cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BAPS UK inflammatory bowel disease surgical practice survey.

Abstract Aims A recent survey of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) identified wide regional variations of care within the UK. The present study was designed to analyse paediatric surgical provision for children with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Methods All UK paediatric surgical centres were contacted to identify surgeons with a subspecialist interest in IBD. A questionnaire was designed to probe specific areas including team working, caseload, and transitional care. Annual consultant caseload was requested for colonoscopy, J-pouch ileoanal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis, and strictureplasty (Crohn's disease). The questionnaire and the accompanying letter were approved by the BAPS Research and Clinical Effectiveness Committee. Results The response rate from individual centres was 86% (25/29). In 11% of centres, care was shared between 2 consultants. A transitional care clinic was provided by 77% of centres. The median experience with IPAA was 0.9 cases per year of consultant practice (range, 0-3.7), and 12.5% of surgeons had limited experience of revision pouch surgery. The majority have arrangements for joint operating with adult surgeons for IPAA. Forty percent of surgeons reported experience with strictureplasty. Surgical preference for recalcitrant left-side Crohn's colitis favoured segmental resection (60%), compared to subtotal/panproctocolectomy. Conclusions Paediatric surgeons use a diversity of surgical management options in IBD. Experience with IPAA is limited for most surgeons. Whether children should undergo elective IPAA independent of experienced adult practitioners, who naturally assume responsibility after transition, requires careful debate.
Effectiveness of Breast Self-examination Teaching to Women of Low Socioeconomic Class

To assess the effect of a breast self-examination (BSE) teaching program on retention of BSE knowledge and accuracy of BSE performance among women of low socioeconomic class, a pretest posttest control group design with random assignment to groups was given to women at a Southeastern urban clinic. One hundred eighty women were pretested, after which the experimental group ( N = 89) received one-to-one BSE instruction. Seventy of the subjects were given a posttest approximately two months later. All subjects were then asked to demonstrate BSE on themselves. The experimental group subjects showed a significantly greater increase in BSE knowledge from pretest to posttest and performed BSE with greater accuracy than the control group.
Operational Space Algorithm for Flexible Multibody Systems With Generalized Topologies

Multibody system with flexible and / or rigid bodies are found in various applications of science and engineering. Many of these systems have topological constraints in the form of kinematically closed loop topologies. Similarly, many of these systems have non-holonomic constraints that are either linear or nonlinear in the system velocities. In this paper, an efficient algorithm is presented for simulating the dynamics of multi-body systems of rigid or flexible bodies in generalized topologies with particular emphasis on treatment of topological and non-holonomic constraints. The flexible bodies are modeled using the small deformation large displacement approach. This algorithm achieve linear and logarithmic complexities in serial and parallel implementation and provides robust performance.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Decorin deficiency enhances progressive nephropathy in diabetic mice.

Decorin, a proteoglycan that inhibits active transforming growth factor-β, is increased in diabetic nephropathy; however, its functional significance is unclear. In this study, we used low-dose streptozotocin to induce type 1 diabetes in wild-type (C57BL/6J Dcn+/+), Dcn−/−, and Dcn+/− mice and studied the mice for up to 1 year of diabetes. Decorin gene dose had no effect on severity of diabetes; however, the Dcn−/− diabetic mice died significantly earlier than nondiabetic controls (57 versus 7.3% mortality). In contrast to wild-type diabetic mice, which failed to develop significant nephropathy, the Dcn−/− diabetic mice developed a significant increase in albuminuria and plasma creatinine and a concurrent decrease in circulating adiponectin levels. Interestingly, adiponectin levels at 6 months of diabetes were predictive of mortality in diabetic mice. Dcn−/− diabetic mice exhibited advanced glomerular lesions, including diffuse mesangial matrix accumulation and fibrin cap formation. By immunohistochemistry, Dcn−/− diabetic mice exhibited significant increases in glomerular transforming growth factor-β, type I collagen, macrophage infiltration, and Nox4. We conclude that decorin is a natural protective factor against diabetic nephropathy and that the Dcn−/− diabetic mouse is a useful new model of progressive diabetic nephropathy.
Glucocorticoids inhibit glucose transport and glutamate uptake in hippocampal astrocytes: implications for glucocorticoid neurotoxicity.

Glucocorticoids (GCs), the adrenal steroid hormones secreted during stress, can damage the hippocampus and impair its capacity to survive coincident neurological insults. This GC endangerment of the hippocampus is energetic in nature, as it can be prevented when neurons are supplemented with additional energy substrates. This energetic endangerment might arise from the ability of GCs to inhibit glucose transport into both hippocampal neurons and astrocytes. The present study explores the GC inhibition in astrocytes. (1) GCs inhibited glucose transport approximately 15-30% in both primary and secondary hippocampal astrocyte cultures. (2) The parameters of inhibition agreed with the mechanisms of GC inhibition of glucose transport in peripheral tissues: A minimum of 4 h of GC exposure were required, and the effect was steroid specific (i.e., it was not triggered by estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone) and tissue specific (i.e., it was not triggered by GCs in cerebellar or cortical cultures). (3) Similar GC treatment caused a decrease in astrocyte survival during hypoglycemia and a decrease in the affinity of glutamate uptake. This latter observation suggests that GCs might impair the ability of astrocytes to aid neurons during times of neurologic crisis (i.e., by impairing their ability to remove damaging glutamate from the synapse).
From Metadata to Ontology Representation: A Case of Converting Severe Weather Forecast Metadata to an Ontology

With the increasing amount of data generated in geoscience research, it becomes critical to describe data sets in meaningful ways. A large number of described data sets are described using XML metadata, which has proved a useful means of expressing data characteristics. An ontological representation is another way of representing data sets with the benefit of providing rich semantics, convenient linkage to other data sets, and good interoperability with other data. This study represents geoscience data sets as an ontology based on an existing metadata description and on the nature of the data set. It takes the case of Vortex2 data, a regional weather forecast data set collected in Summer 2010, to showcase how forecast data can be represented in ontology by using the existing metadata information. It supplies another type of representation of the data set with added semantics and potential functionalities compared to the previous metadata representation.
Reversible control of Co magnetism by voltage-induced oxidation

We demonstrate that magnetic properties of ultrathin Co films adjacent to Gd2O3 gate oxides can be directly manipulated by voltage. The Co films can be reversibly changed from an optimally oxidized state with a strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy to a metallic state with an in-plane magnetic anisotropy or to an oxidized state with nearly zero magnetization, depending on the polarity and time duration of the applied electric fields. Consequently, an unprecedentedly large change of magnetic anisotropy energy up to 0.73 erg/cm(2) has been realized in a nonvolatile manner using gate voltages of only a few volts. These results open a new route to achieve ultralow energy magnetization manipulation in spintronic devices.
Metamorphosis and adult development of the mushroom bodies of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

The insect mushroom bodies play important roles in a number of higher processing functions such as sensory integration, higher level olfactory processing, and spatial and associative learning and memory. These functions have been established through studies in a handful of tractable model systems, of which only the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has been readily amenable to genetic manipulations. The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum has a sequenced genome and has been subject to the development of molecular tools for the ready manipulation of gene expression; however, little is known about the development and organization of the mushroom bodies of this insect. The present account bridges this gap by demonstrating that the organization of the Tribolium mushroom bodies is strikingly like that of the fruit fly, with the significant exception that the timeline of neurogenesis is shifted so that the last population of Kenyon cells is born entirely after adult eclosion. Tribolium Kenyon cells are generated by two large neuroblasts per hemisphere and segregate into an early-born delta lobe subpopulation followed by clear homologs of the Drosophila gamma, alpha'/beta' and alpha/beta lobe subpopulations, with the larval-born cohorts undergoing dendritic reorganization during metamorphosis. BrdU labeling and immunohistochemical staining also reveal that a proportion of individual Tribolium have variable numbers of mushroom body neuroblasts. If heritable, this variation represents a unique opportunity for further studies of the genetic control of brain region size through the control of neuroblast number and cell cycle dynamics.
Organic reactions catalyzed by crystalline aluminosilicates: III. Condensation reactions of carbonyl compounds

Abstract Acidic crystalline aluminosilicates, notably hydrogen Y zeolite from thermal decomposition of ammonium Y, show high catalytic activity for the condensation of carbonyl compounds with simple aromatics such as phenol, thiophenol, and m-xylene, and for the aldol self-condensation of ketones. Conditions for efficient condensation of carbonyl compounds and aromatics with minimum catalyst aging included liquid phase, high ratios of aromatic to carbonyl compound, and temperatures of 144–182 °C. Mixtures of isomeric bis(aryl)alkanes with ortho:para orientation were usually formed, although in the reaction of phenol and hexafluoroacetone, the exclusive product was an ortho-substituted tert-carbinol. Higher yields were generally observed for carbonyl reactants with no α hydrogens, since intracrystalline aldol condensations were eliminated. The observed product distributions generally suggest the operation of carbonium-ion-type mechanisms. Aldol condensations proceeded smoothly in the liquid phase at 155–205 °C.
Trading Volume with Private Valuation: Evidence from The Ex-Dividend Day

We test a theory of the interaction between investors' heterogeneity, risk, transaction costs, and trading volume. We take advantage of the specific nature of trading motives around the distribution of cash dividends, namely the costly trading of tax shields. Consistent with the theory, we show that when trades occur because of differential valuation of cash flows, an increase in risk or transaction costs reduces volume. We also show that the nonsystematic risk plays a significant role in determining the volume of trade. Finally, we demonstrate that trading volume is positively related to the degree of heterogeneity and the incentives of the various groups to engage in trading. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
A Level-Crossing Sampling Scheme for both Deterministic and Stochastic Non-Bandlimited Signals

We propose a level-crossing A/D (LCA/D) converter which can be modelled with an oversampling A/D followed by a low resolution quantizer. In this paper we will study the reconstruction of non-bandlimited inputs processed by such a system and compare its performance to uniform sampling.
Stability of systems described by differential equations containing impulses

The class of systems described by differential equations containing impulses is of interest because most models for biological neural nets belong in that category as well as most pulse frequency modulation systems. In this paper an extension of Liapunov's second method is presented which can be used for the investigation of the stability of such systems. This is obtained by introducing a positive definite function V(x) , which decreases during the occurrence of an impulse and remains constant or decreases during the free motion of the system.
Transport of an immunoglobulin light chain fragment across the endoplasmic reticulum does not require an amino terminal variable region: implications for the signal hypothesis.

Abstract The co-translational processing of the kappa light chain constant region fragment was investigated in a Krebs ascites cell-free system. The fragment which is devoid of the entire variable region was initially synthesized as a precursor which contains a signal (pre) peptide. Addition of microsomal membranes to the reaction mixtures resulted in the synthesis of a 11,600 dalton product which was sequestered in the vesicles. Amino acid sequence analysis indicated that the pre-peptide had been removed. The data show that despite the absence of the amino terminal variable region, the fragment was processed and translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum. The data suggest that the presumed recognition regions necessary for translocating eukaryotic secretory proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum do not reside in the amino terminal region near the signal peptide.
STIMULATION OF DROSOPHILA TRPL BY CAPACITATIVE CA2+ ENTRY

Trp-like protein (TrpL, where Trp is transient receptor-potential protein) of Drosophila, a non-selective cation channel activated in photoreceptor cells by a phospholipase C-dependent mechanism, is thought to be a prototypical receptor-activated channel. Our previous studies showed that TrpL channels are not activated by depletion of internal Ca2+ stores when expressed in Sf9 cells. Using fura-2 to measure cation influx via TrpL, and cell-attached patch recordings to monitor TrpL single-channel activity directly, we have found a thapsigargin-induced increase in TrpL activity in the presence of extracellular bivalent cations, with Ca2+>Sr2+>> Ba2+. The increase in TrpL channel activity was blocked by concentrations of La3+ that completely inhibited endogenous capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE), but have no effect on TrpL, suggesting that TrpL exhibits trans-stimulation by cation entry via CCE. TrpL has two putative calmodulin (CaM)-binding domains, designated CBS-1 and CBS-2. To determine which site may be required for stimulation of TrpL by the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), a chimaeric construct was created in which the C-terminal domain of TrpL containing CBS-2 was attached to human TrpC1, a short homologue of Trp that is not activated by depletion of internal Ca2+ stores or by a rise in [Ca2+]i. This gain-of-function mutant, designated TrpC1-TrpL, exhibited trans-stimulation by Ca2+ entry via CCE. Examination of CaM binding in gel-overlay experiments showed that TrpL and the TrpC1-TrpL chimaera bound CaM, but TrpC1 or a truncated version of TrpL lacking CBS-2 did not. These results suggest that only CBS-2 binds CaM in native TrpL and that the C-terminal domain containing this site is important for trans-stimulation of TrpL by CCE.
The torsional potential function for n-butane

The energies of four different conformations for n-butane were calculated by the ab initio method using an STO-3G basis set. Fully relaxed molecular geometries obtained from molecular mechanics (MM2) were used. The two energy minima [anti (C2h), gauche (C2)] and the two maxima (C2, C2v) had the following relative energies: 0.0, 0.88, 3.56, 5.99 kcal/mole. These are approximate Hartree–Fock numbers. It is estimated that inclusion of electron correlation in the calculation would lower the last number to about 5.1 kcal/mole while leaving the first three values essentially unchanged.
Cyclic Nucleotide Concentrations in Tissue and Perfusate of Isolated Rat Lung

Cyclic nucleotide content of lung tissue is altered by anesthesia, ventilatory pattern, and pharmacologic manipulation (e.g., isoproterenol). In addition the lung releases cyclic nucleotides into its circulation, but little is known about factors that might alter this release. We isolated and perfused rat lungs (IPL) to determine: 1) if cyclic nucleotides are released into the perfusate in the control state; and 2) if their release changes after alteration of the ventilatory pattern or the addition of isoproterenol. We demonstrated that the rat IPL releases both cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) into the perfusate. Isoproterenol has no effect on cGMP release but increases cAMP release dramatically. Perfusate cAMP is not affected by ventilatory pattern, but perfusate cGMP is higher during high-pressure ventilation than it is in nonventilated or normally ventilated lungs.
Global boundary behavior of meromorphic functions

Let t be a function sending the open unit disk D into the Riemann sphere S. A point y on S is in the global cluster set of /, denoted b y C (f), if and only if there exists a sequence of points Zn in D such tha t lim I z~l = 1 and lim f ( z n ) = y . Thus, for example, if / is continuous on D, and can be extended to be continuous on /), then C (/) is the image of the bounding circle and hence a Peano space. If f is continuous, then C (/) is a continuum. Conversely, it is easy to prove tha t any cont inuum C on the sphere S is the global cluster set for some continuous funct ion f. Collingwood ([3], p. 123) and Cartwright asked whether every cont inuum on S is the global cluster set of a funct ion / meromorphic on the open disk D. D . B . Potyagaflo [8] and W. Rud in [10] independent ly gave as counter-example the cont inuum consisting of the union of (a) a spiral, r = O / ( z + O ) , z ~ < 0 < ~ , (b) the unit circumference, and (c) an interval, 1 ~< x ~< 2, y = 0. Because this example is no t locally connected, and because, if t is continous on /), then C (~) is locally connected, one might conjecture tha t every locally connected cont inuum is the global cluster set for some function / meromorphic on D. I n Sect ion 2, we give a counter-example to this conjecture. The example also answers in the negative a question of Gerald MacLane [5]: Is every Peano space the image of the bounding circle of a funct ion / mcromorphic on D and continuous on /)?
Variable-grating-mode liquid crystals for fibre-optic applications

We have utilised the variable grating mode (VGM) of nematic liquid crystals to fabricate 1 * 3 active splitters. The applications of VGM devices to spectral scanning and spot scanning for fibre optics are demonstrated.
Intravascular Lymphomatosis Presenting as Posterior Leukoencephalopathy

73-YEAR-OLD woman presented with progressive confusion overa5-weekperiod, after having become increasingly apathetic for the past several months and having lost 22.5 kg over the past 1 year. On examination, the patient was normotensive and cachectic. Neurologically, there was psychomotor retardation with disorientation to place and time, complete visual loss except for a small preserved central focus, and denial for the degree of visual loss.
A decomposition of the matroids with the max-flow min-cut property

Abstract A matroid has the max-flow min-cut property if a certain circuit packing problem has an optimal solution that is integral whenever the capacities assigned to the elements of the matroid are integral. P.D. Seymour characterized the matroids with this property in terms of minimal forbidden minors. Here we employ a variant of a previously developed decomposition algorithm to produce two decomposition theorems for this matroid class. The first theorem roughly says that any 3-connected matroid of the class is regular, or equal to the Fano matroid, or is a 3-sum. The second theorem is quite similar, but involves a more detailed analysis of the 3-sum case and includes an additional case.
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD following cardiac arrest: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract Objectives Identify the occurrence rate of post-arrest psychological distress; evaluate methodological approaches; suggest future research priorities; address clinical implications. Methods The electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE and PsychInfo/APA PsycNET were utilized to search for terms including ‘Cardiac Arrest’, ‘Therapeutic Hypothermia’ and ‘Depression’, ‘Anxiety’, ‘Quality of Life’, ‘Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)’, ‘Psychological Outcomes’, ‘Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)’, and ‘Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)’. Results High rates of psychological distress have been reported after OHCA. Specifically, incidence rates of depression have ranged from 14% to 45%; anxiety rates have ranged from 13% to 61%; PTSD rates reportedly range from 19% to 27%. Variability between studies is likely attributable to methodological variations relating to measures used, time since arrest, and research setting. Discussion Given the occurrence rate of psychological distress after OHCA, psychological screening and early intervention seems indicated in the cardiac arrest population. Further studies are needed to better establish occurrence rates in both inpatient and outpatient settings, determine appropriate measures and normative cut off scores, and decide on the most appropriate method of intervention.
Gastroesophageal Reflux During Gastrostomy Feeding R. M. COBEN, A. WEINTRAUB, A. J. DIMARINO JR, ET AL Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 106:13-18, 1994

To investigate the pathophysiology of aspiration pneumonia in patients fed via gastrostomy tube, the authors measured lower esophageal sphincter pressure in 10 patients1 before and 24 hours after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement and also during bolus vs continuous feeding.2 In five of these patients, gastroesophageal reflux scintigrams were obtained (using technetium-99-labeled feeding) comparing bolus and continuous feeding. Bolus feeding consisted of 250 mL of Jevity, an isotonic formula (310 mOsm/kg), followed by 100 mL of water, all given within 20 seconds; continuous feeding consisted of the same formula infused at 80 mL/h without added water. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure was measured continuously during the 15 minutes immediately after a feeding bolus and for another 15 minutes after initiation of continuous feeding 2 hours later. The scintigrams were obtained every 10 seconds during similar 15-minute periods. Basal lower esophageal sphincter pressure was not affected by per...
The petrochemistry of coal ash slags. Part 3. Behavior of the rosebud slag-limestone system

Rosebud subbituminous coal has been used as a feedstock in many coal conversion pilot plants, including the BI-GAS and Grand Forks Energy Technology Center slagging gasifiers. Limestone has been investigated as a fluxing agent for Rosebud slag. Slag viscosity decreases as an increasing function of limestone addition to about 30% limestone, but further addition causes the viscosity to increase. Traditional approaches to describing slag viscosity, such as the base/acid ratio, fail to account adequately for this effect. A petrographic normative calculation predicting structures present in Rosebud slag-limestone melts shows that initial additions of limestone break down complex framework silicates in favor of orthosilicate structures. The calculation also predicts that calcium, aluminium, and silicon oxides are the most important in determining melt properties. The limestone fluxing action can be interpreted using the CaOAl2O3SiO2 ternary phase diagram. Studies of Rosebud slag-limestone melts using a heated stage microscope and X-ray diffraction provide empirical validation for the use of this ternary system in explaining the melt behavior.
A comment on “ghosts and geometry”

Abstract Recent attempts at geometric interpretations of Feynman-De Witt-Faddeev-Popov ghosts and Becchi-Rouet-Stora symmetries of gauge theories are reviewed critically, and an interpretation in terms of the infinite-dimensional group of gauge transformations is restated. This interpretation seems adequate both in the path-integral approach and in canonical quantization with indefinite metric.
Aphidecta obliterata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), an Introduced Predator of the Balsam Woolly Aphid, Chermes piceae (Homoptera: Chermidae), Established in North Carolina

Aphidecta obliterate (L.) was introduced into North Carolina from Germany in 1960 to aid in control of the balsam woolly aphid, Chermes piceae Ratzeburg, which has killed more than ¼ million Fraser fir trees in the Mt. Mitchell area. The beetle was recovered each year since its release, except in 1961, and appears to be established.
Design and fabrication of a micro fuel cell array with “flip-flop” interconnection

Abstract A design configuration is presented for integrated series connection of polymer electrolyte fuel cells in a planar array. The design is particularly favorable for miniature fuel cells and has been prototyped using a variety of etch and deposition techniques adopted from microfabrication. The series path is oriented in a “flip-flop” configuration, presenting the unique advantage of a fully continuous electrolyte requiring absolutely no interconnecting bridges across or around the membrane. Electrical interconnections are made by thin-film metal layers that coat etched flow channels patterned on an insulating substrate. Both two-cell and four-cell prototypes have successfully demonstrated the expected additive performance of the integrated series, and peak power in a four-cell silicon assembly with hydrogen and oxygen has exceeded 40 mW/cm 2 . Factorial experimentation has been applied to investigate the adequacy of metal film conduction over etched topology, and results conclude that film thickness dominates over other design parameters. The design effort and subsequent testing has uncovered new topics for extended study, including the possibility of lateral ionic conduction within the membrane as well as the effects of non-uniform reactant distribution.
Magnetic field dependence of the 3D ordering in La2CuO4−δ

Abstract The magnetic field dependence of the three dimensional magnetic ordering transition has been examined in single crystalline La 2 CuO 4−δ by magnetization and magnetoresistance measurements. We establish a phase diagram in the magnetic field-temperature plane and point out similarities to metamagnetic transitions observed in other magnetic systems.
Development and characterization of a magnetic bead-quantum dot nanoparticles based assay capable of Escherichia coli O157:H7 quantification.

Abstract The development and characterization of a magnetic bead (MB)-quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles based assay capable of quantifying pathogenic bacteria is presented here. The MB-QD assay operates by having a capturing probe DNA selectively linked to the signaling probe DNA via the target genomic DNA (gDNA) during DNA hybridization. The signaling probe DNA is labeled with fluorescent QD565 which serves as a reporter. The capturing probe DNA is conjugated simultaneously to a MB and another QD655, which serve as a carrier and an internal standard, respectively. Successfully captured target gDNA is separated using a magnetic field and is quantified via a spectrofluorometer. The use of QDs (i.e., QD565/QD655) as both a fluorescence label and an internal standard increased the sensitivity of the assay. The passivation effect and the molar ratio between QD and DNA were optimized. The MB-QD assay demonstrated a detection limit of 890 zeptomolar (i.e., 10−21 mol L−1) concentration for the linear single stranded DNA (ssDNA). It also demonstrated a detection limit of 87 gene copies for double stranded DNA (dsDNA) eaeA gene extracted from pure Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 culture. Its corresponding dynamic range, sensitivity, and selectivity were also presented. Finally, the bacterial gDNA of E. coli O157:H7 was used to highlight the MB-QD assay's ability to detect below the minimum infective dose (i.e., 100 organisms) of E. coli O157:H7 in water environment.
Stress adaptation and the resilience of youth: fact or fiction?

The young are resilient! This age-old adage refers to the ability of the young to adapt to changing stress in the environment. The origin of these stressors can be physical (pollution, nutrient status, infections) or psychological (trauma, parenting, home environment). Resilience is the ability to adapt to a changing environment, and this adaptive stress response (also known as allostasis) is crucial for survival. Every organism–plants, animals, humans– have developed a number of mechanisms to adapt to these stressors to ensure growth, survival, and reproduction. Our ability to adapt is controlled by both nature (genetic predisposition, epigenetics) and nurture (prenatal/early life and/or later life experiences). Of these, genetic variations or mutations are “hardwired” into our DNA and are not affected as we age. Conversely, environmental stressors have a long-lasting effect on our ability to adapt, depending on the intensity of the stressor and the stage of life at which they are experienced. These stressors are sensed by the brain and are translated into a series of epigenetic changes in multiple tissues, activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and structural changes in specific brain
The seeded growth of calcium phosphates. The kinetics of growth of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate on hydroxyapatite.

The kinetics of growth of calcium phosphate on synthetic HAP seed crystals has been studied at 37°C and at pH values of 4.5 and 5.0 by the pH-stat controlled addition of base. Following an induction, DCPD crystal growth takes place with growth kinetics characteristic of the crystallization of pure DCPD seed. The effect of stirring rate, HAP seed concentration and initial degree of supersaturation with respect to DCPD on the kinetics of the growth process have been determined. The crystallization appears to be controlled by a surface reaction and nucleation of DCPD on the HAP substrate is completed in the initial induction period. Formation of DCPD under these conditions closely simulates plaque and calculus production in the mouth. Thus calculus that develops from the initial plaque is known to contain an appreciable amount of DCPD.
Welcome Threats and Coercive Offers

In American legal journals over the last decade there were hundreds of pages of articles worrying over threats to justice and freedom arising from the power to withhold benefits. Government officials have tremendous discretion to offer or withhold foreign aid, ration-books, government contracts and jobs, welfare subsidies, public housing, tariff protection, academic grants, alien resident status, paroles, or exemption from conscription or combat, from arrest or prosecution or imprisonment. Right-wing economists have worried about welfare-state emphasis on administrative discretion rather than the rule of law. And left-wing economists have worried about the rich man's power to intimidate the poor man by threatening to cut off his productive work.
Light Scattering and Reversible Cataracts in the Calf and Human Lens

By using measurements of the intensity of light scattered from intact calf lenses, we have determined a number of reagents that induce nuclear and cortical opacification at body temperature. Diffusion of buffered saline solutions of glycerol, other glycols, urea, guanidine hydrochloride or glycine into the lens reverses the opacity of all the reagent-induced cataracts. Similar findings are obtained with lens homogenates, which have gel-like properties as determined from viscosity measurements. A 50 % (by volume) glycerol or 5 M urea solution clarifies human pathologic cataractous lenses by reducing the opacification due to light scattering. These findings suggest that it may be possible, in principle, to reverse human lens cataracts chemically in situ . The scattering of laser light from quasi-periodic lattice of normal lens cells produces a regular diffraction pattern containing many Bragg spots whose positions are those predicted from the basis vectors of the cellular lattice. The intensity of the Bragg reflexions increases greatly when cataracts are formed in the calf and human lens, and falls greatly when the lenses are clarified. The spatial variation in the scattered light intensity of the Bragg spots and between these spots contains detailed information on the structure of the scattering elements associated with opacification.
Myosin and Contractile Activity in Smooth Muscle

In relaxed smooth muscle the contractile apparatus is dormant and the initiation of contraction requires an activation. It is generally agreed that the activation is achieved by phosphorylation of the two 20,000-dalton light chains of myosin (LC20) and usually Serine 19 is phosphorylated. This process is catalyzed by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and the Ca2+-dependence of the system is due to the activation of the MLCK apoenzyme by the Ca2+4 calmodulin (CaM) complex. Dephosphorylation and inactivation of the contractile apparatus, reflects the activity of a light chain phosphatase. The latter, however, has not been well characterized and it is not known, for example, if one or more phosphatases are involved or, if the phosphatase activity is regulated.
Surgery does not adversely affect survival in primary gastrointestinal lymphoma.

Objective To evaluate the impact of surgery on gastrointestinal lymphoma. Methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried from 1973 to 2005. Results A total of 17,222 cases of PGIL were identified. The overall incidence of PGIL was approximately 1.505 cases per 100,000. A significantly increasing incidence for PGIL was observed (APC = +4.67, P < 0.05). In the cases for which treatment data was available, resection occurred in roughly half of the patients. In univariate analysis, surgical extirpation did not improve survival (47 months vs. 76 months, P < 0.001), while radiation treatment improved median survival (77 months vs. 59 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed increasing age and male gender as independent predictors of decreased overall survival. Tumor location also was a significant predictor of outcome. Large B-cell lymphoma type PGIL had a poorer prognosis than marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. By multivariate analysis, surgery was not found to increase the risk of death (HR = 0.99). Conclusions No associated survival benefit for surgery in the treatment in gastrointestinal lymphoma was observed. Determination of lymphoma should preclude surgical resection. Nonetheless, inadvertent extirpative surgery or in association with perforation does not appear to increase mortality. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;100:59–64. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Microwave photonics for space–time compression of ultrabroadband signals through multipath wireless channels

We employed photonic radio frequency (RF) arbitrary waveform generation to demonstrate space–time compression of ultrabroadband wireless signals through highly scattering multipath channels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental report that explores an RF-photonic transmitter to both characterize channel dispersions in real wireless environments and generate predistorted waveforms to achieve focusing through the multipath channels. Our experiments span a three octave frequency range of 2–18 GHz, nearly an order of magnitude beyond the ∼2 GHz instantaneous bandwidth reported in previous spatiotemporal focusing experiments relying on electronic waveform generators.
Genetic Variation and Differentiation at Microsatellite Loci in Drosophila simulans: Evidence for Founder Effects in New World Populations

Drosophila simulans isofemale lines from Africa, South America, and two locations in North America were surveyed for variation at 16 microsatellite loci on the X, second, and third chromosomes, and 18 microsatellites, which are unmapped. D. simulans is thought to have colonized New World habitats only relatively recently (within the last few hundred years). Consistent with a founder effect occurring as colonizers moved into these New World habitats, we find less microsatellite variability in North and South American D. simulans populations than for an African population. Population subdivision as measured at microsatellites is moderate when averaged across all loci (FST = 0.136), but contrasts sharply with previous studies of allozyme variation, which have showed significantly less differentiation in D. simulans than in D. melanogaster. There are substantially fewer private alleles observed in New World populations of D. simulans than seen in a similar survey of D. melanogaster. In addition to possible differences in population size during their evolutionary histories, varying colonization histories or other demographic events may be necessary to explain discrepancies in the patterns of variation observed at various genetic markers between these closely related species.
Hemodynamic and morphological vasculature response to a burn monitored using a combined dual-wavelength laser speckle and optical microangiography imaging system

A multi-functional imaging system capable of determining relative changes in blood flow, hemoglobin concentration, and morphological features of the blood vasculature is demonstrated. The system combines two non-invasive imaging techniques, a dual-wavelength laser speckle contrast imaging (2-LSI) and an optical microangiography (OMAG) system. 2-LSI is used to monitor the changes in the dynamic blood flow and the changes in the concentration of oxygenated (HbO), deoxygenated (Hb) and total hemoglobin (HbT). The OMAG system is used to acquire high resolution images of the functional blood vessel network. The vessel area density (VAD) is used to quantify the blood vessel network morphology, specifically the capillary recruitment. The proposed multi-functional system is employed to assess the blood perfusion status from a mouse pinna before and immediately after a burn injury. To our knowledge, this is the first non-invasive, non-contact and multifunctional imaging modality that can simultaneously measure variations of several blood perfusion parameters.
Gene RRN4 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes the A12.2 subunit of RNA polymerase I and is essential only at high temperatures.

Abstract We have previously isolated mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that are primarily defective in transcription of 35S rRNA genes by RNA polymerase I and have identified genes (RRN1 to RRN9) involved in this process. We have now cloned the RRN4 gene by complementation of the temperature-sensitive phenotype of the rrn4-1 mutant and have determined its complete nucleotide sequence. The following results demonstrate that the RRN4 gene encodes the A12.2 subunit of RNA polymerase I. First, RRN4 protein expressed in Escherichia coli reacted with a specific antiserum against A12.2. Second, amino acid sequences of three tryptic peptides obtained from A12.2 were determined, and these sequences are found in the deduced amino acid sequence of the RRN4 protein. The amino acid sequence of the RRN4 protein (A12.2) is similar to that of the RPB9 (B12.6) subunit of yeast RNA polymerase II; the similarity includes the presence of two putative zinc-binding domains. Thus, A12.2 is a homolog of B12.6. We propose to rename the RRN4 gene RPA12. Deletion of RPA12 produces cells that are heat but not cold sensitive for growth. We have found that in such null mutants growing at permissive temperatures, the cellular concentration of A190, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase I, is lower than in the wild type. In addition, the temperature-sensitive phenotype of the rpa12 null mutants can be partially suppressed by RPA190 (the gene for A190) on multicopy plasmids. These results suggest that A12.2 plays a role in the assembly of A190 into a stable polymerase I structure.
Balancing Flexible Constraints and Measurement Precision in Computerized Adaptive Testing

Managing test specifications—both multiple nonstatistical constraints and flexibly defined constraints—has become an important part of designing item selection procedures for computerized adaptive tests (CATs) in achievement testing. This study compared the effectiveness of three procedures: constrained CAT, flexible modified constrained CAT, and the weighted penalty model in balancing multiple flexible constraints and maximizing measurement precision in a fixed-length CAT. The study also addressed the effect of two different test lengths—25 items and 50 items—and of including or excluding the randomesque item exposure control procedure with the three methods, all of which were found effective in selecting items that met flexible test constraints when used in the item selection process for longer tests. When the randomesque method was included to control for item exposure, the weighted penalty model and the flexible modified constrained CAT models performed better than did the constrained CAT procedure in...
Multifaceted Regulation of Cell Cycle Progression by Estrogen: Regulation of Cdk Inhibitors and Cdc25A Independent of Cyclin D1-Cdk4 Function

Estrogens induce proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells by stimulating G1/S transition associated with increased cyclin D1 expression, activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks), and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb). We have utilized blockade of cyclin D1-Cdk4 complex formation through adenovirus-mediated expression of p16INK4a to demonstrate that estrogen regulates Cdk inhibitor expression and expression of the Cdk-activating phosphatase Cdc25A independent of cyclin D1-Cdk4 function and cell cycle progression. Expression of p16INK4a inhibited G1/S transition induced in MCF-7 cells by 17-β-estradiol (E2) with associated inhibition of both Cdk4- and Cdk2-associated kinase activities. Inhibition of Cdk2 activity was associated with delayed removal of Cdk-inhibitory activity in early G1 and decreased cyclin A expression. Cdk-inhibitory activity and expression of both p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 was decreased, however, in both control and p16INK4a-expressing cells 20 h after estrogen treatment. Expression of Cdc25A mRNA and protein was induced by E2 in control and p16INK4a-expressing MCF-7 cells; however, functional activity of Cdc25A was inhibited in cells expressing p16INK4a. Inhibition of Cdc25A activity in p16INK4a-expressing cells was associated with depressed Cdk2 activity and was reversed in vivo and in vitro by active Cdk2. Transfection of MCF-7 cells with a dominant-negative Cdk2 construct inhibited the E2-dependent activation of ectopic Cdc25A. Supporting a role for Cdc25A in estrogen action, antisense CDC25A oligonucleotides inhibited estrogen-induced Cdk2 activation and DNA synthesis. In addition, inactive cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes from p16INK4a-expressing, estrogen-treated cells were activated in vitro by treatment with recombinant Cdc25A and in vivo in cells overexpressing Cdc25A. The results demonstrate that functional association of cyclin D1-Cdk4 complexes is required for Cdk2 activation in MCF-7 cells and that Cdk2 activity is, in turn, required for the in vivo activation of Cdc25A. These studies establish Cdc25A as a growth-promoting target of estrogen action and further indicate that estrogens independently regulate multiple components of the cell cycle machinery, including expression of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1.
Caring for the future: strategies for promoting violence prevention in pediatric primary care.

PURPOSE: To identify strategies that will assist nurse practitioners (NPs) to incorporate universal youth violence screening and prevention strategies into their practices. DATA SOURCES: Extensive reviews of the extant literature, clinical and anecdotal information, and professional experiences and encounters were utilized to explore and identify current practice recommendations related to youth violence prevention. CONCLUSIONS: NPs' expertise in health promotion makes them an important member of interdisciplinary team efforts to prevent youth violence. Knowledge of risk factors, appropriately focused assessment, and relevant intervention strategies can assist NPs to fulfill a valuable role in this critical endeavor. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Recently, there has been an increased recognition of the role that healthcare providers at all levels can play in decreasing youth violence. A greater emphasis on strategies already employed by NPs to promote the development of healthy families can contribute greatly to reducing the problem of youth violence. Universal screening for warning signs and level of violence risk in youth, as well as utilizing appropriate interventions and referrals will provide NPs with the opportunity to contribute to this important goal. Language: en
Adrenomedullin in experimental congestive heart failure: cardiorenal activation

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a new member of a family of vasodilating and natriuretic peptides that plays an important role in cardiorenal regulation. This study was designed to establish the plasma, ur...
Modeling Dilute Gas–Solid Flows Using a Polykinetic Moment Method Approach

Modeling a dilute suspension of particles in a polykinetic Eulerian framework is described using the conditional quadrature method of moments (CQMOM). The particular regimes of interest are multiphase flows comprised of particles with diameters small compared to the smallest length scale of the turbulent carrier flow and particle material densities much larger than that of the fluid. These regimes correspond to moderate granular Knudsen number and large particle Stokes numbers in which interparticle collisions and/or particle trajectory crossing (PTC) can be significant. The probability density function (PDF) of the particle velocity space is discretized with a two-point quadrature, the minimum resolution required to capture PTC which is common to these flows. Both two-dimensional (2D) test cases (designed to assess numerical procedures) and a three-dimensional (3D) fully developed particle-laden turbulent channel flow were implemented for collisionless particles. The driving gas-phase carrier flow is computed using direct numerical simulation of the incompressible Navier–Stokes (N–S) equations and one-way coupled to the particle phase via the drag force. Visualizations and statistical descriptors demonstrate that CQMOM predicts physical features such as PTC, particle accumulation near the channel walls, and more uniform particle velocity profiles relative to the carrier flow. The improvements in modeling compared to monokinetic representations are highlighted.
Demography is Destiny: Population Size, Youth Bulges and Support for Military Rule

Why are some countries more prone to supporting military rule than others? This paper studies the effect of two demographic indicators on support for military rule. Two hypotheses are tested: First, countries with larger populations will exhibit greater support for military rule; second, countries with a larger youth population will exhibit greater support for military rule. To test the hypotheses a large-n cross-section regression analysis is conducted utilizing data from the World Values Survey. The dependent variable measures citizen support for military rule and the results indicate that both population size and large youth populations increase support for military rule. Policy implication and general discussion conclude the paper.