cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and population structure in lines of chickens divergently selected for high and low 8-week body weight

A long-term selection experiment for high or low 8-wk BW in White Plymouth Rock chickens was conducted to study effects of selection on BW and correlated characters. Two lines [high (HWS), low (LWS) weight] were established and have undergone 48 generations of selection. The lines were managed to curtail inbreeding and to maintain similar population structures; such is necessary for equitable comparison of selection response between lines. Our objective was to test the success of that breeding strategy by characterizing genetic diversity and inbreeding in these lines. A pedigree of 5,998 individuals was assembled, with 68 founders, 2,962 HWS chickens, and 2,968 LWS chickens. Inbreeding coefficients (F) were calculated for each line. Maximum F was 0.53 and 0.61, mean F was 0.26 (SD 0.15) and 0.30 (SD 0.17), and change in F was 1.3 and 1.6% per generation in LWS and HWS lines, respectively. The effective population size was 38.3 in LWS and 32.1 in HWS lines. The effective number of founders was 15.7 in both lines, and the effective number of ancestors was 17.5 and 15.5 in LWS and HWS lines, respectively. Thirty ancestors accounted for 90% of the genetic makeup of both lines. Seven male and eight female founders still contributed to both lines at generation 48, although some contributed more to one line than the other. Family sizes were similar for males and females of each line, with males having larger family sizes with greater variance. Accumulated inbreeding was high and effective population size was low, as expected in closed lines. Effective number of founders was relatively low compared with actual number of founders, indicating some contributed more than others to the last generation. Family size statistics indicated that fewer males than females were used, leading to the observed levels of inbreeding. Given their similarity in genetic diversity and family size, it can be concluded that breeding decisions throughout the project resulted in similar population structures in the lines.
In vitro Evaluation of Macrophage Adhesion and Proliferation on Alumina

Extensive interactions of inflammatory cells (such as macrophages) with biomaterials at the host-implant interface are often blamed for failure of implanted biomedical devices [1]. While previous studies have shown increased in vitro and in vivo bone cell (osteoblast) responses on nanophase ceramics [2], few (if any) studies have been conducted to elucidate inflammatory cell responses on such novel materials. In this study, we reported that macrophage adhesion and proliferation on nanophase (97.7 nm grain size) alumina (Al2O3) was significantly less than conventional (187.4 nm grain size) alumina, respectively, after 4, 12, 24 h. The present study provides evidence of the ability of nanophase alumina to down-regulate macrophage adhesion and proliferation, which is imperative for the future consideration of nanophase materials for orthopedic and dental applications.
Socioeconomic Correlates of Increasing Crime Rates in Smaller Communities

This research analyzes changes in crime rates by city size and determines the extent to which these changes can be explained by socioeconomic variables. More particularly it addresses rates of change in mean crime rates for violent and property crime between 1976–1984 and 1985–1994 for all U. S. cities, then compares results to Ohio cities. It provides a detailed analysis of changing crime rates in 111 Ohio cities with populations between 10,000 and 99,999 inhabitants and attempts to account for crime differentials between these cities employing linear regression and factor analysis. Results indicate that crime is significantly related to poverty and its associated conditions and processes.
Contribution of passive resistive torque to total peak concentric isokinetic torque of the calf muscle-tendon unit

The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of the passive resistive torque to the total peak concentric isokinetic torque of the calf muscle-tendon unit. Thirty healthy, active women (age: 32 [SD 8] years) were tested using a KIN-COM 500H force dynamometer. The right calf muscle-tendon unit was first stretched passively at 5°.s -1 from relaxed plantar flexion to the maximal angle of available dorsiflexion to measure the passive resistive torque. Subjects then performed maximal concentric plantar flexion from the maximal dorsiflexion angle at randomized test velocities of 30, 60, 120 and 180°.s -1 . The passive resistive torque was subtracted from the total concentric peak torque to determine the active concentric peak torque. The angular delay from the onset of movement to the angle of total peak and active peak torques, and the percent contribution of the passive resistive torque to the total peak torque were calculated. One-way ANOVA procedures showed that the total and active peak torques decreased, and their respective angular delays increased, with increasing test velocities (P < 0.001). The active peak torque was less than the total peak torque (P < 0.001), and the angular delay for the active peak torque was greater than for the total peak torque among all test velocities (P < 0.001). The percent contribution of the passive resistive torque to the total peak torque ranged from 10.5% to 11.5%, but this did not differ among the four concentric test velocities. The passive resistive torque contributed significantly to the total peak concentric torque and shifted the angular delay toward the onset of movement. The passive resistive torque contribution was essentially constant among the four test velocities, probably influenced by the decrease in concentric peak torques and the increase in the angular delay that resulted from the increasing test velocities.
Morphologic and morphometric studies of muscle in idiopathic scoliosis.

The gluteus maximus and paraspinal muscles in IS cases of idiopathic scoliosis at the apex of the curve showed myopathic changes and a significant decrease in the type II fibers. Fiber type II atrophy was observed only on the concave side. Ultra-structure of paraspinal and gluteus muscle biopsies snowed disruption of myofilaments, Z band streaming and subsarcolemmal accumulation of glycogen, lipid and mitochondria. Quantitative estimation of these subcellular organelles pointed out that a higher glycogen content was significant in both paraspinal as well as the gluteus muscles while a higher mitochondrial content was significant only on the convex side and the gluteus muscle but not the concave side of the apex when compared to normal quadriceps muscle. These findings suggest that idiopathic scoliosis is a diffuse disease process and may be considered a primary muscle disease.
Neural mechanisms of high-risk decisions-to-drink in alcohol dependent women

A hallmark of alcohol dependence (AD) is continually drinking despite the risk of negative consequences. Currently, it is not known if the pattern of disordered activation in AD is more compatible with an over-sensitive reward system, a deficit in control systems or a combination of both to produce the high risk-taking behavior observed in alcohol dependents (ADs). Here, alcohol cues were used in an ecological decisions-to-drink task that involved high- and low-risk scenarios where the chance of serious negative imagined consequences was varied. Non-alcohol cues were included as control stimuli. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal change in 15 alcohol-dependent and 16 control women. This design allowed us to address two major questions concerning AD: first, is there a specific pattern of disordered activation that drives the heightened endorsement of high-risk decisions-to-drink in ADs? And, second, is that pattern specific to decisions-to-drink or does it generalize to other appetitive and/or neutral cues? The results showed that, during high-risk decisions-to-drink, alcohol-dependent women activated reward circuits, cognitive control circuits and regions of the default-mode network (DMN), while control women deactivated approach circuits and showed enhanced activation in regions of the DMN. Group differences were found only for decisions-to-drink, suggesting that they are specific to alcohol cues. Simultaneous activation of reward networks, cognitive control networks and the DMN in alcohol-dependent women suggests that over-endorsement of high-risk drinking decisions by alcohol-dependent women may be due to a problem with switching between different neural networks.
Storage and recovery of elastic potential energy powers ballistic prey capture in toads.

SUMMARY Ballistic tongue projection in toads is a remarkably fast and powerful movement. The goals of this study were to: (1) quantify in vivo power output and activity of the depressor mandibulae muscles that are responsible for ballistic mouth opening, which powers tongue projection; (2) quantify the elastic properties of the depressor mandibulae muscles and their series connective tissues using in situ muscle stimulation and force-lever studies; and (3) develop and test an elastic recoil model, based on the observed elastic properties of the depressor mandibulae muscles and series connective tissues, that accounts for displacement, velocity, acceleration and power output during ballistic mouth opening in toads. The results demonstrate that the depressor mandibulae muscles of toads are active for up to 250 ms prior to mouth opening. During this time, strains of up to 21.4% muscle resting length ( ML ) develop in the muscles and series connective tissues. At maximum isometric force, series connective tissues develop strains up to 14% ML , and the muscle itself develops strains up to 17.5% ML . When the mouth opens rapidly, the peak instantaneous power output of the depressor mandibulae muscles and series connective tissues can reach 9600 W kg –1 . The results suggest that: (1) elastic recoil of muscle itself can contribute significantly to the power of ballistic movements; (2) strain in series elastic elements of the depressor mandibulae muscle is too large to be borne entirely by the cross bridges and the actin–myosin filament lattice; and (3) central nervous control of ballistic tongue projection in toads likely requires the specification of relatively few parameters.
Adolescents' Development of Skills for Agency in Youth Programs: Learning to Think Strategically

This research examines how youth in arts and leadership programs develop skills for organizing actions over time to achieve goals. Ethnically diverse youth (ages 13–21) in 11 high-quality urban and rural programs were interviewed as they carried out projects. Qualitative analyses of 712 interviews with 108 youth yielded preliminary grounded theory about youth’s development of strategic thinking, defined as use of dynamic systems reasoning to anticipate real-word scenarios and plan work. Strategic thinking appeared to develop through youth’s creative engagement with tactical challenges in the work and feedback from the work’s outcomes. Program advisors supported this development by giving youth control and by providing nondirective assistance when needed.
Theory of longitudinal beam halo in RF linacs. I. Core/test-particle formulation

For intense beams, the analysis of tenuous halo components of the particle distribution that surround the main core of the beam can be challenging. So-called core/test-particle models in which a test-particle is evolved in the applied and space-charge forces of the beam core have been instrumental in understanding the structure and extent of transverse beam halo produced by resonant particle interactions with the oscillating space-charge forces of a mismatched beam core. Here we present a core/test-particle model developed for the analysis of longitudinal beam halo in intense, ion-beam rf linacs. Equations of motion are derived for a test-particle moving interior to, and exterior to, a uniform density ellipsoidal beam bunch. Coupled transverse-longitudinal mismatch modes of the ellipsoidal beam envelope are analyzed. Typical parameters suggest the possibility of a low-order resonant interaction between longitudinal particle oscillations and a low-frequency envelope mode. Properties of this resonance are analyzed in an accompanying paper by the authors in these proceedings.
Late results of the left subcostal approach for automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation.

Abstract A left subcostal surgical approach was used to implant an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) in 48 patients with a history of nonfatal cardiac arrest or documented ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation. Electrophysiologic studies before surgery yielded induction of monomorphic or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in 40 patients, whereas 8 were noninducible. Mean (± standard deviation) age was 58 ± 12 years. Mean ejection fraction was 33 ± 16%. Thirty patients (63%) had documented coronary artery disease; 14 patients (29%) had previous coronary bypass surgery. The mean intraoperative defibrillation threshold was 13.8 ± 6.6 J. In 6 patients, an adjunctive right minithoracotomy was used to position 1 patch over the right atrium and thus optimize the defibrillation threshold. Patients with prior exposure to amiodarone and previous coronary bypass surgery had higher defibrillation thresholds at implantation. Two perioperative deaths occurred. There were no infections. Long-term follow-up yielded a 1- and 5-year survival of 0.88 and 0.58, respectively, and a freedom from sudden cardiac death of 1.0 and 0.97, respectively. The nonthoracotomy, left subcostal surgical approach is safe and effective, provides adequate defibrillation thresholds in most patients, and yields long-term survival comparable to other implantation techniques.
Overexpression of cyclins D1 and D3 during estrogen-induced breast oncogenesis in female ACI rats

A common feature of human breast oncogenesis is cell cycle deregulation. The expression of cyclins D1 and D3 was examined during estradiol-17b (E2)-induced mammary tumorigenesis in female August Copenhagen Irish (ACI) rats. Low serum E2 levels (� 60–120 pg/ml) were sufficient to induce mammary gland tumors (MGTs) that remarkably resemble human ductal breast cancer (BC) at the histopathologic and molecular levels. Western blot analysis of the E2-induced MGTs revealed a marked rise in cyclins D1 (24-fold), D3 (9-fold) and cdk4 (3-fold) expression compared with age-matched untreated controls. Small focal dysplasias with large, pale staining nuclei were commonly seen at 3–3.6 months, large focal dysplasias, including atypical ductal hyperplasia at 3.6–4.3 months, ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCISs) at 4.3–5.0 months, and 100% incidence of invasive ductal BC/frank tumors at 5–6 months were detected after E2 treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of serial sections of focal dysplasias, DCISs and invasive ductal carcinomas showed overexpression of cyclins D1, D3, estrogen receptor-a (ERa) and progesterone receptor (PR). However, cyclin D3 expression, unlike D1, was confined essentially to early pre-malignant lesions (focal dysplasias and DCISs) and primary MGTs with 51–5% of resting and normal hyperplastic breast cells staining positive. The kinase activity for cyclins D1 and D3, using retinoblastoma (Rb) as a substrate, in E2-induced MGTs and their binding to cdk4 was significantly elevated. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analysis of the E2-induced MGTs exhibited increased expression of cyclins D1 (2.9-fold) and D3 (1.4-fold) mRNA, indicating that their elevated protein expression was due in part to an increase in mRNA transcription. However, when analyzed by quantitative real-time Q-PCR, these genes were not amplified. These data indicate that in female ACI rat mammary glands, E2-induced pre-malignant lesions differentially and selectively express cyclins D1 and D3, thus contributing to a distinct growth advantage of these pre-neoplasias relative to E2-elicited normal hyperplasia.
Morphological and physiological changes in the lamellibranch, Mytilus edulis, after 6-OH-DOPA administration

Lateral ciliary activity was studied on gill preparations of the mussel Mytilus edulis. Electrical stimulation of the branchial nerve accelerated ciliary beating. The cilioex‐citatory effect of electrical stimulation of the branchial nerve on the lateral ciliated cell decreased after intramuscular injection of 6‐OH‐DOPA. Scanning electron microscopic observations of the branchial nerve and visceral ganglion show degeneration of neuronal structures. Therefore, it appears likely that the lateral ciliated cell is dependent on the branchial nerve and visceral ganglion for its neuronal regulation.
Nanoassembly of immobilized ligninolytic enzymes for biocatalysis, bioremediation and biosensing

Extracellular enzymes, lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) from white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosoporium, have been shown to degrade various harmful organic compounds ranging from chlorinated compounds to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to polymeric dyes. The problems in using immobilized enzymes for biocatalysis/bioremediation are their loss of activity and long-term stability. To address these issues, adsorption by layer-by-layer assembly (LbL) using polyelectrolytes, entrapment using gelatin, and chmisorption using coupling reagents have been investigated. In order to increase surface area for catalysis, porous silicon, formed by electrochemical etching of silicon, has been considered. The efficacy of these extremely stable nanoassemblies towards degradation of model organic compounds-veratryl alcohol (VA and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP)-in aqueous and in a mixture of aqueous/acetone has already been demonstrated. In parallel, we are pursuing development of sensors using these immobilized enzymes. Experiments carried out in solution show that NO can reversibly bind Ferri-LiP to produce a diamagnetic complex with a distinct change in its optical spectrum. NO can be photolyzed off to produce the spectrum of native paramagnetic ferri-species. Preliminary data on the detection of NO by LiP, based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using fiber optic probe, are presented.
Intracellular Chloride Channels: Determinants of Function in the Endosomal Pathway

Endosomes, and related subcellular compartments, contain various Cl- channels in the ClC family. In this review, we describe the known roles of intracellular Cl- channels and also explore some of the functional implications of transmembrane Cl- flux in these organelles. Cl- influx acts to control intralumenal pH, both by shunting the effects of the proton pump on membrane potential and, possibly, through direct effects of Cl- on the proton pump. Changes in intralumenal pH likely help regulate membrane trafficking. We propose that changes in intralumenal Cl- concentration ([Cl-]) could theoretically play a direct role in regulating membrane trafficking and organellar function through effects on chloride-sensitive proteins in the vesicular membrane, which could transduce information about intralumenal [Cl-] to the outside of the vesicle and thereby recruit various signaling molecules. We present a model in which regulation of cytosolic [Cl-] and vesicular Cl- conductance could help control the amount or type of neurotransmitter stored in a particular population of synaptic vesicles.
The resource-based view and marketing: The role of market-based assets in gaining competitive advantage

This article posits a framework that shows how market-based assets and capabilities are leveraged via market-facing or core business processes to deliver superior customer value and competitive advantages. These value elements and competitive advantages can be leveraged to result in superior corporate performance and shareholder value and reinvested to nurture market-based assets and capabilities in the future. The article also illustrates how resource-based view (RBV) and marketing considerations in the context of generating and sustaining customer value can refine and extend each other’s traditional frames of analysis. Finally, the article posits a set of research directions designed to enable scholars to further advance the integration of RBV and marketing from both theory-driven practice management as well as a problem-driven theory development perspectives.
The Centervertex Theorem for Wedge Depth

There are many depth measures on point sets that yield centerpoint theorems. These theorems guarantee the existence of points of a specified depth, a kind of geometric median. However, the deep point guaranteed to exist is not guaranteed to be among the input, and often, it is not. The �-wedge depth of a point with respect to a point set is a natural generalization of halfspace depth that replaces halfspaces with wedges (cones or cocones) of angle �. We introduce the notion of a centervertex, a point with depth at least n d+1 among the set S. We prove that for any finite set S ⊂ R d , a centervertex exists. We also present a simple algorithm for computing an approximate centervertex.
The feasibility of a web-based counselling program for occupational physicians and employees on sick leave due to back or neck pain.

Background: The objective of this feasibility study was to gain insight into occupational physicians' (OPs) and employees' use of, and attitudes towards, 'Snelbeter' (Get Well Fast), a new web-based counselling program for employees on sick leave due to non-specific back or neck pain and their OPs. Methods: Registered user information was collected from the website to get insight in the use of the program by employees (n = 24). Qualitative information was obtained through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 OPs and nine employees in order to get insight in the actual use of the provided information, the attitudes towards the program and possible improvements of the program. Results: Actual use of the program among OPs was low. The majority of OPs, eight out of 11 (73%), never or only occasionally signed in. The greatest obstacle for OPs to use the program was the low number of eligible employees involved. Employees appreciated the program but their use was moderate. A small majority of the employees who used the program, 14 out of 24 (58%), opened 50% to 100% of the provided documents, a majority of the interviewed employees, seven out of nine (78%), used the provided information sometimes or regularly. The absence of personal contact was found to be a major barrier towards use of the program by employees. Conclusion: Although both OPs and employees appreciated the idea of the program and employees appreciated using it, program utilization was moderate to low. The discussion section reveals that before implementation can be started to any extent, the program will need adaptations that make it more attractive to use. The program should be considered for both return to work (RTW) and the prevention of sick leave. Adding personal contact (e.g. involving physiotherapists) to the program may also be promising.
Dietary Treatment for Gastroparesis

Processing of ingested food by the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine, is paramount to adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients. The constellation of symptoms and upper gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with gastroparesis can create a propensity for acute or chronic malnourishment which can be debilitating or even life-threatening. Many patients with gastroparesis consume diets deficient in calories, vitamins, and minerals. Dietary treatment is indicated as a means of reducing the impact of delayed gastric emptying on food processing/absorption and is tailored to improve symptoms, making it important in the treatment of the patient with gastroparesis.
Latitudinal gradients and diversity of the leaf-cutting ants (atta and acromyrmex) (hymenoptera : formicidae)

Current biogeographic patterns of the 12 genera of the gardening ant tribe Attini are examined. Six of the genera are more concentrated in the southern subtropics of South America, and the true leaf-cutting ants, Atta and Acromyrmex , markedly so. No pattern of taxonomic diversity following phylogeny emerges, and the hypothesis that leaf-cutting ants evolved in the tropical rain-forest cannot be assumed to be confirmed. The taxonomic diversity of attine ants on Caribbean islands was examined in terms of biogeographic theory. Island surface area and distance from the mainland were important in predicting species numbers present, yet these two factors only explained less than 50% of the observed taxonomic diversity.
Comparison of Technetium-99m-Q3 and Thallium-201 for Detection of Coronary Artery Disease in Humans

UNLABELLED Technetium-99m-Q3 is a myocardial imaging agent that produces prompt myocardial visualization in humans. METHODS In 19 patients with angiographic coronary artery disease, 2 patients with no angiographic coronary artery stenosis greater than 50% of the luminal diameter and 6 healthy volunteers, exercise and resting myocardial imaging were performed with 99mTc-Q3 and also with 201Tl. Technetium-99m-Q3 imaging began 15 min after injection at rest and with exercise, in a complete imaging sequence that required less than 100 min. RESULTS Overall accuracy for coronary disease detection was 78% (21 true-positive or true-negative studies among 27 study participants) by tomographic thallium imaging versus 89% for 99mTc-Q3 tomographic imaging (p = ns). Accuracy for detection of individual coronary stenoses was 75% (61 true-positive or true-negative coronary segment classifications among 81 total coronary segments) for 201Tl imaging and 83% for 99mTc-Q3 imaging (p = ns). CONCLUSIONS Technetium-99m-Q3 when used in a rest-exercise sequence that can be completed in 100 min appears to provide comparable diagnostic accuracy to 201Tl for overall coronary disease detection and detection of individual coronary artery stenoses.
Regulation of the glucose transporter in animal models of diabetes.

Glucose oxidation, a major source of metabolic energy for mammalian cells, depends upon the transport of glucose across the cell surface membrane by specific carrier proteins. Two general classes of glucose transporters are found in mammalian cells. The first category of glucose transporters are the Na+/dependent glucose co-transporters which are found in the brush border membrane of epithelial cells in the small intestine and proximal tubule of the kidney.1 These carriers actively transport glucose from the lumen into the epithelial cell against its concentration gradient by coupling the uphill movement of glucose with the downhill movement of Na+ across its concentration gradient. The necessary Na+ gradient for this transport process is maintained by the Na+/K+ATPase found on the basolateral membrane of these epithelial cells.
Competition Strategy of Stock Commercial Banks in Open Circumstance

According to five-strength model of Porter, the essay analyzed the open circumstance where Chinese stock commercial banks developed after entering WTO. The essay suggested in the open circumstance where there were great competition came from state-owned banks?foreign banks and stock market, the stock commercial banks should make competition strategy guided by searching larger scale, based on supplying new financial products and assured by establishing risk management system. The essay also gave suggestions on how to do it. .
On the Cultural Institution and Morden Credit in China

This essay,based on the institutional economics,tries to analyse the fundamental institutional reasons for the backwardness of modern credit in China,especially on the cultural aspect.In conclusion,we think that the fundamental reasons lie in the lack of rational culture and spirits of legality.
6 A CASE OF NON-ISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH POLYGLANDULAR AUTOIMMUNE SYNDROME TYPE II

Background A case of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy associated with polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type II (PASII) is presented. This syndrome consists of Addison9s disease in combination with either autoimmune thyroid disease or type 1 diabetes, and it commonly includes hypogonadism. Associations between PASII and multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis have been reported. While cardiomyopathy of presumed autoimmune origin has been associated with other autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosis and celiac disease, association with PASII has not previously been described. Case The patient is a white male who from age 32-37 was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus, Crohn9s disease, Addison9s disease, and hypogonadism. At age 39 he presented with severe congestive heart failure (CHF). He was found to have normal coronary arteries, an ejection fraction of less than 15% with global hypokinesis, and trifascicular block with right bundle branch block, left anterior fascicular block, and 1st degree AV block. Anti-cardiac myosin antibodies were present. Treatment of his CHF was complicated by the coexisting Addison9s disease. His heart failure progressed rapidly and he required a continuous dobutamine infusion, placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump, and later a left ventricular assist device. A donor heart eventually became available and cardiac transplant was performed. Pathology of his native heart confirmed a chronic autoimmune process. Follow-up He has done well after transplant and at last follow-up had no complaints. He was recently able to take a 7-8 mile hike with his son and reported only mild dyspnea on walking up steep hills. He has had no severe rejection episodes. His Crohn9s disease has been in complete remission, presumably due to his immunosuppressive medications. Conclusions While autoimmune cardiomyopathy has been associated with other autoimmune disorders, this is the first known case of cardiomyopathy in association with a polyglandular autoimmune syndrome.
Neurophysiologic Assessment in the Management of Spinal Dysraphism

Neurophysiologic techniques provide a valuable addition to the armamentarium of tools for the evaluation of sensory and motor function in the pediatric spinal cord. These techniques include median, radial, and ulnar nerve evoked potentials from the upper extremity; common peroneal and tibial nerve evoked potentials from the lower extremity; dermatomal potentials; and compound muscle action potentials and compound nerve action potentials. The techniques that evaluate the sensory system have been used extensively and effectively as research tools, as adjuncts to diagnostic evaluation, and for intraoperative monitoring. There is a considerable literature that describes the properties of SEPs in the infant and young child. Techniques for assessing the descending pathways have been developed in the last 10 years. These techniques hold great promise as both diagnostic and intraoperative monitoring tools. Many questions, however, still exist concerning their value and use. The rapidly increasing capability available in computer systems is also providing enhanced capability in the acquisition, display, and analysis of neurophysiologic data. It is now common to acquire multiple responses simultaneously, e.g. tibial SEPs, pudendal SEPs, and motor potentials. It is also possible to apply computationally intensive numerical algorithms in real time to enhance signal quality and reduce the time required to produce an interpretable display. Finally, it is possible to monitor multiple cases simultaneously from remote locations. These enhanced computational capabilities are helping to optimize the contribution of neurophysiologic monitoring to patient care.
Lymphoblast purine pathway enzymes in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Activities of enzymes of the purine metabolic pathway, adenosine deaminase (ADA), purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP), and 5′- nucleotidase (5′-N), were investigated in the lymphoblasts of a patient with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These lymphoblasts exhibited increased ADA activity and diminished activities of both PNP and 5′N9 as compared to normal lymphocytes as well as non-T, non-B leukemia cells. This enzymatic pattern is identical to that which has been described in T-cell leukemic lymphoblasts and differs from that which has been observed in the malignant cells of undifferentiated B-cell lymphomas. These data suggest that there is biochemical heterogeneity within the spectrum of B-cell malignancies. Furthermore, inhibitors of ADA may be of use in those B-cell lymphoid neoplasms that exhibit increased ADA activity.
Tort Law: A Modern Perspective

Tort Law: A Modern Perspective is an advanced yet accessible introduction to tort law for lawyers, law students, and others. Reflecting the way tort law is taught today, it explains the cases and legal doctrines commonly found in casebooks using modern ideas about public policy, economics, and philosophy. With an emphasis on policy rationales, Tort Law encourages readers to think critically about the justifications for legal doctrines. Although the topic of torts is specific, the conceptual approach should pay dividends to those who are interested broadly in regulatory policy and the role of law. Incorporating three decades of advancements in tort scholarship, Tort Law is the textbook for modern torts classrooms.
Caution is Needed in Designing Pharmacy Coverage.

Pharmaceuticals are a critical component of modern medical care and have contributed substantially to health and quality of life. They are also expensive, accounting for ≈10% of US health care costs.[1][1] By the end of this year, Medicare beneficiaries are expected to spend $343 billion on
Spatial Determinants of Attention

When an animal engages in a directed course of action, it organizes its behavior with reference to the position of its body, using the spatial coordinates of the surrounding environment. All natural environments have a spatial organization that can be mapped in a Cartesian coordinate system. Although this fact seems intuitive today, the question of how space is represented within the observer has been one of the enduring problems for philosophers and scientists throughout the ages. Kant (1931) argued that humans have an intrinsic spatial grid that provides an internal representation of external Cartesian space. According to Kant, this spatial grid provides an a priori framework on which all external reality is organized.
Secure girls: Class, sexuality, and self-esteem:

Public discourse is replete with talk about the fragility of young women’s self-esteem, linking poor self-concept to a range of social problems associated with girlhood. We know little about the im...
Pictorial Playground-Based Physical Activity Assessment Instrument: Uses and Applications of the ADL-PP.

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) are designed to support children in getting 60 minutes of daily physical activity, as well as meet SHAPE America's goal of developing physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime. The Activities for Daily Living – Playground Play (ADL-PP) is introduced in this article as a means to help physical education teachers and CSPAP leaders support children in meeting such goals. The ADL-PP is a pictorially based, valid and reliable instrument designed to assess children's playground-based activity behavior. The benefits, uses and applications of this instrument are introduced and described in this article. Particular attention is given to how the ADL-PP aligns with the National Standards, providing a simple, inexpensive method to help increase and document discretionary-time physical activity, as well as promote learning across the psychomotor, cognitive and affective domains.
Entanglement as measure of electron–electron correlation in quantum chemistry calculations

Abstract In quantum chemistry calculations, the correlation energy is defined as the difference between the Hartree–Fock limit energy and the exact solution of the nonrelativistic Schrodinger equation. With this definition, the electron correlation effects are not directly observable. In this report, we show that the entanglement can be used as an alternative measure of the electron correlation in quantum chemistry calculations. Entanglement is directly observable and it is one of the most striking properties of quantum mechanics. As an example we calculate the entanglement for He atom and H2 molecule with different basis sets.
Etelcalcetide, A Novel Calcimimetic, Prevents Vascular Calcification in A Rat Model of Renal Insufficiency with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Etelcalcetide, a novel peptide agonist of the calcium-sensing receptor, prevents vascular calcification in a rat model of renal insufficiency with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Vascular calcification occurs frequently in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is a consequence of impaired mineral homeostasis and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Etelcalcetide substantially lowers parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) levels in SHPT patients on hemodialysis. This study compared the effects of etelcalcetide and paricalcitol on vascular calcification in rats with adenine-induced CKD and SHPT. Uremia and SHPT were induced in male Wistar rats fed a diet supplemented with 0.75% adenine for 4 weeks. Rats were injected with vehicle, etelcalcetide, or paricalcitol for 4 weeks from the beginning of adenine diet. Rats fed an adenine-free diet were included as nonuremic controls. Similar reductions in plasma PTH and parathyroid chief cell proliferation were observed in both etelcalcetide- and paricalcitol-treated rats. Serum calcium and phosphorus were significantly lower in etelcalcetide-treated uremic rats and was unchanged in paricalcitol-treated rats. Both serum FGF23 and aortic calcium content were significantly lower in etelcalcetide-treated uremic rats compared with either vehicle- or paricalcitol-treated uremic rats. The degree of aortic calcium content for etelcalcetide-treated rats was similar to that in nonuremic controls and corroborated findings of lack of histologic aortic mineralization in those groups. In conclusion, etelcalcetide and paricalcitol similarly attenuated progression of SHPT in an adenine rat model of CKD. However, etelcalcetide differentially prevented vascular calcification, at least in part, due to reductions in serum FGF23, calcium, and phosphorus levels.
3-D electromechanical wave imaging in the heart in silico and in vivo

Electromechanical wave imaging (EWI) is an ultrasound-based methodology that can map the electromechanical activation of the heart at high temporal resolution. Previous reports have shown strong correlation between EWI-based and electrical activation times. However, EWI has been performed only with 2D echocardiography, which cannot map the full cardiac volume in a single heartbeat. Our objective in this study was to show the feasibility of 3D EWI in silico and in vivo.
A surfactant polymer dressing potentiates antimicrobial efficacy in biofilm disruption.

A 100% water-soluble surfactant polymer dressing (SPD) that is bio-compatible and non-ionic has been reported to improve wound closure in preliminary clinical studies. The mechanism of action of SPD in wound healing remains unclear. Biofilm infection is a significant problem that hinders proper wound closure. The objective of this study was to characterize the mechanism of action of SPD inhibition of bacterial biofilm development. Static biofilms (48 h) of the primary wound pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA01), Staphylococcus aureus (USA300) were grown on polycarbonate membranes and treated with SPD with and without antibiotics for an additional 24 h. The standard antibiotics – tobramycin (10 μg/ml) for PA01 and rifampicin (10 μg/ml) for USA300, were used in these studies. Following 24 h treatment with and without antibiotics, the biofilms were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) structural imaging, in vitro imaging system (IVIS) proliferation imaging, colony forming units (CFU), viability assay, quantitative PCR (qPCR) for virulence gene expression. Because SPD is a surfactant based dressing, it potentially has a direct effect on Gram negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas primarily due to the lipid-based outer membrane of the bacteria. SPD is a surfactant based dressing that has potent anti-biofilm properties directly or in synergy with antibiotics.
Accelerating Machine Learning Inference with Probabilistic Predicates

Classic query optimization techniques, including predicate pushdown, are of limited use for machine learning inference queries, because the user-defined functions (UDFs) which extract relational columns from unstructured inputs are often very expensive; query predicates will remain stuck behind these UDFs if they happen to require relational columns that are generated by the UDFs. In this work, we demonstrate constructing and applying probabilistic predicates to filter data blobs that do not satisfy the query predicate; such filtering is parametrized to different target accuracies. Furthermore, to support complex predicates and to avoid per-query training, we augment a cost-based query optimizer to choose plans with appropriate combinations of simpler probabilistic predicates. Experiments with several machine learning workloads on a big-data cluster show that query processing improves by as much as 10x.
Principles of ultrasound elastography

Tissue stiffness has long been known to be a biomarker of tissue pathology. Ultrasound elastography measures tissue mechanical properties by monitoring the response of tissue to acoustic energy. Different elastographic techniques have been applied to many different tissues and diseases. Depending on the pathology, patient-based factors, and ultrasound operator-based factors, these techniques vary in accuracy and reliability. In this review, we discuss the physical principles of ultrasound elastography, discuss differences between different ultrasound elastographic techniques, and review the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques in clinical practice.
Interoception and autonomic nervous system reflexes thermoregulation

Important conceptual changes concerning human thermoregulation have occurred in the last decade. While the hypothalamus maintains its central role in sensing core temperature and providing connectivity to orchestrate heat loss and cold defense autonomic neuronal mechanisms, it is now regarded as one of multiple, independent thermoeffector pathways that control core body temperature. Recent research in primate central and peripheral thermosensitivity has emphasized the importance of temperature-activated transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and afferent neuronal pathways from peripheral thermosensors that are activated by unique combinations of core and shell temperature. The interoceptive aspects of behavioral thermoregulation have been emphasized including the primary importance of shell (skin) temperature, the concept of thermal discomfort and the important contribution of orbitofrontal, insular, somatosensory, and amygdala cortical regions deployed to anticipate and avoid thermal stress. Clinical testing of human thermoregulation requires afferent stimuli to activate the independent thermoeffector loops while monitoring an efferent response. Patterns of sweat gland activation, amount of sweat produced, and areas of anhidrosis demonstrated by the thermoregulatory and axon reflex sweat testing provide diagnostic information about neurological and medical disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
Synthesis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-β-L-fucopyranosyl-D-glucose☆

Abstract Crystalline 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-β-L-fucopyranosyl-D-glucose was synthesized by condensation of 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-α-L-fucopyranosyl bromide either with benzyl 2-acetamido-3-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside or with benzyl 2-acetamido-3,4-di-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranoside, followed by removal of the protecting acetyl and benzyl groups. The resulting disaccharide was characterized by means of a crystalline alditol derivative.
Rethinking police education in the United States

ABSTRACTHigher education for police in the United States began as police science and police administration in the early-to-middle 1900s but morphed into criminal justice starting in the 1960s, cont...
Thiazole orange – Spermine conjugate: A potent human telomerase inhibitor comparable to BRACO-19

Abstract In this report, we synthesized a series of TO conjugates containing different amino side chains and investigated their binding to telomeric G-quadruplex DNA (G4) using several biophysical methods including fluorometric titration and thermal denaturation monitored by fluorescence and circular dichroism. The composition of side chains strongly affects the binding of these molecules to G-quadruplex DNA. Incorporation of amino side chains increases the binding affinity of TO toward G4 but has a minimal effect on its selectivity for G4 over duplex DNA. The plausible binding modes are a synergistic effect of end-stacking and groove interactions as indicated by docking studies. Inhibition of human telomerase activity by TO derivatives was determined in vitro by the TRAP assay. Several derivatives can selectively inhibit the activity of telomerase over DNA polymerase at low concentrations. More significantly, TO-spermine conjugate (16) exhibits a remarkable effect on telomerase inhibition in the submicromolar range, which is comparable to the inhibition effect of a well-known G4 ligand, BRACO-19. Our results here provide guidance of utilizing TO derivatives as a viable scaffold to design novel G4 ligands, G4 probes, and potent telomerase inhibitors.
Decay-Associated Fourier Spectroscopy: Visible to Shortwave Infrared Time-Resolved Photoluminescence Spectra.

We describe and implement an interferometric approach to decay-associated photoluminescence spectroscopy, which we term decay-associated Fourier spectroscopy (DAFS). In DAFS, the emitted photon stream from a substrate passes through a variable path length Mach-Zehnder interferometer prior to detection and timing. The interferometer encodes spectral information in the intensity measured at each detector enabling simultaneous spectral and temporal resolution. We detail several advantages of DAFS, including wavelength-range insensitivity, drift-noise cancellation, and optical mode retention. DAFS allows us to direct the photon stream into an optical fiber, enabling the implementation of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors for energy-resolved spectroscopy in the shortwave infrared spectral window (λ = 1-2 μm). We demonstrate the broad applicability of DAFS, in both the visible and shortwave infrared, using two Forster resonance energy transfer pairs: a pair operating with conventional visible wavelengths and a pair showing concurrent acquisition in the visible and the shortwave infrared regime.