cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Powder Substrate on the Dissolution Properties of Methyclothiazide Liquisolid Compacts

The effects of powder substrate composition on the in vitro release properties of methyclothiazide liquisolid compacts were evaluated. The dissolution patterns of this water-insoluble drug formulated in liquisolid tablets were also compared to those of commercial products. According to the new liquisolid technique, liquid medications such as solutions or suspensions of water-insoluble drugs in suitable nonvolatile liquid vehicles can be converted into acceptably flowing and readily compressible powders by a simple admixture with certain powder substrates, which are selected powders referred to as the carrier and coating materials. Enhanced release profiles may be exhibited by such systems due to the increased wetting properties and surface of drug available for dissolution. Liquisolid tablets of methyclothiazide containing a 5% w/w drug solution in polyethylene glycol 400 were prepared using powder substrates of different excipient ratios. The release rates of such products were assessed using the USP dissolution test and were compared to those of their commercial counterparts. It was observed that maximum drug dissolution rates can be exhibited by systems that have powder substrates with optimum carrier-to-coating ratios. In addition, liquisolid tablets displayed significantly enhanced dissolution profiles compared to those of marketed products.
A robust kinematic hardening rule for cyclic plasticity with ratchetting effects Part II. Application to nonproportional loading cases

Performance of the proposed kinematic hardening rule is examined using several examples of cyclic plasticity phenomena observed in experiments. Results obtained and compared with experimental observations on various loading histories are presented. With the memory effects added to the model, impressive results are obtained without using an anisotropic yield model. Drifting of the yield surface occurs during the numerical computation of the plastic response due to nonproportional loading paths. The drift due to the finite increments of stress or strain is corrected using a simple and efficient method proposed in this paper. The new kinematic hardening rule proposed for the limit surface as being related directly to the yield surface kinematic hardening rule ensures nesting using the blended rule discussed in the part presenting the theoretical formulation [14].
On the general graph embedding problem with applications to circuit layout

This paper addresses a class of graph embeding problems in which the object is to map the vertices of one graph to the vertices of another, so that the images of vertices that are adjacent in the source graph are close together in the target graph. An important special case is the bandwidth minimization problem in which the target graph is a simple line graph. In a previous paper, this author showed that for random graphs having bandwidth at most k, a well-known heuristic produces solutions having cost not more than 3k with high probability. This paper ger ralizes these results to the general graph embedding problem. A class of heuristics is described that can be applied to many families of target graphs. Certain aspects of these heuristics depend on properties of the target graphs. These properties are characterized and used to state several metatheorems. Typical of the results is a theorem showing that there exists an efficient heuristic that for random graphs having a cost k embedding in a rectangular grid, will produce an embedding having cost not more than 3k with high probability.
Prenatal diagnosis and clinical findings in a case of hexasomy 12p.

We report the first case of hexasomy 12p mosaicism due to 2 copies of an apparent i(12p) [46,XX/48,XX, +i(12p),+i(12p)] In every cell that contained the i(12p), 2 copies of the marker were found. The hexasomy was found in amniocytes (16%) and skin fibroblasts (95%) but not in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The chromosomal origin of the marker was confirmed with the use of in situ hybridization of alpha-satellite specific for the centromere of chromosome 12. The present case was diagnosed following chromosome analysis for anomalies on ultrasound. The hexasomy 12p patient showed striking phenotypic similarities with severely affected tetrasomy 12p cases and died shortly after birth. We propose that the more severe presentation of this case is due to the 4 extra copies of 12p. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DSM-5 Research: Assessing the Mental Health Needs of Older Adults from Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds

This article analyzes current trends and limitations in the design of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) with a focus on its application to older adults from diverse ethnic backgrounds. An analysis of 54 articles published between 2001 and 2011 in 4 social science databases that discussed DSM and its applicability to assessing ethnically diverse older adults' mental health revealed 5 major themes: (1) assessment issues related to acculturation, (2) limitations with “culture” elements, (3) health disparities, (4) evidence-based practice with dementia, and (5) prevalence of anxiety and depression. Contributors to the DSM-5 must examine limitations, be mindful of cultural elements, and formulate culturally and age-sensitive diagnostic criteria. It is suggested that cultural competence trainings focus on the needs of elderly of color to help this population express culturally relevant and personally unique experiences in the diagnostic process. These considerations must also be in...
Micro-Mechanic Model for Cathodic Blister Growth in Painted Steel

A micro-mechanic blister growth model is proposed for a coating system consisting of a polymer film applied to a steel substrate exposed to salt solutions. The mechanism of the blister formation is based on corrosion-induced disbondment of the coating at the defect periphery coupled with the stress driven diffusive transport of liquid along the coating/substrate interface. By considering the coating as a semi-double cantilever beam loaded by a moment at the periphery and a distributed load along the beam length due to mass transport, a fifth order ordinary differential equation is derived for the beam deflection. The solution is obtained, which yields the functional relationship between the blister growth rate and applied bending moment. The predicted blister growth velocity compared favorably with experimental observations on a paint coated steel panel immersed in a five percent salt water solution. Model predictions allow the construction of a blistering zone/nonblistering zone map, which should help to design better protective coatings for steel.
The Septuagint Ban On Cursing the Gods

Dans la Septante, on est surpris de constater que le texte interdit aux Juifs de denigrer les dieux des autres nations. La Torah elle-meme ne s'en prive pas. Il semble pourtant que cette loi exprimee par la Septante soit restee lettre morte partout. La litterature juive hellenistique critique severement l'adoration des idoles. A la suite du triomphe des Maccabees, les cultes paiens qui existaient sur le territoire d'Israel ont beaucoup souffert. L'explication la plus plausible de cette loi reside dans la volonte d'une publicite de la Septante pour convaincre les Gentils de la bonne disposition des Juifs
Surgical morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival in patients with peripancreatic cancer following pancreaticoduodenectomy*

Background Surgical resection of the primary tumor in peripancreatic cancer has been associated with an improved survival and decreased morbidity in the recent literature. The purpose of this review was to analyze the results at a single institution. Methods Between 1985 and 1995, 88 patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head region and had complete long-term follow-up. Patient records were reviewed to determine morbidity, mortality, and survival. Results Tumor histology included pancreatic head adenocarcinoma (n = 46), ampullary adenocarcinoma (n = 28), duodenal adenocarcinoma (n = 8), and cholangiocarcinoma (n = 6). Morbidity occurred in 26 patients (29%). Perioperative mortality was seen in 6 patients (7%). No perioperative mortality was seen over the last 3 years, which included 33 patients. The mean follow-up was 29 months, with a median survival of 19 months. At last follow-up, 24 patients were alive without disease with an average survival of 43 months (1 to 141). There were 54 patients who died with cancer with an average survival of 21 months (1 to 117). Based on Kaplan and Meier statistical analysis the estimated survival was 47% at 2 years and 25% at 5 years. The location of the primary tumor (P = 0.0006) and the presence of positive lymph nodes (P = 0.05) was shown to have a negative impact on survival. Conclusion Pancreaticoduodenectomy can be done with acceptable morbidity and mortality. The outlook with this disease remains poor, but long-term survival can be achieved in some patients.
Information Processing from Advertisements: Toward an Integrative Framework:

The authors provide a framework and a set of research propositions that capture and extend current theory on information processing from advertisements. The integrative attitude formation model inc...
Comparison of the effects of single versus multiple agent chemotherapy on lymphocytes assayed by the rosette technique

The percentage of peripheral blood Total T, Active T and B-Rosette Forming Cells (RFC) were determined serially (Day 0, 1, 2, 7, and 21) following administration of single (SAT) versus multiple (MAT) agent chemotherapy. SAT caused essentially a decrease in the percentage of B-RFC. MAT resulted in profound decrease of Active T and B-RFC and to a lesser degree of Total T-RFC percentages with nadirs being reached in 48 hours. The most striking decrease involved the percentage of Active T-RFC which remained 15% below pretreatment level 7th posttreatment day. The posttreatment changes in the absolute numbers of Total T, Active T and B-RFCs following MAT were similar to that noted on the RFC percentage. Effects of the two most commonly used multiple agent treatments (COBAM and DOMF) were comparable. MAT causes a more profound decrease in the percentage of various RFCs than SAT. The differences between the nadirs of various RFC reached Day 1 and 2 with MAT versus SAT are statistically significant (p less than .001). We conclude that the effects of chemotherapy on peripheral RFC may be best evidenced by serial determination of their percentage rather than their absolute numbers. Subpopulation of the T-RFC which has been labeled Active T-RFC appears to be the best indicator of the chemotherapy effects on the lymphocyte population since they demonstrate the most profound and persistent changes.
Identification of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ligands from a biased chemical library

Abstract Background: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) were cloned as orphan members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. The identification of subtype-selective ligands for PPARα and PPARγ has led to the discovery of their roles in the regulation of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. No subtype-selective PPARδ ligands are available and the function of this subtype is currently unknown. Results: A three-component library was designed in which one of the monomers was biased towards the PPARs and the other two monomers were chosen to add chemical diversity. Synthesis and screening of the library resulted in the identification of pools with activity on each of the PPAR subtypes. Deconvolution of the pools with the highest activity on PPARδ led to the identification of GW 2433 as the first high-affinity PPARδ ligand. [ 3 H]GW 2433 is an effective radioligand for use in PPARδ competition-binding assays. Conclusions: The synthesis of biased chemical libraries is an efficient approach to the identification of lead molecules for members of sequence-related releptor families. This approach is well suited to the discovery of small-molecule ligands for orphan receptors.
Acquisitions survey: The vendors respond

Abstract The library literature is replete with surveys and studies of vendor performance. Always at question is the concern for the best in service, turn-around time, and discounts. Never have we seen vendors asked to evaluate the efficiency of the acquisitions departments they service. This paper discusses the results of a questionnaire submitted to nine library vendors asking them to rate the performance of the Acquisitions Department at Notre Dame.
Surgical residents' perception of competence and relevance of the clinical curriculum to future practice.

Introduction General surgery residents maintain a case log throughout residency in order to achieve a targeted number of designated operations. Program directors must certify that each graduate is competent to enter general surgery practice without direct supervision. Our purpose was twofold, to determine: 1) graduates' perception of competence and relevance of specific operations to their practice; and 2) if case volume is related to competence. Methods Six classes from a general surgery residency program (n=26) were surveyed one year after graduation. The survey was piloted and revised base on findings. It listed 67 operations encompassing all facets of general surgery. Each operation corresponded to two four-point scales (strongly agree to strongly disagree). One scale was headed with “I was well prepared to work-up, independently perform the operation, and effectively care for the patient post-operatively” and the other “This operation is relevant to my current practice profile”. A linear regression analysis was utilized to study the relationship between total case volume and overall competence. An unpaired T-test was utilized to study the relationship between volume of specific operations and perceptions of competence. Results Twenty-two graduates completed the survey (85% response rate). All respondents felt prepared to perform 24% (16/67) of the operations. Fifty percent or more of respondents felt prepared to perform 91% (61/67) of the operations. Fifty percent or more did not feel competent performing the surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis, orchiopexy, transhiatal esophagectomy, adrenalectomy, and open/endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Twenty-six operations were felt to be irrelevant to the practice of 50% or more of graduates. No operation was unanimously felt to be relevant. For 12% of operations (8/67) at least 10% of graduates felt the operation was relevant to their practice but were not comfortable performing it. These operations (abdominoperineal resection, transanal excision of tumor, transhiatal esophagectomy, superficial inguinal lymph node dissection, right hepatectomy, whipple, colonoscopy, and adrenalectomy) were considered to be in need of educational improvement at a program level. After analyzing individual case logs, increased case volume only correlated with competence for esophagectomy (5 vs. 1 p = .014), EGD (32 vs. 9 p = .018), orchiopexy (2.5 vs. 0 p = .03), and adrenalectomy (3 vs. 1 p = .001). Total major operations performed did not correlate with overall competence (p = .12). Conclusion As program directors must document graduates' competency they must do so with confidence. Our results suggest graduates to not feel competent performing many operations, and several are relevant to their practice. Competence in all aspects of general surgery may be unrealistic, even with robust volume. These findings might help in the restructuring curricula of residency.
The respective effects of water vapor and temperature on the turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat

Various aspects of the Brook correction for the effects of moisture fluctuations or gradients on atmospheric specific heat and, consequently, on the vertical flux of sensible heat are discussed, and additional forms of the complete and approximate equations are derived. Corollary expressions for the influence of temperature fluctuations or gradients on vertical latent heat flux are presented. Errors due to neglecting these temperature and moisture effects on the respective fluxes are compared in terms of the Bowen ratio. Either of these normally neglected effects can change the direction (sign) and very substantially affect the magnitude of the corresponding flux. The effects sometimes compensate in the total, sensible plus latent, heat flux. Calculations include practical examples from the very different climates of the tropical Atlantic Ocean and the Great Plains of Nebraska.
TGF-β: the missing link in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell-mediated immunosuppression

A unique population of CD4(+) T lymphocytes that constitutively express CD25 has been recognized as anergic/suppressor cells. While the immunosuppressive activity of these CD4(+)CD25(+) cells has been validated and implicated in tolerance, autoimmunity, transplantation, cancer and infectious diseases, the mechanism(s) by which they function still remains controversial. Although the involvement of TGF-beta was initially discounted, emerging evidence now links this cytokine with CD4(+)CD25(+) T cell-mediated suppression of antigen-activated T cells. In this perspective, we summarize recently published studies, as well as our own data, which shed light on how cell membrane-bound TGF-beta can deliver a regulatory signal to target cells via a contact-dependent process. Moreover, suppressor T cell function is a complex process, tightly regulated by multiple factors, including IL-2, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and glucocorticoid induced TNF receptor (GITR). Collectively, multiple previously unconnected puzzle pieces are beginning to be linked into a more coherent, albeit incomplete picture of CD4(+)CD25(+) T cell-mediated suppression.
Characterization of Microstructure and Composition of Fe-B Nanobars as Biosensor Platform

Individual magnetostrictive nanobars and arrays comprised of magnetostrictive nanobars were recently introduced as a high performance biosensor platform. In this paper, we report the fabrication and characterization of magnetostrictive nanobars based on Fe-B alloy. The nanobars were synthesized using a template-based electrochemical deposition method. The composition and microstructure of the Fe-B nanobars are directly related to their performance as a biosensor platform. The Fe-B nanobar arrays and individual nanobar were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Morphologically, nanobars have a very flat top and a smooth cylindrical surface, which are critical factors for obtaining high performance as sensor platforms. Structurally, electron diffraction reveals that the Fe-B nanobars are amorphous. AES analysis indicates that Fe-B nanobars show no significant compositional variation along the length direction. It is found that the nanobars were covered by an oxidation layer of a typical thickness of ∼ 10 nm. It is believed that this oxidation layer is related to the passivation of nanobars in air. High temperature annealing and subsequent structural analysis indicate that the Fe-B nanobars possess a good thermal stability.
Reliability analysis of a hardware and software fault tolerant parallel processor

Computer systems for critical applications must be designed to tolerate software faults as well as hardware faults. A unified approach to tolerating hardware and software faults is characterized by classifying faults in terms of duration (transient or permanent) rather than source (hardware or software). Errors arising from transient faults can be handled through masking or voting, but errors arising from permanent faults require system reconfiguration to bypass the failed component. Most errors which are caused by software faults can be considered transient, in that they are input dependent. Quantitative dependability analysis of systems which exhibit a unified approach to fault tolerance can be performed by a hierarchical combination of fault tree and Markov models. In this paper, a methodology for analyzing hardware and software fault tolerant systems is applied to the analysis of a hypothetical system, loosely based on the fault tolerant parallel processor (FTPP). The models considers both transient and permanent faults, hardware and software faults, unrelated and related software faults, automatic recovery and reconfiguration. The parameter values for the software part of the model are determined from an experimental implementation of an N-version programming application. The parameter values chosen for the hardware part of the model are considered fairly typical. >
External Iliac Artery Stent Mucormycosis in a Renal Transplant Patient

A Mucorales infection of an external iliac artery stent in a renal transplant patient is described. Following a kidney transplantation operation and an acute rejection of the transplant, an aneurysm developed at the site of the arterial ligation and three stents were inserted. Two months following insertion of the stents, recurrent episodes of peripheral thromboembolism occurred. Histological examination of the thrombus revealed hyphae characteristic of mucormycosis. A combination of surgical and medical treatment with intravenous liposomal amphotericin B was applied, which led to complete cure of the disease without infection recurrence after 1 year of follow-up.
Protected Areas and Human Displacement: Improving the Interface between Policy and Practice

Despite a growing and increasingly sophisticated set of international policy guidance and norms governing issues of equity and the rights of indigenous and local people, conservationists continue to face moral and practical dilemmas in the application of these guidelines in the field, especially in cases where conservationists seek to restrict access to natural resources. One source of the dilemma is that successful implementation of international covenants may require a stronger enabling environment (in the form of fairness, legitimacy of political actors, transparency and accountability) than typically exists on the ground. Conservationists also need to be better informed about existing best practice on community participation. However, both policy and practice can be ultimately strengthened by an iterative process in which practitioners provide regular input to policy development in order to improve the normative basis for successful conservation.
The role of viral persistence in flavivirus biology.

In nature, vector-borne flaviviruses are persistently cycled between either the tick or mosquito vector and small mammals such as rodents, skunks, and swine. These viruses account for considerable human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Increasing and substantial evidence of viral persistence in humans, which includes the isolation of RNA by RT-PCR and infectious virus by culture, continues to be reported. Viral persistence can also be established in vitro in various human, animal, arachnid, and insect cell lines in culture. Although some research has focused on the potential roles of defective virus particles, evasion of the immune response through the manipulation of autophagy and/or apoptosis, the precise mechanism of flavivirus persistence is still not well understood. We propose additional research for further understanding of how viral persistence is established in different systems. Avenues for additional studies include determining whether the multifunctional flavivirus protein NS5 has a role in viral persistence, the development of relevant animal models of viral persistence, and investigating the host responses that allow vector-borne flavivirus replication without detrimental effects on infected cells. Such studies might shed more light on the viral–host relationships and could be used to unravel the mechanisms for establishment of persistence.
On the Distribution of the Number of Local Minima of a Random Function on a Graph

Minimization of energy or error functions has proved to be a useful principle in the design and analysis of neural networks and neural algorithms. A brief list of examples include: the backpropagation algorithm, the use of optimization methods in computational vision, the application of analog networks to the approximate solution of NP complete problems and the Hopfield model of associative memory.
Animal-Caused Fatalities in New Mexico, 1993–2004☆

Objective To evaluate animal-caused fatalities in New Mexico using data collected during medicolegal death investigations, including toxicology, survival interval, and circumstances. Methods A retrospective review of the computerized database and hard copies of files from a centralized, statewide medical examiner's office, excluding deaths due to zoonotic diseases and motor vehicle collisions involving animals. Results Between 1993 and 2004, 63 deaths caused by animals were reported in New Mexico. The majority of decedents were male (46/63, 73%) and non-Hispanic white (33/63, 52%). Horses were the most commonly implicated animals, with 43 (68%) deaths due to a person being thrown from, crushed, dragged, or kicked by a horse. Cattle caused 9 deaths (14%), dogs caused 3 (5%), and venomous animals caused 3, whereas a bear was responsible for 1 death. Ten decedents (16%) had alcohol present at the time of death, and 8 would have been over the legal blood alcohol concentration for driving (0.08%). Ten deaths (16%) were work-related and included deaths of jockeys and ranch workers. The majority of deaths (42/63, 67%) occurred in remote locations, potentially delaying access to treatment. Survival intervals ranged from 1 day to 33 years. Conclusions Whereas both human and animal behavior can be difficult to predict, a review of animal-caused fatalities investigated by a medical examiner revealed that in many cases, deaths could have been prevented by either the use of protective gear or alterations in human behavior.
Flexible Endoscopic Management of Zenker Diverticulum: The Mayo Clinic Experience

OBJECTIVE To describe the outcome of patients undergoing flexible endoscopic therapy for symptomatic Zenker diverticulum. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 22 consecutive patients who underwent flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy using needle-knife electrocautery performed by a single endoscopist from March 2006 through January 2010. RESULTS Of the 22 patients with symptomatic Zenker diverticulum, 13 were men and 9 were women (median age, 84.5 years). Moderate sedation was used in all but 3 (14%) of the patients. Postprocedural free air occurred in 6 patients (27%) and resolved uneventfully in all. Another patient developed a neck abscess 1 week after endoscopic treatment, which was surgically drained. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis, although 8 patients (36%) required subsequent hospitalization. The mean (SD) length of stay in the hospital was 2.9 (1.64) days. All patients had initial symptomatic improvement, and 18 (82%) maintained improvement at a mean (SD) follow-up of 12.7 (9.2) months. CONCLUSION Flexible endoscopic cricopharyngeal myotomy is an effective treatment of symptomatic Zenker diverticulum, with low recurrence rates and with the benefit of no general anesthesia and hospitalization in most cases. Esophageal perforation is the most common procedural complication.
Green Fluorescent Protein Is Lighting Up Fungal Biology

Prasher ([42][1]) cloned a cDNA for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria in 1992. Shortly thereafter, to the amazement of many investigators, this gene or derivatives thereof were successfully expressed and conferred fluorescence to bacteria and
Probing the ArcA-P Modulon of Escherichia coli by Whole Genome Transcriptional Analysis and Sequence Recognition Profiling

The ArcB/ArcA two-component signal transduction system of Escherichia coli regulates gene expression in response to the redox conditions of growth. Over the years, genetic screens have lead to the identification of about 30 ArcA-P-controlled operons that are involved in redox metabolism. However, the discovery of 3 targets that are not implicated in respiratory metabolism (the tra operon for plasmid conjugation, psi site for Xer-based recombination, and oriC site for chromosome replication) suggests that the Arc modulon may comprise additional operons that are involved in a myriad of functions. To identify these operons, we derived the ArcA-P-dependent transcription profile of E. coli using oligonucleotide-based microarray analysis. The findings indicated that 9% of all open reading frames in E. coli are affected either directly or indirectly by ArcA-P. To identify which operons are under the direct control of ArcA-P, we developed the ArcA-P recognition weight matrix from footprinting data and used it to scan the genome, yielding an ArcA-P sequence affinity map. By overlaying both methods, we identified 55 new Arc-regulated operons that are implicated in energy metabolism, transport, survival, catabolism, and transcriptional regulation. The data also suggest that the Arc response pathway, which translates into a net global downscaling of gene expression, overlaps partly with the FNR regulatory network. A conservative but reasonable assessment is that the Arc pathway recruits 100-150 operons to mediate a role in cellular adaptation that is more extensive than hitherto anticipated.
STAND COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE ACROSS A CHANGING HYDROLOGIC GRADIENT: JEAN LAFITTE NATIONAL PARK, LOUISIANA, USA

We report the results of an intensive study of forest structure and composition across a 1.4-m elevation gradient from the top of a natural levee into the backswamp of Bayou Des Familles, Jean Lafitte National Park, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, USA. At the southernmost edge of the great bottomland hardwood forest of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), forests of the Bayou Barataria-Des Familles distributary are undergoing rapid subsidence with resulting increased flood frequency, depth, and duration. We used data from a 4.6-ha permanently marked plot to examine patterns of distribution and regeneration in forest trees. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination of 23 quadrats (20×100 m) from this plot showed variation in forest composition across this 1.4-m elevation gradient corresponding to bottomland hardwood forest Zones III (semipermanently flooded) through V (temporarily flooded). A comparison of the size-frequency distributions of common species in upper, middle, and lower sectors of the gradient revealed deficient and poor recruitment in Quercus virginiana, Acer negundo, Celtis laevigata, and Salix nigra and episodic regeneration in Liquidambar styraciflua, Taxodium distichum, and Quercus nuttallii. Recruitment of the exotic species, Sapium sebiferum, is occurring at the low end of the gradient, as well as in canopy gaps throughout the gradient. Logistic regressions of sapling ( -10 cm dbh) size classes as a function of elevation showed that saplings of L. styraciflua, Q. nigra, and U. americana occur at higher elevations than do adult trees of the same species, evidence of the rate of hydrologic change in this forest. A fourth species, Acer rubrum, resprouts vigorously under rising water levels and may be an effective competitor with more light-demanding, flood-tolerant species at low elevations.
Personality Characteristics of Dyslexic and Nondyslexic Adults

Dyslexic persons have developmental abnormalities in reading, writing, speech, or more than one area. To study differences in personality characteristics 25 each dyslexic and nondyslexic men and women, ranging in age from 21 to 73 years, completed the 300-word Adjective Check List. Analysis indicated significant differences between the two groups on 15 of 37 adjectives. Dyslexic men scored significantly lower than nondyslexic men on the Favorable Adjectives checked, Achievement, Dominance, Intraception, Heterosexuality, Self-confidence, Personal Adjustment, Ideal Self, and Military Leadership scales, and they scored significantly higher than nondyslexic men on the Adapted Child scale. Nondyslexic women scored significantly higher than dyslexic women on the Counseling Readiness and the High Origence/High Intellectence scales and significantly lower on the Nurturance, Nurturing Parent, and Feminine Attributes scales.
Peripartum management of a patient with Isaacs' syndrome.

Purpose To describe the penpartum management of a patient with Isaacs’ syndrome with specific reference to the anaesthetic implications of the disease process. Associated medical problems included obesity, pregnancy induced hypertension and a difficult airway.
Occurrence of Capillaria hepatica (Nematoda: Trichuridae) in the spotted skunk in Florida.

An infection of Capillaria hepatica found in a spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) from Highlands County, Florida, apparently constitutes the first record of this parasite in a wild carnivore.
Two-dimensional instabilities of time-dependent zonal flows: linear shear

In this study, we investigate the stability of time-dependent zonal flows to two-dimensional (zonally symmetric) disturbances. While steady currents can only experience inertial instability (II) in this setting, unsteady ones may be destabilized in other ways. For example, time-periodic flows can be subject to parametric subharmonic instability (PSI). Motivated by observations of salinity interleaving patterns in the upper equatorial Pacific Ocean, our objective is to determine the basic properties of dominant instabilities (their generation mechanism, spatial and temporal characteristics, and finite-amplitude development) for background flows that are representative of those in the upper-equatorial ocean, yet still amenable to a computational sweep of parameter space. Our approach is to explore the stability of solutions to linear and nonlinear versions of a two-dimensional model for an idealized background flow with oscillating linear shear. To illustrate basic properties of the instabilities, the f -plane and equatorial β-plane scenarios are studied using a linear model. Stability regime diagrams show that on the f -plane there is a clear separation in dominant vertical scales between PSI- and II-dominated regimes, whereas on the equatorial β-plane the parameter space contains a region where dominant instability is a mixture of the two types. In general, PSI favours lower vertical modes than II. The finite-amplitude development of instabilities on the equatorial β-plane is explored using a nonlinear model, including cases illustrating the equilibration of pure II and the development of pure PSI and mixed instabilities. We find that unless the instabilities are weak enough to be equilibrated by viscosity at low amplitude, disturbances continue to grow until the vertical shear of their meridional velocity field becomes large enough to allow for Richardson numbers less than 1/4; as a consequence, PSI-favoured vertical modes are able to reach higher amplitudes than II-favoured modes before becoming susceptible to Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, and induce tracer intrusions of a considerably larger meridional extent.
Images in clinical medicine. Hemichoreoathetosis in neurosarcoidosis.

A 39-year-old black man presented with progressively worsening involuntary movements of the left arm that had been sudden in onset. A physical examination revealed chorea of the left upper arm and athetosis of the fingers of the left hand, shown in a video.
Microstructure reconstruction and structural equation modeling for computational design of nanodielectrics

Nanodielectric materials, consisting of nanoparticle-filled polymers, have the potential to become the dielectrics of the future. Although computational design approaches have been proposed for optimizing microstructure, they need to be tailored to suit the special features of nanodielectrics such as low volume fraction, local aggregation, and irregularly shaped large clusters. Furthermore, key independent structural features need to be identified as design variables. To represent the microstructure in a physically meaningful way, we implement a descriptor-based characterization and reconstruction algorithm and propose a new decomposition and reassembly strategy to improve the reconstruction accuracy for microstructures with low volume fraction and uneven distribution of aggregates. In addition, a touching cell splitting algorithm is employed to handle irregularly shaped clusters. To identify key nanodielectric material design variables, we propose a Structural Equation Modeling approach to identify significant microstructure descriptors with the least dependency. The method addresses descriptor redundancy in the existing approach and provides insight into the underlying latent factors for categorizing microstructure. Four descriptors, i.e., volume fraction, cluster size, nearest neighbor distance, and cluster roundness, are identified as important based on the microstructure correlation functions (CF) derived from images. The sufficiency of these four key descriptors is validated through confirmation of the reconstructed images and simulated material properties of the epoxy-nanosilica system. Among the four key descriptors, volume fraction and cluster size are dominant in determining the dielectric constant and dielectric loss.
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases of Man

Study of the primary immunodeficiency diseases has had major consequences for the practice of medicine. New knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for these disorders has contributed not only to our ability to treat these relatively few patients but also to our understanding of the immunity systems themselves in relation to the rest of the body economy. In turn, the growing fund of information about cells of the lymphoid system, their function and organization, has extended our clinical resources. This ongoing mutual enrichment between basic science and clinical analysis is our best hope as we search for ways to control the suffering caused by the primary immunodeficiencies and other human diseases.
Integrating Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Services into New York City School-Based Health Centers: Quality Improvement to Ensure Provision of Youth-Friendly Services

Abstract Study Objective, Design, and Setting Adolescents face barriers to accessing youth-friendly family planning services, specifically long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). School-based health centers (SBHCs) can provide youth-friendly care. A quality improvement project was undertaken to assess quality of care before, during, and after LARC services at 3 SBHCs, and to identify specific strategies for improving these LARC services. Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures We interviewed 18 female adolescents who received LARC services. Two independent reviewers coded deidentified verbatim transcripts; discrepancies were resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. A guide of themes was structured corresponding to Ambresin's domains of youth-friendly services. From these domains, we identified emerging themes using grounded theory, with a focus on practical suggestions for improving LARC services in SBHCs. Results Interviewees ranged in age from 15 to 19 (average: 17) years. Most had insertions (12 levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS); Mirena ® ), 1 copper intrauterine device (Paragard ® ), 5 contraceptive implant (Nexplanon ® ). Overall, participants were highly satisfied with SBHC LARC services. Within the domain of communication, 2 key themes emerged: balancing need for information with concerns about being overwhelmed by information; and interest in information that directly addresses misconceptions about LARCs. Suggested strategies included providing postprocedure "care packages" with information and supplies, and supporting a peer-based network of adolescent LARC users and previous patients to serve as a resource for new patients. Conclusion This quality improvement project, conducted in a unique setting, gave adolescents a voice. The identified strategies for improving health education, social support, and outreach might be generalizable to other SBHCs. Future research could explore the effect of implementing these suggested strategies on reproductive health care use and outcomes at SBHCs.
First Michigan Record and Second Report of a Big-Headed Fly (Diptera: Pipunculidae) Parasitic upon Crane Flies (Diptera: Tipulidae)

ABSTRACT A recently discovered parasite of crane flies is reported for the first time from Michigan. The single previous report of such a natural enemy was the original discovery in Pennsylvania as published in 2007. A larva of a big-headed fly of the genus Nephrocerus Zetterstedt exited the abdomen of an adult female Tipula tephrocephala Loew that was caught while in flight. The host species and the state are new records for this parasitoid genus.
Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Reliability Study

In 1997, heat exchanger tube failures accounted for 31% of the unplanned downtime in the Lyondell’s Gulf Coast plants. This resulted in over $12MM of unplanned production interruptions. A multi-disciplinary team studied the tube failure modes and developed a systematic program to improve the heat exchanger reliability. The team issued recommendations in the areas of heat exchanger design, construction, operation, maintenance and inspection. This paper mainly discusses the three critical areas surrounding the reliability of heat exchanger tubes. They are tube testing, strategy on retubing exchangers during turnarounds and design improvements.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Inference for the existence of hormetic dose–response relationships in toxicology studies

In toxicology studies hormesis refers to a dose-response relationship with a stimulatory response at low doses and an inhibitory response at high doses. In this manuscript, we particularly focus on a J-shaped dose-response relationship for binary cancer responses. We propose and examine two new flexible models for testing the hypothesis of hormesis in a Bayesian framework. The first model is parametric and enhances the flexibility of modeling a hormetic zone by using a non-linear predictor in a multistage model. The second model is non-parametric and allows multiple model specifications, weighting the contribution of each model via Bayesian model averaging (BMA). Simulation studies show that the non-parametric modeling approach with BMA provides robust sensitivity and specificity for detecting hormesis relative to the parametric approach, regardless of the shape of a hormetic zone.
Bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by varicosities

The authors present a case report of bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome occurring in a 39-year-old, slightly overweight female with a long history of varicose veins of her legs. Symptomatology suggestive of tarsal tunnel syndrome was present over the left heel. Vein stripping was done on both legs. When the burning discomfort at the inner aspect of the left heel continued in spite of the strippings, she presented at our Foot Clinic. Surgery on the left heel revealed varicosities overlying the medial and lateral plantar nerves near their origin, and removal of these resulted in prompt relief of her complaints. Nine months later and 10 months following the venous stripping of her right leg, medial right heel pain, burning, paresthesias, and a positive Tinel sign appeared over the inner aspect of her right heel. There was prompt subsidence of these complaints when again varicosities were found and removed.
Behavioral responses of Mediterranean fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) to trimedlure baits: can leks be created artificially?

A field experiment investigated effects of trimedlure baits on the mating system of a wild population of Mediterranean fruit flies, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in a fruit orchard in Hawaii. Systematic censuses were conducted before, during the time, and after baits were in place, and the abundance of fruit flies and leks, incidence of male calling, and number of matings were compared among these three periods. In both replicates, numbers of lekking males and leks were significantly greater when baits were in place than when they were absent. In both replicates, these increases resulted directly from male attraction to the trimedlure baits, because both numbers of males seen in natural leks as well as numbers of natural leks were unaffected by the baits. Also, in one replicate, a marginally significant increase in number of calling males was noted when baits were in place. Trimedlure baits had no effect on female abundance in either replicate. Only 11 matings were recorded during the entire study, but one of these occurred in a lek formed near a trimedlure bait. Total number of males and number of calling males did not differ significantly between natural leks and those formed near baits, but female/male ratios were significantly higher at natural leks. The possible utility of “artificial leks” as a control technique is discussed.
Caving Space Optimization Experiment on Middle-Deep Hole Blasting for Steeply Inclined Thin Veins

Taking the 18#thin vein of Jinchanggouliang Gold Mine for example,the similar material simulation experiment face-end drawing was conducted under the restraint of the inclined side walls.At the height of 12 and 14 m and inclining to the side walls,the widths of the spheroid were measured as 1. 7 and 2. 1 m,respectively,under the flow axial angle of 4°. Thus,the scopes of caving space were determined as 1,2 and 3 m,respectively. Under the optimum experiment between the recovery rate and the dilution rate,the optimum space was determined to be 1 m under the height of 12 and 14 m. The industrial test at the blasting test area under the space of 1 m was accomplished when the 3D laser scanning CMS system was used to scan the tested areas. The results showed that a sound blasting effect was achieved with most part of the bulk ore rocks drawn,the top wall rocks remaining integrated,and the bottom side wall only partially under excavated.
Migration patterns of Rattus norvegicus in desert area

Objective To observe the migration patterns of Rattus norvegicus in the desert area without railway.MethodsGiven previous investigation data, as well as changes in artificial water channels, farmland connection, highway, and vehicles, andconsidering the variation in the rodent community over time, the exclusive method was used to analyze the migration patterns ofR. norvegicus.Results R. norvegicusmigrated long distances with large trucks or along the farmland or residential area in thedesert area. The desert habitat that spanned over 8 km impeded the migration of R. norvegicus.Conclusion R. norvegicuscanmigrate with large trucks in the desert area.
A cross-sectional study on risk factors of chronic non-communicable diseases among fishing village residents

Objective To explore the related risk factors of chronic non-communicable diseases among fishing village residents in Daishan county. Methods A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to investigate 1149 residents over 18 years old. The data collected was analyzed by using SPSS 17. 0 software. Results The rates of smoking and alcohol drinking were 20. 97% and 20. 71% respectively,and the age-standardized rates were 19. 57% and 17. 77% respectively. The smoking rate was of no statistical significance among different ages,the alcohol drinking rate was significantly different among different age groups and there was the highest rate of 32. 99% in 65-75 years old group. The rate of abdominal adiposity was 37. 08%,with age-standardized rate of 31. 10%; the rate of abdominal adiposity in females was significantly higher than that in males. Moreover,the rate of inadequate fruits and vegetables intake was 73. 89% and average cooking oil and salt intake were 39. 18 g / d and 12. 97 g / d respectively. There were only 15. 32% residents participating in physical exercise. Conclusion The risk factors of chronic non-communicable diseases are widely existed among fishing village residents in Daishan County. Thus comprehensive dietary and behavioral interventions are needed.