cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood sexual abuse and two stages of cigarette smoking in African-American and European-American young women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to determine whether the higher rates of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) but lower rates of cigarette smoking in African-American vs. European-American women can be explained in part by a lower magnitude of association between CSA and smoking in African-American women. METHODS: Data were drawn from a same-sex female twin study of substance use (n=3521; 14.3% African-American). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses using CSA to predict smoking initiation and progression to regular smoking were conducted separately by race/ethnicity. Co-twin status on the smoking outcome was used to adjust for familial influences on smoking (which may overlap with family-level influences on CSA exposure). RESULTS: After adjusting for co-twin status, CSA was associated with smoking initiation in European Americans (hazard ratio (HR)=1.43, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.26-1.62) and with smoking initiation ≤16 in African Americans (HR=1.70, CI: 1.26-2.29). CSA was associated with regular smoking onset ≤15 in European Americans (HR=1.63, CI: 1.21-2.18), with no change in HR after adjusting for co-twin status. In the African-American subsample, the HR for CSA was reduced to non-significance after adjusting for co-twin status (from HR=3.30, CI: 1.23-8.89 to HR=1.16, CI: 0.71-1.92 for regular smoking ≤15). CONCLUSIONS: CSA is associated with moderate elevation in risk for initiating smoking among African-American and European-American women. By contrast, CSA is associated with elevated risk for (adolescent onset) regular smoking only in European-American women. Furthermore, there is significant overlap between risk conferred by CSA and familial influences on regular smoking in African-American but not European-American women.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Language: en
Acyl specificity in glyceride synthesis by lactating rat mammary gland.

We have investigated the possibility that the nonrandom association of fatty acids in rat milk triglycerides results from specificity of the acyl transferases in the glycerolphosphate pathway. Subcellular fractionation of lactating rat mammary gland revealed that the microsomal fraction was the most active in acylation of 3-sn-[U-14C] glycerolphosphate with various acyl-CoA's. The major products were diacylglycerolphosphate and diglyceride; no monoacylglycerolphosphate was detected. Maximum rate of acylation occurred at or below the critical micelle concentration for each acyl-CoA, indicating that only the monomeric substrate molecules were acceptable by the enzyme system. The observed acyl specificity, 16∶0>18∶0≏14∶0>12∶0>10∶0>8∶0 is consistent with the concept that, in general, milk triglycerides are synthesized by insertion of a short or medium chain fatty acid into a long chain diglyceride.
Minerals and Speleothems in Burnsville Cove Caves

The caves of Burnsville Cove contain widely distributed, often sparse but sometimes spectacular, secondary mineral deposits. Massive flowstone and dripstone occur mainly in localized areas, perhaps reflecting the protective influence of the various interbedded sandstones and the overlying Oriskany Sandstone. Helictites, anthodites, nodular speleothems, cave pearls, crusts, and other mineral deposits occur widely in many parts of the caves. An unusual feature is the wide occurrence of aragonite speleothems, especially in the Chestnut Ridge System, the percentage of aragonite being considerably higher than in typical Appalachian caves. Other minerals include gypsum, which seems to be associated with shaley layers in the Tonoloway Limestone, moonmilk, and a suite of phosphate minerals.
Implementation of a Front-End Split-Flow Model to Promote Performance in an Urban Academic Emergency Department

Article-at-a-Glance Background In an urban academic emergency department (ED), a front-end split-flow model, which entailed deployment of an attending-physician intake model, implementation of a 16-bed clinic decision unit, expanded point-of-care (POC) testing, and dedicated ED transportation services, was created. Methods A retrospective, observational, pre-post intervention comparison study was conducted at a large academic urban hospital with 74,000 ED annual visits that serves as a Level 2 Trauma Center. The new flow model was implemented in April 2013, coincident with the opening of a new ED space. Results During the six-month pre- (July 2012–December 2012) and postimplementation (July 2013–December 2013) periods, there were 17,307 and 27,443, respectively, walk-in encounters during the intake times. Despite this 59% increase and a 35% increase in overall ED patient census, implementation of the innovative novel process redesign resulted in a clinically meaningful reduction (median minutes pre vs. post and one-year post) in (1) overall length of stay (LOS) for all walk-ins (220 vs. 175 and 140), discharged (216 vs. 170 and 140), and inpatient admissions (249 vs. 217 and 181); (2) door-to-physician time (minutes) (54 vs. 15 and 12); and (3) left without being seen (LWBS) rates (5.5% vs. 0.5% and 0.0%). The left before visit complete (LBVC) rates were 0.8% vs. 1.1% and 0.6%. The average total relative value unit (RVU) per patient discharged from intake was 2.31. During the pre-post analysis periods, no significant increase in reported safety events were identified (10 vs. 9 per 1,000 patient encounters). Conclusion Implementation of a novel multifaceted process redesign including an attending physician–driven intake model had a clinically positive impact on ED flow. Validation of this model should be conducted in other practice settings.
Female Mice With an XY Sex Chromosome Complement Develop Severe Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a deadly pathology with strong sexual dimorphism. Similar to humans, female mice exhibit far lower incidences of angiotensin II-induced AAAs than males. In addition to sex hormones, the X and Y sex chromosomes, and their unique complements of genes, may contribute to sexually dimorphic AAA pathology. Here, we defined the effect of female (XX) versus male (XY) sex chromosome complement on angiotensin II-induced AAA formation and rupture in phenotypically female mice. METHODS Female low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) deficient mice with an XX or XY sex chromosome complement were infused with angiotensin II for 28 days to induce AAAs. Abdominal aortic lumen diameters were quantified by ultrasound, whereas AAA diameters were quantified at study end point. DNA microarrays were performed on abdominal aortas. To mimic males, female mice were administered a single dose of testosterone as neonates or as adults before angiotensin II infusions. RESULTS Female Ldlr-/- deficient mice with an XX and XY sex chromosome complement had similar sex organ weights and low serum testosterone concentrations. Abdominal aortas from female XY mice selectively expressed Y chromosome genes, whereas genes known to escape X inactivation were higher in XX females. The majority of aortic gene differences in XY versus XX females fell within inflammatory pathways. AAA incidences doubled and aneurysms ruptured in XY females. AAAs from XY females exhibited inflammation, and plasma interleukin-1β concentrations were increased in XY females. Moreover, aortas from XY females had augmented matrix metalloproteinase activity and increased oxidative stress. Last, testosterone exposure applied chronically, or as a single bolus at postnatal day 1, markedly worsened AAA outcomes in XY in comparison with XX adult females. CONCLUSIONS An XY sex chromosome complement in phenotypic females profoundly influenced aortic gene expression profiles and promoted AAA severity. When XY females were exposed to testosterone, aneurysm rupture rates were striking. Mechanisms for augmented AAA severity in XY females include increased inflammation, augmented matrix metalloproteineases, and oxidative stress. Our results demonstrate that genes on the sex chromosomes regulate aortic vascular biology and contribute to sexual dimorphism of AAAs. Sex chromosome genes may serve as novel targets for sex-specific AAA therapeutics.
A simple device to convert a small-animal PET scanner into a multi-sample tissue and injection syringe counter

Abstract Introduction We describe a simple fixture that can be added to the imaging bed of a small-animal PET scanner that allows for automated counting of multiple organ or tissue samples from mouse-sized animals and counting of injection syringes prior to administration of the radiotracer. The combination of imaging and counting capabilities in the same machine offers advantages in certain experimental settings. Methods A polyethylene block of plastic, sculpted to mate with the animal imaging bed of a small-animal PET scanner, is machined to receive twelve 5-ml containers, each capable of holding an entire organ from a mouse-sized animal. In addition, a triangular cross-section slot is machined down the centerline of the block to secure injection syringes from 1-ml to 3-ml in size. The sample holder is scanned in PET whole-body mode to image all samples or in one bed position to image a filled injection syringe. Total radioactivity in each sample or syringe is determined from the reconstructed images of these objects using volume re-projection of the coronal images and a single region-of-interest for each. We tested the accuracy of this method by comparing PET estimates of sample and syringe activity with well counter and dose calibrator estimates of these same activities. Results PET and well counting of the same samples gave near identical results (in MBq, R 2 =0.99, slope=0.99, intercept=0.00-MBq). PET syringe and dose calibrator measurements of syringe activity in MBq were also similar ( R 2 =0.99, slope=0.99, intercept=− 0.22-MBq). Conclusion A small-animal PET scanner can be easily converted into a multi-sample and syringe counting device by the addition of a sample block constructed for that purpose. This capability, combined with live animal imaging, can improve efficiency and flexibility in certain experimental settings.
High‐resolution ecological niche modelling of threatened freshwater mussels in east Texas, USA

Unionid freshwater mussels are one of the most imperilled groups in North America. They play an important role in freshwater ecosystems, both as a food source and as filter feeders. Their priority conservation status has generated interest in unionid research. Here, data from the US Geological Survey was used to produce predictive models of mussel habitat affinities at a resolution of 100 m2 across an area of thousands of square kilometres. This approach correctly identifies areas that are more suitable for threatened mussel species beds as compared with less suitable areas (>97% of the time) Stream segments were identified that are forecast to have high suitability for threatened mussels. Potamilus amphichaenus differed from other threatened mussel species by being associated with a wider range of volumetric flow rates and by not being restricted by the clay content of the soils. Of the species examined, it was the most large-river oriented in habitat use and distribution. These methods can help conservation planners and land-use managers make rational decisions about where to focus their efforts in lotic habitats without the need for intensive environmental measurements while still providing high-resolution information.
Efficiency of Programs

A programming problem may admit a variety of solutions that are all in perfect compliance with the specification. Yet, we may have a strong preference for one over the other. By far the most relevant criterion for distinguishing between the programs is the time it takes to execute them. One has to be careful in these matters, though, as illustrated by the following example. Assume that we have two programs PA and PB that each solve our programming problem. We have two machines available, and measuring of execution times of the two programs reveals that they take 3 and 6 seconds on MA, and 6 and 3 seconds on MB, respectively.
Semantic Memory: Cognitive and Neuroanatomical Perspectives

This review article summarizes our current understanding of a specific type of human memory known as semantic memory. Semantic memory is our basic world knowledge of words, objects, people, and places. The first section of this article describes semantic memory within a broader context by discussing the major division between episodic memory and semantic memory. We next review cognitive and neuroanatomical perspectives of the semantic memory system, including how sensory, motor, and heteromodal regions play a role in representing modality-specific and modality-invariant semantic knowledge of the world.
The role of retail market power and state regulations in the heterogeneity of farm-retail price transmission of private label and branded products

Given the leading role of private label brands in the fluid milk market, it is of special interest to focus on possible differences in farm‐retail price transmission between private label and branded milk as well as the causes of heterogeneity. This article examines the heterogeneous effects of private label and branded products on price transmission in the fluid milk market using a panel threshold asymmetric error correction model. Results indicate that upward retail‐price adjustment is faster than the downward price adjustment for both private label and branded milk. The speed of adjustment of private label products is significantly faster than branded products in three different price regimes. We further investigate the reasons of heterogeneity in farm‐retail price transmission of private label milk. We find that both retailer market power and state pricing regulations contribute to the heterogeneity in asymmetric price transmission. Higher retailer market power causes retail prices of private label milk to rise faster and to fall slower. The existence of a state pricing regulation slows down the adjustment speed of retail prices of private labels back to the long‐run equilibrium, regardless of whether the retail price is low or high.
HCMV miRNA Targets Reveal Important Cellular Pathways for Viral Replication, Latency, and Reactivation

It is now well appreciated that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role in the lifecycles of many herpes viruses. The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication cycle varies significantly depending on the cell type infected, with lytic replication occurring in fully-differentiated cells such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, or macrophages, and latent infection occurring in less-differentiated CD14+ monocytes and CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells where viral gene expression is severely diminished and progeny virus is not produced. Given their non-immunogenic nature and their capacity to target numerous cellular and viral transcripts, miRNAs represent a particularly advantageous means for HCMV to manipulate viral gene expression and cellular signaling pathways during lytic and latent infection. This review will focus on our current knowledge of HCMV miRNA viral and cellular targets, and discuss their importance in lytic and latent infection, highlight the challenges of studying HCMV miRNAs, and describe how viral miRNAs can help us to better understand the cellular processes involved in HCMV latency.
Flu Shows the Power of Diversity

Morphological variation is a common yet poorly understood feature of influenza virus populations. Vahey and Fletcher reveal that the production of physically and phenotypically heterogeneous particles is an inherent feature of the influenza assembly process that may promote virus survival in challenging environments.
Solar Slumber: How the Sun Could Unleash Winter's Wrath

You might have seen it in the headlines this past fall: “Winter is Coming – Super Grand Solar Minimum,” “Ice Age with Dead Sun,” or “NASA Warns Long, Cold Winter Could Hit.” No, the sun is not dyin...
The association between prenatal alcohol exposure and protein expression in human placenta

Background The need for earlier recognition of children at risk for neurobehavioral problems associated with prenatal ethanol exposure (PAE) has prompted investigations of biomarkers prognostic for altered fetal development. Here, we examined whether PAE alters the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins and cytokines in human placenta in subjects from an Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant and Child Health prospective cohort. Methods PAE was ascertained by screening questionnaires, Time-line Follow-back interviews and a panel of ethanol biomarkers at two study visits. After delivery, placental tissue samples were collected for protein analysis. Results No significant differences in the prevalence of substance use, demographic or medical characteristics were observed between the No PAE and PAE groups. PAE was associated with significant reductions in placental expression of VEGFR2 and annexin-A4, while the levels of VEGFR1 and CCM-3 trended downward. A trend toward higher expression of the cytokines TNF-α and IL-13 was also observed in the PAE group. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of the data demonstrated a moderate-to-high degree of diagnostic accuracy for individual placental proteins. Combinations of proteins substantially increased their ability to differentiate between PAE and No PAE subjects. Conclusions These results establish the feasibility of harvesting placental tissue for protein analyses of PAE in a prospective manner. In addition, given the importance of vascular remodeling in both placenta and developing brain, the role of angiogenic and cytokine proteins in this process warrants further investigation for their utility for predicting alterations in brain development, as well as their mechanistic role in PAE-induced pathology.
Misidentification of MLL3 and other mutations in cancer due to highly homologous genomic regions.

AbstractThe MLL3 gene has been shown to be recurrently mutated in many malignancies including in families with acute myeloid leukemia. We demonstrate that many MLL3 variant calls made by exome sequ...
Performance of Green Ash Seed Sources at Four Locations in the Great Plains Region

Green ash trees from 10 seed sources were planted in a test in 1961 in four states of the Great Plains Region. After more than 20 years, height growth indicates a strong interaction between seed source and plantation location. Larger trees were from southerly sources within about three degrees of latitude of the plantation site. Beyond those limits, cold injury may result. Height and dbh age-age correlations were highly significant at 8 and 20+ years. Height and dbh correlated negatively with a decrease in latitude.
Physical Mechanisms of Nerve Excitability

The major physical process underlying transmission of signals in the nervous system is the transient flow of ionic currents across cell membrane in response to various stimuli. All cells are bounded by selectively permeable membranes, which allow ion flow in at least two different ways. There is passive flow through ionic channels, and active “pumped” flow against electrochemical potential gradients, “fueled” by metabolic energy (ATP splitting). We will be concerned with current flow through specific channels which are activated during nerve excitation. Active transport is used to charge the cell batteries but is only of indirect importance in the signalling process.
Mindfulness Training: Reducing Anxiety in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Students with ASD frequently experience anxiety disorders as a co-occurring condition (Kent and Simonoff in Anxiety Child Adolesc Autism Spectr Disord. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-805122-1.00002-8 , 2017). Symptoms related to anxiety disorders affect students with ASD in a variety of domains, including academic performance, inclusion opportunities within school, daily living activities, and social relationships. Although still an emerging field, research suggests that the implementation of mindfulness therapy (MT) and practice holds promise for addressing anxiety among students with ASD (Cachia in Autism Paradig Recent Res Clin Appl. https://doi.org/10.5772/65394 , 2017). The ideas outlined in this manuscript can assist school personnel and parents in building a high quality mindfulness based program for students with ASD and anxiety disorders.
Extreme Secretion of PTHrP From a Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor, A Shift From Severe Hypercalcemia to Hypocalcemia

Background: PTHrP-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) are a recognized cause of malignancy associated hypercalcemia. Herein, we report a case of severe hypercalcemia due to an extreme elevation of PTHrP from a PNET, where after treatment of the hypercalcemia, symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred. Clinical Case: A 59 year-old-woman with a recurrent PNET with liver metastases undergoing an evaluation for multi-visceral transplant presented with acute confusion, nausea and vomiting. Diagnostic testing identified an extreme elevation of total calcium (Ca) [>20.1 mg/dL (8.5 - 10.2)] from two different samples [serum albumin 4.1 g/dL (3.9 - 4.9)]. The total Ca level one month earlier was 8.3 mg/dL with a serum albumin of 3.1 g/dL. Total Ca measurements were performed with the Ca Gen.2 assay on a cobas c702 chemistry analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). Results greater than the analytical measurement range (0.8 – 20.1 mg/dL) were diluted with saline and confirmed (22.6 mg/dL). A Radiometer ABL 800 Flex blood gas analyzer was used to determine the ionized Ca concentration [2.94 mmol/L (1.08 - 1.30)]. Upon presentation the serum creatinine (Cr) was 2.07 mg/dL (0.58 - 0.96); eGFR utilizing the MDRD equation 24 mL/min/1.73m2; baseline serum Cr 0.78 mg/dL. Her serum 25-OH vitamin D was 31 ng/mL (31.0 - 80.0), PTH 12 pg/mL (15 - 65), phosphate 4.3 mg/dL (2.7 - 4.8) and 1, 25-OH vitamin D 39.1 (15.0 - 60.0). PTHrP measurements were performed by ARUP Laboratories via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and resulted in a reported value of >2500 pmol/L (0.0 - 3.4). Her symptoms resolved and the corrected Ca gradually decreased to 8 mg/dL after treatment with IV fluids, calcitonin 200 units sc every 12 hours for 48 hours, 60 mg IV pamidronate, and five sessions of hemodialysis. Within thirteen days of receiving pamidronate, her corrected Ca slowly increased to 12mg/dL; thus, she received a single dose of 120 mg sc denosumab. Nine days later, the patient developed symptomatic hypocalcemia (7.3 mg/dL) manifested by paresthesia in the hands and feet and perioral numbness. She then received multiple doses of oral and intravenous Ca along with 50,000 units of oral ergocalciferol twice weekly. The corrected Ca normalized (8.1 mg/dL) and symptoms resolved. The patient was discharged with plans for future treatment of her underlying malignancy. Conclusion: This is the first report of a PNET producing an extreme elevation of PTHrP of higher than 2500 pmol/L, resulting in a concordant extreme elevation of total calcium within a month of documented normocalcemia. Treatment of hypercalcemia with denosumab may result in the development of hypocalcemia requiring treatment.
Characterizing the thermal, piezoresistive, rheology and fluid loss of smart foam cement slurries using artificial neural network and Vipulanandan Models

Abstract Light weight cement slurries with foam additions are being used in multiple applications including onshore and offshore deep wells installed in varying geological formations with low strength rocks. Also, the foam cement has reduced thermal conductivity making it a better insulator. It is also important to model the behavior of the foam cement for real time monitoring with the artificial neural network (ANN) models for adaptation in machine learning for various applications. The investigation was on the performance of highly sensing foam added smart cement and verified with various behavior models. Added foam was characterized based on stability, half-life, electrical resistivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and pH. Highly sensing smart oil well cement with water to cement (w/c) ratio of 0.38 was modified by adding 5% and 20% foam by weight and was first characterized using the impedance–frequency response to identify the critical electrical property for monitoring. Based on the Vipulanandan Impedance Model, electrical resistivity was the monitoring property. Also rheological properties, fluid loss and piezoresistivity (slurry) were investigated. With the addition of 20% foam the density reduced by 45 the thermal conductivity reduced by 65%.With the addition of 20% foam the initial resistivity increased by 94% indicating a potential quality control parameter for monitoring in the field. The thermal conductivity and the initial resistivity were related to the density using the Vipulanandan Correlation Model. The slurries investigated were piezoresistive, when pressure was applied the electrical resistivity changed. The rheological behavior of the smart foam cement slurries have been quantified using the new Vipulanandan rheological model and compared with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Model. The total fluid loss with the addition of 20% foam, reduced by about 90% and the Vipulanandan fluid loss model and the ANN model were used to predict the behavior. The slurry piezoresistivity model was used to predict the piezoresistive behavior and compared it to an ANN model. The accuracy of the all the model predictions were compared using the statistical parameters.
Minimally Invasive Temporary Biventricular Mechanical Circulatory Support

The management of biventricular heart failure presents a significant challenge. Recently, percutaneous options for univentricular support that may be combined to provide full biventricular support have come to market. These support configurations allow patients to be bridged to recovery, durable mechanical circulatory support, or to transplantation. Due to the minimally invasive nature of these systems, patients may be rapidly extubated, and some may be mobilized with full biventricular support. Varied approaches for implementation of these temporary support systems exist, with some of the most common techniques presented here.
A solid, amorphous, lithiated carbon phosphonitride displaying lithium ion conductivity

Abstract Thermal runaway reactions resulting in catastrophic battery failure and combustion have invigorated a search for non-flammable electrolytes. We report the synthesis of non-flammable inorganic lithiated carbon phosphonitride (Li–C–P–N) amorphous solids in various solvents, their spectroscopic and other characterization aimed at greater molecular structure understanding, and their ionic conductivities. The resin precursor to this polymeric material is the product of reacting solvated P(CN)3 and LiN(CN)2 ​at room temperature. The resulting resin can be cast from various polar aprotic solvents and produces Li–C–P–N films upon drying. The reaction mechanism was studied by time-resolved 31P solution NMR. A fully cured sample was studied by 31P, 13C and 7Li MAS NMR, including variable temperature 7Li MAS NMR observations of changes in satellite transitions arising from Li ​+ ​ion motions. Films dried at room temperature under inert atmosphere were temperature cycled as high as 250 ​°C to measure conductivity as a function of temperature and thermal curing. Thermally treated, partially solvated Li–C–P–N films cast from pyridine and dimethoxyethane/acetonitrile exhibit ionic conductivities as high as 10−5 ​S ​cm−1 above 100 ​°C, depending on temperature and cure procedure, although conductivity drops dramatically in films held above 150 ​°C. We propose that the conductivity of Li+ ions through the films is highly dependent on the presence and identity of tightly-bound solvent, the presence of excess LiN(CN)2 retained in the Li–C–P–N matrix, as well as the structure of the cross-linked Li–C–P–N network.
Median amplitude and frequency analysis of sensory nerve responses to intraepidermal stimulation

Abstract Background In clinical practice, small myelinated sensory fibers conveying pain and other sensations, Aδ-fibers, cannot be examined with available nerve conduction study techniques. New method Equipment available in clinical neurophysiology laboratories is used to record from human sensory nerves multiple averaged responses to non-painful stimulation of intraepidermal nerves. Ten averaged responses are analyzed in all possible pair combinations with an algorithm applied to a 0.45 ms period of amplitude and frequency (power spectrum). The median of the algorithms is compared to control data to identify potentials generated as response to intraepidermal stimulation. Results Median analysis of the algorithm applied to amplitude and frequency of multiple record pairs identifies potentials with conduction velocities of Aδ-fibers. The analysis of frequency (power spectrum) adds data to the analysis of amplitude. Median analysis of multiple record pairs yields more data than analysis of one pair of alternate averages with the same algorithms. Comparison with existing method(s) At present, analysis of one pair of alternate average records with an algorithm is the only method to identify Aδ-fiber generated potentials. Median analysis of the same algorithm applied to the amplitude of multiple record pairs increases the number of Aδ-fiber generated potentials identified. Neither median analysis of amplitude nor frequency of multiple records pairs has ever been used for conduction studies of nerve fibers, including Aδ-fibers. Conclusions Stimulation, recording and data analysis methods used in this study can be applied in the clinical EMG laboratory to identify the conduction velocities of Aδ-fibers in human sensory nerves.
What About Alternative Therapies I Can Try? Dietary Supplements, Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Alternative Therapies in IBD

Complementary and alternative medicine is a growing area of research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While it is clear that patients with IBD should take calcium and vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis, the role of dietary and herbal supplements to treat the inflammation in IBD is still under investigation. Scientific studies have shown that probiotics are effective in treating pouchitis and ulcerative colitis. In addition to probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, herbal supplements, and helminth (worm) therapy are examples of alternative treatments that are being studied. We are still learning about their treatment potential, as well as possible side effects.
Neutron Techniques, Introduction

This chapter explores the wide range of applications of elastic and inelastic neutron scattering to the study of materials. Neutron scattering provides information complementary to several other techniques found in these volumes. Perhaps most closely related are the electron scattering methods described in Chapter Electron Techniques and x-ray scattering methods described in Chapter X-Ray Techniques. The utility of all these scattering methods in investigations of atomic scale structure arises from the close match of the wavelength of these probes to typical interatomic distances (a few angstroms). The differences between these techniques are discussed. Keywords: neutron techniques; neutron scattering; neutron diffraction
Hemopoietic progenitor cells in marrow and spleen of mice with hereditary iron deficiency anemia.

Sex-linked hypochromic anemia is the result of iron deficiency, apparently caused by malabsorption of iron. Progenitor cells in marrow and spleen of male anemic (genotype, sla/-) and normal (+/-) littermate mice were studied by quantitative transplantation into irradiated, but otherwise normal, recipient mice. The progeny of grafted cells were assessed by isotope uptake technics. Progenitor cells of sla/- mice were capable of extensive production of erythroid cells, which synthesized DNA and hemoglobin, and of leukocytic elements, which synthesized DNA but not hemoglobin. Proliferation of the latter cell types was assayed in recipient mice rendered polycythemic with red cell infusions to suppress erythropoiesis. The mature red cells produced by transplanted sla/- marrow and spleen were normal with respect to volume, size, and hemoglobin content. The grossly enlarged spleens of sla/- mice contained 20 times the normal number of erythropoietic progenitor units (EPU); parenteral iron therapy cured the anemia and caused the spleen to revert to normal. The ratio of EPU to leukopoietic progenitor units (LPU) was abnormally high in marrow and spleen of sla/- mice; in addition, the EPU:LPU ratio was higher in spleen than in marrow of normal and anemic mice. The high EPU:LPU ratio of sla/- bone marrow persisted after transplantation to a lesser, but significant, extent for at least 52 days. We conclude that: 1) the sla mutant gene does not affect hemopoietic cells directly, but that iron deficiency alters the ratio of EPU to LPU by committing more primitive pluripotent stem cells to erythropoiesis, and 2) EPU and LPU are separate progenitor cells with restricted potential for differentiation. Persistence of the altered EPU:LPU ratio in sla/- marrow chimeras may be explained by extensive and independent self-replication of EPU and/or LPU, especially after grafting relatively small numbers (1.6 million) of marrow cells into irradiated mice.
Limits to Administrative Appointments

This comment briefly explores the constitutionality of appointments to two adjudicatory boards within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as well as appointments to the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). It offers alternative bases for finding that the PTO appointments satisfy the dictates of Freytag v. Commissioner, IRS. It also explains why appointments to the CRB clearly satisfy Freytag.It further discusses recent amendments to the Patent and Lanham Acts that (1) alter authority for future appointments, (2) permit ratification of prior appointments and (3) purport to make any challenge to decisions of suspect appointees subject to the de facto officer doctrine. Besides expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the third legislative initiative, it concludes that prior decisions of suspect appointees are more likely than not to be upheld.The published version reflects the outcome of subsequent, potentially significant litigation involving the CRB.
Hardware rollback recovery schemes for multiprocessor systems

Two rollback recovery schemes are proposed for tolerating transient and permanent faults, respectively. In both schemes a system state is saved in parallel with process execution periodically and automatically by dedicated hardware. The performance of proposed recovery schemes is studied. Closed-form expressions of the mean and variance of a task execution time are derived. >
The Influence of International Organizations on Militarized Dispute Initiation and Duration1

We argue that international organizations decrease the duration of international conflicts by mitigating commitment problems and encouraging combatants to cease hostilities more quickly. Empirical analyses of militarized interstate dispute duration (1950–2000) reveal that increasing shared international organization (IO) participation reduces the length of disputes, even after accounting for selection into international conflict. We also find that international organizations designed to mitigate commitment problems decrease dispute duration, while IOs capable of reducing information asymmetries do not influence dispute length.
Architectures for intelligent control systems: The science of autonomous intelligence

This new area of engineering (AICS), endeavor, architectures for intelligent control systems, has generated a number of often controversial results and directions. It is rooted in control theory, artificial intelligence, computer architectures, software engineering as well as in psychology, biology, linguistics, and other disciplines. A question arises: is this a science, or just an intersection of different scientific technologies and techniques? The author views AICS as a science, albeit not a typical one. >
Prevention of liquid nitrogen bubbling in electron spin resonance samples

Liquid nitrogen bubbling in ESR samples can be prevented by bubbling helium gas into the liquid nitrogen above the ESR sample.
The Discovery of an Erupting Dwarf Nova in NGC 6624

The core of the globular cluster NGC 6624 has been imaged with theHubble Space Telescopeat three separate epochs. We report the detection of a dwarf nova in eruption at a distance of 5 core radii from the center of the cluster—one of the densest in the Galaxy. This is only the fourth dwarf nova detected in a globular cluster. Our temporal coverage implies that there are unlikely to be more than three dwarf novae in the cluster, unless globular cataclysmics erupt much less frequently than those in thefield. Subject headings: binaries: general—galaxies: stellar content—globular clusters: individual (NGC 6624)— novae, cataclysmic variables
942 IN VITRO OXIDATIVE METABOLIC FUNCTION OF HUMAN CORD NEUTROPHILS POTENTIATED BY EXPOSURE TO THE CHEMOATTRACTANTS FMLP AND ZYMOSAN ACTIVATED SERUM

We previously observed that neutrophils(PMN) from well neonates had oxidative responses similar to PMN from well adults but stressed neonates' PMN exhibited decreased chemiluminescence and superoxide (O2−) responses to opsonized zymosan(OpZ). The present studies were designed to evaluate oxidative responses to OpZ and phorbol myristate acetate(PMA) from cord PMN exposed to zymosan activated serum(ZAS) which contains C5a or to FMLP, a synthetic analog of a bacterial product. Since the chemotactic function of cord PMN is decreased, we expected such treatment of cord PMN might reproduce the oxidative abnormalities in stressed neonates' PMN. Aliquots of each PMN sample were preincubated in the presence or absence of the chemoattractant at 22° or 37° for 15 or 30 min. Exposure of cord PMN to ZAS decreased O2− formation in response to OpZ (ZASx=19nmoles cyt c red/106 PMN/30 min; no ZAS 28 nmoles) but O2− formation by adult PMN also decreased (ZAS 19 nmoles; no ZAS 24 nmoles). Using the stimulus PMN, O2− by cord PMN also decreased (ZAS 37i no ZAS 46) but adult PMN responses were unchanged (46 nmoles). HMPS activity by ZAS treated cord or adult PMN significantly increased in response to PMA but not OpZ. Exposure of cord PMN to FMLP had little effect upon O2− formation and O2 consumption in contrast to the increased responses of adult PMN. These results suggest that adult or cord PMN exposed to activated complement fragments may respond less efficiently to particulate stimuli. In contrast, the effects of FMLP to potentiate oxidative responses of adult PMN were not observed with cord PMN.
Nontarget columns and parafoveal target identification: some limits on previously observed effects.

Three experiments were conducted to determine limits to the phenomenon in which a column of nontargets to the foveal side of a parafoveally presented target is more detrimental to identification than a column to the target's peripheral side, while a single nontarget to the peripheral side is more disruptive. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that proximity of nontarget characters in a column is not sufficent to produce the difference in the effect of the position of nontarget columns and single nontargets. Physical features of characters in the column allowing closure emerged as important to the effect of its position on target identification. Experiment 3 confirmed the findings of the first two experiments and showed, in addition, that performance is better with nontarget columns than with single nontargets because characters in the columns exert lateral interference on one another and thereby release such interference on the target.
Heterogeneous effects on dynamic burning in composite solid propellants

Two transient heterogeneous propellant combustion models, applicable to fine oxidizer composite, propellants, are examined. The models differ in the mechanism by which mass conservation at the surface is maintained. The surface accumulation model supposes that components accumulate in a layer at the surface. Each component reaches an equilibrium concentration inversely proportional to its burning rate. The double reaction layer model supposes that a molten binder layer covers the propellant. The oxidizer gasifies underneath the layer, while the binder gasifies at the surface. Both models are perturbed to calculate a burning-rate response function. The results are compared to recently published burning-rate response function measurements made using laser recoil. The double reaction layer model qualitatively produces features observed in the experimental data: a sharp resonance peak accompanied by a shift from negative to positive phase. The surface accumulation model does not produce these features. The presence of time delay terms—the time lag is caused by heat conduction through the binder layer—in the double reaction layer model accounts for the sharp resonance peak. The frequency of the peak produced by the model is lower than what is observed in the data; this discrepancy is attributed to uncertainties in the properties of the binder layer.
The domain of hypotheses and the realism of assumptions

The principle that theories should be tested by the accuracy of their predictions but not by the realism of their assumptions needs to be qualified. As a practical matter we often need to evaluate the applicability of theories to cases for which they have not been tested by their predictions. Here we rely on the fact that theories are applicable only within a specific domain. In determining whether a specific case, for which no direct tests are available, is within the theory's domain, we look primarily at whether the assumptions of the theory are as applicable to it as they are to the cases for which the theory has been successfully tested.
Checking framework interactions with relationships

Many constraints between object oriented frameworks and plugins can be defined by specifications that describe how multiple objects relate and change their relationships over time. A tool can statically check a plugin's conformance to these specifications in a cost-effective manner and can add benefit or even replace custom tools for plugin development.
Stress concentrations in tensile strips with large circular holes

The purpose of this investigation was to determine more accurately the stress concentrations in tensile strips having large circular holes where the ratio of the hole diameter to strip width is greater than 0.5 Results of numerical elasticity analyses are presented for ratios of hole diameter to bar width ranging from 0.10 to 0.99, and photoelastic data are presented for the range from 0.40 to 0.94. Both numerical results and photoelastic data indicate that the stress-concentration factor based on net area approaches a value of one as the ratio of hole diameter to bar width approaches a value of one.
Challenges, Controversies, and Advances in Aortic Catastrophes

This article reviews the recent advances in the pathogenesis, presentation, and management of PAUs, IMH, and their relationship with AD. The authors provide the most recent data on the clinical presentation of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and AD, including the controversies and misconceptions of the physical examination findings. This article discusses challenges and advances in serum markers for AD, and advances in the management of these entities relevant to the emergency physician are reviewed. The authors hope that it helps reduce the uncertainty and helps the physician maximize outcomes for these patients. Penetrating aortic ulcer and intramural hematoma Until recently, considering the diagnosis of AD in patients who presented with acute chest or back pain in the emergency department (ED) was sufficient. With the widespread use of newer imaging techniques, it has become more apparent that several different causes of acute pain related to the aorta exist. Over the past 20 years, physicians increasingly have recognized penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) and intramural hematoma (IMH) as etiologies of acute aortic pain, in addition to classic AD. Analogous to the advancements in pathophysiology that led to the replacement of the diagnosis ‘‘ruleout myocardial infarction (MI)’’ with ‘‘acute coronary syndrome (ACS)’’, the authors agree with the proposal to label the intense, tearing, migratory chest, neck, or back pain ‘‘acute aortic syndrome (AAS)’’ [1], replacing the less complete ‘‘rule-out AD.’’ Using AAS as a diagnosis reminds the clinician that
Uric acid and the development of metabolic syndrome in women and men.

Associations between serum uric acid (UA) levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been reported in cross-sectional studies. Limited information, however, is available concerning the prospective association of UA and the risk of developing MetS. The authors evaluated UA as a risk factor for incident MetS in a prospective study of 8429 men and 1260 women (aged 20-82 years) who were free of MetS and for whom measures of waist girth, resting blood pressure, fasting lipids, and glucose were taken during baseline and follow-up examinations between 1977 and 2003. Hyperuricemia was defined as >7.0 mg/dL in men and >6.0 mg/dL in women. Metabolic syndrome was defined with the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia was 17%. During a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, 1120 men and 44 women developed MetS. Men with serum UA concentrations > or =6.5 mg/dL (upper third) had a 1.60-fold increase in risk of MetS (95% confidence interval, 1.34-1.91) as compared with those who had concentrations or =4.6 mg/dL (P for trend = .02). Higher serum UA is a strong and independent predictor of incident MetS in men and women.
Aeromagnetic gradiometry in 1995

This paper discusses aeromagnetic gradiometry techniques for fixed-wing survey aircraft and presents results. Some design criteria for airborne gradiometers are briefly noted and specifications for gradiometer surveys are discussed. The following horizontal gradiometry applications are outlined and are illustrated with examples: - Levelling of total field surveys without the use of tie lines. - The use of measured lateral gradient in the total field gridding process to achieve higher resolution of anomalies or alternatively, to enable increased line spacing without loss of resolution. - The identification of 2-D linear structures and their strike angles, on the basis of a single flight line and from these identifications, the formation of accurate estimates of vertical gradient leading in turn to accurate depth estimates using Werner deconvolution. This technique can be useful in the redesign or reorientation of a survey with very little flown data. - The use of directly measured longitudinal gradient to estimate diurnal variations of the total field during the time interval in which a survey line is flown. The first three of these horizontal gradiometry applications are shown to be effective, while the use of directly measured longitudinal gradient to track diurnals has not been successful and the reasons are illustrated. For vertical gradiometry, differences between directly measured vertical gradient and vertical gradient calculated from gridded total field, are discussed with examples. Based on data available, it is concluded that directly measured vertical gradient does not provide better resolution and may, in fact, introduce artefacts. I conclude that a lateral gradiometer offers advantages that are complementary to a total field survey, while a vertical gradiometer, which is more difficult to implement, does not.
Demonstration of agent support for user hypotheses in problem diagnosis

We present a web interface agent, Woodstein, that monitors user actions on the web and retrieves related information to assemble an integrated view of a transaction. It manages user hypotheses during diagnosis by capturing users' judgments of the correctness of data and processes. These hypotheses can be shared with others, such as customer service representatives, or saved for later. We will see this feature in the context of diagnosing problems on the web.