cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Availability of cobalt-60 to corn and bean seedlings as influenced by soil type, lime, and DTPA

Abstract Uptake of Co by corn (Zea mays) and bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedlings was affected by plant species, soil type and soil amendment. Bean leaves preferentially accumulated 60Co in comparison with corn leaves. Both the DTPA and (lime and DTPA) treatments enhanced 60Co uptake by both plant species, notably in the Troup soil which had lower cation exchange capacity (CEC) and lower soil fertility in comparison with Dothan soil. Conversely, soils with lime but without the chelating agent suppressed 60Co uptake. This dictates that farming practices should be closely evaluated if crops for livestock and human consumption are to be raised in fields contaminated by radionuclides.
The effect of application of aquaphor on skin condition, fluid requirements, and bacterial colonization in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of repeated application of an occlusive ointment on the skin of very low birth weight infants. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen neonates of 26 to 30 weeks gestational age were randomly assigned to receive topical Aquaphor ointment twice daily for 2 weeks or to receive standard skin care. Skin quality, fluid requirements, and skin bacterial colonization counts were assessed. RESULTS: Infants treated with Aquaphor had significantly improved skin condition scores versus controls (p = 0.002). Aquaphor improved skin scores over time (p = 0.012) in treated infants, whereas skin scores of untreated infants worsened before eventually healing. There were no significant differences in total fluid requirements, urine output, serum sodium concentrations, skin bacterial counts, fungal counts, or colonization patterns between treated and control infants in either gestational age cohort. CONCLUSION: Aquaphor ointment, used during the first two postnatal weeks, improved skin condition in infants of 26 to 30 weeks’ gestation without changing skin bacterial flora. We speculate that improved skin condition may limit transepidermal water loss and decrease portals of entry for pathogens, thereby potentially decreasing fluid and electrolyte imbalances and sepsis in very low birth weight infants.
Determination of postexcitation thresholds for single ultrasound contrast agent microbubbles using double passive cavitation detection

This work presents experimental responses of single ultrasound contrast agents to short, large amplitude pulses, characterized using double passive cavitation detection. In this technique, two matched, focused receive transducers were aligned orthogonally to capture the acoustic response of a microbubble from within the overlapping confocal region. The microbubbles were categorized according to a classification scheme based on the presence or absence of postexcitation signals, which are secondary broadband spikes following the principle oscillatory response of the ultrasound contrast agent and are indicative of the transient collapse of the microbubble. Experiments were conducted varying insonifying frequencies (0.9, 2.8, 4.6, and 7.1 MHz) and peak rarefactional pressures (200 kPa to 6.2 MPa) for two types of contrast agents (Definity® and Optison™). Results were fit using logistic regression analysis to define pressure thresholds where at least 5% and 50% of the microbubble populations collapsed for each frequency. These thresholds were found to occur at lower pressures for Definity than for Optison over the range of frequencies studied; additionally, the thresholds occurred at lower pressures with lower frequencies for both microbubble types in most cases, though this trend did not follow a mechanical index scaling.
The Biracial Identity Development Model: A Needed Addition

The author presents demographic information about biracial persons, reviews previous models of racial identity development, discusses their shortcomings when applied to biracial persons, and then presents a new model of racial identity development focusing on the unique aspects of the experience of biracial individuals in the United States. In addition, the author presents several important counseling implications suggested by the model and discusses areas of future research and theory building.
The effects of species properties and community context on establishment success

Understanding whether factors important for species establishment in a local community are predictable or context- dependent is key for determining the features that affect community stability and species coexistence. A major challenge for scientists addressing this question is that natural systems are complex. This makes it difficult to test multiple properties of species and features of the resident community simultaneously to determine what factors are most important for establishment success of a species into a novel community. We used the model aquatic system inside the leaves of the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea to test whether properties predicted to be important for establishment success of a species (initial density, competitive ability, body size) are generalizable across communities varying in resource availability and the presence of a top predator. For intermediate trophic-level species, we found that both competitive dominance and initial density were important for establishment success. Although a less competitive species was also able to successfully establish in the communities, high resource availability and high initial density were important for its establishment success. Body size of the introduced species, although correlated with competitive ability, was not an important characteristic for establishment success. The presence of a top predator significantly decreased the densities of the introduced species when resources were low, but did not completely inhibit establishment success. The relative importance of each of these factors, and interactions among them, could not have been discerned through single hypothesis testing. The results from this work show the need for detailed experiments that focus on combinations of factors to understand if mechanisms determining community assembly and species establishment can be generalized across systems.
Virtual angioscopic visualization and analysis of coronary aneurysms using intravascular ultrasound images

Kawasaki Disease is an inflammatory illness of young children that can seriously affect the cardiovascular system. The disease may cause coronary artery aneurysms, a thinning and dilation of the arterial wall when the wall is weakened by disease. Such aneurysms significantly increase the risk of rupture of the arterial wall, an event from which few patients survive. Due to the largely asymptotic nature of coronary aneurysms, diagnosis must be timely and accurate in order for treatment to be effective. Currently, aneurysms are detected primarily using X-ray angiography, MRI, and CT images. Increased insight into the disease and its effects on the arterial wall can be gained by multi-dimensional computerized visualization and quantitative analysis of diagnostic images made possible by the techniques of intravascular imaging and virtual endoscopy. Intravascular ultrasound images (IVUS) of a coronary artery exhibiting aneurysms were acquired from a patient with Kawasaki Disease. The disease is characterized by low luminescent in the IVUS images. Image segmentation of the abnormal, prominent anechoic regions branching from the lumen and originating within other layers of the arterial wall was performed and each region defined as a separate object. An object segmentation map was generated and used in perspective rendering of the original image volume set at successive locations along the length of the arterial segment, producing a 'fly-through' of the interior of the artery. The diseased region (aneurysm) of the wall was well defined by the differences in luminal size and by differences in appearance of the arterial wall shape observed during virtual angioscopic fly-throughs. Erosions of the endovascular surface caused pronounced horizontal and vertical ballooning of the lumen. Minute cracks within the unaffected luminal areas revealed possible early development of an aneurysm on the contralateral wall, originating in the medial section of the artery and spreading outward toward the lumen.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Transatrial Approach to Total Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot

A transatrial approach to total correction of the tetralogy of Fallot is presented which utilizes: (1) anteroposterior incision of the right atrium near the right atrioventricular groove; (2) circumferential detachment of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve near the annulus; (3) pulmonary arteriotomy with valvuloplasty, if necessary; (4) retrograde displacement and resection of the stenosed infundibulum through the right atrium; (5) closure of the ventricular septal defect; (6) closure of the incision in the tricuspid valve; and (7) closure of the atriotomy. Clinical application to 10 consecutive patients, varying from acyanotia to severely cyanotic, has confirmed the advantages and simplicity of this method. Coronary arterial division, ventriculotomy, and external enlargement of the pulmonary outflow tract have been unnecessary. Relief of pulmonary stenosis has been adequate in each instance. The ventricular septal defect has been well exposed in each patient, and its closure has presented no speci...
Exercise-induced distal atrioventricular block

Three patients with 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction at rest developed fixed 2:1 or 3:1 AV block during treadmill exercise testing. Electrophysiologic study documented block distal to the AV node in all three patients, and suggested that the exercise-induced block occurred because of increased atrial rate and abnormal refractoriness of the His-Purkinje conduction system. The findings in these three patients suggest that high grade AV block appearing during exercise reflects conduction disease of the His-Purkinje system rather than of the AV node, even in the absence of bundle branch block. Patients with this diagnosis should be considered for permanent cardiac pacing.
An exploration of personality–affect relations in daily life: Determining the support for the affect-level and affect-reactivity views

Abstract The two strongest predictors of affect are extraversion and neuroticism. Previous research has demonstrated the extraversion-positive affect and neuroticism-negative affect relations are both strong and positively correlated. To explain these relations, researchers have hypothesized two extensions of the temperament model: the affect-level and affect-reactivity hypotheses of well-being. We used retrospective diaries to examine the support for these hypotheses and, across all three studies, we found strong support for the affect-level model – that is, extraversion predicted a consistent increase in positive affect, neuroticism tended to predict a consistent increase in negative affect. Further, these paths were significant even after controlling for the normative enjoyment and stressfulness of daily activities. In the discussion we describe how these relations provide support for the affect-level model of well-being.
Accuracy of Sphygmomanometers in Hospital Practice

Three hundred ten aneroid and 25 mercury sphygmomanometers in hospital use were calibrated against a new mercury manometer standard which properly recorded zero. A total of 68.4% (212 of 310) of the aneroid instruments and all of the mercury instruments were accurate within ± 3 mm Hg tolerance (average of four readings). An average deviation from standard of greater than ± 7 mm Hg was shown by 13.2% (41 of 310) of the aneroid instruments. Significant variation among hospitals in the proportion of accurate aneroid manometers appeared to be related to maintenance procedures. Aneroid sphygmomanometers must be calibrated periodically against a mercury manometer standard with a simple Y-tube connection. Only with careful observation, calibration, and maintenance should aneroid instruments be used in emergency care situations or in scientific studies concerned with indirect blood pressure.
Hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) spectroscopy applied to nanoparticulate TiO2.

Abstract We have probed the photophysics of nanoparticulate TiO2 using hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) spectroscopy. We find that despite its Wurtzite structure, the anatase particles we prepared are only weakly hyperpolarizable, which suggests that second harmonic generation may couple transitions which are: (a) only weakly allowed, i.e. indirect; or (b) associated with states, probably surface states, of low density. Addition of a carboxy-functional spectral sensitizing dye further quenches second harmonic generation. We hypothesize that the dye competes efficiently with hyperpolarizable surface states for capture of photoholes. We also found that HRS could be used to follow formation of these photocatalyticallly active nanoparticles by acid-catalyzed oxopolymerization of Ti(OIPr)4. The polymerization is a pseudo-first order process consistent with occurrence of an SN1 reaction at Ti(IV) in the rate determining step.
Minority Employees in Majority Organizations: The Intersection of Individual and Organizational Racial Identity in the Workplace:

This article proposes a novel multidisciplinary and multilevel approach to understanding the complexity of diversity in organizations. Drawing on counseling psychology, developmental psychology, an...
Beyond economic and ecological standardisation

Supply chain capitalism forages among the ruins of military and industrial landscapes—and so do real foragers, such as Southeast Asian refugees picking wild mushrooms in the US Pacific Northwest for commercial shipment to Japan. This essay explores how supply chain dynamics thrive on deregulation and diversity, encouraging cultural and ecological variety as a source of profit. Supply chain values are created through diversity—and sometimes, disaster. I aim to provoke anthropologists to revive ethnography for the challenge of studying supply chains, as these erupt like mushrooms after a rain in the cracks of economic and ecological standardisation.
Parietalectomy affects photoperiodic responsiveness in thermoregulating lizards (Anolis carolinensis)

Abstract 1. 1. Parietalectomy does not affect testicular recrudescence of anoles exposed to LD 13.5:10.5 light cycles and held at a constant 32°C temperature. 2. 2. Parietalectomy accelerates testicular recrudescence in anoles exposed to LD 13.5:10.5 light cycles, as compared to sham-operated controls, if the anoles are allowed to behaviorally thermoregulate.
Reducing cardiovascular risk in the metabolic syndrome: What we know and what we still need to know

Since its identification as a group of cardiovascular risk factors that frequently cluster together, the metabolic syndrome has been the subject of controversy. Several definitions exist, and some commentators claim that the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome may not even be clinically useful. Nevertheless, it is clear that the factors that comprise the syndrome-elevated levels of triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and abdominal obesity-even considered individually, increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and need to be treated, and that risk increases with the number of risk factors present. This review will discuss the predictive value and approaches to treatment of each of the risk factors comprising the metabolic syndrome and will provide a justification for that designation. In addition, it will pose several questions that remain to be answered in order for us to provide optimal prevention strategies and treatment for this increasingly prevalent syndrome adults.
Process modelling for intelligent manufacturing systems

In order to succeed in the current global market environment, manufacturing enterprises must implement world-class manufacturing techniques and eliminate inefficient practices from their organisations. The incorporation of intelligence in manufacturing systems, from improving strategic planning decisions to streamlining shop floor operations, will play an important role in redesigning processes by manufacturing companies. Process modelling allows current practices to be documented, analysed and re-engineered for better performance. An integrated process modelling system with rule-based inferencing capabilities can be a valuable tool to help companies meet the competitive challenge. >
Steroidogenic Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Messenger Ribonucleic Acids and Follicular Fluid Steroids in Individual Follicles during Preovulatory Maturation in the Pig

Changes in follicular concentrations of steroidogenic cytochrome P450 enzyme mRNAs were determined during preovulatory maturation. RNA was isolated from 59 individual follicles dissected from 18 pigs during altrenogest-synchronized preovulatory follicular maturation: at Day 1 (pre-follicular phase), Day 3 (early follicular phase), Day 5 (mid-follicular phase), and Day 7 (late follicular phase, 24-36 h after the onset of the LH surge). Follicular fluid was aspirated for steroid RIA. RNA was also isolated from pooled granulosa cells, theca tissue, and luteal tissue. RNA was analyzed by Northern and slot-blot procedures using cDNA probes to human aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom), porcine 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450(17) alpha), and porcine cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc). P450arom mRNA was expressed in both granulosa and theca interna cells but was not detectable in luteal tissue from Day 13 of the estrous cycle. Follicular P450arom mRNA concentration tended to increase between Days 1 and 5 and decreased (p < or = 0.05) by 92% between Days 5 and 7. Follicular fluid estradiol-17 beta concentration increased 17-fold between Days 1 and 5 and then decreased (p < or = 0.05) by 96% between Days 5 and 7. P450(17) alpha mRNA was present in theca interna but was not detected in granulosa cells or luteal tissue. Follicular P450(17) alpha mRNA concentrations did not differ significantly among days, but the content per follicle increased (p < 0.05) between Days 1 and 5 and decreased (p < 0.05) between Days 5 and 7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
INFLUENCE OF CULTIVAR AND PLANT MORPHOLOGY ON MECHANICAL HARVESTING EFFICIENCY OF FLUE-CURED TOBACCO

Abstract Experiments were conducted at 4 locations in 2003-2004 to investigate the influence of 10 cultivars and their morphological characteristics on mechanical harvesting efficiency and to develop a ranking system for use in variety testing. Treatments (cultivars) were replicated four times and arranged in a randomized complete block design. Leaf angle, leaf curvature, and internode spacing were measured immediately prior to each of the final three harvests. Harvesting efficiency was determined by the number of lost leaves for harvests 2, 3, and 4 and by measuring non-harvested stem material (stem loss) after harvest 4. Highly significant differences among cultivars in leaf angle, leaf curvature, and internode spacing were found before each harvest. However, these differences did not impact mechanical harvesting efficiency, except at final harvest, where significant differences in leaf and stem loss were found among cultivars. Leaf angle and internode spacing were significantly correlated with stem los...
A Randomized Trial of Internet and Telephone Treatment for Smoking Cessation

Background: This study aimed to determine the relative effect of Internet and Internet plus telephone treatmentforsmokingcessationonsmokingabstinenceamong US adults. A priori hypotheses were that Internet enhanced with tailored content and social support would outperform basic Internet (BI) and that enhanced Internet (EI) plus proactive telephone counseling would outperform the other conditions. Methods:TheQuitUsingInternetandTelephoneTreatment (iQUITT) study used a 3-group randomized controlled design comparing BI, EI, and EI and telephone combined (EI! P). The trial was conducted from March 8, 2005, through November 30, 2008. Current adult smokersintheUnitedStateswhosmoked5ormorecigarettes per day were recruited via search engines. Characteristicsofthe2005participantsincludemean(SD)age of35.9(10.8)years,51.1%women,and86.5%white.The follow-up assessment rate at 18 months was 68.2%. The main outcome measure was 30-day point prevalence abstinence measured at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after randomization using intent-to-treat analysis. Results:At 18 months, the 30-day multiple point prevalenceabstinencerateacrossallfollow-upintervalswas3.5% (BI), 4.5% (EI), and 7.7% (EI! P), with EI! Ps ignificantly outperforming BI and EI. At 18 months, 30-day single point prevalence abstinence rates were 19.0% (BI), 17.4% (EI), and 19.6% (EI! P) and did not differ among the groups. Conclusions:CombinedInternetandtelephonetreatment outperforms static and dynamic Internet interventions. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00282009
Discriminative fields for modeling semantic concepts in video

A current trend in video analysis research hypothesizes that a very large number of semantic concepts could provide a novel way to characterize, retrieve and understand video. These semantic concepts do not appear in isolatation to each other and thus it could be very useful to exploit the relationships between multiple semantic concepts to enhance the concept detection performance in video. In this paper we present a discriminative learning framework called Multi-concept Discriminative Random Field (MDRF) for building probabilistic models of video semantic concept detectors by incorporating related concepts as well as the low-level observations. The proposed model exploits the power of discriminative graphical models to simultaneously capture the associations of concept with observed data and the interactions between related concepts. Compared with previous methods, this model not only captures the co-occurrence between concepts but also incorporates the raw data observations into a unified framework. We also present an approximate parameter estimation algorithm and apply it to the TRECVID 2005 data. Our experiments show promising results compared to the single concept learning approach for semantic concept detection in video.
Elevation change of the Antarctic ice sheet, 1995-2000, from ERS-2 satellite radar altimetry

We analyzed Antarctic ice-sheet elevation change (dH/dt) from 1995 to 2000 using 123 million elevation change measurements from European Remote Sensing 2 ice-mode satellite radar altimeter data covering an area of about 7.2 million km/sup 2/. Almost all drainage basins in east Antarctica had average dH/dt values within /spl plusmn/3.0 cm/year, whereas drainage basins in west Antarctica had substantial spatial variability with average dH/dt values ranging between -11 to +12 cm/year. The east Antarctic ice sheet had a five-year trend of 1/spl plusmn/0.6 cm/year, where 13 out of the 14 basins had either a positive trend or a trend that was not significantly different than zero. The west Antarctic ice sheet had a five-year trend of -3.6/spl plusmn/1.0 cm/year due largely to strong negative trends of around 10 cm/year for basins in Marie Byrd Land along the Pacific sector of the Antarctic coast. The continent as a whole had a five-year dH/dt trend of 0.4/spl plusmn/0.4 cm/year. Finally, time series constructed for the Pine Island, Thwaites, De Vicq, and Land glaciers in west Antarctic showed five-year dH/dt trends from -26 to -135 cm/year that were significantly more negative than the average dH/dt trends in their respective basins. The strongly negative dH/dt values for these coastal glacier outlets are consistent with recently reported results indicating increased basal melting at these glaciers' grounding lines caused by ocean thermal forcing.
Malaria and splenomegaly in the Punjab

Abstract Splenomegaly and parasitaemia were correlated in 2891 children examined in outpatient clinics during 13 consecutive months in 4 Punjabi villages. The average monthly splenomegaly rate varied from 0·05–0·13 before the monsoon malaria transmission season to 0·18–0·27 during and after this season. Moderate splenic enlargement reached a peak during the malaria transmission season, while the highest proportion of very enlarged spleens occurred towards the end of, and after, the transmission season. Children with splenomegaly were 3 times more likely to have Plasmodium falciparum and 1·5 times more likely to have P. vivax parasitaemias than were children without palpable spleens. The larger the spleen the more likely a P. falciparum infection, whereas P. vivax was more commonly associated with minimal spleen enlargement. Although the probability of a child with splenomegaly having a malaria parasitaemia was highest (0·58–0·72) during and immediately following periods of malaria transmission, the odds ratio of malaria infections among those with splenomegaly to those without was at its lowest (1·41–2·11) during those months. Mean P. falciparum parasitaemias were significantly higher in infected children with moderately enlarged spleens than in infected children with nonpalpable spleens or in those with minimal or extensive splenomegaly. These results are compatible with splenomegaly being a result of both the malaria infection and the immune response. Early in infection many children had parasitaemia without splenomegaly; after the parasitaemia had cleared splenomegaly often persisted.
Extended corresponding states as a tool for the prediction of the thermodynamic properties of mixtures

The principle of corresponding states, with one of its many extensions, is used to predict the thermodynamic properties of the binary mixtures N2-CH4 and CH4-C2H6. Comparisons of the predicted properties with experimental data are given to illustrate some of the powers and problems associated with the method. Problems encountered in modeling mixtures, which are not necessarily associated with the mathematical model of the equation of state, are also discussed. Wide-range equations of state for the two binary systems mentioned above are presented.
Wake mixing and performance of a compressor cascade with crenulated trailing edges

Trailing-edge crenulations have been shown to enhance velocity recovery (wake dissipation) and to decrease total pressure losses in the blade wakes downstream of a low-aspect ratio linear compressor cascade. A new study was performed to determine the influence of trailing-edge crenulations on outlet flow in the presence of varied inlet flow conditions. Two levels of inlet flow turbulence intensity (about 0.15 and 3%) were combined with sidewall boundary-layer removal at the cascade inlet (on or off) to provide four test conditions. Results from blades with large and small crenulations were compared with unmodified blades. For each test condition, a reduction of 10-20% in both velocity variance (enhanced wake mixing) and total pressure loss was observed in the outlet flow with the crenulated blades, while a slight decrease in turning angle was also observed.
The Attenuated Pseudorabies Virus Strain Bartha Fails To Package the Tegument Proteins Us3 and VP22

The Bartha strain of pseudorabies virus has several recognized mutations, including a deletion in the unique short region encompassing the glycoprotein I (gI), gE, Us9, and Us2 genes and point mutations in the gC, gM, and UL21 genes. We have determined that Bartha has mutations in the serine/threonine kinase encoded by the Us3 gene relative to the wild-type Becker strain. Our analysis revealed that Becker virions contain the Us3 protein, whereas Bartha virions do not. To test whether the mutations in the Bartha Us3 protein were responsible for this observation, we constructed a recombinant Bartha strain, PRV632, which expresses the Becker Us3 protein. PRV632 failed to package Us3 into the tegument, indicating that mutations other than those in the Us3 primary amino acid sequence were responsible for the failure of Bartha to package its Us3 protein. A recombinant Becker strain, PRV634, which expresses the Bartha Us3 protein, was constructed to test whether it was capable of being packaged into virions. The Bartha Us3 protein was not incorporated into PRV634 virions efficiently, suggesting that the primary sequence of the Bartha Us3 protein affects packaging into the tegument. To determine whether the packaging of other tegument proteins was affected in the Bartha strain, we examined VP22. Whereas Becker packaged VP22 into virions, Bartha had a severe deficiency in VP22 incorporation. Analysis of VP22 expression in Bartha-infected cells revealed that Bartha VP22 had a slower mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels, indicating either primary sequence differences and/or different posttranslational modifications relative to Becker VP22. Taken together, these data indicate that, while the primary sequence of the Us3 protein does affect its incorporation into the tegument, other factors are involved. Furthermore, our data suggest that one or more of the gI, gE, Us9, or Us2 genes influences the localization of the Us3 protein in infected cells, and this effect may be important for the proper incorporation of Us3 into virions.
The impact of perceived corporate social responsibility on consumer behavior

Abstract The use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to influence consumers and differentiate product offerings has become quite common. This research builds on the growing body of marketing literature through two investigations that manipulate consumers' perceptions of fit, motivation, and timing of corporate social initiatives embedded within promotions. We find that low-fit initiatives negatively impact consumer beliefs, attitudes, and intentions no matter what the firm's motivation, and that high-fit initiatives that are profit-motivated have the same impact. Furthermore, consumers consider the timing (proactive versus reactive) of the social initiative as an informational cue, and only the high-fit, proactive initiatives led to an improvement in consumer beliefs, attitudes, and intentions.
Alzheimer's Disease with Prominent Visual Symptoms: Clinical and Metabolic Evaluation

The authors examined eight patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT), five with prominent visual symptoms early in the illness (VS) and three with no visual symptoms (NVS). Results of neuro-ophthalmologic examinations on VS patients showed relatively consistent abnormalities in figure copying, color vision tested by isochromatic plates, and stereopsis. Cerebral glucose metabolism determined by 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) was unchanged in primary visual cortex of VS and NVS patients compared with 12 normal volunteers of similar age and sex. Glucose metabolism in VS patients was decreased by 45 and 34% in left and right visual association cortex (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05, respectively) and 34 and 37% in left and right inferior parietal cortex (P less than 0.05) compared with controls; NVS patients had no significant metabolic alteration in these areas. Symptoms, physical examination, and metabolic imaging imply that these patients are a heterogenous but distinct clinical subgroup of DAT often with mild dementia who have visual symptoms due primarily to visual agnosia.
Intravenous Opioids for Severe Acute Pain in the Emergency Department

Objective:To review clinical trials of intravenous opioids for severe acute pain in the emergency department (ED) and to provide an approach for optimization of therapy.Data Sources:Articles were identified through a search of Ovid/MEDLINE (1948-August 2010), PubMed (1950-August 2010), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1991-August 2010), and Google Scholar (1900-August 2010). The search terms used were pain, opioid, and emergency department.Study Selection and Data Extraction:The search was limited by age group to adults and by publication type to comparative studies. Studies comparing routes of administration other than intravenous or using non-opioid comparators were not included. Bibliographies of all retrieved articles were reviewed to obtain additional articles. The focus of the search was to identify original research that compared intravenous opioids used for treatment of severe acute pain for adults in the ED.Data Synthesis:At equipotent doses, randomized controlled trials have not s...
Patterns of nucleotide substitution in mitochondrial protein coding genes of vertebrates

Maximum likelihood methods were used to study the differences in substitution rates among the four nucleotides and among different nucleotide sites in mitochondrial protein-coding genes of vertebrates. In the 1st + 2nd codon position data, the frequency of nucleotide G is negatively correlated with evolutionary rates of genes, substitution rates vary substantially among sites, and the transition/transversion rate bias (R) is two to five times larger than that expected at random. Generally, largest transition biases and greatest differences in substitution rates among sites are found in the highly conserved genes. The 3rd positions in placental mammal genes exhibit strong nucleotide composition biases and the transitional rates exceed transversional rates by one to two orders of magnitude. Tamura-Nei and Hasegawa-Kishino-Yano models with gamma distributed variable rates among sites (gamma parameter, alpha) adequately describe the nucleotide substitution process in 1st+2nd position data. In these data, ignoring differences in substitution rates among sites leads to largest biases while estimating substitution rates. Kimura's two-parameter model with variable-rates among sites performs satisfactorily in likelihood estimation of R, alpha, and overall amount of evolution for 1st+2nd position data. It can also be used to estimate pairwise distances with appropriate values of alpha for a majority of genes.
Singlet Exciton-Exciton Interaction in Anthracene

The interaction of two singlet excitons to produce electron carriers has been observed in anthracene for the wavelength range 315-405 nm. With an applied field of ${10}^{4}$ V ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, the rate constant for carrier production is 0.9 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The rate constant for singlet-exciton second-order disappearance is 1.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$
Core loss estimation of SPMSM based on field reconstruction method

Traditional core loss estimation is based on the Steinmetz Equation subject to a sinusoidal excitation. The core losses are segregated into three parts: hysteresis loss, eddy current loss and extra loss. The estimation is based on the information of maximum flux density and fundamental frequency and thereby neglecting the effects of harmonics which results in low accuracy. In order to consider the loss caused by harmonics, a field reconstruction method (FRM) is proposed to reconstruct the field density in the laminations. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) is applied to obtain the harmonic components of the flux density to calculate the core loss. To verify the validity of the proposed method, both FEA simulation and experiments based on a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM) are conducted to calculate and measure the core loss. The comparison of core loss results obtained with different methods shows that FRM is both effective and time saving in determining the core loss of a machine.
Gene dosage effects and signatures of purifying selection in lateral organ boundaries domain (LBD) genes LBD1 and LBD18

Wood formation is an economically and environmentally important process and has played a significant role in the evolution of terrestrial plants. Despite its significance, the molecular underpinnings of the process are still poorly understood. We have previously shown that four lateral organ boundaries (LBD) transcription factors have important roles in the regulation of secondary (woody) growth with two (LBD1 and LBD4) involved in secondary phloem and ray cell development and two (LBD15 and LBD18) in secondary xylem formation. We studied gene copy number and variation in DNA and amino acid sequences of the four LBDs in a wide range of woody and herbaceous plant taxa with fully sequenced and annotated genomes. LBD1 showed the highest gene copy number across species, and gene copy number was strongly and significantly correlated with tangential ray width. The climbing vines, cucumber and grape, with wide multiseriate rays (>10 cells wide) showed the highest gene copy number. Because the growth habit of woody lianas like grape requires significant twisting and bending, it was suggested that the unlignified ray parenchyma cells likely facilitate stem flexibility and maintenance of xylem conductivity. We further demonstrate conservation of amino acids in LBD18 protein sequences specific to woody taxa downstream of the LBD domain. Neutrality tests showed evidence for strong purifying selection on these regions across various orders, indicating important functional roles in woody taxa. Additionally, structural modeling demonstrates that these regions have a significant impact on tertiary protein structure and thus are likely of significant functional importance.
250: Length of the second stage of labor and risk of preterm delivery in a subsequent pregnancy

250 Length of the second stage of labor and risk of preterm delivery in a subsequent pregnancy Joanne N. Quinones, Daniel Gomez, Matthew K. Hoffman, Cande V. Ananth, John C. Smulian, Lauren A. Plante, Daniel W. Skupski, Karin M. Fuchs, William E. Scorza Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, New YorkPresbyterian Hospital Queens, Flushing, NY, for the Perinatal Research Consortium, Allentown, PA OBJECTIVE: Cervical injury is considered a risk factor for preterm birth. Prolonged or obstructed labor at term may increase the risk for damage to cervical and related tissues. This study was designed to evaluate whether an increased duration of the second stage of labor in a term primiparous delivery increases the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in the subsequent pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cohort study of women having their first term and subsequent birth at the same institution using prospectively collected obstetric data from January 2005 to January 2015. The duration of the second stage of labor from the first term pregnancy (index case) was obtained from information recorded at delivery. Demographic and other clinical data were obtained. The risk for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in the subsequent delivery was estimated based on the duration of the second stage regardless of mode of delivery in the first birth. RESULTS: 6,715 women were identified as eligible for analysis. In the index pregnancy, the rate of second stage cesarean was 6.2% (n1⁄4416) and the rate of operative vaginal delivery was 19.8% (n1⁄41,264). Among the 6,342 women (94.4%) who delivered at term in the subsequent pregnancy, the median length of the second stage in the first delivery was 55.0 minutes (interquartile range 29-97). Among the 373 women (5.6%) who delivered preterm in the subsequent pregnancy, the median length of the second stage in the first term delivery was 42 minutes (interquartile range 24-93; p1⁄40.0004). After adjustment for maternal age, clinic or private patient, race/ ethnicity, smoking, and chronic hypertension, there was a 31% lower risk of sPTB in a subsequent delivery if the second stage of labor length was between 55-96 minutes in the first term delivery (Table). There were no differences in sPTB when stratified by mode of delivery. CONCLUSION: Second stage labor length in the index pregnancy was shorter for women who delivered preterm in a subsequent pregnancy. These data do not support the concept that cervical injury
Predictions of Separated and Transitional Boundary Layers Under Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoil Conditions Using an Intermittency Transport Equation

A new transport equation for the intermittency factor was proposed to predict separated and transitional boundary layers under low-pressure turbine airfoil conditions. The intermittent behavior of the transitional flows is taken into account and incorporated into computations by modifying the eddy viscosity, mu(sub t), with the intermittency factor, gamma. Turbulent quantities are predicted by using Menter's two-equation turbulence model (SST). The intermittency factor is obtained from a transport equation model, which not only can reproduce the experimentally observed streamwise variation of the intermittency in the transition zone, but also can provide a realistic cross-stream variation of the intermittency profile. In this paper, the intermittency model is used to predict a recent separated and transitional boundary layer experiment under low pressure turbine airfoil conditions. The experiment provides detailed measurements of velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and intermittency profiles for a number of Reynolds numbers and freestream turbulent intensity conditions and is suitable for validation purposes. Detailed comparisons of computational results with experimental data are presented and good agreements between the experiments and predictions are obtained.
Adenylate energy charge ofAzotobacter vinelandii during encystment

The energy charge ofAzotobacter vinelandii was measured and found to be poised at a value of 0.3. This value was expected in view of the rate of oxygen consumption observed in these resting cells. Adenine nucleotides and poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid were also determined and the relative amounts of these were used as a basis for speculation on long term survival ofAzotobacter cysts in soil. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01R4012 00003
Factor VIII (Antihemophilic Factor) and Factor V (Proaccelerin) Activity of Platelets.

Comments and conclusionsSerum of hemophilic patients contains larger amounts of prothrombin than normal serum. Elevated serum prothrombin is probably responsible for an apparently smaller deficiency observed when TGT is performed using hemophilic plasma, serum and phospholipidic compounds, as compared with that observed when normal serum is substituted in that system for hemophilic serum. Elevated prothrombin activity of hemophilic serum undoubtedly contributed to reduction of PAI; however, maintaining the system “hemophilic plasma-hemophilic serum” unchanged, values of PAI are much greater when hemophilic platelets are added than when normal platelets are used (Table I). Defective activity of platelets was not characteristic of a single patient nor was it confined to congenital conditions. As expected, hemophilic platelets added to normal plasma and serum showed no abnormality (Table I). It is concluded that activity of platelets is of plasmatic origin. The active factor cannot be completely removed by m...
A phase I study of ethyl acetate extract of the chinese antirheumatic herb Tripterygium wilfordii hook F in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of ethyl acetate (EA) extracts of the Chinese herbal remedy Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TWHF) for treatment of patients with a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: The roots of TWHF were extracted sequentially by ethyl alcohol and ethyl acetate and the content of the extract documented. An open label, dose escalation Phase I study was performed in 1993 in 13 patients with established RA. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were examined before and every 4 weeks after starting treatment with the EA extract. RESULTS: Three patients withdrew from the trial during the first 16 weeks of the dose escalation. These patients received a maximum dosage of 180 mg/day. There were no adverse effects or disease improvement observed in these patients. Nine of the remaining 10 patients tolerated the EA extract up to a dosage of 570 mg/day. There were no withdrawals related to adverse events in the trial except for one patient who developed diastolic hypertension at a dose of 180 mg/day of EA extract. Six of 10 patients treated with 180 mg/day of EA extract showed disease improvement. Eight of the 9 patients who received EA extract at doses > 360 mg/day experienced improvement in both clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. One patient met American College of Rheumatology criteria for remission. CONCLUSION: The EA extract of TWHF at dosages up to 570 mg/day appeared to be safe, and doses > 360 mg/day were associated with clinical benefit in patients with RA.
Shifting Balance Theory, Sewall Wright and

Sewall Wright was one of the founders of the field of evolutionary genetics theory and one of the important architects of the Modern Synthesis. His grand theory of adaptive evolution, which is called the Shifting Balance Theory, included the processes of mutation, random genetic drift, migration, and two kinds of natural selection; natural selection acting between individuals within local populations or demes to increase individual fitness and natural selection acting among local demes to increase average individual fitness.
Targeted blood levels of cyclosporine for cardiac transplantation

Forty-nine patients have undergone cardiac transplantation since July, 1982, and have been treated with maintenance cyclosporine and low-dose prednisone, 15 to 20 mg. Cyclosporine dose has been targeted to a whole-blood level of 1,000 ng/ml as measured by radioimmune assay. The actuarial survival rate in this group of patients has been 79% at 12 months and 71% at 21 months. Histologic rejection has occurred at all blood levels of cyclosporine, as has significant nephrotoxicity. The hepatic toxicity encountered has been more a clinical nuisance than significant problem. The administered dose of cyclosporine required to reach a target of 1,000 ng/ml has varied between 2 and 30 mg/kg/day. The average perioperative and late serum creatinine levels were 1.2 and 1.49 mg/dl and occurred with cyclosporine levels of 1,078 and 1,068 ng/ml, respectively. Late cyclosporine toxicity has persisted despite reduction in the dose of cyclosporine below the targeted 1,000 ng/ml. Some method of blood level monitoring is necessary in patients receiving cyclosporine immune suppression to assure adequacy of the administered dose. The 1,000 ng/ml target has provided adequate immune suppression. Significant nephrotoxicity has not correlated with the blood level measured.
Emerging Risk Factors for Urologic Diseases

Modern medicine has brought us many miracle cures. In the 21st century, especially, we are blessed with increasingly powerful disease combating tools, such as functional genomics, proteomics and stem cells. Decades of medical and pharmaceutical research have produced thousands of medicines that allow us to treat and prevent diseases better than ever before. Furthermore, risk factors for many major diseases are being identified. To name a few, we now know that high cholesterol and chronic inflammation are two most prominent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. We also know that obesity is one of the major contributing factors for type II diabetes. Cigarette smoking and air pollution are major environmental causes of respiratory diseases and lung cancers. Unfortunately, specific risk factors for many urologic diseases are yet to be identified. In this editorial, I will discuss emerging urologic risk factors based on recent research findings and their implications on what we should be looking ahead. Understanding risk factors is obviously important because it allows us to avoid disease development in the first place. Risk assessment facilitates clinical prognosis and understanding of disease development mechanisms.