cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imidazoleacetic Acid, a γ‐Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Agonist, Can Be Formed in Rat Brain by Oxidation of Histamine

It is generally accepted that in mammalian brain histamine is metabolized solely by histamine methyltransferase (HMT), to form tele-methylhistamine, then oxidized to tele-methylimidazoleacetic acid. However, histamine's oxidative metabolite in the periphery, imidazoleacetic acid (IAA), is also present in brain and CSF, and its levels in brain increase after inhibition of HMT. To reinvestigate if brain has the capacity to oxidize histamine and form IAA, conscious rats were injected with [3H]histamine (10 ng), either into the lateral ventricles or cisterna magna, and decapitated 30 min later. In brains of saline-treated rats, most radioactivity recovered was due to tele-methylhistamine and tele-methylimidazoleacetic acid. However, significant amounts of tritiated IAA and its metabolites, IAA-ribotide and IAA-riboside, were consistently recovered. In rats pretreated with metoprine, an inhibitor of HMT, labeled IAA and its metabolites usually comprised the majority of histamine's tritiated metabolites. [3H]Histamine given intracisternally produced only trace amounts of oxidative metabolites. Formation of IAA, a potent GABA-A agonist with numerous neurochemical and behavioral effects, from minute quantities of histamine in brain indicates a need for reevaluation of histamine's metabolic pathway or pathways in brain and suggests a novel mechanism for interactions between histamine and the GABAergic system.
Higher-Order Factor Invariance and Idiographic Mapping of Constructs to Observables

Theory, research, and application in developmental science share the conceptual and methodological challenges of integrating the study of the course of a person's intra-individual changes and the formulation of subgroup (differential) or nomothetic generalizations. One approach to these challenges has involved building tailored construct representations that filter out irrelevant idiosyncratic information hampering the articulation of nomothetic relations by means of individual level factor analysis (P–technique). Exploring this approach has provided initially promising results (Nesselroade, Gerstorf, Hardy, & Ram, 2007). We present a specification of an alternative to traditional factor invariance (higher-order invariance) that further formalizes these ideas and examine the results of some simulation experiments designed to evaluate the appropriateness of the implementation. The results also have implications for use in basic and applied work across the life span of between-persons variation and subgroup...
A Tool for Helping Veterinary Students Learn Diagnostic Problem Solving

This study describes the result of implementing the Problem List Generator (PLG), a computer-based tool designed to help clinical pathology students learn diagnostic problem solving. Participants included 507 veterinary students: 173 in the treatment groups and 334 in the nontreatment (comparison) group. The comparison students did not use the PLG; one experimental group paticipated in PLG-based case-discussion sessions, and the other used the PLG both for case-discussion sessions and for homework. Both treatment groups scored significantly higher on the final exam (p=.001 and .000 respectively) than the comparison group. The findings suggest that student problem-solving ability improved because students identified all relevant data before attempting to provide a solution, and because student and expert solutions to identical problems were generated and compared using the same process.
A Hospitalwide Integrated Database Infrastructure to Support a Research Program for a Multidisciplinary Breast Center

: The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center has started a multidisciplinary research program in order to explore all aspects of breast diseases and the care of women. Due to the many specialized fields in medicine, the data involved in research studies is likely to be managed by different organizations and by different computers. This sorely limits the ability to carry out studies that are concerned with the mass screening of very diverse types of data according to different patient conditions, treatment profiles, or both. To support its program, the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center has developed a research database that includes every breast patient and that is linked to the UCLA clinical hospital information system and radiology information system. Research data is collected using a Patient Intake Questionnaire that is completed by every patient before being archived in the Breast Center research database. We have developed a Database Integration System to allow the Breast Center research database to automatically acquire and integrate clinical data generated by consultations, treatments, procedures, and surgeries occurring at the UCLA Medical Center. The Database Integration System is based on a screen capture method and uses the generally available clinical application display programs. The system was rapidly and cost-effectively developed using commonly available computer tools. Moreover, it does not require any changes in the participating remote hospital computer systems. The Revlon/UCLA Breast Center database system is available to researchers through a simple graphical user interface. Complex research queries are conveniently handled using the advanced database Structured Query Language (SQL). Our integrated research/clinical database system is now operational and it gives the unique ability to research teams in several disciplines to rapidly search the whole patient population according to any patient profile, disease, or treatment condition defined by a study.?
Using rough sets to determine construct importance in a dynamic HCI environment

Rough set analysis is used as a methodology to identify the relative importance of variables for individuals who interact with various computer and other display and communication systems aboard Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). A goal of the analysis is to determine optimal information display and interpersonal interaction strategies to minimize workload and maximize coordination among team members, including intelligent agents. Rough sets analysis yielded the rank order of importance of 15 variables on three constructs (individual experience, personality, team process) for each of three different types of AWACS operators.
Algebraic Characterizations of Graph Regularity Conditions

It is well-known that a connected finite simple graph is regular if and only if the all-ones matrix spans an ideal of its adjacency algebra. We show that several other graph regularity conditions involving pairs and triples of vertices also have ideal theoretic characterizations in some appropriate algebras.
Allergic rhinitis patients with recurrent acute sinusitis have increased sinonasal epithelial cell TLR9 expression.

Abstract Objective Pilot study examining toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) expression by sinonasal epithelial cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) subjects with and without a history of recurrent acute rhinosinusitis (RARS). Study Design Cohort study. Setting Outpatient clinic. Subjects and Methods Adult subjects were eligible for study if skin tested positive for inhalant allergens, and positive allergens were in season at time of study. Subjects were considered to have AR+RARS if they had four symptomatic episodes with major/minor factors in 12 months and CT evidence of sinusitis. Eight AR-only subjects and 13 AR+RARS subjects underwent endoscopic-guided cell brushing from the middle meatus. Flow cytometry for TLR9 expression was performed on collected fresh sinonasal epithelial cells. Results The AR+RARS group was found to have a significant increase in TLR9 expression in the sinonasal epithelium (66% ± 30%) compared with that of AR-only patients (32% ± 21%; P = 0.011). Conclusion The significant difference in expression of TLR9 in allergic sinusitis patients compared with allergy-only patients in this study may indicate a difference in the role of innate immunity in these groups. The results suggest that expression of innate immune markers such as TLR9 may be upregulated in response to repeated microbial insults in AR+RARS. Further research is necessary to determine whether an initial impairment of innate immune gene expression may predispose some AR patients to subsequent development of RARS.
Mechanism of interferon action interferon-mediated inhibition of simian virus-40 early RNA accumulation

Abstract The effect of interferon pretreatment of monkey kidney CV-1 cells on the accumulation and stability of simian virus-40 (SV 40 ) early RNA was examined using the temperature-sensitive mutant, ts A 30 , in the presence of cytosine arabinoside. Interferon reduced the accumulation of SV 40 early RNA by equivalent amounts in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In pulse-chase experiments about 80% of the SV 40 early RNA decayed with a half-life of about 4 hr; the remaining 20% decayed much more slowly. The decay rate of SV 40 early RNA was indistinguishable between interferon-treated and untreated cells in both nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. These results suggest that interferon pretreatment of monkey kidney cells mediated a reduction in synthesis rather than an enhancement in degradation of SV 40 early RNA.
Energy model for manufacturing process: A case study of wind turbine

The energy consumption of manufacturing of wind turbine is largest impact contributor in various characterization categories, based on the assessment of environmental effects during the whole life cycle of the wind turbine. The article discusses three important aspects of manufacturing processes to find out opportunities to improve energy efficiency while protecting the environment.
Using salivary cortisol to measure the effects of a Wilbarger protocol-based procedure on sympathetic arousal: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE. This study investigated changes in salivary cortisol, the stress hormone, after administration of a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol to children diagnosed with sensory defensiveness (SD), a type of sensory modulation dysfunction. METHOD. Using a single-subject design across participants, we studied 4 boys with SD ages 3 to 5 years. Each participant completed four sessions consisting of the collection of a saliva sample, administration of a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol, 15 min of quiet neutral activities to allow time for any changes in cortisol level to manifest in the saliva, and the second collection of saliva. Saliva samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS. Salivary cortisol levels in all participants changed after each of four applications of a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol. The cortisol levels of 2 children whose levels were relatively higher on pretest decreased at each posttest. The levels of 1 child whose cortisol was higher on pretest three times decreased those three times and increased the one time the pretest cortisol was lower. The levels of 1 child who had the lowest cortisol levels of any of the children increased each time. Therefore, in all participants, cortisol moved in the direction of modulation. CONCLUSION. In these 4 boys, a procedure based on the Wilbarger protocol modulated cortisol levels toward a middle range. This pilot study indicates that there is an association between sympathetic nervous system response and the Wilbarger protocol�based procedure, as indicated by salivary cortisol levels.
Development of a Legendre polynomial nodal model for the multigroup transport theory PN approximation

Abstract A polynomial nodal model which uses Legendre expansions for the spatial component of the angular neutron flux was developed for the multigroup P N equations. The development depends upon the least-squares minimization of the residuals using the trial functions over the node. Anlytical expressions were developed for the polynomial coefficients. The odd moments of the angular neutron flux over the half ranges were used at the internal interfaces, and the Marshak boundary condition was used at the external boundaries. Sample problems with fine mesh finite-difference solutions of the diffusion and transport equations were used for comparison with the model. The results compared favorably.
Secure Information and Resource Sharing in Cloud

The significant threats from information security breaches in cyber world is one of the most serious security problems. Organizations are facing growing number of sophisticated cyber-attacks every year. Efficient and secure sharing of attack and security information during cyber incident response plays increasingly significant role in fixing the problems as well as helping organizations recover fast. While traditional systems are slow and inefficient in sharing information and resources securely, cloud platform provides us a considerable convenience to facilitate the sharing. In this paper, we propose access control models for secure information and resource sharing (IARS) in cloud Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
Nuclearism and the denial of death

Abstract This article analyzes the arguments of Robert Jay Lifton in his recent book with Richard Falk, Indefensible Weapons, that the sense of connection and symbolic immortality that provide reassurance and meaning for people in the face of death are undermined by the increasing threat of nuclear war. Lifton's arguments are both paradoxical and ominous, for he has been the most effective proponent of a perspective on death and life that counters the view that death condemns secular people to the sullen grasp of absurdity. The effect of Lifton's recent arguments seems to rehabilitate the absurdity of death. In challenging these arguments, this article suggests that an incompleteness in Lifton's modes of symbolic immortality limits our view of how meaning perseveres in the face of nuclear threat and of how “ordinary death” can teach us to renounce nuclear death. Coming to terms with human mortality is all the more essential in a time of nuclear peril since it can provide the incentive and vision for event...
Rheology of chemically modified triglycerides

The rheology of chemically modified plant oils was determined to aid in their processing for polymers and other applications. Epoxidized and acrylated triglycerides were derived from various plant oils and model triglycerides. The viscosity of the unmodified oils decreased as the level of oil unsaturation increased. However, the viscosity of the epoxidized oils increased slightly as the level of epoxidation increased. Furthermore, the viscosity of the acrylated oils increased exponentially as the level of acrylation increased because of increased polarity. In addition, the viscosity of the acrylated oils increased as the average distance of the acrylate groups from the fatty acid chain ends decreased. Chemically modified and unmodified oils did not exhibit any shear-thinning behavior or any memory of shear history. The temperature dependence of the viscosity followed the Arrhenius law, and the activation energy decreased linearly with the level of acrylation. The addition of comonomers, such as styrene, reduced the viscosity of the acrylated oils exponentially as the comonomer concentration increased. However, the glass-transition temperature and modulus of the triglyceride-based polymers decreased as the styrene content decreased. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 774–783, 2005
A Perfect Planning Horizon Procedure for a Deterministic Cash Balance Problem

This paper develops a "perfect planning horizon procedure" for the simple cash balance problem, where the objective of the firm is to schedule the selling and buying of its earning assets so that all the positive demands are met at minimum cost. Demand for cash can be both positive or negative; a positive demand means the cash outflow and a negative demand means the cash inflow. While the planning horizon procedure reported in Mensching, Garstka, and Morton Mensching, J., S. Garstka, T. Morton. 1978. Protective planning-horizon procedures for a deterministic cash balance problem. Oper. Res.26 637-652. obtains optimal initial decisions for the infinite horizon cash balance problem by using forecasts for some finite horizon, the perfect procedure in this paper is guaranteed to obtain these decisions by using the minimum possible number of periods of forecast data. We also present a forward dynamic programming algorithm which is computationally more efficient than the forward algorithm of Blackburn and Eppen Blackburn, J., G. Eppen. 1973. A two asset deterministic cash balance problem. Research Paper No. 133, Stanford University.. Our computational results show that the perfect procedure in this paper can lead to significant savings in the number of periods of forecast data required to obtain optimal initial decisions and the CPU time compared to the planning horizon procedure in Mensching, Garstka, and Morton Mensching, J., S. Garstka, T. Morton. 1978. Protective planning-horizon procedures for a deterministic cash balance problem. Oper. Res.26 637-652..
Synthesis of triphenylphosphonopropionbetainetriorganotin(IV) salts [(C6H5)3P(CH2)2CO2SnR3]+X−, by nucleophilic displacement of anions from triorganotins

Abstract Trimethyl- and triphenyl-tin(IV) hydroxide act on triphenyl(2-carboxyethyl)-phosphonium hydrochloride, which is made from 3-chloropropionic acid and triphenylphosphine, to release water in the presence of dimethylformamide (DMF) as a catalyst. The water is azeotropically distilled to drive the reaction forward and produce triphenylphosphonopropionbetainetrimethyl- and triphenyl-tin(IV) chlorides in high yield. The latter product also results from the displacement of chloride from triphenyltin(IV) chloride by the phosphobetaine, (C6H5)3P(CH2)2CO2, which is made by treating the phosphonium hydrochloride with bicarbonate, and the compounds [(C6H5)3P(CH2)2CO2Sn(C6H5)3]+X− where X = Cl, Br, I, N3, NCS, NO3, B(C6H5)4 and Co(CO)4 are made in the same way. The acetate salt results from metathesis from the chloride and lead(II) acetate. A double salt, [(C6H5)3P(CH2)2CO2SnR3]+ [R3SnX2]−, is formed for X = Cl, Br and N3 by adding additional (C6H5)3SnX to the already-formed simple salts. Double salts are also obtained from the 1 1 reactions between the phosphobetaine and triphenyltin(IV) isocyanate and methyldiphenyltin(IV) chloride. The phosphonium chloride double salt could be converted to the thiophosphonium derivative by heating with elemental sulfur in ethanol. The products of these novel nucleophilic displacement reactions are high melting solids. Tin-119m Mossbauer data are consistent with five-coordinated, triorganotin(IV) formulations with the exception of the diphenyl(8-hydroxyquinolinato)tin(IV) chloride salt in which the tin atom is six-coordinated, and the diphenyltin system cis-oriented. The parameters otherwise do not change with the nature of the X group, which is the tetracarbonylcobaltate derivative is tetrahedral by infrared, establishing the ionicity of the products. The chloride exhibits a molar conductivity indicative of a 1 1 electrolyte in DMF. A bridging acetate structure in the solid is consistent with the lowered ν(CO2) frequencies. The Mossbauer spectra of the double salts give simple doublets of lowered isomer shift (IS) and raised quadrupole splitting (QS) which may arise from a cross-linking ion pairing of the polymer chains in the solid, and the NMR spectra of the two methyltin derivatives shows only a single resonance line and tin satellites which is rationalized by a dynamic exchange process. The products are formulated as associated in carboxylate polymers with dangling triphenylphosphonium cations.
Secretion of surfactant by primary cultures of alveolar type II cells isolated from rats.

Abstract Pulmonary surfactant conventionally is prepared from material obtained by endobronchial lavage. Although it has been assumed that the components of surfactant are secreted by alveolar type II cells, direct proof of this assumption has not been available. Furthermore, it is possible that the final material obtained by lavage has been modified after secretion or altered during the isolation procedure. It has been shown previously that type II cells, after 1 day in primary culture, secrete saturated phosphatidylcholine, one of the lipid components of surfactant. Because saturated phosphatidylcholine is not unique to surfactant and because type II cells in culture lose differentiated characteristics over the first several days in culture, it has not previously been established how closely the secretory products of cultures of type II cells resemble surfactant as obtained by endobronchial lavage. We therefore studied the morphologic, physical and chemical characteristics of the material that type II cells secrete under basal conditions and after stimulation with terbutaline or 12- O -tetradecanoyl-13-phorbol acetate. The secreted material resembled surfactant obtained by lavage; it was similar morphologically to the lamellar material and tubular myelin seen in the fluid-filled alveoli of fetal rats, it lowered surface tension to 5 mN per meter, and it contained the 72000 dalton apolipoprotein of surfactant (as measured by the ‘rocket’ immunoelectrophoresis technique). When cells were incubated for 22 h with [1- 14 C]acetate, the distribution of radioactivity in the secreted material was very similar to the phospholipid composition of rat surfactant. We conclude that the material secreted by alveolar type II cells after 1 day in primary culture is similar to surfactant obtained by endobronchial lavage.
Rates of thrombin acylation and deacylation upon reaction with low molecular weight acylating agents, carbamylating agents and carbonylating agents.

Acylated derivatives of thrombin have been made using low molecular weight acylating agents, carbamylating agents and carbonylating agents. The compounds used to acylate the active site serine include isatoic anhydrides, benzoxazinones, benzylisocyanate, N-(benzylcarbonyloxy)succinimide and p-(dimethylamino)benzoylimidazolide. The rates of acylation and deacylation were determined. The best overall inhibitors of thrombin are 2-ethoxy-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one, isatoic anhydride and tert-butyl-2,4-dioxo-2H-3,1-benzoxazine-1(4H)-acetate, which have k2K1; values of 52,700 M−1s−1, 48,900 M−1s−1 and 5400 M−1s−1, respectively. The carbamyl derivative of thrombin formed with benzylisocyanate had the slowest rate of deacylation (2.3 × 10−7 s−1), while the ester derivative formed with 2-(N,N-dimethylamino)methylimino-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one had the fastest rate of deacylation (1.9 × 10−4 s−1)
Articular mastocytosis in rheumatoid arthritis

The number and distribution of mast cells were assessed in 116 synovial membranes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in 30 control specimens. Rheumatoid synovial membranes contained a mean of 48.5 mast cells per 20 high-power fields (HPF) (range 0-252), and control synovial membranes had a mean of 3.9 mast cells per 20 HPF (range 0-13) (P less than 0.001). In a comparison of high and low mast cell subgroups in rheumatoid arthritis, counts were directly related to the intensity of clinical synovitis in the affected joint, but not to hemoglobin concentration or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Joints excised from 5 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were characterized by active bone remodeling with increased osteoid, active resorption by osteoclasts, and trabecular osteoporosis. Mast cells were prominent in both extraosseous pannus and intraosseous invasive tissue. The possible roles of mast cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are discussed.
Changes in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Gut Xylanolytic Activities in Response to Dietary Xylan Content

Abstract Xylanase and β-xylosidase activities were assayed for each gut region of field-collected Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) workers, as well as those kept on eight diets. Five diets were formulated, consisting of varying ratios of cellulose and xylan. The remaining three diets, red oak (Quercus spp.), pine (Pinus spp.), and filter paper, were intended to represent probable food sources in the field. Xylanase and β-xylosidase activities were primarily located in the hindgut (>92% total xylanase activity, ≈50–75% total β-xylosidase activity), providing strong evidence that xylan digestion is mainly carried out by hindgut symbionts in R. flavipes workers. Among the formulated diets, both xylanase and β-xylosidase activities were significantly higher in termites kept on 20 and 40% xylan than in termites kept on 0 and 5% xylan. Among the field diets, both xylanase and β-xylosidase total activities were highest on the oak diet, the diet with the highest xylan content, and lowe...
System for portable nucleic acid testing in low resource settings

Our overall goal is to enable timely diagnosis of infectious diseases through nucleic acid testing at the point-of-care and in low resource settings, via a compact system that integrates nucleic acid sample preparation, isothermal DNA amplification, and nucleic acid lateral flow (NALF) detection. We herein present an interim milestone, the design of the amplification and detection subsystem, and the characterization of thermal and fluidic control and assay execution within this system. Using an earlier prototype of the amplification and detection unit, comprised of a disposable cartridge containing flexible pouches, passive valves, and electrolysis-driven pumps, in conjunction with a small heater, we have demonstrated successful execution of an established and clinically validated isothermal loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) reaction targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) DNA, coupled to NALF detection. The refined design presented herein incorporates miniaturized and integrated electrolytic pumps, novel passive valves, overall design changes to facilitate integration with an upstream sample preparation unit, and a refined instrument design that automates pumping, heating, and timing. Nucleic acid amplification occurs in a two–layer pouch that facilitates fluid handling and appropriate thermal control. The disposable cartridge is manufactured using low-cost and scalable techniques and forms a closed system to prevent workplace contamination by amplicons. In a parallel effort, we are developing a sample preparation unit based on similar design principles, which performs mechanical lysis of mycobacteria and DNA extraction from liquefied and disinfected sputum. Our next step is to combine sample preparation, amplification, and detection in a final integrated cartridge and device, to enable fully automated sample-in to answer-out diagnosis of active tuberculosis in primary care facilities of low-resource and high-burden countries.
Enhancing central fringe identification using two optical beams with different power and wavelengths in white light interferometric sensing

Results of a study to enhance the relative amplitude of the central fringe in the output of a white light interferometric system with two optical beams has been described, where the approach is based on the electronic multiplication of the output signals corresponding to the two optical beams. The outputs were generated by separating the sensing beam with a wavelength selective filter and detected using two separate photodetectors. The results obtained show that the relative amplitude of the central fringe of the multiplied output is independent of the power ratio of the two beams. Comparisons between this approach and the more conventional use of the dual wavelength technique are also included.
Assessing the value of climate assessments: Progress and future directions.

The authors synthesize existing climate research and climate instruments, as well as introduce several frameworks to help educators understand how institutions and researchers have assessed diversity in the college environment. Over 90 instruments were reviewed and examined for their attention to multiple dimensions of the campus climate, diversity initiatives, and outcomes measures that capture students’ values, skills, and knowledge for participation in a diverse society. Frameworks presented include a broad definition of the campus climate, a typology of campus initiatives based on an inventory of campus practice, and a typology of representative outcomes that capture cognitive, socio-cognitive, values/attitudes, and preparation for a multicultural society. Campuses that strive to become functional multicultural learning environments can now rely on a body of empirical information to guide practice and critical self-assessment to deepen their commitment to diversity. The authors recommend that campuses integrate their assessment of the climate with the evaluation of student outcomes and campus practice.
Passivity Based Control of Power Plants

Abstract In this paper, we show that the state space spanned by the intensive variables such as temperature and pressure is isomorphic to that spanned by extensive variables such as the mass and energy inventories for a single component process system. Then we propose a state space model for power plants, which uses the mass and energy inventories as state variables, and has an affine structure in the control variables. In addition, a passivity based inventory controllers are developed. Numerical simulations suggest the performance and efficiency of the inventory controllers in power plant systems.
The association between vascular endothelial growth factor levels and clinically evident peripheral edema in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Objective – To determine the relationship between plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, severity of illness, and edema formation in critically ill dogs. Design – Prospective, observational, descriptive, clinical study. Setting – University Teaching Hospital. Animals – Twenty-eight dogs. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – Physical examination and multifrequency bioimpedance (MFBIA) measurements were performed daily on 28 critically ill dogs with evidence of severe inflammatory disease and compared with the corresponding plasma VEGF levels. The change in VEGF values and the relationship between MFBIA measurements and clinical evidence of edema were also examined. Eighteen dogs had a positive VEGF level, 12 dogs had clinical evidence of edema, and 7 dogs had both a positive VEGF level and clinical evidence of edema. There was no statistically significant correlation between VEGF levels and the presence of edema on physical examination (P=0.2). VEGF values were also evaluated with respect to WBC count, survival prediction index, presence of known sepsis, change in extracellular water, and outcome. No statistical relationship could be identified between VEGF levels in the blood of dogs with inflammatory disease and their survival prediction index (P=0.1), the WBC count (P=0.2), or presence of sepsis (P=0.2). Dogs with a VEGF level >70 pg/mL (n=3) were less likely to survive (P=0.04). Because of high variability within and between animals, conclusions regarding changes in MFBIA could not be made, suggesting that this technology requires further refinement and investigation in critically ill dogs. Conclusions – A relationship between VEGF and clinically evident increased vascular permeability was not found in this study. Dogs with markedly elevated VEGF levels may be more likely to die, but further studies are needed to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of VEGF in critically ill dogs.
Parental Underestimates of Child Weight: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parental perceptions of their children’s weight play an important role in obesity prevention and treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of parents worldwide who underestimate their children’s weight and moderators of such misperceptions. METHODS: Original studies published to January 2013 were chosen through literature searches in PUBMED, PSYCHINFO, and CINAHL databases. References of retrieved articles were also searched for relevant studies. Studies were published in English and assessed parental perceptions of children’s weight and then compared perceptions to recognized standards for defining overweight based on anthropometric measures. Data were extracted on study-level constructs, child- and parent-characteristics, procedural characteristics, and parental underestimates separately for normal-weight and overweight/obese samples. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models and adjusted for publication bias. Moderators were explored using mixed-effect models. RESULTS: A total of 69 articles (representing 78 samples; n = 15 791) were included in the overweight/obese meta-analysis. Adjusted effect sizes revealed that 50.7% (95% confidence interval 31.1%–70.2%) of parents underestimate their overweight/obese children’s weight. Significant moderators of this effect included child’s age and BMI. A total of 52 articles (representing 59 samples; n = 64 895) were included in the normal-weight meta-analysis. Pooled effect sizes indicated that 14.3% (95% confidence interval 11.7%–17.4%) of parents underestimate their children’s normal-weight status. Significant moderators of this effect included child gender, parent weight, and the method (visual versus nonvisual) in which perception was assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Half of parents underestimated their children’s overweight/obese status and a significant minority underestimated children’s normal weight. Pediatricians are well positioned to make efforts to remedy parental underestimates and promote adoption of healthy habits.
Low-temperature surface conduction in the Kondo insulator SmB6

We study the transport properties of the Kondo insulator SmB6 with a specialized configuration designed to distinguish bulk-dominated conduction from surface-dominated conduction. We find that as the material is cooled below 4 K, it exhibits a crossover from bulk to surface conduction with a fully insulating bulk. We take the robustness and magnitude of the surface conductivity, as is manifest in the literature of SmB6, to be strong evidence for the topological insulator metallic surface states recently predicted for this material. © 2013 American Physical Society.
Numerical simulation of polyhedral crystal growth based on a mathematical model arising from non-local thermomechanics

In this work we present some results of the numerical simulation of the growth of a crystal from its melt, taking into account faceting. The simulation is based on a numerical solution of a three–dimensional generalized Stefan problem. That problem arises from a non–local thermomechanical theory applied to a continuous system with an interface and embodies ideas from the dislocation theory of crystal growth. In the model, the crystal surface is an isotherm and the growth velocity of a crystal face depends on the velocities of the other faces and on the whole crystal configuration as well as on the temperature gradient. A front fixing formulation of the model is considered. This is a conservative form of the Isotherm Migration Method [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] in spherical coordinates. The numerical solution is based on an explicit finite difference discretization of the resulting non–linear equations. We develop a theoretical analysis of the interface equations that drive the crystal face motion. Numerical results, showing evolution of complex crystals with configuration changing during the growth, are in accord with experimental results. Furthermore, numerical experiments offer useful information on the influence of certain parameters in the model on the growth process.
Late Quaternary history of colluvial deposition and erosion in hollows, central California Coast Ranges

Colluvial deposits in hollows are the predominant source of debris flows in many mountainous areas, and the depositional history of hollows can provide insight into land-slide frequency and long-term hillslope processes. Detailed study of colluvial deposits in 20 hollows in the northern San Francisco Bay area, California, reveals diverse histories of erosion and deposition. Basal radiocarbon ages range from 1 to 29 ka and document deposition of colluvium throughout this period at different sites. Ages from multiple stratigraphic levels confirm that the deposits are cumulative and have thickened through the Holocene. Radiocarbon dates and stratigraphic observations document unconformities in hollows, reflecting incomplete evacuation of colluvium during both Pleistocene and Holocene events and providing evidence for a cycle of alternating accumulation and evacuation of colluvium. This cycle has apparently been affected by major climatic changes, and the common occurrence of basal ages at ca. 9 to 14 ka may record widespread slope instability during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. By analogy with modern landsliding, the increased erosion may have been caused by an increased frequency of high-intensity storms during extended periods of meridional flow in the upper atmosphere. The accelerated discharge of colluvium from hillslopes may have contributed to stream aggradation in diverse parts of California.
Cross-Cultural Validity of Alcohol Dependence Across Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Caucasians

Confirmatory factor analyses for ordered-categorical measures probed for differential item functioning on a standardized measure of alcohol dependence across Hispanics (n = 834) and non-Hispanic Caucasians (n = 14,001) in a nationally representative survey of alcohol use in the United States conducted in 1992. Analyses investigated whether 30 items operationalizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) construct of alcohol dependence provided equivalent measurement. The results demonstrated statistically significant differential item functioning for 7 items, suggesting caution regarding the cross-ethnic validity of alcohol dependence. Sensitivity analyses suggested that item-level differences had a limited impact, lending confidence to previous findings. The findings underscore the necessity of cultural sensitivity when generalizing measures and constructs developed in the majority to Hispanic individuals and demonstrate the need for evaluations of differential item functioni...
Changes in Radiation Sensitization Induced by Fluosol-DA as Measured by 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Numerous agents have been studied in attempts to sensitize radioresistant hypoxic tumor cells. We have investigated the effect of Fluosol-DA plus carbogen (95% oxygen and 5% CO2) on the sensitivity of a radioresistant mammary carcinoma in C3H/He mice and also on tumor metabolism by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Statistically significant increases in phosphocreatine/Pi were noted for small- (150–350 mm3) and medium-(351–650 mm3) sized tumors treated with Fluosol-DA plus carbogen. Small tumors were shown to undergo significant radiosensitization in the presence of Fluosol-DA plus carbogen and medium-sized tumors showed a lesser degree of radiosensitization. Large tumors (>900 mm3) showed no effect. Fluosol-DA or carbogen alone had no effects on animals with any tumor volume, as monitored by significant changes in radiosensitivity or nuclear magnetic resonance parameters. An approximately linear relationship was found between the decrease in the values for radiation dose which yields 50% tumor control and the increase in phosphocreatine/Pi, with a correlation of r = -0.93. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be useful for monitoring changes in radiosensitivity induced by agents which alter tumor oxygenation and subsequent metabolic status.
Differences in Surface Behavior of Alkali Ions in Li2O ·3SiO2 and Na2O · 3SiO2 Glasses

The molecular dynamics computer simulation technique was used to determine the short-time dynamics behavior and resultant structures of ions at the surface of Li20·3SiO2 and Na2O-3SiO2 glasses. Room temperature and elevated temperatures were used. Results are compared with similar studies of the K2O·3SiO2 glass surface and with recent experimental ion-scattering-spectroscopy data. The simulations indicate that a localized surface rearrangement occurs within picoseconds after formation of the free surface, creating a surface excess of alkali in the Na (and K) case, but not in the Li case. Elevated temperatures, even for brief times, enhance the observed surface excess of Na and K. The results correspond to those obtained from the ion-scattering-spectroscopy studies.
Iterative Reconstruction-Reprojection: An Algorithm for Limited Data Cardiac-Computed Tomography

Cardiac X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been limited due to scanning times which are considerably longer (1 s) than required to resolve the beating heart (0.1 s). The otherwise attractive convolution-backprojection algorithm is not suited for CT image reconstruction from measurements comprising an incomplete set of projection data. In this paper, an iterative reconstruction-reprojection (IRR) algorithm is proposed for limited projection data CT image reconstruction. At each iteration, the missing views are estimated based on reprojection, which is a software substitute for the scanning process. The standard fan-beam convolution-backprojection algorithm is then used for image reconstruction. The proposed IRR algorithm enables the use of convolution-backprojection in limited angle of view and in limited field of view CT cases. The potential of this method for cardiac CT reconstruction is demonstrated using computer simulated data.
Molecular design of functional polymer surfaces

Three design prin- ciples are presented that allow for the molecular design of functional polymer surfaces: surface segrega- tion, surface structure, and surface reorganization. These design prin- ciples are illustrated by a descrip- tion of the behavior of model end- functional polymers that accu- rately reflect the general behavior of essentially all possible linear functional polymer architectures. Several applications of the design principles are described to show how they may be used to provide molecular engineering solutions for problems of practical interest. The applications include the opti- mization of functional polymer ar- chitectures for producing adhesive and release surfaces, the suppres- sion of dewetting by the use of functional additives to lower the surface tension of a coating, and the creation of smart polymer sur- faces with selective adhesion prop-
Alleviating NBTI-induced failure in off-chip output drivers

Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) causes the threshold voltage of PMOS devices to degrade with time, resulting in a reduced lifetime of a CMOS IC. In this paper, we present an approach to mitigate the degradation due to NBTI for off-chip output drivers. Our approach is based on forcibly inducing relaxation in the individual fingers of the output driver (which is typically implemented in a multi-fingered fashion). The individual fingers are relaxed in a round-robin manner, such that at any given time, k out of n fingers of the driver are being relaxed. Our results show that the proposed approach significantly extends the lifetime of the output driver.
Dependability and Organizational Bankruptcy: An Application of Agency and Prospect Theory

This paper proposes and tests a new model of organizational bankruptcy based on agency and prospect theory. The paper argues that debtors with unprestigious top managers, low liquidity and high leverage signal that they will be undependable exchange partners. The model proposes that survival is contingent on maintaining an acceptable, minimum level of these financial and managerial assets. If a firm falls below that threshold level, it has a higher probability of bankruptcy because creditors withdraw their financial support from the debtor. Consistent with agency theory, this implies that bankruptcy can be viewed as the legal resolution of severe shareholder-creditor conflicts about the levels of financial and managerial assets that the debtor should maintain. This new model proposes that maintaining a minimum level of these assets is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for bankruptcy. Some undependable firms delay bankruptcy by using strategies that create the hope that they will become dependable in the future. According to prospect theory, these strategies work because creditors wish to avoid recognizing significant losses, and thus take on more risk than they might otherwise assume.
Thiamine transport across the rat intestine. I. Normal characteristics.

Abstract The characteristics of normal thiamine transport across the intestine were studied in rats using intact intestinal loops and everted jejunal segments. In vivo studies with [ 35 S]-thiamine hydrochloride revealed, in all segments of small intestine, saturation kinetics for low thiamine concentrations (0.06 to 1.5 μM), but a linear relationship between high concentrations (2 to 560 μM) and absorption. Moreover, in vitro studies of net transmural flux using everted jejunal sacs demonstrated movement of [ 14 C]-thiamine hydrochloride against a concentration gradient only when low, but not when high, thiamine concentration was used, so that the serosal to mucosal ratio became significantly greater than the initial value of one. Pyrithiamine, 2 μM, dinitrophenol, 200 μM, norethylmaleimide, 100 μM, and ouabain, 100 μM, reduced the net transmural flux of 0.2 μM thiamine. In contrast, these inhibitors had no effect on 20 μM thiamine. When unidirectional flux across the jejunum was measured, saturation kinetics was again demonstrated for low thiamine concentrations. This phenomenon, however, was abolished by the addition of pyrithiamine, which exerted competitive inhibition on thiamine absorption. Anoxia and sodium lack reduced intestinal uptake of 0.5 μM thiamine to 58% and 74% of normal, respectively, but did not affect uptake of 50 μM thiamine. Lowering the temperature led to a fall in thiamine uptake, the reduction being more marked with low thiamine concentrations ( Q 10 , 1.648) than with high concentration ( Q 10 , 1.127). Stirring of the water layer reduced K m to 59% of unstirred value, while the V max and permeability coefficient remained unchanged. Finally, movement of low concentration thiamine against an electrical gradient was observed under conditions of electrical short circuiting and zero potential difference. In contrast, no such effect was seen with high concentrations. These studies suggest that there exists in the rat a dual system of intestinal thiamine transport. At low concentrations, thiamine is absorbed by an active process; at high concentrations, transport across the intestine is largely a passive movement.