cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful management of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum using a three tier grading system for right ventricular hypoplasia.

Background We sought to validate a simple grading scheme for right ventricular hypoplasia in determining suitability for a biventricular repair. Methods We reviewed the medical records for 106 patients with pulmonary atresia-intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) treated between 1982 and 2001. Over this period, children were assigned to mild (>2/3 normal size, 23.7% of patients), moderate (1/3 to 2/3, 41.2%), or severe (1/3, 35.1%) right ventricular hypoplasia, and this grouping, along with severity of coronary anomalies (45% right ventricle to coronary fistulae, 16% with right ventricle dependent coronary circulation [RVDCC]), triaged children to eventual single ventricle (severe) or two-ventricle (mild or moderate) repair. Results Actuarial 10-year survival was 86.3% with mortality predicted by severe hypoplasia (odds ratio [OR] 12.9, p p p p = 0.0009} and non-Caucasian race (RR 6.9, p = 0.007) as significant. Although not an independent risk factor for survival, the degree of hypoplasia was the most important determinant for definitive repair. Severe hypoplasia virtually precluded two-ventricle repair (OR 33.1, p 2 analysis) and was the strongest risk factor for a one-ventricle system (OR 78.7, p Conclusions Surgical management of patients based on this three tier grade for right ventricular hypoplasia results in excellent survival and correctly predicts patients destined for eventual Fontan and biventricular repair.
Streptozotocin-diabetic rats exhibit facilitated adrenocorticotropin responses to acute stress, but normal sensitivity to feedback by corticosteroids.

A variety of chronic stress paradigms have been shown to increase basal activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, resulting in hypercorticoidism. Despite this, chronically stressed rats typically exhibit facilitated ACTH responses to acute novel stress, suggesting that the activity of some central neural component(s) in the axis is facilitated by chronic stress. We have used the chronic stress of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats to determine diurnal sensitivity of basal and stimulated ACTH secretion to exogenous corticosterone (B) feedback in vivo. Control and STZ-diabetic rats were adrenalectomized or adrenalectomized and implanted with a 30% or 50% B pellet at the time of vehicle/STZ injection. Rats were killed 5 days later, under basal conditions or after 6 min of restraint, in the morning or evening. We show that basal ACTH secretion in both the morning and evening was similarly suppressed by B in STZ-diabetic and control rats. However, stress-induced ACTH secretion was ...
Autoradiographic method for quantitation of radiolabeled proteins in tissues using indium-111.

A quantitative autoradiographic method was developed to measure 111In-labeled proteins in extravascular tissues with a spatial resolution sufficient to associate these proteins with tissue morphology. A linear relationship between measured grain density and isotope concentration was demonstrated with uniformly-labeled standard sources of epoxy-embedded gelatin containing [111In]albumin; half-distance of spatial resolution was 0.6 micron. The technique was illustrated by measuring 24-hr accumulation of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-coupled 111In-labeled human polyclonal IgG and human serum albumin (HSA) in a thigh infection model in the rat. Gamma camera images localized the infection and showed target-to-background ratios of 2.5 +/- 0.3 for IgG and 1.4 +/- 0.02 for human serum albumin (mean +/- s.d., n = 3). Using quantitative autoradiography, significantly higher average tissue concentrations were found in the infected thighs at 4 to 4.5% of the initial plasma concentrations as compared to 0.2 to 0.3% of initial plasma concentrations in the noninfected thigh (p less than 0.05); these radiolabeled proteins were not inflammatory cell associated and localized primarily within the edematous interstitial spaces of the infection.
Thermal conversion of bundled carbon nanotubes into graphitic ribbons.

High temperature heat treatment (HTT) of bundled single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in vacuum (∼10-5 Torr) has been found to lead to the formation of two types of graphitic nanoribbons (GNRs), as observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Purified SWNT bundles were first found to follow two evolutionary steps, as reported previously, that is, tube coalescence (HTT ≈ 1400 °C) and then massive bond rearrangement (HTT ≈ 1600 °C), leading to the formation of bundled multiwall nanotubes (MWNTs) with 3−12 shells. At HTT > 1800 °C, we find that these MWNTs collapse into multishell GNRs. The first type of GNR we observed is driven by the collapse of diameter-doubled single-wall nanotubes, and their production is terminated at HTT ≈ 1600 °C when the MWNTs also start to form. We propose that the collapse is driven by van der Waals forces between adjacent tubes in the same bundle. For HTT > 2000 °C, the heat-treated material is found to be almost completely in the multishell GNR form.
The demand for residential electricity: new evidence on time-varying elasticities

This study employs a generalized functional form to examine demand for residential electiricity. The appropriatenes of the conventional double-log and linear forms are tested. Time-varying elasicities are estimated. Major findings are summarized as follows:(1) the double-log and linear forms can be rejected at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels, respectively; (2) long-run own-price elasticities declined in absolute value consistently from 2.13 to 1.19 during the period 1950–87; (3) long-run income elasticities also decreased from 1.29 to 0.97 during the same period; and (4) long-run corss-Price elasticities with respect to the price of natural gas dropped form 0.40 to 0.29. These results may be heplful to decision makers in determining the change in total revenues owning to the change in prices, pricing strategies, the effectiveness of energy conservation programmes, the effect of rising real income on the demand for residential electricity and future demand.
Representations as Decision Aids: The Asymmetric Effects of Words and Numbers on Auditors' Inherent Risk Judgments*

Decision aids often change the representations used to express risk cue information and communicate risk judgments. In this study, we hypothesize that numbers and words may have asymmetric effects when used to represent risk cue information as opposed to when used to communicate risk judgments. Specifically, decision makers' agreement on cue weights and judgment consensus may be higher with cue information stated in words rather than numbers, since appropriately chosen words can more directly convey the risk implications of information cues. In contrast, decision makers' consistency in applying their judgment policies and judgment consensus may be higher with risk judgments communicated in numbers instead of words, because the greater precision available with numbers allows finer discriminations of risk. To test our hypotheses, we conducted an experiment in which experienced financial auditors made inherent risk judgments for a hypothetical manufacturing client. Cue and response representations were manipulated between numbers and words. The results generally support our arguments. In addition, representing cue information in words increased the time required to acquire cue information relative to numeric representation. In contrast, requiring auditors to express their risk judgments in numbers increased the time required to express risk assessments relative to
Systems of Care for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Serious Behavioral Disturbance Through the Lifespan

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder present with unique characteristics, and the interventions designed to address associated challenging behaviors must be highly individualized to best meet their needs and those of their families. This article reviews systems of care to support the child, adolescent, or adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Intellectual Disability. The review describes mental health/behavioral health services, Intellectual Disability and other support systems, and the systems involved in a child and adolescent's life and transition to adulthood. The types of systems and services, as well as barriers, are delineated with a brief listing of Web sites and references.
Auditory elicitation of the P300 event-related evoked potential in the rat

Auditory stimuli were used to elicit a P300 event-related evoked potential (ERP) in rat. Test conditions were comparable to those for eliciting ERP's in humans. A train of background tones with a randomly inserted target tone at a ten to one ratio were presented individually to ten unrestrained subjects in a baseline, a novel, and a trained condition. In the novel condition EEG's were averaged from subjects hearing both background and target stimuli for the first time. In the trained condition, subjects were previously trained using footshock in a shuttle box to discriminate the target tone. A statistical comparison of an ERP peak elicited at approximately 300 msec in both the novel and target condition compared with the baseline demonstrated the presence of the P300 in the rat.
Relation between Atmospheric Pressure Fluctuations and Swine Gestation Length Variation

The relation between atmospheric pressure fluctuations and variation in the length of gestation in domestic swine was studied empirically using factor analysis. Atmospheric pressure's time-rate-of-change was used as a gross indicator of weather changes. Virtually no evidence was obtained to support the existence of any meteorotropic relationship between atmospheric pressure fluctuations and variation in domestic swine gestation length.
Peach Rusty Spot Epidemics: Management with Fungicide, Effect on Fruit Growth, and the Incidence-Lesion Density Relationship

Furman, L. A., Lalancette, N., and White, J. F., Jr. 2003. Peach rusty spot epidemics: Management with fungicide, effect on fruit growth, and the incidence–lesion density relationship. Plant Dis. 87:1477-1486. Different numbers of consecutive fungicide applications, beginning at petal fall and continuing into the summer, were examined for their effect on rusty spot epidemics. Disease progressions for each fungicide level were quantified by fitting either the logistic or monomolecular model. When the weighted absolute infection rate ( ) and maximum disease level (Kmax) parameters were expressed as functions of the number of applications, the logistic decline model provided the best fit for five of six data sets. This model described a gradual decrease in and Kmax in response to the initial fungicide application, a rapid decline in parameter values with the addition of one or two applications, and a diminished parameter response as fungicide applications continued toward the end of the epidemic. Based on examination of model behavior across all 3 years of the study, adequate management was achieved with a total of three to five fungicide applications. Additional analyses of area under the disease progress curve and final disease intensity at harvest supported these results and indicated that further reduction in fungicide usage may be possible. Unlike earlier findings, rusty spot did not significantly decrease fruit volume or weight at midseason or at harvest; as lesion density increased, fruit volume remained constant. The relationship between disease incidence and lesion density within any given year was best explained by the zero-intercept version of the exponential model. However, comparison of model parameters across years revealed significant seasonal variation. Nevertheless, the incidence–lesion density relationships were fairly uniform across years at incidence values below 0.5, where lesion density increased gradually and in a near-linear fashion. Additional keywords: Podosphaera leucotricha, powdery mildew, Prunus persica
Magnetic viscosity, diffusion after-effect, and disaccommodation in natural and synthetic samples.

Summary. The magnetic viscosity of some oceanic basalts from IPOD site 417D is investigated. The samples are fine-grained pillow basalts and coarse-grained massive flows. Experiments on the viscous behaviour of these samples include (1) acquisition and decay of weak-field viscous remanent magnetization (VRM) and (2) the influence on VRM produced by the zero field storage time following demagnetization by an alternating magnetic field. In all cases the aquisition of VRM is found to be more rapid than its subsequent decay. The time dependence of the intensity of VRM is observed to be significantly non-logarithmic during acquisition, but less so during decay. The length of time a sample remains in zero field following demagnetization produces a decrease in the aquisition and decay coefficients of VRM. These results cannot be reconciled entirely with predictions based on existing models of magnetic viscosity due to thermal fluctuations. Available evidence also suggest that the effect on VRM produced by (1) zero field storage following demagnetization or produced by (2) different initial states of magnetization, is attributed to susceptibility disaccommodation. Unfortunately, the available data are insufficient fully to ascertain the importance of diffusion after-effect and disaccommodation to long-term viscous behaviour. It is suggested, however, that diffusional processes may contribute to VRM in young pillow basalts (< 0.1 Ma) near mid-ocean ridges where the oxidation of titanomagnetite produces an increase in the number of octahedral lattice site vacancies and the elevated temperature of the crust enhances the diffusive reordering of these vacancies and ferrous ions. In order to gain some additional insights into VRM and attempt to explain some of these observations, theoretical and experimental results pertaining to diffusion after-effect and disaccommodation in magnetic materials are reviewed.
Fine-structure map of the human ribosomal protein gene RPS14.

Abstract We have used polymerase chain reaction-mediated chemical mutagenesis (J.-J. Diaz, D. D. Rhoads, and D. J. Roufa, BioTechniques 11:204-211, 1991) to analyze the genetic fine structure of a human ribosomal protein gene, RPS14. Eighty-three DNA clones containing 158 random single-base substitution mutations were isolated. Mutant RPS14 alleles were tested for biological activity by transfection into cultured Chinese hamster cells. The resulting data permitted us to construct a map of the S14-coding sequence that is comparable to available fine-structure genetic maps of many prokaryotic and lower eukaryotic gene loci. As predicted from the multiplicity of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions required for ribosomal protein transport and assembly into functional ribosomal subunits, the distribution of null mutations indicated that S14 is composed of multiple, functionally distinct polypeptide domains. Two of the protein's internal domains, designated domains B and D, were essential for S14 biological activity. In contrast, mutations which altered or deleted S14's amino-terminal 20 amino acid residues (domain A) had no observable effect on the protein's assembly and function in mammalian ribosomes. Interestingly, S14 structural domains deduced by in vitro mutagenesis correlate well with the RPS14 gene's exon boundaries.
A Sequential Gradient Method for the Inverse Heat Conduction Problem (IHCP)

A sequential-in-time implementation is proposed for a conjugate gradient method using an adjoint equation approach to solve the inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP). Because the IHCP is generally ill-posed, Tikhonov regularization is included to stabilize the solution and allow for the inclusion of prior information. Aspects of the sequential gradient method are discussed and examined. Simulated one and two-dimensional test cases are evaluated to study the sequential implementation. Numerical solutions are obtained using a finite difference procedure. Results indicate the sequential implementation has accuracy comparable to the standard whole-domain solution, but in certain cases requires significantly more computational time. Benefits of the on-line nature of a sequential method may outweigh the additional computational requirements. Methods to improve the computational requirements, which make the method competitive with a whole domain solution, are given
How effective are your CSR messages? The moderating role of processing fluency and construal level.

Abstract This study explores effective ways for hospitality companies to communicate their corporate social responsibility activities with customers. The moderating role of processing fluency and psychological distance has been examined. The findings suggest that when customers are making a decision for the distant future (e.g., three months later), they are more likely to engage in abstract thinking and rely on metacognitive cues such as processing fluency. As such, a CSR message with high processing fluency will be preferred. On contrary, when customers are making a decision for the near future (e.g., next week), their information processing strategies are influenced by their concrete mental representation of the events. Under such circumstance, customers tend to have a more positive attitude and purchase intention after reading a CSR message with low processing fluency. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed as well.
The Predictive Validity of the Level of Service Inventory—Revised for Drug-Involved Offenders

The Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) has been validated for a variety of criminal justice populations, although one large segment for which the instrument has not been validated is drug-involved offenders. With the increasing implementation of the LSI-R across correctional jurisdictions in the United States and internationally, and with a significant number of offenders having substance abuse histories, validation of the instrument for this population is overdue. Using bivariate correlations and logistic regression analyses, the LSI-R total score was found to be a stable, significant predictor of reincarceration for a sample of 276 drug-involved offenders. This finding held up in multivariate analyses even when controlling for a variety of other factors including age, criminal history, time-at-risk in the community following release from prison, and treatment-related variables.
A Piece of Paper and a Pair of Scissors

In this paper we will discuss the problem of splitting a given geometrical figure in two regions of equal area by drawing a line through a given point in the interior of the figure. For some geometric figures we will further discuss the possibility of splitting the figure in regions with areas p% and (100- p ) % .
The Relationship of Information System Training Methods and Cognitive Ability to End-User Satisfaction, Comprehension, and Skill Transfer: A Longitudinal Field Study

This study compares traditional and nontraditional training techniques with regard to computer related training. Its purpose was to determine which training methods could best be utilized in computer related training to maximize a trainee's retention of material and transfer of learning. A field experiment was conducted using two hundred members of active duty U.S. Naval Construction Battalion as subjects. Evaluation of trainees included a pre-training screening, post-training evaluation immediately after training, and a follow-up session four weeks after the post-training session utilizing previously validated instruments. Training treatments included instruction lecture, exploration independent study, and a nontraditional technique---behavior modeling an enhanced combination of the other two methods. Performance outcomes were operationalized using hands-on task performance and comprehension of the computer system as dependent variables. End-user satisfaction with the computer system was also measured. Two covariates, cognitive ability and system use, were also introduced into the study. The use of hands-on training methods, especially behavior modeling, resulted in superior retention of knowledge, transfer of learning, and end-user satisfaction. Cognitive ability failed to be a good predictor of trainee success but a connection was established between training methodology, system use, and end-user satisfaction.
Effect of Cathode Metal Evaporation Rate on the Deep Trapped Hole Formation in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells

In bulk heterojunction organic solar cells, open-circuit voltage (Voc ) is mainly dependent on the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital and the highest occupied molecular orbital of the donor/acceptor polymer pair in the active layer. However, there are other factors that contribute to considerable reduction in the Voc . The active layer/cathode interface is one of these factors. Previous studies show that e-beam evaporation of the cathode metal contact forms deep interface trap holes in the active layer which increases the Voc of the solar cells. Although these studies show the effect of deeply trapped holes on the Voc , several attempts to elucidate the mechanism behind this effect revealed their subtle and elusive nature. In this work, the effect of cathode contact annealing rate on the overall efficiency is studied. Three different sets of devices were fabricated with varying cathode evaporation rates of 0.1A/s, 1A/s and 5A/s. The results show that at low evaporation rates, atoms in the cathode materials lack adequate energy to form deeply trapped holes. Additionally, above a certain value, the evaporation rate does not have a significant effect on the formation of deeply trapped holes. We also demonstrate that power conversion efficiencies of the devices can be maximized by maintaining the evaporation rate within a specific range.
Analysis of high-frequency Pg/Lg ratios from NTS explosions and western U.S. earthquakes

The high-frequency Pg/Lg discriminant is studied between frequencies of 0.5 and 10 Hz using 294 NTS explosions and 114 western U.S. earthquakes recorded at four broadband seismic stations operated by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The stations are located at distances of about 200 to 400 km from the Nevada Test Site (NTS). Event magnitudes ranged from about 2.5 to 6.5, and propagation paths for the earthquakes range from approximately 175 to 1300 km. The discriminant is shown to be very effective and displays improved separation between earthquakes and explosions as frequency is increased. Because of propagation effects, it is important to apply distance corrections directly to the amplitude ratios or to the magnitude-corrected amplitudes prior to computing the ratios. Multivariate discrimination analysis using both maximum-likelihood Gaussian classifiers and a backpropagation neural network show that approximately 95% of the events can be correctly identified. Both classification procedures were designed to handle missing data filled in using a nearest-neighbor algorithm. Except for a few notable exceptions, most of the earthquake misclassifications occur for mb < 4, which is expected for events having reduced signal-to-noise ratios. All of the explosion misclassifications occur for mb < 4, suggesting a source or near-source effect rather than an effect of poor signal-to-noise ratio. The explosions that were misclassified were typically of magnitude large enough to be classified correctly by mb/Ms or Love-wave energy. The main drawback of the Pg/Lg discriminant is that, because of signal-to-noise considerations and propagation effects, the number of measurements are reduced considerably at higher frequencies. It is expected that the problem will be amplified as magnitudes are reduced and event-receiver distances are increased.
CETS: compiler enforced temporal safety for C

Temporal memory safety errors, such as dangling pointer dereferences and double frees, are a prevalent source of software bugs in unmanaged languages such as C. Existing schemes that attempt to retrofit temporal safety for such languages have high runtime overheads and/or are incomplete, thereby limiting their effectiveness as debugging aids. This paper presents CETS, a compile-time transformation for detecting all violations of temporal safety in C programs. Inspired by existing approaches, CETS maintains a unique identifier with each object, associates this metadata with the pointers in a disjoint metadata space to retain memory layout compatibility, and checks that the object is still allocated on pointer dereferences. A formal proof shows that this is sufficient to provide temporal safety even in the presence of arbitrary casts if the program contains no spatial safety violations. Our CETS prototype employs both temporal check removal optimizations and traditional compiler optimizations to achieve a runtime overhead of just 48% on average. When combined with a spatial-checking system, the average overall overhead is 116% for complete memory safety
Excursiones históricas en la educación superior en Estados Unidos de Norteamérica

Higher education in the United States has been transformed in the last decade as never before in its three hundred years of history. Even though its origin is intimately linked to the religious groups of English settlers, nowadays it is characterized by increasing opportunities of access for students and by a decentralized system which allows institutional diversity. This paper is intended to explain both features by means of a retrospective journey along the main trends of current American higher education; and on the way, a critical review is done of its development, policies, similarities and differences when compared with other countries' higher education.
Virtual simulator for testing a vision based pose estimation system for autonomous capture of satellites with interface rings

This paper describes the design and the performance of a virtual simulation environment to evaluate a machine vision based pose estimation system used for the general problem of satellite servicing. The vision system features a wide angle monocular camera to track the interface ring of a non-cooperative satellite using ellipse extraction. The effects of the camera parameters and of the relative camera-satellite position on the system accuracy are evaluated. Different parameters such as resolution, field of view angle, distortion, occlusions and errors in the intrinsic parameters are considered. The study reveals the importance of the availability of such a visual simulation environment for the purpose of mission planning.
The critical pressures of multicomponent hydrocarbon mixtures and the critical densities of binary hydrocarbon mixtures

A method of predicting the critical pressures of multicomponent hydrocarbon mixtures of known composition has been developed. These mixtures include ternary, quaternary, and quinary systems consisting of normal and isoparaffins, olefins, acetylenes, naphthenes, and aromatics. The method, based upon the mole fraction of the low-boiling component in the mixture, graphically presents the ratio of the actual critical pressure to the pseudocritical pressure as a function of a boiling parameter. For mixtures of more than two components the pseudocritical pressure is based on the critical pressure of the pure low-boiling component and on the actual critical pressure of the mixture consisting of all the remaining higher-boiling components. From an analysis of twenty-seven binary systems (139 compositions) the average deviation of calculated values from reported values is 1.27%. For thirty-four mixtures containing from three to seven components the average deviation is 1.64%. Based upon a similar approach graphical relationships are presented for the estimation of the critical molar density of binary hydrocarbon mixtures of known composition, which also may contain normal and isoparaffins, olefins, nuphthenes, and aromatics. The same boiling point parameter is used to correlate the ratio of the critical density to the reciprocal of the molar average critical volume for nonmethane systems and the product of the critical pressure and the critical volume for methane systems. From an analysis of fifteen binary systems (eighty compositions) the average deviation of calculated values form reported values is 1.54%.
A randomized controlled trial of a probiotic combination VSL# 3 and placebo in irritable bowel syndrome with bloating.

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the effects of a combination probiotic on symptoms and colonic transit in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and significant bloating. Methods: Forty-eight patients with Rome II IBS were randomized in a parallel group, double-blind design to placebo or VSL# 3 twice daily (31 patients received 4 weeks and 17 patients 8 weeks of treatment). Pre- and post-treatment colonic transit measurements were performed using scintigraphy with 111In charcoal. Symptoms were summarized as an average daily score for the entire period of treatment and separately for the first 4 weeks of treatment. Weekly satisfactory relief of abdominal bloating was assessed. Results: Treatment with VSL# 3 was associated with reduced flatulence over the entire treatment period (placebo 39.5 ± 2.6 vs VSL# 3 29.7 ± 2.6, P = 0.011); similarly, during the first 4 weeks of treatment, flatulence scores were reduced (placebo 40.1 ± 2.5 vs VSL# 3 30.8 ± 2.5, P = 0.014). Proportions of responders for satisfactory relief of bloating, stool-related symptoms, abdominal pain and bloating scores were not different. Colonic transit was retarded with VSL# 3 relative to placebo (colon geometric center 2.27 ± 0.20 vs 2.83 ± 0.19, P = 0.05 respectively). Conclusion: VSL# 3 reduces flatulence scores and retards colonic transit without altering bowel function in patients with IBS and bloating.
Modest hyperglycemia prevents interstitial dispersion of insulin in skeletal muscle

Abstract Insulin injected directly into skeletal muscle diffuses rapidly through the interstitial space to cause glucose uptake, but this is blocked in insulin resistance. As glucotoxicity is associated with endothelial dysfunction, the observed hyperglycemia in diet-induced obese dogs may inhibit insulin access to muscle cells, and exacerbate insulin resistance. Here we asked whether interstitial insulin diffusion is reduced in modest hyperglycemia, similar to that induced by a high fat diet. Methods During normoglycemic (100 mg/dl) and moderately hyperglycemic (120 mg/dl) clamps in anesthetized canines, sequential doses of insulin were injected into the vastus medialis of one hindlimb; the contra-lateral limb served as a control. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed for insulin content. Lymph vessels of the hind leg were also catheterized, and lymph samples were analyzed as an indicator of interstitial insulin concentration. Results Insulin injection increased lymph insulin in normoglycemic animals, but not in hyperglycemic animals. Muscle glucose uptake was elevated in response to hyperglycemia, however the insulin-mediated glucose uptake in normoglycemic controls was not observed in hyperglycemia. Modest hyperglycemia prevented intra-muscularly injected insulin from diffusing through the interstitial space reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake. Conclusion Hyperglycemia prevents the appearance of injected insulin in the interstitial space, thus reducing insulin action on skeletal muscle cells.
Cell-specific involvement of HNF-1β in α1-antitrypsin gene expression in human respiratory epithelial cells

The synergistic action of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1α and HNF-4 plays an important role in expression of the α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT) gene in human hepatic and intestinal epithelial cells. Rec...
Robust control for underwater vehicle systems with time delays

A robust control scheme is presented for controlling systems with time delays. The scheme is based on the Smith controller and the LQG/LTR (linear quadratic Gaussian/loop transfer recovery) methodology. The methodology is applicable to underwater vehicle systems that exhibit time delays, including tethered vehicles that are positioned through the movements of a surface ship and autonomous vehicles that are controlled through an acoustic link. An example, using full-scale data from the tethered vehicle ARGO, demonstrates the developments. >
Emerging Roles of SIRT1 in Cancer Drug Resistance

Innate resistance to various therapeutic interventions is a hallmark of cancer. In recent years, acquired resistance has emerged as a daunting challenge to targeted cancer therapy, which abolishes the efficacy of otherwise successful targeting drugs. Cancer cells gain the resistance property through a variety of mechanisms in primary and metastatic cancers, involving cellular intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Increasing evidence suggests that the mammalian stress response gene sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) plays a critical role in multiple aspects of cancer drug resistance. SIRT1 decreases drug penetration, confers proliferation and antiapoptotic survival advantages to cancer cells, facilitates acquired resistance through genetic mutations, promotes the survival of cancer stem cells, and changes the tumor microenvironment for resistance in cell-autonomous and -nonautonomous manners. This article provides an overview of research advances in the roles of SIRT1 in cancer drug resistance and highlights the prospect of targeting SIRT1 as a new strategy to overcome cancer drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcomes.
A compact theory of magnetic nerve stimulation: predicting how to aim

Background: A compact theory that predicts quantitatively when and where magnetic neurostimulation will occur is needed as a guide to therapy, ideally providing a single equation that defines the target volume of tissue excited by single or dual coils. Methods: A first-principles analysis of magnetic stimulation incorporating a simplified description of electromagnetic fields and a simplified cable theory of the axon yields a mathematical synthesis predicting how to aim. Results: Nerve stimulation produced by a single circular coil having one or more closely packed turns occurs in donut shaped volume of tissue beneath the coil. Axons spanning several millimeters are the sites of magnetic stimulation. The sites of maximal transmembrane depolarization in nerve fibers correspond to points where the axons enter or exit this volume of magnetically induced voltage and current. The axonal membrane at one end is depolarized locally during the rising phase of current in the coil. The axonal membrane at the opposite end is depolarized locally during the falling phase of current in the coil. Penetration depths of several centimeters from the skin surface or approximately one to two coil radii are practical. With two coils placed in a figure-of-eight configuration the separate clockwise and counterclockwise currents generate magnetic fields that add, producing maximal stimulation of a spindle shaped volume, centered at a depth of one-third to one-half coil radius from the body surface. Conclusions: This condensed synthesis of electromagnetic theory and cable theories of axon physiology provides a partial solution to the targeting problem in peripheral and in transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Diving deeper to predict noncoding sequence function.

The deep learning–based method DeepSEA predicts the molecular function of noncoding DNA polymorphisms.
Quickly Placing a Point to Maximize Angles

Given a set P of n points in the plane in general position, and a set of non-crossing segments with endpoints in P , we seek to place a new point q such that the constrained Delaunay triangulation of P[fqg has the largest possible minimum angle. The expected running time of our (randomized) algorithm is O(n 2 logn) on any input, improving the near-cubic time of the best previously known algorithm. Our algorithm is somewhat complex, and along the way we develop a simpler cubic-time algorithm quite dierent from the ones already known.
Using commercially available tools for multifaceted health assessment: data integration lessons learned.

Health monitoring data collected from multiple available intake devices provide a rich resource to support older adult health and wellness. Though large amounts of data can be collected, there is currently a lack of understanding on integration of these various data sources using commercially available products. This article describes an inexpensive approach to integrating data from multiple sources from a recently completed pilot project that assessed older adult wellness, and demonstrates challenges and benefits in pursuing data integration using commercially available products. The data in this project were sourced from a) electronically captured participant intake surveys, and existing commercial software output for b) vital signs and c) cognitive function. All the software used for data integration in this project was freeware and was chosen because of its ease of comprehension by novice database users. The methods and results of this approach provide a model for researchers with similar data integration needs to easily replicate this effort at a low cost.
Long noncoding RNA LINP1 regulates repair of DNA double-strand breaks in triple-negative breast cancer

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles during tumorigenesis by functioning as scaffolds that regulate protein-protein, protein-DNA or protein-RNA interactions. Using a clinically guided genetic screening approach, we identified lncRNA in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway 1 (LINP1), which is overexpressed in human triple-negative breast cancer. We found that LINP1 enhances repair of DNA double-strand breaks by serving as a scaffold linking Ku80 and DNA-PKcs, thereby coordinating the NHEJ pathway. Importantly, blocking LINP1, which is regulated by p53 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, increases the sensitivity of the tumor-cell response to radiotherapy in breast cancer.
A NEW MATHEMATICAL METHOD CONSTITUTING HOT ROLLED TEMPERATURE OF HEAVY AND MEDIUM PLATE FOR PLAIN CARBON STEEL

A new mathematical model constituting temperature schedule was established in or- der to realize flexible rolling of heavy and medium plate,in which the architecture of artificial neuron network (ANN) with optimal ability to predict mechanical properties was first constituted,and then, temperature schedule was constituted by genetic algorithm (GA).It is shown that mechanical prop- erties can be well-predicted by recursive functions and ANN,and the precision predicted by ANN is higher than that by recursive functions.Finishing temperature and final cooling temperature among schedule ones are most important factors for mechanical properties.Mechanical properties calculated by temperature schedule and recursive mechanical-property functions agreed well with desired re- sults.The temperature schedule constituted can be used to produce some steel plates with the same compositions but different strengths.
Research on UHV GIS/HGIS Vibration Detection and Diagnosis Method

This paper puts forward a new detecting and fault diagnosis method for the UHV GIS/HGIS.The mentioned method detects and diagnoses faults by detecting the vibration of the GIS/HGIS.The paper gives out to diagnose the GIS fault by power spectrum analysis first,and make fingerprints for the UHV HGIS by monitoring these apparatus.This method was first used in the UHV engineering project,which has proved its effectiveness and precise.This method would be of significance to find out potential faults and fault positioning of GIS/HGIS in early stage.
Intervention Study on AIDS KAP among CSWs in Entertainment Sites in Lu'an City

Objective To identify the changes of AIDS knowledge,attitude and practice(KAP) among commercial sex workers(CSWs) in entertainment sites in Lu'an city in order to provide information for making decision on AIDS prevention and control strategies.Methods After indepth interviews and structured questionnaire interviews,intervention activities including heath education,condom promotion,voluntary counseling and testing(VCT) services,were implemented among CSWs in entertainment sites in Lu'an city.An assessment was conducted after intervention using the same questionnaire.Results The KAP level was different among different sites and the KAP level at post-intervention was higher than pre-intervention.The condom use rates at last commercial sex were 95.7% and 56.3% among CSWs at hotel/bath center(high level) and beauty bar/small hotel(low level) respectively(P0.005).The condom use rates at last commercial sex were 62.4% and 80.1% at baseline and post-intervention respectively(P0.005).Conclusions The condom use rate was low among CSWs at low level sites,such as beauty bars and small hotels.The comprehensive intervention could effectively raise AIDS KAP among CSWs in Lu'an city.
Effects of dietary alfalfa-orchardgrass hay and lasalocid on sow reproductive performance.

Forty-eight second, third and fourth parity crossbred sows were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments: corn:alfalfa-orchardgrass hay (46%; CH); CH plus lasalocid (CHL); corn-soybean meal (CS) or CS plus lasalocid (CSL). Sows were fed these diets through two successive gestations with dietary treatment initiated at 35 d post-coitum and continued until parturition. To equalize daily metabolizable energy intake {6.6 Mcal/sow), 2.64 kg of CH and CHL diets and 1.86 kg of CS and CSL diets were fed. Lasalocid intake was 130 mg �9 sow "l �9 d "~. Sows were weighed and backfat measurements were taken at 35 and 109 d of gestation. Sows also were weighed 14 d postpartum. A 14% crude protein corn-soybean meal diet was fed ad libitum to all sows during lactation and feed intake was recorded. Colostrum samples were obtained within 4 h of farrowing. All live piglets were weighed at birth and 14 d of age. There were no significant differences among dietary treatments in number of live piglets born, piglet birth weight, piglet weight at 14 d of age or sow rebreeding efficiency. Sows fed CHL and CSL diets had more (P<.I2) live piglets at 14 d postpartum and lower (P<.03) total fat in colostrum than did CH- and CS-fed sows. Alfalfaorchardgrass hay feeding resulted in less (P<.04) backfat deposition during gestation, more (P<.04) weight loss from 109 d postcoitum to 14 d postpartum and increased (P<.002) feed consumption during lactation. These results indicate that the corn:alfalfa-orchardgrass hay (46%) diet was essentially equal to the corn-soybean meal diet with regard to sow reproductive performance. Dietary lasalocid reduced fat percentage of sow colostrum.
No Child is an Island: Contextual Pediatrics and the “New” Health Supervision

This article emphasizes the necessity for the pediatrician to view the child, the family, and the community as a part of a seamless continuum. For their maximal effectiveness, the disease prevention and health promotion goals of child health supervision require such a contextual pediatric approach.
Light Sheet Microscopy in Cell Biology

Light sheet-based fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is emerging as a powerful imaging technique for the life sciences. LSFM provides an exceptionally high imaging speed, high signal-to-noise ratio, low level of photo-bleaching, and good optical penetration depth. This unique combination of capabilities makes light sheet-based microscopes highly suitable for live imaging applications. Here, we provide an overview of light sheet-based microscopy assays for in vitro and in vivo imaging of biological samples, including cell extracts, soft gels, and large multicellular organisms. We furthermore describe computational tools for basic image processing and data inspection.
Gender dysphoria, serious mental illness, and genital self-mutilation: A case report

ABSTRACTTransgender individuals have consistently been shown to have higher rates of many psychiatric conditions, likely due to societal discrimination and trauma. While psychotic disorders are not of known higher prevalence among transgender patients, other etiologies of serious mental illness (SMI), including posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and mood disorders, are more common. Genital self-mutilation is sensationalized, but uncommon, in transgender people. It is poorly understood how SMI affects propensity for genital self-mutilation in this population. The following is a case of a 43-year-old transgender woman with SMI, presenting with genital self-mutilation in the setting of an acute mood episode with psychosis. She identified a lack of access to care, including an inability to receive medical assistance in obtaining sex reassignment treatment, as a major stressor contributing to her self-injury. Previous cases and analyses of genital self-mutilation among transgender patients h...
Identifying the Palisades of Vogt in Human Ex Vivo Tissue.

Abstract Purpose The Palisades of Vogt (POV) constitute the corneal epithelial stem cell niche, but identification of this region in ex vivo tissue is difficult. Here we introduce a simple, direct method of identifying the POV in unsectioned, ex vivo human tissue. Methods Twenty-two eyes were studied, four whole and eighteen rims. Orientation of whole eyes was determined and the eyes were marked to maintain their cardinal orientation prior to dissection. Samples were imaged with brightfield, linearly polarized light and transmitted circularly polarized light (CPL), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) volumes were acquired in all twelve clock hrs around the limbus. Five samples were also fluorescently labeled to identify the epithelial basement membrane, and whole mounts were imaged with laser scanning confocal microscopy. Images were compared to confirm that the structures visible with polarized light were POV. Results Under CPL the POV presented as amber radial ridges visible in the superior and inferior regions of the tissue. Identification of POV was confirmed by correlating the structures seen under CPL, OCT and laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Conclusions CPL can be used to quickly identify POV regions in donor tissue. This technique can assist in targeted harvesting of stem cell regions for research and tissue for limbal transplant.
Recent checks on the radiometric and spatial calibration of AIRS in-orbit

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on the EOS Aqua Spacecraft was launched on May 4, 2002 and is currently fully operational. AIRS acquires hyperspectral infrared radiances in 2378 channels ranging in wavelength from 3.7-15.4 um with spectral resolution of better than 1200, and spatial resolution of 13.5 km with global daily coverage. The AIRS was designed to measure temperature and water vapor profiles for improvement in weather forecast and improved parameterization of climate processes. Currently the AIRS Level 1B Radiance Products are assimilated by NWP centers worldwide and have shown considerable forecast improvement. Although the calibration of AIRS (< 200 mK 3 sigma) is sufficient for data assimilation into Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, long term trends of Earth’s climate require radiances with stability approaching 10 mK/year, and absolute accuracies better than 100 mK. This investigation uses views of space during roll maneuvers of the Aqua spacecraft to calibrate the mirror emission (one of the largest error sources for AIRS) and reduce the residual errors in cold scenes. We also present results of a secondary study that uses MODIS data to determine the alignment of the AIRS boresight. In this study we match AIRS and MODIS data and iterate on the assumed boresight to find the minimum difference in signal. In this way we are able to confirm the boresight projections determined shortly after launch.