cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
916-90 Is Baroreflex Failure Different from Idiopathic Baroreceptor Dysfunction?

Baroreflex failure (BRF) due to local causes was reported as a syndrome of labile hypertension, exaggerated response to cold pressor test (CPT) and elevated plasma catecholamines. We hypothesized that the pattern of autonomic abnormalities is different in the idiopathic type of BR dysfunction (BRD). Twenty four subjects (13 M: 11 F; age 62 ± 16 yrs.) with tilt-induced orthostatic hypotension (OH) were tested for: Valsalva, CPT, baroreflex sensitivity (heart rate response to acute BP alteration using Phenylephrine [PE] and amylnitrite inhalation [ANI]. BRD was diagnosed by blocked Valsalva, abnormal PE and/or AN. Two groups were defined by the results of BR and tilt; 19 with BRD (OH-BRD) and 5 with normal BR (OH-NBR). They were compared to results in 31 control subjects (19 M: 12 F; age 40 ± 15 yrs.) who had normal tilt and normal BR (N-NBR). Plasma Norepinephrine (NE) was determined in supine and tilt positions. Results Tilt Δ(SBP) CPT Δ(SBP) AN (Slope) PE (Slope) Tilt (ΔNE) 1. OH-BRD -63 ± 21 * 22 ± 9 * 0.0 ± 06 *† 0.4 ± 1 † 15.4 ± 21.6 2.0H-NBR -36 ± 11 ‡ 34 ± 10 3.8 ± 24 8.8 ± 3 28.4 ± 17.0 3. NL-NBR -6 ± 8 29 ± 15 4.2 ± 29 7.5 ± 7 24.6 ± 18.9 X ± SD, P l 0.017 * 1 vs 3 † vs 2 ‡ 2vs 3 Conclusions (1) Patients with idiopathic BRD present with OH, have attenuated response to CPT and normal catecholamine response to tilt. (2) OH-BRD and BRF are two different syndromes with different etiologies and clinical manifestations; however, both have BR abnormalities.
Ipratropium bromide (Sch1000) monohydrate aerosol: Bronchodilator effect of three dose levels in asthmatics

The bronchodilator activity of 3 inhaled doses (20, 40 and 60 µg) of the new formulation ipratropium bromide (Sch1000) monohydrate was examined in 8 asthmatic subjects. The study was placebo controlled and double-blind. There was no significant difference between the 3 doses of Sch1000 for the peak FEV1 change 1 h after drug administration, whereas 60 µg Sch1000 caused a significantly greater change in peak MMEF than 20 and 40 µg Sch1000. The duration of bronchodilator effect of 60 µg Sch1000 was significantly greater than that of 20 and 40 µg Sch1000.
Dependence of Electron Overflow on Emission Wavelength and Crystallographic Orientation in Single-Quantum-Well III–Nitride Light-Emitting Diodes

The dependence of electron overflow on peak emission wavelength was investigated in single-quantum-well (SQW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on the (2021), (2021), (1010), and (0001) planes. Each plane exhibited a characteristic "critical" emission wavelength where the output power of LEDs (measured at a current density of 22 A/cm2) without electron blocking layers (EBLs) decreased significantly compared with that of LEDs with EBLs. Compared with LEDs grown on the (0001) plane, LEDs grown on the (2021), (2021), and (1010) planes exhibited shorter critical wavelengths, indicating that electron overflow was inhibited in LEDs grown on orientations with reduced polarization.
Thinning of a viscoelastic film

Abstract The film-thinning step of bubble coalescence is modeled assuming a planar film using the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation. Radially mobile and immobile bubble surfaces are studied including van der Waals' froces. When bubble surfaces are mobile, fluids with small elastic properties increase film thinning rates, while fluids with large elastic properties reduce thinning rates. Viscoelastic fluids are less stable to van der Waals' forces than Newtonian fluids of identical properties, van der Waals' forces cause the films to rapidly rupture once a critical film thickness is obtained. Predictions are compared with experimental data.
Evolution of oncogenes: From c-abl to v-abl

The discovery that the oncogenes of retroviruses are derived from cellular genes has led to a search for differences between the viral gene and its cellular counterpart that might explain the oncogenic activity of the former. Two oncogenes, the abl and the src genes, have recently come under such scrutiny. The src gene will be the subject of a later article: here, Jean Yin Jen Wang discusses the abl gene.
Factor VIII ectopically expressed in platelets: efficacy in hemophilia A treatment

Activated platelets release their granule content in a concentrated fashion at sites of injury. We examined whether ectopically expressed factor VIII in developing megakaryocytes would be stored in alpha-granules and whether its release from circulating platelets would effectively ameliorate bleeding in a factor VIIInull mice model. Using the proximal glycoprotein 1b alpha promoter to drive expression of a human factor VIII cDNA construct, transgenic lines were established. One line had detectable human factor VIII that colocalizes with von Willebrand factor in platelets. These animals had platelet factor VIII levels equivalent to 3% to 9% plasma levels, although there was no concurrent plasma human factor VIII detectable. When crossed onto a factor VIIInull background, whole blood clotting time was partially corrected, equivalent to a 3% correction level. In a cuticular bleeding time study, these animals also had only a partial correction, but in an FeCl3 carotid artery, thrombosis assay correction was equivalent to a 50% to 100% level. These studies show that factor VIII can be expressed and stored in platelet alpha-granules. Our studies also suggest that platelet-released factor VIII is at least as potent as an equivalent plasma level and perhaps even more potent in an arterial thrombosis model.
Molecular Pathways: The PERKs and Pitfalls of Targeting the Unfolded Protein Response in Cancer

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a highly specialized organelle that provides an oxidizing, pro-folding environment for protein synthesis and maturation. The ER also hosts a dynamic signaling network that can sense and respond to physiological changes that impact its environment, thereby influencing overall cell fate. Limitation of nutrients and oxygen have a direct effect on the efficiency of protein folding in the ER, and are classical inducers of the ER resident signaling pathway, the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR). Not only does the UPR regulate ER homeostasis in normal cells experiencing such stress, but strong evidence also suggests that tumor cells can co-opt the cytoprotective aspects of this response in order to survive the hypoxic, nutrient-restricted conditions of the tumor microenvironment.
Audio Segmentation and Speaker Localization in Meeting Videos

Segmenting different individuals in a group meeting and their speech is an important first step for various tasks such as meeting transcription, automatic camera panning, multimedia retrieval and monologue detection. In this effort, given a meeting room video, we attempt to segment individual persons speech and localize them in the video, based on data from a single audio and video source. The segmentation method is driven by audio and enhanced by video cues. We used Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) to segment the feature vector streams and graph spectral partitioning to cluster them. We compare our results with audio based segmentation method and our localization technique with the commonly used mutual information.
Real-time phase mask synthesis for generation of arbitrarily complex waveforms using Gerberg-Saxton algorithm

Summary form only given. Shaped femtosecond pulses are required in many coherent control and adaptive feedback control applications. Among the methods developed, Fourier-domain pulse shaping is the most mature. Using phase-only filtering is particularly beneficial for its simplicity, high throughput and compatibility with high-energy femtosecond-pulse amplifiers. Generation of complex temporal intensity profiles, such as asymmetric pulses and pulse trains, usually requires lengthy computations of the phase mask, which would yield the best approximation of the target in time domain. Typical routines employed for this purpose are the global search algorithms, such as simulated annealing or genetic algorithm. The computational time in these cases scales nonlinearly with the resolution of the pulse shaper and the desired number of grey levels of phase. We present a method for generating the optimal phase masks rapidly using the Gerberg-Saxton (GS) algorithm.
Plants as Bio-Indicators of Subsurface Conditions: Impact of Groundwater Level on Btex Concentrations in Trees

Numerous studies have demonstrated trees' ability to extract and translocate moderately hydrophobic contaminants, and sampling trees for compounds such as BTEX can help delineate plumes in the field. However, when BTEX is detected in the groundwater, detection in nearby trees is not as reliable an indicator of subsurface contamination as other compounds such as chlorinated solvents. Aerobic rhizospheric and bulk soil degradation is a potential explanation for the observed variability of BTEX in trees as compared to groundwater concentrations. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of groundwater level on BTEX concentrations in tree tissue. The central hypothesis was increased vadose zone thickness promotes biodegradation of BTEX leading to lower BTEX concentrations in overlying trees. Storage methods for tree core samples were also investigated as a possible reason for tree cores revealing lower than expected BTEX levels in some sampling efforts. The water level hypothesis was supported in a greenhouse study, where water table level was found to significantly affect tree BTEX concentrations, indicating that the influx of oxygen coupled with the presence of the tree facilitates aerobic biodegradation of BTEX in the vadose zone.
Long-Term Inflation Outcomes after Hyperinflation: Theory and Evidence

This paper does two things. First, it shows both anecdotal and cross-country evidence that indicates that countries that have experienced hyperinflation display significantly lower long-term rates of inflation than countries that lack the same experience. Secondly, it presents a model to rationalize the main empirical finding. There is more than one mechanism through which the long-term effects of hyperinflation may have an impact on long-term inflation outcomes. The suggested explanation this paper offers is that hyperinflations act by reducing the social costs of increasing the collection of conventional, distorsionary taxes relative to the collection of the inflation tax.
Conversation and Conflict: Supporting Authentic Dialogue in the Classroom

This paper presents an exploratory study of MSW students who self‐identified as having political/religious world views differing from what they perceived to be dominant at their school. A goal was to learn about conditions that fostered or inhibited authentic speech for those students. A secondary goal was to learn how students dealt with their political views differing from political positions taken by the profession. Eleven student volunteers participated in structured interviews. Qualitative analysis of these allowed the construction of themes concerning both how faculty may discourage and how faculty support expression of minority views.
Survey of Homophobia: Views on Sexual Orientation From Certified Nurse Assistants Who Work in Long-Term Care

It is estimated that there will be more than 5 million gays and lesbians aged 65 and over by 2030. This study examined attitudes of sexual orientation among a sample of certified nurse assistants w...
The impact of obesity on health related quality of life before and after radical prostatectomy (data from CaPSURE).

ABSTRACT Purpose: Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important measure of outcomes among patients with prostate cancer due to disease related and treatment related effects on physical and emotional health. We determined if there are differences in the HRQOL of obese men at diagnosis and after radical prostatectomy compared to the HRQOL of men with normal body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: Data were abstracted from Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor (CaPSURE), a disease registry of 10,018 men with prostate cancer. A total of 1,884 men were included in study who were treated with radical prostatectomy between 1989 and 2002, had BMI information available and had completed 1 initial HRQOL questionnaire. Of these men 672 who completed at least 2 followup questionnaires were assessed further. Results: The BMI (kg/m 2 ) distributions were 24% normal (less than 24.9 kg/m 2 ), 56% overweight (25 to 29.9), 16% obese (30 to 34.9) and 4% very obese (greater than 35 kg/m 2 ). Higher BMI was associated with worse physical function, bodily pain, general health, vitality and role physical, but better bowel bother at diagnosis independent of race. Higher BMI was also associated with worse HRQOL after radical prostatectomy for physical function, general health and vitality, but better bowel bother. HRQOL differences between BMI groups were similar among times for all measured variables. Compared to the normal group, the higher BMI groups had similar HRQOL after radical prostatectomy. Conclusions: In the majority of domains men with higher BMI had lower HRQOL at diagnosis than men of normal BMI. Obese men have a similar recovery pattern of HRQOL after radical prostatectomy, with minimal additive long-term impairment in HRQOL relative to men of normal weight.
Illumination of growth, division and secretion by metabolic labeling of the bacterial cell surface

The cell surface is the essential interface between a bacterium and its surroundings. Composed primarily of molecules that are not directly genetically encoded, this highly dynamic structure accommodates the basic cellular processes of growth and division as well as the transport of molecules between the cytoplasm and the extracellular milieu. In this review, we describe aspects of bacterial growth, division and secretion that have recently been uncovered by metabolic labeling of the cell envelope. Metabolite derivatives can be used to label a variety of macromolecules, from proteins to non-genetically-encoded glycans and lipids. The embedded metabolite enables precise tracking in time and space, and the versatility of newer chemoselective detection methods offers the ability to execute multiple experiments concurrently. In addition to reviewing the discoveries enabled by metabolic labeling of the bacterial cell envelope, we also discuss the potential of these techniques for translational applications. Finally, we offer some guidelines for implementing this emerging technology.
The influences of ENSO and the subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole on tropical cyclone trajectories in the southwestern Indian Ocean

El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is known to associate with variability of tropical cyclone (TC) trajectories in the southwestern Indian Ocean. However, consideration of ENSO phase alone does not account for all variability of TC tracks within this region. This study demonstrates that the subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole (SIOD) sea-surface temperature anomaly pattern is also significantly associated with variability in southwestern Indian Ocean TC tracks. Hierarchical cluster analysis is employed to group TC trajectories by their initial and final positions. Median monthly values of the Nino-3.4 index and Subtropical Dipole Index corresponding to the life cycles of TCs in each group are compared using non-parametric analysis of variance. The results suggest that both ENSO and SIOD are significantly associated with different types of southwestern Indian Ocean TC trajectories. Furthermore, significant interactions of ENSO and SIOD phases are found to influence certain types of TC tracks using contingency table tests. During simultaneous warm ENSO and negative SIOD phases, TCs moving across the southwestern Indian Ocean tend to follow more southward or southeastward tracks. During neutral or cool ENSO and positive SIOD phases, TCs moving through the southwestern Indian Ocean tend toward more westward trajectories. These findings suggest that use of an SIOD index in addition to an ENSO index could improve intraseasonal to seasonal statistical prediction of southwestern Indian basin TC activity. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
On the Use of Context-Weighting in Lossless Bilevel Image Compression

We present a context-weighting algorithm that adaptively weights in real-time three-context models based on their relative accuracy. It can automatically select the better model over different regions of an image, producing better probability estimates than using either one of these models exclusively. Combined with the previously proposed block arithmetic coder for image compression (BACIC), the overall performance is slightly better than JBIG for the eight CCITT business-type test images, outperforms JBIG by 13.8% on halftone images, and by 17.5% for compounded images containing both text and halftones. Furthermore, users no longer need to select models as in JBIG and BACIC to get the better performance
PROTEIN, FAT AND MINERAL ANALYSES OF FRANCHISE CHICKEN DINNERS

Franchise chicken dinners were analyzed for nutritional content by standard methodology. The analyzed results were compared to Recommended Dietary Allowances for males 14–18 yr old and to values computed from USDA Handbook No. 8. Considerable variation in dinner components was found within individual franchises as well as between franchises indicating a need for portion quality control in this industry. Computation from USDA Handbook No. 8 gave significantly higher values for iron, phosphorus and protein, and significantly lower values for calcium, carbohydrate and fat than found. Assuming these dinners should provide 113 the RDA for males 14–18 yr old, they would be adequate in protein, calories, zinc and phosphorus, but inadequate in calcium, copper, iron and magnesium.
Diffusion Modeling of the Redistribution of Ion Implanted Impurities

Transient enhanced diffusion during rapid thermal processing has been reported for most of the common dopants employed for silicon device fabrication. For arsenic a large amount of the available data is fit by a computational model based on accepted diffusion mechanisms. Ion implanted boron on the other hand exhibits anomalous tails and transient motiou. A time dependence of this displacement is demonstrated at lower temperatures. High temperature rapid anneals are shown to reduce some of the anomalous motion observed for low temperature furnace anneals. A model is described that links the electrical activation with the diffusion and describes both the transient diffusion of rapid thermal processing and the large anomalous diffusion reported many years ago for furnace anneals.
Magnetic Flux Accumulation at the Galactic Center and Its Implications for the Strength of the Pregalactic Magnetic Field

We study the in—ow of disk gas toward the Galactic center during the lifetime of the Galaxy and its eUect on magnetic —eld lines frozen-in to the interstellar plasma. While compression leads to a large ampli—cation of the ii vertical ˇˇ magnetic —eld (pointing perpendicular to the disk), ambipolar diUusion efficiently removes from the disk magnetic —ux components oriented parallel to the Galactic plane. Turb- ulent interchange motions of nearly parallel vertical —eld lines at the Galactic center enhance the effi- ciency of magnetic reconnection of neighboring regions of oppositely directed vertical —eld. This suggests that the sign of the present-day vertical —eld at the Galactic center is uniform. If the Galactic-center —eld originates in the entrainment of a pregalactic —eld in radially in—owing interstellar plasma, then B 0 observations of the vertical —ux through the central 200 pc of our Galaxy yield a measure of the prega- lactic —eld that depends on the total mass accreted into the central 200 pc during the Galaxys lifetime. If this mass is 3 ) 109 and if the surface density of disk gas is roughly constant over the lifetime of the M _ Galaxy, then G, regardless of the angle of the pregalactic —eld with respect to the Galac- B 0 Z 2 ) 10~7 tic plane. The abundance of mechanisms for radial accretion of disk gas suggests that strong magnetic —elds should be a generic feature of the centers of spiral galaxies. We also note that cosmic-ray con—ne- ment in the strong vertical —eld at the Galactic center is expected to be poor. Subject headings: diUusionGalaxy: centerGalaxy: evolutionMHDISM: magnetic —elds ¨ turbulence
Effects of a Topically Applied Bioadhesive Berry Gel on Loss of Heterozygosity Indices in Premalignant Oral Lesions

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of topical application of a 10% (w/w) freeze-dried black raspberry (FBR) gel on oral intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) variables that included histologic diagnoses and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) indices. Microsatellite instability and/or LOH at tumor suppressor gene–associated chromosomal loci have been associated with a higher risk for oral IEN progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Previously, our laboratories have shown that FBRs are well tolerated and possess potent antioxidant, apoptotic, and differentiation-inducing properties. Experimental Design: Each participant with IEN served as their own internal control. Before treatment, all lesions were photographed, and lesional tissue was hemisected to obtain a pretreatment diagnosis and baseline biochemical and molecular variables. Gel dosing (0.5 g applied four times daily for 6 weeks) was initiated 1 week after the initial biopsy. Genomic DNA was isolated from laser-captured basilar and suprabasilar surface epithelial cells followed by PCR amplification using primer sets that targeted known and presumed tumor suppressor gene loci associated with INK4a/ARF, p53, and FHIT . Allelic imbalance was determined by sequence analysis using normal participant tissues to establish microsatellite marker peak patterns and allele sizes. Results: Confirming earlier phase I data, none of the 27 participants developed FBR gel–associated toxicities. Furthermore, our results show histologic regression in a subset of patients as well as statistically significant reduction in LOH at tumor suppressor gene–associated loci. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that further evaluation of berry gels for oral IEN chemoprevention is warranted.
Improved oxygenation with reduced recirculation during venovenous ECMO: comparison of two catheters.

Objectives: To determine whether the new double-lumen catheter made by OriGen Biomedical (Austin, TX) for venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) would reduce recirculation and i...
Venous coupler size in autologous breast reconstruction--does it matter?

Background Autologous microvascular breast reconstruction is an increasingly common procedure. While arterial anastomoses are traditionally being hand-sewn, venous anastomoses are often completed with a coupler device. The largest coupler size possible should be used, as determined by the smaller of either the donor or recipient vein. While its efficacy has been shown using 3.0-mm size and greater couplers, little is known about the consequences of using coupler sizes less than or equal to 2.5 mm. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing autologous breast reconstruction was conducted at NYU Medical Center between November 2007 and November 2011. Flaps were divided into cohorts based on coupler size used: 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3.0 mm. Outcomes included incidence of arterial or venous insufficiency, hematoma, fat necrosis, partial flap loss, full flap loss, and need for future fat grafting. Results: One-hundred ninety-seven patients underwent 392 flaps during the study period. Patients were similar in age, type of flap, smoking status, and radiation history. Coupler size less than or equal to 2.0 mm was found to be a significant risk factor for venous insufficiency (P = 0.038), as well as for development of fat necrosis (P = 0.041) and future need for fat grafting (P = 0.050). In multivariate analysis, body mass index was found to be an independent risk factor for skin flap necrosis (P = 0.010) and full flap loss (P = 0.035). Conclusions: Complications were significantly increased in patients where couplers of 2.0 mm or less were used, therefore to be avoided whenever possible. When needed, more aggressive vessel exposure through rib harvest, the use of thoracodorsal vessels or hand-sewing the anastomosis should be considered in cases of internal mammary vein caliber of 2.0 mm or less. Clinical Question Therapeutic Level of Evidence Level III. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:514–518, 2013.
Is female gender a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

Despite a growing list of potential new risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the oldest remains controversial. Is female gender a risk factor for AD? It is likely that the greatest influence on the gender differential in crude prevalence rates is the increasing incidence of dementia with age (Paykel et al., 1994) combined with the greater longevity women (Moritz & Ostfeld, 1990). This must be distinguished from the hypothesis that there may also be a gender difference in the age-specific prevalence rates some dementias such as AD. In turn, this could be due to either a higher incidence dementia in women, or to longer survival times in women following diagnosis. What is the evidence for these hypotheses?
Accounting And Economic Implications Of Healthcare Information Technology

There is a growing consensus that interoperability of health care technology is greatly needed so that data can be effectively and accurately exchanged across provider groups and organizations to provide quality healthcare while reducing the cost of healthcare delivery. Benefits are expected for physician groups, organizations, and patients. Perhaps most exciting is the opportunity for integrated patient and population level data leading to clinical decision support systems which assist with the management of patients by integrating medical knowledge with patient characteristics and generating computer based reminders, alerts, and guidelines. While research supports a multitude of benefits, challenges exist that require long-term commitment before the reality of an integrated healthcare information technology will exist. This article explores the benefits, the barriers, and the long term impact of Healthcare Information Technology on future healthcare delivery systems.
Cardiac pauses in competitive athletes: a systematic review examining the basis of current practice recommendations

Aims It is generally recommended that individuals aspiring to competitive sports should undergo pre-participation cardiovascular assessment, particularly including arrhythmia risk evaluation. In regard to bradyarrhythmias, the 36th Bethesda Conference suggested that asymptomatic cardiac pauses ≤3 s are ‘probably of no significance’, whereas longer ‘symptomatic’ pauses may be abnormal. This study focused on assessing the evidence for the ‘3 s’ threshold. Methods A systematic literature search was undertaken including Embase (1980–) and Ovid Medline (1950–). The following MeSH terms were used in the database searches: Cardiac.mp & pause.mp. Additionally, pertinent publications found by review of citation lists of identified publications were examined. Individuals with reversible causes of bradyarrhythmia (e.g. drugs) were excluded. Results The study population comprised 194 individuals with cardiac pauses of 1.35–30 s. In 120 athletes, specific records for pause durations were provided, but it was not always clear whether pauses occurred at rest. Among these 120 athletes, 106 had pauses ≤3 s, of whom 92 were asymptomatic and 14 were symptomatic. Fourteen athletes had pauses >3 s, of whom nine were asymptomatic and five were symptomatic. There were no deaths during follow-up (7.46 ± 5.1 years). With respect to symptoms, the ≤3 s threshold had a low-positive predictive value (35.7%) and low sensitivity (26.3%), but good negative predictive value (86.7%) and specificity (91%). Conclusion While the evidence is not incontrovertible, the 3 s pause threshold does not adequately discriminate between potentially asymptomatic and symptomatic competitive athletes, and alone should not be used to exclude potential competitors.
Local finite-amplitude wave activity as an objective diagnostic of midlatitude extreme weather

Midlatitude extreme weather events are responsible for a large part of climate related damage, yet our understanding of these extreme events is limited, partly due to the lack of a theoretical basis for midlatitude extreme weather. In this letter, the local finite-amplitude wave activity (LWA) of Huang and Nakamura [2015] is introduced as a diagnostic of the 500-hPa geopotential height (Z500) to characterizing midlatitude weather events. It is found that the LWA climatology and its variability associated with the Arctic Oscillation (AO) agree broadly with the previously reported blocking frequency in literature. There is a strong seasonal and spatial dependence in the trend13 s of LWA in recent decades. While there is no observational evidence for a hemispheric-scale increase in wave amplitude, robust trends in wave activity can be identified at the regional scales, with important implications for regional climate change.
Using a fabry-perot to reduce distortion in a gain-based delay system

We present a technique for simultaneously increasing the gain-based slow light pulse delay and reducing the distortion by combining a Lorentzian gain line system and a component Fabry-Perot (FP).
Clinical aspects of asbestos-related diseases--what are the unresolved topics?

OBJECTIVE Despite awareness of the health risks associated with asbestos fiber inhalation and the decline in U.S. utilization (about 0.1% of the yearly peak amount), illnesses associated with exposure persist. Those with disease typically describe excessive exposures in the remote past, yet excessive exposures can occur today, most likely related to careless asbestos abatement procedures. The intent is to address unanswered questions associated with asbestos exposure. METHODS The author summarizes clinical information addressing the case definition of asbestosis, the world-wide rate of mesothelioma, and clinical follow-up for those with exposure. RESULTS The author describes information relevant to issues which remain unresolved. CONCLUSION Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, even though there have been a great number of manuscripts reporting on the health risks of asbestos exposure, there remain unanswered questions regarding the pathogenesis of this disease.
The Presence of Prolactin Inhibiting Factor (PIF) in Extracts of Beef, Sheep and Pig Hypothalami

SummaryRat anterior pituitary halves incubated in vitro release prolactin at a comparable rate in 2 incubation media. Addition of hypothalamic extracts of bovine, ovine or porcine origin inhibited release of prolactin in vitro.
Structural dynamics of a HAWT - The mathematical formulation of an automatic equations of a motion builder

A properly designed wind turbine control system not only can produce higher power output, but also can reduce structural loads. Without a reasonable structural model, wind turbine controllers are designed and tuned using a trial-and-error procedure for power and/or speed regulation. Once the controllers have been "properly tuned" and the turbines experience unstable behavior or severe structural loads, the "solutions" are usually to stiffen the structures by adding more material and weights into the systems. The consequence is thus a significant increase in cost. This paper presents a mathematical formulation that provides a systematical way to derive the equations of motion (EOMs) describing the structural dynamics of a HAWT. Using the modular wind turbine components, wind turbines of different configurations can be modeled and the EOMs can be constructed automatically with a symbolic math software. The symbolic EOM builder generates explicit nonlinear differential equations. The closed form EOMs can be extremely informative when studying wind turbine performance at unusual operating conditions. Linearized EOMs can then be derived analytically and/or numerically at a user specified operating point and used for controller designs and analysis.
A population-based survey of risk for cancer in individuals diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy

Introduction The risk of cancer in patients diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy (DM) is reported for the homogeneous Utah population. Methods Clinical data accessed from the largest Utah healthcare providers have been record-linked to the Utah Population Database, a population-based resource also linked to the Utah Cancer Registry. Relative risks were estimated for 36 cancers of different types in 281 DM patients. Results Testicular cancer (relative risk [RR] = 10.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91-38.79), endometrial cancer (RR = 6.98; 95% CI, 1.24-25.22), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (RR = 4.25; 95% CI, 1.16-12.43) were all observed at significant excess in DM patients. Conclusions This study confirms an overall increased risk of cancer in DM. Individuals diagnosed with DM might benefit from risk counseling. Muscle Nerve 54: 783-785, 2016.
The impact of covariate misclassification using generalized linear regression under covariate–adaptive randomization

Under covariate adaptive randomization, the covariate is tied to both randomization and analysis. Misclassification of such covariate will impact the intended treatment assignment; further, it is unclear what the appropriate analysis strategy should be. We explore the impact of such misclassification on the trial's statistical operating characteristics. Simulation scenarios were created based on the misclassification rate and the covariate effect on the outcome. Models including unadjusted, adjusted for the misclassified, or adjusted for the corrected covariate were compared using logistic regression for a binary outcome and Poisson regression for a count outcome. For the binary outcome using logistic regression, type I error can be maintained in the adjusted model, but the test is conservative using an unadjusted model. Power decreased with both increasing covariate effect on the outcome as well as the misclassification rate. Treatment effect estimates were biased towards the null for both the misclassified and unadjusted models. For the count outcome using a Poisson model, covariate misclassification led to inflated type I error probabilities and reduced power in the misclassified and the unadjusted model. The impact of covariate misclassification under covariate-adaptive randomization differs depending on the underlying distribution of the outcome.
Integrated But Not Whole? Applying an Ontological Account of Human Organismal Unity to the Brain Death Debate.

As is clear in the 2008 report of the President's Council on Bioethics, the brain death debate is plagued by ambiguity in the use of such key terms as ‘integration’ and ‘wholeness’. Addressing this problem, I offer a plausible ontological account of organismal unity drawing on the work of Hoffman and Rosenkrantz, and then apply that account to the case of brain death, concluding that a brain dead body lacks the unity proper to a human organism, and has therefore undergone a substantial change. I also show how my view can explain hard cases better than one in which biological integration (as understood by Alan Shewmon and the President's Council) is taken to imply ontological wholeness or unity.
A SEARCH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND GENETIC BACKGROUND FOR NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS : TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

The present paper illustrates the author's 25-year experience in a step by step approach to the definition of environmental and genetic background of neural tube defects. Based on the birth defects registry, a complete ascertainment of all deliveries was performed in Southern Poland during two periods: 1970-1972, and 1979-1981. The birth prevalence of neural tube defects (NTD), as well as other CNS malformations was determined. The empiric recurrence risk was calculated as 3.2% +/- 1.6. Based on this figure, the relative risk (RR = 37.6 p < 0.001) and heritability (h2 = 74.7 +/- 6.7) were estimated. Our own modification of Morton's complex segregation analysis was applied. Three Mendelian (dominant, additive and recessive) and one multifactorial model were tested. The results did not provide a clear cut discrimination between different models; however the lowest x2 value was obtained for additive inheritance with 61% of penetrance and the frequency of sporadic cases equaled 55%. A search for genetic markers did not support the hypothesis that HLA-A,B,C loci are equivalents of T/t like locus in mice. The results of the study on transcobalamine levels in amniotic fluid may suggests that different transcobalamine metabolism reflects phenotypic expression of genetic susceptibility to NTD development. Current research status and future perspectives on genetic and environmental background of NTD are also presented.
Crude Oil, Oil, Gasoline and Petrol

Petroleum, a naturally occurring substance, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, organic compounds, and metals. Petroleum and its products have brought dramatic conveniences to modern human life. Due to mass oil transport via tankers and pipelines, as well as other human activities, there is a significant risk of oil spills in the ocean. An understanding of the chemical composition of oil, its transport and fate in the ocean, and its toxic impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems can greatly assist emergency response and regulatory agencies in choosing the best responses to protect the ecosystem once oil is spilled. The composition and distribution of spilled oil determines what species and habitats are potentially affected. While toxicological data suggest the severity of impacts on organisms, most information from either laboratory or field studies consists of acute toxicity data that lack an assessment of the long-term impact of oils on organisms at sublethal levels. Acute data are even less informative regarding potential long-term toxic impacts on the ecosystem. This article includes a brief description of the composition and chemistry of crude oil, its transport and fate in the ocean, and its toxic impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. There still exists a challenge to integrate the limited knowledge we have for ecological risk assessment.
Interrelationship between Changes in the Amyloid β 42/40 Ratio and Presenilin 1 Conformation.

The ratio of the longer (i.e., Aβ42/Aβ43) to shorter (i.e. Aβ40) species is a critical factor determining amyloid fibril formation, neurotoxicity and progression of the amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease. The relative levels of the different Aβ species are affected by activity and conformation of the γ-secretase complex catalytic component - presenilin 1 (PS1). The enzyme exists in a dynamic equilibrium of the conformational states, with so-called "close" conformation associated with the shift of the γ-secretase cleavage towards the production of longer, neurotoxic Aβ species. In the current study, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, spectral Forster resonance energy transfer, calcium imaging and cytotoxicity assays were utilized to explore reciprocal link between the Aβ42 and Aβ40 peptides present at various ratios and PS1 conformation in primary neurons. We report that exposure to Aβ peptides at a relatively high ratio of Aβ42/40 causes conformational change within the PS1 subdomain architecture towards the pathogenic "closed" state. Mechanistically, the Aβ42/40 peptides present at the relatively high ratio increase intracellular calcium levels, which were shown to trigger pathogenic PS1 conformation. This indicates that there is a reciprocal crosstalk between the extracellular Aβ peptides and PS1 conformation within a neuron, with Aβ40 showing some protective effect. The pathogenic shift within the PS1 domain architecture may further shift the production of Aβ peptides towards the longer, neurotoxic Aβ species. These findings link elevated calcium, Aβ42 and PS1/γ-secretase conformation, and offer possible mechanistic explanation of the impending exacerbation of the amyloid pathology.
Aromatase inhibition remodels the clonal architecture of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers

Resistance to oestrogen-deprivation therapy is common in oestrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. To better understand the contributions of tumour heterogeneity and evolution to resistance, here we perform comprehensive genomic characterization of 22 primary tumours sampled before and after 4 months of neoadjuvant aromatase inhibitor (NAI) treatment. Comparing whole-genome sequencing of tumour/normal pairs from the two time points, with coincident tumour RNA sequencing, reveals widespread spatial and temporal heterogeneity, with marked remodelling of the clonal landscape in response to NAI. Two cases have genomic evidence of two independent tumours, most obviously an ER− ‘collision tumour’, which was only detected after NAI treatment of baseline ER+ disease. Many mutations are newly detected or enriched post treatment, including two ligand-binding domain mutations in ESR1. The observed clonal complexity of the ER+ breast cancer genome suggests that precision medicine approaches based on genomic analysis of a single specimen are likely insufficient to capture all clinically significant information. Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Here, the authors use genomic approaches to analyse tumours before and after neo-adjuvant treatment and find that treatment alters the clonal landscape of the tumours.
Deciphering the Word “Cypher” in Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa

(1988). Deciphering the Word “Cypher” in Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 50-53.
Impact of bullying victimization on suicide and negative health behaviors among adolescents in Latin America.

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the prevalence of bullying victimization, suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and negative health behaviors (current tobacco use, recent heavy alcohol use, truancy, involvement in physical fighting, and unprotected sexual intercourse) in five different Latin American countries and determine the association of bullying victimization with these outcomes, exploring both bullying type and frequency. Methods Study data were from Global School–based Student Health Surveys from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru, and Uruguay, which covered nationally representative samples of school-going adolescents. The surveys used a two-stage clustered sample design, sampling schools and then classrooms. Logistic regression models were run to determine the statistical significance of associations with bullying. Results Among the 14 560 school-going adolescents included in this study, the prevalence of any bullying victimization in the past 30 days was 37.8%. Bullying victimization was associated with greater odds of suicidal ideation with planning (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.12; P < 0.0001) and at least one suicide attempt (AOR: 3.07; P < 0.0001). An increasing exposure–response effect of increasing days of bullying victimization on suicide outcomes was also observed. Bullying victimization was associated with higher odds of current tobacco use (AOR: 2.14; P < 0.0001); truancy (AOR: 1.76; P < 0.0001); physical fighting (AOR: 2.40; P < 0.0001); and unprotected sexual intercourse (AOR: 1.77; P < 0.0001). Conclusions Although the prevalence of bullying victimization varied by country, its association with suicidal ideation and behavior and negative health behaviors remained relatively consistent. Addressing bullying needs to be made a priority in Latin America, and an integrated approach that also includes mental and physical health promotion is needed.
Development and Assessment of a Novel Task Trainer and Targeting Tasks for Ultrasound-guided Invasive Procedures

Rationale and Objectives The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) recommends that all providers performing ultrasound-guided invasive procedures be competent in a core set of guidance skills common to all ultrasound-guided procedures, including in-plane and out-of-plane needle guidance and needle imaging optimization techniques such as probe translation, rotation, and heel-toe standoff. To allow for the practice and assessment of these core skills, we have created a novel task trainer and set of targeting tasks, and sought to obtain validity evidence in the content and response process domains for this training and assessment system according to the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Materials and Methods We have constructed an ultrasound-guided invasive procedure training system and five targeting tasks that focused on the needle guidance skills outlined by the AIUM. All tasks were performed by obstetrics and gynecology or maternal-fetal medicine physicians with and without experience in ultrasound-guided invasive procedures during a series of simulation workshops. All participants completed a survey regarding the trainer's and the tasks' usefulness in the training of inexperienced physicians. Results The physicians who completed the tasks had favorable views of task trainer and curriculum. The targeting curriculum was felt to allow practice of all of the core guidance skills outlined by the AIUM. The average response provided for all of the tasks was 4.0 or greater, with half of the items having an average response of 4.5 or higher. Conclusions We have constructed a task trainer that incorporates all of the core skills outlined by the AIUM. All five tasks received very favorable reviews from both experienced and inexperienced providers. Taken together, our findings suggest they have strong content and response process validity evidence.
Equity in neighbourhood walkability? A comparative analysis of three large U.S. cities

ABSTRACTThis study examines the spatial and statistical relationships between social vulnerability (SV) and neighbourhood walkability across three large U.S. cities with different urban typologies and development patterns: Charlotte, NC (a low-density, fast-growing “Sunbelt” city); Pittsburgh, PA (a moderate density, shrinking “Rust Belt” city); and Portland, OR (a progressive West Coast city known for its sprawl-containment policies). Binary logistic regression, independent-samples t-tests, and mapping techniques are employed to determine whether neighbourhoods with high SV (i.e. older populations, higher poverty rates, more service occupations, lower educational attainment, and a higher proportion of minorities) are as likely as those with low SV to exhibit a high degree of walkability. The publically available Walk Score® metric, based on proximity to amenities, street network connectivity, and density, was used as a proxy for neighbourhood walkability. The results indicate significant variability amon...
LED Low-Level Light Therapy

Light-emitting diode (LED) treatments, unlike lasers and light sources, do not produce any thermal impact on skin. LED treatments photomodulate human cells. LED technology, much like lasers and light sources, can produce energy of varying wavelengths. Various LED wavelengths appear to have varying effects on human skin
Measuring ipsilateral silent period: Effects of muscle contraction levels and quantification methods

Ipsilateral silent period (iSP) is a frequently measured index of interhemispheric inhibition. However, the methodology used across studies has been inconsistent and variable. We investigated the optimal contraction level and quantification methods for achieving iSP measurement consistency. Twenty-five healthy adults performed right isometric thumb abduction under three conditions (30%, 50%, and 100% of maximal voluntary contraction) while transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied over the primary motor cortex representational area of the abductor pollicis brevis. iSP was quantified by: iSP duration, iSP area and normalized iSP. Measurement consistency was determined by the homogeneity of variance test and by the coefficient of variation. iSP was consistent across all contraction levels when measured by iSP duration and normalized iSP. Normalized iSP showed the least measurement variability. We propose that future investigations examining interhemispheric inhibition use normalized iSP for measurement consistency and the ability to compare results across studies.