cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Management of Geriatric Hypertension in Health Maintenance Organizations

Objective: To evaluate the quality of medical care received by Medicare enrollees with hypertension in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) compared to that received by a similar group of elderly hypertensives in a fee-for-service (FFS) setting. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used to study an historical cohort of newly evaluated hypertensive patients over a 2-year period. Setting: Medicare HMO and FFS practice settings. Participants: Eight Medicare HMOs and 87 FFS primary care physicians in the same communities were selected. A sample of 685 elderly hypertensive patients was studied, 336 in FFS settings and 349 in HMOs. Measurements and Main Results: An expert panel of physicians selected standards of care for the management of geriatric hypertension, and medical records were reviewed. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.01) in recording medications (94.5% HMO versus 88% FFS) and smoking histories (75.8% HMO versus 64.7% FFS), checking orthostatic blood pressures (9.5% HMO versus 3.3% FFS), performing funduscopy (44.4% HMO versus 27% FFS), completing cardiac examinations (90.8% HMO versus 79.8% FFS), and obtaining chest x-rays (72.8% HMO versus 64.3% FFS, P < 0.05). Treatment and follow-up were similar between the two groups, except that FFS hypertensives were more likely to have medications adjusted and electrolytes ordered. Conclusions: The results suggest that elderly hypertensives in HMOs receive equal or better quality of care for most criteria compared to elderly hypertensives in FFS settings.
Renal calyceal anatomy characterization with 3-dimensional in vivo computerized tomography imaging

Purpose: Calyceal selection for percutaneous renal access is critical for safe, effective performance of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Available anatomical evidence is contradictory and incomplete. We present detailed renal calyceal anatomy obtained from in vivo 3-dimentional computerized tomography renderings.Materials and Methods: A total of 60 computerized tomography urograms were randomly selected. The renal collecting system was isolated and 3-dimensional renderings were constructed. The primary plane of each calyceal group of 100 kidneys was determined. A coronal maximum intensity projection was used for simulated percutaneous access. The most inferior calyx was designated calyx 1. Moving superiorly, the subsequent calyces were designated calyx 2 and, when present, calyx 3. The surface rendering was rotated to assess the primary plane of the calyceal group and the orientation of the select calyx.Results: The primary plane of the upper pole calyceal group was mediolateral in 95% of kidneys and the pr...
Comments on modelling the diffusion-controlled adsorption of surfactants

In this study, dynamic interfacial tension data are obtained with a drop volume tensiometer at the mineral oil-water interface for Triton X-100 dissolved in the water phase, and for Span 80 dissolved in the oil phase. Surfactant adsorption is modelled under diffusion-controlled conditions using either long or short diffusion time approximations. A dimensionless parameter relating adsorption time, ta, to a characteristic diffusion time of each surfactant, tD, is introduced in order to determine the general applicability of the diffusion approximations. In the case of Triton X-100, the long time approximation is valid, and the ratio of ta/τD is found to be much greater than one. In the case of Span 80, the short time approximation provides a good fit to the experimental data, and the ratio ta/τD is found to be on the order of unity or less. A consideration of experimental data found in the literature for other surfactants leads to the general conclusion that the ratio ta/τD is useful in characterising diffusion-controlled adsorption of surfactants. Dans cette etude des donnees de tension interfaciale dynamique sont obtenues a l'aide d'un tensiometre de volume de gouttes a l'interface huile minerale-eau pour du Triton X-100 dissous dans la phase aqueuse et du Span 80 dissous dans la phase huileuse. L'adsorption du surfactant est modelisee dans des conditions controlees par la diffusion a l'aide d'approximations de temps de diffusion longs ou courts. Un parametre adimensionnel reliant le temps d'adsorption,taa un temps de diffusion caracteristique de chaque surfactant, tD, est introduit afin de determiner l'applicabilite generale des approximations de diffusion. Dans le cas du Triton X-100, l'approximation des temps longs est valide et le rapport de ta/τD s'avere beaucoup plus grand que un. Dans le cas du Span 80, l'approximation des temps courts montre un bon accord avec les donnees experimentales et le rapport de ta/τD s'avere inferieur ou egal a l'unite. D'apres des donnees experimentales obtenues de la litterature scientifique pour d'autres surfactants, on arrive ala conclusion generale que le rapport ta/τD est utile pour caracteriser l'adsorption de surfactants controlee par la diffusion.
Oxidant stress: a key determinant of atherothrombosis

ROS (reactive oxygen species) are normal products of oxidative cellular metabolism. These biochemically active free-radical derivatives of molecular oxygen serve as normal signalling molecules in the vasculature; however, an excess of vascular ROS flux occurs in the setting of risk factors for atherothrombosis or established atherothrombosis. The oxidant stress that ROS generate promotes endothelial dysfunction, causes oxidative injury to vascular cells, oxidizes lipoproteins and accelerates atherothrombogenesis. Antioxidant enzymes that are important in limiting vascular oxidant stress include the superoxide dismutases, catalase, glutathione peroxidases and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The consequences of acquired and inherited deficiencies of these antioxidant enzymes for vascular oxidant stress, endothelial dysfunction and atherothrombosis will be reviewed.
Clinical stage IEA-IIEA orbital lymphomas: outcomes in the era of modern staging and treatment.

Abstract Background and purpose : The present study examines outcomes in patients with primary orbital lymphomas who underwent complete staging. Materials and methods : From 1978 to 1997, 21 adult patients at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center had stage IEA–IIEA orbital non-Hodgkin's lymphomas based on staging that included computed tomography scans. Sixteen (76%) patients had working formulation low-grade lymphomas, and five (24%) had aggressive lymphomas. Fourteen of 16 (88%) patients with low-grade lymphomas were treated with radiotherapy alone, and four of five (80%) patients with aggressive lymphomas were treated using combination chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. Total radiotherapy doses ranged from 30.0 to 40.0 Gy using daily 1.5–2.0 Gy fractions. Results : The median follow-up was 84 months. For the low-grade lymphomas, the 5-year local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 100, 100, and 92%, respectively. For the seven low-grade lymphomas treated with radiotherapy alone to 30.0 Gy in 20 fractions, the 5-year local control, progression-free, and overall survival rates were 100, 100, and 75%, respectively. The 5-year incidence of complications, which were typically mild, in eyes irradiated to 30 Gy in 20 fractions versus higher biologically effective doses were 25 and 38%, respectively ( P =0.62). Of the five patients with aggressive lymphomas, none of the four who underwent chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy relapsed (all four remain alive), whereas the one treated with radiotherapy alone for stage IEA disease experienced a distant relapse. Conclusions : In patients with low-grade lymphomas, a good therapeutic ratio was obtained with low-dose radiotherapy alone. In patients with aggressive lymphomas, chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy resulted in excellent local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival; however, the statistical power was limited.
Quantitative scintigraphy with deconvolutional analysis for the dynamic measurement of hepatic function

A mathematical technique known as deconvolutional analysis was used to provide a critical and previously missing element in the computations required to quantitate hepatic function scintigraphically. This computer-assisted technique allowed for the determination of the time required, in minutes, of a labeled bilirubin analog (99mTc-disofenin) to enter the liver via blood and exit via bile. This interval was referred to as the mean transit time (MTT). The critical process provided for by deconvolution is the mathematical simulation of a bolus injection of tracer directly into the afferent blood supply of the liver. The raw data required for this simulation are obtained from the intravenous injection of labeled disofenin, a member of the HIDA family of radiopharmaceuticals. In this study, we perform experiments which document that the simulation process itself is accurate. We then calculate the MTT under a variety of experimental conditions involving progressive hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and correlate these results with the results of simultaneously performed BSP determinations and hepatic histology. The experimental group with the most pronounced histologic findings (necrosis, vacuolization, disorganization of hepatic cords) also have the most prolonged MTT and BSP half-life. However, both quantitative imaging and BSP testing are able to identify milder degrees of hepatic ischemic injury not reflected in the histologic evaluation. Quantitative imaging with deconvolutional analysis is a technique easily adaptable to the standard nuclear medicine minicomputer. It provides rapid results and appears to be a sensitive monitor of hepatic functional disturbances resulting from ischemia and reperfusion.
Approximate formulations for 0-1 knapsack sets

We show that for each 0<@e@?1 there exists an extended formulation for the knapsack problem, of size polynomial in the number of variables, whose value is at most (1+@e) times the value of the integer program.
Palliation for advanced pancreatic cancer: an analysis of cost and clinical outcome

Abstract Introduction: Both surgical and nonsurgical methods are available to palliate either biliary or duodenal obstruction in advanced pancreatic cancer. However, there remains controversy as to the optimal method of palliation with regard to both benefit to patient and durability of procedure. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal method of palliation in terms of both clinical and cost outcomes in patients who were unresectable at exploratory laparotomy. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent exploration for presumed resectable pancreatic cancer based on preoperative imaging. Type of bypass performed was at the surgeon’s discretion. Charts were analyzed for procedures, hospital stay, complications, development and treatment of postoperative biliary or duodenal obstruction, and length of survival. Cost-based analysis was performed using relative value units (RVUs) for initial and any subsequent palliative therapy. Statistical analysis used Student’s t-test, ANOVA, and Kaplan-Meier survival calculations. Results: From 1993–2002, 96 patients underwent laparotomy but were found to harbor unresectable pancreatic cancer. Of these patients, 6 (6.3%) had biliary bypass, 38 (39.6%) had a double bypass, 40 (41.7%) had duodenal bypass, and 12 (12.5%) had neither. Mean survival among groups was not different (5.01–7.94 months; p = 0.24). Postoperative length of stay was similar between all groups (11.4–13.2 days, p = 0.82) as was operative morbidity (p = 0.85). However, if biliary bypass was not initially performed, there was a significant number of biliary complications prior to definitive stenting (p = 0.01). If duodenal bypass was not initially performed, there was a significant amount of duodenal obstruction (p = 0.04). Total cost based on RVU’s (initial operative procedure and additional palliative treatment, if needed) was highest for the patients undergoing double bypass (34.86), followed by biliary bypass (28.4), then duodenal bypass (19.68), and finally no initial surgical palliative procedure (13.76). Conclusion: Although operative treatment may be more costly, biliary and duodenal bypass procedures at initial exploration provide the most durable palliation with decreased need for later reintervention and no affect on perioperative morbidity or postoperative hospital stay.
A new method for the determination of equilibrium constants through binding capacity measurements.

The recent discovery of the negligible contribution of the triply ligated species to the oxygenation process of human hemoglobin A0 (S.J. Gill, E. Di Cera, M.L. Doyle, G.A. Bishop and C.H. Robert, Biochemistry 26 (1987) 3995) has pointed out the high precision of differential binding measurements. These measurements closely approximate the binding capacity (E. Di Cera, S.J. Gill and J. Wyman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85 (1988) 449) of the system and can be used to calculate higher derivatives of the binding curve. We develop here a new method for the determination of equilibrium constants through binding capacity measurements by which the physical parameters expressing the optical properties of the system are eliminated in the data analysis.
Adaptive modulation with smoothed flow utility

We consider the problem of choosing the data flow rate on a wireless link with randomly varying channel gain, to optimally trade off average transmit power and the average utility of the smoothed data flow rate. The smoothing allows us to model the demands of an application that can tolerate variations in flow over a certain time interval; we will see that this smoothing leads to a substantially different optimal data flow rate policy than without smoothing. We pose the problem as a convex stochastic control problem. For the case of a single flow, the optimal data flow rate policy can be numerically computed using stochastic dynamic programming. For the case of multiple flows on a single link, we propose an approximate dynamic programming approach to obtain suboptimal data flow rate policies. We illustrate, through numerical examples, that these approximate policies can perform very well.
CREST Syndrome: Clinical Manifestations and Dental Management

Scleroderma is a multisystem connective tissue disease of unknown etiology, which is characterized by inflammation, vascular, and fibrotic changes of the skin as well as various internal organs. This article will review the systemic form of scleroderma known as CREST syndrome, its clinical manifestations including the dentofacial complications, as well as provide information to assist the prosthodontist in managing the dental treatment for patients with this disease.
Reflecting-cavity IR temperature sensors: an analysis of spherical, conical, and double-wedge geometries

Reflective cavity pyrometers are increasingly used for on-line temperature sensing of metal sheets. The presence of the reflector increases the effective emissivity of the sheet, thus reducing the measurement error. Hemispherical geometries have been mostly used in the past for the reflector. This paper presents a Monte-Carlo analysis for a number of different cavity configurations. The value of the effective emissivity is evaluated for different cavity parameters and standoff range over the sheet as well as for different degrees of the metal sheet real emissivity. It will be shown, in particular, that a trucated hemisphere with centre of curvature belowthe sheet is preferable to the more conventional full hemisphere to reduce losses due to sheet fluttering. Applications to infurnace temperature monitoring of steel sheets will be indicated.
Redefining the Role of the Quaternary Shift in the Allosteric Inhibition of Bacillus Stearothermophilus Phosphofructokinase

Bacillus stearothermophilus PFK (BsPFK) is a homotetramer that is allosterically inhibited by phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), which binds along one dimer-dimer interface. The substrate, fructose-6-phosphate (Fru-6-P), binds along the other dimer-dimer interface. The inhibitor-bound structure compared to the substrate-bound structure of wild-type BsPFK exhibits a 7° rotation about the substrate binding interface, termed the quaternary shift. Evans, et. al. proposed that the quaternary shift is the mechanism for allosteric inhibition for BsPFK. However, the main role of the quaternary shift may be in ligand binding and not allosteric inhibition. The variant D12A BsPFK shows a 100-fold increase in the binding affinity for PEP, a 50-fold decrease in the binding affinity for Fru-6-P, and a coupling comparable to wild-type. Crystal structures of apo and PEP bound forms of D12A BsPFK both indicate a shifted structure similar to the inhibitor-bound structure of wild-type. Remarkably, D12 does not directly bind to either substrate or inhibitor, and is located along the substrate binding interface. A conserved hydrogen bond between D12 and T156 takes place across the substrate binding interface in the substrate-bound form of BsPFK. The variant T156A BsPFK, when compared to wild-type, shows a 30-fold increase in PEP binding affinity, a 17-fold decrease in Fru-6-P binding affinity, and an estimated coupling that is at least wild-type coupling. In addition, T156A BsPFK crystal structure exhibits a shifted structure similar to D12A BsPFK and the inhibitor-bound structure of wild-type. PEP still inhibits these variants of BsPFK despite the fact that the enzymes are in the quaternary shifted position prior to PEP binding. Therefore the quaternary shift of BsPFK primarily perturbs ligand binding but does not directly contribute to heterotropic allosteric inhibition. Supported by NIH Grant GM33216 and Welch Foundation Grant A1548.
Examining Associations Between Narcissism, Behavior Problems, and Anxiety in Non-Referred Adolescents

The present study examined associations between narcissism (total, adaptive, and maladaptive), self-esteem, and externalizing and internalizing problems in 157 non- referred adolescents (aged 14 to 18). Consistent with previous research, narcissism was positively associated with self-reported delinquency, overt aggression, and relational aggression. Maladaptive narcissism showed unique positive associations with aggression and delinquency variables, while adaptive narcissism showed unique negative associations with anxiety symptoms. In general, self-esteem was negatively related to internalizing and externalizing problems. An interaction effect was observed for self-esteem and narcissism in predicting overt aggression. Specifically, at high levels of self-esteem narcissism was significantly associated with overt aggression, whereas it was not at low levels of self- esteem. The current results add to the growing body of research on the role of narcissism in the development of adjustment problems in youth.
Sharing objects as structural defects in object-oriented programming without safe typing

Abstract Many object-based and object-oriented programming languages have no way of directly preventing structural defects due to the sharing of objects. Languages such as C++, Smalltalk and Eiffel fall into the category of unsafe object languages where these defects can and do occur. This error can be prevented by use of object languages supporting safe, strong typing structures. Examples falling into this category are Ada83 and Ada95 with their limited private, strong typing and unsharable constructs. The paper shows how unsafe object sharing is prevented using these constructs. Applications where safety and security are important should be implemented using languages in this latter category.
Animal Models of Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is a disease of the cornea characterized by pain, redness, inflammation, and opacity. Common causes of this disease are Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Animal models of keratitis have been used to elucidate both the bacterial factors and the host inflammatory response involved in the disease. Reviewed herein are animal models of bacterial keratitis and some of the key findings in the last several decades.
Effects of crying on cerebral blood volume and cytochrome aa3.

To determine if crying alters cerebral hemodynamics and oxidative metabolism in the brain, near intrared spectrophotometry was used to assess relative changes in cerebral blood volume and the oxidation-reduction state of cytochrome aa 3 . Thirty-six crying episodes were observed, 20 in healthy infants and 16 in infants with respiratory problems. Throughout all crying episodes cerebral blood volume and oxidized cytochrome aa 3 demonstrated oscillatory fluctuations every 10 to 20 seconds, with maximum changes during prolonged exhalations. In 86% of episodes baseline blood volume rose and remained elevated during the cry. The relative content of deoxyhemoglobin in cerebral blood also rose, indicating that venous blood is the major contributor to the increase in blood volume. Changes in baseline cytochrome aa 3 oxidation varied with the presence of lung disease and with the chronologic age of the infant. Cytochrome reduction with crying occurred significantly more often in infants with respiratory problems than in healthu infants. Cytochrome aa 3 became more oxidized in 82% of crying episodes in healthy infants older than 3 days of age, but no change in cytochrome oxidation was usually noted in those younger than 3 days. Thus crying alters cerebral blood volume in all neonates in a pattern consistent with cyclic obstruction to cerebral venous return; it decreases cerebral oxygenation in infants with respiratory problems.
High performance plastic lithium-ion battery cells for hybrid vehicles

Abstract Exploratory studies on small plastic lithium-ion battery test cells with improved cathode material show high pulse power capability and outstanding stability both in a 25 °C pulse cycling test and in a 55 °C calendar life test. Typical discharge pulse power values are 60 mW/cm 2 . After 50,000 pulse cycles at 5 C rates, cells at 25 °C retain 100% of their initial 1 C capacity and 75% of their pulse power capability. After 60 days at 55 °C, cells measured at 25 °C retain 98% of their initial 1 C capacity and 70% of their pulse power capability. This performance is an excellent basis for the development of long life batteries for hybrid vehicles, as shown by a calculated scale up to a 30 kW hybrid battery for a “Fast Response Engine”.
PHOTOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF U.V. CURING

The need and desirability to reduce energy consumption and pollution is posing exciting challenges to the coatings industry. A relatively new approach which has shown promise in alleviating both of these problems is the development of “solventless” coatings and printing inks curable by ultraviolet radiation’lZa. The utihzation of light, in contrast to heat, as the energy source for curmg allows that the low molecular weight substances, necessary for proper flow characterisiics, be reactive monomers which are incorporated into the film, rather than hydrocarbon solvent which is volatilized into the atmosphere. A critical constituent in these compositions is the photoinitiator (loosely termed “photosensitizer”) which absorbs radiation and initiates the processes of polymerization and crosslinking which constitute curing, Le. the conversion of a flowable system into a solid film. The aim of this article is to provide some mechanistic insights into the process of U.V. curing with particular emphasis on the photochemical aspects. Two commercially important photoinitiator systems will be considered in detail. Both systems involve the absorption of light by aromatic ketones and the subsequent initiation of radical chain polymerization. The lirst class of ketones to be discussed, the most
A fragile lattice: replacing bacteriophage λ's head stability gene D with the shp gene of phage 21 generates the Mg2+-dependent virus, λ shp

Abstract Phage λ DNA packaging is accompanied by prohead expansion, due to structural changes in gpE, the major capsid protein. Rearrangement of the gpE lattice creates binding sites for trimers of gpD, the head stabilization protein. λ-Like phage 21's shp gene is homologous to λ's D gene. gpD and gpShp share 49% amino acid identity. To ask whether gpShp could stabilize the λ head shell, we replaced λ's D gene with shp , creating λ shp . Unlike λ or 21, λ shp was strictly dependent on the presence of 10 −2 M Mg 2+ , and λ shp virions were very sensitive to chelating agents. Density gradient studies indicated that the λ gpE lattice was underpopulated with gpShp. gpD's N-terminus has been proposed to contact gpE, and we found that λ D / shp , which produces a chimeric protein with the N-terminus of gpD and the C-terminus of gpShp, was Mg 2+ -independent and more stable than λ shp .
A new triggered vacuum gap

The triggered vacuum gap is a new metal-vapor arc device in which a vacuum gap is broken down by the injection of minute quantities of ionized hydrogen. A glow discharge is first produced which is rapidly transformed into a metal-vapor arc causing the gap to break down in less than one-tenth microsecond. The small quantities of hydrogen released are eventually recovered by a titanium hydride getter. Release of gas from the electrodes during arcing is avoided by the use of zone-refined electrode materials. Properties of the metal-vapor are described which have an effect on the characteristics of the vacuum gap. The ability of a vacuum gap to hold off high voltage and then recover its dielectric strength rapidly after arcing has made it attractive as an overvoltage protection device and as a current switch for crowbar applications. A number of practical sealed-off triggered vacuum gaps are described. These are used to carry capacitor discharge currents of a few microseconds and 60-cycle power line currents for \frac{1}{2} cycle. The advantages of vacuum gaps over gas-filled gaps are given and a number of overvoltage protection and switching applications are listed.
Comfort and Content: Considerations for Informal Science Professional Development

This study looked at a life science course that was offered at and taught by education staff of a large informal science institution (ISI) located in the Midwest. The curriculum, materials, and agendas for the course were developed by education staff and complemented a permanent life science exhibition. The researcher developed a content test based on the course instructional objectives and lessons provided by education staff. In addition, all participating elementary and middle school teachers (n = 62) were asked to complete an evaluation at the end of each day's session. This included several questions that required participants to reflect upon the content presented throughout the course of the day, focusing on their satisfaction and effectiveness of instruction. Overall, teacher responses on the daily and final evaluations for both courses were extremely positive. However, after participating in the ISI course, teachers’ gains in science content knowledge were not as strong as they had perceived. The f...
Composition and functional capacity of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from neonatal calves on standard and intensified milk replacer diets.

Abstract Effects of increased dietary energy and protein on the composition and functional capacities of blood mononuclear leukocyte populations from milk replacer-fed calves were investigated. Holstein bull calves (average age: 4.2 d; n=19) were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups. Treatment 1 calves (n=9) were fed a 20% crude protein, 20% fat milk replacer at a rate of 1.4% body weight of dry matter/d for 8 wk, whereas treatment 2 calves (n=10) were fed a 30% crude protein, 20% fat milk replacer at a rate of 2.5% body weight of dry matter per day. Composition and functional capacities of mononuclear leukocyte populations from blood samples collected at 4, 18, 32, 46, and 60 d of age were characterized by flow cytometry and ex vivo cell function assays. From 11 to 60 d of age, the mean daily weight gain of treatment 2 calves (1.20kg/d) was greater than daily weight gain of treatment 1 calves (0.55kg/d). At 60 d of age, the mean body weight of treatment two calves was 53% (39kg) greater than the mean body weight of treatment 1 calves. Total numbers of blood leukocytes and the composition of the mononuclear leukocyte population were unaffected by the plane of nutrition. Mitogen-induced DNA-synthesis and immunoglobulin M secretion also were unaffected by dietary treatment. Blood mononuclear leukocytes from calves on intensified diets, however, produced less interferon- γ and more inducible nitric oxide, suggesting that increased dietary energy and protein affects specific aspects of leukocyte function associated with cell-mediated immunity. The impact of altered interferon- γ and NO production on the calf's susceptibility to infectious disease are not known. Mononuclear leukocyte populations from all calves also demonstrated age-related changes in composition and functional capacity, likely reflecting natural exposure to infectious agents and maturation of the calf's immune system.
COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE DIAGENESIS OF DIOCTAHEDRAL AND TRIOCTAHEDRAL SMECTITE, BRAZILIAN OFFSHORE BASINS

Burial diagenetic reactions of di- and trioctahedral clay minerals were compared in Brazilian offshore, basinal sediment sequences of Cretaceous age. Originally dioctahedral smectite-rich shales of three basins -- Potiguar, Ceara, and llha de Santana -- exhibited the classical smectite-to-illite burial pattern. Trioctahedral clay-rich shales and trioctahedral clay-mineral cements in sandstones, however, showed a burial sequence of saponite to mixed-layer chlorite/saponite with progressive increase in the percentage of chlorite layers with increasing burial depth. The change from disordered to ordered interstratifications of chlorite/saponite occurred in the tem- perature range 60%-70~ at a vitrinite reflectance value of about 0.65. These values are lower than those found for the ordering of illite/smectite clays. Increasing substitution of Al for Si in tetrahedral sites, followed by fixation of interlayer hydroxide sheets was found to be the major chemical change promoting transformation of saponite to chlorite via corrensite.
What is the best definitive treatment for Graves' disease? A systematic review of the existing literature.

Background The management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists for Graves’ disease (GD) include any of the following modalities: 131I therapy, antithyroid medication, or thyroidectomy. No in-depth analysis has been performed comparing the treatment options, even though a single treatment option seems to be universally accepted.
Using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) to detect the transfer of infant cells during breastfeeding.

Using fluorochrome-labeled probes for the X and Y chromosomes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to test for the presence of male cells in the milk of women breastfeeding male babies. After breastfeeding, the women wiped one breast and collected a test sample. Wiping efficiency was evaluated in 2 mothers by running a solution over the nipple after wiping. Cells were collected from both the milk and the rinse samples by centrifugation. The cells were fixed to glass slides for hybridization with the X and Y probes. Two cell populations were observed: small female (XX) cells from the mother, and large epithelial cells that were shown to be male (XY), presumably from the baby's mouth. Results varied from 0 to 175 male cells detected per milliliter of breast milk. This finding suggests that small molecules, including possible pathogens, in a baby's mouth, might also be passed directly into the breast. J Hum Lact . 24(4):401-405.
Relationship between ripe soluble solids concentration (RSSC) and consumer acceptance of high and low acid melting flesh peach and nectarine (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) cultivars

The minimum RSSC needed to reach high consumer acceptance for peach and nectarine was determined by using ‘in-store’ consumer tests of low and high RTA melting flesh cultivars as a part of our program to develop minimum quality indexes. For ‘Ivory Princess’, a low acid, white flesh peach, ‘Honey Kist’, a low acid, yellow flesh nectarine, ‘Elegant Lady’, a high acid, yellow flesh peach, and ‘Spring Bright’, a high acid, yellow flesh nectarine, degree of liking and consumer acceptance were associated with ripe soluble solids concentration (RSSC) regardless of ripe titratable acidity (RTA). For the two high acid (0.70–0.90% RTA) cultivars tested, consumer acceptance increased rapidly as RSSC increased, reaching ∼90%. In these cultivars, consumer acceptance reached a plateau and above which, it became insensitive to any additional increase in RSSC. For ‘Elegant Lady’ and ‘Spring Bright’, the plateau was reached at 11–12%, and 10–11% RSSC with ∼90% consumer acceptance, respectively. For the low acid cultivars (0.30–0.50% RTA), ‘Ivory Princess’ and ‘Honey Kist’, consumer acceptance progressively increased as RSSC increased without reaching a plateau, and attained nearly 100% acceptance with RSSC of 16 and 15%, respectively. For these low acid and high acid cultivars, consumer acceptance was closely related to RSSC but maximum consumer acceptance was attained at different RSCC levels depending on the cultivar. The fact that these cultivars reached high consumer acceptance with different RSSC levels indicates that a single generic RSSC quality index would not be reliable to assure consumer satisfaction across all cultivars. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Alveolar distraction osteogenesis for implant site development

Alveolar distraction osteogenesis can be a valuable tool for implant site development. Simultaneous regeneration of hard and soft tissue and an overall decrease in treatment time compared with other methods of site preparation can be an advantage. The authors advocate the concept of "prosthetically driven alveolar distraction." Surgical planning should begin with visualization of the final restoration to determine the volume and position of the soft and hard tissue deficiency. Surgical guides will help the surgeon determine the vector of distraction. Adherence to surgical principles to avoid damage to adjacent vital structures and maintain vascular supply to the transport segment is necessary for success. Bone grafting may be necessary before or after distraction to increase the surgical success of the procedure. Close follow-up is needed to verify the appropriate distraction vector and volume. Patient management and acceptance should be considered in distractor design and placement.
Angular dependence of magnetic annealing effects in permalloy base films

Attempts have been made to interpret magnetic annealing effects by assuming that the uniaxial anisotropy is caused by a directional order of local atomic configurations. By studying both evaporated and electroplated films, it is found that during an anneal the number of such elementary anisotropy sources is conserved. The angular dependence of magnetic annealing effects can be described by assuming a reorder of elementary anisotropy sources parallel to the magnetization at a rate independent of the magnetization direction. In the absence of a physical model describing the kinetics of reorder, it is shown how experimental values of the anisotropy field measured during hard-axis anneals can be used to predict for any annealing direction, the changes in anisotropy field, skew, and coercivity. Changes in angular dispersion were also studied but could not be explained satisfactorily. The variations of all main film parameters are found to be reversible during subsequent easy-axis anneals, and the recovery of the anisotropy field during such an anneal can be used to predict the recovery of all other parameters.
Pricing Capital Assets in an International Setting: An Introduction

This paper shows how differences across countries of 1) inflation rates, 2) consumption baskets of investors, and 3) investment opportunity sets of investors matter when one applies capital asset pricing models in an international setting. In particular, the fact that countries differ is shown to affect the portfolio held by investors, the equilibrium expected returns of risky assets, and the financial policies of firms.
Theorems for Calculation of Weight Ratios to Produce Maximum Packing Density of Powder Mixtures

Two mixing theorems are proposed to provide methods for (1) testing for possible greater packing density of powder mixtures compared with unmixed components, (2) predicting which of several powders or binary combinations of these powders gives the highest density, and (3) calculating the weight mixing ratio to give maximum packing density for particular combinations. Calculations are based on proper use of particle “size” data obtained from typical commercial “size” measuring devices, proper definitions of mixing and the fraction of powder occurring in “size” intervals, and functional or nonfunctional description of the data.
SERUM INDUCTION OF MEF2/RSRF EXPRESSION IN VASCULAR MYOCYTES IS MEDIATED AT THE LEVEL OF TRANSLATION

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) reversibly coordinate the expression of VSMC-specific genes and the genes required for cell cycle progression. Here we demonstrate that isoforms of the MEF2/RSRF transcription factor are expressed in VSMCs and in vascular tissue. The MEF2A DNA-binding activity was upregulated when quiescent VSMCs were stimulated to proliferate with serum mitogens. The serum-induction of MEF2A DNA-binding activity occurred approximately 4 h following serum activation, and this correlated with an increase in the level of MEF2A protein without changes in the level of MEF2A mRNA or protein stability. These results indicate that MEF2A induction by serum is regulated at the level of translation.
Superresolution STED microscopy reveals differential localization in primary cilia.

The primary cilium is an organelle that serves as a signaling center of the cell and is involved in the cAMP, Wnt, and hedgehog signaling pathways. Adenylyl cyclase type III (ACIII) is enriched in primary cilia and acts as a marker that is involved in cAMP signaling, while also playing an important role in regulating ciliogenesis and sensory functions. Ciliary function relies on the transportation of molecules between the primary cilium and the cell, which is facilitated by intraflagellar transport (IFT). The detailed localization and interactions of these important proteins remain unclear due to the limited resolution of conventional microscopy. We conducted superresolution imaging of immunostained ACIII and IFT88 in human fibroblasts using stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. Instead of a homogeneous distribution along a primary cilium, our STED images revealed that ACIII formed a periodic punctate pattern with a roughly equal spacing between groups of puncta. Superresolution imaging of IFT88, an important protein of the IFT complexes, demonstrated two novel distinct distribution patterns at the basal end: a triangle of three puncta with similar fluorescence intensities, and a Y-shaped configuration of a bright punctum connected to two branches. We also performed STED imaging of IFT88 in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The similar three-puncta and Y-shape patterns were observed in these cells, suggesting that these distribution patterns are common among primary cilia of different cell types. Our results demonstrate the ability of superresolution STED microscopy to reveal novel structural characteristics in primary cilia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
High Yield Research Opportunities in Geriatric Emergency Medicine: Prehospital Care, Delirium, Adverse Drug Events, and Falls

Emergency services constitute crucial and frequently used safety nets for older persons, an emergency visit by a senior very often indicates high vulnerability for functional decline and death, and interventions via the emergency system have significant opportunities to change the clinical course of older patients who require its services. However, the evidence base for widespread employment of emergency system-based interventions is lacking. In this article, we review the evidence and offer crucial research questions to capitalize on the opportunity to optimize health trajectories of older persons seeking emergency care in four areas: prehospital care, delirium, adverse drug events, and falls.
Kinetics of Amyloid β-Protein Degradation Determined by Novel Fluorescence- and Fluorescence Polarization-based Assays

Proteases that degrade the amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) are important regulators of brain Abeta levels in health and in Alzheimer's disease, yet few practical methods exist to study their detailed kinetics. Here, we describe robust and quantitative Abeta degradation assays based on the novel substrate, fluorescein-Abeta-(1-40)-Lys-biotin (FAbetaB). Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis shows that FAbetaB is hydrolyzed at closely similar sites as wild-type Abeta by neprilysin and insulin-degrading enzyme, the two most widely studied Abeta-degrading proteases. The derivatized peptide is an avid substrate and is suitable for use with biological samples and in high throughput compound screening. The assays we have developed are easily implemented and are particularly useful for the generation of quantitative kinetic data, as we demonstrate by determining the kinetic parameters of FAbetaB degradation by several Abeta-degrading proteases, including plasmin, which has not previously been characterized. The use of these assays should yield additional new insights into the biology of Abeta-degrading proteases and facilitate the identification of activators and inhibitors of such enzymes.
Can we predict and prevent the onset of acute decompensated heart failure

Watch the disease in time: For when, within the dropsy rages, and extends the skin, in vain for helebore the patient cries, and sees the doctor, but too late is wise: Too late for cure, he proffers half his wealth; ten thousand doctors cannot give him health. — —Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1749 This rather pessimistic representation of heart failure (dropsy) in the 18th century has some relevance to the presentation of acute decompensation in patients with chronic heart failure in our current century, despite the availability of various therapies that prolong survival and decrease the morbidity of this disorder. In 2006, >1 million hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) occurred, and the number of heart failure hospitalizations have increased 175% since 1979.1 The vast majority of these patients, 75.6%, had a history of heart failure,2 and the in-hospital mortality was 3.2%. Patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function have a slightly lower in-hospital mortality (2.9%) compared with those with an LV ejection fraction ≤40% (3.9%); however, the 3-month mortalities were similar at 9.5% to 9.8%.3 Rehospitalization rates remain high at 29% to 30% for patients with both preserved and decreased LV systolic function, and rehospitalization is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality, especially in elderly patients.4 In addition, patients with ADHF are at greater risk for death and morbidity than those with stable chronic heart failure.5 Thus, the natural history of heart failure may be altered by repeated episodes of decompensation requiring hospitalization. Finally, a tremendous financial burden is involved in the treatment of ADHF. Of the $30.2 billion spent on heart failure care in 2006, $17.8 billion (59%) was related to in-hospital care, an increase of $2.4 billion over the previous year.1 Article p 1549 The development of ADHF …
Analysis of data in reverse osmosis with porous cellulose acetate membranes used

Reverse osmosis experimental data for some inorganic salts with the porous cellulose acetate membrane used were analyzed to obtain their diffusivity in the membrane. A parameter including the diffusivity was found constant for each film in the concentration range investigated for a particular solute at a particular pressure. This parameter was also independent of feed flow rate. The effect of operating pressure on the parameter was found to depend on the film shrinkage. Mass transfer coefficient between the membrane and the feed solution was also obtained by the analysis, and this value was independently checked by the diffusion current method. Coincidence of these coefficients shows that the ordinary mass transfer coefficient can be used in reverse osmosis with the appropriate driving force. These facts facilitate the prediction of solute separation and membrane throughput rate in reverse osmosis.
Design Evaluation of an Interface between Passengers and an Automated Ground Transportation System

In an automated airport ground transportation system, passengers who are not familiar with the system nor oriented with respect to the airport, are faced with the problem of selecting a vehicle and destination to change between airlines. The design of an interface between an untrained human user and an automated system requires skillful application of basic human factors principles. An existing system was studied to determine its effectiveness. Passengers were interviewed to identify specific problems. An operational sequence diagram was used to analyze the interface problem. A simplified sequence is proposed in a design modification which can be implemented at minimum cost. A redesign of the complete interface, using the power of the computer which controls the system, and applying human factors principles, results in a greatly simplified operational sequence diagram and is recommended for future systems. Language: en
Integrity and Transparency

Abstract The author offers commentary concerning the importance of an evaluator'S disclosure of prior or current relationships with custody litigants; of diligence in the creation and maintenance of records; and of cooperation with those wishing to scrutinize one'S work. The position is advanced that all information considered by an evaluator must be preserved, as must audio or video tape recordings of interviews and evaluative sessions. The author opines that where a thorough exploration of the bases for an evaluator'S opinions is impeded by deficient records or by the unavailability of certain records, the risk is increased that evaluator errors will go undetected.
An epistemological taxonomy for knowledge management systems analysis

Knowledge management systems (KMS) play increasingly important roles in organizations due to the realization of the value of knowledge and capabilities of computerized systems to support knowledge management activities. Earlier researchers have explained the activities and processes important for knowledge management, which is useful for the development of systems to support knowledge management. The wide variety of knowledge domains and interactions among them in organizations makes it necessary to understand the broad epistemological spectrum that can enable effective utilization of computerized systems for knowledge management. Although, previous research had considered the processes required for dissemination of knowledge in organization, more fundamental epistemological consideration, along objective and subjective dimensions enhances analysis of systems requirements. This paper attempts to conceptually develop taxonomy useful for analysis of knowledge requirements and for implementation of systems. Furthermore, the paper illustrates the classification using exploratory cases.