cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development and evaluation of consensus chloroplast primer pairs that possess highly variable sequence regions in a diverse array of plant taxa.

Although universal or consensus chloroplast primers are available, they are limited by their number and genomic distribution. Therefore, a set of consensus chloroplast primer pairs for simple sequence repeats (ccSSRs) analysis was constructed from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) chloroplast sequences. These were then tested for their general utility in the genetic analysis of a diverse array of plant taxa. In order to increase the number of ccSSRs beyond that previously reported, the target sequences for SSR motifs was set at A or T ( n >/= 7) mononucleotide repeats. Each SSR sequence motif, along with +/-200-bp flanking sequences from the first of each mononucleotide base repeat, was screened for homologies with chloroplast DNA sequences of other plant species in GenBank databases using BLAST search procedures. Twenty three putative marker loci that possessed conserved flanking sequence spans were selected for consensus primer pair construction using commercially available computer algorithms. All primer pairs produced amplicons after PCR employing genomic DNA from members of the Cucurbitaceae (six species) and Solanaceae (four species). Sixteen, 22 and 19 of the initial 23 primer pairs were successively amplified by PCR using template DNA from species of the Apiaceae (two species), Brassicaceae (one species) and Fabaceae (two species), respectively. Twenty of 23 primer pairs were also functional in three monocot species of the Liliaceae [onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.)], and the Poaceae [oat (Avena sativa L.)]. Sequence analysis of selected ccSSR fragments suggests that ccSSR length and sequence variation could be useful as a tool for investigating the genetic relationships within a genus or closely related taxa (i.e., tribal level). In order to provide for a marker system having significant coverage of the cucumber chloroplast genome, ccSSR primers were strategically "recombined" and named recombined consensus chloroplast primers (RCCP) for PCR analysis. Successful amplification after extended-length PCR of 16 RCCP primer pairs from cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) DNA suggested that the amplicons detected are representative of the cucumber chloroplast genome. These RCCP pairs, therefore, could be useful as an initial molecular tool for investigation of traits related to a chloroplast gene(s) in cucumber, and other closely related species.
Oxygen isotope fractionations involving diopside, forsterite, magnetite, and calcite: Application to geothermometry

Abstract Oxygen isotope fractionations between diopside, forsterite, magnetite, and calcite have been studied experimentally at high pressures (P = 15–16 kbar) and temperatures (T = 600–1300°C) with the carbonate-exchange technique of Clayton et al. (1989). The fractionations determined for these minerals can be combined with the data of Clayton et al. (1989) to give an internally consistent set of mineralmineral fractionations of the form 1000 ln α = A × 106T−2, where the coefficient A is given in the following table: 7 . Cc Ab An Di Fo Mt Qtz 0.38 0.94 1.99 2.75 3.67 6.29 Cc 0.56 1.61 2.37 3.29 5.91 Ab 1.05 1.81 2.73 5.35 An 0.76 1.68 4.30 Di 0.92 3.54 Fo 2.62 The diopside-calcite and forsterite-calcite fractionations of the present study are in excellent agreement with the theoretically-derived fractionations of Kieffer (1982). Mineral-mineral fractionations obtained by the carbonate-exchange technique are also in fair agreement with those derived from hydrothermal experiments except where the fractionations involve quartz or calcite. In those cases, the results of the present study indicate that the experimentally-determined quartz-water and calcite-water fractionations are systematically too small. Application of the present calibrations to natural samples yields reasonable crystallization temperatures for volcanic rocks. In plutonic igneous rocks and granulites, however, thermometers involving magnetite indicate extensive retrograde re-equilibration. Using the quartz-pyroxene thermometer, it may be possible in favorable cases to recover high temperature data from granulites.
A 13.56-Mbps Pulse Delay Modulation Based Transceiver for Simultaneous Near-Field Data and Power Transmission

A fully-integrated near-field wireless transceiver has been presented for simultaneous data and power transmission across inductive links, which operates based on pulse delay modulation (PDM) technique. PDM is a low-power carrier-less modulation scheme that offers wide bandwidth along with robustness against strong power carrier interference, which makes it suitable for implantable neuroprosthetic devices, such as retinal implants. To transmit each bit, a pattern of narrow pulses are generated at the same frequency of the power carrier across the transmitter (Tx) data coil with specific time delays to initiate decaying ringing across the tuned receiver (Rx) data coil. This ringing shifts the zero-crossing times of the undesired power carrier interference on the Rx data coil, resulting in a phase shift between the signals across Rx power and data coils, from which the data bit stream can be recovered. A PDM transceiver prototype was fabricated in a 0.35- $\mu{\rm m}$ standard CMOS process, occupying 1.6 ${\rm mm}^{2}$ . The transceiver achieved a measured 13.56 Mbps data rate with a raw bit error rate (BER) of $4.3\times 10^{-7}$ at 10 mm distance between figure-8 data coils, despite a signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) of $-$ 18.5 dB across the Rx data coil. At the same time, a class-D power amplifier, operating at 13.56 MHz, delivered 42 mW of regulated power across a separate pair of high-Q power coils, aligned with the data coils. The PDM data Tx and Rx power consumptions were 960 pJ/bit and 162 pJ/bit, respectively, at 1.8 V supply voltage.
Shared decision making in patients with stable coronary artery disease: PCI choice.

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and optimal medical therapy (OMT) are comparable, alternative therapies for many patients with stable angina; however, patients may have misconceptions regarding the impact of PCI on risk of death and myocardial infarction (MI) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD).
Development costs of a computer-generated tailored intervention

Abstract Computerized, individually tailored systems represent an important strategy for behavioral change in many areas of health promotion and disease prevention. This article estimates the cost of developing an expert system of targeted and tailored letters to improve compliance with mammography screening guidelines. The cost of developing the system was $0.25 mil. The average development cost was $4.24 when amortized over a 7-year period with a cohort of 10,000 persons. About half of the cost was incurred in defining the theoretic framework and supporting literature, constructing the variables and survey, and conducting focus groups. The remaining steps were developing the messages, algorithms, and database, and testing the system. About 65% of the cost was attributable to personnel expenses. Development cost is important for feasibility studies and ex-ante economic evaluation of alternative interventions. The findings from this study will aid health educators in designing and budgeting computer-generated tailored print interventions.
An electromyographic study of induced myotonia in rats

Abstract A systemic electromyographic study has been made of myotonia in rats induced by the subcutaneous injection of 25-azacholesterol. The myotonia was characterized by trains of discharges continuously varying in frequency and amplitude (myotonic potentials) and spontaneous random bursts of short duration potentials. The mean duration of the myotonic motor unit action potentials were 1.6 ± 0.2 msec compared to 2.6± 0.4 msec for the normal action potentials. It was found that the fast muscles (anterior tibialis and gastrocnemius) became profoundly myotonic whereas the slow muscle (soleus) was virtually unaffected.
Rapid, efficient synthesis of heterobifunctional biodegradable dendrimers.

A method for the preparation of heterobifunctional biodegradable dendrimers is described involving the preparation of a symmetric aliphatic ester dendrimer derived from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic acid bearing a cyclic carbonate periphery, followed by opening of the carbonate moieties with a functional amine. This approach requiring no chromatographic purification steps was demonstrated with the preparation of a dendrimer bearing eight protected aldehydes and eight alkynes at its periphery.
IODINE IN BLOOD AND THYROID OF MAN AND SMALL ANIMALS

IN STUDIES of iodine metabolism, particularly those involving the blood and the thyroid, it is becoming important to work with small samples. This is especially true in observations on small animals; but in the clinic, e.g., in pediatric studies, it is also essential that blood “hormonal” iodine (Salter, 1940) be determined without drawing too much human blood. This paper describes a method which will give duplicate analyses on 2 cc. of serum, and is adapted to standard photoelectric colorimeters such as are available in many laboratories at the present time. It is now well established that human thyroid function can be easured satisfactorily by serum iodine analysis, even when the serum is transmitted long distances in simple containers (Salter, Bassett and Sappington, 1941; Riggs, Gildea, Man and Peters, 1941). Normally the concentration of the “hormonal” iodine is approximately 5 micrograms per cent, or 0.05 micrograms per cc. in man.
Ensemble filter based estimation of spatially distributed parameters in a mesoscale dust model: experiments with simulated and real data

Abstract. The ensemble adjustment Kalman filter (EAKF) is used to estimate the erodibility fraction parameter field in a coupled meteorology and dust aerosol model (Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)) over the Sahara desert. Erodibility is often employed as the key parameter to map dust source. It is used along with surface winds (or surface wind stress) to calculate dust emissions. Using the Saharan desert as a test bed, a perfect model Observation System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) with 40 ensemble members, and observations of aerosol optical depth (AOD), the EAKF is shown to recover correct values of erodibility at about 80% of the points in the domain. It is found that dust advected from upstream grid points acts as noise and complicates erodibility estimation. It is also found that the rate of convergence is significantly impacted by the structure of the initial distribution of erodibility estimates; isotropic initial distributions exhibit slow convergence, while initial distributions with geographically localized structure converge more quickly. Experiments using observations of Deep Blue AOD retrievals from the MODIS satellite sensor result in erodibility estimates that are considerably lower than the values used operationally. Verification shows that the use of the tuned erodibility field results in better predictions of AOD over the west Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula.
P. mirabilis RecA protein catalyses cleavage of E. coli LexA protein and the λ repressor in vitro

The cloned recA+ gene of Proteus mirabilis substitutes for a defective RecA protein in Escherichia coli recA− mutants, and restores recombination, repair and phage induction functions to near normal levels. In a previous report, we described the purification and charactrisation of the recombination activities of the P. mirabilis RecA protein (West et al. 1983b). In this paper, we show that the purified protein catalyses the cleavage of both the Escherichia coli LexA protein and the bacteriophage lambda repressor in vitro. These results provide a direct biochemical basis for the interspecies complementation observed in vivo and suggest that P. mirabilis has an SOS regulatory network similar to that of E. coli.
Therapy of Cushing Disease: A Consensus for Pituitary Microsurgery

Excerpt Transsphenoidal pituitary adenomectomy has emerged as the primary treatment of choice for Cushing disease. The overall cure rate of histologically proved pituitary tumors approaches 90% in ...
List equivalency and test-retest reliability of the Speech in Noise test.

The Speech in Noise (SIN) test consists of a series of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers sentences presented in a background of four-talker babble at two presentation levels (83 and 53 dB SPL) and four signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) (15, 10, 5, and 0 dB). In this study, the nine lists were tested for equivalency and the test-retest reliability was determined. Twenty listeners with normal hearing and 20 listeners with sloping sensorineural hearing losses served as subjects. Five sentences were presented at each SNR at each level, and five key words in each sentence were scored (100 key words per presentation level). Each key word was scored as correct or incorrect, with errors of plurality scored as half-correct words. for percent-correct scores, Lists 1, 2, and 9 and Lists 3, 4, and 5 were found to be equivalent for listeners with normal hearing. For both groups of listeners, the test-retest correlations were high, and the critical differences appropriate for sentence material were 10 to16% a...
Surveying Students About Controversial Subjects

Background: Because of school districts’ interest in best serving the health needs of students, many choose to administer surveys addressing controversial topics. Administering such surveys in a voluntary and anonymous manner may help reduce conflict. Methods: This is a review of 2 recent federal court of appeals decisions regarding surveying students about controversial topics. Results: The 2 federal appellate cases examined whether mistakes and misperceptions were made when surveying students about controversial topics violated the US Constitution. Both courts wrestled with the tension between school and parental authority but ultimately ruled in favor of the defendant school district. In Fields v Palmdale School District, the Ninth Circuit stated that a parent’s right to control a child’s upbringing does not automatically supersede the school’s authority to control what goes on during school, including surveying students. In C.N. v Ridgewood Board of Education, the Third Circuit decided that a parent’s right to control a child’s upbringing extends into school, but surveying students about controversial topics does not violate that right. This article explains the significance of these cases and provides 10 suggestions school districts can follow to avoid the threat of litigation when surveying students about controversial topics. Conclusions: School districts should ensure a student survey relates to the district’s overall educational goals. Likewise, the district should adequately inform parents of a survey’s contents, date of administration, and a parent’s ability to opt out. Schools should make sure a survey is truly voluntary and anonymous. Finally, schools should carefully follow local policy and state and federal laws that apply to surveying students, such as the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment.
A convenient preparation of glycolic-1-14C acid

An operationally simple preparation of glycolic-1-14C acid from 14CO2 has been developed using a tin-lithium exchange reaction to generate the required hydroxymethyl anion equivalent. Glycolic-1-14C acid was then produced in high yield and good radiochemical purity upon hydrogenolytic removal of the benzyl group.
Preoperative administration of controlled-release oxycodone for the management of pain after ambulatory laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery.

Abstract Study Objective: To examine the analgesic efficacy of administering controlled-release (CR) oxycodone 10 mg before elective ambulatory laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery . Design: Randomized, double-blind study . Patients: 50 healthy women presenting for elective ambulatory laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery . Setting: Ambulatory surgery center of a university hospital . Interventions: Fifty patients were administered either placebo (n = 25) or CR oxycodone 10 mg (n = 25) 1 hour before surgery. All patients were administered a similar general anesthetic. In the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), fentanyl 25 μ g was administered for a verbal analog scale (VAS) pain score ≥ 3. Patients were discharged home when they were awake and alert, had stable vital signs, were able to void, tolerated oral fluids, experienced no side effects, had a VAS ≤ 3, and were able to ambulate without assistance. While at home, patients were instructed to take 1 to 2 acetaminophen 325 mg/oxycodone 5 mg tablets, every 3 hours as needed for a VAS ≥ 3 . Measurements: VAS pain scores and the frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded in the PACU. While at home, patients were contacted by telephone after surgery and asked about their pain score, time to first analgesic use, frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and total acetaminophen/oxycodone use in the 24 hours following surgery . Main Results: Patients in the CR oxycodone group had a shorter time to discharge ( p 0.001), reported lower postoperative pain scores ( p 0.001), lower frequency of postoperative nausea and vomiting ( p 0.05), longer time to first analgesic use ( p 0.0,001), and required less fentanyl in the PACU ( p 0.01) and fewer acetaminophen/oxycodone tablets in the 24 hours following surgery . Conclusion: The preoperative administration of CR oxycodone 10 mg is an effective analgesic technique in the management of pain following ambulatory laparoscopic tubal ligation surgery, and may facilitate earlier postoperative discharge .
Primary care patient satisfaction segmentation

Purpose – The aim of this study is to examine patient satisfaction with non‐physician staff as related to patient demographics, satisfaction with physician, and intentions to recommend their physicians to others.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was conducted at two internal medicine primary care clinics affiliated with a major university health system. A latent class analysis was used to detect patient subpopulations based on profiles of response for five satisfaction‐with‐staff indicators.Findings – The response rate was 86.46 percent (479 of 554). Analyses revealed four patient subpopulation segments. Segment I (n=241) patients uniformly indicated a high level of satisfaction across the five satisfaction‐with‐staff indicators. These patients tended to be older and less educated, and have lower incomes relative to patients in other segments. Patients in Segment II (n=83) expressed satisfaction with staff caring and need accommodation, but dissatisfaction with access to their physicians. Patients in...
Procedure for determining quadrupole and BPM offset values in storage rings

One of the most elusive problems in storage-ring commissioning has historically been the determination of quadrupole and BPM offset values. We present a simple linear solution based on the principle that the element offset values are independent of lattice configuration. >
Defective splicing of Megf7/Lrp4, a regulator of distal limb development, in autosomal recessive mulefoot disease.

Mulefoot disease (MFD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenotypically variable expression that causes syndactyly in certain strains of cows. MFD maps to a narrow interval on bovine chromosome 15 that is syntenic to human chromosome 11p12–p11.2. This region contains MEGF7/LRP4 (approved gene symbol LRP4), a gene that encodes a member of the multifunctional low-density lipoprotein receptor gene family. Targeted and naturally occurring mutations in the murine Megf7/Lrp4 gene, a putative coreceptor in the Wnt signaling pathway, cause polysyndactyly in the rodent. Thus, Megf7/Lrp4 is a strong candidate for the MFD mutation. Using PCR analysis of tissue samples and sperm from confirmed homozygous MFD carriers, we have identified a functional single base pair mutation in the affected animals. We show that a G → A transition at the first nucleotide in the splice donor site of intron 37 completely disables this splice site. The abnormal splicing that is caused by this mutation predicts the generation of a dysfunctional membrane-anchored receptor lacking the normal cytoplasmic domain. These findings confirm that autosomal recessive loss-of-function mutations in Megf7/Lrp4 result in phenotypically similar forms of syndactyly in different mammalian species and that such mutations are the cause of MFD in bovines.
Decoding noncoding regulatory DNAs in metazoan genomes

Summary form only given. The recent revelation that the human genome contains only /spl sim/30,000 genes underscores the importance of gene regulation in generating organismal diversity. Cis-regulatory DNAs, or enhancers, are short stretches of DNA-300 bp to 1,000 bp in length-that control gene expression. This DNA accounts for a substantial fraction of metazoan genomes, but is largely invisible. It cannot be identified by simple sequence inspection. One of the outstanding issues in the post-genome era is whether there is a "cis-regulatory code" that links primary DNA sequence with gene expression patterns. We have used a combination of bioinformatics methods and functional assays to determine whether coordinately regulated genes share a common "grammar".
Physiological and behavioural differences of hatchery and wild‐reared steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss smolts of the same genetic origin

In many parts of the world release of hatchery-reared smolts has long been used to mitigate for the deleterious effects of habitat loss and overfishing on salmonid populations. Of increasing concern is whether this may cause harm by spreading non-native stocks and potentially releasing incompetent smolts. The objective of this study was to determine if smolt physiology and behavior of juveniles produced from a recently founded native broodstock differ from their wild (naturally-reared) counterparts. In the fall of 2002 and 2003 juvenile wild steelhead were captured, PIT tagged, and returned (n = 1360 in 2002 and n = 2708 in 2003) to Abernathy Creek. In winter of 2003 and 2004 hatchery-reared fish were PIT tagged and later released (n = 1100 in 2003 and n = 1400 in 2004) into Abernathy Creek. Gill biopsies were collected from wild and hatchery fish throughout the rearing and out-migration season. The timing and speed of outmigration was assessed using two stationary PIT tag antennas (92–97% efficient). Hatchery migrants in 2003 were larger, had significantly lower gill Na+, K+-ATPase activities, and migrated slower than wild fish. Results from the 2004 migratory season will also be presented. This study shows that hatchery rearing can result in smolts which are physiologically and behaviourally different from genetically similar wild fish. Whether these differences are critical enough to affect the rate of adult returns will be determined in future years.
Stereotactic exploration of the brain in the era of computed tomography

Abstract Surgical exploration was undertaken in 102 patients with various brain lesions using a stereotactic system coupled with computed tomography (CT) scanning. All patients were referred for stereotactic surgery because of the critical size or location of the lesions and the need to select appropriate postoperative therapy. Histologic diagnoses were obtained in 98 patients (96.1%). Direct therapeutic intervention using the stereotactic technique alone was possible in 26 patients (25.5%). No mortality and no permanent morbidity occurred in this series. Twenty-six patients had brain lesions that were unsuspected by either clinical or neurodiagnostic tests conducted before surgery. Since January 1983, 48 procedures were performed in an operating room equipped with a high-resolution CT scanner that allowed multiplanar imaging before, during, and immediately after surgery. Stereotactic surgery with CT scanning has proved safe and accurate. It is believed that histologic diagnoses must be sought in all patients with symptomatic brain lesions regardless of size or location. “Empiric” forms of therapy are no longer justified in the age of CT scanning.
On modeling concurrent heavy-tailed network traffic sources and its impact upon QoS

Studies of local area network and wide area network traffic have provided much evidence of what has been called "self-similar", "long-range dependent", "fractal", "chaotic", "heavy-tail", or "power-tail" (PT) network traffic. These studies have indicated that conventional traffic models (e.g. Poisson) generate overly optimistic performance measurements. In this paper we present an interarrival process which extends previous work in this area regarding a heavy-tailed ON/OFF source model described in Fiorini and Lipsky (1998). Extending their work, we construct a heavy-tailed ON/OFF traffic model which attempts to characterize traffic generated from concurrent sources. The primary application of this process is to model, say, traffic generated by (World Wide Web) WWW servers and/or, in general, Ethernet traffic. Characterizing and modeling the behavior are important for accessing quality of service (QoS) given much empirical evidence of heavy-tailed phenomena in network teletraffic. As a result, we derive an approximation for computing the "critical points" (e.g. system utilization beyond which performance rapidly degrades), and a means to compute the cell loss probabilities for, say, WWW gateways and/or routers.
Flavodoxin Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12

The flavodoxins are flavin mononucleotide-containing electron transferases. Flavodoxin I has been presumed to be the only flavodoxin of Escherichia coli, and its gene, fldA, is known to belong to the soxRS (superoxide response) oxidative stress regulon. An insertion mutation of fldA was constructed and was lethal under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions; only cells that also had an intact (fldA(+)) allele could carry it. A second flavodoxin, flavodoxin II, was postulated, based on the sequence of its gene, fldB. Unlike the fldA mutant, an fldB insertion mutant is a viable prototroph in the presence or absence of oxygen. A high-copy-number fldB(+) plasmid did not complement the fldA mutation. Therefore, there must be a vital function for which FldB cannot substitute for flavodoxin I. An fldB-lacZ fusion was not induced by H(2)O(2) and is therefore not a member of the oxyR regulon. However, it displayed a soxS-dependent induction by paraquat (methyl viologen), and the fldB gene is preceded by two overlapping regions that resemble known soxS binding sites. The fldB insertion mutant did not have an increased sensitivity to the effects of paraquat on either cellular viability or the expression of a soxS-lacZ fusion. Therefore, fldB is a new member of the soxRS (superoxide response) regulon, a group of genes that is induced primarily by univalent oxidants and redox cycling compounds. However, the reactions in which flavodoxin II participates and its role during oxidative stress are unknown.
A Review of the Physiology of Coturnix (Japanese Quail)

(1972). A Review of the Physiology of Coturnix (Japanese Quail) World's Poultry Science Journal: Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 413-429.
Hyperbaric oxygen delays healing in an ischemic wound model

Abstract The true etiology of non-healing, chronic wounds remains elusive. One common denominator, whether the wounds are due to pressure, diabetes, or arterial insufficiency is localized tissue ischemia in the wound bed. Angiogenesis is an important process in tissue growth and development and therefore plays an integral role in wound healing. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) will promote angiogenesis and therefore improve healing in a rat model of tissue ischemia. A rat model of tissue ischemia was used in which excisional wounds were centered on a 2.0 cm dorsal bipedicle skin flap with an intervening silicone sheet. In previous studies we have shown that the tissue remains ischemic up to 14 days, wound healing and tensile strength are impaired and lactate is elevated. After flap creation, 60 rats were divided into treatment and control groups, with the treatment group receiving daily HBO at 2.4 atm for 90 minutes. Wound surface area tracing and excision of the wound beds was performed on days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14, with n = 6 per data point. The concentration of VEGF in wound extracts was quantified by ELISA and standardized for total protein. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM. The wound healing curves diverge at day 5, with HBO-treated wounds consistently larger and delayed in healing compared to control (day 7: HBO - 0.27 ± 0.02 cm 2 vs control - 0.17 ± 0.07 cm 2 , day 14: HBO – 0.06 ± 0.04 vs cm 2 vs control – 0.03 ± 0.02 cm 2 ). VEGF is greater at all time points in the control wounds with a peak at day 10 (HBO: 159 ± 55 pg/mg protein vs control: 244 ± 61 pg/mg protein). Non-ischemic wounds expressed low levels of VEGF, which was unchanged by hyperbaric treatment throughout the course of healing. HBO suppresses the expression of VEGF and delays healing in a model of tissue ischemia. Ongoing studies will analyze the effect of HBO on matrix metalloproteinase expression and the relationship between the angiogenic factors, oxidative stress and neovascularization.
On conjugacy classes in a reductive group

Let G be a connected reductive group over an algebraically closed field. We define a decomposition of G into finitely many strata such that each stratum is a union of conjugacy classes of fixed dimension; the strata are indexed purely in terms of the Weyl group and the indexing set is independent of the characteristic.
Continuum and integration of pre-dialysis care and dialysis modalities.

The principles of management of patients before dialysis and during dialysis have been well de scribed in the literature. The timing of the transition from pre-dialysis to dialytic care may be an important determinant of patient morbidity and mortality and has generated a great debate with the recent introduction by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of the U.S.A. Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative (DOQI) guidelines (1). Since the mid 1960s, dialysis is initiated based on several subjective symptoms, in conjunction with a few objective laboratory indices, which have their own limitations. Malangone et al found no association between the laboratory indices and the severity of symptoms and signs of uremia (2). Nephrologists have readily initiated dialysis when patients present with far advanced uremic symptomatology such as pericarditis, uremic encephalopathy, uremic neuropathy, pulmonary edema, hypertension, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms refractory to medical therapy considered as absolute indications (3). In the presence of the less severe symptoms and signs considered as relative indicators, nephrologists have often waited for the above-stated absolute indications to appear before initiating dialysis. Certain major problems arise with this approach. Bonomini et al as early as two decades ago showed that some of these uremic manifestations are irreversible (4). As the disease progresses, patients adapt their lifestyle to a decreased level of energy. Moreover, several studies have shown that delayed referral and subsequently later initiation of dialysis is associated with more severe metabolic abnormalities such as acidosis, anemia, hyperphosphatemia , and hypoalbuminemia (5-8), and with prolonged hospitalizations and costs (5-7,9),
Postpartum Smoking Relapse After Quitting During Pregnancy: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2000-2011.

Abstract Background: Relapsing to smoking postpartum jeopardizes a woman's health and her infant's health. Our study estimated the proportion and identified characteristics associated with postpartum relapse using a large population-based sample. Materials and Methods: We analyzed Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data among women with live births. Relapse was defined as smoking at survey completion among those who quit by the last 3 months of pregnancy. We assessed linear trends for relapse during 2000–2011 in 40 sites overall and individually using logistic regression. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated to assess characteristics associated with relapse during 2009–2011 (n = 13,076). Results: During 2000–2011, the proportion of women who relapsed postpartum remained unchanged overall (p = 0.84) and by site (p ≥ 0.05 for each), ranging in 2011 from 30.8% to 52.2% (Wyoming-Arkansas). Characteristics associated with relapse compared with reference groups were prepregnancy daily smok...
Estimating the accuracy of source “parameters”

abstract This paper suggests a method for estimating the errors accompanying estimates of seismic source parameters. While the method is a general one, the data here are from 1962 and 1963 and special attention is given to a few regions, such as the Kuriles. The overall standard error of about one-half a degree in each coordinate and four seconds in origin time are broken down and analyzed in terms of magnitude, depth, and location in space and time. The most accurately located earthquakes appear to be those of intermediate depth and magnitude in highly seismic areas. There is some indication that these errors are decreasing with time.
“Everyone else gets ice cream here more often than I do—It burns me up” - Perspectives on Diabetes Care from Nursing Home Residents and their Doctors

To explore the perspectives of nursing home (NH) residents with diabetes and their doctors regarding the burdens of living with diabetes and diabetes treatments. Qualitative study of nursing home residents aged 65 and older with diabetes (n = 14) and nursing home physicians (n = 9) at a Department of Veterans Affairs nursing home (known as the Community Living Center). A semi-structured interview was used to elicit nursing home residents’ and physicians’ perspectives on the burden of diabetes and diabetes treatments. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative methods. The mean age of the nursing home residents was 74; Most (93 %) were male and 50 % self-identified themselves as white. The mean age of nursing home physicians was 39 and 55 % were geriatricians. Dietary restrictions, loss of independence and fingersticks/insulin were noted to be the most burdensome aspects of diabetes. Nursing home residents with a more positive outlook were generally more engaged in their care, while nursing home residents with a more pessimistic outlook were less engaged, allowing their physicians to assume complete control of their care. While physicians noted the potential negative impact of dietary restrictions, nursing home residents’ comments suggest that physicians underestimate the burden of dietary restrictions. Veterans Affairs nursing home residents were substantially burdened by their diabetes treatments, especially dietary restrictions and fingerstick monitoring. Since there is little evidence that dietary restrictions improve outcomes, fewer dietary restrictions may be appropriate and lead to lower treatment burdens for nursing home residents with diabetes.
Risks of transvaginal mesh may be associated with an increased risk of urinary retention and reintervention.

Commentary on: Chughtai B, Mao J, Buck J, et al. Use and risks of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse surgery in women in New York state: population based cohort study. BMJ 2015;350:h2685[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2]. In 2014, a large number of lawsuits were filed for both incontinence and prolapse procedures involving synthetic mesh implants. Owing to this and the negative media attention given to vaginal mesh, it is critical to provide evidence in the literature that addresses true complication rates in a diverse sample of patients. This study applies claims-based data to measure short-term (1 year) outcomes of prolapse repair with and without mesh. The New York Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperation System is a database … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DBMJ%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Fbmj.h2685%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F26037077%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=bmj&resid=350/jun02_1/h2685&atom=%2Febmed%2F20%2F6%2F220.atom
Le développement durable dans la société du risque : le cas allemand

Abstract. L'auteur discute le rapport entre le debat allemand sur le Developpement Durable et le concept sociologique d'une «societe du risque». La discussion allemande sur le developpement durable a tendance a ignorer les questions du risque. Ainsi, eile risque de ne faire que prolonger les dynamiques bien connues de la modernisation traditionnelle. La premiere partie du texte dresse un bilan critique du debat sur la durabilite a l'echelle nationale et locale. L'idee de durabilite est une idee regulatrice et directrice qui comprend aussi bien des chances que des problemes. Les concepts sociologiques d'une societe du risque (qui signifie «societe des dangers») et de la modernisation reflexive indiquent que le savoir scientifique a tendance a perdre l'unanimite qui lui fut attribuee dans la societe moderne. II s'agit la d'un point central pour la base des connaissances scientifiques en matiere de strategies de durabilite. Cet argument est developpe a travers la discussion de trois points d'ancrage possible d'une «politique des fictions de savoir», c'est-a-dire des dispositifs qui permettraient a la societe de s'arranger avec l'incertitude des connaissances scientifiques.
The Influence of Environment Upon Germination and Longevity of Aeciospores and Urediospores of Coleosporium Solidaginis

An understanding of the influence of environment on the geographic distribution and intensity of rust disease is dependent in part upon determining its influence upon the germination and longevity of spores. Such information about most species of the Melampsoraceae, especially those affecting forest trees, is very meagre. However, studies of the influence of temperature and other external factors upon the spores of Cronartiuln ribicola Fischer have been extensive (3, 4, 7, 8). In addition the influence of temperature upon germination and viability of spores of Cronartium coleosporioides (Diet. and Holw.) Arth. (5) and Cronartium fusiforme (Arth. and Kern) Hedgc. and Hunt (6) has been reported. A plentiful collection of recently formed aecia of Coleosporium solidaginis (Schw.) Thuem. on needles of pitch pine, Pinus rigida Mill., and urediospores on leaves of Solidago caesia L., presented the opportunity to obtain similar information about this rust. The results are
Discussion on Safety Net Distance Issue of High Voltage Switchgear Cabinet

Introduction to the situation to carry out item index tests for Model M24 high voltage switchgear cabinet (technology from Alstom, France) according to the national standards was made. And it was found out that the insulation level of the high voltage switchgear cabinet not only depended on net distance, but also depended on insulation material, manufacturing technological level, operation environment, especially it was related with the shape of conductors, and the distribution of electric field etc factors.
Narratives of Response Error From Cognitive Interviews of Survey Questions About Normative Behavior

That rates of normative behaviors produced by sample surveys are higher than actual behavior warrants is well evidenced in the research literature. Less well understood is the source of this error....
Assessing the durability of the interface between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and concrete in the rehabilitation of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract: Strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) members using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites through external bonding has emerged as a viable technique to retrofit/repair deteriorated infrastructure. The interface between the FRP and concrete plays a critical role in this technique. This chapter discusses the analytical and experimental methods used to examine the integrity and long-term durability of this interface. Interface stress models, including the commonly adopted two-parameter elastic foundation model and a novel three-parameter elastic foundation model (3PEF) are first presented, which can be used as general tools to analyze and evaluate the design of the FRP strengthening system. Then two interface fracture models – linear elastic fracture mechanics and cohesive zone model – are established to analyze the potential and full debonding process of the FRP–concrete interface. Under the synergistic effects of the service loads and environments species, the FRP–concrete interface experiences deterioration, which may reduce its long-term durability. A novel experimental method, environment-assisted subcritical debonding testing, is then introduced to evaluate this deteriorating process. The existing small cracks along the FRP–concrete interface can grow slowly even if the mechanical load is lower than the critical value. This slow-crack growth process is known as environment-assisted subcritical cracking. A series of subcritical cracking tests are conducted using a wedge-driven test setup t o gain the ability to accurately predict the long-term durability of the FRP–concrete interface.
Evaluation of forensic DNA mixture evidence: protocol for evaluation, interpretation, and statistical calculations using the combined probability of inclusion

The evaluation and interpretation of forensic DNA mixture evidence faces greater interpretational challenges due to increasingly complex mixture evidence. Such challenges include: casework involving low quantity or degraded evidence leading to allele and locus dropout; allele sharing of contributors leading to allele stacking; and differentiation of PCR stutter artifacts from true alleles. There is variation in statistical approaches used to evaluate the strength of the evidence when inclusion of a specific known individual(s) is determined, and the approaches used must be supportable. There are concerns that methods utilized for interpretation of complex forensic DNA mixtures may not be implemented properly in some casework. Similar questions are being raised in a number of U.S. jurisdictions, leading to some confusion about mixture interpretation for current and previous casework. Key elements necessary for the interpretation and statistical evaluation of forensic DNA mixtures are described. Given the most common method for statistical evaluation of DNA mixtures in many parts of the world, including the USA, is the Combined Probability of Inclusion/Exclusion (CPI/CPE). Exposition and elucidation of this method and a protocol for use is the focus of this article. Formulae and other supporting materials are provided. Guidance and details of a DNA mixture interpretation protocol is provided for application of the CPI/CPE method in the analysis of more complex forensic DNA mixtures. This description, in turn, should help reduce the variability of interpretation with application of this methodology and thereby improve the quality of DNA mixture interpretation throughout the forensic community.
Psychopathy in Lebanese college students: The PPI-R considered in the context of borderline features and aggressive attitudes across sex and culture☆

Abstract Cross-cultural and cross-gender evaluation of psychopathy is limited. This study investigated the construct of psychopathy and the Psychopathic Personality Inventory-Revised (PPI-R; Lilienfeld & Widows, 2005) in a mixed gender Lebanese sample. Lebanese college students demonstrated higher scores on PPI-R-Total and PPI-II subscales than the American normative sample from the PPI-R manual. Lebanese women scored higher than men on Coldheartedness and Stress Immunity, whereas men scored higher on Fearlessness and Machiavellian Egocentricity. PPI-R factor scales demonstrated questionable internal consistency and were not orthogonal. Aggression, antisocial traits, and borderline traits positively correlated with PPI-II, however anxiety did not. Borderline traits were associated with PPI-I for women. Results call into question the assessment and construct of psychopathy in this Arab, collectivist culture.
The Lung–Blood Interface

The human lung is exquisitely structured to carry out the essential function of gas exchange. The architecture of the lung is characterized by generations of dichotomous branching airways and vessels resulting in the generation of an enormous total surface area for gas exchange. The extremely thin alveolar-capillary membrane is optimized for the transfer of oxygen from the airspaces to the blood compartment and the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood compartment to the airspaces. Majority of the surface area of the alveolar membrane consists of alveolar epithelial type 1 cells; however, alveolar surface tension and fluid homeostasis is maintained mainly by alveolar epithelial type 2 cells. The lung is constantly exposed to environmental particulate matters, antigens, aspirated particles, and inhaled microbial pathogens, but is protected by a complex immune defense mechanism comprised of the mucociliary clearance system, secreted molecules, recruited neutrophils, the mononuclear phagocyte system, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells. However, the delicate structure of the lungs, evolutionarily designed to optimally serve the core function of gas exchange, predisposes the lungs to injury, and as presented in the following chapters, abnormalities of the hematologic system can lead to acute lung dysfunction.
CaV1.3 channel blockade in the extended amygdala has a delayed effect on the reward efficacy of medial forebrain bundle stimulation.

Abstract Previous work in our laboratory has shown that stimulating D2 dopamine receptors in the central sublenticular extended amygdala (SLEAc) can render medial forebrain bundle (MFB) stimulation less rewarding. One of the many ways in which D2 stimulation could affect the activity status of SLEAc neurons is by indirectly blocking calcium ion (Ca2+) influx through CaV1.3 channels. He we directly investigate the effects of blocking CaV1.3 channels on the rewarding effect of MFB stimulation. In experiment one, CaV1.3 blockade with the phenylalkylamine verapamil (2.5 and 5.0 μg) or the benzothiazepine diltiazem (5.0 and 10.0 μg) did not significantly decrease MFB stimulation’s reward efficacy relative to injections of saline. However, there were indications of an unanticipated 24-h-delayed effect of the higher dose of diltiazem – injected ipsilateral to the stimulation site – on the stimulation pulse frequency required to maintain half-maximal response rates (“required frequency”). Experiment two focused on and tracked the time course of this effect. Injections of 10 μg of diltiazem decreased required frequency significantly more than did saline injections 24 h after injection but not immediately after injection. Required frequency values returned to baseline levels within 48 h after injection. This time course is consistent with cellular processes that regulate the insertion of GABA-A receptors in neural membranes. GABA-A-mediated neural communication is implicated in maintaining basal forebrain medium spiny neurons in an excitable state. Therefore, these results may indicate that sustaining SLEAc neurons in an excitable state may be important for MFB stimulation to retain its rewarding properties.
Gas Phase Distribution Effects on Heat Transfer in Upward Vertical Bubbly Channel Flows

Two-phase (non-boiling) flows have been shown to increase heat transfer in channel flows as compared with single-phase flows. The present work explores the effects of gas phase distribution such as volume fraction and bubble size on the heat transfer in upward vertical channel flows. A two-dimensional (2D) channel flow of 10 cm wide by 100 cm high is studied numerically. Numerical simulations are performed using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ANSYS FLUENT. The bubble size is characterized by the Eotvos number. The volume fraction and the Eotvo number are varied parametrically to investigate their effects on Nusselt number of the two-phase flows. All simulations are compared with a single-phase flow condition.Copyright © 2016 by ASME