cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (gnrh2 and gnrh3) expression during reproductive development and sex change in black sea bass (Centropristis striata)

Teleost fish exhibit diverse reproductive strategies, and some species are capable of changing sex. The influence of many endocrine factors, such as gonadal steroids and neuropeptides, has been studied in relation to sex change, but comparatively less research has focused on gene expression changes within the brain in temperate grouper species with non-haremic social structures. The purpose of the present study was to investigate gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and brain aromatase (cyp19a1b) gene expression patterns during reproductive development and sex change in protogynous (female to male) black sea bass (Centropristis striata). Partial cDNA fragments for cyp19a1b and eef1a (a reference gene) were identified, and included with known gnrh2 and gnrh3 sequences in real time quantitative PCR. Elevated cyp19a1b expression was evident in the olfactory bulbs, telencephalon, optic tectum, and hypothalamus/midbrain region during vitellogenic growth, which may indicate changes in the brain related to neurogenesis or sexual behavior. In contrast, gnrh2 and gnrh3 expression levels were largely similar among gonadal states, and all three genes exhibited stable expression during sex change. Although sex change in black sea bass is not associated with dramatic changes in GnRH or cyp19a1b gene expression among brain regions, these genes may mediate processes at other levels, such as within individual hypothalamic nuclei, or through changes in neuron size, that warrant further research.
Craniovertebral junction neoplasms in the pediatric population.

Introduction The incidence of tumors at the craniovertebral junction in the pediatric population is low. Because of the variable pathology and the rarity of these tumors, ideal therapies are only now being defined.
Self-Referencing and Political Candidate Brands: A Congruency Perspective

Although political and marketing analysts commonly describe political candidates as brands, the conceptualization of political candidates as brands within academic research and popular culture is uncommon. This paper presents empirical evidence in support of viewing candidates as such. Using data from a nationwide study that measures the self concept of Mexican voters and their perceived images of the presidential candidates in Mexico's 2006 election, the paper demonstrates that voters see themselves and each candidate as a distinct brand. Furthermore, this view of a voter's self-brand influences his or her perception of a political candidate's brand image. The academic and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.
Automatic Nonverbal Behavior Indicators of Depression and PTSD: Exploring Gender Differences

In this paper, we show that gender plays an important role in the automatic assessment of psychological conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We identify a directly interpretable and intuitive set of predictive indicators, selected from three general categories of nonverbal behaviors: affect, expression variability and motor variability. For the analysis, we introduce a semi-structured virtual human interview dataset which includes 53 video recorded interactions. Our experiments on automatic classification of psychological conditions show that a gender-dependent approach significantly improves the performance over a gender agnostic one.
Postictal breathing pattern distinguishes epileptic from nonepileptic convulsive seizures.

Summary Purpose: To examine postictal breathing pattern in generalized convulsive nonepileptic seizures (GCNES) and generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS) and evaluate this feature as a discriminating sign. Methods: We reviewed the postictal breathing pattern seizures in 23 generalized tonic–clonic seizures in 15 consecutive patients with epilepsy and 24 convulsive nonepileptic seizures in 16 consecutive patients with pure psychogenic seizures. We also analyzed 21 frontal lobe hypermotor seizures (FLHS) in 9 patients with frontal lobe epilepsy. Results: The breathing after GTCS was deep with prolonged inspiratory and expiratory phases, regular, and loud (except for two short seizures). The breathing after GCNES was characterized by increased respiratory rate or hyperpnea with short inspiratory and expiratory phases, as can be noted after exercise. The breathing was often irregular, with brief pauses. The altered breathing lasted longer after GTCS. The two groups differed significantly in loudness of postictal respiration, postictal snoring (only with GTCS), respiratory rate (faster for the GCNES group), and duration of altered breathing (longer after GTCS) (p < 0.00001 for all features). FLHS shared postictal breathing features of GCNES, but had other distinguishing features. Conclusions: The postictal breathing pattern can help differentiate generalized tonic–clonic seizures from nonepileptic psychogenic seizures with generalized motor activity and may be helpful to the practitioner obtaining a seizure history in the clinic setting or witnessing a seizure.
Isolation and Characterization of Glycosaminoglycans from the Furth Murine Mastocytoma

New methods for isolation and fractionation by partition are described and compared with existing techniques. Substantially purer products were isolated by partition as compared to precipitation with hexadecylpyridinium chloride. The glycosaminoglycans isolated fron Furth murine mastocytoma tumor were found to consist of 78-80% heparin, 12-13% chondroitin sulfate, and 8-9% hyaluronate. Dermatan sulfate was not detected. Two heparin-like glycosaminoglycans could be isolated by partition fractionation in the phase system 1-butanol/aqueous NaCl containing hexadecylpyridinium chloride. The composition of one was typical of heparins. However, the other glycosaminoglycan contained only 0.47 moles N-sulfate/mole uronate, but had electrophoretic and partition properties characteristic of heparin.
Control of vehicle platoons for highway safety and efficient utility: consensus with communications and vehicle dynamics

Platoon formation of highway vehicles is a critical foundation for autonomous or semiautonomous vehicle control for enhanced safety, improved highway utility, increased fuel economy, and reduced emission toward intelligent transportation systems. Platoon control encounters great challenges from vehicle control, communications, team coordination, and uncertainties. This paper introduces a new method for coordinated control of platoons by using integrated network consensus decisions and vehicle control. To achieve suitable coordination of the team vehicles based on terrain and environmental conditions, the emerging technology of network consensus control is modified to a weighted and constrained consensus-seeking framework. Algorithms are introduced and their convergence properties are established. The methodology employs neighborhood information through on-board sensors and V2V or V2I communications, but achieves global coordination of the entire platoon. The ability of the methods in terms of robustness, disturbance rejection, noise attenuation, and cyber-physical interaction is analyzed and demonstrated with simulated case studies.
Constitutive Relations for AA 5754 Based on Crystal Plasticity

Constitutive equations for the multiaxial stress-strain behavior of aluminum alloy 5754 sheets were developed, based on crystal plasticity. A Taylor-based polycrystal plasticity model, a tangent formulation of the self-consistent viscoplastic model (VPSC), and an N-site viscoplastic model based on the fast Fourier transform (VPFFT) were used to fit a single slip system hardening law to the available data for tension, plane strain, and biaxial stretching. The fitting procedure yields good agreement with the monotonic stress-strain data, with similar parameter values for each model. When simulating multiaxial tests using the developed hardening law, models that allow both stress and strain variations in grains give better predictions of the stress-strain curves. Furthermore, generally, the simulated texture evolution is too rapid when compared to the experiments. By incorporating a more detailed neighbor interaction effect, the VPFFT model predicts texture evolution in better agreement with experiments.
Permanent pacemaker implantation in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: The subclavian vein approach

During a 36-month period, 171 permanent pacemaker procedures were performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory by invasive cardiologists. This included 111 initial pacemaker system implants, via the percutaneous subclavian vein approach, 45 pulse generator changes, and 15 miscellaneous procedures. In no case did subclavian vein puncture result in pneumothorax, hemothorax, or brachial plexus injury. In patients undergoing initial lead placement, the dislodgment rate was 0.8% over a 16-month follow-up period. The reoperation rate for causes other than premature battery depletion was 5.4% during the first 12 months. The implantation of permanent pacemakers can be safely and effectively accomplished by experienced invasive cardiologists in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. In our series not only was continuity of patient care improved, but also medical costs were reduced.
Neurobiological perspectives on social phobia: from affiliation to zoology

Social phobia (or "social anxiety disorder") is a prevalent condition that has been the subject of increased scrutiny in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to review the neurobiology of social phobia. It is apparent from the extant literature that this disorder is poorly understood from a neurobiological perspective. There are nonetheless a number of clinical and preclinical observations which, at times, converge to illuminate areas worthy of further study. Included in this category are suggestive findings of central serotonergic dysregulation in social phobia, response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors in social phobia, and the role of serotonergic function in septohippocampal models of anxiety. Abnormalities in central dopaminergic function are also posited, supported to some extent by recent neuroimaging findings. There are in addition a number of animal and human behavioral models in existence that may be relevant to the study of social phobia. Included in this category are models of social dominance in wild baboons, social affiliation in the prairie vole, and behavioral inhibition to the unfamiliar in childhood. Newer technologies that are likely to play a major role in the delineation of the neural circuitry (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging) and heritability (e.g., molecular genetics) of social phobia are discussed. Finally, an interactive role for biology and experience in the expression of social phobia is considered.
Storms in space: A fictionalized account of “The Big One”

This article is intended to illustrate, for a general audience, how solar, interplanetary, and magnetospheric physics are giving birth to the concept of “space weather,” and to remind those of us who do space physics that the fruits of our labors may soon have practical applications that will touch many lives. The scene is a darkened spacecraft operations control room. Across one wall are TV monitors displaying live pictures. The first monitor carries the Super Bowl. The others display a soap opera, a weather channel, and a Spanish language commentator. Only the sound from the Super Bowl monitor can be heard. The panel behind a long console desk has more monitors; this time containing tables and graphs with data on the status of seven satellites. The night shift operations crew is gathered around the Super Bowl monitor.
Large-diameter therapeutic channel duodenoscope to facilitate simultaneous deployment of side-by-side self-expandable metal stents in hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Background Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is unresectable in 80% to 90% of cases. Placement of side-by-side bilateral self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) can be technically challenging in these patients because deployment of the first stent can preclude passage of the second stent. Methods Using a prototype large-diameter therapeutic channel (6-mm) duodenoscope, we positioned guidewires into the right and left intrahepatic systems. Two predeployed uncovered SEMSs with 7.5F delivery systems were passed side by side over each guidewire and deployed simultaneously. Design Observational clinical feasibility study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Results This technique was attempted in 6 patients with malignant hilar biliary obstruction. Successful placement was achieved in all, with significant improvement in symptoms and cholestasis. Limitations Small number of patients. Conclusion This simple technique using a prototype large-diameter therapeutic channel duodenoscope facilitates placement of bilateral side-by-side hilar SEMSs.
Leukocyte-versus microparticle-mediated tissue factor transfer during arteriolar thrombus development

Circulating tissue factor accumulates in the developing thrombus and contributes to fibrin clot formation. To determine whether tissue factor derived from hematopoietic cells is delivered to the thrombus via tissue factor-bearing microparticles or circulating leukocytes expressing tissue factor on the plasma membrane, we compared the kinetics of tissue factor accumulation in the developing arteriolar thrombus with the time course of leukocyte-thrombus interaction and microparticle-thrombus interaction in the microcirculation of a living mouse using intravital high-speed widefield and confocal microscopy. Tissue factor rapidly accumulated in the developing thrombus, appearing immediately following vessel wall injury, reaching a first peak in approximately 100 s. In contrast, leukocyte-thrombus interaction was not observed until after 2-3 min following vessel wall injury. Maximal leukocyte rolling and firm leukocyte adherence on thrombi in wild-type mice were observed after approximately 8 min and were dependent on P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1. This delay in P-selectin-dependent leukocyte rolling is a result of time-dependent platelet activation and P-selectin expression on the luminal surface of the thrombus. In contrast, microparticle accumulation in the developing arteriolar thrombus was rapid, and peak accumulation was within 60 s. The accumulation of hematopoietic cell-derived tissue factor in the developing thrombus correlates to the kinetics of microparticle accumulation and does not correlate temporally with leukocyte-thrombus interaction. These results indicate that tissue factor derived from hematopoietic cells is delivered by microparticles during the initial phase of thrombus development in vivo.
Kappa-opioid receptor activation prevents alterations in mesocortical dopamine neurotransmission that occur during abstinence from cocaine

Abstract In vivo microdialysis was used to characterize basal dopamine dynamics and cocaine-evoked dopamine levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of male Sprague–Dawley rats that had previously received once daily injections of cocaine (days 1–5; 20 mg/kg, i.p.) in combination with the selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-69593 (days 3–5; 0.32 mg/kg, s.c.) or its vehicle. The influence of these treatments on [ 3 H]dopamine uptake in medial prefrontal cortex synaptosomes was also determined. Three days following the cessation of drug treatment, animals with prior history of cocaine administration exhibited enhanced psychomotor stimulation in response to a subsequent cocaine challenge. This effect was not apparent in animals that had previously received the cocaine treatment regimen in combination with the kappa-opioid receptor agonist U-69593. Cocaine challenge increased prefrontal dopamine levels in all pretreatment groups, but cocaine-pre-exposed animals had lower cocaine-evoked dopamine levels and higher basal in vivo extraction fraction, indicative of an increase in basal dopamine uptake relative to controls. Pretreatment with U-69593 prevented these effects of cocaine. Measurement of [ 3 H]dopamine uptake in synaptosomes revealed a significant increase in uptake three days after the cessation of cocaine treatment. No increase in uptake was observed in animals that had received the cocaine treatment regimen in combination with U-69593. These results demonstrate that the early phase of abstinence from cocaine is associated with marked alterations in medial prefrontal cortex dopamine neurotransmission and that these neuroadaptations are prevented by the activation of kappa-opioid receptors. Furthermore, they raise the possibility that mesocortical dopamine neurons may be an important neural substrate upon which kappa-opioid agonists act to prevent the development of cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization.
Effect of denervation on fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum of white and red muscle.

Abstract Denervation produces a transient increase (maximum at 15 days) in calcium uptake measured in the presence of oxalate of the fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum; in 6 weeks the values are back to or below normal. ATPase activity increased steadily during the same period; this increase is attributable to the so-called basal, Ca 2+ -independent component. In contrast, calcium uptake without oxalate and initial rates of uptake with or without oxalate show only a decrease, and incorporation of 32 P from γ-labeled ATP into an acid-stable protein complex decreases in a parallel fashion. The rate of release of Ca 2+ from preloaded vesicles in the presence of EGTA or caffeine increases after denervation. The effect of denervation affects both white and red muscles, although the changes in the latter are smaller and confined to the ATPase activity. The observations are discussed in terms of changes in altered membrane structure, manifested in increased leakiness and changes in the size of the vesicles found in fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Polarizabilities of the Ps negative ion

We have calculated polarizabilities (alpha(sub l), beta(sub 1), gamma(sub l), alpha(sub 2), beta(sub 2), and gamma(sub 2)) of Ps(sup -) by the pseudostate method. These parameters can be used to calculate Rydberg states of Ps(sup -) in the presence of an external electron with high quantum numbers N and L. They are also of importance in a system containing Ps(sup -) bound to a proton [PsH], and also Rydberg states of Ps(sub 2).
Fibrinogen adsorption onto 316L stainless steel under polarized conditions.

Adsorption of the plasma protein fibrinogen onto electrically polarized 316L stainless steel was observed and quantified using both in situ and ex situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Significant differences in fibrinogen adsorption were observed across voltages. Ex situ studies showed significantly lower area coverage (θ) and height of adsorbed Fb on cathodically polarized surfaces when compared to anodically polarized surfaces. Conformational differences in the protein may explain the distinctions in Fb surface area coverage (θ) and height between the anodic and cathodic cases. In situ studies showed significantly slower kinetics of Fb adsorption onto surfaces below −100 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl) compared to surfaces polarized above −100 mV. Electrochemical current density data showed large charge transfer processes (∼1 × 10−5 to 1 × 10−4 A/cm2) taking place on the 316L SS surfaces at voltages below −100 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl). These relatively large current densities point to flux of ionic species away from the surface as a major source of the reduction in adsorption kinetics rather than just hydrophilic or electrostatic effects. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2008
Ankle-brachial Index as a Clinical Tool

A 62-year-old woman with a medical history of smoking, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and diabetes presents to her primary care physician for evaluation of leg pain. She reports lower-extremity discomfort and fatigue that is exertional in nature but does not consistently resolve on rest. Physical examination reveals a blood pressure of 151/85 mm Hg, pulse rate of 75 beats/min, weak and thready popliteal pulses and posterior tibial pulses, and mild tenderness to palpation of her hips but no musculoskeletal weakness. There is a normal pattern of hair growth on her shins bilaterally with areas of light brown scaly patches throughout. Cardiopulmonary examination reveals clear lungs to auscultation bilaterally with good effort, a normal s1/s2 with no murmurs or gallops, and a laterally displaced point of maximal impulse. What tests can help in the evaluation of this patient’s leg pain?
Surface Structure and Composition of Thiophene-Bearing Monolayers

We have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and external reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ER-FTIR) to investigate the structure and composition of mixed monolayers made from n...
THE MARKET FOR GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS: CONSUMER CHARACTERISTICS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract Conjoint analysis was used to explore consumer preferences for food products that are the product of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The results of a cluster analysis indicated that consumers fell into three homogeneous groups based on their preference for a branded, low-priced, or GMO-free product. There were some differences between the segments based on the sociodemographic characteristics of age, education, and income. However, consumers in the segment that wished to avoid GMOs were most easily distinguished from consumers in the other two segments based on their high level of risk averseness and belief that GMOs do not positively affect the quality or safety of food products. Implications for food marketers and policymakers are discussed.
Critical Fluctuations in Membranes.

High resolution x-ray scattering measurements on model membranes consisting of fully hydrated lipid bilayers have been performed to evaluate the origin of the anomalous temperature dependence of the lamellar $D$ spacing. The data are well fit by our recent refinement of the theory of power law tails that occur in fluctuating smectic liquid crystals. The data show that the anomalous increase in $D$ is due to an increase in the thickness of the bilayer, caused by critical straightening of the hydrocarbon chains, and that little change in undulation force takes place.
Western corn rootworm adult movement and possible egg laying in fields bordering maize

Western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, larval damage in maize following soybean was observed in Croatia in 2003 along the edges and within soybean fields which bordered continuous maize fields in previous year. The only explanation was that WCR adults moved from the continuous maize to the neighboring soybean fields to lay eggs. This study was designed to measure how far WCR adults will enter into neighboring fields to lay eggs. The WCR adult population was monitored in continuous maize fields in 2003 and 2005 by using Pherocon® ; AM yellow sticky traps in the middle and on the borders of the maize field and at different distances and directions into neighboring fields planted by wheat and soybean. Larval presence and root damage ratings (Iowa State University 1-6 scale) were recorded at different locations within the maize field in 2004 and 2006. Approximately the same concentration of WCR adults was recorded along the edges of the maize fields as recorded in the centers of those fields. A significant number of WCR adults was recorded up to a distance of 50 m into neighboring fields. Regression analysis showed medium negative correlation between distance from previous maize field and root damage in the following year (r = -0.39 ; r2 = 0.144 ; ). Findings indicate that WCR egg lying can reach approximately 20 m into fields neighboring maize fields and that significant root damage caused by WCR larvae in first-year maize following soybean and wheat can happen up to a distance of 20 m into those fields. Most farmers’ fields in Croatia are up to approximately 50 m wide. Since an edge effect for WCR egg laying can reach approximately 20 m into fields neighboring maize fields, our research results indicate that it is possible to see WCR larval damage in rotated fields without those WCR’ s being the variant form.
Current trends in surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

Purpose of reviewOver the past decade, surgical prolapse correction has evolved significantly, taking a sharp turn in 2011 when the USFDA publicly questioned synthetic graft safety. This controversy has been widely publicized and debated amongst laymen and experts alike. This review summarizes curre
Activation of prothrombin accompanying thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator

Abstract Increases in thrombin activity in patients given fibrinolytic agents for acute myocardial infarction have been shown to be important in limiting the ultimate success of coronary thrombolysis. The present study was designed to determine whether increases in thrombin activity reflect, in part, activation of prothrombin accompanying thrombolysis. Plasma concentrations of prothrombin fragment 1.2, a polypeptide released when prothrombin is activated by factor Xa, were measured in 22 patients with acute myocardial infarction before and after treatment with 100 mg of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Concentrations of prothrombin fragment 1.2 increased from 0.83 ± 1.1 nM(mean ± SD) before rt-PA infusion to 1.5 ± 1.5 nM2 h after initiation of the infusion (p These results indicate that thrombin activity increases in patients given rt-PA at least in part because of activation of the coagulation system leading to activation of prothrombin. Thus, inhibition of the reactions involving coagulant proteins that lead to activation of prothrombin may be of value as conjunctive treatment to potentiate the efficacy of pharmacologic thrombolysis.
P46: Evaluation of a Parent Component to a Physical Activity Program Targeting Preschoolers

Objective: To compare food patterns and mealtime behaviors of African American (AAT) and Caucasian toddlers (CT). Design, Setting and Participants: Design: A cross sectional in-home survey using culturally sensitive instruments. Setting: Participant homes Participants: Caregivers of low income AAT (n 190) and CT (n 200). Outcome Measures and Analysis: Toddler food patterns and mealtime behaviors Analysis: Descriptive statistics and chi-square associations were used to analyze food frequency and mealtime behavior surveys. Results: CT were more likely than AAT to: eat meat (p 0.011), dairy (p 0.031), and vegetables (p 0.001) 4 or more times a week; rarely/never eat sweetened cereals (p 0.005), and have any sweetened drinks (p 0.012). AAT were more likely to eat whole grapes (p 0.000). CT caregivers were more likely to report making the child eat everything (p 0.000), that their toddlers always try new foods (p 0.001), that the television is never on in the same room where the toddler meal is served (p 0.031); and that caregiver and child never watch TV during mealtimes. CT were also reported to always feed themselves (p 0.044) and decide what to eat (p 0.021). AAT parents were more likely to decide what their child eats (p 0.001), and make their child taste everything (p 0.000). Conclusion and Implications: Eating patterns (vegetable, meat, dairy and sweetened cereal) and mealtime behaviors (TV watching by parent and child and self-regulation) differ for AAT and CT. These preliminary findings warrant a more in-depth investigation. Project funded by: DHHS and Administration for Children, Youth and Families Implications: These findings are useful for cross-cultural considerations, for healthy nutrition and mealtime behaviors for toddlers.
Ex vivo gene therapy using autologous dermal fibroblasts expressing hLMP3 for rat mandibular bone regeneration

Background. Implantation of autologous skin fibroblasts transduced ex vivo with a replication-defective adenoviral vector, carrying the LIM mineralization protein-3 (Ad-LMP-3), and adsorbed on a hydroxyapatite/collagen (HA/COL) scaffold. Methods. Twenty-seven Wistar rats were used. A 5- × 5-mm full-thickness defect was created in the exposed mandible. All animals were randomized into 3 experimental groups: (1) autologous dermal fibroblasts transduced with Ad-LMP-3 and adsorbed on the HA/COL; (2) nontransduced dermal fibroblasts adsorbed on the HA/COL scaffold; and (3) HA/COL scaffold without cells. Three-dimensional micro-CT (3DmicroCT or 3DμCT) and histological analysis were performed. Results. Efficient neoosteogenesis was observed in animals treated with LMP-3–expressing cells (group 1) as soon as 4 weeks after surgery. Conversely, nonsignificant bone formation was detected in control animals (groups 2 and 3) at all time points tested. Conclusion. These results suggest that the experimental approach based on transplantation of genetically modified autologous cells could provide an alternative treatment for cranio-maxillo-facial defects. Nonetheless, additional data from the study on larger bone defects must follow to foresee a clinical application in the near future. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Clopidogrel in a Pediatric Population: Prescribing Practice and Outcomes from a Single Center

Background This study aimed to provide descriptive information about off-label treatment practice with clopidogrel in a pediatric population. Methods Patients less than 18 years of age prescribed clopidogrel between March 2002 and August 2005 were retrospectively identified at Children’s Hospital, Boston. Data from the time of first documented clopidogrel use to the most recent follow-up assessment were collected. Adverse events were classified according to seriousness and relationship to clopidogrel. Results Of the 90 patients in the study, 53% were boys. The median age of the patients was 6.7 years, and their median weight was 23.6 kg at first clopidogrel use. Prescriptions were predominantly for cardiac indications (96%), with a few for neurologic indications (4%). Common cardiac indications were history of thrombosis involving a conduit or shunt, abnormal vasculature with potential for low flow, and device placement. The median total dose was 1.3 mg/kg/day, and the duration of therapy varied from less than 1 day to 4 years (median, 45 days). Three patients experienced minor bleeding, all of whom were receiving concomitant acetylsalicylic acid. Another patient experienced catastrophic bleeding after vessel tear during catheterization. One patient with a fenestrated Fontan and poor ventricular function had baffle thrombosis and subsequent stroke while receiving clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid. Conclusions Clopidogrel was prescribed most often to prevent thrombosis in patients with cardiac disease. Patients with neurologic conditions also were treated. Bruising and bleeding events occurred rarely.
The chi-square test: its use in rehabilitation research.

Abstract Objective: This report examines the impact of collecting and analyzing sequential data from the same sample using the chi-square test. Researchers in rehabilitation frequently analyze categorical data collected repeatedly from the same sample. Design: Simulations were conducted using the chi-square test to analyze data with correlations between pretest and posttest ranging from .20 to .80. The simulations were analyzed using the standard chi-square based on a 2 × 2 contingency table. Results: An incidence of type 1 errors of approximately .30 for an expected alpha of .05 was found when the correlation (serial dependence) between pretest and posttest was high (phi = .80). For simulations using an α = .01, the type 1 error rate was .18 for data with substantial correlation (phi = .80). Conclusion: Rehabilitation researchers who use the chi-square test with data collected repeatedly from the same sample risk committing a type 1 error and misinterpreting their results. Alternatives to the standard chi-square test, such as McNemar's test, should be considered when correlated data are analyzed using a 2 × 2 contingency table.
Dihapto-coordinated amide, ester, and aldehyde complexes and their role in decarbonylation

The π-basic metal fragment {TpW(NO)(PMe3)} forms thermally stable η2 complexes with acetaldehyde, acetone, ethyl acetate, methyl formate, and N,N-dimethylformamide (where Tp = hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate). The related system {TpMo(NO)(MeIm)} (MeIm = 1-methylimidazole) also forms stable η2 complexes with acetone, methyl formate, and N,N-dimethylformamide. When the tungsten fragment is combined with a carboxylic acid, oxidative addition yields a seven-coordinate hydride complex. These results are compared to those observed for analogous Re and Os systems. TpMo(NO)(MeIm)(η2-DMF) and TpW(NO)(PMe3)(η2-DMF) are rare examples of η2 amide complexes, demonstrating the exceptional strength of these group 6 π bases.
Esophageal Nightmare: Cancer Recurrence After Definitive Chemoradiation. Is Salvage Esophagectomy Possible?

Salvage esophagectomy is a rare treatment option in patients failing definitive treatment of esophageal cancer. The ideal patient has recurrent cancer with a long disease-free interval. R0 resection is necessary if long-term survival is to be realized. Patients with small recurrent cancers without M1, T4, or N+ disease are most likely to benefit from salvage esophagectomy. Complications are frequent and are typically pulmonary or anastomotic. Mortality is significant, with 25%-35% survival at most following R0 resection. Most deaths are secondary to cancer or salvage esophagectomy. R1 and R2 resections are to be avoided. Better multimodality treatment planning would eliminate the “nightmare” of salvage esophagectomy.
A Distamce Education Model For Sharing Annual Meeting Highlights

Abstract Distance education is a new technology that can be utilized for bring programs to those who may be unable to participate in AME due to time constraints, lack of financial support or other obligations. In 1997 the AME held in Boston, Mass. had approximately 8700 attendees which represents 7.7% of the total membership of ADA. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service developed a distance education model to bring a sampling of ADA-AME to members in the nine District Dietetic Associations in Indiana. A four hour seminar was presented by RD's who had attended AME covering a variety of topics including research findings, practice points, educational guidelines for consumers, patients and other professionals, and motivational topics. A syllabus containing handout materials was sent to the sites for each registered participant. The session was broadcast by one way satellite transmission from the university. An extension educator and the district president coordinated activities at the sites. During the broadcast communication between the participants and presenters was established via fax machine, telephone bridge lines and 800-call-in lines. There were 215 participants with 180 RDs requesting CE hours. On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being excellent 84% of the participants rated the overall evaluation of the session at 4.3, the site location and preparation at 4.7, picture and sound at 4.5 and the ability to ask questions at 4.5. When asked if they would attend a similar session next year, all but two responded ‘yes'. Distance education can open up opportunities for CE to reach members in an efficient, cost effective way at sites and times that are convenient in the busy life of so many professional today.
Hepatic and pulmonary pathology of experimental Fascioloides magna infection in guinea pigs

The guinea pig was used to study the pathology of Fascioloides magna, an important pathogen for sheep. Although flukes migrated freely through various tissues in infected guinea pigs, the most serious lesions occurred in the liver and lungs. The sequential development of lesions indicated that flukes first invaded the quadrate lobe of the liver and subsequently migrated to other liver lobes and tissues. Six weeks post-infection, there was a marked drop in the recovery of flukes from the liver along with a dramatic increase in pulmonary involvement. Much of the hepatic and pulmonary pathology in infected animals was secondary to extensive vascular lesions caused by migrating flukes. In the liver, vascular lesions predominantly involved the portal and hepatic veins. Thrombophlebitis and locally extensive necrosis, resembling infarction, were observed. Vascular lesions in the lungs occurred in the pulmonary arteries leading to thrombosis and haemorrhagic infarction. Discovery of a fluke in a pulmonary artery, along with the pattern of hepatic and pulmonary lesions, suggested that flukes probably used the cardiovascular system as a pathway for dissemination. Death in fluke-infested guinea pigs was most often associated with severe pulmonary lesions. The nature and distribution of fluke-induced lesions observed in this study demonstrate that the guinea pig is a suitable animal model for Fascioloides magna infection in sheep.
1176 RISK FACTORS FOR CANDIDEMIA IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU): A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

1176 RISK FACTORS FOR CANDIDEMIA IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU): A CASE-CONTROL STUDY
The relationship between performances on neuropsychological symptom validity testing and the MCMI-III in patients with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that frequently presents with both cognitive complaints and psychiatric symptoms. This study investigated the association between Symptom Validity Test (SVT) performance and psychiatric symptoms as measured by the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III), a common measure of psychopathology. A total of 72 fibromyalgia patients at a tertiary care clinic completed the MCMI-III, an embedded cognitive symptom validity test (Reliable Digit Span), and a stand-alone cognitive symptom validity test (the Word Memory Test or Test of Memory Malingering). Of these patients, 21% failed a stand-alone SVT, whereas an additional 15% failed both a stand-alone and embedded SVT. Individuals who failed both stand-alone and embedded cognitive SVTs had higher scores on a number of MCMI-III personality subscales and had elevated scores on MCMI-III modifying indices compared to individuals who passed cognitive SVTs. Moreover, SVT performance was significantly correlated with multiple MCMI-II...
Isolated vitamin E deficiency

A 22-year-old man presented with progressive gait instability, tremor, and dysarthria since childhood. Electrophysiologic studies revealed a sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Laboratory studies documented vitamin E deficiency ; however, no gastrointestinal, hepatic, or lipoprotein disorder could be identified. Vitamin E therapy normalized the serum level, but there was no neurologic improvement. Isolated vitamin E deficiency, in the absence of lipid malabsorption, should be considered in the evaluation of children and adults with ataxia and peripheral neuropathy.
Chemical shift assignment and structural plasticity of a HIV fusion peptide derivative in dodecylphosphocholine micelles

A "HFPK3" peptide containing the 23 residues of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fusion peptide (HFP) plus three non-native C-terminal lysines was studied in dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles with 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy. The HFP is at the N-terminus of the gp41 fusion protein and plays an important role in fusing viral and target cell membranes which is a critical step in viral infection. Unlike HFP, HFPK3 is monomeric in detergent-free buffered aqueous solution which may be a useful property for functional and structural studies. H alpha chemical shifts indicated that DPC-associated HFPK3 was predominantly helical from I4 to L12. In addition to the highest-intensity crosspeaks used for the first chemical shift assignment (denoted I), there were additional crosspeaks whose intensities were approximately 10% of those used for assignment I. A second assignment (II) for residues G5 to L12 as well as a few other residues was derived from these lower-intensity crosspeaks. Relative to the I shifts, the II shifts were different by 0.01-0.23 ppm with the largest differences observed for HN. Comparison of the shifts of DPC-associated HFPK3 with those of detergent-associated HFP and HFP derivatives provided information about peptide structures and locations in micelles.
The lymphoproliferative response during human experimental gingivitis.

The lymphocyte blastogenic responses to antigen preparations of bacteria from dental microbial plaque and to other non-oral stimulants were longitudinally assayed in eitht adult subjects using the experimental gingivitis model. During the 28 days of the experimental period, these subjects abstained from all oral hygiene procedures which let to accumulatio of increased amounts of microbial dental plaque and subsequent gingivitis. In general, all subjects demonstrated a significant increase in the lymphoproliferative response to all doses of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) during the experimental period. The subjects were divided into 2 groups based on rate of plaque accumulation. Slow plaque formers exhibited a gradual linear increase in blastogenic response to bacterial antigen preparations throughout the experimental period. In the group characterixed by rapid accumulation of plaque, a marked early increase in blastogenic responses to antigens of Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Bacteroides melaninogenicus, and Treponema denticola was observed. These same subjects, however, demonstrated a reduction in lymphocyte response to the above antigens during the later phase of the experimental period, when gingivitis was most severe. This decrease, in light of the similtaneous increase in PHA response, suggests the existence of a homeostatic mechanism to control the immune response during episodes of increased antigen load.
Antenna selection for MIMO systems based on information theoretic considerations

The intrinsic capacity formulation generates optimal transmit current and receive field sampling distributions that typically are impractical to realize physically and require complex transmit/receive hardware. A more practical scenario would be to deploy large, reconfigurable arrays and select an optimal or near-optimal subset of the antennas for connection to the (fewer available) transmit and receive hardware chains. This paper presents algorithms based upon mutual information quantities derived from the intrinsic capacity computation that can efficiently and effectively identify good choices of antennas. While the algorithms do not guarantee optimal antenna selection, results obtained using realistic channel models reveal the excellent performance of the techniques.
Optimal Switching between Controlled Subsystems with Free Mode Sequence

Abstract The problem of optimal switching and control of nonlinear switching systems with controlled subsystems is investigated in this study where the mode sequence and the switching times between the modes are unspecified. An approximate dynamic programming based method is developed which provides a feedback solution for unspecified initial conditions and different final times. The convergence of the proposed algorithm is proved. Versatility of the method and its performance are illustrated through different numerical examples.
Isolation of kinetic and spatial properties of uni-axial dynamic tensile loading of OFHC copper

Materials performance is recognized as being central to many emergent technologies. Future technologies will place increasing demands on materials performance with respect to extremes in stress, strain, temperature, and pressure. In this study, the dynamic ductile damage evolution of OFHC Cu is explored as a test bed to understand the role of spatial effects due to loading profile and defect density as well as the role of the kinetics of tensile pulse evolution. Well-characterized OFHC Cu samples of 30 μm, 60 μm, 100 μm, and 200 μm grain sizes were subjected to plate impact uniaxial strain loading in spall geometry to produce early stage (incipient damage. Using 2D metallographic techniques, soft recovered samples were studied to statistically link mesoscale processes to continuum level observations of free surface particle velocity measured with VISAR. Based on these findings, mechanisms for the void nucleation/growth and coalescence are proposed.
Computer machine contol language development

This paper presents the architecture, structure, and general development of a computer machine control language. A specific language development is presented for a general purpose educational robot. The machine control primitives are identified and defined. The necessary functional control of the robot is identified and the primitives are used to derive secondary control expressions at a higher level. The utility of the higher level language is used for support, control, sensing, and development, while the machine primitive manipulation is delegated to lower levels of the language hierarchy. This approach to developing the computer control software bridges the gap between the convenience and efficiency of the high level user support and the labor of manipulating the machine control and sensing primitives.
A data-parallel algorithm for iterative tomographic image reconstruction

In the tomographic imaging problem images are reconstructed from a set of measured projections. Iterative reconstruction methods are computationally intensive alternatives to the more traditional Fourier-based methods. Despite their high cost, the popularity of these methods is increasing because of the advantages they pose. Although numerous iterative methods have been proposed over the years, all of these methods can be shown to have a similar computational structure. This paper presents a parallel algorithm that we originally developed for performing the expectation maximization algorithm in emission tomography. This algorithm is capable of exploiting the sparsity and symmetries of the model in a computationally efficient manner. Our parallelization scheme is based upon decomposition of the measurement-space vectors. We demonstrate that such a parallelization scheme is applicable to the vast majority of iterative reconstruction algorithms proposed to date.
A Framework for Fault-Tolerant Control of Discrete Event Systems

We introduce a framework for fault-tolerant supervisory control of discrete-event systems. Given a plant, possessing both faulty and nonfaulty behavior, and a submodel for just the nonfaulty part, the goal of fault-tolerant supervisory control is to enforce a certain specification for the nonfaulty plant and another (perhaps more liberal) specification for the overall plant, and further to ensure that the plant recovers from any fault within a bounded delay so that following the recovery the system state is equivalent to a nonfaulty state (as if no fault ever happened). The specification for the overall plant is more liberal compared to the one for the nonfaulty part since a degraded performance may be allowed after a fault has occurred. We formulate this notion of fault-tolerant supervisory control and provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of such a supervisor. The condition involves the usual notions of controllability, observability and relative-closure, together with the notion of stability. An example of a power system is provided to illustrate the framework. We also propose a weaker notion of fault-tolerance where following the recovery, the system state is simulated by some nonfaulty state, i.e., behaviors following the recovery are also the behaviors from some faulty state. Also, we formulate the corresponding notion of weakly fault-tolerant supervisory control and present a necessary and sufficient condition (involving the notion of language-stability) for the its existence. We also introduce the notion of nonuniformly-bounded fault-tolerance (and its weak version) where the delay-bound for recovery is not uniformly bounded over the set of faulty traces, and show that when the plant model has finitely many states, this more general notion of fault-tolerance coincides with the one in which the delay-bound for recovery is uniformly bounded.