cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of mandibular implant-supported overdentures and conventional dentures in diabetic patients. Part II. Comparisons of masticatory performance.

Abstract Statement of problem. It is unclear whether the replacement of conventional mandibular dentures with implant-supported overdentures alters the diet and thus improves the nutritional intake of edentulous persons. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the pretreatment and posttreatment diets of edentulous diabetic patients who received new dentures with either a conventional complete mandibular denture (CD) or a mandibular implant-supported overdenture (IOD). Material and methods. New dentures were made for 89 edentulous diabetic patients with acceptable metabolic control without insulin (NIT) or with insulin (IT). A randomized approach was used to assign 37 patients a mandibular CD and 52 patients a mandibular IOD supported by 2 cylindrical implants. Of the 89 patients, 58 submitted a dietary log for 7 consecutive days before treatment (PT) and 6 months after treatment completion (PTC). An average daily intake of 28 essential nutrients was determined for each patient at each time interval. Separate 2 × 2 × 2 repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed for each nutrient to compare the means of the 2 denture groups (CD and IOD), 2 diabetic groups (NIT and IT), and 2 time intervals (PT and PTC). The intakes were also compared with the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Results. ANOVAs for all 28 nutritional variables showed no main effect for either denture type or diabetic treatment. Time effects were seen for magnesium, potassium, copper, and monounsaturated fats. The PTC mean intake of the total sample (N = 58) decreased for all 3 minerals and increased for monounsaturated fats with study dentures. Post hoc tests showed the differences between PT and PTC means to be statistically significant for only magnesium ( P =.043) and potassium ( P =.015). The percentage of patients with PT intake 25% or more below the RDA ranged from 33% to 85% in the CD group and from 24% to 100% in the IOD group for the same 11 nutrients. PTC fiber intake deficiency was noted in almost all participants. Carbohydrate consumption was markedly lower than that recommended by the American Diabetic Association. Conclusion. As is often the case with elderly groups, this group of edentulous diabetic patients showed highly comprised nutritional intakes of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The replacement of old dentures with new dentures that included either a mandibular CD or IOD did not alter patient diets such that the patients improved their nutritional intakes of essential micronutrients and macronutrients. (J Prosthet Dent 2001;85:53-60.)
Noninvasive measurement of the time constant of left ventricular relaxation using the continuous-wave Doppler velocity profile of mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUNDThe time constant of isovolumic relaxation (tau) is an important parameter of ventricular diastolic function, but the need for invasive measurement with high-fidelity catheters has limited its use in general clinical cardiology. The Doppler mitral regurgitant velocity spectrum can be used to estimate left ventricular (LV) pressure throughout systole and may provide a new noninvasive method for estimating tau.METHODS AND RESULTSMitral regurgitation was produced in nine dogs, and ventricular relaxation was adjusted pharmacologically and with hypothermia. High-fidelity ventricular pressures were recorded, and tau was calculated from these hemodynamic data (tau H) assuming a zero-pressure asymptote. Continuous-wave mitral regurgitant velocity profiles were obtained, and the ventriculo-atrial (VA) pressure gradient was calculated by the simplified Bernoulli equation; tau was calculated from the Doppler data from the time of maximal negative dP/dt until LV-LA pressure crossover. Three methods were use...
Arabidopsis thaliana—Myzus persicae interaction: shaping the understanding of plant defense against phloem-feeding aphids

The phloem provides a unique niche for several organisms. Aphids are a large group of Hemipteran insects that utilize stylets present in their mouthparts to pierce sieve elements and drink large volumes of phloem sap. In addition, many aphids also vector viral diseases. Myzus persicae, commonly known as the green peach aphid (GPA), is an important pest of a large variety of plants that includes Arabidopsis thaliana. This review summarizes recent studies that have exploited the compatible interaction between Arabidopsis and GPA to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms utilized by plants to control aphid infestation, as well as genes and mechanisms that contribute to susceptibility. In addition, recent efforts to identify aphid-delivered elicitors of plant defenses and novel aphid salivary components that facilitate infestation are also discussed.
Paraprofessionals in Learning Disabilities

The purpose of this manuscript is to generate information about the paraprofessional concept as it relates to learning disabilities. A brief review of the paraprofessional literature is reported. The possible roles and responsibilities that could be included in a paraprofessional's job description were delineated and discussed. A structured, comprehensive, and flexible approach that LEA's could use to implement the concept was proposed. And the problems that are “inherent” in the paraprofessional concept were identified and possible strategies to eliminate or prevent these difficulties were suggested.
Hardware/software co-design for power system test development

Many hardware/software co-design models have been proposed [7,2,5,6 ]that attempt to address problems in the hardware/software interface,in partitioning the system between hardware and software, and in finding a uniform method of verifying the system 's correctness. This paper describes the High Order Object-oriented Modeling Technique [4,3 ]and its use in specifying and designing a hardware-in-the-loop test environment or the non-trivial application of bulk power systems control.A HOOMT model o the system for the real system and the test system is given. The paper also presents our solution to the mapping of requirements from the real system to the test system.
Impact of age on hepatic cytochrome P450 of domestic male Camborough-29 pigs

Swine is not only an important species in veterinary medicine research but also a popular animal model for human drug discovery. It is valuable to understand the impact of pig age on abundance and activity of porcine hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450). Liver microsomes were prepared from Camborough-29 intact male pigs at the age of 1 day and 2 weeks and the castrated male pigs at the age of 5, 10, and 20 weeks. Hepatic CYP450 content in the liver microsomes was measured using a UV/visible spectroscopic method. The activities of CYP450s were evaluated by metabolism of phenacetin, coumarin, tolbutamide, bufuralol, chlorzoxazone, and midazolam. The porcine hepatic CYP450 content increased with age with a plateau between age 2 and 5 weeks. Activities of all CYP450 enzymes increased with age of pigs too. The bufuralol 1’-hydroxylase showed the highest hepatic activities compared with other CYP enzymes at all ages of pigs. The average activities at the age of 20 weeks were about five times higher than those at the age of 5 weeks for most of the CYP enzymes. With compensation of the ratio of liver to body weights, the overall CYP450 metabolism capability of the pigs may be peaked around ages of 10 to 20 weeks. Those findings suggest that metabolism can be significantly different in growing phase of pigs and that the age may be an important factor in porcine medicine evaluation and pig model development.
Precision Measurement of the Wavelengths of Infrared Absorption Lines with Diffraction Gratings

The use of modern diffraction gratings and photoconducting detectors makes possible the measurement of the wavelengths of infrared absorption lines to a precision amounting to a small fraction of the Doppler breadth of the lines themselves. The main difficulties encountered in making measurements to this precision seem to be in the scanning and interpolation procedures plus displacement errors arising from inexact superposition of known wavelengths on the spectrum to be measured.Making use of absorption lines as standards and a single light source eliminates displacement errors. Proper scanning techniques can reduce interpolation errors to insignificance. Coarse blazed gratings of very high degree of perfection are now available. Making use of the method of coincidences in high orders, such gratings can be used to effectively multiply the small number of accurately measured absorption lines available, so that only short interpolations between standard lines are necessary throughout the 1 to 4μ region.
Convexity and local Lipschitz continuity of fuzzy-valued mappings

Abstract Two concepts of a convexity and a local Lipschitz continuity are introduced into the class of fuzzy-valued mappings. The convexity is defined through the “fuzzy-max” order on the class of fuzzy numbers. The local Lipschitz continuity of the fuzzy-valued mapping cannot be defined in the same manner as in the case of the real-valued function, since the space of values of the fuzzy-valued mapping is not a linear space. Owing to this reason, the local Lipschitz continuity is defined in a new formula through the fuzzy-max order. A fundamental theorem concerning the local Lipschitz continuity of the fuzzy-valued convex mapping is given.
Flavor Development in Pasteurized Milk Blue Cheese by Animal and Microbial Lipase Preparations

Abstract This study is of rate and quality of flavor development and type and concentration of carbonyls produced in blue cheese made from pasteurized milk after applying selected microbial and animal enzyme preparations directly to cheese curds along with Penicillium roqueforti spores and salt. Two of 10 microbial lipase preparations (Aspergilli) gave good quality blue cheese flavor within 45 to 75 days at 5C in cheese made from pasteurized milk. Total carbonyls were maximum in 75 days at 5C and were highest in cheeses with added microbial lipase. Cheeses without added enzymes had lowest values and differed in the relative distribution of individual carbonyls. In cheese from 75-day-old pasteurized milk containing microbial lipase, at 5C the amount of 2-heptanone was 76.1 μ mol and 2-nonanone was 32.5 μ mol/10g cheese solids.
Disturbed voluntary motor activity in schizophrenic disorder

Although motor features associated with schizophrenic disorders have been reported often, they have never been well understood and, since the introduction of neuroleptic drugs, they have been largely neglected. We report that disturbed voluntary motor activity occurs frequently among schizophrenics, is especially associated with features of formal thought disorder, but also with affective blunting, neurologic ‘soft’ signs. Certain motor and thinking abnormalities in schizophrenics may have a common pathogenetic basis.
Systemic Venous Collateral Channels Causing Desaturation After Bidirectional Cavopulmonary Anastomosis: Evaluation and Management

Abstract Objectives. We sought to characterize the frequency, anatomic details and factors associated with the development of collateral channels between the superior and inferior vena caval systems after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis. Background. It is well known that systemic venous collateral channels often develop in patients who have undergone a classic Glenn shunt or bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis and that such collateral channels can lead to profound systemic desaturation. However, there have been few reports focusing on this problem. Methods. Fifty-four patients (median age 1.4 years) who underwent bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis and had preoperative and postoperative angiograms available for review were studied retrospectively. Postoperative connections between the superior and inferior vena caval systems were identified and measured. Sites of collateral origin and entry from the superior and inferior venous systems, as well as the course taken in between, were recorded. Results. At follow-up angiography performed 17 days to 46 months postoperatively, a total of 31 venous collateral channels were observed in 18 patients with a wide variety of primary morphologic diagnoses. The majority of these collateral channels (80%) originated from the brachiocephalic vein or its junction with the superior vena cava, and over half of them drained below the diaphragm. In patients who developed venous collateral channels, the mean transpulmonary pressure gradient early after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis was higher (p = 0.005), and mean arterial oxygen saturation at follow-up was lower (p = 0.009). There were trends toward higher superior vena caval pressure early after the operation and at follow-up in patients with collateral channels and a higher likelihood of absent upper lobe pulmonary blood flow in these patients. Successful coil embolization of 10 collateral channels was performed in six patients, with a median increase in arterial oxygen saturation of 16%. Conclusions. Angiographically detectable systemic venous collateral channels develop after bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis in a substantial number of patients (33% in the present series) with a variety of forms of a functional univentricular heart. Patients with venous collateral channels can be treated successfully with coil embolization, but the indications for embolization will depend on individual circumstances.
Tumor necrosis factor induces GSK3 kinase–mediated cross-tolerance to endotoxin in macrophages

Endotoxin tolerance, a key mechanism for suppressing excessive inflammatory cytokine production, is induced by prior exposure of macrophages to Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Induction of cross-tolerance to endotoxin by endogenous cytokines has not been investigated. Here we show that prior exposure to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induced a tolerant state in macrophages, with less cytokine production after challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and protection from LPS-induced death. TNF-induced cross-tolerization was mediated by suppression of LPS-induced signaling and chromatin remodeling. TNF-induced cross-tolerance was dependent on the kinase GSK3, which suppressed chromatin accessibility and promoted rapid termination of signaling via the transcription factor NF-κB by augmenting negative feedback by the signaling inhibitors A20 and IκBα. Our results demonstrate an unexpected homeostatic function for TNF and a GSK3-mediated mechanism for the prevention of prolonged and excessive inflammation.
Lack of cardiac manifestations among patients with previously treated Lyme disease.

Background: Cardiac involvement is common in acute Lyme disease, and case reports suggest that cardiac abnormalities might also occur years after the primary infection. Objective: To determine the ...
Polymorphic predicate abstraction

Predicate abstraction is a technique for creating abstract models of software that are amenable to model checking algorithms. We show how polymorphism, a well-known concept in programming languages and program analysis, can be incorporated in a predicate abstraction algorithm for C programs. The use of polymorphism in predicates, via the introduction of symbolic names for values, allows us to model the effect of a procedure independent of its calling contexts. Therefore, we can safely and precisely abstract a procedure once and then reuse this abstraction across multiple calls and multiple applications containing the procedure. Polymorphism also enables us to handle programs that need to be analyzed in an open environment, for all possible callers. We have proved that our algorithm is sound and have implemented it in the C2BP tool as part of the SLAM software model checking toolkit.
Regular syntheses and solutions to discontinuous ODEs

In this paper we analyze several concepts of solution to discontinuous ODEs in relation to feedbacks generated by optimal syntheses. Optimal trajectories are called Stratified Solutions in case of regular synthesis in the sense of Boltyanskii-Brunovsky. We introduce a concept of solution called Krasowskii Cone Robust that characterizes optimal trajectories for minimum time on the plane and for general problems under suitable assumptions.
The BFS Method Combined with Chemical Cluster Interactions for the Study of Order-Disorder Transitions

First Principles (FP) methods are invoked to improve the accuracy of Bozzolo-Ferrante- Smith (BFS) model, one of the quantum-approximate modeling techniques for the computation of thermodynamic properties that involve a large number of particles. The BFS method calculates the energy of an atom in an alloy in two steps [1]. A first term pertains to the structural contribution. A recent improvement [2] allows to calculate the strain energy depending on the local environment [1,2] and this involves only pure element properties of the different atomic species. In the second step, binary chemical interactions are taken into account. This was originally done by only two interaction parameters for each atom pair in an alloy. In contrast, the adaptable parameterization of Cluster Expansion Methods (CEM) routinely incorporates any number of FP data to describe ordering in alloy systems. But in standard CEM calculations, no explicit information on local atomic displacements is used. In this work, the BFS chemical energy term is successfully replaced by a CEM chemical term to combine the ability of BFS to account for local displacements and the ability of CEM to include as many FP results as needed for the correct evaluation of alloying effects.
EPITHELIAL Na CHANNELS: FUNCTION AND DIVERSITY

Epithelial Na channels are transporters located in the apical membranes of certain epithelial cells. The major function of these channels is to permit the controlled entry of Na+ ions into the cells from the luminal or mucosal fluids (e.g. the urine, feces, sweat, or respiratory tract secretions). The channel activity helps to control the composition of the excreted fluids; a higher activity leads to increased reabsorption of Na. Regulation of the amount of Na excreted by the kidney is essential to the proper control of both the volume and salt content of the extracellular fluids. These channels are defined by their ability to conduct Na ions, their location on apical plasma membranes of epithelial cells, and by their sensitiv­ ity to pyrazine-based, K-sparing diuretics such as amiloride. Within this rather broad definition, several classes of channels has recently emerged. This review focuses on the biophysical and regulatory properties of these various channel types and is not intended to be a comprehensive treatment of the entire literature on this subject. A number of reviews regarding epithelial Na channels have been published recently, which cover various aspects of the channels and their regulation (12, 18, 46, 55-57, 62, 70, 79).
Treatment of non-streptococcal tonsillitis with metronidazole

The potential role of anaerobic bacteria in acute tonsillitis was investigated in a retrospective study that evaluated the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy with metronidazole on the management of acute episodes of non-beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillitis (NST). Forty children suffering from NST were included, 20 that were treated with metronidazole 250 mg b.i.d. for 10 day, and 20 that had received no therapy. The efficacy of therapy was evaluated by the ability to alleviate the symptoms of acute infection. As compared with the untreated group, the group that received metronidazole, had a significant reduction in fever and sore throat one day after initiation of therapy, a significant reduction in the presence of fever, pharyngeal injection and sore throat within 2 days, and reduction in pharyngeal injection and tonsillar size at day 3. These findings illustrated that metronidazole therapy was more efficacious than no therapy in relieving the signs and symptoms of acute episodes of NST. These findings should encourage further studies that are prospective and blinded that are needed to evaluate the use of antimicrobials effective against anaerobic bacteria in the treatment of non-GABHS (group A-beta-hemolytic streptococcus) tonsillitis.
Probing the Southern Indian Shield with P-Wave Receiver-Function Profiles

We demonstrate a case of using short-period, vertical-component seis- mograms alone to study the Archean crust. The approach is equivalent to conven- tional seismic reflection profiles except that high-frequency (up to 1.2 Hz) transmitted wave fields from earthquakes are used as natural sources. On seismic sections from the Gauribidanur Array (GBA), reflection off the Moho (PpPmp phase) stands out and indicates a sharp, subhorizontal Moho. From known crustal thickness of 36 2 km, our results show an average value of 6.55 0.37 km/sec for P-wave speed in the crust. Recent results from receiver functions collectively imply an intermediate to felsic bulk composition for the Archean crust in southern India. ing up opportunities for new investigations. Specifically, we will show that the Moho under the Gauribidanur Array (GBA) in southern India is a sharp, subhorizontal interface. By constraining the average P-wave speed in the overlying Archean crust, we also discuss implications of our results for crustal composition.
Communication synthesis for embedded systems with global considerations

Designers of distributed embedded systems require communication synthesis to more effectively explore the design space. Communication synthesis creates or instantiates the necessary software and hardware required to allow system components to exchange data. This work examines the problem of mapping a high-level specification to an arbitrary, but fixed architecture that uses particular bus protocols for interprocessor communication. The approach detailed in this paper illustrates that global considerations are necessary to achieve a correct implementation. A communication model is presented that allows for easy retargeting to different bus topologies and protocols. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by mapping a high-level specification to different architectures.
Bone Disorders in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis are the most significant bone disorders affecting patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV-infected patients receiving potent antiretroviral therapy have a high prevalence of reduced bone mineral density (BMD). However, patients not receiving antiretrovirals also have a higher than expected prevalence of reduced BMD, which suggests that HIV itself may be a contributing factor, mediated by immune activation and cytokines. The risk of fractures remains undefined in this population, and no data exist on interventions to increase BMD and prevent fractures. Osteonecrosis has been reported in HIV-infected patients since 1990, and its incidence appears to be increasing. Available data suggest that corticosteroid use and other risk factors contribute significantly to its pathogenesis. Controlled studies have not supported the contention that protease inhibitors increase the risk of osteonecrosis. An improved understanding of the pathogenesis of these bone disorders should result in better preventative and therapeutic measures.
Promotion of Photodynamic Therapy-Induced Apoptosis by the Mitochondrial Protein Smac/DIABLO: Dependence on Bax¶

Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using the second-generation photosensitizer phthalocyanine (Pc) 4 causes mitochondrial damage and induces apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol. Another protein of the mitochondrial intermembrane space, Smac/DIABLO (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with low pI), is also released to the cytosol in response to apoptotic stimuli and promotes caspase activation by binding IAP. To investigate the possible role of Smac/DIABLO in apoptosis induced by Pc 4-PDT, we transfected Smac/DIABLO (tagged at its C-terminus with green fluorescent protein [GFP]) into MCF-7c3 cells (human breast cancer MCF-7 cells stably transfected with procaspase-3) and DU-145 cells (human prostate cancer cells that express no Bax because of a frameshift insertion mutation). Confocal microscopy showed that recombinant Smac/DIABLO, like cytochrome c, localized to mitochondria and colocalized with MitoTracker Red. Three hou...
The calculation of the magnetic field from a current distribution: Application to finite element techniques

In finite element calculations of the magnetic field associated with a distributed current density \overrightarrow{J} it is useful to cast the law of Biot and Savart in a form where the integration over \overrightarrow{J} need include only those elements of the mesh containing either a current source or a conductivity boundary, i.e. those elements where \nabla \times \overrightarrow{J} is non-zero.
Cytochemical characterization of leukemic cells from 20 dogs.

The hematopoietic cells in blood and/or bone marrow from 20 leukemic dogs and 22 control dogs were characterized using a battery of cytochemical stains. The results of cytochemical staining led to modification of the diagnoses based on clinical, hematologic and histologic findings in seven (35%) of the leukemias. Sudan black B and chloroacetate esterase served as granulocytic markers in both the control and leukemic groups. Peroxidase activity was present in the granulocytes and monocytes of control animals but not the blasts of leukemic dogs. Alkaline phosphatase-positive staining of granulocytic precursors was a consistent finding in granulocytic and myelomonocytic leukemia, and alkaline phosphatase- positive lymphoblasts were seen in 38% of lymphocytic leukemias. Diffuse alpha naphthyl butyrate esterase-positive staining marked monocytes in both control and leukemic dogs. Cytochemical staining was found to be a valuable diagnostic aid in the classification of leukemias in the dog. The neoplastic cell type in the majority of leukemias in dogs can be classified with Wright-Giemsa stained blood and bone marrow films. When primitive cells predominate, however, the morphologic differences are indistinct. Various leukocytes contain specific enzymes which may aid in the identification of the cells. Cyto- chemical stains of human blood and bone marrow cells have been shown to improve the accuracy of diagnosis of hematologic diseases in man. Reports of cytochem- ical characterization of hematopoietic cells of dogs are limited and most are confined to the normal ani- ma1.'o-'5 The objectives of this study were to character- ize the cytochemical staining patterns of normal and neoplastic hematopoietic cells of dogs using a battery of enzyme stains and to compare the cytochemical results with the diagnoses based on clinical, hematologic and histologic findings.
Quark-binding string

A relativistic invariant extended model of hadrons is constructed. The finite region where quarks can move freely is a line in a three-dimensional space. Physically, the construction resembles that of the MIT bag and the SLAC bubble. In the absence of quarks, the model reduces to the relativistic massless-string model. We then solve explicitly the closed-string version where massless quarks move only in the clockwise direction. The resulting quantum system does not satisfy Lorentz algebra. However, this negative result indicates that for an open (or closed) string, the quantum system is consistent if there are 22 quark fields. A quark-confining string is also constructed and discussed. This is obtained as an improved version of the quark-binding string. It incorporates many physically desirable features. (AIP)
Laboratory evaluation for vitamin B12 deficiency: the case for cascade testing.

The laboratory evaluation of possible vitamin B12 deficiency is often prompted by the presence of macrocytic anemia.1 In clinically evident vitamin B12 deficiency, macrocytosis (mean corpuscular volume [MCV] >99 fL) usually precedes the development of anemia; less commonly neurologic manifestations can occur when both values are normal.2 However, macrocytosis is a common nonspecific finding in adults undergoing an automated complete blood count (CBC). Even less specific are neurologic abnormalities that may include paresthesias, ataxia, dementia, and depression. Rarely do patients derive any meaningful neurologic response to vitamin B12 supplementation (personal communication with author, GRS). Published estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of serum B12 measurement vary widely, largely due to the lack of a gold standard for diagnosis.3,4 Serum B12 levels below 100 pg/mL are reported to have specificity approaching 90% for diagnosing clinically-manifest deficiency.3 However, in clinical practice, with more chronically ill, elderly patients, the practical specificity may be lower.5 Using elevated metabolite levels (ie, serum methylmalonic acid [MMA] or homocysteine [Hcy]) to define deficiency, the “screening” serum B12 cutoff used in many diagnostic algorithms has been raised to 250 pg/mL to 300 pg/mL to provide greater sensitivity.6 With this approach, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency may be as high as 15% to 20% in the elderly.7 Of course, most of these patients will have no hematologic or neurologic manifestations of B12 deficiency (ie, subclinical deficiency).8 Holotranscobalamin (holoTC) has been reported to offer slightly better performance than total serum B12 levels in diagnosing deficiency, but these study designs have been criticized, and there is currently no consensus that holoTC should replace conventional serum B12 testing.8,9 Given the limitations of current testing for vitamin B12 deficiency, and because its administration is inexpensive and fairly innocuous, many clinicians have a low threshold for prescribing vitamin B12 supplementation (usually by intramuscular injection to bypass issues with absorption). However, this approach may give a false sense of effective medical intervention for both the patient and provider, thereby diverting attention away from further evaluation and appropriate diagnosis. In recent years, a number of diagnostic algorithms for evaluating vitamin B12 deficiency have been promulgated, but adherence to these recommendations in clinical practice is unknown. Also, how well these algorithms actually perform in terms of predicting meaningful response to vitamin B12 supplementation is unclear. In this study, we sought to systematically evaluate current practice patterns regarding the laboratory evaluation of suspected vitamin B12 deficiency.
Sex determination of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus californianus) from canine teeth

hSTRACT Size of canine teeth from California sea lion (Zalophus califontianus califwnianus) carcasses is shown to be useful in determining the sex of animals which have missing genitalia or which are otherwise of unknown sex. A total of 267 canine teeth from carcasses of 68 males and 43 females were measured along five axes. Of root and crown measurements of upper and lower canines, males and females overlapped only in root thickness of upper canines. A multivariate ANOVA showed a significant difference in the size of canines between upper and lower canines, and between males and females. Stepwise discriminant analysis produced discriminant functions for upper and lower canines for determining sex of unknown-sexed California sea lions. A separate set of canine teeth from 39 male and 49 female California sea lions was correctly classified without prior knowledge of sex by visual inspection and by the two discriminant functions.
Global gene expression profiling of cells overexpressing SMC3

Background The Structural Maintenance of Chromosome 3 protein (SMC3) plays an essential role during the sister chromatid separation, is involved in DNA repair and recombination and participates in microtubule-mediated intracellular transport. SMC3 is frequently elevated in human colon carcinoma and overexpression of the protein transforms murine NIH3T3 fibroblasts. In order to gain insight into the mechanism of SMC3-mediated tumorigenesis a gene expression profiling was performed on human 293 cells line stably overexpressing SMC3.
Gene hunting in autism spectrum disorder: on the path to precision medicine

Summary Autism spectrum disorder is typical of the majority of neuropsychiatric syndromes in that it is defined by signs and symptoms, rather than by aetiology. Not surprisingly, the causes of this complex human condition are manifold and include a substantial genetic component. Recent developments in gene-hunting technologies and methods, and the resulting plethora of genetic findings, promise to open new avenues to understanding of disease pathophysiology and to contribute to improved clinical management. Despite remarkable genetic heterogeneity, evidence is emerging for converging pathophysiology in autism spectrum disorder, but how this notion of convergent pathways will translate into therapeutics remains to be established. Leveraging genetic findings through advances in model systems and integrative genomic approaches could lead to the development of new classes of therapies and a personalised approach to treatment.
Adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins modulates bovine neutrophil responses to inflammatory mediators.

The neutrophil inflammatory response can be altered profoundly by contact with extra- cellular matrix proteins (ECMs). We characterized functional responses (intracellular calcium, actin polymerization, degranulation, adhesion, and oxi- dative burst) of bovine neutrophils adhered to se- lected ECM proteins (collagen IV, laminin, fi- bronectin, thrombospondin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSP)) in response to interleukin-8 (IL-8) and platelet-activating factor (PAF). Neutro- phil adhesion to ECMs altered responses to PAF and IL-8, although some functions were more re- sponsive to modulation. The most susceptible func- tion was reactive oxygen species (ROS) produc- tion. ROS production in response to PMA and TNF- was supported differentially by various ECMs, and PAF and IL-8 "priming" had strikingly different effects, depending on the ECM present. Although PAF and IL-8 inhibited TNF--induced ROS production in neutrophils adhered to colla- gen, fibronectin, and laminin, PAF enhanced ROS production strongly in HSP-adherent cells. This study illustrates how neutrophils can integrate mul- tiple stimuli, resulting in complex modulation of their functional response. J. Leukoc. Biol. 71: 764-774; 2002.
50 GHz RSFQ pseudo-random number generator design

Simple RSFQ gates can be very robust, and operate up to high clock speeds in simulation. Larger RSFQ circuits are generally much more limited in clock speed. We believe that this is partly due to less than optimal choice of the timing inter-connections between gates. Timing design is especially problematic for circuits including data loops (feedback). We have developed a new technique for timing design of RSFQ data loops which may be called "balanced skew clock scheduling." It involves equalizing the minimum clock period between every pair of gates. Mathematical analysis proves the optimality of this scheme and reveals the global timing constraints unique to RSFQ data loops. We used this technique for the design of a simple useful clocked RSFQ circuit, a four-bit pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). Constructed from our standard library cells for a 3.5 /spl mu/m 1000 A/cm/sup 2/ Nb-trilayer process, the PRNG worked up to 50 GHz in Jspice simulation.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Nocturnal Systolic Blood Pressure

An increasing prevalence of obesity is observed in all age and ethnicity groups and is increasingly being recognized as a serious health problem in children and adolescents.1–4 Obesity is associated with a number of metabolic abnormalities, as well as increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).3,4 In this issue of Hypertension , Lurbe et al5 reported a relationship between insulin resistance, determined by the homeostatic model assessment technique, and nocturnal elevations of systolic blood pressure and heart rate in a large cohort of overweight and obese European children and adolescents. This relationship was present even after adjustment for age, sex, and height. Furthermore, waist circumference was strongly associated with insulin resistance, and both waist circumference and insulin resistance were associated with elevated nocturnal, but not daytime, blood pressures. These are important observations despite some limitations as to the methodology that the investigators used. One limitation of this report is the fact that sleep was not well documented, which limited the ability to strongly relate the nocturnal blood pressures and heart rate to …
Neurological Adverse Events Associated with Antipsychotic Treatment in Children and Adolescents

A retrospective cohort design using medical and pharmacy claims from one state's Medicaid program compared incidence rates for neurological adverse events associated with antipsychotic use in 4140 youths prescribed antipsychotic medications and an untreated sample of 4500 youths, January 1998 to December 2005. The treated cohort evinced a higher prevalence of involuntary movements, sedation, and seizures. The odds of incident involuntary movements were significantly higher for those taking aripiprazole, risperidone, haloperidol, and multiple antipsychotics. The odds of incident seizures were greater for those taking risperidone, multiple antipsychotics, and serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors. The odds of incident sedation were greater for those taking ziprasidone, risperidone, quetiapine, multiple antipsychotics, and serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors. Exposure to risperidone, multiple antipsychotics, and serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors consistently confers a higher risk of developing a range of neurological adverse events in young patients, especially those with preexisting central nervous system, mental retardation, or cardiovascular disorders.
The role of myxomyceta spores in palynology (with a brief note on the morphology of certain algal zygospores)

Abstract A study of spores from 15 genera and 21 species of Myxomycetes has revealed variation comparable to that found in other plant groups. The spores may be non-aperturate, monosulcate, or monoporate, and sculpture patterns include psilate, clavate, baculate, echinate, scabrate, and reticulate. They are most similar to fungal spores but are generally smaller and more diverse in ornamentation. Myxomycete spores survive acetolysis treatment, are produced in moderate to relatively large numbers, and are wind disseminated. Although presently unrecorded in the geological record, these data suggest a possible role for spores of the Myxomycetes in pollen-and-spore-analytical investigations. The zygospores of three species of Chlorophyta are also illustrated and show similar diversity.
Persistent methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia due to a linezolid “tolerant” strain

Antibiotic "tolerance" is a rare cause of antibiotic failure. Antibiotic "tolerance" is defined as an minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) 32x the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the isolate. Although susceptibility testing based on the MIC suggests susceptibility of "tolerant" strains, bactericidal concentrations are often beyond achievable serum levels and therapeutic failure may result. We present a case of persistent methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) bacteremia due to a linezolid "tolerant" strain unresponsive to daptomycin therapy. We believe this is the first report of persistent MSSA bacteremia due to a linezolid "tolerant" strain.
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids: Impact on cancer chemotherapy and radiation

Preclinical studies have shown that certain polyunsaturated fatty acids may actually enhance the cytotoxicity of several antineoplastic agents and the anticancer effects of radiotherapy. These effects are possibly mediated by incorporation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids into cancer cell membranes, thus altering the physical and functional properties. In addition, certain polyunsaturated fatty acids may also reduce or prevent some of the side effects of these therapies, and administering antioxidants to prevent polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced oxidative stress may further enhance the impact of chemotherapy and radiation.
Torsional-Flexural Buckling of Thin-Walled Members

A simple method of calculating the elastic, torsional-flexural buckling load of centrally-loaded, thin-walled columns with singly-symmetrical sections is presented. The method is based on the use of an interaction equation. Curves for determining the parameters necessary to use the interaction equation are given. Because buckling of singly-symmetrical sections can occur either in simple bending or in simultaneous bending and twisting, a set of curves for determining which of these modes is critical for any shape and length is also presented. By the use of effective lengths for bending and warping, the theory, originally limited to hinged and fixed ends, is extended to include members with elastic end restraints as well. Based on various experimental results, the linear theory is shown to predict satisfactorily the carrying capacity of actual columns that buckle elastically.
Bonds, Aggregate Wealth, and Stock Market Risk

Bond returns predict consumption growth after controlling for equity returns, which suggests that bonds capture important information about aggregate wealth. Consistent with this, bond risk is priced in the cross section of stocks. Bond risk partially explains momentum profit ts and the flat cross-sectional relation between stock index beta and returns. The results suggest that stock indices are an insufficient proxy for aggregate wealth and that bond risk is an important component of consumption risk. Also, term structure-based return predictability often declines with risk, suggesting that time-variation in risk premia is not the sole driver of such predictability.
Multi resolution modeling

Multi-resolution modeling (MRM) includes many different approaches. It is very well known by the Distributed Simulation community that the High Level Architecture (HLA) is an architecture designed to facilitate interoperability and software reuse. Therefore, the unit of MRM is usually the federate. Multiresolution representation of entities consists in maintaining multiple and concurrent representations of entities. As such, several approaches may be used to manage the aggregation/disaggregation processes, according to the particular needs of the simulation exercised. However, we have found that there are many approaches presented in the literature. We have to weigh many considerations when comparing the different MRM approaches. This paper introduces the different approaches and provides an experiment using constructive simulation.
Determination of total dietary fiber in foods and food products by using a single-enzyme, enzymatic-gravimetric method: interlaboratory study.

A simplified enzymatic-gravimetric method for total dietary fiber (TDF) determination has been published and used in the Food Composition Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture since 1988. THis method gives comparable results to AOAC Official Methods 985.29 and 991.43 but the AOAC methods use 100 degrees C (water bath) to gelatinize the sample and a combination of alpha-amylase and an amyloglucosidase to hydrolyze starches, whereas the simplified method incorporates an autoclaving step (121 degrees C) for gelatinization followed by incubation with only amyloglucosidase. The simplified method omits protease hydrolysis and does not require any pH adjustment. Overall, the simplified method cuts cost and is less labor intensive. An interlaboratory study was conducted to validate this method. Blind duplicates of six sample (baked beans, corn bran, roasted peanuts, cooked potatoes, white bread with reduced calories, and cooked white rice) were sent to 11 laboratories. The reproducibility relative standard deviations of the TDF values (without outliers) ranged from 3.46 to 27.6%. The repeatability standard deviations ranged from 0.91 to 14.6%.
Controversies in the management of intracranial germ cell tumors.

Intracranial primary germ cell tumors comprise 1% to 3% of operative cases. These are of diverse histology including the benign, surgically curable teratoma; the radiocurable germinoma; and the radioincurable variants, embryonal carcinoma, endodermal sinus tumor, choriocarcinoma, and immature teratoma. Multimodality therapy, i.e., chemotherapy and radiotherapy, appears capable of increasing survival in the recalcitrant malignant neoplasms.
Contemporary Techniques in Assessing Peripheral Nervous System Function

ABSTRACT.This article briefly reviews essential aspects of the anatomical and physiological substrates of peripheral nerves and describes diagnostic techniques to evaluate the functional status of various types of nerve fibers. Emphasis is placed on methods for quantifying small caliber sensory fiber function. Nonconventional application of evoked potential technology as well as microneurography research is briefly described.
COMMIT: A Multimedia Collaboration System for Future Workplaces with the Internet of Things

We present COMMIT (Collaborative MultiMedia Interactive Table), a collaborative multimedia environment for remote group interaction. COMMIT enables collaboration among people at different locations by allowing them to not only share multimedia objects such as images, PDFs and videos, but also co-operate on these cyber objects. COMMIT is also motivated by the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), and provides a team-thing interface which supports the sharing of data streams from physical IoT objects, such as IP cameras. It enables collaborators to more effectively exploit huge volumes of valuable IoT data. COMMIT has been evaluated using real-life scenarios with random users. Feedback from our user study shows that COMMIT is intuitive and can aid group interactions in collaborative tasks requiring the Internet of Things.
Information and Statistics Linkage

Statistics and information theory are strongly related. In this chapter, we will first define statistics and its scope. Then we will show the linkage between statistics and information theory with special reference to the model selection technique using Schwarz Information Criterion (SIC). SIC has certain optimal property that will be discussed in the later chapters. A new information criterion CGIC — Chen-Gupta Information Criterion [Chen, Jiahua 1998, 2003] has also been given which again emphasizes the relationship between information and statistics.
Copulas and quasi-copulas: An introduction to their properties and applications

Abstract We begin this chapter with an overview of some of the most important properties and applications of copulas. Of particular interest will be the class of Archimedean copulas, which are also triangular norms. As we shall illustrate, it is easy to construct a great variety of such copulas, and members of the class have pleasing statistical properties. With the aid of copulas, we shall explore the relationships among dependence concepts such as concordance, quadrant dependence, and likelihood ratio dependence, and measures of association such as the population versions of Spearman’s rho, Kendall’s tau, and Gini’s gamma. The problem of finding best-possible bounds on certain sets of copulas leads to quasi - copulas , and we shall consider some of their properties and applications, including some recent results on the class of multivariate Archimedean quasi-copulas.
The Receptive-Expressive Gap in English Narratives of Spanish-English Bilingual Children With and Without Language Impairment.

Purpose First, we sought to extend our knowledge of second language (L2) receptive compared to expressive narrative skills in bilingual children with and without primary language impairment (PLI). ...