cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soil and leaf water relations of differentially moisture- stressed honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr)*

The objective of this study was to determine plant/soil water relations of honey mesquite (ProsopisglandulosaTorr.) following preconditioning to different levels of moisture stress. Moisture stress of 12 naturally occurring trees (mean height 3·2 m), located in north Texas, was manipulated through the use of drip irrigation and sub-canopy rain shelters. Pre-dawn leaf water potential and average daily stomatal conductance were greatest in irrigated trees and least in rain-sheltered trees on 27 June and 28 July 1986 after 1 and 2 months of stress preconditioning, respectively. Following a common irrigation of all trees (equiv- alent to 35-40 mm precipitation) on 28 June and 29 July, pre-dawn leaf water potential increased to similar levels in all trees within 1 day. Increase to maximum average daily stomatal conductance was delayed in moisture-stressed trees following the July watering, suggesting that moisture stress inhibited ability to respond to moisture availability. A positive relationship was found between soil moisture content and pre-dawn leaf water potential, and between soil moisture and average daily stomatal conductance. However, average daytime leaf water potential was unaffected by soil moisture content.
Damage Related Defect Levels in Oxygen Implanted GaAs and InP

Oxygen ion-implantation can be used to create high resistivity regions in GaAs and InP. We have studied the low dose oxygen implantation in GaAs and InP by photoreflectance spectroscopy (PR), deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatments were carried out at different temperatures after implantation to study the annealing temperature effect. The surface disturbance by implantation was studied by PR. Free carrier compensation was observed in every implanted sample and gave improved I-V properties. By DLTS tests, one electron trap with Ea = Ec-0.15eV and a hole trap with Ea = Ev + 0.76eV in the starting GaAs wafer disappeared after O+ implantation due to carrier compensation. In undoped InP, three new electron traps with Ea = E-0.47eV, 0.28eV and O.lleV were created after O+ implantation which are believed to be damage related. The comparison of the results from undoped and n-type doped InP indicated that the carrier compensation effect is substrate doping dependent.
ISOTOPIC AGES ON SOME IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC ROCKS IN THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK CITY

The ages of igneous and metamorphic rocks in the New York City area were determined by isotopic techniques. All analyses were made by isotope dilution and mass spectrometric methods. From the data it was concluded that the metamorphism of the New Jersey-New York Highlands began about ll00 to 1200 million years ago. Another regional event occurred about 850 million years ago which recrystallized the mica in the metamorphic rocks of the entire area, but was not of sufficient magnitude to cause serious chemical alteration of the zircon. The latest recrystallization of Manhattan Prong rocks occurred about 365 million years ago. Scattered evidence points to a methmorphic history of these rocks prior to that time. Northeast of the Hudson River where the Highlands were strongly remetamorphosed in Lower Paleozoic time, apparent ages between 1200 and 365 million years were found. (M.C.G.)
Selective delay activity in the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat: contribution of sensorimotor information and contingency.

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a critical role in the organization of goal-directed behaviors and in the learning of reinforcement contingencies. Given these observations, it was hypothe...
Controlling and monitoring solar energy production in the smart grid using heterogeneous dual core MCU

Energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind are gaining interest as the world's power demands increase and non-renewable resources deplete. Solar energy nodes vary in power ratings from 100–200W micro inverter, 2–3 KW multi string inverter and Mega watts Central Inverters. With the renewable content growing as a percentage of the total utility power, increased control and monitoring of the power produced, irrespective of the power ratings, is desired. Control and communication pose unique challenges on system designs with these energy nodes. This paper discusses the design of a smart grid-enabled renewable energy node using a heterogeneous dual core microcontroller. Real-time control of extracting the energy from the renewable source is done on one core and the Ethernet server is run on the other core. Hardware design for the energy node to extract maximum power from the solar panel is discussed along with communication interface. Software design and integration challenges for control and communication are presented and the solution using dual core microcontroller illustrated.
Multiple “stable” states and the conservation of marine ecosystems

Marine ecosystems were among the first to provide potential examples of multiple stable states. However, remarkably few of these have been explored in detail, and none have been rigorously confirmed. This may be because differences between alternative states are too subtle to document in the context of regular disturbance, because one state is naturally far more likely to occur than any other, or because most environments naturally support only one type of stable community. It is also possible that the temporal and spatial criteria required to document alternate stable states rigorously may be too difficult to meet in most circumstances. Nevertheless, the possibility of alternative stable states has recently received renewed attention in the context of marine conservation biology. People may be widening the range of habitats in which alternate stable states are possible, or they may be shifting communities to new domains of attraction that rarely occur in the absence of massive anthropogenic perturbations. The ability of people now to alter ocean ecosystems on global scales may eliminate ‘‘edge effects’’ that might otherwise rescue perturbed communities. Ecosystems with alternate stable states are characterized by positive feedback mechanisms that stabilize transitions; even if return to original conditions is predicted (that is, the alternate states are not stable), the same mechanisms will retard recovery. This may explain in part why return to original conditions following anthropogenic disturbance is slower than expected. Slow recovery times and transitions to new states are both potentially costly to human societies. Thus, from a conservation perspective the indefinite persistence of an alternate state may be less important than the presence of feedback loops that slow recovery. Both possibilities reinforce the arguments for application of the precautionary principle in managing marine ecosystems.
The evaluation of complex urban policies Simulating the Willingness to Pay for the Benefits of Subsidy Programs

Abstract This paper considers the evaluation of urban renewal and other urban investment policies and the application of the aggregate willingness to pay criterion to investment decisions. Two rigorous approaches to the measurement of program benefits are examined. The two methods, ‘hedonic pricing’ and ‘quantal choice’, are compared by relying on a series of simulations.
Early life adversity contributes to impaired cognition and impulsive behavior: studies from the Oklahoma Family Health Patterns Project.

Background: Stressful early life experience may have adverse consequences in adulthood and may contribute to behavioral characteristics that increase vulnerability to alcoholism. We examined early life adverse experience in relation to cognitive deficits and impulsive behaviors with a reference to risk factors for alcoholism. Methods: We tested 386 healthy young adults (18 to 30 years of age; 224 women; 171 family history positive for alcoholism) using a composite measure of adverse life experience (low socioeconomic status plus personally experienced adverse events including physical and sexual abuse and separation from parents) as a predictor of performance on the Shipley Institute of Living scale, the Stroop colorword task, and a delay discounting task assessing preference for smaller immediate rewards in favor of larger delayed rewards. Body mass index (BMI) was examined as an early indicator of altered health behavior. Results: Greater levels of adversity predicted higher Stroop interference scores (F = 3.07, p = 0.048), faster discounting of delayed rewards (F = 3.79, p = 0.024), lower Shipley mental age scores (F = 4.01, p = 0.019), and higher BMIs in those with a family history of alcoholism (F = 3.40, p = 0.035). These effects were not explained by age, sex, race, education, or depression. Conclusions: The results indicate a long-term impact of stressful life experience on cognitive function, impulsive behaviors, and early health indicators that may contribute to risk in persons with a family history of alcoholism.
Otomycosis: clinical features and treatment implications.

Objectives To determine the clinical presentation, predisposing factors, complications, and treatment outcomes of otomycosis. Study design and setting Retrospective review of 132 patients with a clinical diagnosis of otomycosis treated from 1998 to 2004 in an academic otology practice. Results Otalgia and otorrhea were the most common presenting complaints (48%). Prior otologic procedures increase the risk of developing otomycosis. Residual disease was observed in 13% and recurrence in 15% of the subjects. The presence of a mastoid cavity was associated with higher recurrent and residual disease rates. Topical ketoconazole, cresylate otic drops, and aluminum acetate otic drops were all relatively effective with >80% resolution rate on initial application, although topical ketoconazole had a higher resolution rate and lower rate of disease recurrence. Conclusions and significance Otomycosis can usually be diagnosed by clinical examination and often occurs in the setting of persistent otorrhea. Complications are not uncommon but usually resolve with application of appropriate topical antifungal agents. Eradication of disease is more difficult in the presence of a mastoid cavity.
Genetic Control of Coordinated Changes in HDL and LDL Size Phenotypes

We investigated the correlation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size distributions in samples from >1100 participants in the San Antonio Family Heart Study. By use of analyses of individual correlations of each HDL fraction with each LDL fraction, we devised new metrics for particle size phenotype, termed DeltaHDL and DeltaLDL, to optimally reflect the size correlations. Confirming previous studies, we found that the 2 size phenotype variables were positively correlated (r=0.51). Quantitative genetic analysis indicated that nearly half (44%) of the variance in DeltaHDL and in DeltaLDL was explained by the additive effects of genes. Bivariate genetic analyses indicated that a positive genetic correlation (rho(G)=0.56) exists between them and suggested that the pleiotropic effects of a gene or group of genes account for approximately 31% [ie, rho(G)(2) =(0.56)(2)=0.31] of the genetic variance in the 2 traits. Triglyceride (TG) levels were negatively related to DeltaHDL and DeltaLDL, with phenotypic correlations of -0.48 and -0.58, respectively, and genetic correlations of -0.45 and -0.76, respectively, suggesting that genes exert significant pleiotropic effects on the covariation of TGs with each of the size variables. Finally, we evaluated a bivariate model for DeltaHDL and DeltaLDL in which TG level was included as a covariate. This analysis indicated that a small but significant genetic correlation remains for DeltaHDL and DeltaLDL, even after accounting for the effects of TGs. Thus, our study demonstrates that the phenotypic correlation of HDL and LDL sizes results in part from the pleiotropic actions of a set of genes, some of which also influence TG levels and some of which do not.
Power gating scheduling for power/ground noise reduction

Power gating is a technique for efficiently reducing leakage power by disconnecting idle blocks from the power grid. When gated blocks are woken up, large amounts of switching currents are drawn in a short period of time that may introduce severe noise on the power delivery mesh. In this paper, we propose a GA-based approach to schedule power gating considering power/ground noise. We introduce a simulation-based method to accurately and efficiently estimate the worst case noise, taking all the current sources, inductance and decaps' effects into consideration. We also present an incremental scheduling procedure considering the dynamic changes of decap configuration. Experimental results show that by optimally scheduling the wake-up order under time constraints, our technique can reduce noise up to 50% compared to waking gated blocks simultaneously. The quality of results depends upon the total wake-up time constraint, locations of gated blocks, current densities of gated blocks, and decap distribution.
The Influence of Communication Richness, Self-Interest, and Relational Trust on Banks’ Knowledge About Firms Within the Small-Cap Debt Finance Markets

Knowledge about small firmspsila circumstances in the debt finance markets is unevenly dispersed. Since efficient debt markets depend upon bankspsila adequate knowledge to make investment decisions, the mechanisms by which knowledge is transferred become particularly salient. Using information richness and structural embeddedness theories, we examined knowledge transfer within this context. We used survey data from 914 firms and found a positive association between firmspsila use of rich communication modes with the bank and a bankspsila knowledge about the firm. We unexpectedly found no significant relationship between firmspsila assumptions of aligned self-interest and knowledge transfer to banks but did find a strong positive association between firmspsila relational trust in banks and knowledge transfer. We also found that as communication forms become richer, self-interest becomes positively associated with knowledge transfer while and relational trust has a weaker positive association with knowledge transfer.
Mechanism and regulation of protein turnover in higher animals.

The mechanism and regulation of intracellular protein degradation are still not clearly understood. In this review we discuss various steps which may be presumed to be involved and their likelihood of being rate limiting in the overall process. A number of properties of proteins have been reported to correlate with their degradation rates in vivo, including subunit size, isoelectric point, proteolytic susceptibility, and lipophilic affinity. We propose as a model that the selectivity in turnover rates of proteins is to a large extent based on their rates of translocation to the lysosomal compartment of cells and that this process in turn depends upon their capacity to bind to extracellular or‐intracellular membranes.
Multiparadigm research: a new direction of language design

Multiparadigm research is a relatively new direction in programming language design. In this paper we discuss several aspects of this research area. We consider some of the ideas that underlie the multiparadigm point of view, we examine some of the motivations behind the work being done and we consider some of the directions within this field of work. Finally we offer a short example that suggests the potential usefulness of combining several paradigms into one linguistic framework.
Electrocardiography course revisions. Improve students' test scores.

“In Our Unit” highlights unique practices, innovations, research, or resourceful solutions to commonly encountered problems in critical care areas and settings where critically ill patients are cared for. If you have an idea for an upcoming “In Our Unit,” send it to CRITICAL CARE NURSE, 101 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656; fax, (949) 362-2049; e-mail, ccn@aacn.org. By revising the course content and the method of content delivery, a more conducive learning environment was achieved. Each summer around the country there is an influx of new graduate nurses into the workforce. Many new nurses, as well as seasoned nurses, decide to work for the first time in units that require monitoring and analysis of electrocardiography (ECG). It becomes the responsibility of the hospital’s clinical education department or the unitbased educator to ensure adequate training of nurses in ECG recognition. My hospital has a clinical education department to which this responsibility falls. The ECG course is provided for my hospital, as well as the other hospitals within the same healthcare system. The course, offered several times a year, is required for anyone who wants to work as a nurse or monitor watcher in a unit that provides ECG monitoring. Eighteen months ago, there were many challenges with this course. The principal challenge was how to increase the overall first time pass rate. To address this issue, the techniques used to teach the course were reviewed. Suggestions from student evaluations were also carefully considered. Identifying Problem Areas Several areas in need of improvement were identified. At the time, the course was being taught by nurses with experience in reading ECGs. Because of scheduling conflicts, there were many times that the same person was not able to teach the entire course; it became necessary to have multiple instructors. The course did not use multimedia-based teaching techniques. There were 2 separate examinations, one for nurses and one for monitor watchers. In addition, the course was taught in a rather small room, which students stated was not conducive to learning.
Neurology of Sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome occurring secondary to infection and labeled severe when end organ dysfunction or tissue hypoperfusion transpires. Sepsis-associated mortality remains high among critically ill patients, with chronic disease and immunosuppression being the most common risk factors. Studies demonstrate that early recognition and treatment are vital to decreasing mortality. Some of the least understood effects of sepsis are the associated neurologic complications. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) has gained most consideration and thought, largely due to dependence on mechanical ventilation. Central nervous system (CNS) complications related to sepsis have only more recently gained attention but continue to go unnoticed. Aside from the clinical examination, electroencephalography (EEG) is a sensitive tool for prognostication or uncovering non-convulsive seizures in encephalopathic patients. Further studies are needed to further define the urgency of a prevention and treatment plan for the deleterious effects of sepsis on the PNS and CNS.
Stress Hyperglycemia During Surgery and Anesthesia: Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications

Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between hyperglycemia in the perioperative period and adverse clinical outcomes. Many patients who experience hyperglycemia while hospitalized do not have a known history of diabetes and experience a transient phenomenon often described as "stress hyperglycemia" (SH). We discuss the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SH as well as evidence to date regarding predisposing factors and outcomes. Further research is needed to identify the long-term sequelae of SH as well as perioperative measures that may modulate glucose elevations and optimal treatment strategies.
Diet Composition of Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) and Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis) at Isles Dernieres Barrier Island Refuge, Louisiana, USA

Abstract. The Isles Dernieres Barrier Island Refuge in Louisiana, USA, constitutes a major colonial waterbird breeding site, and several restoration projects have been undertaken to sustain waterbird populations on the refuge. However, very little is known about food resources that colonial waterbirds depend on in the Gulf of Mexico. Royal (Thalasseus maximus) and Sandwich (T. sandvicensis) tern diet composition was investigated to determine important food resources during the breeding period. Regurgitated prey items in the 2013 and 2014 breeding seasons were used to compare diet composition, prey item frequency, and prey item mass among four groups: Royal Tern adults, Royal Tern chicks, Sandwich Tern adults, and Sandwich Tern chicks. The two most frequent prey items were Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) and bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli). Royal Tern adults consumed significantly more Sciaenids than any other tern group, and Sandwich Tern adults consumed more Engraulids than any other tern group...
P.10.11 Validity of the 2 min walk test as an outcome measure in individuals with CMD and other neuromuscular diseases

The congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD) are a heterogeneous group of early onset degenerative diseases of muscle leading to significant and progressive weakness and eventually affecting mobility and respiratory function. There is a need for an effective outcome measure to monitor patients’ clinical progression and capture the effect of interventional clinical trials on patients’ strength and endurance. Currently, the 6-min walk test is used for this purpose, but there are limitations of this test for the CMD patient population, including the patients’ inability to complete the test because of significant weakness, contractures, and fatigue. We propose that shortening the test to 2 min would alleviate these issues without compromising reliability. In this study, we administered the 6 min walk test to 55 patients with various neuromuscular disorders including CMD, who ranged in age from 6 to 61 years, between 2010 and 2012. We compared the distance traveled in the initial 2 min with that traveled during the entire 6 min and found them to be highly correlated (Pearson’s r = .964, p
Electrogram Characteristics of Ablated and Non-Ablated Myocardium in Humans: A Comparison of Miniaturized Embedded Electrodes and Conventional Ablation Electrodes.

INTRODUCTION Intracardiac electrogram voltage remains an important metric for radiofrequency lesion application. Embedded micro-electrodes within ablation catheters are now approved for use in humans. OBJECTIVE This study examined electrogram characteristics of miniaturized electrode bipoles (iEGMmini ) compared to distal ablation tip bipoles (iEGMstandard ) in the setting of typical atrial flutter in humans. METHODS This was a single-center prospective trial involving 21 patients. A total of 54 non-ablated and 56 ablated sites were analyzed offline by separate blinded observers for iEGM voltage after a clinically successful radiofrequency (RF) ablation for typical atrial flutter. Ablation sites were defined as sites that were localized anatomically within the RF lesion set and did not have atrial capture at 10 mA and 2 milliseconds. Non-ablated sites were defined as sites adjacent to or remote from the ablation lesion set with capture at 10 mA and 2 milliseconds. RESULTS iEGMmini had greater voltages at non-ablated sites and lower voltages at ablated sites than iEGMstandard (non-ablated sites iEGMstandard 0.64 mV vs. iEGMmini 1.0 mV; ablated sites iEGMstandard 0.15 mV, iEGMmini 0.08 mV, P < 0.001). The difference for each patient between ablated and non-ablated sites was greater for iEGMmini compared to iEGMstandard (0.94 mV ± 0.57 iEGMmini vs. 0.52 mV ± 0.35 iEGMstandard , P < 0.001). Inter-observer agreement was good among all non-ablated sites and iEGMmini ablated sites, but was less robust for ablated sites using iEGMstandard . CONCLUSIONS Imbedded mini-electrode iEGM bipoles had higher voltages in non-ablated tissue, lower voltages in ablated tissue, and significantly greater intra-patient differences between ablated and non-ablated sites. These data suggest a potential role for miniaturized electrode bipole use in RF lesion monitoring.
A New Focus With Leak Detection for US Pipelines

The United States (U.S.) Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is exploring methods for increasing usage and improving leak detection systems in both hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines. This is a critical focus for PHMSA in the wake of several recent pipeline incidents where more effective and redundant leak detection systems may have lessened the experienced consequences. The U.S. Congress and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have recommended deploying more leak detection systems into the U.S. pipeline infrastructure to address increasing public safety and environment impact concerns. PHMSA has taken a number of actions to work toward this goal including increased operator guidance, fostering technology research, information gathering, and reports on state of the art technologies. This paper discusses PHMSA’s actions regarding leak detection systems and the progress in advancing the dialogue amongst hazardous liquids and natural gas pipeline operators, other regulators, and the public, so that considerations in deploying systems on vintage and new construction pipelines can be identified.
Efficacy of a Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Educational Platform in a Diverse Urban Population.

Importance Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a preventable disease that plays a causative role in a significant proportion of malignant neoplasms of the head and neck. Inner-city populations are at risk for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, are least likely to receive HPV vaccination, and report a lack of information regarding HPV. Objective To determine whether an educational platform affects knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HPV vaccination in an inner-city community. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study, conducted from March 1 to December 31, 2014, surveyed 128 participants at multiple inner-city community centers regarding their knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practices regarding HPV vaccination before and after a brief educational presentation. No eligible individuals refused to participate in the educational session. Surveys were excluded from analysis if they were incomplete. Interventions Participants completed two 20-question surveys separated by a 15-minute educational session on HPV-related disease, including a short PowerPoint presentation. Main Outcomes and Measures Presence of statistically significant differences in survey scores before and after the educational session. Results Eighty-six participants met eligibility criteria (61 male [70.9%]; 68 with a high school education [79.1%]). Baseline knowledge of HPV, its causal association with cancer, and the existence of a vaccine against HPV were poor: of a total composite score of 20, the mean knowledge score before the educational session was 9.69. Participants’ self-rated knowledge regarding HPV disease and vaccination improved significantly as a result of the educational session; the absolute increase in mean knowledge composite score from before the educational session to after the session was 3.52 (17.6%) (95% CI, –2.87 to 9.92; P P = .98). Participants’ intent to vaccinate their children increased significantly following the educational presentation: before the presentation, 34 respondents (40%) intended to have their children vaccinated; after the presentation, 60 (70%) intended to do so ( P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance Lack of knowledge regarding HPV vaccination and unwillingness to undergo vaccination contribute to low rates of HPV vaccination within urban populations. Community-based educational sessions successfully teach the link between HPV and various cancers, provide information regarding the risks and benefits of vaccination, and increase participants’ willingness to vaccinate their children against HPV. Attitudes regarding government involvement in health programs are resistant to change.
Influenza surveillance in Kaifeng City,2012-2013

Objective To investigate the influenza epidemic trends and pathogenic characteristics in Kaifeng City from 2012 to 2013 so as to provide a basis for developing influenza prevention and control measures. Methods Data of influenza surveillance were obtained from the Chinese National Influenza Surveillance Information System. Descriptive epidemiology methods were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 1 591 cases of influenza-like illness( ILI) were reported from 2012 to 2013. The average percentage of outpatient visits for ILI was 0. 47%( 426 /91 202) in 2012,1. 20%( 1 165 /97 285) in 2013,and 0. 84%( 1 591 /188 487) averagely for the two years. The highest proportion of ILI was found in the 0-4 age group( 597 cases,37. 52%). The positive isolation rate for influenza virus was 9. 09%( 30 /330) in 2012. Of the 30 strains,12 strains were type B and 18 were the seasonal A( H3). In 2013,the positive isolation rate for influenza virus was 11. 87%( 71 /598). Among the 71 strains,28 strains were type B,12 were the seasonal A( H3),and 31 were the A( H1N1). Conclusion The predominant strains of the influenza virus were type B,seasonal A( H3),and A( H1N1) in Kaifeng City from 2012 to 2013.
A dynamic analysis of blood uric acid level in Guangzhou healthy population in six years

Objective To investigate the dynamic change of serum uric acid(UA) level in healthy population during the six years and provide the basis for the prevention and control of HUM.Methods The datum of serum UA of 201 281 cases were analyzed from 2005 to 2010,which included the differences between genders,ages and time.Results In 2005,the serum UA was(364.1±77.5)μmmol/L in men,and(272.5±68.1)μmmol/L in women.In 2010,the results were(421.6±90.2)μmmol/L and(317.3±75.6)μmmol/L,respectively.The level of serum UA was increasing gradually in six years for all the analysis cases(P0.01),but it was higher in men than women.The serum UA of women was correlated with age,whereas it had no relativity with age for men.Conclusion The level of serum UA has trend of increasing in this area.The monitoring on UA and the education of lower purine diet should be reinforced there,especially for middle age men.
Effect of histamine on fat synthesis and regulation in the white adipocytes:a mechanism research

AIM:To study the effect of histamine on fat synthesis in the differentiated 3T3L1 cell in vitro and its mechanisms. METHODS:The 3T3L1 cells cultured and induced it to white fat cells.The levels of aP2 mRNA in the adipocytes under the treatment of histamine and diphenhydramine were detected by RT-PCR techniques.RESULTS:Histamine increased the expression of aP2 mRNA in the adipocytes,the concentration-dependent effect curve discovered the highest expression of aP2 mRNA was at 20 μmol/L,the time-dependent effect curve discovered the highest expression of aP2 mRNA was at 6 h.Compare with the same concentration of histamine,diphenhydramine decreased the expression of aP2 mRNA(P0.05).CONCLUSION:Histamine increased the expression of aP2 mRNA in the differentiated 3T3L1 cell.Diphenhydramine inhibited the expression of aP2 mRNA.Histamine can increase the fat synthesis and maintain the balance of energy metabolism in the white adipocytes.
Oculocutaneous manifestations observed in multisystem disorders.

Patients with multisystem disorders frequently present with or eventually manifest cutaneous disease. Many of these patients will also manifest ocular changes. In these disorders, the dermatologist or ophthalmologist may act as primary provider or consultant. Thus, familiarity with these conditions will enable the specialist to provide better care for these patients. This article reviews the oculocutaneous manifestations of sarcoidosis, Behcet's disease, Reiter's syndrome, and Sjogren's syndrome.
Radical resection of malignant thymoma with reconstruction of the mediastinal venous confluence

Thymic tumors are classified as epithelial neoplasm, thymic carcinoids, and thymic carcinoma. Differentiation between benignity and malignancy of thymic epithelial tumors is determined on the basis of local tissue invasion. Surgery is the treatment of choice for locally invasive disease without signs of metastasis. We present a patient who underwent en bloc tumor excision with reconstruction of the mediastinal venous confluence using pericardium.
Sparse approximation on energy efficient hardware

Physically and computationally efficient hardware coupled with fast sparse approximation solvers provide opportunities for real-time visual processing on low-power embedded platforms. This paper presents a system using the low-power Locally Competitive Algorithm (LCA) on the highly programmable, brain-inspired IBM TrueNorth chip. A small-scale spiking LCA network is successfully implemented on the TrueNorth chip, resulting in node dynamics comparable to that of a discretized LCA network. The sparse representations computed by the LCA implemented on TrueNorth result in minimal reconstruction error for every trial. This performance is achieved using only 11 of the available 4096 cores on the chip, offering the potential for scalability for real-world applications of this system.
Emergency Department Holding Orders.

Abstract Background Holding orders help transition admitted emergency department (ED) patients to hospital beds. Objective To describe the effect of ED holding orders. Methods We conducted a single-site retrospective study of ward admissions from the ED to the hospital internal medicine (HIM) service over 2 years. Patients were classified based on whether the ED did (group 1) or did not (group 2) write holding orders; group 1 was subdivided into patients sent to the floor with only ED holding orders (group 1A) vs. with subsequent HIM admission orders (group 1B). Outcomes were ED length of stay (LOS), time from decision to admit to ED departure (D→D), transfer to a higher level of care within 6 h (potential undertriage), and discharge from admission ward within 12 h (potential overtriage). Results There were 9501 admissions: 6642 in group 1 (2369 in group 1A and 4273 in group 1B) and 2859 in group 2. Reductions in mean LOS between groups (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs] of the differences) were as follows: group 1 vs. 2: 44 min (39–49 min); group 1A vs. 1B, 48 min (43–53 min); group 1B vs. 2: 27 min (22–32 min); group 1A vs. 2: 75 min (69–81 min). Mean D→D was shorter in group 1A than 1B by 43 min (40–45 min). Holding orders were not associated with increases in potential undertriage or overtriage. Conclusions ED holding orders were associated with improved ED throughput, without evidence of undertriage or overtriage. This work supports the use of holding orders as a safe and effective means to improve ED patient flow.
Importance of dimensional considerations to structural reliability

Published results on the statistical distribution of structural failures show that lack of engineering design experience accounts for the major percentage of these events. In professional design activity, typical structures include sizes which can vary up to four orders of magnitude, a range outside the experience of many engineers. Thus, failures often result from incorrect extrapolation of previously used approaches in attempts to determine either environmental conditions different in character, or the response of structures considerably changed in size from those previously encountered. Discrepancies in the mathematical predictions of response for a full–size structure using results of small–scale model studies are addressed by the research community through studies on 'size effects'. However, in the design process a standard approach is often utilized, even for structures different in size by orders of magnitude. Cases are known whereby engineering procedures applied successfully in previous designs to seemingly similar structures led to failure due to significant size differences. Examples are presented to illustrate failures due to dimensional considerations in structural stability, joint design and construction, definition of safety margin as related to reduced redundancy and application of realistic dimensional tolerances. Building codes and standards do not, usually, address all intricacies related to the size of a structure. Therefore, it is left to the designer to identify those features and then incorporate them into the design process. For instance, the designer should be aware of the dimensional tolerances which can be expected to arise as a practical matter in the construction of unusually large structures, and should not uniformly accept code–specified values. Specifically, it is likely that excessively rigid dimensional limits used as a base for design calculations will be violated by the contractor, thus lowering the intended structural margin of safety. Deterministic design of structures is likely to remain the basic design approach whereby theoretical developments and practical experience are combined. Indiscriminate extrapolation of these methods beyond the range of past practical experience can lead to reduced structural safety through lowered redundancy of the system with simultaneous underprediction of environmental loading effects.
Travel, Consciousness Change and Biography: A Parallel Reading of Che’s Transformative Biographical Narratives and Those of the American College Students

The study selected particular narratives for analysis by considering questions such as, "What types of experiences are recounted that resonate across the narratives on emerging self-identity? Is there an account of the self and other relation or interactive dynamics between the self and the experience? How is the 'self' revealed in the biographical narrative? Is there a renewed subjectivity due to the experiences described or an apparent reorganization of objectivities? What actions or perceptions are driven by the experiences described?" Ten of the 22 student narratives were selected according to the above considerations. Seven of the 22 students described travels to another country in their autobiographical narratives. According to the selected narratives, travel is a popular way to acquire experience. Che's symbolic image as a rebel, an adventurer, and a dreamer demonstrates the popular appeal of his life story of self-discovery, self-identity, authenticity, and consistency. Reading student narratives alongside Che's writings as texts that made and changed history revealed a set of generative themes that were common to both sets of writings, notwithstanding the obvious temporal and contextual differences. The thematic universe that characterizes the "quality experience," paving the way for transformation in this investigation, will be discussed with reference to the themes "life as travel," "solitude," "inter-subjectivity," and "solidarity."
Improving discharge planning using the re-engineered discharge programme.

Aims (a) Assess nurses' readiness to learn (RTL) before receiving education on the re-engineered discharge (RED) programme and (b) measure utilization of the RED discharge process from patient chart reviews following an educational intervention. Background Preventable readmissions are of great concern. Rural areas are at a disadvantage, due to decreased access to health care and other disparities. Methods Sixty-nine participants completed the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale prior to the RED education intervention. Thirty-minute education interventions were provided addressing various learning preferences. Results Participants scored high M = 219.8 (SD 23.7) on the SDLR, indicating nurses' high RTL prior to educational intervention. Chart reviews found usage of the RED 12 actionable item pre-intervention, (n = 60) M = 6.55 (SD 1.478) compared to post-intervention (n = 60) M = 10.08 (SD 1.544) indicated statistically significant improvement in pre-discharge patient education and planning (t = 17.730, p = 0.000 [CI 3.13-3.93]). Conclusion Current study found that nurses with higher levels of RTL who underwent RED educational sessions significantly improved delivery of the RED process documented in the medical record. Implications for nursing management Those responsible for education initiatives must make understanding nurses' learning preferences a priority to improve the quality of bedside practice.
Static Structure and Chain Conformations in Polyelectrolyte Solutions

A microscopic approach is described for the static structure and conformational properties of polyelectrolyte solutions. The theory predicts liquid like structure on long lengthscales in dilute solutions, which diminishes at concentrations higher than the overlap threshold concentration, only to reappear in concentrated solutions. The predictions for the static structure factor are in good agreement with scattering experiments on solutions of rigid tobacco mosaic virus particles if the charge on the particles is treated as adjustable. The theory predicts that k max ~ ρ v , where k max is the position of the maximum in the structure factor and ρ is the concentration with v=1/3 and 1/2 in dilute and semi-dilute solutions, respectively, in agreement with experiment. The theory is in good agreement with computer simulations of flexible polyelectrolytes, both for the conformational properties and the static structure factor. It is argued that a reversible binding of counterions to the polyions must be invoked in order to understand the experimental results in the framework of this theory.
Following Through on an Intention to Vote: Present Bias and Turnout

Many citizens express an intention to vote but then fail to follow through on their motivation. It is well known that impulsiveness contributes to unsound behaviors with adverse individual consequences like smoking, overeating, and undersaving. I apply these findings and theory to political participation and argue that present bias is also likely to limit collective behaviors. Those who desire to act are challenged by impulsiveness in following through on their motivation. In a nationally representative survey merged to administrative records, those with present bias are around ten points less likely to vote. Importantly, those with present bias are less likely to vote even after expressing pre-election intention to do so. Along with a formal decision-theoretic model of turnout with present bias, the results provide a new framework to reason about the choice to vote, an alternative interpretation of the over-report of turnout, and have implications for policy approaches to promote individual action in the public interest.
Some Gel Permeation Chromatographic Studies on Cyclocopolymers of Maleic Anhydride

The regularly alternating 1:2 cyclocopolymer of divinyl ether and maleic anhydride was first synthesized in 1951. Evidence for the proposed structure and for a bimolecular alternating inter-intramolecular chain propagation mechanism, now commonly referred to as the cyclocopolymerization mechanism, for its formation was published in 1958 (1–5).
Vagal modulation of pre-inspiratory activity in hypoglossal discharge in the decerebrate rat

Abstract Respiration consists of three phases – inspiration (I), post-inspiration (post-I), and late expiration (E2). Pre-I is a subphase occurring at the end of E2. Hypoglossal (XII) discharge contains I and occasionally pre-I activity. Functionally, XII pre-I underlies tongue muscle contraction and expansion of the upper airway, causing a decrease in airway resistance in anticipation of the succeeding inspiratory effort. It has been shown that vagotomy causes an increase in pre-I activity in XII in anesthetized animals. Also, in anesthetized artificially-ventilated animals, XII onset is synchronized with that of inspiratory phrenic nerve (PhN) activity. Therefore, we sought to systematically test the hypothesis that XII pre-I is present in vagus-intact unanesthetized decerebrate animals and vagal afferents negatively modulate XII pre-I discharge in decerebrate rats, in the absence of confounding anesthesia. Experiments were performed on seven Sprague-Dawley unanesthetized decerebrate adult male rats and bilateral PhN and XII recordings performed. In three animals, vagotomy was performed during PhN recordings and one animal was vagotomized during initial surgical preparation prior to recordings. In vagus-intact animals, XII pre-I duration averaged 12.4 ms. Vagotomy was associated with greater XII pre-I duration, expressed in absolute time (89.5 vs. 12.4 ms; p
Uterine carcinosarcoma: a primer for radiologists

To provide a modern overview for radiologists of the unique radiological, pathological, and clinical features of uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). UCS is a unique gynecological malignancy that continues to present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the field of oncology. The classification and clinical understanding of this malignancy have evolved in recent years, yielding a modern conceptualization of a neoplastic entity that has been well studied but incompletely understood. As UCS causes a significant proportion of deaths secondary to uterine cancer, developing a familiarity with the imaging and clinical features of this entity is critical. In addition to summarizing the modern understanding of this tumor variant, an overview of the common imaging features of UCS will be presented. The role of radiological staging, imaging findings on presentation and follow-up imaging, and modern treatment paradigms will be discussed. Lastly, the current treatment paradigms and surveillance recommendations for UCS will be summarized. Knowledge of the modern understanding of uterine carcinosarcoma, including its relevant imaging and clinical features, is critical for radiologists.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for management of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: Results of an international practice survey

Introduction Anti-heparin/platelet factor 4 antibody immune complexes resulting from heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are removed by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). We sought to define TPE in HIT practice patterns using an international survey. Methods A 31-item online survey was disseminated through the American Society for Apheresis. After institutional duplicate responses were eliminated, a descriptive analysis was performed. Results The survey was completed by 94 respondents from 78 institutions in 18 countries. Twenty-nine institutions (37%) used TPE for HIT (YES cohort) and 49 (63%) did not (NO cohort). Most NO respondents (65%) cited "no requests received" as the most common reason for not using TPE. Of the 29 YES respondents, 10 (34%) gave incomplete information and were excluded from the final analysis, leaving 19 responses. Of these, 18 (95%) treated ≤10 HIT patients over a 2-year period. The most common indications were cardiovascular surgery (CS; 63%) and HIT-associated thrombosis (HT; 26%). The typical plasma volume processed was 1.0 (63% CS and 58% HT). For CS, the typical replacement fluid was plasma (42%) and for HT, it was determined on an individual basis (32%). For CS, patients were treated with a set number of TPE procedures (37%) or laboratory/clinical response (37%). For HT, the number of TPE procedures typically depended on laboratory/clinical response (42%). Conclusion In a minority of responding institutions, TPE is most commonly used in HIT to prophylactically treat patients who will undergo heparin re-exposure during CS. Prospective studies are needed to more clearly define the role of TPE in HIT.
A Review of Whole Blood: Current Trauma Reports

Interest in whole blood transfusion, particularly in trauma resuscitations, has been growing over the last decade. This has led to more data from civilian trauma centers on the efficacy of whole blood compared to component therapy, the safety profile, and the hemostatic effects of cold-storage. The summation of recent data suggests that whole blood is at least as effective as component therapy in trauma resuscitation although data is limited to relatively small volumes ( 10 units) except for case reports. Resuscitation with whole blood appears to be safe and offers some advantages over component therapy. More clinical data is needed on the safety of whole blood in massive resuscitation and the potential hemostatic effects of whole blood transfusion.