cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol Attenuates Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Macrophage Migration to Visceral White Adipose Tissue and Insulin Resistance in Male Mice

Chronic intermittent hypoxia during sleep (IH), as occurs in sleep apnea, promotes systemic insulin resistance. Resveratrol (Resv) has been reported to ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance. To examine the effect of Resv on IH-induced metabolic dysfunction, male mice were subjected to IH or room air conditions for 8 weeks and treated with either Resv or vehicle (Veh). Fasting plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and leptin were obtained, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index levels were calculated, and insulin sensitivity tests (phosphorylated AKT [also known as protein kinase B]/total AKT) were performed in 2 visceral white adipose tissue (VWAT) depots (epididymal [Epi] and mesenteric [Mes]) along with flow cytometry assessments for VWAT macrophages and phenotypes (M1 and M2). IH-Veh and IH-Resv mice showed initial reductions in food intake with later recovery, with resultant lower body weights after 8 weeks but with IH-Resv showing better increases in body weight vs IH-Veh. IH-Veh and IH-Resv mice exhibited lower fasting glucose levels, but only IH-Veh had increased homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index vs all 3 other groups. Leptin levels were preserved in IH-Veh but were significantly lower in IH-Resv. Reduced VWAT phosphorylated-AKT/AKT responses to insulin emerged in both Mes and Epi in IH-Veh but normalized in IH-Resv. Increases total macrophage counts and in M1 to M2 ratios occurred in IH-Veh Mes and Epi compared all other 3 groups. Thus, Resv ameliorates food intake and weight gain during IH exposures and markedly attenuates VWAT inflammation and insulin resistance, thereby providing a potentially useful adjunctive therapy for metabolic morbidity in the context of sleep apnea.
Assessing brand vulnerability across product assortments

In this article, we develop an approach to assess a brand's vulnerability to changes in the composition of the assortment of other brands that it competes against. We conceptualize each assortment configuration as a single, unified, entity and estimate its location in latent assortment space based on the level of a brand's vulnerability. The results from the application of the approach to choices among a set of chocolate brands by a customer panel show significant variations in the patterns of vulnerability for a brand across its affinity-based segments. We also show that a brand's competitive strength against a specific competing brand is not constant, but contingent on the composition of the assortment. Finally, we find that assortments that result in similar levels of brand vulnerability vary significantly in terms of size and composition. These results provide a new, brand-centric, perspective on assortments and a novel approach to construct brand-specific rather than category-specific market structures.
Steric aspects of adrenergic drugs VII. Certain pharmacological actions of D(−)‐pseudoephedrine

Abstract The ability of d (−)-pseudoephedrine to influence the actions of selected adrenergic drugs was examined in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In anesthetized dogs, pretreatment with d (−)-pseudoephedrine can reduce or block the pressor effects of the other ephedrine isomers and (+)-amphetamine. Delayed potentiation was observed with norepinephrine and epinephrine. d (−)-Pseudoephedrine did not affect the pressor effects resulting from bilateral carotid occlusion, and exhibited no unique properties on the rabbit aortic strip. d (−)-Pseudoephedrine had no intrinsic activity on the isolated rat vas deferens but could block the contractions caused by tyramine or d (−)-ephedrine, and potentiate the effects of norepinephrine. d (−)-Pseudoephedrine and d (−)-ephedrine compete for α-adrenergic sites in the reserpine pretreated rat vas deferens and can protect these receptors from dibenamine blockade. It appears that d (−)-pseudoephedrine acts at both catecholamine uptake sites and at α-receptors, but apparently lacks intrinsic effects at the latter site.
Paying for Obesity: A Changing Landscape

BACKGROUND. Coverage for obesity related services is highly variable. Despite this, health plans, purchasers, and states have mounted numerous recent initiatives. OBJECTIVE. To identify the range of approaches being used to address coverage and reimbursement for childhood obesity services. METHODS. Key informant interviews were conducted using a semi-structured protocol to identify the types of activities they or their organization were engaged in to address childhood obesity, to learn about private payer policies and procedures, to identify best practices, potential resources and/or other key informants. Domains addressed in the protocol included scope of the respondent9s organization9s activities, the rationale for supporting obesity activities, the degree to which obesity services were a covered benefit and what if any barriers or challenges were encountered in implementation, the policy climate within which the organization operates (e.g. state legislation, initiatives or task forces), and any assessment of the impact and/or cost of implementing their initiatives. The individuals interviewed represented respondents from each of the following categories: employer, health plan, and state insurance programs and conducted by phone between November 2007 and March 2008. In addition to the information gathered by the key informant interviews we conducted a search of the relevant peer review and grey literature between 2005 and 2008 and input from a national expert advisory group. RESULTS. Significant variation, as well as recent changes, were identified in both the private and public sector. Approaches included new benefits and incentives for parents and providers. Only anecdotal evidence of impact of the recent changes was available. CONCLUSIONS. There is important forward movement in how public and private players are addressing paying for obesity related services. Medicaid and SCHIP programs have an opportunity to provide additional leadership. Substantial investments in evaluation and research are needed to learn which approaches are most effective.
The spectral correlation theory of cyclostationary time-series

Abstract A spectral correlation theory for cyclostationary time-series is introduced. It is established that a time-series is cyclostationary if and only if there exists a quadratic time-invariant transformation that generates spectral lines, and this is so if and only if the time-series exhibits spectral correlation. Fundamental properties of a characterizing spectral correlation function are developed. These include the effects of periodic modulation and periodically time-variant linear filtering. Relationships between the spectral correlation function and the radar ambiguity function and the Wigner-Ville distribution are explained. The spectral correlation properties of Rice's representation for bandpass time-series are derived. A generalization of the Wiener relation from the spectral density function to the spectral correlation function is developed, and generalizations of the aliasing formula for periodic time-sampling, and the frequency conversion formula for amplitude modulation, from the spectral density function to the spectral correlation function are developed.
Real-time Estimation of Lower Extremity Joint Torques in Normal Gait*

Abstract Joint torques of the lower extremity are useful information for gait analysis or gait assistive systems. In this paper, an estimation method for observing the joint torques of the lower extremity is proposed. The proposed method is based on the inverse dynamics of a human body, where the human body model applies a planar link-segment model which consists of seven segments. Lagrangian mechanics is applied to calculate the joint torque, and the required motion information is measured by sensors or estimated by kinematic Kalman filter (KKF). The joint torque equation depends on the ground contact conditions of the human body model, and the ground contact conditions can be identified by gait phases. Thus, multiple set of equations are used for the estimation of the joint torques in different gait phases. The gait phases are detected by Smart Shoes, and the detected gait phases are also used for smoothing the joint torques when the ground contact conditions are changed. The proposed method has been validated by experiments.
Bad, a heterodimeric partner for Bcl-xL and Bcl-2, displaces bax and promotes cell death

To extend the mammalian cell death pathway, we screened for further Bcl-2 interacting proteins. Both yeast two-hybrid screening and lambda expression cloning identified a novel interacting protein, Bad, whose homology to Bcl-2 is limited to the BH1 and BH2 domains. Bad selectively dimerized with Bcl-xL as well as Bcl-2, but not with Bax, Bcl-xs, Mcl-1, A1, or itself. Bad binds more strongly to Bcl-xL than Bcl-2 in mammalian cells, and it reversed the death repressor activity of Bcl-xL, but not that of Bcl-2. When Bad dimerized with Bcl-xL, Bax was displaced and apoptosis was restored. When approximately half of Bax was heterodimerized, death was inhibited. The susceptibility of a cell to a death signal is determined by these competing dimerizations in which levels of Bad influence the effectiveness of Bcl-2 versus Bcl-xL in repressing death.
Study on Absorption of Cu2+ and Cd2+ in Wastewater by Modified Bentonite

In this study, the adsorption of Cu2+ and Cd2+ in wastewater by modified bentonite was investigated. The effect of adsorption adsorbent dosage, pH, time and temperature conditions, etc. on the adsorption was also studied. The results showed that adsorption of Cu2+ and Cd2+ in wastewater by modified bentonite increased with the increase of the adsorbent. When dosing quantity was 0.6g, the adsorption rate on Cu2+ and Cd2+ can reach respectively 92.4% and 87.3%. In 30 minutes, the adsorption rate on Cu2+ and Cd2+ can achieve above 93.3% and above 91.8% respectively closing to adsorption balance. When pH of the system is between 6-7, adsorption is to equal balance, the adsorption rate on Cu2+ and Cd2+ can reach above 92%. When the temperature is 30°C, absorption rate on Cu2+ and Cd2+ in wastewater by modified bentonite is 93.6% and 91.8%, the adsorption effect is the best.
A 4-channel 3 Tesla phased array receive coil for awake rhesus monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments

Awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI combined with conventional neuroscience techniques has the potential to study the structural and functional neural network. The majority of monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments are performed with single coils which suffer from severe EPI distortions which limit resolution. By constructing phased array coils for monkey MRI studies, gains in SNR and anatomical accuracy (i.e., reduction of EPI distortions) can be achieved using parallel imaging. The major challenges associated with constructing phased array coils for monkeys are the variation in head size and space constraints. Here, we apply phased array technology to a 4-channel phased array coil capable of improving the resolution and image quality of full brain awake monkey fMRI and diffusion MRI experiments. The phased array coil is that can adapt to different rhesus monkey head sizes (ages 4-8) and fits in the limited space provided by monkey stereotactic equipment and provides SNR gains in primary visual cortex and anatomical accuracy in conjunction with parallel imaging and improves resolution in fMRI experiments by a factor of 2 (1.25 mm to 1.0 mm isotropic) and diffusion MRI experiments by a factor of 4 (1.5 mm to 0.9 mm isotropic).
Robust ergodic chaos in discounted dynamic optimization models

We identify a family of discounted dynamic optimization problems in which the immediate return function depends on current consumption, capital input and a taste parameter. The usual monotonicity and concavity assumptions on the return functions and the aggregative production function are verified. It is shown that the optimal transition functions are represented by the “quadratic family”, well-studied in the literature on chaotic dynamical systems. Hence, Jakobson's theorem can be used to throw light on the issues of robustness of ergodic chaos and sensitive dependence on initial conditions.
Tris(1H-inden-1-yl)phosphane

In the structure of the title compound, C27H21P, at 89 (2) K the P atom is bound to the allylic carbon of the indenyl unit with P—C distances of ca 1.88 A.
Indirect evidence of deep flow east of a North Pacific seamount.

East-west vertical sections centered on Kinmei Seamount (35‡N, 172‡E) of potential temperature, salinity, and oxygen, based on recent standard hydrographic measurements, and vertical profiles ofin situ temperature and density (σ4) east of the seamount, based on STD data, show contrasting variability in the deep water characteristics east and west of the seamount. These data are consistent with horizontal variations in water mass properties (temperature-salinity and temperature-oxygen curves) east of the seamount between 2,600–3,900 m but not west of the seamount. East of the seamount on surfaces of constant potential temperature (or density) salinity and oxygen are higher at a station 200 km from the seamount than at stations on either side. From these relations and from known deep water properties of the North Pacific, it is suggested that east of the seamount, between 2,600–3,900 m, the observations are consistent with northward flow, which is interpreted to be a western boundary current with an east-west scale of about 300 km.
Eugenol causes melanoma growth suppression through inhibition of E2F1 transcriptional activity

Metastatic malignant melanoma is an extremely aggressive cancer, with no currently viable therapy. 4-Allyl-2-methoxyphenol (eugenol) was tested for its ability to inhibit proliferation of melanoma cells. Eugenol but not its isomer, isoeugenol (2-methoxy-4-propenylphenol), was found to be a potent inhibitor of melanoma cell proliferation. In a B16 xenograft study, eugenol treatment produced a significant tumor growth delay (p = 0.0057), an almost 40% decrease in tumor size, and a 19% increase in the median time to end point. More significantly, 50% of the animals in the control group died from metastatic growth, whereas none in the treatment group showed any signs of invasion or metastasis. Eugenol was well tolerated as determined by measurement of bodyweights. Examination of the mechanism of the antiproliferative action of eugenol in the human malignant melanoma cell line, WM1205Lu, showed that it arrests cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Flow cytometry coupled with biochemical analyses demonstrated that eugenol induced apoptosis. cDNA array analysis showed that eugenol caused deregulation of the E2F family of transcription factors. Transient transfection assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that eugenol inhibits the transcriptional activity of E2F1. Overexpression of E2F1 restored about 75% of proliferation ability in cultures. These results indicate that deregulation of E2F1 may be a key factor in eugenol-mediated melanoma growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Since the E2F transcription factors provide growth impetus for the continuous proliferation of melanoma cells, these results suggest that eugenol could be developed as an E2F-targeted agent for melanoma treatment.
Noise-enhanced postural stability in subjects with functional ankle instability

Objective: To examine the effects of stochastic resonance (SR) stimulation on the postural stability of subjects with functional ankle instability (FAI). Design: Experimental research design. Setting: Sports medicine research laboratory. Participants: 12 subjects with FAI who reported a history of recurrent ankle sprains and “giving way” sensations at the ankle. Interventions: Subjects performed 20 s single-leg balance tests under SR stimulation at 0.05 mA and 0.01 mA and under control conditions. Testing order was randomised. Stimulators that delivered subsensory stimulation to ankle muscles and ligaments were worn. Subjects were blinded to the test conditions, as SR stimulation was subsensory and stimulators were turned off during the control condition. Main outcome measures: Anterior/posterior and medial/lateral centre-of-pressure velocities (COPVs) were combined to form a resultant vector (COPV-R). The COPV-R differences between the optimal SR stimulation and control conditions were analysed. Optimal SR stimulation was defined as the SR stimulation input intensity level (0.05 mA or 0.01 mA) that produced the greatest percentage improvement in postural stability compared with the control condition. Slower velocities indicated enhanced postural stability. Results: The optimal input intensity was 0.05 mA for nine subjects and 0.01 mA for the other three. The optimal SR stimulation significantly (p Conclusion: SR stimulation may enhance signal detection of sensorimotor signals associated with postural stability. This result has clinical relevance as improvements in postural instability associated with FAI may decrease ankle sprain injury.
Estimating cycle time in design for robotic assembly

Abstract The Design for Robotic Assembly1 handbook offers a method for quantitatively evaluating a product's ease of assembly by robots. Additionally, it helps the designer estimate the cost of assembly associated with each part, pointing out aspects of part design that incur additional cost. This paper describes robot assembly task time data derived from laboratory tests and industrial experience. It also shows how these data can be substituted for the original values on the handbook data sheets for estimating part assembly times at a two-arm robotic assembly station. Using these new time values, the handbook method yields cycle time estimates that are within 5% of those drawn from computer simulation, while the original data sheet values give estimates that are approximately 20% lower than the computer simulated times. The principal difference is in the amount of time attributed to robot gripper changes.
Medication Adherence, Healthcare Costs and Utilization Associated with Acne Drugs in Medicaid Enrollees with Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic disease that may require long-term treatment. Medication adherence is critical to acne management; non-adherence is a common reason for treatment failure and can lead to poor quality of life. The aim of the study was to examine medication adherence, healthcare costs, and utilization associated with acne drugs among acne patients in the USA. This was a retrospective cohort study from January 2004 to December 2007 using the Marketscan Medicaid Database, a national healthcare claims database. The study followed acne patients aged 0–64 years for 90 days after the first acne drug prescription to measure acne medication adherence, acne-related outpatient visits, and total acne-related healthcare costs. Adherence was measured among different acne drug classes using medication possession ratio (MPR). Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess the outcomes. The study included 24,438 eligible patients, of whom 89.39 % were under 18 years old. The average adherence rate to acne drugs (MPR) was 0.34, and only 11.74 % of the patients were adherent (MPR ≥0.80). Patients with drug refills had a higher adherence rate (MPR = 0.74) than who those without refills (MPR = 0.27). Factors significantly associated with adherence were age, comorbidity, gender, number of drug refills and number of drug classes used. Patients were more adherent to oral retinoids than any other acne drug classes (MPR = 0.78, 57 % adherent). Patients were less adherent to oral antibiotics (MPR = 0.21) and topical retinoids (MPR = 0.31). After controlling for medication use behavior, the use of oral antibiotics decreased the number of acne-related outpatient visits by 50.9 % (p < 0.001) and lowered acne-related total costs by 51.7 % (p < 0.001). Medication non-adherence is generally prevalent among young acne patients enrolled in Medicaid. The combination of a topical retinoid and an antibiotic agent may be a good choice given their associated healthcare outcomes and costs. However, adherence to these agents is not satisfactory. Therefore, developing specific strategies to improve adherence to these drugs among teenage acne patients is warranted.
The formation of calcium and certain rare-earth hexaboride single crystals

Abstract In the course of a study of the preparation of high boron-containing metal borides, a unique formation of single crystals of certain metal hexaborides was observed. Microscopic evidence is presented for a vapor- liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism.
HUNTINGTON'S DISEASE

Abstract Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant progressive neuropsychiatric disorder, characterized by abnormalities of movement, emotion and cognition. The most important pathological feature is selective neuronal loss, primarily in the striatum and cerebral cortex. HD is caused by the expansion of a CAG trinucleotide repeat in the gene encoding huntingtin. The expanded repeat encodes an abnormally long polyglutamine tract, and many lines of evidence now strongly suggest that this mutation is neurotoxic. In this review, we first detail the clinical, genetic and pathological features of HD. We then describe how clues from neurotoxicological, biochemical, cell, transgenic mouse, and invertebrate models of HD lead to a multifactored model of HD pathogenesis. We conclude by discussing how the model of HD serves as a guide to the development of rational therapeutics for this devastating disease.
Dominance, gender, and cardiovascular reactivity during social interaction

Associations between trait dominance and cardiovascular reactivity were examined in previously unacquainted healthy men and women. Subjects participated in three mixed-gender dyadic interactions with the same partner while their cardiovascular responses were assessed. Among men, but not women, trait dominance was positively and significantly associated with systolic blood pressure reactivity. For men and women, diastolic blood pressure reactivity was positively and significantly associated with trait dominance while participants prepared to interact and with partner's trait dominance while they interacted. All effects held after controlling for trait hostility. Dominance merits attention as a correlate of cardiovascular reactivity, a finding that parallels emerging patterns in the cardiovascular disease literature. Gender and gender-related social factors as potential moderators of this relationship are discussed.
Provider Advice About Pregnancy Weight Gain and Adequacy of Weight Gain

To explore the association between health care provider advice about weight gain and gestational weight gain. Using data from a prospective cohort study, we explored the association between provider advice about weight gain in pregnancy with weight gain adequacy among 1,454 pregnant women. Provider advice was measured by maternal self-report at 27–30 weeks’ gestation. Linear and Poisson regression were used to explore associations. Seventy-eight percent of the women gained outside current recommendations. Fifty-one percent reported receiving weight gain advice from a health care provider. Adjusted Generalized Linear Model (GLM) estimates showed weak effect of provider advice on inadequate or excessive gain (Relative Risk (RR) 0.96, 95% CI 0.74, 1.26 for inadequate gain and RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.97, 1.06 for excessive gain). There is a need for more women to hear about their targeted weight gains during pregnancy and the present advice that exists does little to influence actual gains. Further studies are warranted to find better strategies for providers to motivate their patients to gain weight within the appropriate ranges.
Effect of Trackwidth and Linear Spacing on Stability and Noise in Longitudinal and Perpendicular Recording

Results from spin-stand and MFM experiments showing the effect of demagnetizing fields for both perpendicular and longitudinal media are presented. Spin-stand experiments involved measurement of the current required to erase square wave recordings to half amplitude. While longitudinal media require smaller currents to erase higher density recordings, perpendicular media require higher currents. MFM studies indicate differences in the onset of the magnetization reversal. The reversal initiates near the transition in longitudinal media but further from the transition in perpendicular media. Experimental results showing an increase in transition jitter with decreasing trackwidths are also reported for both longitudinal and perpendicular media.
Direct assay techniques for comprehensive radionuclide quantification of radwaste packages

Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratories has recently developed, tested and field-demonstrated a technology for the direct assay of transuranic radionuclides (TRU), fission products, and activation products in a variety of radwaste packages generated at commercial nuclear power plants. This technology involves non-destructive passive neutron counting for determination of nanocurie/gram quantities of the TRU radionuclides. Direct gamma spectrometry combined with thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) and correlation analysis is also utilized to determine the concentrations of the fission and activation products present in the radwaste packages. Employing counting times of 10 to 20 minutes, a complete analysis of all radionuclides specified for assay by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (in 10CFR61) prior to shallow-land disposal of commercial radwastes can be measured at concentrations at least tenfold below the least restrictive Class “A” waste catagory.
On the symmetry of snow dendrites

Abstract Natural snow dendrites sometimes display symmetry of side branches along each arm, whereas on other occasions such symmetry does not occur. Laboratory studies under simulated atmospheric conditions show that a fluctuation of local airflow, equivalent to changing supersaturation, for a period of only a few seconds leads to symmetrical initiation of arms. Growth under uniform conditions does not give symmetrical arms, neither does growth in uniformly supercooled water. It is hypothesized that each side branch is initialized by a local short term fluctuation, in temperature or supersaturation; symmetrical branches form from longer period fluctuations that affect each side of an arm simultaneously. Asymmetrical arms result from local fluctuations such as the close approach of a cloud drop. Symmetry of side branches therefore suggests that the crystals have grown in an environment with a turbulence scale of several meters.
CMOS amplifier module allowing for voltage, current, transimpedance and transadmittance transfer functions implementations

This article presents a universal amplifier module (UAM), implemented in 180 nm CMOS technology, that can be configured to function as a (i) voltage controlled voltage source (VCVS), (ii) current controlled current source (CCCS), (iii) voltage controlled current source (VCCS), (iv) current controlled voltage source (CCVS), and (v) current conveyor (type II). As a result, the amplifier can be used to produce four kinds of basic circuit transfer functions, i.e., voltage-, current-, transadmittance- and transimpedance- transfer functions. This is validated by presenting simulation results for a second order voltage, current, transadmittance and transimpedance band-pass filter (BPF) transfer functions using only three UAM devices. The device is expected to be useful in a complex VLSI system environment where interfacing between sub-systems with varied impedance levels is required.
What processes at mid-ocean ridges tell us about volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits

Episodic seafloor spreading, ridge topography, and fault movement at ridges find (more extreme) analogs in the arc and back-arc setting where the volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits that we mine today were formed. The factors affecting sulfide accumulation efficiency and the extent to which sulfides are concentrated spatially are the same in both settings, however. The processes occurring at mid-ocean ridges therefore provide a useful insight into those producing VMS deposits in arcs and back-arcs. The critical observation investigated here is that all the heat introduced by seafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges is carried out of the crust within a few hundred meters of the ridge axis by ∼350°C hydrothermal fluids. The high-temperature ridge hydrothermal systems are tied to the presence of magma at the ridge axis and greatly reduce the size and control the shape of axial magma intrusions. The amount of heat introduced to each square kilometer of ocean crust during its formation can be calculated, and its removal by high-temperature convection allows calculation of the total base metal endowment of the ocean basins. Using reasonable metal deposition efficiencies, we conclude that the ocean floor is a giant VMS district with metal resources >600 times the total known VMS reserves on land and a copper resource which would last >6,000 years at current production rates.
Wheelchair Use by Veterans Newly Prescribed a Manual Wheelchair

Abstract Ganesh S, Hayter A, Kim J, Sanford J, Sprigle S, Hoenig H. Wheelchair use by veterans newly prescribed a manual wheelchair. Objective To describe the characteristics of the wheelchairs, the users, and their wheelchair use among persons newly prescribed a manual wheelchair. Design Cohort study. Setting Veterans Affairs teaching hospital. Participants Ninety-nine consecutive, cognitively intact veterans prescribed a manual wheelchair. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported difficulty transferring into and propelling the wheelchair; and bathroom mobility method. Results Study patients had a mean age of 66 and a mean of 10 comorbid medical conditions. Parkinsonism, osteoporosis, joint replacement, and amputation were uncommon ( 50% of patients as causing need for a wheelchair). Falls and arthritis were common (>50% of patients) and highly impacted need for a wheelchair. At 1 month, over 30% of patients had wheelchairs that did not meet common criteria for wheelchair fit; 36% and 61%, respectively, reported difficulty transferring and propelling the wheelchair. The wheelchairs were used for bathroom mobility by 38% of the patients. Conclusions The typical manual wheelchair recipient in this study sample was old with multiple medical problems. Despite provision of manual wheelchairs by trained professionals and availability of diverse wheelchair types, new wheelchair users commonly reported difficulty using the wheelchair.
Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems in the U.S. Corn Belt

Agricultural production systems in North America have become increasingly specialized. The lack of diversification has had negative economic, biological, and environmental consequences. One alternative approach to diversify agricultural production is to integrate cash grain cropping with ruminant livestock production. Our objective was to review research applicable to development of diversified crop– livestock systems in the U.S. Corn Belt and discuss research priorities and constraints to adoption of those systems. One form of integration becoming more common in the U.S. Corn Belt occurs through contractual arrangements between spatially separated, specialized crop and livestock production farms. Less common is the spatial and temporal integration of crops and livestock on the same land base, which can occur via rotations of grain crops with perennial pastures, short rotations of grain crops with annual or short-season pastures, and utilization of grain crop residues for livestock grazing. We feel this latter model is truer to the concept of diversification. Based on published research and preliminary results from an integrated crop–livestock system project in Illinois, we suggest that integration of crops and livestock on the same land base offers tremendous potential to diversify farm ecosystems in the U.S. Corn Belt while being economically competitive and more environmentally compatible than prevailing specialized production systems. Although studies have addressed or are applicable to components of crop–livestock systems in humid– cool environments, there remains a need for systems level research and funding opportunities for addressing the complex environment– plant–animal–economic–social interactions associated with integrated crop–livestock systems.
Locality-Preserving Clustering and Discovery of Resources in Wide-Area Distributed Computational Grids

In large-scale computational Grids, discovery of heterogeneous resources as a working group is crucial to achieving scalable performance. This paper presents a resource management scheme including a hierarchical cycloid overlay architecture, resource clustering and discovery algorithms for wide-area distributed Grid systems. We establish program/data locality by clustering resources based on their physical proximity and functional matching with user applications. We further develop dynamism-resilient resource management algorithm, cluster-token forwarding algorithm, and deadline-driven resource management algorithms. The advantage of the proposed scheme lies in low overhead, fast and dynamism-resilient multiresource discovery. The paper presents the scheme, new performance metrics, and experimental simulation results. This scheme compares favorably with other resource discovery methods in static and dynamic Grid applications. In particular, it supports efficient resource clustering, reduces communications cost, and enhances resource discovery success rate in promoting large-scale distributed supercomputing applications.
Molecularly imprinted polymer sensor arrays

An eight channel molecularly imprinted polymer sensor array was prepared that was able to differentiate six different aryl amine analytes, including diastereomers with 94% accuracy.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE MARKET FOR NEW CORPORATE BONDS IN REFLECTING TWO SOURCES OF ESSENTIALLY FREE INFORMATION, 1960–1971*

THE ABILITY to generate interest rate forecasts which are better than a simple nocharge extrapolation (the optimal forecast implied by an efficient market) is essential to the solution of the problem of timing the issuance of new bonds. A number of authors have suggested algorithms which they suggest can be used to determine the optimal time to issue new debt. However, the question that must be answered before any timing algorithm can be seriously applied is that of bond market efficiency. This thesis involves an analysis of the efficiency of the market for newly issued corporate bonds. Specifically, the market for new corporate debt is tested for its full reflection of the information contained in the time series of new issue yields (weak form information and the information contained in past errors in market anticipations. With respect to the latter source of information, the pure expectations, liquidity preference, and market segmentation hypotheses of the term structure were considered in estimating market anticipations of the six-month holding period yield on a newly issued corporate bond.
Volatile Components in Salt-Fermented Fish and Shrimp Pastes

Volatile compounds in salt-fermented anchovy, big-eyed herring, hair tail viscera, and shrimp pastes were compared by simultaneous steam distillation-solvent extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SDE/GC/MS). A total of 155 volatile compounds were detected. Of these, 111 were positively identified consisting mainly of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters, aromatics, nitrogen-, and sulfur-containing compounds. Lipid-derived components, such as aldehydes, alcohols, and esters, comprised the majority of volatile compounds from fish pastes, while heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds, such as pyrazines, were predominant in shrimp paste.
Interferon‐free, direct‐acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

The treatment environment for chronic hepatitis C has undergone a revolution, particularly in genotype 1. Gone are interferon-based therapy and its associated tolerability challenges, inadequate response rates and numerous baseline factors that affect response to therapy. New and emerging treatment regimens employ all-oral combinations of direct-acting antiviral agents, and results of clinical trials suggest that these regimens routinely achieve cure rates >90%, even in patients who failed prior interferon-based triple therapy. In 2015, three all-oral FDA-approved regiments will be available for genotype 1 (sofosbuvir /ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/simeprevir, and paritaprevir/r/ombitasvir/dasabuvir). Furthermore, new treatment combinations appear to be more tolerable and require shorter duration of therapy. We provide an overview of the classes of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), the clinical factors affecting their integration into combination therapies and recent findings from trials of such combination therapies in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection.
Beam transport to the SXLS ring

Design of a transport line with highly restrictive space and beam size requirements with the flexibility in the orientation of the injector is presented. An analytic method based on symbolic algebra is used to find optimal regions of the design parameters. The fine tuning of the parameters is performed with a standard matrix program. Special interest is paid to the question of dispersion vector matching the large angle bend with a very small bending radius using noniron bending magnets with very small gap areas. >
Transumbilical Single-Port Surgery: Evolution and Current Status

Abstract Context Single-port transumbilical laparoscopy, also known as embryonic natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery (E-NOTES), has emerged as an attempt to further enhance cosmetic benefits and reduce morbidity of minimally invasive surgery. Within a short span, several clinical reports have emerged in the urologic literature. As this field is poised to move forward, a complete understanding of its evolution and current status is timely. Objective To summarize and review the history of E-NOTES across surgical disciplines. This review emphasizes nomenclature, surgical technique, instrumentation, and perioperative outcomes. Specific urological and nonurological applications of single-port surgery to date are summarized. Evidence acquisition Using the National Library of Medicine database, the English-language literature was reviewed for the past 40 yr. Keyword searches included: scarless, scar free, single port/trocar/incision, intraumbilical, and transumbilical. Within the bibliography of selected references, additional sources were retrieved. Evidence synthesis The gynecologic and general surgical literature includes approximately 19 papers fulfilling the search criteria, encompassing extirpative procedures only. The urologic literature contains eight published reports of single-trocar transumbilical procedures. These reports are summarized in a chronological manner and grouped by subject. No prospective studies comparing outcomes to standard laparoscopy have been reported. Technical feasibility has been demonstrated for a broad range of extirpative and reconstructive procedures on the upper and lower urinary tracts, including simple and radical nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, renal cryotherapy, pyeloplasty, ileal ureteral replacement, sacrocolpopexy, and varicocelectomy. Conclusions E-NOTES has made its initial forays into laparoscopic surgery. Ongoing refinement in technique and instrumentation is likely to expand its future role.
Induction of anoikis by doxazosin in prostate cancer cells is associated with activation of caspase-3 and a reduction of focal adhesion kinase.

The quinazoline family of α1-blockers (prazosin, doxazosin, and terazosin) induce apoptosis of prostate cells through an α1-adrenoceptor–independent mechanism. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the non-adrenergic, apoptotic mechanism of action of doxazosin in the prostate and the induction of anoikis by doxazosin. Primary cultures of benign prostate stromal and epithelial cells and the LNCaP (androgen sensitive) and PC-3 (androgen insensitive) prostate carcinoma cell lines were treated with doxazosin (0–50 μM). The effects of doxazosin on cell morphology, caspase-3 activity, and the expression levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) were examined. Doxazosin induced changes in morphology consistent with anoikis in both benign and cancerous prostatic cells and increased caspase-3 activity. The effects were similar comparing benign cells (which express α1-adrenoceptors ) and cancer cells (which do not express α1-adrenoceptors ), but were more robust in benign cells. Norepinephrine had no effect on doxazosin-induced cell morphology or caspase-3 activity. Treatment of PC-3 cells with doxazosin significantly reduced the protein levels of FAK but did not significantly affect the levels of ILK. These findings suggest that doxazosin induces apoptosis and anoikis of prostate cancer cells by a mechanism of action that is α1-adrenoceptor independent. The apoptosis of cancer cells induced by doxazosin counteracts cell proliferation and may have the potential of retarding or reversing prostate cancer cell growth.
35 GHz rectenna implemented with a patch and a microstrip dipole antenna

35-GHz rectennas have been developed using a patch and a microstrip dipole antenna. The power conversion efficiencies from RF to DC were measured as 29% and 39% with an input power of 120 mW. The multireflection method developed for the analysis of a mixer was used to analyze the performance of a 35-GHz rectenna using a Ka-band mixer diode. Through this analysis, the effect of the reactive elements of the diode on the efficiency was investigated, and the optimum operating circuit conditions and the maximum conversion efficiency were obtained. >
Potential contaminants at a dredged spoil placement site, Charles City County, Virginia, as revealed by sequential extraction

Backfills of dredged sediments onto a former sand and gravel mine site in Charles City County, VA may have the potential to contaminate local groundwater. To evaluate the mobility of trace elements and to identify the potential contaminants from the dredged sediments, a sequential extraction scheme was used to partition trace elements associated with the sediments from the local aquifer and the dredged sediments into five fractions: exchangeable, acidic, reducible, oxidizable, and residual phases. Sequential extractions indicate that, for most of the trace elements examined, the residual phases account for the largest proportion of the total concentrations, and their total extractable fractions are mainly from reducible and oxidizable phases. Only Cd, Pb, and Zn have an appreciable extractable proportion from the acidic phase in the filled dredged sediments. Our groundwater monitoring data suggest that the dredged sediments are mainly subject to a decrease in pH and a series of oxidation reactions, when exposed to the atmosphere. Because the trace elements released by carbonate dissolution and the oxidation (e.g., organic matter degradation, iron sulfide and, ammonia oxidation) are subsequently immobilized by sorption to iron, manganese, and aluminum oxides, no potential contaminants to local groundwater are expected by addition of the dredged sediments to this site.
Phase II Study of Paclitaxel Given Once per Week Along With Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab in Patients With Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

Purpose The CLEOPATRA (Clinical Evaluation of Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab) study demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival when pertuzumab was added to trastuzumab and docetaxel. Paclitaxel given once per week is effective and less toxic than docetaxel. We performed a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pertuzumab and trastuzumab with paclitaxel given once per week. Patients and Methods Patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer with zero to one prior therapy were enrolled. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 once per week plus trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose → 6 mg/kg) once every 3 weeks plus pertuzumab (840 mg loading dose → 420 mg) once every 3 weeks, all given intravenously. The primary end point was 6-month PFS assessed by Kaplan-Meier methods. Results From January 2011 to December 2013, we enrolled 69 patients: 51 (74%) and 18 (26%) treated in first- and second-line metastatic settings, respectiv...
Effects of statins on coronary and peripheral endothelial function in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of statins on peripheral and coronary endothelial function in patients with and without established cardiovascular disease.Background: Early atherosclerosis is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, a known prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease.Methods and results: The search included MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE to identify studies up to 1 December 2009. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials on the effects of statins compared with placebo on endothelial function. Two reviewers extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Forty-six eligible trials enrolled a total of 2706 patients: 866 (32%) were women and 432 (16%) had established cardiovascular disease. Meta-analysis using random-effects models showed treatment with statins significantly improved endothelial function [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.85, p < 0.001]. Subgroup analyses demonstrated statistically ...
The international transmission of information in Eurodollar futures markets: a continuously trading market hypothesis

Abstract This paper studies the transmission of information in three Eurodollar futures markets, the IMM, SIMEX and LIFFE. The results show that relevant information is revealed during the trading hours of the IMM and LIFFE, but not the SIMEX. The interest rates of the three markets are cointegrated with a single common stochastic trend. Granger-causality runs from the market that is placed in the last trading order within 24 hours in the vector error correction model and this causal relationship is shorter than one day. An approach of variance decomposition and impulse response functions exploring the common factor in the cointegration system is employed. Analogous to the causality results, the common factor is driven by the last trading market in the 24-hour trading sequence. Specifically, each market, while it is trading, impounds all the information and rides on the common stochastic trend. The overall results suggest that these three markets can be considered one continuously trading market.
Hepatoma in a mangabey (Cercocebus atys).

Absivnct. A male sooty mangabey that died suddenly had a tumor that had metastasized to the lung and omenturn. The tumor was composed of well-differentiated epithelial cells that were similar to normal hepatic parenchymal tissue. It was diagnosed as a hepatoma.
Ryanodine Receptor Current Amplitude Controls Ca2+ Sparks in Cardiac Muscle

Rationale:In cardiac muscle, Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is mediated by ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels. The inherent positive feedback of CICR is normally well-controlled. Understanding this control mechanism is a priority because its malfunction has life-threatening consequences. Objective:We show that CICR local control is governed by SR Ca2+ load, largely because load determines the single RyR current amplitude that drives inter-RyR CICR. Methods and Results:We differentially manipulated single RyR Ca2+ flux amplitude and SR Ca2+ load in permeabilized ventricular myocytes as an endogenous cell biology model of the heart. Large RyR-permeable organic cations were used to interfere with Ca2+ conductance through the open RyR pore. Single-channel studies show this attenuates current amplitude without altering other aspects of RyR function. In cells, the same experimental maneuver increased resting SR Ca2+ load. Despite the increased load, Ca2+ spark ...