cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is a 50% improvement threshold adequate to justify progression from sacral neuromodulation testing to implant?

PURPOSE A ≥50% subjective improvement in urinary symptoms during sacral neuromodulation testing (SNM-I) is currently used as the indication for progression to second-stage implantation (SNM-II). While most patients will have successful SNM-I and proceed to SNM-II, deterioration in efficacy over time has been reported. It remains unclear if the durability of efficacy is related to the initial symptom reduction. We sought to determine if the degree of improvement after SNM-I is sufficient to predict long-term success. METHODS The records of all patients who underwent sacral neuromodulation (SNM) for overactive bladder were reviewed. Subjects were divided into those who reported 50%-75% improvement (Group 1) and more than 75% improvement (Group 2) after SNM-I. Differences in clinical variables and long-term device efficacy were compared between groups. RESULTS Of 213 patients who underwent SNM-I, 137 underwent permanent device implantation. A total of 76 (55%) and 61 (45%) patients reported 50%-75% (Group 1) and more than 75% (Group 2) symptomatic improvement, respectively. With a mean follow-up of 46 months, 44% of Group 1 patients and 68% of Group 2 patients still had a functioning device providing the symptomatic benefit (p = 0.007). Univariate analyses identified the presence of stress urinary incontinence at baseline and having a more than 75% improvement after SNM-I as predictors of long-term functional success. CONCLUSIONS Compared to patients reporting 50%-75% symptomatic reduction after SNM-I, individuals with a more than 75% improvement during SNM-I were more likely to maintain device efficacy over time. Additional study is warranted to determine if the improvement threshold for progression to SNM-II should be increased.
Outage Management in Active Distribution Network with Distributed Energy Resources

The occurrence of extreme events may cause outages in the network, affecting loads that are crucial for the functioning of human life. Existing distributed energy resources can be utilized to provide reliable supply to critical loads by forming self-sustained islands within the network. Island partitioning as a restoration strategy is proposed in this paper. A graph theory-based island partitioning scheme and optimal load shedding are modeled for this purpose. Following the repair of failed components, the nodes in the islands need to reconnect to the main operating network. An optimal multi-step reconnection approach is developed for the distribution network to revert to its normal operating state and topology. The proposed framework is evaluated on a modified IEEE 37 node distribution test feeder for two outage scenarios. Results indicate that the island partitioning is an effective restoration scheme, and the multi-step reconnection schedule is dependent on the outage scenario.
Cortical gyrification in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and prenatal alcohol exposure.

Abstract Background An improved understanding of the neurodevelopmental differences between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with and without prenatal alcohol exposure (ADHD + PAE and ADHD-PAE, respectively) is needed. Herein, we evaluated gyrification (cortical folding) in children with ADHD + PAE compared to that in children with familial ADHD-PAE and typically developing (TD) children. Methods ADHD + PAE (n = 37), ADHD-PAE (n = 25), and TD children (n = 27), aged 8–13 years, were compared on facial morphological, neurobehavioral, and neuroimaging assessments. Local gyrification index (LGI) maps were compared between groups using general linear modelling. Relationships between LGI and clincobehavioral parameters in children with ADHD ± PAE were evaluated using multivariate partial least squares. Results ADHD + PAE and ADHD-PAE groups showed significantly lower LGI (relative to TD) in numerous regions, overlapping in medial prefrontal, parietal, and temporo-occipital cortices (p Conclusions Children with ADHD + PAE uniquely demonstrate lower mid-dorsolateral LGI, with widespread lower LGI related to more severe facial dysmorphia and neurobehavioral impairments. These findings add insight into the brain bases of PAE symptoms, potentially informing more targeted ADHD treatments based on an objective differential diagnosis of ADHD + PAE vs. ADHD-PAE.
Development and evaluation of drug delivery patch for topical wound healing application

Wound treatment remains a challenge to many clinicians because of the complexities of the wound healing process. With the astonishing progress of biomedical engineering during the past few decades, conventional drug delivery systems have been evolved into smart drug delivery systems with stimuli-responsive characteristics. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an electromechanically actuated drug dispensation device which can release active pharmaceutical compound in a controlled fashion. Additive manufacturing was employed to design and fabricate the device. Haptic technology was used to provide stimulation for drug release, and Cicatrin was used to evaluate the drug release patterns of device. Drug release study was comprised of in vitro drug release, static study, and the purpose of this study was to develop a compliance chart for different wound conditions. The effectiveness of shortlisted drug regimen from compliance chart was validated through microbial study and animal studies. The results of animal studies were compared with commercially available drug release systems. The results of drug release studies gave different dose regimens for different wound conditions. The effective dose regimen was able to create 1-cm-wide microbial zone of inhibitions. The wound healing rate of mice for commercially available release system for five consecutive days was 10%, 10%, 20%, 40% and 50% and for test device was 10%, 30%, 60%, 90% and 100%. Hence, the device proved its effectiveness and efficacy of dosage regimen for wound healing applications through in vitro, microbial and in vivo studies. In conclusion, this device proved to be an accurate and specific drug delivery system with improved medication and therapeutic outcomes for personalized medication.
Rapid Sliding Indentation with Friction of a Pre-Stressed Thermoelastic Material

A rigid indentor travels with a constant speed over the surface of an isotropic thermoelastic half-space. Friction exists between the indentor and half-space, and the latter is initially in equilibrium at a uniform temperature under a uniform normal pre-stress. This pre-stress, below but near yield, is assumed to produce deformations that dominate the additional deformations due to indentation. Thus, the process is treated as one of small deformations superposed upon (relatively) large. The governing equations for the superposed deformation are those of nonisotropic coupled thermoelasticity.
Effect of capacitation of stallion sperm with polyvinylalcohol or bovine serum albumin on penetration of bovine zona-free or partially zona-removed equine oocytes

Department of Biomedical Sciences Anim. Repro. and Biotech. Laboratory Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
Intrathoracic oesophageal perforation and secondary pleuropneumonia: Five cases

Summary Perforation of the oesophagus is an uncommon event that can occur for a variety of reasons. While cervical ruptures of the oesophagus can be managed successfully, intrathoracic lesions warrant a far worse prognosis. Intrathoracic rupture of the oesophagus can occur spontaneously, with no known history of oesophageal obstruction, and may not be identified until a septic pleuropneumonia develops. This report describes the history, clinical presentation, response to therapy and outcome of 5 cases of intrathoracic oesophageal perforation and secondary septic pleuropneumonia.
Macroeconomics in Emerging Markets: Consequences of Insolvency I: High Inflation

When a government is perceived by its creditors to be potentially insolvent, it is said to have a “debt overhang” – in other words, to have more debt than it can feasibly service. What will happen under these circumstances? In principle, four outcomes are possible. The most obvious one is that creditors may be prepared to forgive and (hopefully) forget the excess debt. However, as we will discuss in more detail in the next chapter, this is not an outcome that is likely to materialize spontaneously as the result of voluntary actions by the government's creditors. Failing some form of organized debt forgiveness, the government can make one of three choices: specifically, it can make a fiscal adjustment by reducing G and/or increasing T , it can accelerate the printing presses (increase Δ M/M ), and/or it can repudiate part or all of its debt. Deficit reduction is seldom costless or easy, so governments are frequently tempted by the two remaining options. This chapter and the next will consider the macroeconomic consequences of choosing each of these options: we will examine the macroeconomic consequences of high inflation in this chapter, and of the nonpayment of debt in Chapter 8. Chapter 6 emphasized the fiscal origin of inflation in emerging economies. The perspective we took there was that a government in fiscal difficulties – that is, one facing prospective insolvency – would be tempted to rely on the central bank for financing, and that this type of financing would tend to be inflationary.
Stroke and the noncommunicable diseases: A global burden in need of global advocacy.

Catalyzed by advocacy in the early period of the global AIDS crisis, the past decades have witnessed a revolution in global health funding, programs, and outcomes. In 2011, global HIV/AIDS programs received $7.7 billion of development assistance, amounting to 25% of total global health funding. In comparison, all noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) combined received only $377 million or 1.2% of global health funding, 20-fold less than HIV/AIDS funding.1 Taken together, NCDs cause an estimated 66% of yearly global mortality.2 The percentage of estimated total global mortality due to stroke (11.3%), a single NCD, exceeds that of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined (7.2%) by more than 50%.2 Even limiting the percentage of the total global burden of mortality due to stroke only to that incurred by low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) still yields a figure (8%) that exceeds the percentage of combined global mortality due to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria together received 35 times more funding than all NCDs combined in 2011.1
Duelling Languages: Grammatical Structure in Codeswitching

Duelling Languages: Grammatical Structure in Codeswitching. Carol Myers-Scotton. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993. 263 pp.
Stiffness and the automatic selection of ODE codes

The author describes the basic ideas behind the most popular methods for the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). He takes up the qualitative behavior of solutions of ODEs and its relation ot the propagation of numerical error. Codes for ODEs are intended either for stiff problems or for non-stiff problems. The difference is explained. Users of codes do not have the information needed to recognize stiffness. A code, DEASY, which automatically recognizes stiffness and selects a suitable method is described.
The rate of dephosphorylation of adenosine triphosphate and the shortening of glycerol-washed muscle fibers.

Abstract Increasing the concentration of KCl in reaction mixtures of ATP and homogenized psoas muscle fibers with MgCl 2 retards dephosphorylation of the ATP. Similar increases of the KCl accelerate shortening of psoas fibers. These dissimilar effects of KCl are interpreted as further evidence in support of the hypothesis that the binding of ATP to myosin provides the energy for the contraction of muscle.
Isolation, culture, and characterization of the two cell subpopulations forming the rat decidua: differential gene expression for activin, follistatin, and decidual prolactin-related protein

The decidual tissue of the pregnant rat is formed primarily by two markedly different decidual cell populations located in the mesometrial and antimesometrial sites of the uterus. The antimesometrial decidua functions as an endocrine organ, secreting PRL-like hormones and expressing activin and follistatin. In contrast, the mesometrial decidua has no apparent endocrine activity, but secretes abundant alpha 2-macroglobulin. To determine whether the profound difference in morphology and gene expression is inherent to each cell population or whether it results from the position of these cells in the uterus and their subjection to regionally restricted information, we isolated the giant antimesometrial decidual cells from the small mesometrial decidual cells by elutriation. We examined, using Northern and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, the expression of PRL-related protein (DPRP), follistatin, activin, and alpha 2-macroglobulin in the two cell populations just after cell separation and after primary culture. We also examined, using coculture, the possible cross-talk between the two cell populations. In culture, the cells maintained the morphological appearance seen in the decidua; the mesometrial cells remained less differentiated, whereas the antimesometrial cells formed giant cells. In addition, the antimesometrial cells, which have been shown previously to be the only site of DPRP messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, remained, after several days of culture, the only cells able to express this gene. The coculture experiment suggested that the absence of DPRP mRNA in the mesometrial cells is not due to inhibitory signals from the antimesometrial cells, but, rather, to the inherent inability of the mesometrial decidual cells to express the DPRP gene. The cellular expression pattern of follistatin was also not changed by cell separation. However, in sharp contrast to that of DPRP and follistatin, the cell-specific expression of activin-beta A and alpha 2-macroglobulin was markedly affected by cell separation. A remarkable switch in activin-beta A cell expression was observed when mesometrial cells were separated from antimesometrial cells and maintained in culture. Activin-beta A mRNA, which was barely detectable in these cells in situ, became expressed in higher levels than in antimesometrial cells. The isolated antimesometrial cells also acquired the ability to express the alpha 2-macroglobulin gene, whose expression is highly restricted to the mesometrial cells in vivo. No down-regulation of antimesometrial alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA could be induced by mesometrial cells in a coculture experiment. However, alpha 2-macroglobulin mRNA levels in mesometrial cells were clearly up-regulated by antimesometrial cell signal(s).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Altered expression of Bcl2, Bad and Bax mRNA occurs in the rat cerebellum within hours after ethanol exposure on postnatal day 4 but not on postnatal day 9.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that ethanol exposure during the vulnerable postnatal (PN) day 4–6 period results in a dose-dependent loss of Purkinje neurons in rats by apoptosis. Although the mechanism of ethanol action and the reasons for Purkinje cell vulnerability are unknown, we hypothesize that during the PN4–6 vulnerable period Purkinje cells are dependent on active trophic factor suppression of apoptosis. Furthermore, ethanol acts to prevent the reception of this trophic signaling resulting in the execution of the apoptotic pathway that includes specific alterations of proteins in the Bcl2 gene family. Ethanol exposure that occurs after this vulnerable period (i.e. PN9) would not be expected to demonstrate alterations in these apoptotic proteins since the Purkinje cells no longer demonstrate vulnerability to ethanol. The current study was undertaken to identify the alterations in mRNA expression for members of the Bcl2-family within the initial hours following ethanol administration on PN4 or PN9. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to determine the expression levels of pro-apoptotic factors Bad and Bax, and anti-apoptotic Bcl 2 mRNA. Ethanol was administered at four different doses (1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 g/kg) on PN4 and analyses of whole cerebellar mRNA was conducted at 1, 4, 6, and 8 h after treatment. Doses greater than 1.5 g/kg produced significant decreases in Bcl 2 and significant increases in Bad and Bax mRNA during the 8-h period after treatment. In stark contrast, when ethanol was administered at 3.0 or 6.0 g/kg to PN9 pups, no significant alterations of these apoptotic factors were identified at either 1 or 4 h after treatment. These results are in agreement with and provide further support for our hypothesis that ethanol interrupts the active suppression of apoptosis that is a crucial feature of Purkinje cell vulnerability during this time period.
Pacs: Part Of An Integrated Communications System

The Department of Radiology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC) has developed the concept for an integrated picture archiving and communications system. A communications network has been installed, and computer facilities are being interfaced within radiology areas. Other projects include the establishment of a computer simulation model of departmental operations and assembly of a limited picture archival and communication system (PACS) beginning with the CT and NMR Modalities. While this approach may provide immediate clinical benefits, the initial thrust has been towards evaluation of prototype systems with flexibility for modifications. PACS operational parameters are being studied for their acceptability in support of radiology clinical services. The goal is to provide objective operational data as a basis for planning system improvements.
Set systems with no union of cardinality 0 modulom

Letq be a prime power. It is shown that for any hypergraph? = {F 1,...,F d(q?1)+1} whose maximal degree isd, there exists O ? ?0 ? ?, such that[Figure not available: see fulltext.] ? 0 (modq).
Free cyclitol unloading from seed coats on stem-leaf-pod explants of low-raffinose, low-stachyose, low-phytin soybean

Raffinose, stachyose and phytin are undesirable compounds for soybean food and animal feed products. In seeds, raffinose and stachyose are believed to contribute to desiccation and cold stress tolerance. Thus, removal of these compounds from soybean by genetic mutation has resulted in a more commercially desirable composition, but potentially less physiologically viable seeds. In an effort to develop a method to improve viability and seed storability in soybean, stem–leaf–pod explants of three low raffinose, low stachyose lines, two of which were also low in phytin, and a check line were fed solutions containing d-chiro-inositol, myo-inositol or d-pinitol, free cyclitols which unload through the seed coat to the developing embryo where they accumulate as fagopyritols, galactinol and galactopinitols, respectively, during seed maturation. Increased galactopinitol and fagopyritol accumulation may substitute for the roles of raffinose and stachyose in low raffinose, stachyose and phytin seeds. Explants of all lines unloaded d-chiro-inositol, myo-inositol and d-pinitol. Fed d-chiro-inositol accumulated in leaf tissues demonstrating uptake into explants. Fed d-chiro-inositol and myo-inositol accumulated in pod wall and seed coat tissues of one or more lines. The results indicate that d-chiro-inositol was unloaded from the seed coat to the embryo in increased amounts after feeding. The potential use of increased maternal d-chiro-inositol for synthesis of fagopyritols in embryos to improve seed performance in low-stachyose and low-phytin soybean seeds is supported. The seed coat cup unloading of fed free cyclitols may provide a model system to test effective unloading of upregulated maternally synthesized cyclitols.
Caveolin Interacts with Trk A and p75NTR and Regulates Neurotrophin Signaling Pathways

Neurotrophins signal through Trk tyrosine kinase receptors and the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR. We have shown previously that activation of Trk A tyrosine kinase activity can inhibit p75NTR-dependent sphingomyelin hydrolysis, that caveolae are a localized site for p75NTR signaling, and that caveolin can directly interact with p75NTR. The ability of caveolin to also interact with tyrosine kinase receptors and inhibit their activity led us to hypothesize that caveolin expression may modulate interactions between neurotrophin signaling pathways. PC12 cells were transfected with caveolin that was expressed efficiently and targeted to the appropriate membrane domains. Upon exposure to nerve growth factor (NGF), caveolin-PC12 cells were unable to develop extensive neuritic processes. Caveolin expression in PC12 cells was found to diminish the magnitude and duration of Trk A activationin vivo. This inhibition may be due to a direct interaction of caveolin with Trk A, because Trk A co-immunoprecipitated with caveolin from Cav-Trk A-PC12 cells, and a glutathioneS-transferase-caveolin fusion protein bound to Trk A and inhibited NGF-induced autophosphorylation in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo kinetics of the inhibition of Trk A tyrosine kinase activity by caveolin expression correlated with an increased ability of NGF to induce sphingomyelin hydrolysis through p75NTR. In summary, our results suggest that the interaction of caveolin with neurotrophin receptors may have functional consequences in regulating signaling through p75NTR and Trk A in neuronal and glial cell populations.
Purification and partial characterization of the apoA-I of rabbit high density lipoprotein.

SUMMARY Purfication of apoA-I from rabbit high density lipoproteins (HDL) gave one single band in sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide disc electrophoresis and reacted only with antiserum to apoA-I. The molecular weight was about 25000. The amino acid composition of rabbit apoA-I gave a difference index of 7.4 compared to human apoA-I and of 6.5 compared to dog apoA-I. Of the three carboxy terminal amino acid residues the rabbit protein has one in common with the dog. The amino acid sequence of twenty-nine amino terminal residues showed 62% homology with the human protein; a minimum of thirteen base changes were required in the DNA sequences that encoded these two proteins. When the same sequence was compared with dog apoA-I, it was found that ten base changes would be sufficient to account for the differences between the proteins.
The effect of the pesticides, Dexon, Captan and Roundup, on sister-chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes in vitro.

Abstract 3 pesticides at varying concentration were tested for the induction of SCE in human lymphocytes in vitro. The fungicide, Dexon, sodium (4-(dimethylamino)phenyldiazene sulfate, was found to cause the greatest increase in SCE frequency and the response is dose related. The herbicide, Roundup, isopropylamine salt of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine, had the least effect on SCE requiring the use of much higher concentrations to produce an effect. Limited results were obtained with the fungicide Captan, cis-N-((trichloromethyl)thio)-4-cyclohexene-1, 2-dicarboximide because of toxic levels of either the fungicide or solvent used.
Effect of Germanium Additions on the Corrosion Behavior of an AlLi Alloy

Abstract The addition of lithium to aluminum and its alloys simultaneously increases strength and reduces density. However, in the past, low elongation to fracture and fracture toughness values hav...
An analysis of organizational behavior and organizational performance

Abstract Organizational unit measures of eight characteristic variables and 10 performance variables were obtained in an industrial plant employing some 25,000 persons in 64 units. Intercorrelations were generally low, within and between the variables in the two domains. A factor analysis yielded seven dimensions with significant loadings of variables from each domain. The results are discussed in terms of past research and some plausible causal relations.
Estradiol pulses induce progestin receptors selectively in substance P‐immunoreactive neurons in the ventrolateral hypothalamus of female guinea pigs

Low doses of estradiol, administered as pulses, are as effective as higher doses for priming ovariectomized (OVX) guinea pigs to display progesterone-facilitated lordosis. High doses of estradiol, administered by constant-release implants, induce progestin receptors in many substance P-immunoreactive (SP-IR) neurons in the ventrolateral hypothalamus (VLH), a site at which estradiol primes OVX guinea pigs to respond behaviorally to progesterone. To test the hypothesis that behaviorally effective estradiol pulses induce progestin receptors selectively in substance P-containing neurons in the VLH, OVX females received estradiol implants 1 week prior to perfusion, or two pulses of estradiol-17 beta, injected 39 and 11 h before perfusion. Colchicine was administered intracerebroventricularly prior to perfusion. No significant differences were observed in the total number of progestin receptor-immunoreactive (PR-IR) or substance P-immunoreactive cells in the VLH and VLH/ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), respectively, of females receiving the two estradiol treatments. However, the percentage of PR-IR cells in the VLH also immunoreactive for SP was significantly higher in the estradiol pulse-treated (53%), than in the estradiol capsule-implanted animals (36%). These data suggest that behaviorally effective estradiol pulses induce progestin receptors selectively in substance P-containing neurons in the VLH and are consistent with the hypothesis that substance P is involved in progesterone-facilitated lordosis in guinea pigs.
Evidence of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a progressive, blinding disease characterized by corneal endothelial (CE) cell apoptosis. Corneal transplantation is the only measure currently available to restore vision in these patients. Despite the identification of some genetic factors, the pathophysiology of FECD remains unclear. In this study, we observed a decrease in the antioxidant response element-driven antioxidants in FECD corneal endothelium. We further demonstrated that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, a transcription factor known to bind the antioxidant response element and activate antioxidant defense, is down-regulated in FECD endothelium. Importantly, we detected significantly higher levels of oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis in FECD endothelium compared with normal controls and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (iatrogenic CE cell loss) specimens. A marker of oxidative DNA damage, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, colocalized to mitochondria, indicating that the mitochondrial genome is the specific target of oxidative stress in FECD. Oxidative DNA damage was not detected in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy corneas, whereas it colocalized with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells in FECD samples. Ex vivo, oxidative stress caused characteristic morphological changes and apoptosis of CE, suggestive of findings that characterize FECD in vivo. Together, these data suggest that suboptimal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-regulated defenses may account for oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in FECD, which in turn leads to oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis. This study provides evidence that oxidative stress plays a key role in FECD pathogenesis.
Weighing the Evidence: A Meta-Analysis of Bilingual Education in Arizona

Abstract This article reviews the current policy context in the state of Arizona for program options for English language learners and produces a meta-analysis of studies on the effectiveness of bilingual education that have been conducted in the state in or after 1985. The study presents an analysis of a sample of evaluation studies (N = 4), which demonstrates a positive effect for bilingual education on all measures, both in English and the native language of English language learners, when compared to English-only instructional alternatives. We conclude that current state policy is at odds with the best synthesis of the empirical evidence, and we recommend that current policy mandating English-only and forbidding bilingual education be abandoned in favor of program choices made at the level of the local community.
Contrast infusion sonography to assess microinsert placement and tubal occlusion after Essure

Objective To develop a technique for contrast infusion sonography and assess the possible use in determining microinsert placement and tubal status after Essure® sterilization. Design Techniques and instrumentation. Setting Healthy women in an academic multispecialty group. Patient(s) Ten women desiring permanent sterilization who have recently undergone Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization. Intervention(s) Contrast infusion sonography, an adaptation of hysterosalpingo contrast sonography, performed at 3–23 weeks after Essure® placement. Main Outcome Measure(s) To determine how readily tubal status and microinsert location could be assessed with this adaptation of hysterosalpingo contrast sonography. Result(s) All microinserts were readily identified and tubal status was assessed by identification or absence of real-time contrast agent flow. Conclusion(s) This technique is very promising and could represent a convenient alternative to hysterosalpingogram (HSG) 3 months after Essure® placement.
Electron energy loss spectroscopy of gold nanoparticles on graphene

Plasmon excitation decay by absorption, scattering, and hot electron transfer has been distinguished from effects induced by incident photons for gold nanoparticles on graphene monolayer using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Gold nano-ellipses were evaporated onto lithographed graphene, which was transferred onto a silicon nitride transmission electron microscopy grid. Plasmon decay from lithographed nanoparticles measured with EELS was compared in the absence and presence of the graphene monolayer. Measured decay values compared favorably with estimated radiative and non-radiative contributions to decay in the absence of graphene. Graphene significantly enhanced low-energy plasmon decay, increasing mode width 38%, but did not affect higher energy plasmon or dark mode decay. This decay beyond expected radiative and non-radiative mechanisms was attributed to hot electron transfer, and had quantum efficiency of 20%, consistent with previous reports.
Geophysical well - log correlations along various cross-sections of the Cerro Prieto geothermal field

Abstract The Comision Federal de Electricidad of Mexico and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory of the United States are currently conducting joint investigations of the Cerro Prieto geothermal field, located approximately 35 km south of the city of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. Based on the geophysical well logs, transversal cross sections were constructed. This study consists mainly of correlating electrical markers observed in the logs. Temperature logs were also used to assist in the differentiation of what we call reservoirs A and B. In this article the stratigraphy observed in the cross-sections, the faults, and the identified producing layers will be described. Finally, the usefulness of this type of study for planning new wells, for selecting producing intervals, as well as for the development of the geologic model of the field will be presented.
Monitoring of Dynamic Processes with Subspace Identification and Principal Component Analysis

Abstract Statistical process monitoring techniques, such as principal component analysis (PCA), have been widely used for monitoring complex industrial processes and diagnosing process and sensor faults. While the statistical methods are easy to apply in practice, they have difficulty handling dynamic processes and often lead to false alarms during dynamic transients. In this project, a subspace model based approach is developed to perform dynamic process monitoring and fault diagnosis. We make use of the subspace identification method (SIM) based on PCA (SIMPCA). Fault detection is accomplished using multivariate statistics on the parity space and its complemental space. Fault diagnosis is carried out with reconstruction-based contributions. The proposed method is compared against PCA using data from the Tennessee-Eastman Process (TEP).
Race as a Factor in the Judicial Decision of Bail Amount in a Midwestern Jurisdiction

Abstract Data collected on all felony defendants during 1996 from a district court in a Midwestern county were examined for racial differences in the setting of bail. While we hypothesized that African Americans would receive higher bail amounts than whites, we found no independent effect of race on bail amounts either before or after applying controls for legal variables-seriousness of offense and prior arrests-and extralegal variables-sex, age, residency, and type of attorney. Thus, we were compelled to reject our hypothesis. Seriousness of offense and the interaction between offense seriousness and race were statistically significant in the regressions.
Sigmoid 'tail' modification for bladder augmentation

Abstract Objectives . The sigmoid colon lends itself well to bladder augmentation particularly in patients requiring reimplantation of ureters or Mitrofanoff valves for continence. We have modified the sigmoid augment to improve ease of catheterization and ureteral reimplantation. Methods . Seven children underwent sigmoid “tail” bladder augmentation for various indications. Appendix or tapered ileum was used to create the catheterizable stoma. This technique uses a 3 to 5-cm segment of nondetubularized colon, fixed to the abdominal wall to ease catheterization. Durability of the modification and ease of catheterization were assessed. Results . All patients are dry day and night with intermittent catheterization. One patient with mild leakage has been managed with pseudoefedrine. Postoperative bowel obstruction and abscess developed in 1 patient. Conclusions . The sigmoid “tail” modification does not appear to confer increased morbidity and the short nondetubularized segment fixed to the posterior aspect of the anterior abdominal wall stabilizes the catheterizable stoma improving ease of catheterization.
Voluntary Class Absences and other Behaviors in College Students: An Exploratory Analysis:

In a survey of 120 sophomore and junior undergraduate college students, we found that those who admitted to cutting class for no reason during the previous month had a lower mean GPA than those who reported no voluntary absences. Cutting class was related to reports of getting drunk, speeding, breaking the law, and visiting home, although reports of speeding, getting drunk, and breaking the law were not related to GPA. The 11 students who reported feeling depressed had a lower GPA than those without depression, while the 18 students who had not visited their families in the previous month had higher GPAs than those who had visited their families. Implications for scale development are discussed.
Discovery of novel immunostimulants by dendritic-cell-based functional screening

Immunostimulants represent an emerging class of drugs for the treatment of infectious disorders and cancer. CpG oligonucleotides and imiquimod, prototypic drugs in this category, are now known to activate dendritic cells (DCs). Here we report the development of a highly sensitive, unbiased functional screen to detect DC-stimulatory signals. Because interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression is closely associated with DC activation, we engineered DCs to stably express a fluorescent marker gene under the control of IL-1β promoter. By screening about 3000 compounds with the resulting DC biosensor clone, we identified DC-stimulatory potentials of topoisomerase I inhibitors (camptothecin derivatives) and microtubule depolymerizing drugs (colchicine and podophyllotoxin). In response to treatment with each agent, bone marrow–derived DC preparations exhibited characteristic phenotypic and/or functional changes associated with DC activation. All of these agents also triggered nuclear factor–κB (NFκB) activation in DCs, suggesting a common pharmacologic mechanism of action. Furthermore, locally administered colchicine induced in situ maturation and migration of DCs and augmented both humoral and cellular immune responses. These results support the practical utility of the DC-based biosensor system to discover novel DC-targeted immunostimulants and unveil previously unrecognized (and totally unexpected) pharmacologic activities of several drugs that are commonly used for the treatment of various disorders.
Clearance concepts in pharmacokinetics

The kinetics of a drug eliminated by first-order processes in a perfusion-limited isolated perfused organ system are examined. In this model, the mean clearance, determined by dividing the dose by the area under the blood concentration profile, and the steady-state clearance are shown to be equal. The perfusion model and the compartmental model are compared and contrasted. Effects of blood flow and reservoir size on drug clearance are examined. Similarities and differences between the isolated and the in vivoorgan system are explored. The virtue of using clearance, instead of half-life, as a correlative parameter between these systems is stressed.
Comparison of Computed and Experimentally Assessed Times of Concentration for a V-Shaped Laboratory Watershed

AbstractIn comparison with a kinematic wave–based equation for estimation of the time of concentration, three methods, Ben-Zvi’s method, the modified Ben-Zvi method, and Izzard’s method, were applied to determine the time of concentration from the experimental hydrographs reaching an equilibrium flow state. The experiments were performed for stationary rainstorms on a V-shaped aluminum watershed in the watershed experimentation system (WES) at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. The times of concentration determined by these three methods were compared to mathematical equations in the existing literature. It is found that the time corresponding to 89% of the maximum discharge as per the modified Ben-Zvi method yielded a generally agreeable time of concentration for the WES experimental hydrographs, while the criterion of 97% of the peak discharge as per Izzard’s method overestimates the time of concentration. It is found that Woolhiser and Liggett’s and Wong’s equations can predict t...
Harvest reference points for the Beverton and Holt dynamic pool model

Abstract Harvest reference points were obtained for the Beverton and Holt dynamic pool model using concepts from surplus production models. The conventional approach for estimation of an optimum fishing mortality for the Beverton and Holt model, F MAX , balances growth against mortality, but the relation of yield to fishing mortality is asymptotic when natural mortality is high relative to growth and a maximum yield does not exist. The method proposed here uses the Beverton and Holt model to calculate fishing mortalities at optimum proportions of the carrying capacity that were identified using surplus production models. The new method can give values similar to F 0.1 , but they are optimum values with a theoretical basis. The new method was applied to several species and the results were compared with F 0.1 and with F MAX . For all species fishing mortalities obtained with the new method were smaller than F MAX and they should maintain a higher stock size and have a lower risk of poor recruitment.
“All Abbotsford to an acre of Poyais”: Highlandry and the Revolutionary Atlantic

Fiction and poetry about the Scottish Highlands has been read as one of the dominant forms with which Romantic writers imagined both nationality and the incorporation of Scotland into the British state. During the period of Highland literature's greatest popularity, readers on both sides of the Atlantic encountered representations of Highlanders in ways that suggest other, more ambiguous interpretations of Scottish nationality in the Romantic period. Americans read Walter Scott's poetry as an allegory about their own continuing conflict with England, and newspapers carried frequent reports about Gregor MacGregor, a famous Scottish adventurer who presented himself as a contemporary, non-fictional Rob Roy. MacGregor elevated himself to a major public figure when he issued £200,000 of bonds in a new Latin American nation he called “Poyais.” His performance as the “Cazique of Poyais” provoked responses in American newspapers, from Walter Scott and from the writers of the “Noctes Ambrosianae.” This transatlant...
Effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase on catalysis of 6-hydroxydopamine and 6-aminodopamine autoxidation by iron and ascorbate.

Abstract The effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase on autoxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine and 6-aminodopamine in several chemical environments were studied. Inhibition by superoxide dismutase of autoxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine to its p -quinone required the presence of metal chelators, EDTA or diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DETAPAC). A “lag” period in 6-hydroxydopamine autoxidation in the presence of superoxide dismutase couid be prevented by carrying out autoxidation in a mixture of 6-hydroxydopamine and its p-quinone, conditions in which adequate levels of the semiquinone are available for reaction with O 2 . Catalase potentiated the inhibitory effect of superoxide dismutase in the presence of EDTA but had no effect in the presence of DETAPAC. Superoxide dismutase and catalase had no effect on the initial rate of 6-aminodopamine autoxidation to the p -quinone imine or on later intracyclization and polymer formation. Iron chelated by EDTA functioned as a catalyst in 6-hydroxydopamine autoxidation, making the reaction independent of superoxide as shown by the lack of effect of superoxide dismutase. the presence of iron-EDTA resulted in bleaching of the p -quinone product and the consumption of the H 2 O 2 formed during autoxidation. Catalase had no effect on the rate of 6-hydroxydopamine autoxidation but completely prevented bleaching of the p -quinone, probably by preventing formation of hydroxyl radical by a Fenton reaction between iron-EDTA and H 2 0 2 . Ethanol, which scavenges hydroxyl radical but not superoxide of H 2 O 2 , similarly prevented bleaching of the p -quinone with no other effects on autoxidation. Iron-EDTA also catalyzed 6-aminodopamine autoxidation with associated consumption of H 2 O 2 . Superoxide dismutase, catalase and ethanol had no effect on 6-aminodopamine autoxidation in the presence or absence of iron-EDTA, showing the independence of the kinetics of 6-aminodopamine autoxidation and polymerization from its products, superoxide, H 2 0 2 and hydroxyl radical. Chelation by DETAPAC prevented the effects of iron on 6-hydroxydopamine and 6-aminodopamine autoxidation. Autoxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine in the presence of ascorbate exhibited a lag phase followed by a linear phase of autoxidation. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and ethanol had no effect on 6-hydroxydopamine or 6-aminodopamine autoxidation in the presence of ascorbate. Autoxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine or 6-aminodopamine in the combined presence of iron-EDTA and ascorbate showed the full effects of both additions, except that 6-hydroxydopamine autoxidation exhibited no lag phase and the iron-catalyzed autoxidation of ascorbate occurred simultaneously with the 6-hydroxydopamine or 6-aminodopamine reactions.
Dysphagia Lusoria Associated with an Esophageal Carcinoma

A patient with dysphagia lusoria associated with an esophageal carcinoma is reported. A review of the literature of this unusual condition is presented.
ULTRASOUND TISSUE CHARACTERIZATION OF MYOCARDIUM IN INFANTS REFERRED FOR ECMO. † 188

Cyclic variation in integrated backscatter (CVIBS) of ultrasound has been used in adults to characterize ischemic myocardial changes at the cellular level. Neonatal normal and abnormal values in myocardial disease have recently been developed by our lab. We hypothesized that regional myocardial ischemia(decreased CVIBS) could be detected in infants referred for ECMO. ECMO and near-miss ECMO patients were enrolled prospectively, and evaluated at specified points during the hospital stay. CVIBS data (in decibels) were obtained for left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) and interventricular septum (IVS) over 4-6 cardiac cycles, using standard echo equipment with specialized image-processing software. Standard echo measurements and physiologic data also were obtained. In ECMO and near-miss ECMO patients with similar birth weight and diagnoses, PW CVIBS was normal at admission and throughout the hospital course. In contrast, IVS CVIBS was less than normal initially in both groups, but normalized after treatment(Table). In cardiac stun (2/8 ECMO pts.), LV wall stress=55 and shortening fraction=0.18, vs. 25 and 0.38 in other ECMO infants. CVIBS was available for 1 patient. PW CVIBS remained normal(3.0), but IVS CVIBS was more markedly abnormal than for other ECMO patients(0.5;>1 SD below normal).
The gene defective in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease controls T cell dependent immune surveillance against Epstein–Barr virus

Abstract Our understanding of the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) has advanced significantly in the past two years. The gene that is aberrant in the condition – SH2D1A / SAP , which encodes SAP (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule [SLAM]-associated protein) – was cloned, the crystal structure of its product was solved and insights into the signaling mechanisms of this small SH2-domain-containing protein via the cell surface receptors SLAM and 2B4 have been provided. SAP mutation, and not Epstein–Barr virus infection per se, may be critical for XLP.
Diversity in America: A sociohistorical analysis

Multiculturalism, while a fairly new term, is not a new social phenomenon despite prevailing beliefs that the United States was culturally homogeneous at its formation. A new concept, the Dillingham Flaw, can explain many misconceptions about the nation's past. Cultural pluralism in the colonial and early national periods was extensive, in many ways surpassing that of the 1990s. Through conceptualization of mainstream/outgroup population proportions and comparative analysis of immigration rates, foreign-born percentages, and racial composition, the diversity of American society is shown to be less today than in past generations. Future projections suggest greater diversity by the mid-21st century, but the nonwhite population has not yet returned to its dimensions of 200 years ago.
Long-term impact of adolescent dating violence on the behavioral and psychological health of male and female youth.

Objective To evaluate the long-term impact of adolescent dating violence (ADV) on behavioral and psychological health. Study design From a diverse sample of older adolescents who completed Project EAT in 1999 (wave 1) and 2004 (wave 2; mean age 20.4), 23 male and 102 female adolescents reporting ADV were compared with 671 male and 720 female adolescents reporting no ADV. Results ADV was positively associated with cigarette smoking and suicide attempts for both sexes, binge-eating and suicidal ideation in male adolescents, and smoking marijuana and high depressive symptoms in female adolescents in analyses unadjusted for wave 1 outcomes. In analyses adjusted for wave 1, in female adolescents, ADV was significantly associated with smoking cigarettes, marijuana use, and high depressive symptoms and marginally associated with suicide attempts; in male adolescents, ADV was significantly associated with smoking cigarettes and marginally associated with binge-eating and suicidal ideation. ADV was significantly associated with an overall high-risk profile (presence ≥3 health outcomes) for both sexes; results remained significant in female adolescents after adjusting for wave 1. Conclusions ADV is associated with greater likelihood of problematic health factors and increases nonspecific risk toward behavioral and psychological impairment in youth, particularly female adolescents.
Sociological Explanations for Faculty and Student Classroom Incivilities.

To understand the current apparent upsurge in classroom incivility, the authors turn to the literature for possible causes and solutions.