpersonal issues in academic settings, such as in the context of relationships and social support, athletics, health, and psychological well-being. Selected findings in this literature are organized according to a dominant two-factor model of perfectionism and to the ways perfectionism has been analyzed. Our focus is primarily on students in primary, secondary, and postsecondary academic settings, but we later note the multilevel structure of those settings and the limited attention in the literature paid to other key players in those contexts (e.g., teachers, professors, and others). Other limitations also will be addressed, including (a) the overreliance on self-report, (b) the dimensional structure of perfectionism that is typically embraced in measurement and analysis but rarely tested, (c) too few longitudinal studies (and related measurement challenges) and too many cross-sectional ones, and (d) relatively few studies that examine important demographic (e.g., sex, race/ethnicity, national origin) and cultural (e.g., acculturation, collectivism, individualism) concomitants of perfectionism. Proposed remedies include collaborative multisite studies with stakeholders as integral research-to-practice team members and the implementation of creative research design and statistical techniques.
Phase I study of gefitinib and rapamycin in adult patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

B92 Purpose: To evaluate the safety and toxicity of gefitinib and rapamycin, while secondarily determining time to tumor progression, overall survival and quality of life in recurrent GBM. GBMs overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and gefitinib inhibits EGFR tyrosine kinase. The protein mTOR also promotes GBM growth and rapamycin blocks the interaction of mTOR with its target proteins. Therefore, the combination of gefitinib and rapamycin should have a synergistic effect in treating GBM because a possible mechanism of EGFR TKI resistance may be targeted by mTOR antagonists. Patients and Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older with recurrent progressive GBM treated previously with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy with or without immunotherapy and KPS > 40% are eligible. Gefitinib is dosed at 500 mg/day for patients, who are not taking enzyme inducing anti-epileptic drugs (-EIAED) and patients with enzyme inducing anti-epileptic drugs (EIAED) the dose is escalated to 1000 mg/day. Rapamycin is dosed at 2 mg/day and adjusted to levels of 4-12 nanograms/ml. Neurological examination, KPS, laboratory parameters and NCI CTC are initially obtained every 2 weeks and then monthly. MRI of the brain and FACT-Br are performed every two months. Results: To date 21 patients have enrolled and 18 are evaluable. There are 13 male and 5 female with a median age of 51.6 years (range 23-72 years), a median KPS of 60% (range 50-80%) and 12 patients were on EIAED. Only 5 patients received vaccine immunotherapy in addition to surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. There were 3 patients with grade 3/4 non -hematological toxicities with rash, diarrhea, renal failure, hypotension, dyspnea, coagulopathy, and elevated LFT. One patient developed wound infection and it was not related to these drugs. There were 2 (11%) minor response and 6 (33%) stable disease (range 1-18 months) with a clinical benefit of 44%. Conclusion: Oral daily co-administration of gefitinib and rapamycin is safe, tolerable in this heavily treated group of patients. The median progressive free survival time and time to tumor progression is to be determined.
Nonlinear transport and spectrum reshaping of a stripe beam in optically induced photonic structures

Nonlinear spectrum reshaping of a stripe-beam in 2D lattices leads to first demonstration of embedded and gap soliton-trains arising from Bloch-modes at band-edges and non-band-edges. Surface soliton-trains as periodic nonlinear Tamm states are also demonstrated.
Pemphigus vulgaire oral pendant la grossesse

J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2015;37(11):952 U femme de 33 ans presentant un pemphigus vulgaire (PV) chronique avait prealablement fait l’objet d’un traitement immunosuppresseur general (comprenant de la prednisone, du mycophenolate mofetil, de l’immunoglobuline intraveineuse et du rituximab) visant les lesions cutanees, genitales et orales associees a cette pathologie. Avant la grossesse, les gencives maxillaire et mandibulaire de la patiente presentaient un leger erytheme et elle utilisait du clobetasol en gel topique a 0,05 % jusqu’a deux fois par jour (Figure 1). A 24 semaines de gestation, la patiente a signale une exacerbation considerable de ses lesions orales, sans repercussions aux plans cutane et genital. Au moment de l’examen, elle presentait des gencives maxillaire et mandibulaire intensement erythemateuses; sa gencive mandibulaire presentait egalement une desquamation epitheliale (Figure 2). Elle a continue a utiliser du clobetasol en gel topique a 0,05 % pour la prise en charge de ses lesions orales attribuables au PV.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations: Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A growing number of institutions are initiating new programs in electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). Advances in the ETD as a form of scholarly communication must acknowledge the years of groundwork and planning by representatives from a wide spectrum of organizations such as the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), Virginia Tech, the Coalition for Networked Information and the Council of Graduate Schools. More than a decade of multi-institutional collaborative efforts resulted in the current opportunities for students to engage in scholarly communications in new arenas. Where do we go from here? A significant factor in further promoting the ETD and other digital library projects involves shifting program emphasis to key participants, the graduate students who author these documents.
Hybrid Dopamine Uptake Blocker–Serotonin Releaser Ligands: A New Twist on Transporter-Focused Therapeutics

As part of our program to study neurotransmitter releasers, we report herein a class of hybrid dopamine reuptake inhibitors that display serotonin releasing activity. Hybrid compounds are interesting since they increase the design potential of transporter related compounds and hence represent a novel and unexplored strategy for therapeutic drug discovery. A series of N-alkylpropiophenones was synthesized and assessed for uptake inhibition and release activity using rat brain synaptosomes. Substitution on the aromatic ring yielded compounds that maintained hybrid activity, with the two disubstituted analogues (PAL-787 and PAL-820) having the most potent hybrid activity.
Skeletal muscle energetics assessed by (31)P-NMR in prepubertal girls with a familial predisposition to obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether skeletal muscle energetics, measured by in vivo 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy during plantar flexion exercise, differ between multiethnic, prepubertal girls with or without a predisposition to obesity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Girls (mean age and body fat±s.d.=8.6±0.3 y and 22.6±4.2%) were recruited according to parental leanness or obesity defined as follows: LN (n=22), two lean parents, LNOB (n=18), one lean and one obese parent; and OB (n=15), two obese parents. MEASUREMENTS: A 3 min, rest–exercise–recovery plantar flexion protocol was completed. Work was calculated from the force data. Spectra were analyzed for inorganic intracellular phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr), Pi/PCr (ratio of the low and high energy phosphates indicating the bioenergetic state of the cell), intracellular pH, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine calf muscle volume. RESULTS: BMI was lower in the girls in the LN group (15.9±1.5 kg/m2) compared to the OB group (16.7±1.3 kg/m2) of girls (P<0.05), with no difference with the LNOB group (16.7±1.9 kg/m2). Adjusted for muscle volume and cumulative work, no differences in Pi, PCr, Pi/PCr, pH, or ATP were observed among the LN, LNOB and OB groups at rest, the end of exercise, and after 60 and 300 s of recovery. From rest to the end of exercise, Pi and Pi/PCr (mean±s.d.: 0.2±0.1 vs 1.5±1.0) increased, whereas PCr and pH (7.04±0.06 vs 6.95±0.10) decreased (all P<0.001). By 60 s of recovery, Pi and Pi/PCr decreased, whereas PCr and pH increased (all P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle energetics, specifically Pi/PCr and pH measured during plantar flexion exercise, do not differ between prepubertal girls with or without a familial predisposition to obesity.