cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local Dynamics at Focal Points Coupled with Elliptic Directions

We investigate local dynamics of a 4-dimensional system with small and slowly varying time periodic forcing. By assuming the unperturbed system is autonomous and has a fixed point with eigenvalues \((0,0,i,-i)\), we study homoclinic, subharmonic solutions and Hopf bifurcation in a \(O(\epsilon )\) neighborhood of the fixed point, where \(\epsilon \) is the perturbation parameter.
Kinematic separation of mixtures

A phenomenon of spontaneous separation of components in an initially uniform fluid mixture is found experimentally. A qualitative explanation of the effect is proposed in terms of nonparallel streamlines in the medium.
Brainpower — Our greatest asset

The problem of the availability of brainpower for maintenance of our economic and social organization is in reality two closely connected problems, as discussed, and both are related to the question as to whether our colleges can produce in the form of engineers, administrators, etc., the necessary brainpower for our expanding economy.
Correlation of maximum urethral closure pressure with Valsalva leak point pressure using air-charged urodynamic catheters

The objective of this study was to measure the correlation of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) with Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) in women with urodynamic stress incontinence using air-charged urodynamic catheters. Records of all women who underwent urodynamic testing for urinary incontinence using air-charged catheters over a 3-year period were reviewed. Data included scores on the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). One hundred ninety-three women met the criteria for urodynamic stress incontinence. There was a modest correlation of MUCP with VLPP at 200 mL (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) and a low correlation of MUCP with VLPP at maximum capacity (r = 0.35, p < 0.001). There was no correlation of UDI-6 or IIQ-7 scores with MUCP or VLPP. The low to modest correlation of VLPP with MUCP with air-charged catheters is similar to what has been reported with water-filled and microtransducer catheters.
Differential growth responses of soil bacterial taxa to carbon substrates of varying chemical recalcitrance

Soils are immensely diverse microbial habitats with thousands of co-existing bacterial, archaeal, and fungal species. Across broad spatial scales, factors such as pH and soil moisture appear to determine the diversity and structure of soil bacterial communities. Within any one site however, bacterial taxon diversity is high and factors maintaining this diversity are poorly resolved. Candidate factors include organic substrate availability and chemical recalcitrance, and given that they appear to structure bacterial communities at the phylum level, we examine whether these factors might structure bacterial communities at finer levels of taxonomic resolution. Analyzing 16S rRNA gene composition of nucleotide analog-labeled DNA by PhyloChip microarrays, we compare relative growth rates on organic substrates of increasing chemical recalcitrance of >2,200 bacterial taxa across 43 divisions/phyla. Taxa that increase in relative abundance with labile organic substrates (i.e., glycine, sucrose) are numerous (>500), phylogenetically clustered, and occur predominantly in two phyla (Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria) including orders Actinomycetales, Enterobacteriales, Burkholderiales, Rhodocyclales, Alteromonadales, and Pseudomonadales. Taxa increasing in relative abundance with more chemically recalcitrant substrates (i.e., cellulose, lignin, or tannin-protein) are fewer (168) but more phylogenetically dispersed, occurring across eight phyla and including Clostridiales, Sphingomonadalaes, Desulfovibrionales. Just over 6% of detected taxa, including many Burkholderiales increase in relative abundance with both labile and chemically recalcitrant substrates. Estimates of median rRNA copy number per genome of responding taxa demonstrate that these patterns are broadly consistent with bacterial growth strategies. Taken together, these data suggest that changes in availability of intrinsically labile substrates may result in predictable shifts in soil bacterial composition.
Prediction of extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure spectra from molecular interaction models: Na + (H 2 O) n -MgO (100) interface

A theoretical approach is presented that can be used to model extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectra for complex systems at finite temperatures. This method has the ability to compute, directly, the effects of thermal motion on EXAFS spectra and to deconvolve the EXAFS signal into contributions from individual scattering paths. Classical molecular-dynamics simulations of the interface are used to generate configurations corresponding to a given temperature and are used to compute the Debye-Waller factors for {ital all} (single and multiple) scattering paths. Interface geometries and first- (r{sub eff}), second- ({sigma}{sup 2}), and third-order cumulants are computed directly from the configurations and input into the multiple-scattering x-ray-absorption fine-structure code, FEFF6, which calculates the EXAFS spectra. This method is applied to predict EXAFS spectra of sodium ions adsorbed at the MgO (100) interface at three types of surface sites{emdash}flat terrace, step edge, and step corner (kink). The calculations indicate that the experiments should only be able to detect signals from sodium ions adsorbed onto defect sites{emdash}step edges and corners. {ital In situ} spectra are computed from models of Na{sup +} at the aqueous-MgO interfaces using sodium ions imbedded in finite water clusters. The strong overlap of features attributable to the water oxygensmore » and the nearest-neighbor surface oxygens may complicate the structural analysis from the experimental spectra; however, the scattering from the magnesium atoms and focusing multiple-scattering paths at longer distances are clear signatures of the interface. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Charles Bonnet Syndrome: An Early Marker for Dementia?

OBJECTIVE To clarify the neuropsychological function in patients with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. DESIGN Control group comparison study. SETTING University of Chicago Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS The neuropsychological function of 15 older adults with presenting complaints of visual hallucinations who met criteria for Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) were compared with 11 demographically matched controls to determine if there was any evidence of functional brain impairment. CBS patients were screened for focal brain lesions and epileptic disturbance via MRI and EEG and also received pattern visual evoked potentials and ophthalmological examinations. MEASUREMENTS Scores from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test were compared. RESULTS Significant differences were found between the two groups on the neuropsychological measures. Moreover, 14 of 14 subjects had ocular abnormalities and six of eight had abnormal age-corrected pattern visual evoked potentials indicative of dysfunction in the visual system. CONCLUSIONS The results of the study indicate that patients diagnosed with Charles Bonnet Syndrome evidence neuropsychological changes commonly associated with the early stages of dementia. Therefore, in patients with impaired vision, the appearance of cognitive deficits, albeit subtle, occur with the onset of visual hallucinations. We propose that isolated visual hallucinations in the older adult may be an indication of the early stages of dementia.
MicroRNA-21 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and a potential predictor of survival.

Background MicroRNAs are small (18–22 nucleotides) noncoding RNAs involved in posttranscriptional modification of many target genes. One of these, microRNA-21 (miR-21), has been shown to play a role in multiple hematologic and solid organ malignancies. We sought to determine the expression pattern of miR-21 in pancreatic cancers and its impact on clinicopathologic characteristics.
Error analysis of pattern recognition systems: the subsets bootstrap

A biometric system is an instance of a pattern recognition system with well-defined error conditions, which allows objective statistical error analysis. Biometrics is an emerging technology with fierce competition between many manufacturers using a variety of biometrics, such as, fingerprints, for recognizing human identities. Manufacturers of biometric systems are continuously refining the technology and claiming "high accuracy." This may be defined simply as a system that works or as a system that makes very few or no errors. Obviously, such loose definitions of accuracy are undesirable and there is a need for a precise definition. We argue that biometric match score accuracy is best expressed in terms of a curve, the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. More importantly, we argue that confidence intervals, or margins of error, should be provided for this curve. This allows for determining whether accuracy differences between systems are really statistically significant. We introduce a novel bootstrap technique for computing the confidence regions of the error estimates and compare them to a commonly used parametric method. This bootstrap technique is inspired by the moving blocks bootstrap, which samples with replacement from blocks of data thereby accounting for dependence among the data. Our approach samples with replacement from specifically determined subsets of the data. We call this new bootstrap technique "the subsets bootstrap."
Photoreactions of macrocyclic dyes bound to human serum albumin

The photophysical properties of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H2TSPP), its tin (IV) complex (SnTSPP), aluminium(III) trisulfonatophthalocyanine (AIPCS), and the corresponding zinc(II) complex (ZnPCS), have been measured in H2O, D2O, and upon binding to human serum albumin (HSA). The triplet excited states of the various macrocyclic dyes generate singlet molecular oxygen, O2(1 delta g) in high quantum yield upon illumination in O2-saturated solution, even in the presence of HSA. The triplet states also abstract an electron from 4-aminophenol, forming the radical anion of the macrocycle. Quenching rate constants and quantum yields have been measured for the various processes in the presence and absence of HSA. It is found that HSA binds all the dyes at nonspecific sites close to the interface in such a manner that the dyes remain accessible to species residing in the solution phase. Dyes that do not possess axial ligands complexed to the central cation (e.g. H2TSPP, ZnPCS) are able to bind also at a deeper, more specific site on the protein where they are protected from species in solution. Under such conditions, triplet quenching by 4-aminophenol is restricted to long-distance electron tunnelling, for which the rate is relatively slow.
Protein Structural Conformation and Not Second Virial Coefficient Relates to Long-Term Irreversible Aggregation of a Monoclonal Antibody and Ovalbumin in Solution

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship of the second virial coefficient, B 22, to the extent of irreversible protein aggregation upon storage. A monoclonal antibody and ovalbumin were incubated at 37°C (3 months) under various solution conditions to monitor the extent of aggregation. The B 22 values of these proteins were determined under similar solution conditions by a modified method of flow-mode static light scattering. The conformation of these proteins was studied using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and second-derivative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Both proteins readily aggregated at pH 4.0 (no aggregation observed at pH 7.4); the extent of aggregation varied with the ionic strength and the presence of cosolutes (sucrose, glycine, and Tween 80). Debye plots of the monoclonal antibody showed moderate attractive interactions at pH 7.4, whereas, at pH 4.0, nonlinear plots were obtained, indicating self-association. CD studies showed partially unfolded structure of antibody at pH 4.0 compared with that at pH 7.4. In the case of ovalbumin, similar B 22 values were obtained in all solution conditions irrespective of whether the protein aggregated or not. CD studies of ovalbumin indicated the presence of a fraction of completely unfolded as well as partially unfolded species at pH 4.0 compared with that at pH 7.4. The formation of a structurally altered state is a must for irreversible aggregation to proceed. Because this aggregation-prone species could be an unfolded species present in a small fraction compared with that of the native state or it could be a partially unfolded state whose net interactions are not significantly different compared with those of the native state, yet the structural changes are sufficient to lead to long-term aggregation, it is unlikely that B 22 will correlate with long-term aggregation.
Expression and Replication Timing Patterns of Wildtype and Translocated BCL2 Genes

Translocation of the BCL2 gene from chromosome 18 to chromosome 14 results in constitutive expression of the gene. We have recently demonstrated that the major breakpoint region (mbr) of BCL2, which is implicated in 70% of t(14;18) translocations present in human follicular lymphoma, is a matrix attachment region. Since these regions are implicated in control of both transcription and replication, we wished to determine whether BCL2 translocation was also accompanied by changes in replication timing of the translocated allele. Using both fluorescence in situ hybridization and allele-specific PCR, we have demonstrated that the translocated allele replicates at the G1/S boundary, while the wildtype allele continues to replicate as usual in mid-S phase. These differences are accompanied by allele-specific changes in BCL2 expression. Since the net structural effect of t(14;18) translocations within the mbr is to disrupt the BCL2 MAR and replace it with the IGH MARs located just downstream of each breakpoint, we conclude that MAR exchange is a significant, selectable outcome of these translocations. We propose that subsequent changes of replication and transcriptional patterns for the translocated BCL2 allele result from this exchange and represent important early steps in lymphomagenesis.
Optically detected magnetic-resonance study of triplet-state dynamics in C70.

We present studies of fluorescence, phosphorescence, photoinduced absorption, and their respective optically detected magnetic resonance of ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ molecules dispersed in polystyrene glasses. Two distinct triplet excitons are identified with principle zero-field splitting parameters ($D\ensuremath{\approx}0.0089 \mathrm{and} 0.0098$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, respectively) almost twice those reported in the literature ($D\ensuremath{\approx}0.0052$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). The first triplet is axially symmetric ($E\ensuremath{\approx}0$) and phosphorescent. Dramatic changes in the line shape and intensity of this triplet are observed as the temperature increases due to a dynamic Jahn-Teller effect. The second triplet, which is believed to arise from strained ${\mathrm{C}}_{70}$ molecules, has no axial symmetry ($E\ensuremath{\approx}\frac{D}{3}$) and is not phosphorescent.
The GIT/PIX complex: an oligomeric assembly of GIT family ARF GTPase-activating proteins and PIX family Rac1/Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factors.

Abstract GIT proteins are GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) small GTP-binding proteins, and interact with the PIX family of Rac1/Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factors. GIT and PIX transiently localize p21-activated protein kinases (PAKs) to remodeling focal adhesions through binding to paxillin. To understand the role of these interactions, the association of GIT and PIX proteins was examined in detail. Two separable binding interactions link GIT and PIX proteins, GIT and PIX proteins each dimerize and a β-PIX fragment containing the GIT-binding region failed to inhibit the association of the GIT and PIX proteins. Endogenous GIT and PIX co-fractionate at a very high molecular size. Purified 6xHis-tagged β-PIX from Sf9 cells co-expressing untagged GIT1 yields recombinant GIT1/β-PIX complexes that have equal amounts of β-PIX and GIT1 and co-fractionate at the same large size as native GIT/PIX complexes. Thus, GIT and PIX proteins are tightly associated as a multimeric nexus capable of linking together important signaling molecules, including PAKs.
Diagnostics and Computational Modeling of Argon, Helium, and Deuterium Helicon Plasmas in Nonuniform Magnetic Fields

Summary form only given. Radiofrequency helicon waves are excited in argon, helium, and deuterium at a frequency of 13.56 MHz with input RF powers of up to 2.5 kW using a half-turn double helix antenna. The effect on radial density profiles and ionization efficiency due to nonuniform axial static magnetic field profiles is investigated, with peak magnetic fields of up to 1 kG. The ionization efficiency in eV per electron-ion pair is calculated using measured density profiles and flow rates to determine the overall efficiency of plasma production in the source. Optimization of the magnetic field profile for maximum source efficiency is performed. Plasma density results obtained with a Langmuir probe are cross-checked with those obtained using a 105 GHz interferometer in helium and deuterium. Wave and optical measurements are obtained to investigate an abrupt transition marked by a sharp density increase and strong visual blue core observed in argon for higher powers and magnetic field strengths. Computational modeling is performed using the ANTENA2 code to predict and support plasma wave measurements for a variety of configurations
Changes in Task Uncertainty Induced by Zero-Base Budgeting: Using the Thompson and Hirst Models to Predict Dysfunctional Behaviour

Generic budgeting systems such as PPBS and Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) are criticized by academics for failing to give consideration to some of the key variables affecting behaviour in budgeting endeavours. Despite this criticism, the literature has devoted little attention to modifications that can be made to make the systems more responsive to different configurations of organizational variables. This paper addresses this oversight in regard to ZBB. In particular the paper discusses ZBB within the context of two variables: (a) the degree of task uncertainty engendered by the system and (b) the character of performance measures used to evaluate units that employ ZBB. The paper argues that ZBB materially increases the degree of task uncertainty. Configured with the type of performance measures used to evaluate departments employing ZBB, the paper maintains that the increase in task uncertainty creates incentives to engage in dysfunctional behaviour, largely in the form of invalid data reporting. It is hypothesized that this problem may be responsible for the general failure of ZBB to lead to large budget re-allocations.
Chorioamnionitis, Cytokines, and Brain Injury

To the Editor .— The important study by Shalak et al1 unfortunately left me confused and perplexed. Their stated purpose was to determine if any of the cytokines “were correlated with short-term neonatal neurologic outcomes including depression at birth … and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.” They have indeed found such a correlation but have, I believe, misdiagnosed “hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy” (HIE). The authors state that HIE and/or seizures were defined in accordance with recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These criteria are unfortunately stated out of context. The presence of the findings of low Apgar scores at …
Uncovering a Hidden Talent

Chemotherapy is part of the standard treatment for many advanced cancers. Traditionally, it is thought to work by directly killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. However, some chemotherapeutics appear to have hidden talents that may better explain their cancer-fighting abilities. In a recent study, Ma et al. explain how one class of chemotherapeutic agents, anthracyclines, may work by activating a potent antitumor immune response. In a series of experiments, mice with intact immune systems were given mitoxantrone or doxorubicin—two anthracycline chemotherapies—to treat a diversity of implanted syngeneic tumors. The authors found that a population of myeloid cells rapidly accumulated in the tumor after systemic chemotherapy. Recruitment of these CD11c+CD11b+Ly6Chigh myeloid cells, which share some characteristics of inflammatory dendritic cells, depended on adenosine 5´-triphosphate (ATP) released from the dying cancer cells and on a type of purinergic receptor that permits monocytes to travel to the site of apoptotic cells. Ma et al. next tested the connection between the CD11c+CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells and the antitumor effects of anthracycline chemotherapy. First, by experimentally depleting or blocking the intratumoral accumulation of these cells, the authors abolished the antitumor activity of the chemotherapy. This effect was not seen when other dendritic cells populations were depleted. Second, the transfer of purified CD11c+CD11b+Ly6Chigh cells collected from tumor-bearing mice was able to confer protective immunity against subsequent tumor challenge to naive mice. These two lines of evidence support the notion that the immune system, by using a specific a population of dendritic cells, is required for the antitumor activity of anthracylines. Additional studies will be needed to see if anthracyclines bring about similar changes in human tumors and to compare anthracyclines with other chemotherapeutic agents. Nevertheless, Ma et al. have uncovered an important, immune-dependent mechanism of the activity for a very commonly used class of chemotherapy. By engaging the immune system, these agents appear to deliver a one-two punch, combining direct tumor cell–killing with immune protection against tumor growth. Y. Ma et al. , Anticancer chemotherapy-induced intratumoral recruitment and differentiation of antigen-presenting cells. Immunity . 38 , 729–741 (2013). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/immunity/retrieve/pii/S1074761313001386
Quark selection principle. II. Pseudoscalar meson form factor

Abstract The quark selection principle proposed earlier is applied to the calculation of the elastic electromagnetic form factor of a pseudoscalar meson. The Bethe-Salpeter equation is inapplicable, and it is assumed instead that the quark-antiquark wavefunction satisfies a free Dirac equation for each particle. A spatial boundary condition is applied instantaneously in the rest system, and the dependence on relative time is inferred by adapting an argument given by Wick. Initial and final states are then obtained by applying appropriate Lorentz boosts to the resulting rest-system wavefunction. It is found that the form factor falls of for large momentum transfer like 1 q 2 .
Behavioral flexibility in age castes of the antPheidole dentata

Division of labor among size and age classes in social insect colonies is a fundamental aspect of sociality, with such classes typically showing behavioral specialization and being associated with particular tasks for prolonged periods of time (i.e., forming castes). Theoretically, such specialization and division of labor enhance efficiency and, ultimately, reproductive success, and the ratios among members of those castes are hypothesized to be under selection and adaptive. However, our recent field study of the ant Pheidole dentatashowed no correlation between ecological factors which should affect colony growth and those caste ratios but implied flexibility in the association between minor worker age castes and their tasks. In laboratory experiments on behavioral flexibility in minor age castes of P. dentataold workers in colonies without young workers competently perform both old worker (caste“typical”) and young worker (“atypical”) tasks, and vice versa. The implications of these results for ergonomie theory are considered.
Hyperfine Separation of Deuterium

The hyperfine separation of deuterium has been measured by a spin-exchange technique in which deuterium interacts with radiating hydrogen in a hydrogen maser. Resonance of the deuterium is detected by its effect on the hydrogen oscillation power level. The result is $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}(\mathrm{D})=327 384 352.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25$ cps in the $A1$ time scale [$\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}(\mathrm{Cs})=9 192 631 770$ cps]. A theoretical analysis of the technique and experimental details are presented.
Soluble interleukin-2 receptor and soluble CD8 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid during human immunodeficiency virus-associated neurologic disease

Abstract We have measured levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and soluble CD8 (sCD8) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 127 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive and 51 HIV-seronegative individuals. Serum levels of sIL-2R and sCD8 were higher in HIV+ than in HIV− individuals. HIV+ individuals were grouped by neurological status: asymptomatic, abnormal on neuropsychological screening, HIV-related meningitis, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, opportunistic central nervous system (CNS) infections and HIV-related dementia, myelopathy or sensory neuropathy. Serum levels of sIL-2R and sCD8 were higher in all HIV+ categories compared to HIV− individuals. Patients with HIV-related meningitis had higher levels of sIL-2R and sCD8 than asymptomatic HIV+ individuals, and inflammatory polyneuropathy patients had higher levels of sCD8. CSF levels of sCD8 were higher in all categories of HIV+ than in HIV− individuals. Patients with HIV-related meningitis, inflammatory neuropathy and opportunistic infections had higher levels than asymptomatic individuals. Examination of the time course showed that serum and CSF levels of sIL-2R and sCD8 increased to very high levels during acute HIV infections. Serum levels then declined over several months to relatively stable elevated levels. By 1–2 years after HIV infection sIL-2R was relatively low in CSF, while sCD8 ramained elevated with a gradual decrease over the subsequent years of follow-up.
Microwave radiometric measurements of sea surface temperature from the seasat satellite: first results.

Initial results from the Seasat scanning multichannel microwave radiometer indicate that the sea surface temperature can be measured with a root-mean-square sensitivity of 1.2 C or better. The first microwave map of sea surface temperature for the entire Pacific has been produced.
Constitution, configuration, and the optical activity of chiral dendrimers

Three series of zeroth to second generation chiral dendrimers, 7−9, 10−12, and 13−15, were prepared by convergent methods using chiral, nonracemic AB2 monomers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Chiroptical data revealed a significant change in molar rotation per subunit ([Φ]D/n) as dendrimer generation increased for dendrimers 7−9 and 10−12, but not for dendrimers 13−15, a possible indication of chiral conformational order in the former two series of dendrimers, but not in the last. However, the optical activities ([Φ]D) of low-molecular-weight model compounds 16 (+262) and 17 (+122), prepared to simulate different regions of the dendrimer structure, suggest that as generation size increases slight constitutional changes have a strong effect on the chiroptical properties of the dendrimer subunits. Using the [Φ]D values of these and other (18−23) low-molecular-weight model compounds, we calculated [Φ]D values for dendrimers 7−15 that agree within 14% of the observed values. Agreement between the optical activity ...
Fundamental sensitivity limit imposed by dark 1/f noise in the low optical signal detection regime

The impact of dark 1/f noise on fundamental signal sensitivity in direct low optical signal detection is an understudied issue. In this theoretical manuscript, we study the limitations of an idealized detector with a combination of white noise and 1/f noise, operating in detector dark noise limited mode. In contrast to white noise limited detection schemes, for which there is no fundamental minimum signal sensitivity limit, we find that the 1/f noise characteristics, including the noise exponent factor and the relative amplitudes of white and 1/f noise, set a fundamental limit on the minimum signal that such a detector can detect.
Reoperation for Left Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation After Atrioventricular Septal Defect Repair

Background Left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) is a major cause of morbidity after atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair. This study evaluates the outcomes of repair and replacement of the left atrioventricular valve after AVSD correction, as well as factors predictive of durability of valve repair. Methods Between January 1983 and March 2007, 31 patients underwent reoperation for LAVVR after AVSD repair (23 valve repairs and 8 valve replacements). Median age at primary repair was 5.0 months and time to reoperation was 5.0 months. The distribution of AVSD morphology was 9 primum, 5 transitional, and 17 complete. Results Early postoperative mortality was 6.4% (2 of 31). Survival at 10 years was 88.1%. At a mean follow-up of 8.2 years, 86% of hospital survivors were in New York Heart Association class I. Overall freedom from reintervention at 10 years was 67.2%. Among patients undergoing primary repair, 6 of 23 underwent subsequent replacement. Follow-up LAVVR in those who did not require subsequent valve replacement was mild or less in 92.8%. Factors that demonstrated a trend toward durable repair included the use of patch augmentation rather than primary cleft closure (p = 0.02) and earlier timing to repair (less than 2 months; p = 0.03). Significant cardiomyopathy developed in 21.4% of patients after prosthetic valve replacement (3 of 14). Conclusions Surgical management of LAVVR after AVSD repair can be performed with excellent midterm outcomes. However, both repair and replacement are associated with a high incidence of reoperation. Nonetheless, an aggressive reparative approach should be pursued to avoid the morbidity of pediatric left atrioventricular valve replacement that includes anticoagulation, inevitable reoperation, and cardiomyopathy.
Intravenous insulin decreases protein breakdown in infants on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract Background/Purpose Infants requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) have the highest rates of protein catabolism ever reported. Recent investigations have found that such extreme protein breakdown is refractory to conventional nutritional management. In this pilot study, the authors sought to use the anabolic hormone insulin to reduce the profound protein degradation in this cohort. Methods Four parenterally fed infants on ECMO were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, crossover trial. Subjects were administered an insulin infusion using a 4-hour hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp followed by a control saline infusion on consecutive days in random order. Whole-body protein flux and breakdown were quantified using a primed continuous infusion of the stable isotope l-[1- 13 C]leucine. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t tests. Results Serum insulin levels were increased 15-fold during the insulin clamp compared with the saline control (407 ± 103 v 26 ± 12 μU/mL; P v 298 ± 38 μmol/kg/h; P v 227 ± 54 μmol/kg/h; P P Conclusions In this pilot study, the anabolic hormone insulin markedly reduced protein breakdown in critically ill infants on ECMO. Because elevated protein breakdown correlates with mortality and morbidity, the administration of intravenous insulin may ultimately have broad applicability to the metabolic management of critically ill infants.
3‐D magnetic inversion with data compression and image focusing

We develop a method of 3‐D magnetic anomaly inversion based on traditional Tikhonov regularization theory. We use a minimum support stabilizing functional to generate a sharp, focused inverse image. An iterative inversion process is constructed in the space of weighted model parameters that accelerates the convergence and robustness of the method. The weighting functions are selected based on sensitivity analysis. To speed up the computations and to decrease the size of memory required, we use a compression technique based on cubic interpolation.Our method is designed for inversion of total magnetic anomalies, assuming the anomalous field is caused by induced magnetization only. The method is applied to synthetic data for typical models of magnetic anomalies and is tested on real airborne data provided by ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company.
Implementing FEA and CAD on personal computers and workstations

Abstract Currently, the use of the personal computer and the personal engineering workstation is rapidly increasing. However, many engineers are not aware of the power and flexibility that they offer. These systems can offer support for important engineering software such as finite element analysis (FEA) and computer aided design (CAD). This work will cover current capabilities in these areas, discuss their interaction, and predict some trends in capabilities for the personal computers.
Functional Estrogen Receptors in the Mitochondria of Breast Cancer Cells

Steroid hormones have been reported to indirectly impact mitochondrial functions, attributed to nuclear receptor-induced production of proteins that localize in this cytoplasmic organelle. Here we show high-affinity estrogen receptors in the mitochondria of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and endothelial cells, compatible with classical estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. We report that in MCF-7, estrogen inhibits UV radiation-induced cytochrome C release, the decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptotic cell death. UV stimulated the formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS), and mROS were essential to inducing mitochondrial events of cell death. mROS mediated the UV activation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and protein kinase C (PKC) δ, underlying the subsequent translocation of Bax to the mitochondria where oligomerization was promoted. E2 (estradiol) inhibited all these events, directly acting in mitochondria to inhibit mROS by rapidly up-regulating manganese superoxide dismutase activity. We implicate novel functions of ER in the mitochondria of breast cancer that lead to the survival of the tumor cells.
Images and Constructs: Can the Neural Correlates of Self be revealed through Radiological Analysis

In this paper I argue that radiological attempts to elucidate the properties of self -- an endeavor currently popular in the social neurosciences -- are fraught with conceptual difficulties. I first discuss several philosophical criteria that increase the chances we are posing the “right” questions to nature. I then discuss whether these criteria are met when empirical efforts are directed at one of the central constructs in the social sciences – the human self. In particular, I consider whether recent attempts to map the neural correlates of self and its assumed properties using brain scanning technology satisfy the conceptual conditions minimally required to ask well-formed, theoretically satisfying questions of nature. I conclude that much theoretical work remains to be done.
What is journalism? Professional identity and ideology of journalists reconsidered

The history of journalism in elective democracies around the world has been described as the emergence of a professional identity of journalists with claims to an exclusive role and status in society, based on and at times fiercely defended by their occupational ideology. Although the conceptualization of journalism as a professional ideology can be traced throughout the literature on journalism studies, scholars tend to take the building blocks of such an ideology more or less for granted. In this article the ideal-typical values of journalism’s ideology are operationalized and investigated in terms of how these values are challenged or changed in the context of current cultural and technological developments. It is argued that multiculturalism and multimedia are similar and poignant examples of such developments. If the professional identity of journalists can be seen as kept together by the social cement of an occupational ideology of journalism, the analysis in this article shows how journalism in the...
Knee Simulator Wear of Vitamin E Stabilized Irradiated Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Wear and damage of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial inserts used in total knee arthroplasty are accelerated by oxidation. Radiation crosslinking reduces wear but produces residual free radicals adversely affecting stability. One alternative to stabilize radiation-crosslinked UHMWPE is to infuse the material with vitamin E (vit E). We investigated the properties of 100-kGy e-beam-irradiated UHMWPE that was subsequently doped with vitamin E in comparison with conventional UHMWPE. Both polymers were sterilized with gamma irradiation in vacuum packaging. Vitamin E-doped UHMWPE showed lower wear before and after aging (2.4 ± 0.5 and 2.5 ± 0.8 mg/million cycle, respectively, vs 26.9 ± 3.5 and 40.8 ± 3.0 mg/million cycle for conventional UHMWPE). Conventional UHMWPE showed oxidation after accelerated aging, and its mechanical properties were adversely affected, whereas vit E-doped UHMWPE showed no oxidation or changes in its mechanical properties. Vitamin E stabilization of radiation-crosslinked UHMWPE resulted in low wear and high oxidation resistance; it is an alternative load-bearing material for total knee applications.
Infrared spectroscopic studies of the nonformaldehyde durable press finishing of cotton fabrics by use of polycarboxylic acids

A number of polycarboxylic acids have been used successfully as new nonformaldehyde cross-linking agents for cotton fabrics. In our previous research, Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR/PAS) demonstrated the ability for characterizing ester cross-linkages in the finished cotton fabrics. In this research, the effects of different acid concentrations, different catalyst concentrations, different curing temperatures, and different curing times on the ester cross-linking of the cotton fabrics were determined by FTIR/PAS. The infrared spectroscopic data were also correlated to durable press (DP) ratings. FTIR appears to be useful for evaluating the effectiveness of polycarboxylic acids as cross-linking agents for cotton fabrics. FTIR definitely complements the existing methods for evaluating finished textile fabrics.
Premature discharge of patients from ICU increases mortality

The pressure on intensive care beds has led to the discharge of patients before clinically indicated. It has been shown that discharging patients with high TISS scores increases mortality [1], and it has been stated that 'premature' discharge is likely to worsen outcome [2]. We postulated that premature discharge would increase mortality, and that this would be independent of the different TISS scores that were likely to occur. All ICU patients discharged alive to the ward during 1997-1999, whose reason for discharge had been recorded by the ICU consultant as fully fit or premature were studied. We excluded those discharged for palliative care. We compared the groups APACHE II, admission risk of death, length of ICU stay and last TISS using ANOVA. We then assessed the relative risk of hospital mortality and investigated the association between TISS on day of ICU discharge, reason for discharge and mortality using ordinal regression analysis. 552 patients were identified (Premature Group 145, Fully Fit Group 407). ANOVA identified a significant difference in last TISS, but no significant difference in APACHE II, risk of death or ICU length of stay (Table ​(Table1).1). The hospital mortality was greater in the premature group (relative risk 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.5). Both last TISS and discharge reason were found to be independent indicators of hospital mortality (Table ​(Table22). Table 1 ICU data for patients Table 2 Ordinal regression for hospital mortality using last TISS and premature discharge Patients who leave ICU before they are considered fit for discharge are twice as likely to die, despite minimal difference in their risk of death on ICU admission. Although they are receiving more care when they are discharged the excess mortality in those discharged prematurely is equivalent to that associated with a further increase in last TISS of 14 points.
Decreased conduction velocity in the proximal projections of myelinated dorsal root ganglion cells in the cat

tThe myelinated primary afferent fibers arising from cells of the spinal dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have been thought to have generally constant fiber diameter and, hence, constant conduction velocity over their entire course6 except for branching terminally within the spinal cord17 and peripherally near the receptors. A similar assessment for motor neuron axons has recently been challenged by physiologic data showing a 25 % decrease in conduction velocity for the segment between brachial plexus and spinal cord in the baboon1. The same authors further claimed to have evidence for similar proximal slowing in myelinated afferents from evoked potential recordings in dorsal roots, although they presented no data on the subject. In this study, conduction velocities were measured in the distal and proximal processes of individual DRG cells. Eleven adult male and female cats were surgically prepared by L4-S1 laminectomy under deep pentobarbital anesthesia while positioned in a stereotaxic frame. During the experiment, the animal was paralyzed with Flaxedil and artificially ventilated; the temperature of the body and the mineral oilfilled spinal pool were maintained automatically at 36-38 "C. Bipolar stimulating electrodes (pairs of platinum hooks) were placed on the distal stump of the cut right L7 dorsal root and on the sciatic nerve which was dissected free but left intact in the posterior groove between the hamstrings. Monophasic electrical pulses (0.1 or 0.3 msec duration) from isolated bipolar constant current stimulators were always delivered using the hoolc closest to the ganglion as cathode. Conduction distances were I measured in situ at the end of each experiment by laying a piece of string from the cathode to the center of the ganglion. Dorsal root distances varied from 15 to 22 mm and sciatic nerve varied from 91 to 133 mm. The methods are described in greater I detail elsewherel3. Extracellular single unit records were obtained with glass insulated platinumiridiumz1 or Parylene insulated tungsten14 microelectrodes which were inserted in pairs into the intact L7 DRG. Filtering and differential recording were used to cancel the mass potential evoked by synchronous electrical activation of the DRG cells, and single ganglion cell soma potentials were clearly discernible at threshold as all-or
Longitudinal monitoring of patients with Parkinson's disease via wearable sensor technology in the home setting

Objective longitudinal monitoring of symptoms related motor fluctuations can provide valuable information for the clinical management of patients with Parkinson's disease. Current methods for long-term monitoring of motor fluctuations, such as patient diaries, are ineffective due to their time consuming and subjective nature. Researchers have shown that wearable sensors such as accelerometers can be used to gather objective information about a patient's motor symptoms. In this paper, we present preliminary results from our analysis on wearable sensor data gathered during longitudinal monitoring of 5 patients with PD. Our results indicate that it is possible to track longitudinal changes in motor symptoms by training a regression model based on Random Forests.
Dispersion optimization of exfoliated graphene nanoplatelet in polyetherimide nanocomposites: Extrusion, precoating, and solid state ball milling

Polyetherimide (PEId) nanocomposites reinforced with exfoliated graphite (graphene) nanoplatelets (GNP) were fabricated by various processing methods to achieve good dispersion including: melt-extrusion, precoating, solid state ball milling (SSBM) as well as combinations of these methods. As a result of the precoating approach, the electrical conductivity is greatly increased with a percolation threshold as low as 2 wt% as compared to 10 wt% for melt-extrusion, with the cost of lower mechanical properties. SSBM was investigated as an alternative process to enhance dispersion, adhesion and to reduce GNP size. High electrical conductivity and improved modulus were achieved by this approach. Further improvements to the mechanical properties could be made by combining the extrusion and SSBM approaches. Examination of the nanocomposite morphology explains the effect of these combined compounding approaches on GNP particle dispersion and their relation to the improved GNP/PEId nanocomposite performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fine scale analysis of gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster gonads reveals Programmed cell death 4 promotes the differentiation of female germline stem cells

Background Germline stem cells (GSCs) are present in the gonads of Drosophila females and males, and their proper maintenance, as well as their correct differentiation, is essential for fertility and fecundity. The molecular characterization of factors involved in maintenance and differentiation is a major goal both in Drosophila and stem cell research. While genetic studies have identified many of these key factors, the use of genome-wide expression studies holds the potential to greatly increase our knowledge of these pathways.
Ration Digestibilities and Ruminal Characteristics in Steers Fed Sunflower Seeds with Additional Calcium

Abstract Twenty Holstein steers were in a 5-day digestion trial to evaluate use of oil-type sunflower seeds included at 10% of ration dry matter. Treatments were four total mixed rations consisting of (dry matter) 48% corn silage, 9% chopped alfalfa hay, and 43% one of four concentrate mixes: corn and soybean meal (positive control); corn, soybean meal, and 22% whole-rolled sunflower seeds (negative control); negative control plus 3.5% additional limestone; or negative control with sunflower seeds treated with 2% calcium hydroxide. Ad libitum intakes of dry matter were not different but tended to be less for steers fed additional calcium diets. Cellulose digestion was depressed, and digestibilities of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber tended to be less for negative control. Digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, lipid, gross energy, calcium, and magnesium were not different among treatments. Concentration of propionate was elevated in ruminal fluid from steers fed sunflower seeds. Concentrations of insoluble fatty acid salts or soaps were elevated in ruminal fluid solids and feces from steers fed sunflower seeds but were not increased by additional calcium. Fatty acid profiles of ruminal fluid solids and feces were not altered by additional calcium. Digestion of fiber was depressed in steers fed diets containing sunflower seeds without additional calcium but not in steers fed additional calcium as limestone or calcium hydroxide. Improved digestion of fiber with additional calcium could not be attributed to increased formation of fatty acid soaps in the rumen.
Endoscopic inferior meatal antrostomy

An inferior maxillary sinus antrostomy is useful for several reasons. In patients with open medial antrostomies who are having persistent infections a secondary cilial dysfunction may be present. An inferior antrostomy provides an alternate pathway of drainage allowing the cilia to become functional. It also helps for polyp disease, thick secretions, large retention cysts, maxillary related choanal polyps or fungal disease removal. It gives better exposure to the floor and anterior maxillary sinus. The use of an medial based nasal flap which can be elevated prior to the antrostomy enhances healing if a larger permanent window is desired. The window can be made small, if temporary, or large, if permanent, as is necessary.