cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood Antecedents to Adult Cardiovascular Disease

Through research in the prevention and treatment of adult diseases, it has become clear that many adult diseases have their origins in childhood. As illustrated in this review, these antecedents are largely a function of the nutrition, physical activity, and habits of developing children. There is also increasing evidence that chronic and toxic levels of stress can play a significant role not only in the development of mental and behavioral conditions but in the developmental pathways that lead to a number of chronic physical health conditions. Internists, family medicine physicians, and medicine-pediatrics physicians generally are comfortable managing patients with a number of cardiovascular risk factors or conditions. Although pediatric clinical guidelines have recommended universal screening for hypertension since 1977 and targeted screening for dyslipidemia since 1992 and type 2 DM since 2000, this screening is not yet common practice in general pediatrics. As the population of children and youth with risk factors for metabolic syndrome--hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 DM--increases as a result of the obesity epidemic, pediatricians will have to screen routinely, and diagnose and treat these conditions in the primary care setting. Pediatric residency programs and continuing medical education programs will have to provide knowledge and clinical training in the management of these conditions before primary care pediatricians are comfortable treating children and youth with multiple cardiovascular conditions.
Electrophysiological and anatomic heterogeneity in evolving canine myocardial infarction.

Abstract Although the heterogeneity of electrophysiological properties is increased after myocardial infarction, the degree of this heterogeneity has not been well quantitated and its relationship to the histological changes that occur after infarction has not been carefully examined. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that alterations in electrophysiological properties in healing canine infarction are related to particular histological changes. Experimental infarction was produced by left anterior descending coronary ligation. Six dogs were used as controls, six were studied 5 days following, and six were studied 8 weeks following infarction. Pacing thresholds, effective refractory periods, and activation-recovery times were determined at 112 sites on the anterior left ventricle using a multiple electrode plaque. Conduction velocity, conduction-heterogeneity index--a measure of conduction disturbance--and histology of the epimyocardium underlying the plaque were assessed. The effective refractory periods and activation-recovery times were greater in both infarction groups, most prominently in the subacute group. In subacute infarction, significant postrepolarization refractoriness was present. In healed infarction, conduction velocity was decreased and the conduction-heterogeneity index was increased compared to controls and subacute infarction. Dispersion of excitability and repolarization was associated with more extensive local scarring. Dispersion of myocardial fiber angles was associated with the conduction-heterogeneity index. Some but not all of the electrophysiological changes noted in the animals with infarction were also seen in sham operated animals. Thus, heterogeneity in repolarization and refractoriness is greatest in the subacute phase of myocardial infarction and is associated with the extent of local cell death. In contrast, disturbances in conduction are greatest in healed infarction and associated with disarray of myocardial fibers.
Stereoselective synthesis and biological evaluation of syn-1-amino-3-[18F]fluorocyclobutyl-1-carboxylic acid as a potential positron emission tomography brain tumor imaging agent.

Abstract Amino acid syn -1-amino-3-fluoro-cyclobutyl-1-carboxylic acid ( syn- FACBC) 12 , the isomer of anti -FACBC, has been selectively synthesized and [ 18 F] radiofluorinated in 52% decay-corrected yield using no-carrier-added [ 18 F]fluoride. The key step in the synthesis of the desired isomer involved stereoselective reduction using lithium alkylborohydride/zinc chloride, which improved the ratio of anti -alcohol to syn -alcohol from 17:83 to 97:3. syn -FACBC 12 entered rat 9L gliosarcoma cells primarily via L-type amino acid transport in vitro with high uptake of 16% injected dose per 5 × 10 5 cells. Biodistribution studies in rats with 9L gliosarcoma brain tumors demonstrated high tumor to brain ratio of 12:1 at 30 min post injection. In this model, amino acid syn- [ 18 F]FACBC 12 is a promising metabolically based radiotracer for positron emission tomography brain tumor imaging.
Forms of probability-density functions obtainable from summed m sequences

The letter discusses the sums of m sequences generated by a feedback shift register where the summed sequences are not necessarily from successive stages. A method for obtaining all the possible probability-density functions is given. The particular case of five stages is studied in detail. It is found that, for this case and a number of other cases tested, the rth moment (or central moment) is identical for all the situations in which there are at least r interdependent stages in the sum.
Leveraging multiple languages to improve statistical MT word alignments

We present a new multilingual statistical MT word alignment model based on a simple extension of the IBM and HMM models and a two-step alignment procedure. Preliminary results on a small hand-aligned subset of the Europarl corpus show a 7% relative improvement over a state of the art alignment model
Optimal Activation of Isopsoralen To Prevent Amplicon Carryover

We compared the efficiencies of activation of the photochemical isopsoralen compound 10 and its resulting amplicon neutralizations under conditions with a UV transilluminator box at room temperature (RT) and a HRI-300 UV photothermal reaction chamber at RT and at 5°C. Our data suggest that use of the HRI-300 reaction chamber at 5°C results in a statistically significantly higher degree of amplicon neutralization.
Threshold radar reflectivity for drizzling clouds

[1] Empirical studies have suggested the existence of a threshold radar reflectivity between nonprecipitating and precipitating clouds; however, there has been neither a rigorous theoretical basis for the threshold reflectivity nor a sound explanation as to why empirically determined threshold reflectivities differ among studies. Here we present a theory for the threshold reflectivity by relating it to the autoconversion process. This theory not only demonstrates the sharp transition from cloud to rain when the radar reflectivity exceeds some value (threshold reflectivity) but also reveals that the threshold reflectivity is an increasing function of the cloud droplet concentration. The dependence of threshold reflectivity on droplet concentration suggests that the differences in empirically determined threshold reflectivity arise from the differences in droplet concentration. The favorable agreement with measurements collected over a wide range of conditions further provides observational support for the theoretical formulation. The results have many potential applications, especially to remote sensing of cloud properties and studies of the second aerosol indirect effect.
The Grb2 binding site is required for the induction of chronic myeloid leukemia-like disease in mice by the Bcr/Abl tyrosine kinase

The BCR/ABL oncogene results from a balanced translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 and is found in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and in some patients with acute B-lymphoid leukemia. The Bcr/Abl fusion protein is a constitutively active tyrosine kinase that stimulates several intracellular signaling pathways, including activation of Ras through direct binding of the SH2-containing adapter protein Grb2 to Bcr tyrosine 177. A tyrosine-to-phenylalanine mutation (Y177F) at this site blocks the co-association of Bcr/Abl and Grb2 in vivo and impairs focus formation by Bcr/Abl in fibroblasts. However, the Bcr/Abl Y177F mutant can transform hematopoietic cell lines and primary bone marrow cells in vitro, so the importance of the Bcr/Abl-Grb2 interaction to myeloid and lymphoid leukemogenesis in vivo is unclear. We have recently demonstrated the efficient induction of CML-like myeloproliferative disease by BCR/ABL in a murine bone marrow transduction/transplantation model system. The Y177F mutation greatly attenuates the myeloproliferative disease induced by BCR/ABL, with mice developing B- and T-lymphoid leukemias of longer latency. In addition, the v-abl oncogene of Abelson murine leukemia virus, whose protein product lacks interaction with Grb2, is completely defective for the induction of CML-like disease. These results suggest that direct binding of Grb2 is required for the efficient induction of CML-like myeloproliferative disease by oncogenic Abl proteins. (Blood. 2000;96:664-670)
Serotype-Specific Identification of Polioviruses by PCR Using Primers Containing Mixed-Base or Deoxyinosine Residues at Positions of Codon Degeneracy

We have developed a method for differentiating polioviruses from nonpolio enteroviruses using PCR. A pair of panpoliovirus PCR primers were designed to match intervals encoding amino acid sequences within VP1 that are strongly conserved among polioviruses. The initiating primer hybridizes with codons of a 7-amino-acid sequence that has been found only in polioviruses; the second primer matches codons of a domain thought to interact with the cell receptor. The panpoliovirus PCR primers contain mixed-base and deoxyinosine residues to compensate for the high degeneracy of the targeted codons. All RNAs from 48 vaccine-related and 110 wild poliovirus isolates of all three serotypes served as efficient templates for amplification of 79-bp product. None of the genomic sequences of 49 nonpolio enterovirus reference strains were amplified under equivalent reaction conditions. Sensitivities of poliovirus detection were as low as 100 fg (equivalent to approximately 25,000 genomic copies or 25 to 250 PFU) when the amplified products were visualized by ethidium bromide fluorescence. These degenerate PCR primers should aid in the detection of all polioviruses, including those wild poliovirus isolates for which genotype-specific reagents are unavailable.
Impact of data quality and surface-to-column representativeness on the PM 2.5 / satellite AOD relationship for the contiguous United States

Abstract. Satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) observations have been used to estimate particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5). However, such a relationship could be affected by the representativeness of satellite-derived AOD to surface aerosol particle mass concentration and satellite AOD data quality. Using purely measurement-based methods, we have explored the impacts of data quality and representativeness on the AOD-inferred PM2.5 / AOD relationship for the contiguous United States (CONUS). This is done through temporally and spatially collocated data sets of PM2.5 and AOD retrievals from Aqua/Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Multi-angle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR), and Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP). These analyses show that improving data quality of satellite AOD, such as done with data assimilation-grade retrievals, increases their correlation with PM2.5. However, overall correlation is relatively low across the CONUS. Also, integrated extinction observed within 500 m above ground level (a.g.l.), as measured by CALIOP, is not well representative of the total column AOD. Surface aerosol in the eastern CONUS is better correlated with total column AOD than in the western CONUS. The best correlation values are found for estimated dry mass CALIOP extinction at 200–300 m a.g.l. and PM2.5, but additional work is needed to address the ability of using actively sensed AOD as a proxy for PM2.5 concentrations.
Sellars's Ethics: Variations on Kantian Themes

Etude de la philosophie pratique de Sellars heritee de l'ethique kantienne et de la morale de Hume. Interrogeant le caractere raisonnable des categories et de la raison pratique, l'A. montre que la strategie de Sellars consiste a refuter l'idee d'une connexion conceptuelle entre la morale et la rationalite.
Structural studies on intact and deadenylylated rabbit globin mRNA.

Publisher Summary This chapter attempts to study the structure of a purified eukaryotic mRNA. Several approaches, including the use of optical, chemical and enzymic probes, are described. These studies focus on mixed populations of α and β rabbit globin mRNA. In some instances, comparisons between intact and deadenylylated mRNA species are made to begin to assess the structural role of poly (A) sequences. The experimental information that will allow confidence in proposing structural models may not be available for many years. However, even though the results presented above are in most cases incomplete, it is possible to draw some general conclusions and to speculate concerning the structure of rabbit globin mRNA. Thermal denaturation studies imply that these subclasses melt independently and generate multiphasic denaturation curves. This phenomenon may represent the differential coexistence of specific stable secondary structures, which may be functional, with nonspecific “random” secondary structures that may be nonfunctional. Since HNA can spontaneously form poorly matched secondary structures, it is not unlikely that the long coding regions of these mRNAs may generate “random” structures in solution. Structure-specific enzymes were also used to probe the conformation of globin mRNA.
Disparate Impact Abroad

This paper traces and evaluates the trajectory of Title VII doctrine in Europe. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited discrimination in various realms of social and economic life. Title VII, proscribing discrimination in employment, gave rise to the Civil Rights Act’s largest body of jurisprudence, in which courts have struggled to define the concept of discrimination. Title VII doctrine has had tremendous influence not only on the American workplace, but on antidiscrimination law throughout the world. Antidiscrimination laws in several European jurisdictions have borrowed from U.S. Title VII cases to develop a body of equality law that appears more robust than its American cousins. Griggs v. Duke Power Company, the U.S. Supreme Court case that articulated the disparate impact theory of discrimination, has been cited by English courts, the European Court of Justice, and the European Court of Human Rights. Griggs appears to have shaped the European concept of “indirect” discrimination. At the same time, Griggs converged with other strands of European law developed by the European Court of Justice to interpret the non-discrimination guarantees necessary to promote European integration through the free movement of labor. This paper compares the evolution of disparate impact in the United States and that of “indirect” discrimination in several European jurisdictions. The comparison illuminates a major question that has plagued U.S. courts since Griggs: Does disparate impact liability make sense independently of imposing positive duties towards substantive collective goals on public and private institutions?
Equilibrium Surface Composition of Sulfuric Acid Films in Contact with Various Atmospheric Gases (HNO3, CO2, CH2O, Cl2, NO, NO2)

Differentially pumped X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to study the surface composition of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and sulfuric acid/water mixtures in equilibrium with various atmospheric species. Nitric acid uptake in sulfuric acid solutions was observed below ≈ 220K. Compared to the theoretically predicted bulk composition, a significant enrichment of nitrogen was observed at the interface. The uptake of background water in sulfuric acid below 200 K was responsible for the reversible uptake of CO2, moderated through the formation of carbonic acid (H2CO3). For CH2O, Cl2, NO, and NO2, no observable surface species were observed over the temperature range studied (≈180−298 K).
{Tc} harmonics in the subperioxide model -- The musical superconductors

The oxide {Tc} code appears to be decipherable in terms of subperoxide quantization O{sub q}{sup 1{minus}2q} with {Tc} = 666/q. Besides quantized limits in O{sup {minus}} hole creation through overoxidation (Ox), reductive self doping (Red) can be quantitatively understood on this model and correlated to volume expansion effects. Mobile O charge order commensurabilities supply a comprehensive explanation for {Tc} harmonics, plateaus or variable self-doping, resolving contradictions concerning doping type or charge transfer.
A frame of mind: Psychosocial evaluation of the potential I131 therapy candidate: Observations and evaluation

1285 Learning Objectives Prior to administering I-131 for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, it is important to assess whether patients are willing and able to follow the safety recommendations provided to keep radiation exposures to others As Low As Reasonable Achievable (ALARA). The authorized user should be reasonably certain that these instructions can and will be followed. When using appropriate guidelines to limit exposures, patients receiving as much as 100-200 mCi of I-131 can be managed on an outpatient basis. We review the various methods to assess the suitability of an I-131 candidate to safely receive treatment as an outpatient. We discuss the current regulations for treating a patient with I131 as an outpatient. Prior to scheduling an I131 patient for treatment, patients are interviewed to assess their suitability to receive the dose of I131 necessary for the diagnostic study or therapy. Patients are asked to provide a description of their family living situation, jobs and daily routines. The patients are advised of the time and safety precautions they will need to follow. The patent’s responses and affect are assessed to determine their ability to follow the guidelines and precautions. A similar process is followed on the day of I131 administration. If the patient does not meet the psychosocial criteria, they must be treated as inpatients. We describe the key issues and specific criteria necessary to treat an individual with I131 as an outpatient. Upon completion of review of this information, caregivers should be able to assess their patient’s living situation and general ability to follow the safety precautions necessary to receive I-131 for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Accurate calculation of Stokes drag for point-particle tracking in two-way coupled flows

In this work, we propose and test a method for calculating Stokes drag applicable to particle-laden fluid flows where two-way momentum coupling is important. In the point-particle formulation, particle dynamics are coupled to fluid dynamics via a source term that appears in the respective momentum equations. When the particle Reynolds number is small and the particle diameter is smaller than the fluid scales, it is common to approximate the momentum coupling source term as the Stokes drag. The Stokes drag force depends on the difference between the undisturbed fluid velocity evaluated at the particle location, and the particle velocity. However, owing to two-way coupling, the fluid velocity is modified in the neighborhood of a particle, relative to its undisturbed value. This causes the computed Stokes drag force to be underestimated in two-way coupled point-particle simulations. We develop estimates for the drag force error as function of the particle size relative to the grid size. Because the disturbance field created by the particle contaminates the surrounding fluid, correctly calculating the drag force cannot be done solely by direct interpolation of the fluid velocity. Instead, we develop a correction method that calculates the undisturbed fluid velocity from the computed disturbed velocity field by adding an estimate of the velocity disturbance created by the particle. The correction scheme is tested for a particle settling in an otherwise quiescent fluid and is found to reduce the error in computed settling velocity by an order of magnitude compared with common interpolation schemes.
Situs inversus in homozygous mice without immotile cilia

Mice homozygous for the mutation situs inversus, iv, are characterized by situs inversus in 50 percent of the individuals. We have investigated the ultrastructure and motility of tracheal cilia and sperm tails in homozygous individuals with and without situs inversus. We found no abnormalities of ciliary structure. Therefore, ciliary immotility is not an essential correlate of situs inversus.
An Archaeological Survey for the Southwest Texas Electric Cooperative in Schleicher and Crockett Counties, Texas

In July 1981, the Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted an archaeological survey of power line right-ofways in Schleicher and Crockett Counties. The survey was performed for the Southwest Electric Cooperative, Inc. Eight archaeological sites were located during this project. Three sites (41 SL 5, 41 SL 8, and 41 SL 9) are recommended for additional documentation if they are to be additionally disturbed. The other sites found need no further work.
Effect of salicylate and tripelennamine hydrochloride (pyribenzamine) on the Arthus reaction and on bacterial allergic reactions.

SummaryA study was made of the effect of salicylate and of a synthetic antihistamine compound, tripelennamine hydrochloride, on necrotizing allergic reactions of the Arthus and “bacterial” types. The Arthus reaction was induced passively in rabbits by quantitative methods. “Bacterial” sensitivity to a streptococcus nucleoprotein fraction and to tuberculin was observed in human subjects. Neither type of reaction appeared to be altered by the administration of salicylate or tripelennamine. However, in the early development of the Arthus phenomenon, salicylate treated animals exhibited less edema at the site of the lesion.
Syntheses of Dap-3 Polymyxin Analogues via a Tris-Boc-Protected Polymyxin B Heptapeptide

A semi-synthesis of a polymyxin (PMB) analogue is described. Commercially available PMB is treated with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Boc2O) to give globally protected PMB-Boc5, and the reaction mixture is directly carried to the highly regioselective enzymatic hydrolysis to give the cyclic heptapeptide PMBH-Boc3. After chromatographic isolation, the synthesis is completed by coupling with the tripeptide side chain, deprotection, and salt switch.
Properties of the Aldrin Epoxidase System in the Gut and Fat Body of a Caddisfly Larval

Aldrin epoxidation was used as an index of mixed function oxidase activity in gut and fat body homogenates of a caddisfly Lanva, Limnephilus sp., and the transformation of aid rill to dieldrin also was demonstrated in, vivo, whole larval homogenates were unsuitable enzyme sources, because the gut content contained a soluble, heat-labile inhibitor of epoxidation. Gut and fat body preparations required reduced nicotinamide adenine dinudeotide phosphate for maximum catalytic activity, and epoxidation was reduced by carbon monoxide, sesamex, and SKF 525-A (2-(diethylamine) ethyl 2.2-diphenylvalerate hydrochloride). Bovine serum albumin increased the rate of epoxiclation in gut preparations to a greater extent than it did with fat body preparations. Each homogenate was more active in tris-HCl than in phosphate buffer, and the epoxidase systems were inactivated irreversibly when incubated above 30°C.
Outpatient Cardiac Telemetry Detects a High Rate of Atrial Fibrillation among Patients with Cryptogenic Cerebral Ischemia (PD2.006)

Objective: In one-third of patients discharged with stroke or TIA the etiology of the event remains undetermined. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is reported as a potential etiology. The factors predicting PAF in these patients have not been defined. This study aims to define these factors and duration of remote cardiac telemetry needed to detect PAF. Background 1) A high rate of PAF can be detected during 21 days of mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT). 2) There will be a set of risk factors which can predict the detection of PAF with MCOT. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients evaluated by MCOT monitoring within 6 months of a cryptogenic stroke or TIA. The ECG data were analyzed with an algorithm verified against the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Multivariate analysis with survival regression analysis was performed using demographic, clinical, neuroimaging and cardiac imaging characteristics to determine predictive risk factors for detection of PAF on MCOT. Kaplan-Meier estimates were computed for the 21-day PAF rates. Results: We analyzed 156 records; 97% of patients were not on anticoagulation. PAF occurred in 27 of 156 (17.3%) patients during MCOT monitoring of up to 30 days. The rate of PAF detection significantly increased from 3.9% in the initial 48hrs, to 9.2% at 7 days, to 15.1% at 14 days, and to 19.5% by 21 days (p Conclusions: MCOT is a robust diagnostic tool for the identification of PAF in patients with cryptogenic stroke and TIA. Length of monitoring is strongly associated with the likelihood of detection of PAF. Female gender, PAC on ECG, increased left atrial diameter (LAD), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and greater NIHSS increase the likelihood of PAF detection. Disclosure: Dr. Khan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schultz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Simpson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Russman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mitsias has nothing to disclose.
Second-generation antipsychotic use in borderline personality disorder: What are we targeting?

Abstract Introduction: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder plagued with high rates of psychotropic polypharmacy. Estimates show that second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are used in most of these patients; however, they are being prescribed off label. Methods: A literature review was conducted via PubMed in search for studies evaluating SGA use in BPD. Results: There are available data investigating 8 of 11 SGAs and their use in BPD. Of N = 269 potential articles, N = 34 evaluating the use of SGAs in BPD were included. Discussion: Strong evidence supporting SGAs in BPD is lacking. Potential target symptoms in which a SGA may be useful include depression, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and paranoia/dissociative behavior.
Significance of changes in serum CA125 level on overall survival in ovarian cancer

e16546 Background: The role of baseline serum CA125 as a prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer is well documented. However, little is known about the impact of change in CA125 on survival after 3 ...
Sarcolemmal phospholipid asymmetry and Ca fluxes on metabolic inhibition of neonatal rat heart cells

The present study examines the hypothesis that during depletion of high-energy phosphates a change will occur in the phospholipid topology and in Ca fluxes in cultured neonatal cells and that these two events may be causally related. A combination of 2-deoxyglucose and iodoacetic acid was used to produce graded changes in the adenine nucleotides in the cells. An on-line technique for 45Ca measurement was used to follow Ca uptake and compartmentation by the cells, and chemical and enzymatic probes were used to study sarcolemmal phospholipid topology. After 15 min of metabolic inhibition (ATP = 10% of control) an increase in cellular Ca occurs, which progresses with time. Over 70% of this Ca accumulates in the mitochondria. After 30 min of metabolic inhibition (ATP < 10% of control) a change in the phospholipid topology is observed, and an increased amount (two times control) of sarcolemmal phosphatidylethanolamine is present in the outer monolayer of the sarcolemma. This change in phospholipid topology was independent of the extracellular Ca concentration. The sequence of altered Ca fluxes and distribution followed by the altered phospholipid topology is discussed in terms of its possible role in the pathogenesis of sarcolemmal disruption.
Behavior, diet, and movements of the Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra)

We present the first field study of activity budgets, diet and ranging patterns of the Sulawesi crested black macaque, Macaca nigra, one of seven macaque species endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. We studied three crested macaque groups, ranging in size from 50 to 97 individuals, for 18 months in the Tangkoko-DuaSudara Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi. They spent 59% of the day moving and procuring food, especially fruits, and 41% of the day resting and socializing. Their diet is composed of more than 145 species of fruit (66% of observed feeding bouts), vegetative material (2.5%), invertebrates (31.5%), and occasional vertebrate prey. Group differences were more pronounced than seasonal or diurnal differences. Specifically, the largest group moved farther during the day, moved at a faster and more uniform rate, ate less fruit, rested more, and socialized less than the smaller groups did. The largest group had the largest home range, but it included less primary forest and more disturbed habitat than the ranges of smaller groups. There are individual differences in activity budgets of adult males and females in time spent moving, resting, feeding, and socializing that may reflect differences in reproductive strategies of males versus females. The behavior of large juveniles is more similar to that of adults than to that of small juveniles. Daily movements and use of home range are correlated with diet. Macaques moved shorter distances as the proportion of time spent feeding on fruit increased, and the top four dietary items accounted for most of the variance in entry into hectare blocks of home range.
The use of a pedicle screw-cortical screw hybrid system for the surgical treatment of a patient with congenital multilevel spinal non-segmentation defect and spinal column deformity: a technical note

This technical note presents, to the authors' knowledge, the first reported case of a hybrid pedicle-cortical screw system for instrumented fusion in a patient with congenital vertebral column deformity. Cortical screws were navigated using stereotactic guidance to extend a prior non-segmented fusion mass, facilitating instrumentation in a circumstance with completely distorted anatomy. This technique provided a safe trajectory with excellent cortical purchase in an anatomically deformed spine. Cortical screw fixation may serve to be helpful in augmenting pedicle screw fixation and in circumstances in which the bone quality is suboptimal or the pedicles are compromised. Cortical screw fixation is a relatively new technology, but it may prove to be invaluable in providing an adjunct to pedicle screw constructs in anatomically distorted or osteoporotic spines.
Contamination status of Salmonella in broiler chickens in Suqian City from 2010-2011

[Objective]To understand the contamination status of Salmonella in broiler chickens farms and slaughterhouses in Suqian City of Jiangsu.[Methods]Samples were collected from 5 broiler breeding farms for outdoor environmental sampling and a slaughterhouse for biopsy and carcass sampling.Salmonella in the samples were determined by conventional methods.[Results]The detection rate of Salmonella in environmental samples of breeding farms was 17.6%(37/210),and the main isolate was Indiana Salmonella.The detection rate in slaughterhouse samples was 30.7%(159/518).A total of six Salmonella serotypes were isolated,which was dominated by Indiana Salmonella.[Conclusion]The contamination status of Salmonella is serious in broiler chickens.It is important to strengthen the health supervision in breeding and slaughter of broiler chickens,to reduce the food safety accidents.
A continuation of studies of the factors which influence the sparkover of insulators by means of the photo-multiplier tube

Metal to metal gaps from 0.2 to 2.0 millimeters of nickel to copper with uniform field areas exceeding 5 sq, cms, breakdown with or without U.V. radiation at the same sparking potential.
Hemorrhagic complications of piperacillin therapy

AbstractClinically significant hemorrhage associated with extended spectrum anti-Pseudomonas penicillins is uncommon. We describe 2 patients with bleeding complications owing to piperacillin. In addition, we review the incidence and mechanism of this adverse reaction, and make suggestions for the management of these patients.
Future research needs for the application of mechanistic data to risk assessment.

Risk assessment benefits enormously from the mechanistic data derived from research activity in toxicology which utilizes biological systems that range from whole animal, whole organ, organ slices, cells to the molecular level. New research techniques and instrumentation have vastly improved our ability to investigate complex toxicokinetic questions and to determine the roles for very small quantities of both low and high molecular weight molecules in toxic events. Some of these advances will be discussed relative to the requirements for making predictions for risk assessment associated with exposure to toxic chemicals.
Application of the remote-sensing communication model to a time-sensitive wildfire remote-sensing system

Remote sensing for hazard response requires a priori identification of sensor, transmission, processing, and distribution methods to permit the extraction of relevant information in timescales sufficient to allow managers to make a given time-sensitive decision. This study applies and demonstrates the utility of the Remote Sensing Communication Model RSCM to improve a tactical wildfire remote-sensing system to better meet the time-sensitive information requirements of emergency response managers in San Diego County, USA. A thermal infrared airborne remote-sensing system designed and operated by the United States Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station for active wildfire monitoring is documented and updated based on the RSCM. Analysis of the thermal infrared remote-sensing system in the context of the RSCM identified three configuration changes that can improve the effectiveness of the information produced when employed by wildfire incident commanders for suppression prioritization: 1 limit spectral sampling collection to a single waveband; 2 complete image processing steps on-board the aircraft; and 3 provide information on wildfire locations to incident commanders in the form of a static map.
Marital Dissolutions and the Health of Older Individuals in a Rural African Context

Objectives Research from high-income countries has often found a negative relationship between marital dissolutions and health. This paper assesses that relationship among older sub-Saharan Africans, on a now-aging continent. Such individuals are likely to be at risk of a dissolution, or have already experienced one, due to high rates of marriage. Methods Data from over 1,200 rural Malawians, age 45+, are employed from the 2008 and 2010 waves of the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health. Cross-sectional and lagged dependent variable regressions examine the relationship between marital dissolutions and 4 measures of self-reported health: retrospective health, relative health (compared with others in one's village), and age-standardized SF-12 mental and physical health scales. Results Worse relative, mental, and physical health are associated with being currently divorced/widowed compared with being married. However, worse retrospective health is linked to becoming divorced/widowed between 2008 and 2010. Those divorced/widowed prior to 2008, and who remained so through 2010, are in worse relative and physical health. Discussion The findings question the relative hardship of marital dissolutions for those who have managed to survive into old age, and call for the collection of more detailed longitudinal data on older Africans on this topic.
Geckos go the Distance: Water's Effect on the Speed of Adhesive Locomotion in Geckos

Abstract The gecko adhesive system has been subject to widespread investigation for many decades, but relatively few studies explore environmentally relevant conditions that geckos likely face in their natural habitat. Recent evidence suggests that after Gekko gecko take more than three steps on wet glass, their shear adhesion is significantly lower than adhesion on dry substrates. Such an observation is intriguing because many species of geckos are indigenous to the tropics and must commonly navigate wet substrates. Here we report the locomotor performance of two gecko species, G. gecko and Chondrodactylus bibronii, measured on wet vertical glass and acrylic substrates over a distance of 2 m. We found that neither water nor substrate type had a significant effect on the mean sprint velocity of either species. Mean sprint velocity was unaffected despite variation in frequencies of slipping between species, where C. bibronii slipped significantly more than did G. gecko. Interestingly, the substrate effect ...
Stretchable Polymeric Neural Electrode Array: Toward a Reliable Neural Interface

Conducting polymers are often employed as coatings on smooth metal electrodes to improve the electrode performance with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio for neural recording, charge-injection capacity for neural stimulation, and inducement of neural growth for electrode-tissue integration. However, adhesion of conducting polymer coatings on metal electrodes is poor, making the coating less durable and the electrical property of the electrode less stable. Moreover, conventional conducting polymers have relative low conductance, preventing their direct use as the electrode and lead material; and they are brittle, making it difficult for flexible neural electrodes to incorporate conducting polymer coatings. We have developed a new polypyrrole/polyol-borate composite film with concurrent excellent electrical and mechanical properties. We further developed a method to fabricate a stretchable multielectrode array using this new material as the sole conductor for both electrodes and leads, in contrast with the conventional approach of incorporating conducting polymers only through coating on non-stretchable metal electrodes. The resulting stretchable polymeric multielectrode array (SPMEA) was stretchable up to 23% uniaxial tensile strain with minimal losses in electrical conductivity. Electrochemical testing revealed the SPMEA’s impressive advantage for recording local field neural potentials and for epimysial stimulation of denervated skeletal muscles. As a neural interface engineer, I would also like to compare the compliant neural interfacing technology to other technologies, such as optogenetics, radiogenetics, and even a living neural interface that is currently under development in our lab.
Emergency Department wait time sharing: Do patients contribute to efficiency?

Objective: Inefficiency commonly results in overcrowding of the Emergency Department (ED) and is a problem for many hospitals. When a condition of overcrowding exists, it is often associated with lower patient satisfaction, lower care quality, and decreased financial position of the hospital. To improve patient throughput efficiency, hospitals use a variety of strategies including posting ED wait times on the hospital website and the use of ED reservation systems. This study investigates these two hospital strategies used to inform patients of anticipated wait times in the ED and their associations with patient throughput efficiency. Methods: The study employs bivariate and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models to explore the associations between ED efficiency, measured by time spent in the ED, and ED wait times posted on the hospital website (Wait Times on Website) and ED time efficiency and the use of ED reservation systems. The sample includes all 176 acute care hospitals with an ED located in Florida. Results: The results of this study support that posting ED wait times has a statistically significant association with time spent in the ED; however, we did not find an association between the use of a reservation system and time in the ED. Furthermore, the control variables of hospital licensed bed size, metropolitan location, percent of population without health insurance, and percent of population Medicaid eligible were found to have associations with time spent in the ED. Conclusions: This study supports that hospitals should inform patients of anticipated ED wait times. Methods to share wait times should include posting on the hospital website, billboards, or other means to increase the likelihood of informed patients. With anticipated wait time information, the patient has the opportunity to engage in rational decision making that will positively affect ED efficiency. Healthcare leaders, including hospital administrators and ED managers, are encouraged to identify and implement better ways to inform patients of hospital performance metrics to create the opportunity for greater patient decision engagement.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis in the Evaluation of Palpable Breast Abnormalities.

Rationale and Objectives The role of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in evaluating palpable abnormalities has not been evaluated and its accuracy compared to 2D mammography is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate combined 2D mammography, DBT, and ultrasound (US) at palpable sites. Materials and Methods Two breast imagers reviewed blinded consecutive cases with combined 2D mammograms and DBT examinations performed for palpable complaints. By consensus, 2D and DBT findings were recorded and compared to US. Patient characteristics, demographics, subsequent workup, and outcome were recorded. Results A total of 229 sites in 188 patients were included, with 50 biopsies performed identifying 18 cancers. All 18 cancers were identified on 2D and US, whereas 17 cancers were identified on DBT. Cancer detection sensitivities for 2D, DBT, and US were 100.0%, 94.4%, and 100.0%. The negative predictive value, when combined with US, was 100% for both. The sensitivity and the specificity for both benign and malignant findings with 2D and DBT were 70.5% versus 75.4% (P = 0.07) and 95.3% versus 99.1% (P = 0.125). Palpable findings not identified by 2D and DBT were smaller than those identified (11.5 ± 8.3 mm vs 23.9 ± 12.8 mm, P Conclusions DBT did not improve cancer detection over 2D or US. Both mammographic modalities failed to identify sonographically confirmed findings primarily in dense breasts. The diagnostic use of DBT at palpable sites provided limited benefit over combined 2D and US. When utilizing DBT, US should be performed to adequately characterize palpable sites.
Spatial analysis of municipal water demand: a panel data approach

While the municipal water demand literature is well developed, one area that is understudied is the impact of spatial effects. After controlling for factors shown to impact demand, this study appli...
In vivo and in vitro effects of lithium on granulopoiesis in human neutropenic disorders.

Administration of lithium salts to humans increases peripheral blood neutrophil counts (O’Connell, 1970; Shopsin et al., 1971). It has been shown that this is due to a true increase in neutrophil mass, rather than a shift in peripheral blood neutrophil pools (Tisman et al., 1973; Rothstein et al., 1978). The mechanism of action of lithium in this regard has been studied by a number of investigators using in vitro techniques (Joyce and Chervenick, 1975; Harker et al., 1977; Morley and Galbraith, 1978; Spitzer et al., in press). It has been shown that lithium leads to increased production of the granulocyte colony stimulating factor (CSF) by adherent peripheral blood and bone marrow cells. CSF is the presumed humoral regulator of granulocyte production and has been partially characterized as a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 35,000 daltons (Robinson and Mangalik, 1975; Metcalf, 1977). Further, it has been shown that lithium does not alter the functional capacity of neutrophils, suggesting that it may be useful as a therapeutic agent in human neutropenic disorders (Rossof and Coltman, Jr., 1976; Cohen et al., 1979).
The Clash of Power and Nationalism: The Sino-Japan Territorial Dispute:

The East Asian security order has been affected by the increasing rivalry between China and Japan in recent years against the backdrop of the evolving Sino-Japan balance of power and the renewed na...
EVALUATION OF ORAL RABIES VACCINATION: PROTECTION AGAINST RABIES IN WILD CAUGHT RACCOONS ( PROCYON LOTOR).

Abstract: Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) is an effective tactic for wildlife rabies control, particularly for containment of disease spread along epizootic fronts. As part of the continuing evaluation of the ORV program in free-ranging raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the US, 37 raccoons from ORV-baited areas in Pennsylvania were live-trapped and transferred to captivity to evaluate protection against rabies in animals with varying levels of existing neutralizing antibodies, expressed in international units per milliliter (IU/mL). Among the 37 raccoons at the date of capture, 24% (9/37) of raccoons were seronegative ( 0.11–<0.5 IU/mL), and 27% (10/37) were high positive (≥0.5 IU/mL). Raccoons were held for 86–199 d between the date of capture and rabies virus challenge. At challenge, 68% (25/37) raccoons were seronegative. The overall survival rate among challenged animals was 46% (17/37). Based on the antibody tit...
Comparing lesion detection of infratentorial multiple sclerosis lesions between T2-weighted spin-echo, 2D-FLAIR, and 3D-FLAIR sequences.

Abstract Purpose Infratentorial lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis are associated with long-term disability. Two-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery demonstrates poor infratentorial lesion detection when compared to T2-weighted spin echo. Evidence of improved detection with 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery has been conflicting. This study compares the infratentorial lesion detection performance, observer performance, and signal and contrast properties between T2-weighted spin echo, 2D, and 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery. Methods Two board-certified radiologists independently reviewed and counted infratentorial lesions from 85 brain MRIs in patients with clinically definite multiple sclerosis and concurrent 3D, 2D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and T2-weighted spin echo sequences. Contrast-to-noise and signal-to-noise ratios were measured for 25 MRIs. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for pairwise comparisons of the combined average infratentorial lesion count, contrast-to-noise, and signal-to-noise ratios, and was adjusted for three pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni correction. A corrected p value Results The number of lesions on 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery was significantly higher than those on 2D (p Conclusion The 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence addresses the disadvantage of poor infratentorial lesion detection on 2D, while still maintaining the advantage over T2-weighted spin echo in the detection of lesions adjacent to the cerebrospinal fluid.
Klärung grundlegender Begrifflichkeiten

„Sucht man nach einer moglichst prazisen Definition fur den fast allgegenwartigen Begriff ‚demographischer Wandel’, stost man auf ein kleines Problem: Es findet sich keine, zumindest keine Nominaldefinition“ (Siedhoff 2008: 3).