cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origin of the sequence-dependent polyproline II structure in unfolded peptides

Recent studies have indicated that the unfolded states of polypeptides contain a sub- stantial amount of polyproline type II (PII) struc- ture. This energetically and structurally preorga- nized state may contribute to the reduction of the folding search, as well as to the recognition of intrinsically unstructured proteins and polyproline ligands. Using Monte Carlo simulations of natively unfolded peptides in the presence of explicit aque- ous solvation, we observe that residue-specific PII conformational propensity is the result of the modu- lation of polypeptide backbone hydration by a proxi- mal side-chain. Such a mechanism may be unique among those that contribute to the modulation of secondary structures in proteins. The calculated conformational propensities should prove useful for the development of a configurational PII scale neces- sary for the prediction and design of natural-like polypeptides. Proteins 2005;61:769 -776.
The job and the calling.

Throughout our history, the hallmark of American culture has been competition, individual ambition, and the desire for achievement as measured in terms of economic success. These forces have reached unprecedented intensity in recent years, which leaves practitioners and teachers of medicine caught as never before in the vortex of a society driven by market values. In the final analysis, these values--while they account for many of the great achievements of American medicine--are finally in conflict with the service commitment of the profession. The great challenge for medical educators is to keep American medicine economically strong while finding ways to preserve and encourage the spirit of sacrifice and charity that led so many young people into the field in the first place.
Asphalt pavement overlay service life reliability assessment based on non-destructive technologies

Sound pavement reliability analysis requires a sufficiently large amount of data to generate probabilistic inputs. This study proposes to use non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies to address this issue due to their desirable properties. In particular, a ground-penetrating radar and a falling weight deflectometer are selected and jointly employed to accommodate pavement service life reliability analysis. This study focuses on the asphalt overlay structure from a real-world pavement section. The probabilistic overlay performance in terms of fatigue is investigated. The overlay service life reliability across a 20-year analysis horizon is calculated through both analytical and simulation approaches, with the former being close to the latter. It is shown that the probabilistic results more rationally reflect engineering reality than the traditional and deterministic results. This study suggests that it is feasible and appealing to use NDT technologies to enhance pavement analysis as well as rehabilitatio...
Correlated individual differences in conditions used to measure psychophysical suppression and signal enhancement.

Two‐tone suppression and notched‐noise signal enhancement (overshoot) were measured at 1000 Hz using standard procedures in 40 normal‐hearing, naive adults, counterbalanced for sex, listening ear, and testing order. The threshold range across subjects for the same condition often exceeded 30 dB. In the suppression conditions, for some subjects the 20‐ms forward‐masked signal was as much as 15 dB easier to detect when the tonal masker (1000 Hz) and tonal suppressor (1150 Hz) were presented together, than when the masker was presented alone, indicating suppression. For other subjects, however, presenting the masker and suppressor together increased thresholds by as much as 13 dB, indicating additional masking. On average, adding the suppressor to the masker increased threshold by 0.6 dB. In the enhancement conditions, for every subject the 20‐ms signal was harder to detect when it was presented at the onset of a 500‐ms notched‐noise masker (notch width: 1000 Hz) than when signal onset was delayed by 400 ms, and was hardest to detect when the signal and masker were gated on and off together for 20 ms. The average thresholds were 7 and 19 dB higher for the two conditions in which the signal was presented at masker onset than for the condition in which the signal was presented after a delay, indicating signal enhancement. The thresholds in all of the listening conditions appeared to be primarily determined by a single factor. However, it is not clear whether the best designation for this factor would be sharpness of frequency tuning or across‐channel inhibitory strength.
Hematologic abnormalities in severe neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Serial determinations of the absolute granulocyte and platelet counts were performed in 40 infants with severe neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. Fourteen of the 38 infants had absolute granulocyte counts less than 1,500/mm 3 ; the mean absolute granulocyte count was significantly lower in the group of infants who died during the acute episode of NEC as compared to that of the infants who survived. Thirty-five of 40 infants had nadir platelet counts less than 150,000/mm 3 ; clinical bleeding occurred in 12 of the thrombocytopenic infants. Fourteen thrombocytopenic infants were evaluated for disseminated intravascular coagulation by additional coagulation studies; six were noted to have laboratory evidence of DIC. We conclude that (1) a low absolute granulocyte count in severe NEC is associated with a poor prognosis and (2) thrombocytopenia is a significant problem in severe NEC and may occur with or without evidence of fulminant intravascular coagulation.
Radioimmune assay for histocompatibility antigens.

A MAJOR obstacle in histocompatibility testing has been the need for whole cells as the final target for antiserum action, for example, haemagglutination, complement fixation or complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Catt and Tregear1 have reported that antibody adsorbed irreversibly onto polystyrene test tubes can specifically bind isotope-labelled antigen in nanogram amounts. We have applied a modification of their test to the assay of mouse transplantation antigens.
An Abstract Decision Procedure for Satisfiability in the Theory of Recursive Data Types

The theory of recursive data types is a valuable modeling tool for software verification. In the past, decision procedures have been proposed for both the full theory and its universal fragment. However, previous work has been limited in various ways. In this paper, we present a general algorithm for the universal fragment. The algorithm is presented declaratively as a set of abstract rules which are terminating, sound, and complete. We show how other algorithms can be realized as strategies within our general framework. Finally, we propose a new strategy and give experimental results showing that it performs well in practice.
Kidney cancer: Past, present, and future

f d c o s c p This article is based on the Whitmore Lecture that I elivered to the Society of Urologic Oncology in May 2006. r. Whitmore was a great man whose clinical innovation nd intellect spawned the field of urologic oncology. He was personal hero of mine and it was an honor to deliver this ecture established in his name. The topic for my lecture was one that has interested and ntrigued me for over three decades. Renal cell carcinoma RCC) accounts for 3% of all malignant tumors, and more han 39,000 new cases and 13,000 deaths are now occurring nnually in the United States [1]. For reasons that are nclear, RCC age-adjusted incidence has been rising for the ast 30 years within the United States and most European ations at an annual rate of approximately 3% [2]. The field of renal cell carcinoma is undergoing a revoution based on several exciting advances during the past ecade [3,4]. These include the discovery of the von Hippelindau (VHL) gene and demonstration of its central role in he development of clear-cell RCC, delineation of molecuar mechanisms controlling tumor-associated angiogenesis, etter understanding of the pathologic and clinical factors ssociated with prognosis for patients with RCC, the develpment of nephron-sparing and minimally invasive theraies for localized disease, and the advent of targeted moecular therapy for advanced disease.
ACCURACY OF GASTRIC ASPIRATE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO AND CHEST ROENTGENOGRAM IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF RDS

Gastric aspirate (GA) lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios (L/S) and chest roentgenograms (CR) obtained in the first 24 hrs. of life in 87 infants with respiratory symptoms were analyzed independently. CR diagnosis was made separately by three pediatric radiologists in three categories: definite RDS (D), absent RDS (A) and equivocal of RDS (E). Clinical diagnosis was made in 87 patients (histological confirmation in 19): 34 infants had RDS and 53 had other respiratory problems. The agreement in CR interpretation by the radiologists was tested for the various categories D, E and A by Chi2 analysis and found to be highly significant, p 2.5 were all significant by Chi2 analysis, p < .0005. This report documents the accuracy of both CR and GA L/S when obtained in the first 24 hrs. of life as highly reliable studies for both the diagnosis and exclusion of RDS.
Wendell Willkie : Hoosier internationalist

Foreword Herman B Wells Thinking About Wendell Willkie: An Introduction James H. Madison Part I: Wendell Willkie in Indiana ...America Willkie as a Hoosier: From Elwood to Rushville and In Between George T. Blakey Strange Bedfellows: The Utility Magnate as Politician Mark H. Leff Seeking the Presidency: Willkie as Politician Ross Gregory Willkie as Liberal: Civil Liberties & Civil Rights Harvard Sitkoff Part II: Wendell Willkie & the World One World: An American Perspective Howard Jones One World: A View from France Andre Kaspi Modernizing the Republican Foreign Policy Agenda A.S. Manykin Address of Wendell L. Willkie, Foundation Day, Indiana University, May 4, 1938 Bibliographic Essay Wendell Willkie Chronology Contributors Index Illustrations precede Part II
Comparison of a model describing propagation through optical turbulence (PROTURB) with field data

The PROTURB model, developed by the Battlefield Environment Directorate of Army Research Laboratory, calculates an estimate of optical turbulence strength and its effects on visible and IR imaging and laser system performance. The PROTURB model was earlier compared to data obtained from the REBAL 92 field test held in Bushland, Texas, and data supplied by the Army Test and Evaluation Command Ft. Belvoir Meteorological Team. Recent PROTURB updates included modifying the radiative flux portion of the energy balance model. Here we present a new comparison using data from three locations that differ greatly in meteorological conditions, and moderate climatic conditions. There also exists a considerable difference in site characteristics such as ground conditions and vegetation. We discuss the data collection and reduction effort, and show how this data compares with PROTURB predictions.
Visual and tactual variation seeking in the rat: Intermodal effects of early rearing

Conditions of variation and constancy for both tactual and visual stimulation were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial. Hooded rats were reared under these conditions from 23 to 39 days of age, following which they lived in standard laboratory cages until 49 days of age. Preference tests for variation vs. constancy in both tactual and visual preference tests were conducted at 48 and 49 days of age. Ss previously exposed to the variable stimulation conditions, either tactual and/or visual, showed equal preference for variable stimulation in both tests. This was in contrast to the controls, which preferred the less variable stimulation in both tests. The intermodal effects of the early environmental stimulation were discussed in terms of Fiske and Maddi's activation model.
Thermal regeneration of the phenol-carbon system

Lorsque l'on seche dans l'air a 393 K, 38% en poids du phenol adsorbe se desorbe. Lorsque l'on chauffe a 673 K, 11% en poids du materiau restant disparait
Effect of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) on Length of Hospital Stay and Estimated Hospital Charges

Effect of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) on Length of Hospital Stay and Estimated Hospital Charges
Light scattering by conducting surfaces with one-dimensional roughness

We describe experimental measurements of the scattering properties of two conducting surfaces with 1D roughness. The surfaces have been fabricated in photoresist and have been characterized with a stylus that is small compared to the surface correlation length. In studies of diffuse scatter, we present measurements of the four unique elements of the Stokes matrix. Backscattering enhancement and associated polarization effects are observed for the rougher surface while behavior consistent with tangent plane models is seen for the smoother surface. The polarization-dependence of the coherent scatter is also investigated, and comparisons are made with the results calculated for a flat surface. Finally, we briefly present results for the angular correlation functions of intensity, where the coherent effects that produce backscattering enhancement are more directly observed.
Age-related changes in phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the rat penis.

ABSTRACT Aim Aging is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) attributed to reduced nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity and nitric oxide bioavailability. However, the mechanism for this effect has not been fully investigated. We evaluated (i) whether age‐related ED involves dysregulation of endothelial NOS (eNOS) phosphorylation; and (ii) whether vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) exerts erectile effects and operates via eNOS phosphorylation in aged rats. Methods Male Fischer 344 “young” (4‐month‐old) and “aged” (19‐month‐old) rats were used. Electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve (CNS) was performed to generate penile erection. Erectile response in the presence of rhVEGF165 was evaluated by intracavernosal pressure monitoring 25 minutes after intracavernosal injection of VEGF. Penes were excised at baseline, with or without rhVEGF treatment, and after CNS for Western immunoblot of phospho‐eNOS (Ser‐1177 and Thr‐495), phospho‐Akt, and eNOS. Results Erectile response was significantly reduced in aged rats compared with young rats. Phospho‐eNOS (Ser‐1177) and phospho‐Akt were significantly reduced, while phospho‐eNOS (Thr‐495) was significantly increased, in the aged penis at baseline and after CNS. rhVEGF significantly improved erection and reversed downregulated Ser‐1177, but not upregulated Thr‐495 phosphorylation, on eNOS in aged penes. eNOS protein was significantly increased in aged penes. Conclusions Age‐related ED is associated with eNOS inactivation through a decrease in phosphorylation of its positive regulatory site (Ser‐1177) and an increase in phosphorylation of its negative regulatory site (Thr‐495) in the penis. Altered phosphorylation/constitutive activation of eNOS by fluid shear stress may be a major determinant of compromised vascular homeostasis of the aged penis. The finding that VEGF rapidly induces erection and partly corrects alterations in eNOS phosphorylation in the aged rat penis suggests impaired eNOS activation by deficient endogenous VEGF and supports the potential for growth factor therapy in the treatment of age‐related ED.
Calcitonin gene–related peptide does not excite or sensitize meningeal nociceptors: Implications for the pathophysiology of migraine

Migraine is among the most common types of pain, but its mechanisms are poorly understood. A growing body of evidence points to a critical role of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the pathophysiology of migraine headache. During migraine, CGRP is thought to be released from peripheral endings of perivascular meningeal nociceptors primary and to promote vasodilatation. A current hypothesis suggests that peripheral CGRP and its related meningeal vasodilatation results in activation and sensitization, leading to the generation of migraine headache. However, direct evidence supporting this idea is lacking. Here, using electrophysiological, extracellular, single-unit recording combined with laser-Doppler flowmetry measurements of dural blood flow (DBF), we examined whether CGRP and meningeal vasodilatation promote activation or sensitization of meningeal nociceptors. Changes in (DBF), ongoing discharge, and responsiveness to mechanical stimulation of the dura were studied after either topical administration or intravenous infusion of rat alpha-CGRP in anesthetized rats. Both topical and systemic administration of CGRP caused a significant increase in dural blood flow; however, neither method of CGRP administration resulted in activation or sensitization of meningeal nociceptors. The results of this study suggest that CGRP effects in the meninges, including meningeal vasodilatation, are not sufficient to activate or sensitize meningeal nociceptors.
A note on the analytical absolute stability test

A simplified version of the conditions for the analytical absolute stability test is introduced. The absolute stability test requires that the polynomial
Thermostability of Biological Systems: Fundamentals, Challenges, and Quantification

This review examines the fundamentals and challenges in engineering/understanding the thermostability of biological systems over a wide temperature range (from the cryogenic to hyperthermic regimen). Applications of the bio-thermostability engineering to either destroy unwanted or stabilize useful biologicals for the treatment of diseases in modern medicine are first introduced. Studies on the biological responses to cryogenic and hyperthermic temperatures for the various applications are reviewed to understand the mechanism of thermal (both cryo and hyperthermic) injury and its quantification at the molecular, cellular and tissue/organ levels. Methods for quantifying the thermophysical processes of the various applications are then summarized accounting for the effect of blood perfusion, metabolism, water transport across cell plasma membrane, and phase transition (both equilibrium and non-equilibrium such as ice formation and glass transition) of water. The review concludes with a summary of the status quo and future perspectives in engineering the thermostability of biological systems.
The relationship of pressure gradient to blood velocity based on a continuum theory of blood.

Abstract We discuss a continuum theory which treats blood as a fluid suspension. This theory allows one to account for the presence of red cells in blood flow and is used in the paper to develop a theoretical relationship of pressure gradient to blood velocity. Non-dimensional hydraulic resistance and inductance are calculated as functions of the volume concentration of cells. These results are compared with Womersley's theory and experimentally determined values.
Health surveillance through social networks

Abstract We propose a network-based method to monitor health behaviors and point out the general conditions for it to work effectively. The method helps to identify effective informants for monitoring future health behaviors and to triangulate self-reports of sensitive health behaviors. We demonstrate the method by studying the smoking behaviors of over 4000 middle school students in China. Using students’ observations of their schoolmates smoking in the past 30 days, we construct smoking detection networks and examine the patterns of smoking detection. We find that smokers, optimistic students, and popular students make better informants than their counterparts. We also find that using three to four (or the 3rd quartile of) positive peer reports can uncover a good number of under-reported smokers while not producing excessive false positives.
Photoacoustic image reconstruction from few-detector and limited-angle data

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technique with great potential for a wide range of biomedical imaging applications. However, the conventional PAT reconstruction algorithms often provide distorted images with strong artifacts in cases when the signals are collected from few measurements or over an aperture that does not enclose the object. In this work, we present a total-variation-minimization (TVM) enhanced iterative reconstruction algorithm that can provide excellent photoacoustic image reconstruction from few-detector and limited-angle data. The enhancement is confirmed and evaluated using several phantom experiments.
Highly activated Fgfr3 with the K644M mutation causes prolonged survival in severe dwarf mice

Several gain-of-function mutations in a receptor tyrosine kinase, fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), cause dwarfism in humans. Two particularly severe dwarfisms, thanatophoric dysplasia type II (TDII) and severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN), are associated with glutamic acid (E) and methionine (M) substitutions at the K650 residue in the kinase domain. TDII is lethal at birth, whereas most of the SADDAN patients survive the perinatal period. However, FGFR3 with the SADDAN mutation is more activated than FGFR3 with the TDII mutation in vitro. To find out whether the K650M mutation also causes the SADDAN phenotype, we introduced the corresponding point mutation (K644M) into the mouse Fgfr3 gene. Heterozygous mutant mice show a phenotype similar to human SADDAN, e.g. the majority of the SADDAN mice survive the perinatal period. This suggests that the survival of SADDAN patients is indeed attributed to the K650M mutation in FGFR3. The long bone abnormalities in SADDAN mice are milder than the TDII model. In addition, overgrowth of the cartilaginous tissues is observed in the rib cartilage, trachea and nasal septum. The FGF ligand at the low concentration differentially activates Map kinase in primary chondrocyte cultures from wild-type and SADDAN mice. Comparisons of the molecular bases of the phenotypic differences in SADDAN and TDII mice may increase our understanding of the factors that influence the severity in these two related skeletal dysplasias.
Netherlands Orthopedic Society: Enschede January 16-17, 1992

(1993). Netherlands Orthopedic Society: Enschede January 16-17, 1992. Acta Orthopaedica Scandinavica: Vol. 64, No. sup253, pp. 1-11.
Reaction Densification of α′‐SiAION: II, Densification Behavior

Reaction hot-pressing behavior of {alpha}-Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, AlN, and M{sub 2}O{sub z} powder mixtures (M = Li, Mg, Ca, Y, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Yb) forming {alpha}{prime}-SiAlON has been studied. Five characteristic temperatures are found to control the densification behavior of these materials. The densification proceeded in three major stages. The first two stages were formation of ternary oxide eutectic and wetting of majority nitride powder. The third stage involved dissolution/melting of intermediate phase. Variation from this behavior sometimes occurs due to localization of wetting liquid at AlN, extremely high melting/dissolution temperature of Mg{sub 2}Al{sub 4}-Si{sub 5}O{sub 18} and Nd and Sm melilite, and secondary precipitation Dy-{alpha}{prime}-SiAlON. The dominant densification mechanism was found to be massive particle rearrangement, irrespective of the wetting and dissolution/melting behavior. The efficiency of this mechanism is mostly affected by the amount of available liquid and less by its viscosity. Fully dense, single-phase ceramics were obtained in all cases exceed Mg when hot-pressed at a constant heating rate to 1,750 C, and considerably lower temperatures for Li, Ca, Gd, Dy, Er, and Yb-SiAlON when held isothermally.
Electrically small loop loaded printed dipoles for broad coverage

This paper here proposes to end-load a small dipole with loops. The electrically small printed antenna resonates by itself and presents a pure input resistance at a much lower frequency than resonating frequencies of regular dipoles and loops.
Micromechanical stresses in SiC-reinforced Al2O3 composites

Applying an Eshelby (1957) approach, the internal micromechanical stresses within an SiC-inclusion-reinforced (platelet to whisker geometries) polycrystalline alumina matrix composite were calculated. The results are compared to the experimental residual stress measurements of a SiC-whisker-reinforced Al2O3 by Predecki, et al. (in press) and found to be in excellent agreement. The calculations are then extended to SiC-reinforced composites with polycrystalline mullite, silicon nitride, and cordierite matrices. It is concluded that the internal stresses are significantly influenced by the inclusion geometry as well as the thermoelastic differences between the inclusion and the matrix and also the volume fraction.
Dynamics and control of the two-pulse protocol in electroporation: Numerical exploration

Abstract Externally applied voltages can create transient, non-selective pores in a cell’s membrane, a phenomenon known as electroporation. Electroporation has reduced toxicity, is easy to perform, and does not induce the immune system. Therefore, the technique has a wide range of biological and medical applications. Previous experiments show that a two-pulse protocol, which consists of a fast, large-magnitude pulse and a slow, small-magnitude pulse, can increase the efficiency of drug delivery such as gene electrotransfer. In this work, we investigate the dynamics and control of the two-pulse protocol using a macroscopic model of electroporation. Numerical simulations show that there exists a range of pore radii that cannot be sustained using the conventional, open-loop, two-pulse protocol. As a result, one may need to use pores that are significantly larger than the sizes of the targeted molecules. Moreover, it is not possible to know the rate of delivery a priori. To ensure accurate drug delivery and avoid potential damage to the cell’s membrane, we explore feedback mechanisms to eliminate the gap in sustainable pore radii and thus to precisely control the electroporation process. Numerical simulations show that a straightforward feedback algorithm can achieve robust control effects. Moreover, the control algorithm is effective without knowledge of the model and thus has the potential to be implemented in experiments.
An efficient method for generating capacity reliability evaluation including the effect of planned outages

The treatment of units on planned outage is an important consideration in generating system reliability studies. A single generation system model and load model cannot be used since the units on planned outage vary throughout the year. Some authors have considered planned outages by adding capacity on maintenance to load and then using a single generation system model consisting of all the units. This approach is, however, approximate and gives pessimistic calculated risk level. The realistic method of incorporating planned outages is to divide the year into intervals (generally of one week duration) over which the units on planned maintenance remain unchanged. The generation system and load models are then developed for each interval and convolved to yield interval indices which can be aggregated to produce annual indices. In further discussion this approach is referred to as the conventional method. This paper describes a more efficient method of incorporating planned outages. The proposed method consists of the following steps: 1. Build a load model for each week in an increment of Z MW. 2. From the load model of each week deconvolve the units on planned outage during that week. 3. Combine the weekly load models obtained in step 2 into the annual load model, by multiplying the weekly load models by 1/52 and then adding. The resulting model is the composite load model. 4. Now convolve all the generating units with the composite model obtained in step 3 to obtain the reliability indices.
Post operative infection, pyrexia and perioperative antimicrobial drug use in surgical colic patients

Summary Reasons for performing study: Infections are common complications in post operative colic patients. It is the impression of some surgeons that pyrexia in the early post operative period is a sign of infection and appropriate timing of perioperative antimicrobials will decrease the incidence of post operative infection. Objective: To determine the association between 1) post operative pyrexia and development of infection and 2) perioperative antimicrobial drug use and infection rate in post operative colic patients. Methods: Medical records of patients undergoing surgical treatment for colic were reviewed. Horses recovering from surgery and surviving >48 h were included. Data relating to case details, duration of surgery, post operative infection, peri- and post operative antimicrobial administration, presence, intensity and duration of pyrexia, were recorded. Data were analysed using standard statistical methods for simple comparisons between groups and by logistic regression for more complex comparisons. Results: One-hundred-and-thirteen horses were included in the final analyses, 48 (43%) of which were diagnosed with a post operative infection. Duration of surgery and anaesthesia were associated with post operative infection. Eighty-five percent of horses (n = 96) exhibited pyrexia (rectal temperature >38.3°C) post operatively. Peak temperature >39.2°C, time post surgery to peak temperature >48 h and duration of pyrexia >48 h were significantly associated with infection. In a combined model, time to first pyrexic >48 h post surgery, peak temperature and time to peak >48 h were equally weighted and the model’s positive predictive value for post operative infection was 72%. Timing and dose rate of preoperative antimicrobials were not associated with infection but duration of post operative antimicrobial drug use was. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Slight to mild pyrexia (38–39.4°C) in the early post operative period is not necessarily associated with impending bacterial infection in colic patients and the use of antimicrobials in these patients may be costly and unnecessary.
Nutrition Management of the Very Low-birthweight Infant: I. Total Parenteral Nutrition and Minimal Enteral Nutrition

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the conditions that early amino acid infusions can prevent in neonates. 2. Describe the effects of minimal enteral nutrition on time to full feedings and length of hospitalization. 3. Explain the clinical usefulness of gastric residuals in very low-birthweight infants. 4. Explain the benefits of gut stimulation protocols for extremely low-birthweight infants (500 to 600 g). This review of nutrition management of very low-birthweight (VLBW) infants (<1,500 g) examines two of three important strategies in a time line configuration (Fig. 1). This covers the first hours and days after birth through the end of the first postnatal year. Figure 1. Aggressive nutrition to prevent extrauterine growth restriction. PWL=postnatal weight loss, RTBW=return to birthweight, TPN=total parenteral nutrition, D/C=discharge, IWL=insensible water loss, CAPS=baby hats, ICF=intracellular fluid, AA=amino acids, E/N=energy/nutrition, PTF=preterm formula, H.C.=head circumference. Reprinted with permission from Adamkin DH. J Perinatol. 2005;25(suppl):S7–S11. The goal of nutrition management in VLBW infants, which is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, is the achievement of postnatal growth at a rate that approximates the intrauterine growth of a normal fetus at the same postconceptional age. In reality, however, the growth of VLBW infants lags considerably after birth. Such infants, especially those weighing less than 1,000 g at birth (very, very low-birthweight [VVLBW]), typically do not regain birthweight until 2 to 3 weeks of age. The growth of most VLBW infants proceeds at a slower rate than in utero, often by a large margin. Although many of the smallest VLBW infants are also born small for gestational age (SGA), both appropriate-for-gestational-age VLBW and SGA infants develop extrauterine growth restriction. Figure 2, from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network, demonstrates the differences between normal intrauterine growth and the observed rates of …
Annexin-Phospholipid Interactions in Membrane Fusion

Cellular secretion is a membrane fusion event of utmost importance. The Ca2+ ion is critical in this process and its intracellular concentration is highly regulated. Therefore, Ca2+ may play a direct or indirect role in these intracellular membrane fusion processes. One early indication of a direct role in membrane fusion was the observation that Ca2+ could induce aggregation and leakage of contents from model membrane vesicles composed of the most abundant naturally occuring acidic phospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PS) (Papahadjopoulos and Bangham, 1966) and that these phenomena were associated with fusion of the vesicles (Papahadjopoulos et al., 1974). Subsequently, the ability to produce large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) (Szoka and Papahadjopoulos, 1978; Szoka et al., 1980; Wilschut et al., 1980) and the development of fluorescent fusion assays (Wilschut et al., 1980; Ellens et al., 1985) has allowed detailed studies of the factors that mediate Ca2+-dependent membrane fusion, particularly fusion of PS vesicles (Wilschut et al., 1980). A simple mass action model for the kinetics of membrane fusion, that could describe or predict the results of fusion assays under certain conditions, resulted from such studies (Nir et al., 1980a; Bentz et al., 1983).
Standard Dosing of Enoxaparin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis is Not Sufficient for Most Patients within a Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Recent reports confirm that the standard dose of enoxaparin in obese patients is often subtherapeutic, leading to a higher incidence of venous thromboembolism. All patients receiving subcutaneous enoxaparin 30 mg twice a day (b.i.d.) for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis were prospectively enrolled in this study. Trough antiXa levels were obtained and any level less than 0.1 IU/mL was considered subtherapeutic and the final dosage requirement was recorded. Body mass index (BMI), abdominal wall thickness, and fluid balance were collected. Thirty-four patients were prospectively enrolled in the study, 14 (50%) of which had a BMI >30. Sixty-five per cent of obese patients were initially nontherapeutic, compared with 53 per cent of the nonobese (P = 0.73). However, elevated BMI (P < 0.05) and abdominal wall thickness (P < 0.05) correlated to an increased final dose required to attain an anti Xa ≥0.1 when not initially therapeutic, whereas fluid balance demonstrated no correlation (P = 0.232). Subcutaneous enoxaparin dosing of 30 mg b.i.d. is not sufficient for the majority adult trauma patients in the intensive care unit, regardless of BMI. When enoxaparin 30 mg b.i.d. is initially subtherapeutic, obese patients may require a larger dose necessary to achieve necessary anticoagulation.
Intersubband QuantumBox Lasers: Progress and Potential as Uncooled MidInfrared Sources

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Suppression of carrier leakage in QC lasers: The deep-well concept IQB lasers Active-photonic-crystal (APC) structures: Scaling to 1 W coherent power The potential of IQB lasers Fabrication of IQB devices and preliminary light-emission results Conclusions
Can Attitude Measurement Predict Consumer Behavior

•Are attitudes predictive of consumer behavior?•What potential role does attitude measurement play in the marketing research program of a company?•Does the Thurstone technique offer management a reliable tool for research and decision-making?•What is the public's attitude or response to a promotional device such as trading stamps?An extensive research project regarding trading stamps provides insight into the answers to these and other questions. Over 400 pretest and 1,400 test interviews in three states produced the information on which this article is based.
Carbamate Cross Resistance in a Carbaryl-Resistant Strain of the German Cockroach

The toxic effects of 8 carbamate insecticides have been compared in susceptible and carbaryl-resistant strains of Blattella germanica (L.). Baygon® ( o -isopropoxyphenyl methylcarbamate) and UC-10854 ( m -isopropylphenyl methylcarbamate) effectively killed cockroaches of both strains with a topical method of application. Dimetilan and Isolan® (l-isopropyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolyl dimethyl-carbamate) were less toxic, and there was little resistance to these materials in the carbaryl-resistant cockroaches. Susceptible cockroaches were killed effectively by UC-21149 (2-methyl-2-(methylthio)propionaldehyde O -(methylcarbamoyl)oxime) and Matacil® (4-(dimethylamino)-m-lolyl methylcarbamate), but there was evidence of cross resistance to these compounds in the resistant strain. Cross resistance to MC-A-600 (benzo[b]thien-4-yl methyl carbamate) occurred in carbaryl-resistant cockroaches when a topical method of application was used. There was no apparent cross resistance to this material when a dipping technique was employed for testing. Carbaryl was ineffective in killing cockroaches of either strain by the topical method; as expected, significant levels of resistance were demonstrated in the resistant strain with a dipping technique.
Circadian Rhythm in Duration of Salicylate Excretion Referred To Phase of Excretory Rhythms and Routine.

SummaryThe duration of urinary salicy-late excretion following oral administration of the drug was studied on 6 human subjects standardized on a routine of sleep daily from 23:00 to 07:00. The drug was administered to each of the 6 subjects at 4 different time points, i.e., at 07:00, 11:00, 19:00 or 23:00 (4 separate tests at least 1 week apart). Average duration of drug excretion depended on the time of its administration. A circadian rhythm in this pharmacologic phenomenon was detected and analyzed by the so-called cosinor method and such results agreed with impressions gained from a conventional time plot of the data. By cosinor, duration of salicylate excretion was found to be longest when the drug was administered about 06:41. The 95% confidence arc of this circadian crest-phase estimate extends clockwise from 01:45 to 10:52. When expressed in degrees (with 360° = 24 hours), in relation to the middle of the daily span of rest and/or sleep, the crest ϕ of the rhythm in drug excretion occurs with a del...
Changing the Ties that Bind

Research Summary By using a subsample of the Returning Home data set, we explored how family relationships change during reentry as a result of incarceration. Overall, we found that individuals who completed parenting classes, those with more frequent visits from family members, and Black and female respondents experienced positive changes in family relationships. On the other hand, single and divorced individuals, those with prior convictions and mental health issues, and individuals who reported barriers to family contact reported significant negative changes within the family relationship. Policy Implications The findings from this study suggest that reducing barriers to family contact—especially the cost of visitation and visitation procedures—may lead to positive changes within family relationships for formerly incarcerated individuals. Furthermore, developing programs to assist individuals with mental health issues to maintain family relationships may create avenues to help those individuals keep, or reestablish, family ties after release.
Computer-based smart energy management system for rural health centers

Access to reliable source of electricity remains a challenge for rural areas in developing and under-developed countries. To address this challenge, health centers in underserved communities adopted off-grid photo-voltaic (PV) systems. Standalone PV systems were identified to be relatively cost effective compared to grid extension. To reduce the cost of solar systems the size of batteries must be minimized. Currently, most of the PV powered health centers serve patients as they come. This first come first served model does not allow the centers to harness the power generated by PV systems at maximum level. With minimum sizing of the battery in the systems some energy is left unused when there are a small number of patients who need electricity dependent services. There are also shortages of energy when the power required by the services exceeds the generation capacity of the PV systems. Although PV systems might be considered as an adequate solution to shortage of reliable source of energy, its maximum exploitation requires an efficient management of services using it. To alleviate the logistic management and to maximize the number of services provided by PV powered health centers in underserved community, the Smart Energy Management for Health Centers (SEMHC) model was developed. This paper shows the design and implementation of SEMHC computer system. The system is comprised of a computer server and access terminals. The server uses the developed scheduling algorithm to allocate a time for each of electricity dependent health services based on its electric power requirement, its time duration and the expected PV generated power. The access terminals, which could be smart phones or laptop computers, are used by healthcare providers to input the services and get the schedule from the server. The data about energy consumption and services being provided by centers are collected over time. The collected data allows learning the energy consumption behaviors of health centers and provides insight on correlation of the delivered health services and the sizing of the PV-battery systems. It can also be used as reference for planning for new PV systems or upgrading existing one.
The Relationship Between the Spatial Distribution of Commercial Networks and Street Centrality in Changchun

Street centrality is calibrated in a multiple centrality assessment model(MCA)composed of multiple measures such as closeness, betweenness, and straightness. The paper examines the geography of three street centrality indices and their correlations with various types of commercial networks in ChangChun. The focus is on what type of street centrality(closeness, betweenness, and straightness) is more closely associated with which type of commercial network. And then the KDE method is applied to both street centralities and commercial networks so that the correlations between them can be examined. Results indicate that street centralities are correlated with the spatial distribution of commercial networks in ChangChun, except production material market. Department stores and specializing shops correlate highly with the closeness of street network. The betweenness of street network, however, has a higher impact on the spatial distribution of supermarkets, and building-material shops. Besides, the spatial distribution of consumer markets is more affected by the straightness of street network. There exists non- conformity between the spatial distribution of department stores,specializing shops, building- material shops, consumer markets, production material market, and street network centralities.
The Grasshopper’s Error: Or, On How Life is a Game

I here defend the thesis that the best life is the life that one plays as a game—specifically, a ‘Suitsian’ game that meets the definition proposed in The Grasshopper by Bernard Suits. Even more specifically, it is a nested, open, role-playing game where the life’s quality as a game partly depends on there being no more people than players. To defend this thesis I refute two powerful challenges to it, one from Thomas Hurka ( 2006 ) and another from within The Grasshopper itself. In the process, I offer a new interpretation of that enigmatic and challenging book.
Design of a spherical robot arm with the Spiral Zipper prismatic joint

A novel prismatic joint called a Spiral Zipper is used to create a 3DOF robot arm in a spherical robot configuration. The Spiral Zipper can be very compact as it has a large extension to compression ratio. An initial prototype has shown a ratio of over 14∶1. The Spiral Zipper is very strong in compression, but maybe loose under tension and moments. A tether based system ensures the prismatic joint is always in compression while enabling spherical coordinate positioning with a long reach, high force, low mass design. While having typically an order magnitude higher strength to weight ratio for a given reach compared to standard industrial robot arms, the arm is slower and was not designed for high precision. These characteristics may be applicable for mounting on mobile robots or flying vehicles. This paper introduces the design and testing of several prototypes.
Powders and thin films produced from laser-heated reactants

Two laser-heated gas phase synthesis processes have been developed; powders are made in one and thin films in the other. In both chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, the absorbed IR photon energy is thermalized through intermolecular collisions; the reactions proceed conventionally. The processes were developed because they permit unusual time-temperature histories to be induced in the reactants with superior process control. Combined with high purities made possible with cold-wall reaction vessels, these attributes permit the synthesis of highly valued products.
A novel optical investigation technique for railroad track inspection and assessment

Track failures due to cross tie degradation or loss in ballast support may result in a number of problems ranging from simple service interruptions to derailments. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of railway track is important for safety reasons and to reduce downtime and maintenance costs. For this reason, novel and cost-effective track inspection technologies for assessing tracks’ health are currently insufficient and needed. Advancements achieved in recent years in cameras technology, optical sensors, and image-processing algorithms have made machine vision, Structure from Motion (SfM), and three-dimensional (3D) Digital Image Correlation (DIC) systems extremely appealing techniques for extracting structural deformations and geometry profiles. Therefore, optically based, non-contact measurement techniques may be used for assessing surface defects, rail and tie deflection profiles, and ballast condition. In this study, the design of two camera-based measurement systems is proposed for crossties-ballast condition assessment and track examination purposes. The first one consists of four pairs of cameras installed on the underside of a rail car to detect the induced deformation and displacement on the whole length of the track’s cross tie using 3D DIC measurement techniques. The second consists of another set of cameras using SfM techniques for obtaining a 3D rendering of the infrastructure from a series of two-dimensional (2D) images to evaluate the state of the track qualitatively. The feasibility of the proposed optical systems is evaluated through extensive laboratory tests, demonstrating their ability to measure parameters of interest (e.g. crosstie’s full-field displacement, vertical deflection, shape, etc.) for assessment and SHM of railroad track.
Clinical characteristics of patients with multiple primary lung cancers: Moving beyond the Martini and Melamed criteria.

7570 Background: Deciding to operate for lung cancer in patients with a prior lung cancer resection is influenced by the extent of disease at 1st resection and the certainty that the new lesion is a 2nd primary lung cancer. While the Martini and Melamed (MM 42% men; and 8% never smokers. See Table for stage, histology, and completeness of resection. DFS and OS were not associated with smoking status, surgical procedure, and histology. Stage at 1st resection was not associated with patterns of recurrence (none ...
Mathematical picture language program

We give an overview of our philosophy of pictures in mathematics. We emphasize a bidirectional process between picture language and mathematical concepts: abstraction and simulation. This motivates a program to understand different subjects, using virtual and real mathematical concepts simulated by pictures.