cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Reactivities of Organic Molecules. Theoretical and Experimental Studies on the Aminolysis of Phenyl Acetates

The quality of reactivity predictions coming from alternative theoretical approaches as well as experimental reactivity constants is examined in the case of the ester aminolysis process. The aminolysis of a series of para-substituted phenyl acetates is studied. The barrier heights for the rate-determining stage of the aminolysis of 16 phenyl acetate derivatives were predicted by employing density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. Experimental kinetic studies were carried out for the n-butylaminolysis of seven p-substituted phenyl acetates in acetonitrile. The results show that the electrostatic potential at the carbon atom of the carbonyl reaction center provides an excellent description of reactivities with regard to both theoretical barrier heights and experimental rate constants. The performance of other reactivity indices, Mulliken and NBO atomic charges, electrophilicity index, and Hammett constants, is also assessed.
AN INTEGRATING SPHERE FOR MEASURING DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE IN THE NEAR INFRARED

The construction and performance of a 414-in. diameter comparison type integrating sphere for a spectrophotometer designed by W. L. Derksen and T. I. Monahan is described. This combination allows the measurement of diffuse spectral reflectance in the near infrared to 2.6μ with an accuracy of 1%.
Identification of an artifact in the mass spectrometry of proteins derivatized with iodoacetamide.

Derivatization of cysteinyl residues is often used to prevent the formation of disulfide bonds during protein isolation and analysis. The most commonly used reagents are iodoacetic acid and iodoacetamide, which increase the molecular mass of the protein by 58 or 57 Da, respectively, for each derivatized cysteine. A possible side reaction is derivatization of methionine. In our analysis of derivatized human lens alphaA-crystallins, we found an apparent molecular mass 48 Da lower than the mass expected for alphaA-crystallin with the cysteines carboxyamidomethylated. Analysis of a tryptic digest of this protein showed that both cysteines and one methionine had been derivatized. Peaks indicating a molecular mass 48 Da less than expected for the protein with only cysteines derivatized were attributed to fragmentation of the derivatized methionine through collision-induced dissociation in the electrospray ionization source. An awareness of this artifact is important to investigators searching for proteins and their modified forms in complex mixtures.
Intrusion signature creation via clustering anomalies

Current practices for combating cyber attacks typically use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) to detect and block multistage attacks. Because of the speed and impacts of new types of cyber attacks, current IDSs are limited in providing accurate detection while reliably adapting to new attacks. In signature-based IDS systems, this limitation is made apparent by the latency from day zero of an attack to the creation of an appropriate signature. This work hypothesizes that this latency can be shortened by creating signatures via anomaly-based algorithms. A hybrid supervised and unsupervised clustering algorithm is proposed for new signature creation. These new signatures created in real-time would take effect immediately, ideally detecting new attacks. This work first investigates a modified density-based clustering algorithm as an IDS, with its strengths and weaknesses identified. A signature creation algorithm leveraging the summarizing abilities of clustering is investigated. Lessons learned from the supervised signature creation are then leveraged for the development of unsupervised real-time signature classification. Automating signature creation and classification via clustering is demonstrated as satisfactory but with limitations.
The influence of varying solar flux on ionospheric temperatures and densities - A theoretical study

Simultaneous solution of continuity and heat conduction equations for ionospheric plasma consisting of electrons, atomic O ions and neutral gas species, discussing varying solar flux effects
Rapidly-adapting receptor activity and intratracheal pressure in guinea pigs. I. Action of leukotriene C4.

Abstract Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) is a major component of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) and is a potent bronchoconstrictor. In humans LTC4 results in bouts of coughing which suggests stimulation of pulmonary receptors involved in a reflex mechanism. Furthermore, atropine reduces the effect of both LTC4 and SRS-A. To test the hypothesis that LTC4 stimulates the rapidly-adapting or “irritant” receptor (RAR) of the airways, we administered LTC4 by both intravenous injection (10–1000 ng) and by aerosol delivery ( 1 ug/ml) to the lungs of guinea pigs while recording arterial blood pressure, intratracheal pressure, and nerve activity from RARs. LTC4 (i.v.) concurrently increased both nerve activity and intratracheal pressure even at low doses in a dosedependent manner. Therefore, a direct action of LTC4 (i.v.) upon the RAR is difficult to conclude. The separation of peak tracheal pressure and peak nerve activity was apparent with aerosol delivery of LTC4. The pattern of RAR activity during LTC4 aerosol challenge was unrelated to respiratory phase. FPL 55712 blocks the effects of SRS-A. We challenged the lung with 500 ng LTC4 intravenously before and after FPL 55712 injection (2.5 mg/kg). FPL 55712 blocked the increases of both tracheal pressure and RAR activity.
Two Kinds of Ellipsis in Japanes Discourse: A Quantitative Text Study

Etude quantitative de deux types d'ellipse : (anaphore vide) syntagme nominal et particule de cas en japonais parle, en vue d'etablir les interactions entre eux et d'en montrer les contextes
Quantitative LIF measurements and modeling of nitric oxide in high-pressure C2H4/O2/N2 flames

Abstract We have obtained quantitative LIF measurements of NO concentration in the post-flame zone of a series of flat, laminar, premixed C 2 H 4 /O 2 /N 2 flames at pressures ranging from 1 to 11.9 atm. The internal consistency of the data was verified by demonstrating good agreement between measurements based on two different NO excitation lines. The temperatures of the flames were 1600–1850 K, indicating that most of the NO produced in the flames is prompt-NO. The results show that the equivalence ratio corresponding to the peak NO concentration at a given pressure shifts towards leaner conditions with increasing pressure. We have also modeled the flames using two chemical kinetics schemes: (1) the Glarborg-Miller-Kee mechanism as modified by Drake and Blint (GMK-DB), and (2) the Miller-Melius hydrocarbon mechanism, combined with the nitrogen kinetics of Drake and Blint (MIME-DB). Both models are qualitatively inaccurate with respect to the measured pressure shift, particularly at pressures below 6.1 atm. Both models also tend to underpredict the NO concentrations, although the GMK-DB model is acceptable in many cases.
Enhanced Preservation of Orthotopically Transplanted Rat Lungs by Nitroglycerin but Not Hydralazine Requirement for Graft Vascular Homeostasis Beyond Harvest Vasodilation

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) produced within the lungs maintains pulmonary vascular homeostatic properties, modulating leukocyte traffic, platelet aggregation, and vasomotor tone. Because reactive oxygen intermediates generated during reperfusion react rapidly with available NO, we hypothesized that the NO donor nitroglycerin (NTG) would enhance lung preservation for transplantation by improving graft blood flow and reducing graft neutrophil and platelet sequestration. By use of an orthotopic rat left lung transplant model, with ligation of the native right pulmonary artery to ensure that recipient survival and physiological measurements depend entirely on the transplanted lung, transplants were performed in 70 male Lewis rats after 6-hour 4°C preservation in Euro-Collins solution (EC) alone or EC with supplemental NTG. Compared with EC alone, supplemental NTG significantly increased pulmonary arterial flow (2.2±1.4 to 21.4±2.9 mL/min, P 3 Woods units, P P P
Thermal relaxation and glass transition in polyethylene

Thermal relaxations in the glass transition region can be observed as spontaneous temperature drifts of the sample under adiabatic conditions. Upon the heating of a quenched glass, positive drifts are observed reaching a peak at some temperature just below its Tg. An annealed glass produces a peak in the negative drift at temperatures just above its Tg. Heat capacity measurements have been made on three linear polyethylene samples having 71 to 96% crystallinity and on one branched polyethylene sample, in an adiabatic calorimeter from 2 to 360 K. In all four samples, temperature drifts were detected with peaks occurring around 235–240 K. The temperature of the peaks is not significantly affected by the degree of crystallinity. However, the magnitude of the peaks decreases as the crystallinity is increased.
Virtual California Earthquake Simulator

The model that would eventually become Virtual California started as a limited simulation model developed by Rundle (1988) for the distributed seismicity on the San Andreas and adjacent faults in southern California. This model included stress accumulation and release as well as stress interactions between faults. An updated version of this model was developed (Rundle et al. 2001, 2002, 2004), including the major strike‐slip faults in California, and was called Virtual California. Details of the model were given in Rundle et al. (2006a,b). Yakovlev et al. (2006) utilized Virtual California simulations to examine the recurrence time statistics on faults in California. They concluded that the distribution of return times on a fault is well approximated by a Weibull distribution. Yikilmaz et al. (2010) used Virtual California to simulate earthquakes on the Nankai trough, Japan, and found an excellent agreement with the historical sequence of 13 great earthquakes. Yikilmaz et al. (2011) gave a composite simulation of seismicity in northern California utilizing Virtual California for earthquakes on mapped faults, a random background of smaller earthquakes, and a branching aftershock sequence (BASS) model simulation of aftershocks. In its current incarnation, Virtual California is a sophisticated tool for simulating earthquakes on a wide variety of fault geometries in a high‐performance computing environment and is part of a larger effort by the Southern California Earthquake Center to unify the results from several different earthquake simulators. A description of this effort and a comparison of the results can be found in Tullis et al. (2012a) and Tullis et al. (2012b), respectively. There are three major components that make up Virtual California: a fault model, a set of quasi‐static interactions (Green’s …
Primary chondrosarcoma of long bones and limb girdles

BACKGROUND Chondrosarcomas are common solid malignant tumors of bone, second in incidence only to osteosarcomas. The biologic evolution of chondrosarcomas is slow, requiring long follow-up intervals for meaningful survival analysis. METHODS This study describes the clinicopathologic profiles of 344 patients, 194 male and 150 female (M:F, 1.3:1.0), with primary chondrosarcoma of long bones and limb girdles seen at 1 institution over a period of 80 years. RESULTS The average age at presentation was 46 years (range, 5-82 years). The pelvis was the most common location (1.7% of all patients). Local pain was the most frequently reported initial symptom (81.4%). Survival analysis was limited to 233 patients whose primary treatment was given at the Mayo Clinic. All 233 patients had potential follow-up of at least 5 years. The overall 5-year survival rate was 77% (the expected rate was 96%). Local recurrence developed in 19.7% of patients and metastatic lesions in 13.7%. The recurrence rate was higher for tumors of the shoulder and pelvis than for tumors of long bones. Radiographically, chondrosarcomas had a characteristic appearance, including a combination of bone expansion and cortical thickening. Entering the tumor at surgery increased the risk of local recurrence. Histologic tumor grade was an important predictor of local recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS With adequate initial surgical intervention, chondrosarcoma is primarily a local disease with a low metastatic rate. Cancer 1998;83:2105-2119. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Transformation kinetics in plasma-sprayed barium- and strontium-doped aluminosilicate (BSAS)

The hexacelsian-to-celsian phase transformation in Ba_(1–x)Sr_xAl_2Si_2O_8 is of interest for environmental barrier coating applications. Plasma-sprayed microstructures were heat treated above 1100 °C and the kinetics of the hexacelsian-to-celsian transformation were quantified. Activation energies for bulk and crushed materials were determined to be ∼340 and ∼500 kJ mol^(−1), respectively. X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction were used to establish how plasma spraying barium- and strontium-doped aluminosilicate effectively reduces the energy required for its transformation.
Sampling a biomarker of the human immunodeficiency virus across a synthetic nanopore.

One primary goal in nanobiotechnology is designing new methodologies for molecular biomedical diagnosis at stages much earlier than currently possible and without use of expensive reagents and sophisticated equipment. In this work, we show the proof of principle for single-molecule detection of the nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7), a protein biomarker of the HIV-1 virus, using synthetic nanopores and the resistive-pulse technique. The biosensing mechanism relied upon specific interactions between NCp7 and aptamers of stem-loop 3 (SL3) in the packaging domain of the retroviral RNA genome. One critical step of this study was the choice of the optimal size of the nanopores for accurate, label-free determinations of the dissociation constant of the NCp7 protein–SL3 RNA aptamer complex. Therefore, we systematically investigated the NCp7 protein–SL3 RNA aptamer complex employing two categories of nanopores in a silicon nitride membrane: (i) small, whose internal diameter was smaller than 6 nm, and (ii) large, whos...
Infliximab for the treatment of orofacial Crohn's disease

Orofacial manifestations of Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose and treat. We report a case in which the orofacial lesions occurred 7 years prior to the diagnosis of underlying inflammatory bowel disease. The patient was refractory to mesalamine and systemic corticosteroids but responded to infliximab, the chimeric monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha). A review of the literature of the orofacial granulomatoses is presented as well.
Acute Adrenal Crisis in an Asthmatic Child Treated with Inhaled Fluticasone Proprionate

Adrenal suppression secondary to prolonged inhaled corticosteroid use is usually limited to biochemical abnormalities, with no obvious clinical effects. Acute adrenal crisis is much rarer event but has been reported with increasing frequency. We report a case of a 7-year-old asthmatic child who presented with an acute history of lethargy after a respiratory infection. He was maintained on 220 g/day of fluticasone propionate for several years. Initial evaluation revealed severe adrenal suppression, with undetectable cortisol levels and minimal response after stimulation with ACTH. After fluticasone was discontinued, a gradual recovery of the adrenal axis was seen. This case shows that acute adrenal crisis may be a consequence even at the usual prescribed doses, stressing the importance of using the lowest dose of inhaled steroids needed to control symptoms and having an increased awareness of this complication.
Ameiotic, a gene that controls meiotic chromosome and cytoskeletal behavior in maize.

Abstract Microtubule organization during the novel cell division of ameiotic microsporocytes was examined using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. A recessive mutation of the maize gene Ameiotic causes the replacement of meiosis I with a synchronized mitotic division ( Palmer, R. G. (1971) . Chromosoma 35, 233–246). All identifiable cytological features of this division, including chromosome behavior and microtubule organization, were typical of somatic cell division. Significantly, a cortical microtubule band was observed during prophase in ameiotic cells. In most somatic plant cells, a preprophase band of microtubules (PPB) predicts the cortical site where the future cell plate will join the sidewall. Similar structures, however, are absent in all meiotic and postmeiotic reproductive cells examined to date. These disruptions are consistent with a model where the wild-type Ameiotic gene encodes a product which acts during or before G2 and is necessary for initiating several independent meiotic processes, including both meiotic chromosome behavior and microtubule organization. The ameiotic mutation provides additional evidence that aspects of cytoskeletal organization unique to meiosis are genetically controlled. Finally, the presence of a PPB during the ameiotic division supports a model whereby multiple mechanisms are used to determine and maintain division plane polarity during normal meiosis.
Technical, hemodynamic, anatomical, and functional outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) based on the portal venous entry-point: segmental branch entry versus right or left portal vein trunk access

Purpose To evaluate the technical, anatomical, functional and clinical outcomes of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) based on the portal venous entry site of TIPS. Materials and Methods 158 TIPS placements (100 men; median age, 57 years; range, 24-79 years) were divided into: Segmental branch access (distal to the right or left portal trunks) and nonsegmental branch access (portal bifurcation, right or left portal trunks). Risk factors for recurrence of symptoms and TIPS revision required were analyzed using multivariate cox proportional hazards analyses. The rates of recurrence of symptoms, TIPS revision, primary unassisted stent patency, transplant-free survival, and worsening of encephalopathy, were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier method, and significance were determined with log-rank tests among the derived risk factors. Results There were 54 TIPS with segmental and 104 with non-segmental branch accesses (all created utilizing one type of stent-graft). Falling short of the hepatocaval junction was statistically not significant for both groups (P = .166). Recurrence of symptoms was observed in 39 (25%) placements, and TIPS revision was required in 33 (21%) placements. Multivariate analyses for recurrence of symptoms showed younger age (P = .002) and segmental branch access of the right portal vein (P = .038) were significant risk factors. For TIPS revision, segmental branch access (P = .034) was the only significant risk factors. TIPS patency with segmental branch access was significantly lower than that in non-segmental branch access (35% vs. 76% at 2-years, respectively; P = .005). No significant differences in transplant-free survival (P = .323), worsening of encephalopathy (P = .574), and major complications (P = 1.000), were observed between segmental and non-segmental accesses. Conclusion TIPS created utilizing stent-grafts with segmental portal venous branch access have inferior patency and functional outcomes compared to TIPS with portal trunk (right or left portal vein trunk) or portal bifurcation access. However, this does not translate to a reduction in patient survival.
Periodic leg movements during sleep are associated with polymorphisms in BTBD9, TOX3/BC034767, MEIS1, MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD.

To examine association between periodic leg movements (PLM) and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6 loci known to increase risk of restless legs syndrome (RLS).Stanford Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine and Clinical Research Unit of University of Wisconsin Institute for Clinical and Translational Research.Adult participants (n = 1,090, mean age = 59.7 years) from the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort (2,394 observations, 2000-2012).A previously validated automatic detector was used to measure PLMI. Thirteen SNPs within BTBD9, TOX3/BC034767, MEIS1 (2 unlinked loci), MAP2K5/SKOR1, and PTPRD were tested. Analyses were performed using a linear model and by PLM category using a 15 PLM/h cutoff. Statistical significance for loci was Bonferroni corrected for 6 loci (P = 15 was 33%. Subjects with PLMs were older, more likely to be male, and had more frequent RLS symptoms, a shorter total sleep time, and higher wake after sleep onset. Strong associations were found at all loci except one. Highest associations for PLMI> 15/h were obtained using a multivariate model including age, sex, sleep disturbances, and the best SNPs for each loci, yielding the following odds ratios (OR) and P values: BTBD9 rs3923809(A) OR = 1.65, P = 1.5×10(-8); TOX3/BC034767 rs3104788(T) OR = 1.35, P = 9.0 × 10(-5); MEIS1 rs12469063(G) OR = 1.38, P = 2.0 × 10(-4); MAP2K5/SKOR1 rs6494696(G) OR = 1.24, P = 1.3×10(-2); and PTPRD(A) rs1975197 OR = 1.31, P = 6.3×10(-3). Linear regression models also revealed significant PLM effects for BTBD9, TOX3/BC034767, and MEIS1. Co-varying for RLS symptoms only modestly reduced the genetic associations.Single nucleotide polymorphisms demonstrated to increase risk of RLS are strongly linked to increased PLM as well, although some loci may have more effects on one versus the other phenotype.
Advances in optical parametric oscillators with application to remote chemical sensing

ABSTRACT In this paper, we review some recent advances in optical parametric oscillator (OPO) technology, discuss major coherentsource issues and then propose possible solutions that have relevance to remote chemical sensing. The authors discuss theirlatest results on two OPO schemes. 1) Energies up to 1.2 mJ/pulse and continuously tunable OPO output from 6.7 to 9.8 m was obtained using a 5 x 5 x 25 mm type II AgGaS2 crystal, pumped directly by a 10 ns, 1.06 .tm Nd:YAG laser. 2)The 3.5 pm idler output from a Nd:YAG pumped KTA OPO was used to pump a second OPO using NCPM ZnGeP2 togenerate output near 8 pm. The tandem OPO produced pulse energies of > 1 . 5 mJ at 7. 8 m with an energy conversion efficiency of 6.8%. Finally, we describe schemes for generating multiple photons in the 8 - 12 j.tm band from one initial 1im pump photon, and thereby increase the quantum efficiency when OPOs are pumped by Nd:YAG lasers.Keywords: LIDAR laser technology, optical parametric oscillators, 8  12 p.m coherent sources, nonlinear optics, andinfrared laser sources.
Sparse Multi-Scale Grammars for Discriminative Latent Variable Parsing

We present a discriminative, latent variable approach to syntactic parsing in which rules exist at multiple scales of refinement. The model is formally a latent variable CRF grammar over trees, learned by iteratively splitting grammar productions (not categories). Different regions of the grammar are refined to different degrees, yielding grammars which are three orders of magnitude smaller than the single-scale baseline and 20 times smaller than the split-and-merge grammars of Petrov et al. (2006). In addition, our discriminative approach integrally admits features beyond local tree configurations. We present a multiscale training method along with an efficient CKY-style dynamic program. On a variety of domains and languages, this method produces the best published parsing accuracies with the smallest reported grammars.
Instructional strategies for teaching science online

This work in progress reports the design and initial implementation of a complete online statistics course. It focuses on applications and adaptations of effective instructional strategies based on current research and best practice of teaching quantitative oriented courses (math, statistics, and engineering) online. The online statistics course was an introductory course and covered common statistical concepts and their applications in educational research for graduate students in educational technology. The course was equivalent to an undergraduate level statistics class for students majoring in science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM). Thus the implications of this project in terms of effective instructional strategies and online course design are relevant to a board audience including course designers, instructors, and students in science and engineering.
Cytosolic delivery of membrane-impermeable molecules in dendritic cells using pH-responsive core-shell nanoparticles.

Polycations that absorb protons in response to the acidification of endosomes can theoretically disrupt these vesicles via the “proton sponge” effect. To exploit this mechanism, we created nanoparticles with a segregated core−shell structure for efficient, noncytotoxic intracellular drug delivery. Cross-linked polymer nanoparticles were synthesized with a pH-responsive core and hydrophilic charged shell designed to disrupt endosomes and mediate drug/cell binding, respectively. By sequestering the relatively hydrophobic pH-responsive core component within a more hydrophilic pH-insensitive shell, nontoxic delivery of small molecules and proteins to the cytosol was achieved in dendritic cells, a key cell type of interest in the context of vaccines and immunotherapy.
COMPLETE REMODELLING OF DISPLACED FRACTURES OF THE NECK OF THE PHALANX

Fractures of the neck of the phalanx of the finger are uncommon, but problematic, injuries in children. Displaced fractures may heal with malunion leading to loss of movement or angular deformity. Remodelling of the phalangeal neck is reported to be minimal because of the distance of the fracture from the physis. We report three displaced fractures in two children who presented late. The fractures were treated conservatively and remodelled completely. Both patients regained full movement of the fingers.
Changes in pigment content of the diatom Navicula pelliculosa (Bréb.) Hilse in silicon-starvation synchrony

Exponentially grown cells of the freshwater diatom Navicula pelliculosa (Breb) Hilse, contained chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c, fucoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin, neofucoxanthin, β-carotene, and an unknown pigment, the absorption spectrum of which is reported. Changes in amounts of chlorophyll a, fucoxanthin and diadinoxanthin were determined during the course of silicon-starvation synchrony carried out in the light or dark. Changes in the rate of chlorophyll a and fucoxanthin syntheses were similar. Synthesis ceased after 5–7 hr of silicon starvation, but recommenced in cultures kept in the light, once silicon was re-introduced. In cultures kept in the dark no significant synthesis was observed after re-introduction of silicon. Diadinoxanthin synthesis continued in the light at all times, although at a lower rate during the silicon-starvation period. In the dark, synthesis of this pigment ceased when cell division stopped, and the amount per unit volume of culture decreased. These results are discussed in relation both to the effect of silicon on the metabolism of the diatom and to the possible function of the carotenoids.
Specific conductance criteria for a positive methacholine challenge test: Are the American thoracic society guidelines rather generous?

BACKGROUND: American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines for methacholine challenge testing (MCT) discuss specific airways conductance (sGaw) as a surrogate marker for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) to diagnose airways obstruction. The guidelines suggest a cutoff value of 45% drop in sGaw to diagnose a positive MCT. However, there is no available evidence that supports this cutoff value of 45%. We conducted this study to examine the relationship between FEV1 and sGaw during MCT. METHODS: One-hundred thirty-eight patients who had both sGaw and FEV1 measured during MCT between April 2003 and March 2004 were retrospectively evaluated. The tests were done according to the ATS guidelines. Data were first analyzed using linear regression modeling, comparing the change in FEV1 to changes in sGaw. Then the sensitivity and specificity were generated for different cut points, using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients had a positive MCT based on ATS FEV1 criteria. A decrease of 20% in FEV1 correlated with a drop of 56% in sGaw (95% confidence interval 52% to 60%, r 2 0.35, P 20% FEV1 decrease) values (4 mg/mL, 8 mg/mL, and 16 mg/mL), we then analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the 45% decline in sGaw and compared it with a 56% decline in sGaw. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, we were able to find that a cutoff of 51–52% performed better than either of the 2 values. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the ATS suggested cutoff value of 45% decline in sGaw to diagnose a positive MCT may be rather generous, and a decline of 51% from baseline may provide a more accurate measure of airway hyper-responsiveness. Further studies using well defined subjects with and without asthma should be done to better assess the test
Dispelling the common myths about pediculosis.

Abstract Pediculosis, the condition of being infested by head lice, is a major community health problem in the United States. Head lice, the most common species in humans, occupy considerable amounts of time and energy both within schools and the medical community. The condition creates school and family disturbances and personal embarrassment—consequences far exceeding its medical effects. Because parents are often embarrassed when they are informed about a head lice infestation, they often do not approach the subject with their health care providers. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) need to incorporate education relating the diagnosis and management of pediculosis in the well child visit. PNPs can dispel the common myths that have existed for so long to help open communication with parents and children to promote safe and proper treatment. Early detection is vital in preventing epidemics.
3D tumor shape reconstruction from 2D bioluminescence images

This paper introduces a novel and efficient algorithm for reconstructing the 3D shapes of tumors from a set of 2D bioluminescence images which are taken by the same camera but after continually rotating the animal by a small angle. The method is efficient and robust enough to be used for analyzing the repeated imaging of a same animal transplanted with gene marked cells. There are several steps in our algorithm. First, the silhouettes (or boundaries) of the animal and its interior hot spots (corresponding to tumors) are segmented in the set of bioluminescence images. Second, the images are registered according to the projection of the animal rotating axis. Third, the images are mapped onto 3D projection planes and from the viewpoint of each plane, the visual hulls of the animal and its interior tumors are reconstructed. Finally, the intersection of visual hulls from all viewpoints approximates the shape of the animal and its interior tumors. The experimental results show promising performance of our reconstruction method.
Laparoscopic management of Crohn's disease.

years. 5 In addition, surgical intervention in patients with Crohn’s disease has been shown to improve overall quality of life. A prospective quality of life study conducted by Thirlby et al revealed that conventional surgical resection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease significantly restored the HealthRelated Quality of Life (HRQL) score to match the general population. The improved score was most significant in patients less than 41 years old. All Crohn’s patients’ scores improved regardless of the disease site, previous operation, or extent of the disease. 6 In Crohn’s disease, the most common operations involve the small intestine: strictureplasty of small bowel (54.6%), ileocecal resection (29.6%), and small bowel resection (7.2%). The most common site of Crohn’s disease is in the ileum, with or without involvement of the cecum or proximal right colon. The probability that a patient with ileocecal disease will require surgical resection is 88% to 96% during the course of the disease. 7 Patients with isolated colorectal involvement are less likely to require surgery. 4 Subtotal, total, and partial colectomy account for less than 7% of operations performed for Crohn’s disease. Laparoscopic approaches to the above operations may shift the balance of treatment toward earlier surgical intervention. Since its introduction by Jacobs et al in 1991, 8 laparoscopic ileocolectomy has been used with increasing frequency because it reduces the narcotic requirement, duration of ileus, and length of hospital stay (LOS), compared with conventional resection. 9,10 The presence of Crohn’s disease, however, adds another level of complexity to this operation. Unlike patients with benign polyps, Crohn’s disease patients have friable, thickened, and shortened mesentery, secondary to treatment with steroids, inflammation, or the disease. In addition, surgical patients traditionally have complications of the disease such as abscesses, fistulas, perforation, or obstruction, further increasing the risk of intra-abdominal complications. 11 Despite surgeons’ initial reluctance, an increasing number of studies support the role of laparoscopic resection in Crohn’s disease. Although operative time is longer, the morbidity and mortality rates are not significantly different from those associated with conventional open techniques; the advantages are that postoperative LOS is shorter, return to work quicker, narcotic requirements lower, and cosmesis improved. 10-13
Water Transport in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzers Used to Recycle Anhydrous HCl I. Characterization of Diffusion and Electro-osmotic Drag

bE. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Central Research and Development, Wilmington, Delaware 19880-0323, USA In this paper, diffusion and electro-osmotic drag of water across Nafion® membranes in the presence of HCl are characterized. For all the measurements, one side of the Nafion membrane was in contact with liquid water and the other side with gaseous anhydrous HCl. To characterize diffusion of water, the open-circuit flux of water across a catalyst-coated Nafion 115 membrane was measured as a function of HCl flow rate and temperature at a constant cell pressure of 1 atm. Due to the nature of varying driving force for diffusion as a function of HCl flow rate, the experimental data was analyzed in conjunction with a mathematical model. The mathematical model accounts for condensation of water and is used to calculate the concentration of liquid hydrochloric acid in contact with the membrane. The mathematical model presented here is general and can be applied to the characterization of water transport across Nafion membranes in the presence of any gas that is soluble in water. In the case of HCl, at low inlet flow rates ~,1500 cm 3 /min, STP!, the diffusion of water across the membrane is primarily governed by the diffusional limitations of HCl in the condensed phase. At high flow rates ~.3000 cm 3 /min, STP!, the flux of water is a constant and depends on the saturation solubility of HCl in the condensed liquid phase. To measure the electro-osmotic drag parameter, the net flux of water across the membrane was measured as a function of the applied current density at high HCl flow rates ~i.e., uniform water flux !.
Men are more susceptible than women to direct pressure on unmyelinated ulnar nerve fibers.

three stimulating frequencies, and there were no detectable differences between men and women. Flexion failed to produce significant CPT increases at any of the three stimulating frequencies, with no sex-based differences. Direct pressure produced significant CPT increases at 5 and 250 Hz, indicating inhibition of both unmyelinated C-fibers and myelinated A- fibers. C-fibers, but not A- fibers, demonstrated sex differences with direct pressure; there was a 1.7-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.2- to 2.4-fold) greater effect in men. Ischemia significantly inhibited the function of all three fiber types, perhaps sufficient to overwhelm gender differences. (Anesth Analg 2003;97:1183–8)
Intrinsic and synaptic properties of neurons in an avian thalamic nucleus during song learning

The anterior forebrain pathway (AFP) of the avian song system is a circuit essential for song learning but not for song production. This pathway consists of a loop serially connecting area X in the...
The Uniformization Theorem

(1981). The Uniformization Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 88, No. 8, pp. 574-592.
Abstract 3491: Chromosome 14q loss leads to haploinssuficiency of HIF-1a and poor outcomes in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Purpose – One of the current key dilemmas in the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is the manifestation of innate or acquired resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. Currently there are no biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy for antiangiogenic agents in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Loss of chromosomal arm 14q has been previously associated with poor outcomes in surgically treated patients. We evaluated the association between 14q loss and therapeutic resistance in metastatic ccRCC (mRCC) and explored the role of candidate effector genes on this chromosome. Experimental Design – DNA from archival FFPE tumor specimens from 56 mRCC patients treated with sorafenib or bevacizumab was analyzed with Affymetrix 250K Nsp SNP microarrays. We identified the presence of genomic imbalances focusing on the presence of 14q loss. We then evaluated candidate genes in chromosome 14 by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the bevacizumab treated cohort. Results – 14q loss showed a significant association with worse response (SDPD vs. CRPR) in bevacizumab cohort (Fisher9s exact test, p=0.0473), and with shorter progression free survival (PFS) in the sorafenib cohort (p=0.0318). HIF1A mRNA expression was significantly reduced in specimens with loss of 14q and was associated with PFS in the bevacizumab treated cohort (p=0.045). HIF-1alpha protein expression was also reduced in samples with 14q loss. Conclusions – Our studies demonstrate an association between a specific chromosomal alteration (14q loss) and clinical outcome in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with antiangiogenic agents. Loss of 14q was also associated to changes in the expression of HIF1A. Low HIF1A expression was strongly correlated with shorter PFS. We hypothesize that loss of 14q could lead to an imbalance in HIF-1α/HIF-2α activity, leading to increased HIF-2α, which has been shown to improve tumor cell viability by upregulating various pro-survival pathways. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3491. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3491
Advanced reconstruction of the ear: a framework for successful wound closure.

BACKGROUND The ear is a complex and intricate feature of the human face in which reconstruction after oncologic excision is predicated on the complete removal of skin cancer. Reconstructive strategies are based on an understanding of the hierarchy of aesthetic concerns for the ear. METHODS Review of the reconstructive strategies for reconstruction of the ear. RESULTS The 2 most important characteristics of the ear are its symmetrical projection from the head and the smooth curvature of the helix. With this in mind, the reconstructive plan must begin from the "inside out" with assessment of the cartilaginous frameworks followed by the cutaneous defect. CONCLUSION A reconstructive strategy that takes into account the hierarchy of aesthetic concerns for defects of the ear will optimize cosmesis, function, and patient's satisfaction.
Weaker circadian activity rhythms are associated with poorer executive function in older women.

STUDY OBJECTIVES Older adults and patients with dementia often have disrupted circadian activity rhythms (CARs). Disrupted CARs are associated with health declines and could affect cognitive aging. We hypothesized that among older women, weaker CARs would be associated with poorer cognitive function 5 y later. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING Three US clinical sites. PARTICIPANTS There were 1,287 community-dwelling older women (82.8 ± 3.1 y) participating in an ongoing prospective study who were free of dementia at the baseline visit. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Baseline actigraphy was used to determine CAR measures (amplitude, mesor, and rhythm robustness, analyzed as quartiles; acrophase analyzed by peak activity time 15:51). Five years later, cognitive performance was assessed with the Modified Mini-Mental Status Examination (3MS), California Verbal Learning Task (CVLT), digit span, Trail Making Test B (Trails B), categorical fluency, and letter fluency. We compared cognitive performance with CARs using analyses of covariance adjusted for a number of health factors and comorbidities. Women in the lowest quartile for CAR amplitude performed worse on Trails B and categorical fluency compared to women in the highest quartile (group difference (d) = 30.42 sec, d = -1.01 words respectively, P < 0.05). Women in the lowest quartile for mesor performed worse on categorical fluency (d = -0.86 words, P < 0.05). Women with a later acrophase performed worse on categorical fluency (d = -0.69 words, P < 0.05). Controlling for baseline Mini-Mental State Examination and sleep factors had little effect on our results. CONCLUSION Weaker circadian activity rhythm patterns are associated with worse cognitive function, especially executive function, in older women without dementia. Further investigation is required to determine the etiology of these relationships.
Biliary Excretion of Conjugated Sulfobromophthalein Sodium (BSP) in Rats Fed a Protein-Free Diet

SummaryBiliary excretion of injected conjugated BSP was not affected by feeding rats a protein-free diet for 2 days. The same diet was previously shown to result in decreased dye excretion into bil...
EEG in Panayiotopoulos Syndrome

The sequential changes in localization of EEG foci with age, and the relation between the clinical manifestations and EEG pattern in Panayiotopoulos syndrome (PS) were analyzed in a study of 76 children (37 boys and 39 girls) followed for>2 years at Tokyo Woman’s Medical University, Japan.
Influence of postconditioning on reactive oxygen and cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Objectives To investigate the influence of ischemic postconditioning and remote ischemic postconditionging on apoptosis and to test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species(ROS) is involved in the cardiac protective effect of ischemia postconditioning (IPC) and remote ischemia postconditioning (RIPC). Methods Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:sham operation group(SHAM); control group(CON): 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion; IPC group: 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion with three cycles of 20 s coronary artery reperfusion/ischemia; RIPC group: 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion with femoral artery ischemia/reperfusion before coronary artery reperfusion;MPG+IPC group: 2-mercapto propiony glycine(MPG), a ROS scavenger,was administered 10 min before IPC and MPG+RIPC group:MPG was administered 10 min before RIPC. Results MDA in IPC,RIPC,MPG+IPC and MPG+RIPC groups were(14.6±1.4),(15.6±1.5),(14.4±1.6),(15.0±1.4) μmol/L,repectively,which were lower than that in the CON group (18.3±1.9) μmol/L;IPC and RIPC had increased Bcl-2 expression and at the same time reduced Bax expression compared to the CON group. There was no significant difference in Bcl-2 and Bax expression among CON,MPG+IPC and MPG+RIPC groups. IPC and RIPC reduced apoptosis(25.3±2.3)%,(26.7±2.2)%,P0.05, respectively,as compared to the CON group (50±8)%. These cardiac protective effects were abolished by MPG administered before IPC or RIPC[(44±6)%,(45±7)%, respectively]. Conclusions Both IPC and RIPC reduce the production of ROS;Both IPC and RIPC show cardiac protective effect to reduce apoptosis and the cardiac protective effect was associated with the reduction of ROS;ROS may act as trigger signal and play an important role in IPC and RIPC.
Total Quality Management in AIDS Screening Laboratories

Quality management of HIV screening laboratories is an important content of AIDS prevents and controls work.The paper discussed methods of laboratories quality control from several aspects:the comprehensive quality management,the whole process of quality management,full participation in quality management and diverse aspects of the management methods.
Study of occupational noise hazards and noise-induced hearing loss in a cigarette factory

[Objective]To understand the occupational noise intensity in product processing and its effect on hearing impairment of workers in a cigarette factory.[Methods]Noise assessments and noise monitoring were conducted at the workplace,collecting data on noise intensity,noise spectrum,and levels of noise exposure.And the relationship between hearing loss levels and occupations,lengths of service was analyzed.[Results]The over standard rate of noise was 37.96%,with intensity ranged between 72.5-96.4 dB(A),33.44% operation spots had noise hazard.The noise spectrum(125-4 000 Hz) fell into stationary broadband one.Among those occupationally exposed to noise,20.8 % of them suffered from hearing loss.As for hearing loss among employees of different occupations,it was shown that those undertaking tasks producing higher noise,such as tobacco re-drying,are more vulnerable to hearing damage than others.And as far as lengths of service were concerned,workers with longer lengths of service were more likely to suffer from noise-induced hearing loss,and the incidence was significantly different between age groups(P0.01).[Conclusion]Noise exposure in the workplace has caused a certain damage on the health of workers.It is necessary to improve the working environment and to strengthen the occupational health supervision and administration.
Analysis of the monitoring results on the epidemic Japanese encephalitis in Xianju county from 2005 to 2008

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and to provide the basis for early detection and control. Methods Confirmed cases, suspicious cases, host animals, mosquito vectors and healthy population were monitored according to the National Japanese Encephalitis Monitoring Program. Results From 2005 to 2008, 137 suspected JE cases and 10 laboratory-confirmed cases were reported in the county with an incidence of 0.52/105. No death case was found. All cases were children under 7 years of age and clustered in July. One patent had complete JE vaccination history. The mosquito density began to surge from June, with Culex tritaeniorhynchus being the predominant species accounting for 43.5% of all captured vectors in this area. Two strains of JE virus were isolated from mosquitoes captured in 2007. The time of onset in human was consistent with the spike in mosquito density. The overall infection rate in the host animal swine was 67.4%, and the peak of infection in these animals appeared one month earlier than in human. Conclusion Natural factors in favor of JE epidemics and prevalence of this disease were found in Xianju county. Filling the immunization gap is the most effective way to prevent and reduce the occurrence of this disease. JE monitoring is helpful for early detection and epidemic control.
Quantum Communication, Encryption, Teleportation, and Computing

Quantum communication, i.e., the transmission of information using the properties of entangled photon pairs over significant distances, is rather difficult, because of the unavoidable absorption of photons in fiber-optics transmission lines and the intrinsic problem of efficient low-noise detection of single photons in the visible and infrared regions of the optical spectrum.