cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alive and Dead Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Decrease Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Induced Interleukin-8 Production in Caco-2 Cells

Certain probiotic bacteria show anti-inflammatory activity after being heat killed, whereas others do not, suggesting that the gastrointestinal environment may alter the activity of probiotic bacteria. Occasionally, probiotics are provided when a patient is also being treated with oral antibiotics; this may have an effect on the probiotic activity. We hypothesized that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) are capable of downregulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-induced interleukin (IL)-8 production under all 3 of these conditions, and that LGG act through the nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB)/inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) pathway. Caco-2 cells were treated with live or heat-killed LGG in doses ranging from 10(4) to 10(10) cfu/L, in the presence or absence of antibiotics and TNFalpha in the media. TNFalpha-induced production of IL-8 by Caco-2 cells was modulated by LGG under all 3 conditions. However, higher doses of live LGG without TNFalpha in the presence or absence of antibiotics in vitro induced the production of IL-8 (P = 0.001). Heat-killed LGG also blunted the TNFalpha-induced IL-8 production (P < 0.01), but by itself did not increase IL-8 production at higher doses as markedly as live LGG (P < 0.05). LGG reduced the TNFalpha-induced NFkappaB translocation to the nucleus and lessened the decrease in IkappaB in the cytoplasm (P < 0.05). LGG reduced TNFalpha-induced IL-8 production by affecting the NFkappaB/IkappaB pathway in Caco-2 cells. High doses of live LGG markedly increased IL-8 production, but heat-killed LGG caused only a slight increase in IL-8. Thus, heat-killed LGG may effectively ameliorate inflammation with a lower potential than live LGG at high doses to cause inflammation.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SINGLE STAGE OPERATION OF THE LBL ECR AND THE DESIGN OF AN ADVANCED ECR ION SOURCE

A new mode of operation using only the second stage of the LBL ECR has been developed. This single stage mode produces charge states and currents equal to or better than the traditional two stage operation of the LBL ECR for a variety of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and argon. The critical parameter for this mode appears to be conditioning the plasma chamber walls with a coating of SiO/sub 2/. Various models to explain this effect will be discussed along with implications for ECR ion source design. A new Advanced ECR ion source which will operate at 14 GHz is being designed for the 88-Inch Cyclotron. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 1988 and test operation should begin in the fall of 1989. The design includes hollow core copper wire solenoids, iron yoke, a Nd-Fe-B sextupole, radial pumping, and access to the plasma chamber. 8 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Oberlin transfer and partial radial to axillary nerve neurotization to repair an explosive traumatic injury to the brachial plexus in a child: case report.

Explosive injuries to the pediatric brachial plexus are exceedingly rare and as such are poorly characterized in the medical literature. Herein, we describe an 8-year-old who was struck in the neck by a piece of shrapnel and suffered multiple vascular injuries in addition to a suspected avulsion of the cervical 5 and 6 ventral rami. The patient had a complete upper brachial plexus palsy and failed to demonstrate any clinical improvement at 6-months follow-up. He was taken to the operating from for a partial ulnar to musculocutaneous nerve neurotization as well as a partial radial to axillary nerve neurotization. The patient’s motor exam improved from a Medical Research Council scale 1 to 4+ for biceps brachii and 0 to 4 deltoid function with greater than 90° of shoulder abduction. This outcome supports complex neurotization techniques as viable treatment options for persistent motor deficits following an upper brachial plexus injury in older, non-infant age, children.
Nanotemplate-Engineered Nanoparticles Containing Gadolinium for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Tumors

Purpose: To design nanoparticles containing accessible gadolinium atoms (Gd-NPs) as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging of tumors. Methods: Nanoparticles containing phospholipid-chelates (phosphoethanolamine diethylenetriaminepentaacetate) and DSPE-PEG (MW5000) were prepared from Brij 78 and stearyl alcohol using the nanotemplate engineering approach. After addition of GdCl 3 , the presence of gadolinium on the surface of nanoparticles was quantified using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The in vitro relaxivities of the Gd-NPs in phosphate buffered saline were assessed at 4.7 T. The conditional binding constants of nanoparticle formulations were determined spectrophotometrically by competitive titration. Transmetallation kinetics of Gd 3+ from nanoparticles with Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ as the competing ions was measured in acetate buffer. The biodistribution profiles, pharmacokinetics, and contrast enhancement in tumor region was studied after administration of Gd-NPs to nude mice bearing A549 lung carcinoma xenografts. Results: Gd-NPs with an average diameter of 138 nm possessing surface chelating functions were prepared from GRAS (generally regarded as safe) materials. The longitudinal relaxivity (r 1 ) and transverse relaxivity (r 2 ) of Gd-NPs in 10% fetal bovine serum at 4.7 T were 7.1 (±0.2) and 13.0 (±0.7) 1/mM/s, respectively. These pegylated Gd-NPs had enhanced relaxivities and exhibited particle size stability, sufficient binding affinity, and kinetic inertness under physiologic conditions. The contrast enhancement in tumors was demonstrated 40, 120, and 360 minutes after intravenous injection of Gd-NPs at a dose of 0.1 mmol Gd/kg. The Gd plasma concentration of Gd-NPs over a period of 24 hours fit a two-compartmental model with Cl SYS = 0.89 mL/h and MRT = 5.93 h. The amount of Gd that accumulated in the tumor region was consistent with the estimated value obtained by T 1 measurements using MR imaging. Conclusion: Pegylated nanoparticles composed of biocompatible, biodegradable materials and possessing accessible Gd ions on their surface induce relaxivities in the bulk water signal and accumulated sufficiently in tumors, demonstrating their utility as potential magnetic resonance imaging tumor contrast enhancement agents.
Keratinocyte-derived chemokine in obesity: expression, regulation, and role in adipose macrophage infiltration and glucose homeostasis.

Obese adipose tissue (AT) is associated with chronic inflammation, and we hypothesized that the keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), the mouse ortholog of human interleukin-8, plays a role in obesity-mediated AT inflammation and the subsequent manifestation of insulin resistance. KC expression is increased in the AT and plasma of genetically (ob/ob) and high fat diet-induced obese mouse models, and this increase may be mediated by the elevated leptin and tumor necrosis factor-α levels associated with obesity. Obesity-induced KC expression occurs primarily in stromal vascular cells and not in adipocytes, and it is high in preadipocytes and decreases during adipogenesis. Although KC has no effect on adipogenesis, it induces adipocyte expression of inflammatory factors and the insulin resistance mediator, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. Using chimeric mice deficient in the KC receptor CXCR2 in their bone marrow, we show that the lack of CXCR2 in hematopoietic cells is sufficient to protect from adipose and skeletal muscle macrophage recruitment and development of insulin resistance in diet-induced obese mice. These studies suggest that KC and its receptor CXCR2 are potential targets for the development of new therapeutic approaches for treatment of obesity-related insulin resistance, type II diabetes, and related cardiovascular diseases.
A Federated Approach for Increasing the Timely Throughput of Real-Time Data Services

As the demand for real-time data services (e.g., e-commerce or on line auctions) increases, it is desired for a real-time database to increase the timely throughput-the amount of data processed in a timely manner. As the timely throughput of a centralized real-time database is limited, it is desired to federate a set of real-time databases to increases the timely throughput. However, related work on distributed real-time databases is scarce. Most existing approaches are highly complex, incurring non-trivial overheads. Neither are they implemented in a real database system. To address the problem, we design a new system architecture for federated real-time data services and develop efficient approaches for load sharing among a set of clustered databases. To support the desired data service delay even in the presence of dynamic workloads, each individual database employs a single-input single-output (SISO) feedback admission control scheme. Based on the admission control signals collected from the individual databases, cluster-wide load sharing is performed to enhance the total timely throughput by fully utilizing the federated databases, while avoiding to overload them. We have implemented and evaluated the performance of our approach by extending the Oracle Berkeley DB. Our system significantly enhances the timely data throughput compared to a single centralized system, while effectively dealing with emulated partial unavailability of a set of federated databases.
Maximizing the sustained throughput of distributed continuous queries

Monitoring systems today often involve continuous queries over streaming data, in a distributed collaborative system. The distribution of query operators over a network of processors, and their processing sequence, form a query configuration with inherent constraints on the throughput it can support. In this paper we propose to optimize stream queries with respect to a version of throughput measure, the profiled input throughput. This measure is focused on matching the expected behavior of the input streams. To prune the search space we used hill-climbing techniques that proved to be efficient and effective.
Temporal Patterns of Within-Pair Copulations, Male Mate-Guarding, and Extra-Pair Events in Eastern Red-Winged Blackbirds (Agelaius Phoeniceus)

I studied the timing of within-pair and extra-pair behaviors in an eastern population of red-winged blackbirds. Within-pair activity was highest several days before egg-laying started and during the morning and evening hours. Extra-pair events also peaked just before egg-laying but showed no distinct diurnal pattern. Red-winged blackbird pairs on average copulated 21-22 times per clutch. Males followed their females more than the reverse, but spent only a third of the time within 10 m of their mates. Male presence on the territory deterred potential extra-pair events, and although males were on their territories for 94% of their day, they did leave, apparently to forage, on occasion. Extra-pair events involving these males' females were more likely during these departures than expected by chance. Apparently as a consequence, males went on fewer forays when their female was most fertilizable. Males did not copulate with their females more often than normal just before or after forays or intrusions. Pairs that copulated more often had fewer extra-pair fertilizations in their broods, but no other behaviors were correlated with paternity. These results have several important implications for understanding the effects of sperm competition of mating and parental behavior.
A Single-Amino-Acid Polymorphism in Reovirus Protein μ2 Determines Repression of Interferon Signaling and Modulates Myocarditis

Myocarditis is indicated as the second leading cause of sudden death in young adults. Reovirus induces myocarditis in neonatal mice, providing a tractable model system for investigation of this important disease. Alpha/beta-interferon (IFN-α/β) treatment improves cardiac function and inhibits viral replication in patients with chronic myocarditis, and the host IFN-α/β response is a determinant of reovirus strain-specific differences in induction of myocarditis. Virus-induced IFN-β stimulates a signaling cascade that establishes an antiviral state and further induces IFN-α/β through an amplification loop. Reovirus strain-specific differences in induction of and sensitivity to IFN-α/β are associated with the viral M1, L2, and S2 genes. The reovirus M1 gene-encoded μ2 protein is a strain-specific repressor of IFN-β signaling, providing one possible mechanism for the variation in resistance to IFN and induction of myocarditis between different reovirus strains. We report here that μ2 amino acid 208 determines repression of IFN-β signaling and modulates reovirus induction of IFN-β in cardiac myocytes. Moreover, μ2 amino acid 208 determines reovirus replication, both in initially infected cardiac myocytes and after viral spread, by regulating the IFN-β response. Amino acid 208 of μ2 also influences the cytopathic effect in cardiac myocytes after spread. Finally, μ2 amino acid 208 modulates myocarditis in neonatal mice. Thus, repression of IFN-β signaling mediated by reovirus μ2 amino acid 208 is a determinant of the IFN-β response, viral replication and damage in cardiac myocytes, and myocarditis. These results demonstrate that a single amino acid difference between viruses can dictate virus strain-specific differences in suppression of the host IFN-β response and, consequently, damage to the heart.
Chiropractic management of a patient with postoperative lateral retinacular release using a multimodal approach: a case report

Abstract Objective The purpose of this case report is to describe a chiropractic rehabilitation program for a patient with postsurgical lateral retinaculum release. Clinical Features A 26-year-old male ice hockey goalie presented 1 month after having lateral retinaculum release surgery for his left knee with residual mild discomfort and edema in his left knee. Intervention and Outcome The patient was treated using a multimodal approach of both passive and active chiropractic care focusing on the restoration of full range of motion, increased proprioception, balance, strength, and endurance to return the patient to competitive ice hockey. Conclusion This case study demonstrated that, after 14 weeks of care, the patient was able to return to ice hockey training with no residual symptoms.
Extended object model for product configuration design

This paper presents an extended object model for case-based reasoning (CBR) in product configuration design. In the extended object model, a few methods of knowledge expression are adopted, such as constraints, rules, objects, etc. On the basis of extended object model, case representation model for CBR is applied to product configuration design system. The product configuration knowledge can be represented by the extended object. The model can support all the processes of CBR in product configuration design, such as case representation, indexing, retrieving, and case revising. The presented model is an extension of the traditional object-oriented model by including the relationship class used to express the relation between the cases, constraints class used in the product configuration knowledge representation, index class used in case retrieving, and solution class used in case revising. Therefore, the product configuration knowledge used in the product configuration design can be represented by using this model. In the end, a metering pump product configuration design system is developed on the basis of the proposed product configuration model to support customized products.
Hamilton and Jacobi Meet Again: Quaternions and the Eigenvalue Problem

The algebra isomorphism between $\cal{M}_{4}(\cal{R})$ and $\cal{H} \otimes \cal{H}$, where $\cal{H}$ is the algebra of quaternions, has unexpected computational payoff: it helps construct an orthogonal similarity that $2 \times 2$ block-diagonalizes a $4\times 4$ symmetric matrix. Replacing plane rotations with these more powerful $4 \times 4$ rotations leads to a quaternion-Jacobi method in which the "weight" of four elements (in a $2 \times 2$ block) is transferred all at once onto the diagonal. Quadratic convergence sets in sooner, and the new method requires at least one fewer sweep than plane-Jacobi methods. An analogue of the sorting angle for plane rotations is developed for these $4 \times 4$ rotations.
Multiple pathways for woody plant establishment on floodplains at local to regional scales

Summary 1 The structure and functioning of riverine ecosystems is dependent upon regional setting and the interplay of hydrologic regime and geomorphologic processes. We used a retrospective analysis to study recruitment along broad, alluvial valley segments (parks) and canyon segments of the unregulated Yampa River and the regulated Green River in the upper Colorado River basin, USA. We precisely aged 811 individuals of Populus deltoides ssp. wislizenii (native) and Tamarix ramosissima (exotic) from 182 wooded patches and determined the elevation and character of the germination surface for each. We used logistic regression to relate recruitment events (presence or absence of cohort) to five flow and two weather parameters. 2 Woody plant establishment occurred via multiple pathways at patch, reach and segment scales. Recruitment occurred through establishment on (1) vertically accreting bars in the unregulated alluvial valley, (2) high alluvial floodplain surfaces during rare large flood events, (3) vertically accreting channel margin deposits in canyon pools and eddies, (4) vertically accreting intermittent/abandoned channels, (5) low elevation gravel bars and debris fans in canyons during multi-year droughts, and (6) bars and channels formed prior to flow regulation on the dammed river during controlled flood events. 3 The Yampa River's peak flow was rarely included in models estimating the likelihood that recruitment would occur in any year. Flow variability and the interannual pattern of flows, rather than individual large floods, control most establishment. 4 Regulation of the Green River flow since 1962 has had different effects on woody vegetation recruitment in canyons and valleys. The current regime mimics drought in a canyon setting, accelerating Tamarix invasion whereas in valleys the ongoing geomorphic adjustment of the channel, combined with reduced flow variability, has nearly eliminated Populus establishment. 5 A single year's flow or a particular pattern of flows over a sequence of years, whether natural or man-made, produces different recruitment opportunities in alluvial and canyon reaches, in diverse landforms within a particular river reach, and for Populus and Tamarix. The design of flows to restore riparian ecosystems must consider these multiple pathways and adjust the seasonal timing, magnitude and interannual frequency of flows to match the desired outcome.
Is interstitial cystitis an infectious disease

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is manifest by years of urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder pain and on cystoscopy, is diagnosed by petechial hemorrhages or ulcers. The etiology is unknown; the prominent theories are that IC is an autoimmune disease or is linked to increased permeability of the bladder mucosa. Although sought, no infectious agent has ever been identified. The disease has many characteristics of a chronic infection and the author's opinion is that an infectious disease has not been properly ruled out. To do so would require culture of bladder epithelium (not just urine) using special culture and non-culture techniques such as polymerase chain reaction. Infection can easily be integrated into the autoimmune and permeability theories of IC pathogenesis. A possible analogue for this disease is chronic gastritis in which Helicobacter pylori has been identified as an etiological agent.
Experimental studies on pump limiters

Abstract Pump limiters are mechanical devices for He-ash removal, fuel particle control, and possibly impurity control. Different designs have been suggested by various authors over the past decade. However, the magnetic divertor concepts seemed to be more promising, mainly because of their remote plasma-material interactions. All of the characteristics of magnetic divertors have been proven experimentally, but the overall performance and complexity cause concern about their application to tokamak reactors. Consequently, it is now time to explore the potential of mechanical particle control devices, i.e. pump limiters. Because of the high recycling at the limiter, it is sufficient to exhaust only a small fraction, about 1–10%, of the limiter particle flux to remove e.g. He at its rate of production. Pump limiter experiments have been conducted so far on Alcator, PDX, Macrotor, and ISX. Depending on the experimental design, a pressure build-up of between 1 mTorr and 50 mTorr has been reported. The closed configuration pump limiters provide high collection efficiencies, but have to accomodate high power fluxes at the leading edge. An open configuration, on the other hand, avoids leading edges but provides only fairly low collection efficiencies. The pump limiter development program now calls for a full pump limiter to be implemented in a major tokamak device. Presently, full-size pump limiter experiments on PDX, ISX, and TEXTOR are in preparation.
Neutralization in surface scattering of low energy H+ by polycrystalline graphite☆

Abstract Backscattering H + spectra were obtained as a function of incident H + energy (600 E + of hydrogen backscattered as H + in the binary scattering edge was deduced. Models including only Auger neutralization at the surface failed to describe the results. A model including collisional neutralization and ionization which fits the data indicated that 95–98% of incident H + is neutralized by the collision while 2–9% of incident (neutralized) H + is re-ionized by the collision. The Auger neutralization at the surface is described by a characteristic velocity υ c −2 −10×10 6 cms −1 The empirical formula f + =5.1× 10 −10 υ f⊥ +1.6×10 −10 υ i⊥ using the initial (υ i⊥ ) and final(υ f⊥ ) perpendicular velocities gives are markably good fit to all data.
Time-dependent photon migration imaging in two dimensions: a method for detection and localization of absorbers in tissuelike media

Measurements of time-dependent photon migration appear to provide more information for biomedical optical image reconstruction than continuous wave measurements. Yet the ultimate success of photon migration imaging (PMI) for biomedical optical tomography depends upon developing a method which can rapidly measure `time-of-flight' information, and, in near-real time, extract important information required for image reconstruction. Image reconstruction requires information to (1) detect, (2) locate the position and volume, and (3) characterize the optical properties of an optical heterogeneity that would otherwise be obscured by tissue-like scattering. In this presentation, we report PMI `images' of an obscured absorber obtained from two-dimensional time-dependent photon migration measurements which arise from single point source illumination of a scattering medium with modulated light. These PMI `images' along with a theoretical basis for PMI, suggest the potential to rapidly detect and locate the three- dimensional position of an absorber from two-dimensional frequency-domain measurements of phase, (Theta) ((rho) ,f), and modulation, M((rho) ,f). Independent single-pixel measurements and Monte Carlo simulations of (Theta) ((rho) ,f) and M((rho) ,f) confirm the PMI `images' and the hypothesis for PMI.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Excited states in 82Kr populated by the decay of 35 h 82Br

Abstract The energy levels of 82 Kr populated by the negaton decay of 35 h 82 Br have been studied. The internal conversion electron spectra were recorded with permanent magnet electron spectrometers and the singles and coincidence γ-ray spectra were recorded using both NaI(Tl) and Ge(Li) detectors. A total of 21 γ-ray transitions were identified. Excited states in 82 Kr have been placed at 777, 1475, 1821, 2094, 2429, 2560, 2648, 2652 and 2832 keV. Angular correlation measurements for eight of the prominent γ-γ cascades were made and the results used to make unique spin assignments for the 777, 1475, 1821, 2094 and 2648 keV states. Transitions from the 2832, 2652 and 2560 keV states and log ft values were used to place limits on the possible spin assignments for these states.
Dynamic multipole polarizability of atomic hydrogen.

Using an integral representation involving the radial Coulomb Green's function an analytic closed-form expression is derived for the dynamic multipole polarizability of atomic hydrogen in an arbitrary state. The application of the general expression to practical problems is discussed. Comparison is also made with other theoretical models.
DISSECTING INSECT FLIGHT

▪ Abstract “What force does an insect wing generate?” Finding answers to this enduring question is an essential step toward our understanding of interactions of moving objects with fluids that enable most living species such as insects, birds, and fish to travel efficiently and us to follow similar suit with sails, oars, and airfoils. We give a brief history of research in insect flight and discuss recent findings in unsteady aerodynamics of flapping flight at intermediate range Reynolds numbers (10–104). In particular, we examine the unsteady mechanisms in uniform and accelerated motions, forward and hovering flight, as well as passive flight of free-falling objects. The results obtained by “taking the insects apart” helped us to resolve previous puzzles about the force estimates in hovering insects, to ellucidate basic mechanisms essential to flapping flight, and to gain insights about the efficieny of flight.
A comment on the orthogonalization of B-spline basis functions and their derivatives

Through the use of a matrix representation for B-splines presented by Qin (Vis. Comput. 16:177---186, 2000) we are able to reexamine calculus operations on B-spline basis functions. In this matrix framework the problem associated with generating orthogonal splines is reexamined, and we show that this approach can simplify the operations involved to linear matrix operations. We apply these results to a recent paper (Zhou et al. in Biometrika 95:601---619, 2008) on hierarchical functional data analysis using a principal components approach, where a numerical integration scheme was used to orthogonalize a set of B-spline basis functions. These orthogonalized basis functions, along with their estimated derivatives, are then used to construct estimates of mean functions and functional principal components. By applying the methods presented here such algorithms can benefit from increased speed and precision. An R package is available to do the computations.
Theoretical and Empirical Specifications Issues in Travel Cost Demand Studies

The ultimate objective of empirical travel cost demand studies is to obtain an estimate of the welfare derived from utilizing outdoor recreational resources. Thus it is apparent that travel cost demand equations must be linked to utility maximization (Deyak and Smith; Freeman; Bockstael and McConnell; Hanemann; Bockstael, Hanemann, and Strand). We specify a model of utilitymaximizing recreation demand behavior which postulates that individuals choose the total number of days that they wish to spend at the recreation site. This total number of recreation days is the product of the number of trips
The Urgent Need for Universities to Comprehensively Address Global Climate Change Across Disciplines and Programs

I review the status of scientific, political, and moral problems of global climate change (GCC) and, based on lessons from environmental and sustainability programs in universities, demonstrate that universities have had a lethargic response to urgent needs to mitigate the problems. I explore reasons for the response, and conclude that there is an urgent need for comprehensive and wide–ranging change in universities to help mitigate GCC. My discussion is focused on those within universities as well as those in environmental professions regardless of their areas of specialization.
Incidence and efficiency aspects of differential taxation of residential and industrial capital in a growing economy

Abstract This paper demonstrates that a compensated tax on income from residential capital would increase the steady-state capital intensity in the industrial sector of the economy. Consequently, the wage would rise and the gross-of-tax rate of return to capital in the industrial sector would fall. The price of housing services may change in either direction. Secondly, it is shown that maximization of steady-state welfare requires different tax rates on income from residential and non-residential capital. It is demonstrated that if the gross-of-tax rate of return to capital in the industrial sector exceeds the population growth rate, a compensated tax on residential capital or a compensated subsidy on non-residential capital would enhance the steady-state level of welfare. Conversely, if the rate of population growth is greater than the gross-of-tax rate of return to capital in the industrial sector, non-residential capital should be taxed and residential capital should be subsidized.
Macular Edema in Diabetic Retinopathy Study Patients: Diabetic Retinopathy Study Report Number 12

Results from the Diabetic Retinopathy Study (DRS) demonstrate that scatter photocoagulation is associated with some loss of visual acuity soon after treatment. This visual loss is especially prominent in eyes with preexisting macular edema. It is also associated with the intensity of treatment. Reducing macular edema by focal photocoagulation before initiating scatter treatment and dividing scatter treatment into multiple sessions with less intense burns may decrease the risk of the visual loss associated with photocoagulation.
Recurrent IVF failure: other factors

IVF failure is a problem for a couple in the singular but can be a tragedy in the plural. Recurrent IVF failure has multiple known causes but many which are not routinely considered as part of the posttreatment analysis. The reason is there are several causes associated with lifestyle and other causes related to pre-existing conditions that have only a tenuous or no apparent connection to fertility. This article examines the impact of obesity, cigarette smoke, uterine anatomy, body mass index, thyroid dysfunction, immune factors, the hereditary and acquired thrombophilias, and embryo transfer technique on recurrent IVF failure.
Elongational flow behavior of PVC melt

Abstract Elongational flow properties of a low-molecular-weight polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have been studied at 180 and 190°C, respectively, under constant stretching rate and constant tensile stress conditions. At constant strain rates of 0.003 to 3 sec−1, the steady-state extensional viscosity of the PVC melt could not be determined because of the persistent strain-hardening effect. From the tensile creep measurements at constant stresses ranging from 4 to 36 kPa, the steady-state extensional viscosities were readily obtained, which showed increasing values with the stress levels used. The recoverable strain increased linearly with the stress at 180°C, but the linearity was observed only at low stresses at 190°C. The steady-state recoverable strain increased with temperature at constant tensile stresses.
Crystal structure of graphite under room-temperature compression and decompression

Recently, sophisticated theoretical computational studies have proposed several new crystal structures of carbon (e.g., bct-C4, H-, M-, R-, S-, W- and Z-carbon). However, until now, there lacked experimental evidence to verify the predicted high-pressure structures for cold-compressed elemental carbon at least up to 50 GPa. Here we present direct experimental evidence that this enigmatic high-pressure structure is currently only consistent with M-carbon, one of the proposed carbon structures. Furthermore, we show that this phase transition is extremely sluggish, which led to the observed broad x-ray diffraction peaks in previous studies and hindered the proper identification of the post-graphite phase in cold-compressed carbon.
Site of light perception and motor cells in a sun‐tracking lupine (Lupinus succulentus)

From the results of shading experiments and irradiation of leaves from different directions, the pulvinus has been identified as the site of light perception in leaves of the sun-tracker Lupinus succulentus Dougl. Within the pulvinus, the light-sensitive region is located on the adaxial surface of the base of each leaflet. This is coincident with the site of the motor cells which are located in the peripheral four cell layers. Motor cells were visualized by microscopy and undergo dramatic changes in cell volume as leaflets incline to orient perpendicular to an oblique beam of light. Communication between leaflets appears to be minimal because each leaflet has the capacity to perceive and orient towards a light beam independently of the others. Hypotheses for the mechanism of directional light perception are discussed.
Magnetic resonance microimaging and numerical simulations of velocity fields inside enlarged flow cells used for coupled NMR microseparations.

The coupling of various chemical microseparation methods with small-scale NMR detection is a growing area in analytical chemistry. The formation of enlarged flow cells within the active volume of t...
Formal verification of safety-critical systems

We describe our practical experience in the use of formal verification to obtain increased confidence in the design of safety-critical systems. The experiment involved demonstrating the consistency of the design specifications of SIFT, a software-implemented fault-tolerant operating system for aircraft flight control. Specifications were written at successive levels of abstraction from the most abstract requirements definition down to the detailed level of program code. Consistency of the successive levels of specification was demonstrated using the enhanced HDM verification system. Formal verification is currently feasible only for carefully simplified systems, but there appears to be no alternative method that can meet the extreme safety requirements for safety-critical systems.
Punitive Damages for Deterence: When and How Much

An economic model of deterrence is used to derive two prescriptions for punitive damages that apply to economically motivated defendants, including businesses. To recover punitive damages, a plaintiff should have to prove a gross shortfall from the legal standard by the defendant that would be profitable if liability were limited to compensatory damages. In a word, "incentive inadequacy" should be proven. A key element in the proof is establishing the existence and extent of enforcement error. If the court finds that punitive damages are to be awarded, the punitive multiple should be set equal to the reciprocal of the enforcement error. These rules, if adopted, would provide incentives for efficient deterrence and would have significant consequences for current legal practice, including making the ratio rule more definite, lowering the ratios actually allowed, and largely eliminating a defendant's net worth as a consideration for setting punitive damages.
Surface figure changes due to thermal cycling hysteresis.

How does thermal cycling hysteresis affect surface figure in low expansivity mirror substrates? Zerodur, ULE, and Cer-Vit 20.3-cm (8-in.) diam mirrors and dilatometer samples were thermally cycled at 6 and 60 K/h with uniform and nonuniform heating. Figure distortions as large as λ/10 were observed only with nonuniform heating of standard Zerodur, which was the only material exhibiting thermal hysteresis. A new experimental Zerodur appears to be free of this problem.
Antisense RNA does not significantly affect expression of the galK gene of Escherichia coli or the N gene of coliphage lambda

Abstract The effect of antisense RNA on the expression of genes galK and N was studied in vivo. These two genes were either present in the Escherichia coli chromosome, as single copies, or were cloned on plasmid vectors. Antisense RNA was supplied from multicopy vectors where the entire galK or N gene, or only their N-proximal portions, were cloned in the antisense orientation downstream from the strong pL, pR or lacZp promoters. In all of the experiments there was no significant inhibition of the galK or N expression by up to a 50-fold excess of the specific antisense RNAs, for both the in cis and in trans experimental designs. The excess of the antisense RNA was calculated as based on respective copy numbers, but was not experimentally measured. The apparent five-fold regulatory effect observed in one of the experiments was found to be artifactually caused by unexpected creation of a terminator in one of our constructs. To avoid such artifacts, all our constructs were equipped with the nut-N antitermination system. We conclude that the reported antimessenger-mediated inhibition of gene expression is not a general phenomenon, but must require some special features which are not present in the galK and N systems.
A Covalent Fluorescent–Gold Immunoprobe: Simultaneous Detection of a Pre-mRNA Splicing Factor by Light and Electron Microscopy

Immunoprobes that combine a fluorescent label with a 1.4-nm gold cluster compound have been prepared by covalent conjugation with polyclonal antibody Fab' fragments. These new immunoconjugates allow the collection of two complementary sets of data, from fluorescence and electron microscopy, from a single labeling experiment. We find that incorporation of one or more fluorescein moieties into the coordinated ligands of the 1.4-nm Nanogold gold cluster label yields a stable, dual-function immunolabel in which fluorescence quenching is negligible. In a second synthetic strategy, Nanogold and fluorescein were separately covalently conjugated to Fab' fragments to yield a probe with very similar properties. With the use of Fab' fragments, the entire probe is smaller than a whole IgG molecule, and it exhibited excellent penetration properties. It was used to localize the pre-mRNA splicing factor SC35 in the HeLa cell nucleus by both fluorescence and electron microscopy.
The Benefits of Learning Social Welfare: Lessons from Student Perspectives.

It is widely assumed that most entering MSW students exhibit a primary interest in individual clinical practice but minimal understanding of or interest in welfare policy knowledge. However, this assumption is mostly based on attitudes before and at the beginning of encountering social welfare courses. Using a mixed-methods approach of both qualitative and quantitative methods, we studied the impact of a social welfare history and policy course on MSW students' perspectives and interests. We found that the course impacted students' understanding of and approach to their professional roles as well as to their own lives as citizens. These findings hold implications for social work education curriculum designs as well as for future research in social work teaching and education.
Numerical predictions for scattering from elastic solid cylinders with hemispherical caps and comparison with data

ABSTRACT The T-matrix or extended boundary condition equations due to Waterman have led to a method that can predictscattering from axially symmetric targets over a broad frequency range. Several studies have been performed forspheroids with interesting results. Interest in scattering from cylinders with hemispherical end caps has prompted us to analyze recent data from Le Havre'. Much of the phenomena predicted by the T-matrix calculations are confirmed by the data we analyze. In addition, bending resonances are predicted by the theoretical calculations andare compared with predictions from beam theory. The systematics contained in the calculations strongly suggest thatthe excited waves are related to Rayleigh-type resonances studied on shells.1. INTRODUCTIONBackscattered echoes yield interesting information when scattering from elastic targets, particularly in the reso-nance region. Generally one has source and receiver at the same location for a fixed orientation. If one adjusts theorientation over a suitable angular region then it is possible to ascertain certain symmetries of the target if they existparticularly if one varies the frequencies over a suitable range of resonances. If one observes axial symmetry thenit is possible to obtain both the dimensions of the object and the aspect ratio of the object (ratio of length to width).Once this information is obtained it is also possible to obtain information on whether the target is a solid or a shelland in some cases what the shell thickness is as well as the material properties of the target. This is assuming thatthe target is in a "free" environment; that is, the boundaries of the target are not a factor in calculation. Time domainresponses for specific pulse types also yield information, and it is easy to see how a series of questions can formthe basis of a scenario that can rule out certain targets or lead to a probability (confidence level) that specific targetsare present.Some interest has arisen for the case of scattering from elastic solid cylinders with hemispherical end-caps.
Bimanual Force Coordination in Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Bilateral Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation

Objective Studies of bimanual actions similar to activities of daily living (ADLs) are currently lacking in evaluating fine motor control in Parkinson’s disease patients implanted with bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulators. We investigated basic time and force characteristics of a bimanual task that resembles performance of ADLs in a group of bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) patients. Methods Patients were evaluated in three different DBS parameter conditions off stimulation, on clinically derived stimulation parameters, and on settings derived from a patient-specific computational model. Model-based parameters were computed as a means to minimize spread of current to non-motor regions of the subthalamic nucleus via Cicerone Deep Brain Stimulation software. Patients were evaluated off parkinsonian medications in each stimulation condition. Results The data indicate that DBS parameter state does not affect most aspects of fine motor control in ADL-like tasks; however, features such as increased grip force and grip symmetry varied with the stimulation state. In the absence of DBS parameters, patients exhibited significant grip force asymmetry. Overall UPDRS-III and UPDRS-III scores associated with hand function were lower while patients were experiencing clinically-derived or model-based parameters, as compared to the off-stimulation condition. Conclusion While bilateral subthalamic DBS has been shown to alleviate gross motor dysfunction, our results indicate that DBS may not provide the same magnitude of benefit to fine motor coordination.
Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Parenting Practices 3-Months Postpartum

Using data from two postpartum depression randomized trials, we examined the association between postpartum depressive symptoms and parenting practices among a diverse group of mothers. We examined the association between safety practices (back sleep position, car seat use, smoke alarm), feeding practices (breastfeeding, infant intake of cereal, juice, water), and health care practices (routine well child and Emergency Room (ER) visits) with 3-month postpartum depressive symptoms assessed using the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EPDS ≥10). Fifty-one percent of mothers were black or Latina, 33 % had Medicaid, and 30 % were foreign born. Depressed mothers were less likely to have their infant use back sleep position (60 vs. 79 %, p < .001), always use a car seat (67 vs. 84 %, p < .001), more likely to feed their infants water, juice, or cereal (36 vs. 25 %, p = .04 respectively), and to bring their babies for ER visits (26 vs. 16 %, p = .03) as compared with non-depressed mothers. In multivariable model, depressed mothers remained less likely to have their infant use the back sleep position, to use a car seat, and to have a working smoke alarm in the home. Findings suggest the need to intervene early among mothers with depressive symptoms and reinforce positive parenting practices.
Disparities in health and health care: moving from describing the problem to a call for action.

During the past two decades the overall health of the nation has improved. However, the dramatic disparities in the morbidity and mortality experienced by African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders provide compelling evidence that many Americans have not experienced this health dividend.1 Disparities in health and in access to health care have been documented repeatedly across a broad range of medical conditions and for a wide variety of traditionally disadvantaged groups such as those in racial or ethnic minorities, women, and older persons. These differences have been noted in health outcomes such as quality of life2,3 and mortality,4–10 processes of care such as utilization of cardiac procedures after myocardial infarction6,7,11–15 or access to primary prevention,16,17 quality and appropriateness of care,18–24 and the prevalence of common chronic medical conditions.25
Large‐scale integrative facilities in tribal societies: Cross‐cultural and southwestern US examples

Abstract This paper combines both ethnographic and archaeological data in an examination of the construction and use of monumental architecture in formative cultures. We propose that our current archaeological interpretations of the evolution and function of large‐scale social integrative facilities, i.e. monuments, should be informed by a broader understanding of the organizational role played by social integrative facilities in modern as well as prehistoric societies. With this information it is possible to re‐examine the massive prehistoric structures known as ‘great kivas’ in the American southwest. The construction and use of early great kivas are proposed to be most similar to the large‐scale, specialized ritual facilities documented in the ethnographic record.
Accuracy of drug‐allergy recording in a District General Hospital

Objectives The aim was to audit the accuracy of drug-allergy documentation in a District General Hospital. Methods A drug card and case-note review was used. The subjects of the study were 117 medical and surgical current inpatients in a District General Hospital. Outcome measures were information collected, including whether the drug hypersensitivity box was filled in on the drug card, what was written in the box and whether this was signed and dated. The information on drug allergies was then checked with the patients. The medical notes were audited for a completed ALERT sheet and its accuracy. Key findings Sixty-nine patients in this study were on surgical wards, and 48 were on medical wards. Some 97.4% had the drug-allergy box on the drug card filled in to some extent, and only three (2.6%) had nothing documented. Including those boxes that were blank, 32 (27.4%) were signed and 22 (18.8%) were dated. Twelve patients (10.3%) stated that the allergy information recorded about them was incorrect. The ALERT forms in the medical notes were only filled in on 58.1% of occasions (i.e. they had a patient addressograph label), and of those that were completed, 36.5% did not match the information on the drug card. Conclusions Although doctors ask about drug allergies, documentation is not done well for a number of reasons, including the design of the drug card. Currently there is a blank allergy box with no guidance about what should be written there. The new drug card to be introduced in the next few months will distinguish between true drug allergies and side effects. It will also prompt the nature of the allergy to be documented, from whom this information was obtained, and the signature of the person filling in the information. Failure to accurately document drug allergies leads to the potential for doctors to prescribe medication that could be harmful for the patient.