cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Teen Dating Violence and Co-occurring Risk Factors Among Middle School Youth in High-Risk Urban Communities

Abstract Purpose This study describes the lifetime prevalence of teen dating violence (TDV) perpetration in a sample of middle school students from high-risk urban communities and examines the relation between TDV and related cognitive and behavioral risk factors. Methods Surveys were administered to 2,895 middle school students in four U.S. cities; 1,673 students (58%) reported having dated and were included in analyses. The sample was 52.3% female, 48.2% non-Hispanic black/African-American, 38.2% Hispanic, 4.8% non-Hispanic white, and 7.6% other race. Six types of TDV perpetration were assessed: threatening behaviors, verbal/emotional abuse, relational abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and stalking. Results Of the students who had dated, 77% reported perpetrating verbal/emotional abuse, 32% reported perpetrating physical abuse, 20% reported threatening a partner, 15% reported perpetrating sexual abuse, 13% reported perpetrating relational abuse, and 6% reported stalking. Girls were more likely than boys to report perpetrating threatening behaviors, verbal/emotional abuse, and physical abuse, and boys were more likely to report perpetrating sexual abuse. Involvement in bullying positively predicted perpetration of TDV, albeit, in different ways for boys and girls. Other risk factors differed by sex. For instance, alcohol use and sex initiation predicted multiple forms of TDV perpetration for boys, whereas weapon carrying and emotional symptoms predicted several forms of TDV perpetration for girls. Conclusions The prevalence of TDV was high in our sample. Important sex differences in rates of perpetration and risk factors emerged. Comprehensive prevention programs that target TDV and related risk factors, such as bullying and other risk factors, seem warranted.
Neutrophilia and congestive heart failure after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Inflammation associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is frequently marked by a peripheral leukocytosis and relative neutrophilia. Whether this process may contribute to the development of postinfarction congestive heart failure (CHF) is not established. The objective of this study was to examine the association between hospital admission peripheral total leukocyte count and the neutrophil percentage and the subsequent development of CHF in patients with AMI. The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study in the setting of a tertiary referral hospital. Participants included 185 patients discharged with a diagnosis of AMI between May 1 and Sept 30, 1996. Methods and Results Outcome measures included clinical episodes of CHF with confirmatory chest roentgenogram findings and/or echocardiographic evidence of contractile dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relation between the total leukocyte count, neutrophil percentage, and the development of CHF in the first 4 days after AMI while controlling for baseline characteristics and early therapeutic interventions. Thirty-one percent of the cohort had a leukocyte count >11.0 ×10 9 /L on admission to the hospital; 65% had a neutrophil percentage >65%, and 61% had a lymphocyte percentage ≤25%. CHF developed in 43% of the cohort. Of these, 92.5% had relative neutrophilia (neutrophil percentage >65%) compared with 45% of those in whom CHF did not develop. Multivariable analysis revealed a highly significant association between relative neutrophilia and the subsequent development of CHF (odds ratio 14.3; 95% confidence interval 5.2 to 39.3). Conclusions Relative neutrophilia on admission to the hospital in patients with AMI is significantly associated with the early development of CHF. This association may help in the identification of individuals at high risk who might benefit from more aggressive interventions to prevent or reduce the risk of CHF. (Am Heart J 2000;139:94-100.)
Profiling Human Saliva Endogenous Peptidome via a High Throughput MALDI-TOF-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Establishment of a saliva protein/peptide signature will provide important information for clinical diagnostics and prognosis of human disease. We digested human whole saliva with trypsin to create a tryptic digest salivary peptidome. Proteins/peptides were subsequently identified by high throughput tandem mass spectrometry in conjunction with database searching. Sixty-three saliva peptides corresponding to twenty-two saliva proteins were identified. Thirty of sixty-three saliva peptides with non-specific tryptic cleavage sites were derived from proline-rich proteins, mucin 7, statherin and collagen. Several peptides derived from proline-rich proteins exhibit proline (Pro) - glutamine (Gln) C-termini (-PQ C-termini). Seven peptides with -PQ C-termini were identified in undigested whole saliva, suggesting that peptides with -PQ C-termini indigenously exist in human saliva. Peptides with -PQ C-termini are known to bind oral bacteria and exhibit properties characteristic of innate-immunity peptides. Thus, a saliva peptidome containing peptides with -PQ C-termini, as presented here, may reinforce the development of innate-immunity-related disease monitoring using non-invasive saliva samples and mass spectrometry-based techniques.
Some Problems of Local Hitting, Scaling, and Conditioning

The aim of this paper is to convey the basic ideas regarding some local hitting and conditioning properties of random measures. Some very general results are obtainable in the special case of simple point processes. Though much of this theory has no counterpart for general random measures, similar results do exist in two cases of special interest—for local time random measures and for Dawson–Watanabe superprocesses. This is an informal account of some of the basic hitting and conditioning properties common to all three cases. Precise statements and proofs will be provided elsewhere.
A bimetallic uranium μ-dicarbide complex: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, and bonding

The synthesis, spectroscopy, structure, and bonding of the molecular uranium dicarbide complex (μ,η1:η1-C2)[U(N[t-Bu]Ar)3]2 (Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3) is described.
Gonadotropic Requirements for the Maintenance of Pregnancy in the Hypophysectomized Rat

Rats were hypophysectomized on day 6 of pregnancy and given various hormonal regimens during the next 4 days. The weight of individual embryonic swellings at day 10 was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the various treatments. Prolactin (.1–4 mg) maintained pregnancy in 61% of the hypophysectomized rats but the embryonic swellings weighed 67 mg compared to 115 mg in control animals. Almost all of the pregnancies in animals injected with prolactin were interrupted by days 10 to 12 of gestation. The combination of 1 μg estrone and .25 mg of prolactin successfully maintained pregnancy in most animals and restored the weight of embryonic swellings to normal values. The next step was to determine what gonadotropins could be substituted for estrone. LH (.1–1 μg) in combination with prolactin was ineffective in increasing embryonic weight, and higher doses of LH (10–50 μg) were deleterious. Injection of LH alone induced minimal secretion of estrogen by the ovary, as attested by squamous proliferation of the ...
The magnetic reversal record is not periodic

Statistical analysis of one version of the magnetic reversal record suggests that the frequency of reversals has changed cyclically with a period of 30 Myr starting at least 165 Myr ago. But factors other than periodicity affect the analysis used and here I show that there is no compelling evidence for periodicity in the reversal record. The results of essentially identical analyses that have been applied to other geolocial data should also be re-evaluated.
Internal flow fraction as a potential indicator of pulmonary valve replacement in tetralogy of Fallot patients

Background Standard of care for TOF patients is a complete surgical repair in infancy but this results in free pulmonary regurgitation as no suitable long-term substitute for the obstructive valve is available. Although chronic pulmonary regurgitation can be well tolerated for decades, many patients (>20%) eventually develop right ventricular dysfunction and often require PVR. Determining the optimal timing of PVR is difficult, and there is no clear consensus within the medical community. In TOF patients before PVR, clinical studies have demonstrated a correlation between QRS duration and RV size with negative electromechanical interaction and dyssynchrony that progresses with RV enlargement. IFF is a quantitative measure of the energy loss throughout the cardiac cycle due to dyssynchronous contraction. We have developed a means of quantifying IFF noninvasively from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. In this study, we hypothesized that IFF within the left ventricle would increase in serial CMR exams prior to PVR.
Technique for enabling prism coupling.

An alignment technique has been developed for coupling to optical modes in a waveguide using right angle prisms.
Health Literacy and Health Policy

From the Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Nursing, and the Center for Community Health, University of Rochester Medical Center (Dr Shone), Rochester, NY Address correspondence to Laura P. Shone, DrPH, MSW, Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Nursing, and the Center for Community Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 777, Rochester, NY 14642 (e-mail: Laura_Shone@URMC. Rochester.edu).
Structures of cytochrome P450 3A4

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) catalyzes the initial step in the clearance of many pharmaceuticals and foreign chemicals. The structurally diverse nature of CYP3A4 substrates complicates rational prediction of their metabolism and identification of potential drug interactions. The first molecular structures of human CYP3A4 were recently determined, revealing an active site of sufficient size and topography to accommodate either large ligands or multiple smaller ligands, as suggested by the heterotropic and homotropic cooperativity of the enzyme.
Performance on Cloze Tests with Fixed-Ratio and Rational Deletions

Although research on the cloze test has offered differing evidence regarding what language abilities it measures, there is a general consensus among researchers that not all the deletions in a given cloze passage measure exactly the same abilities. An important issue for test developers, therefore, is the extent to which it is possible to design cloze tests that measure specific abilities. Two cloze tests were prepared from the same text. In one, different types of deletions were made according to the range of context required for closure, while in the other a fixed-ratio deletion procedure was followed. These tests were administered to 910 university and pre-university students, including both native and non-native speakers of English, with approximately half assigned at random to take the fixed-ratio test and the other half taking the rationally deleted test. While both tests were equally reliable and had equal criterion validity, the fixed-ratio test was significantly more difficult. Analyses of responses to different types of deletions suggest that the difficulty of cloze items is a function of the range of syntactic and discourse context required for closure. The study also provides practical and empirically supported criteria for making rational deletions and suggests that cloze tests can be designed to measure a range of abilities.
An approach of composing near optimal invalidation reports

Caching can reduce expensive data transfers and improve the performance of mobile computing. In order to reuse caches after short disconnections, invalidation reports are broadcast to clients to identify outdated items. Detailed reports may not be desirable because they can consume too much bandwidth. On the other hand, false invalidations may set in if the accurate timing of updates is not provided. In this research, we aim to reduce the false invalidation rates of cached items. Based on our analysis, false invalidation rates are closely related to clients' reconnection patterns (i.e., the distribution of the time spans between disconnections and reconnections). We show that in theory for any given reconnection pattern, a report with a minimal false invalidation rate can be derived. For practical uses, we propose to capture the reconnection pattern by sampling and develop a method to compose a near-optimal invalidation report. This method is simple and fast. Experimental results have confirmed that our method is indeed more effective in reducing the false invalidation rate than others.
The role of endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension

The term pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) describes a rare group of diseases characterized by raised pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting from vascular remodelling in the pre-capillary resistance arterioles (< 100 mm). Left untreated, patients die from right heart failure, with a mortality approaching most serious cancers. Endothelin-1(ET-1) is not only a potent vasoconstrictor, but causes proliferation of many of the vascular cells involved in vascular remodelling. Although produced mainly by the vascular endothelium, other cells such as smooth muscle, fibroblasts and macrophages are known sources of ET-1 when these cells are challenged by relevant stimuli. Plasma ET-1 levels are raised in patients with PAH and correlate with important clinical outcomes. Furthermore, ET-1 receptor antagonism has been demonstrated to improve both morbidity and mortality in conditions associated with PAH. We review the literature supporting the role for ET-1 in the pathogenesis of PAH.
The effect of hyperoxia, hypoxia and hypercapnia on FRC and occlusion pressure in human subjects.

Abstract The measurement of pressure in the mouth 0.1 sec after the initiation of an occluded inspiratory effort (P0.1) has been proposed as an index of activity of medullary inspiratory neurons. If changes in FRC can be interpreted as important changes in the length-tension curve of the diaphragm or the total respiratory musculature, then changes in FRC from one occlusion pressure measurement to another can complicate such an interpretation of the P0.1 measurement. Forty-five subjects divided into three different groups were seated in a variable volume body plethysmograph. They had their FRC, P0.1, V T and V E measured while breathing air, 100% oxygen, 11% oxygen balance nitrogen, and 4% carbon dioxide in 20% oxygen balance nitrogen. All 45 showed a decrease in FRC during hyperoxia (−12%); 40 of 43 showed increases in FRC during hypoxia (14%); 42 of 43 showed an increased FRC during hypercapnia (15%). Changes in V E were small as were changes in P0.1 values. These latter changes generally followed the same pattern of changes as FRC though the magnitude of the changes showed more variability. We were unable to demonstrate a significant correlation between changes in FRC and changes in P0.1 under the conditions of our experiments.
Uptake and translocation of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene supplied in hydroponics solution to Cucurbita.

Field studies show shoots of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) accumulate various hydrophobic contaminants from soil, although many other plants do not, including cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). To investigate the mechanism for this uptake, we presented p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) to these two species in hydroponics solution. A mixture of DDE bound to Tenax™ beads stirred with a solution of water passing through a reservoir provided a flowing solution containing DDE at approximately 2 μg/L for many weeks duration. Approximately 90% of the DDE supplied in solution was adsorbed on the roots of both cucumber and zucchini. Less than 10% of the sorbed DDE was released subsequently when clean solution flowed past these contaminated roots for 9 d. The shoots of both species accumulated DDE, but the fraction that moved from the roots to the shoot in zucchini, ranging from 6 to 27% in various trials, was 10-fold greater than that in cucumber, 0.7 to 2%. The gradient in DDE concentration in zucchini tissues was in the order root > stem > petiole > leaf blade, indicating the movement was through the xylem in the transpiration stream. Some DDE in leaf blades might have been absorbed from the air, because the concentration in this tissue varied less with time, position in trough, or species, than did DDE in stems and petioles. The remarkable ability of zucchini to translocate DDE could not be attributed to differences in tissue composition, growth rate, distribution of weight among plant parts, or in the leaf area and rate of transpiration of water from leaves. Some other factor enables efficient translocation of hydrophobic organic contaminants in the xylem of zucchini.
Management of electrical equipment obsolescence at oil & gas industrial facilities

This paper presents the experience and lessons learned in the development and implementation of an electrical equipment obsolescence management program at a large oil & gas company. A methodology was developed to identify obsolete equipment by a rational application of obsolescence criteria and ranking mechanisms. Major investment in replacing aging electrical equipment is required to ensure operational continuity and reliability, and to assure the continued viability and cost-effectiveness of existing Company's assets. Key strategies to develop successful strategic planning for capital investments in existing facilities are outlined. The obsolescence management program is contributing to minimizing or deferring capital expenditures in replacements by cost-effective alternatives that will extend the economic life of electrical equipment, while maintaining the required operational safety and availability.
MR imaging in rhinocerebral and intracranial mucormycosis with CT and pathologic correlation

Three cases of mucormycosis, two in diabetics and one in an intravenous drug abuse patient, are presented. Magnetic resonance imaging proved to be useful in all cases, as was computed tomography. In one case, extremely low signal was detected from the fungal mass. It is surmised that this appearance was a result of high concentrations of iron and manganese. The low-signal area simulated air in paranasal sinuses; however, CT displayed a mildly enhancing soft tissue mass and allowed the correct diagnosis to be made. In another patient, pontine infarction was demonstrated by MR. In the third case the MR findings of mucormycosis involving the basal ganglia are shown and correlated with CT. Subsequent imaging studies demonstrated reduction of the mass, corresponding to clinical improvement.
SU‐GG‐T‐438: Rind Radiosurgery: Investigation of a Novel Radiation Therapy Technique for the Treatment of Intracranial Lesions

Purpose: Rind radiosurgery is a highly modulated technique that aims to treat the proliferative disease of ring‐enhancing intracranial lesions, and to reduce the dose to normal brain tissue when compared with conventional radiosurgery. This study aims to quantify the potential dose reductions to normal tissue for rind treatments.Method and Materials: A set of IMRTtreatment plans were created in the Eclipse planning system to quantify dose sparing for a range of lesions (diameter = 3, 5, 7, 9 cm) and rind thicknesses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 cm). Plans were created for both the conventional (solid tumor) and rind (ring‐enhancing) scenarios. A variety of beam arrangements and IMRT constraint schemes of varying levels of complexity were evaluated. All doses were computed using the pencil beam convolution algorithm with a dose grid size of 1.25 mm. The dose reduction to normal brain was evaluated by comparing the integral dose to a 0.5 cm shell of normal tissue, encapsulating all PTV's. Results: The reduction in normal tissue integral dose ranged from 0 to 5.5% with the greatest savings correlating with smaller lesion sizes. Maximum dose sparing of 5.5% was achieved using a 12 non‐coplanar beam arrangement, and a constraint scheme which held no limits on dose deposited in the center of the tumor. A dramatic increase in the number of monitor units of up to 123% was observed in the delivery of rind distributions. Conclusion: These results indicate that the integral dose to normal brain tissue can be reduced with rind radiosurgeryIMRTtreatments. The dose sparings were less however than previously reported with radiosurgery cone technique, and this is probably due to leakage associated with the extreme modulation of rind plans.
Inversion of Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter From EO-1 Hyperion Imagery for Turbid Estuarine and Coastal Waters

The significant implication of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) for water quality and biogeochemical cycle leads to an increasing need of CDOM monitoring in coastal regions. Current ocean-color algorithms are mostly limited to open-sea water and have high uncertainty when directly applied to turbid coastal waters. This paper presents a semianalytical algorithm, quasi-analytical CDOM algorithm (QAA-CDOM), to invert CDOM absorption from Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Hyperion satellite images. This algorithm was developed from a widely used ocean-color algorithm QAA and our earlier extension of QAA. The main goal is to improve the algorithm performance for a wide range of water conditions, particularly turbid waters in estuarine and coastal regions. The algorithm development, calibration, and validation were based on our intensive high-resolution underwater measurements, International Ocean Color Coordinating Group synthetic data, and global National Aeronautics and Space Administration Bio-Optical Marine Algorithm Data Set data. The result shows that retrieved CDOM absorption achieved accuracy (root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.115 m-1 and R2 = 0.73) in the Atchafalaya River plume area. QAA-CDOM is also evaluated for scenarios in three additional study sites, namely, the Mississippi River, Amazon River, and Moreton Bay, where ag(440) was in the wide range of 0.01-15 m-1. It resulted in expected CDOM distribution patterns along the river salinity gradient. This study improves the high-resolution observation of CDOM dynamics in river-dominated coastal margins and other coastal environments for the study of land-ocean interactive processes.
X-ray-induced specific locus mutations in the ad-3 region of two-component heterokaryons of Neurospora crassa. I. Modification of the heterozygous effects of multilocus deletions covering the ad-3A or ad-3B loci.

Abstract The basis for the reduced growth rates of heterokaryons between strains carrying nonallelic combinations of gene/point mutations ( ad -3 R ) and multilocus deletion mutations ( ad -3 IR ) ahs been investigated by a simple genetic test. The growth rates of forced 2-component heterokaryons (dikaryons) between multilocus deletion mutations were compared with forced 3-component heterokaryons (trikaryons) containing an ad -3 A R ad -3 B R double mutant as their third component. Since the third component. Since the third component has no genetic damage at other loci immediately adjacent to the ad -3 A or ad -3 B locus, the growth rate on minimal medium depends on the functional activity of the unaltered (and presumed “wild-type”) ad -3 A and ad -3 B loci in the first two components. In many cases, the requirements of the original dikaryons have been satisfied by the addition of unaltered genes (in the third component), these trikaryons grow at wild-type rate on minimal medium. Those trikaryons growing at less than wild-type rate were shown to be adenine-requiring, and wild-type growth rate was obtained with the addition of low levels of adenine to the medium. Such tests in the present experiments have shown that ad -3 IR mutations result not only in inactivation of the ad -3 loci by multilocus deletion but also, in many cases, in partial gene inactivation by an unknown mechanisms at other loci in the immediately adjacent regions. The heterozygous effects observed in our present experiments with multilocus deletions in Neurospora can be explained either by a spreading-type position effect of the type found by others in Drosphila, mice, Oenothera and Aspergillus or by undetected genetic damage (“ cryptic mutations ”) in the immediately adjacent genetic regions. An attempt will be made to distinguish between these two alternative hypotheses with techniques for DNA cloning and sequencing in future experiments.
How to Use Calcium Antagonists in Hypertension

The prevention and treatment of hypertension remain as major challenges for clinicians all over the world. The recently published Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-VI) uses evidence-based medicine in providing guidelines to aid clinicians in the prevention, detection and treatment of high blood pressure, including pharmacological approaches. Calcium antagonists are used widely for the treatment of hypertension, and JNC-VI focuses on specific situations where calcium antagonists could be considered as preferred treatments. There are a large number of calcium antagonists available, with a variety of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic actions. Several sustained-release formulations of these drugs are also available.
Chemical modification of tumour blood flow

The preferential modification of tumour blood flow with chemical agents has been extensively investigated for the purpose of improving the treatment of tumours with ionizing radiation, chemicals and hyperthermia. In this paper I have utilized representative vasoactive drugs to demonstrate the various mechanisms via which tumour haemodynamics can be modified selectively. Chemicals which alter tumour blood flow by changing blood viscosity are also discussed. Of particular interest are the calcium entry blockers, flunarizine and verapamil, which have been shown to increase tumour blood flow, tumour oxygenation, tumour radiation sensitivity and the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. These encouraging research results provide compelling evidence that these two drugs may prove to be useful adjuvants for radiation therapy.
Genetics of the nervous system in Drosophila.

The genetic analysis of Drosophila neurobiology has expanded into a considerable field. A host of genetic variants is now available for analyzing the development, structure, physiology, and chemistry of the fly's excitable cells and tissues and how they control the animal's behavior.
Effects of nitric oxide synthesis inhibition in hyperdynamic endotoxemia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, on hemodynamics, gas exchange and oxygen transport in an ovine model of hyperdynamic sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study, with repeated measurements. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twenty healthy adult sheep (weighing 20 to 45 kg) were divided into two groups of 12 treated sheep and eight control sheep and studied. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty awake, chronically instrumented sheep received a continuous infusion of endotoxin (10 ng/kg/min) over 48 hrs. Twenty-four hours after the start of the endotoxin infusion, 12 sheep (treatment group) received a bolus of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (25 mg/kg), while the other eight animals (control group) received the carrier (0.9% NaCl). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-four hours after the start of the endotoxin infusion, both groups exhibited a hyperdynamic state with increased cardiac indices, decreased systemic vascular resistance indices, impaired oxygenation, and increased pulmonary shunt fractions. In both groups, oxygen delivery was significantly increased, while oxygen consumption remained virtually unchanged, resulting in a decreased oxygen extraction ratio. In the control group, the significant alterations in systemic hemodynamics, lung function and oxygen transport persisted for the remainder of the study. Administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester normalized cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance index, increased mean arterial blood pressure, and decreased heart rate. Although oxygen delivery significantly decreased after administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, oxygen consumption did not change, resulting in a normalization of oxygen extraction ratio. Despite a significant reduction of pulmonary shunt fraction, oxygenation did not improve. Pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index showed a peak 2 hrs after administration of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor and then tended to decrease. In contrast, the effects of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester on the systemic circulation persisted for the remainder of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The data support the assumption that augmented nitric oxide production is a major cause of the hemodynamic alterations seen in hyperdynamic endotoxemia. Administration of the nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester normalized the endotoxin-induced hyperdynamic state, but did not impair oxygen consumption, indicating adequate tissue perfusion of metabolically active organs. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis may be a therapeutic option in the treatment of hyperdynamic septic patients when conventional therapy fails to maintain a minimum of cardiovascular performance.
Theories of the Earth and Universe—A History of Dogma in the Earth Sciences

S. Warren Carey rejects the concept of subduction. In this book he links together four subequal themes, with a few autobiographical notes sprinkled throughout, listed as follows in order of decreasing length: a history of science, a lucid review of tectonics and structural geology, an updating of his hypothesis that the Earth is expanding, and a review of the frontiers of cosmology, leading finally to a suggested mechanism for the expansion. Tectonics and structural geology have served as the hub of Carey's long and wide-ranging career, and the history of science section of this book emphasizes geology and geophysics, with special reference to the tribulations of scientists like Sam Carey himself, who marched to a different drummer and bucked the establishment. Carey began his career, his dissertation work, in New Guinea, site of the world's most vigorous shearing (some would say transpression) between the Australia-India and the Pacific “polygons” (Carey uses that term to distinguish his 2900-km-thick tectonic blocks that move on the liquid outer core of the Earth from the 100-km-thick plates of plate tectonic theory). He immediately became a mobilist, and for the next 20 years, along with a few other geologists of vision, had to grapple with a fixist establishment.
Exploiting the Versatility of Ionic Liquids in Separation Science: Determination of Low-Volatility Aliphatic Hydrocarbons and Fatty Acid Methyl Esters Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography

The determination of high-molecular weight aliphatic hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters possessing high boiling points and low vapor pressures was performed using a headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography (HS-SPME-GC) method comprised entirely of ionic liquids (ILs). The method utilizes three independently structurally engineered ILs in which the imparted physical and chemical properties make them compatible with the requirements of each component of the method. Component one is composed of a thermally stable IL solvent used to increase the equilibrium concentration of analytes in the HS, component two is a SPME sorbent coating based on a polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) for the selective HS extraction of analytes, and component three is an IL-based low-bleed GC stationary phase that performs the selective separation of the analytes. The method demonstrates the versatility of ILs within separation science in addition to determining these analytes, for the first time, using HS extraction at elevated temperatures with detection limits ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 mg kg(-1), relative recoveries from 69.9% to 106%, and precision (relative standard deviation for the overall method) from 6.9% to 16%.
Ethical obligations of veterinarians and animal scientists in animal agriculture

It is patent that society is evolving an ethic for the treatment of animals which goes well beyond the standard prohibitions against cruelty. This new ethic for animals takes the consensus ethic for the treatment of humans in society and extends it,mutatis mutandis, to the treatment of animals. Though this ethic has been applied first to research animals, its extension to agricultural animals is inevitable, and has already begun. This article explores the extent to which veterinary medicine and animal science, the major scientific fields relevant to animal agriculture, can accommodate the emerging ethic.
Fuzzy Logic for Determination of Crack Severity in Defense Applications

Problem of crack detection has attracted the attention of several investigators in the areas like defense, aeronautics, and marine industries. In this paper we suggest fuzzy logic approach for detection of cracks and also deciding about the severity of the crack. The data obtained from data acquisition system is processed and results presented by using various software. Fuzzy rules are developed to determine the severity of the crack and a light controller used to indicate the severity of the crack. The simplicity of the approach makes it very useful in many fields.
The solution of linear equations by minimization

This paper considers the problem of solving linear equations of the formAx=b and replaces it with the construction of the minimum of the least-square function $$F(x) = (Ax - b)* (Ax - b)$$ .
Earthquake Waves and the Geomagnetic Dynamo

It is proposed that earthquake waves energize the geomagnetic dynamo. Fluid motions generated by earthquakes may have enough energy to be in equipartition with fields as large as 100 gauss. Seismic waves from meteoritic impacts with energies sufficient to reverse the field occur every 170,000 years.
Metaxin deficiency alters mitochondrial membrane permeability and leads to resistance to TNF-induced cell killing.

Metaxin, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, is critical for TNF-induced cell death in L929 cells. Its deficiency, caused by retroviral insertion-mediated mutagenesis, renders L929 cells resistance to TNF killing. In this study, we further characterized metaxin deficiency-caused TNF resistance in parallel with Bcl-XL overexpression-mediated death resistance. We did not find obvious change in mitochondria membrane potential in metaxindeficient (Metmut) and Bcl-XL-overexpressing cells, but we did find an increase in the release rate of the mitochondrial membrane potential probe rhodamine 123 (Rh123) that was preloaded into mitochondria. In addition, overexpression of a function-interfering mutant of metaxin (MetaΔTM/C) or Bcl-XL in MCF-7.3.28 cells also resulted in an acquired resistance to TNF killing and a faster rate of Rh123 release, indicating a close correlation between TNF resistance and higher rates of the dye release from the mitochondria. The release of Rh123 can be controlled by the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (PT) pore, as targeting an inner membrane component of the PT pore by cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibited Rh123 release. However, metaxin deficiency and Bcl-XL overexpression apparently affect Rh123 release from a site(s) different from that of CsA, as CsA can overcome their effect. Though both metaxin and Bcl-XL appear to function on the outer mitochondrial membrane, they do not interact with each other. They may use different mechanisms to increase the permeability of Rh123, since previous studies have suggested that metaxin may influence certain outer membrane porins while Bcl-XL may form pores on the outer membrane. The alteration of the mitochondrial outer membrane properties by metaxin deficiency and Bcl-XL overespression, as indicated by a quicker Rh123 release, may be helpful in maintaining mitochondrial integrity.
SU-E-T-552: Minimum Monitor Unit Effects On Plan Quality for Multi-Field Optimized Spot Scanning Proton Therapy

Purpose: To investigate the influence of the minimum monitor unit (MU) on the quality of clinical treatment plans for scanned proton therapy. Methods: Delivery system characteristics limit the minimum number of protons that can be delivered per spot, resulting in a min-MU limit. Plan quality can be impacted by the min-MU limit. Two sites were used to investigate the impact of min-MU on treatment plans: pediatric brain tumor at a depth of 5-10 cm; a head and neck tumor at a depth of 1-20 cm. Three field intensity modulated spot scanning proton plans were created for each site with the following parameter variations: min-MU limit range of 0.0000-0.0060; and spot spacing range of 0.5-2.0σ of the nominal spot size at isocenter in water (σ=4mm in this work). Comparisons were based on target homogeneity and normal tissue sparing. Results: The increase of the min-MU with a fixed spot spacing decreases plan quality both in homogeneous target coverage and in the avoidance of critical structures. Both head and neck and pediatric brain plans show a 20% increase in relative dose for the hot spot in the CTV and 10% increase in key critical structures when comparing min-MU limits of 0.0000 and 0.0060more » with a fixed spot spacing of 1σ. The DVHs of CTVs show min-MU limits of 0.0000 and 0.0010 produce similar plan quality and quality decreases as the min-MU limit increases beyond 0.0020. As spot spacing approaches 2σ, degradation in plan quality is observed when no min-MU limit is imposed. Conclusion: Given a fixed spot spacing of ≤ 1σ of the spot size in water, plan quality decreases as min- MU increases greater than 0.0020. The effect of min-MU should be taken into consideration while planning spot scanning proton therapy treatments to realize its full potential.« less
High Prevalence of Sleep Disorders and Associated Comorbidities in a Community Sample of Children with Down Syndrome

Study Objectives:Down syndrome (DS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple comorbidities. Sleep disorders are common among children with DS and can cause significant distress fo...
Effect of Some Calcium Antagonists on Muscarinic Receptor‐Mediated Cyclic GMP Formation

Several calcium antagonists were screened for their effect on muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation in murine neuroblastoma cells (clone N1E-115). Mn2+, Ni2+, and verapamil rapidly antagonized the response noncompetitively, with the following order of potency: verapamil greater than Mn2+ greater than Ni2+. The effects of Mn2+ and Ni2+, but not those of verapamil, were largely reversed by increasing extracellular calcium concentration. Additional effects of these agents included displacement of [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate binding by verapamil and elevation of cyclic GMP levels by Mn2+ and Ni2+ in the absence of agonists. These results are in support of the hypothesis that receptor-mediated cyclic GMP formation by these cells is dependent upon entry of calcium into the cell and demonstrate the complexity of the effects of calcium antagonists.
Evidence that thymine is not a normal metabolite in wild-type Bacillus subtilis

Abstract Neither thymine nor deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) is incorporated into DNA of prototrophic Bacillus subtilis, although dTTP is a metabolite in DNA synthesis. We have directly shown that lack of dTTP incorporation is due to its exclusion from the cell. On the other hand, thymine freely enters and exits non-requiring cells, but is not utilized in DNA synthesis. We conclude that thymine is not a normal metabolite in prototrophic B. subtilis.
The influence of social and environmental factors on dust lead, hand lead, and blood lead levels in young children

The roles of environmental and behavioral factors in determining blood levels were studied in a cohort of young children living in an urban environment. The subjects were observed at 3-month intervals from birth to 24 months of age. Repeated measurements were made of the children's blood lead levels, environmental levels of lead in house dust, and in the dust found on the children's hands. A qualitative rating of the residence and of the socioeconomic status of the family was obtained. Interviews and direct observation of parent and child at home were used to evaluate various aspects of caretaker-child interactions. Data analysis consisted of a comparison of results obtained by simple correlational analysis, multiple regression analysis, and structural equations analysis. The results demonstrated that structural equation modeling offers a useful approach to unraveling the complex interactions present in the data set. In this preliminary analysis, the suspected relationship between the levels of lead in house dust and on hands and the blood lead level was clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, the analyses indicated an important interplay between environmental sources and social factors in the determination of hand lead and blood lead levels in very young children.
Making the GRADE: how useful are the new Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines?

Expanded abstract Citations Dellinger RP, Levy MM, Rhodes A, Annane D, Gerlach H, Opal SM, Sevransky JE, Sprung CL, Douglas IS, Jaeschke R, Osborn TM, Nunnally ME, Townsend SR, Reinhart K, Kleinpell RM, Angus DC, Deutschman CS, Machado FR, Rubenfeld GD, Webb S, Beale RJ, Vincent JL, Moreno R; Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines Committee including The Pediatric Subgroup: Surviving Sepsis Campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock, 2012. Intensive Care Med 2013, 39:165–228. Dellinger RP, Levy MM, Rhodes A, Annane D, Gerlach H, Opal SM, Sevransky JE, Sprung CL, Douglas IS, Jaeschke R, Osborn TM, Nunnally ME, Townsend SR, Reinhart K, Kleinpell RM, Angus DC, Deutschman CS, Machado FR, Rubenfeld GD, Webb SA, Beale RJ, Vincent JL, Moreno R; Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines Committee including the Pediatric Subgroup: Surviving Sepsis Campaign: international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2012. Critical Care Med 2013, 41:580–637.
Fiber-Coupled, High-Q AlGaAs Microdisks with Embedded Quantum Dots

High-quality-factor (Q~3.6x10^5) AlGaAs microdisks containing InAs/InGaAs dots-in-a-well are demonstrated. Free-space photoluminescence reveals room-temperature pulsed lasing with thresholds <17 microWatts, and measurements using a fiber taper to pump and collect light from the cavity are presented.
Retention effects in thermal field-flow fractionation

Abstract While the basis of the thermal field-flow fractionationation (TFFF) method presumably is thermal diffusion, predicting retention for different polymer types in different solvents is generally not possible. To clarify the TFFF retention mechanism, we developed a data base for a range of experimental conditions. Retention is strongly a function of polymer and carrier solvent types, and is proportional to solvent viscosity. Studies suggest tha polymer retention significantly increases when using a mixed carrier solvent that has a higher concentration of “poor” solvent relative to “good” solvent. Although no apparent correlation was found between retention and various physical properties of the system, more effective practical TFFF experiments can be done because of these studies.
Can the learning health care system be educated with observational data

Given the complexity of medical decision making and the myriad questions that arise during the care of individuals, an expectation that every causal question be addressed with a randomized clinical trial (RCT) is not realistic. Nevertheless, large administrative databases linked with electronic health records, coupled with new statistical methods for extracting causal information from raw data, can complement clinical trial evidence, enabling a “learning health care system.” Yet despite continued advances in epidemiological and statistical methods and the advent of “big data,”1 there is concern that inferences from observational data can lead to poor health care decisions by misrepresenting association for causation.
Jet photoproduction and the structure of the photon

Various jet observables in photoproduction are studied and compared to data from DESY HERA. The feasibility of using a dijet sample for constraining the parton distributions in the photon is then studied. For the current data the experimental and theoretical uncertainties are comparable to the variation due to changing the photon parton distribution set.
Comparison of Instructional Methods: Cognitive Skills and Confidence Levels

Abstract Background High-fidelity simulation is a teaching method that offers safety, yet provides a level of realism and participative learning not typically found in a classroom setting. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two instructional methods (traditional classroom method and high-fidelity simulator method) to teach content related to distributive shock. Method An experimental design was used to compare confidence and cognitive skills between two groups of randomly assigned senior nursing students enrolled in the Complex Health Course. Results Neither cognitive skills nor confidence levels were significantly enhanced by the use of high-fidelity simulation. Conclusion Results suggest that neither teaching strategy in isolation is effective. A combination of teaching strategies approach is recommended.
Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation and genetic differentiation among colubrine snakes (Reptilia: Colubridae: Colubrinae)

Abstract Nucleotide sequence variation in a portion of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene was assessed to investigate systematic affinities within the snake subfamily Colubrinae. A total of 391 base pairs from each of 33 taxa were aligned, with Thamnophis as the outgroup to the Colubrinae. Data were analyzed using both distance (145 sites) and parsimony (75 sites) algorithms. Analyses were concordant in showing that although morphologically resembling a ratsnake, the Asian Gonyosoma oxycephalum is genetically more similar to the North American racer lineage that includes Coluber constrictor and Masticophis flagellum than to any ratsnake examined. All other ratsnakes sampled comprise a monophyletic group separate from the remaining colubrines. Within this ratsnake clade, the Nearctic ratsnakes can be distinguished as a monophyletic group. At least nine separate racer lineages can be identified. With three exceptions, racers from the same geographical region are genetically more similar to one another than to colubrines of other geographic origin. Finer resolution of phylogenetic affinities among taxa within this subfamily will require additional sequence data and more extensive sampling of taxa. The relative degree of sequence divergence observed between the tribes (racers and ratsnakes) sampled is consistent with other biochemical estimates of protein divergence, as well as with fossil evidence, that suggests a Miocene divergence between the ratsnakes and other colubrine lineages.