cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Co-occurrence of Dystonic and Dyskinetic Tongue Movements with Oral Apraxia in Post-regression Dysphagia in Classical Rett Syndrome Years of Life 1 Through 5.

We do not know the natural history of dysphagia in classical Rett syndrome (RTT) by stage or age. This study investigated swallowing physiology in 23 females ages 1:7 to 5:8 (years, months) with classical Rett syndrome to determine common and distinguishing features of dysphagia in post-regression early Pseudostationary Stage III. In-depth analysis of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) found dysmotility of oral stage events across subjects implicating oral apraxia. Impaired motility was further compromised by recurrent dystonic and dyskinetic movements that co-occurred with oral apraxia during oral ingestion in 78 % (n = 18) of the subjects with RTT. Of this group, 44 % displayed rocking and/or rolling lingual pattern, 56 % had recurrent oral tongue retroflexions, and/or elevated posturing of the tongue tip, and, 72 % displayed multi-wave oropharyngeal transfer pattern. The proportion of subjects whose swallowing motility was disrupted by aberrant involuntary tongue movements did not differ significantly between bolus types (liquid, puree, and solid) trialed. Liquid ingestion was significantly more efficient in subjects using bottles with nipples than their counterparts who used spouted or straw cups. Dystonic and dyskinetic tongue movements disrupted liquid ingestion in subjects using cups with spouts or straws significantly more than those using bottles. Analysis of food ingestion revealed that significantly more subjects were able to orally form, transport, and transfer a puree bolus into the pharynx than they were a solid bolus. A significantly larger number of subjects aspirated and penetrated liquid than they did puree or solid. No significant relationship was found between subjects with airway contamination and those with dystonic and dyskinetic tongue movements. Subjects’ rocking and rolling lingual patterns were consistent with those evidenced in adults with Parkinson’s disease. Subjects’ tongue retroflexions were classified as provisionally unique to RTT. VFSS pre-planning, fluoroscopic procedures, and therapeutic strategies specific to this specialty population were derived.
Simulation and Modelling for Inchworm Dynamics

Due to the great advances in computing tools, simulation has become an important component of most engineering disciplines. In this article, we simulate inchworm locomotion with friction only and variable mass. A theoretical model was developed and experimentally validated with a prototype. The results demonstrate a feasible innovative robot design for axial locomotion. The validated theoretical model can be later used to optimize the dynamic performance of this robot.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Accuracy of quantitative ultrasound elastography for differentiation of malignant and benign breast abnormalities: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study was to systematically review recent literature on diagnostic performance of strain ratio and length ratio, two different strain measurements in ultrasound elastography, for differentiating benign and malignant breast masses. A literature search of PubMed and other medical and general purpose databases from inception through January 2012 was conducted. Published studies that evaluated the diagnostic performance of ultrasound elastography alone reporting either strain ratio or length ratio for characterization of focal breast lesions and using cytology (fine needle aspiration) or histology (core biopsy) as a reference standard were included. Summary diagnostic performance measures were assessed using bivariate generalized linear mixed modeling. Nine studies reported strain ratio for 2,087 breast masses (667 cancers, 1,420 benign lesions). Summary sensitivity and specificity were 88 % (95 % Credible Interval (CrI), 84–91 %), and 83 % (95 % CrI, 78–88 %), respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) were 5.57 (95 % CrI, 3.85–8.01) and 0.14 (95 % CrI, 0.09–0.20), respectively. The inconsistency index for heterogeneity was 6 % (95 % CrI, 1–22 %) for sensitivity and 8 % (95 % CrI, 3–24 %) for specificity. Analysis of three studies reporting length ratio for 450 breast masses demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 98 % (95 % CrI, 93–99 %) and 72 % (95 % CrI, 31–96 %), respectively. Strain ratio and length ratio have good diagnostic performance for distinguishing benign from malignant breast masses. Although, this performance may not be incrementally superior to that of breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) in B-mode ultrasound, the application of USE using strain ratio or length ratio in combination with USB may have the potential to benefit the patients, and this requires further comparative effectiveness and cost-effectiveness analyses.
Annealing of MOS Capacitors with Implications for Test Procedures to Determine Radiation Hardness

The short- and long-term anneal of radiation-induced flatband voltage shift in both Al- and Si-gate MOS capacitors following pulsed e-beam irradiation is examined. The short-term anneal was measured and found to be similar for both Al- and Si-gate capacitors. Experiments were performed to investigate the dependence of the long-term anneal on oxide thickness, temperature, and bias. The Al-gate capacitors exhibited a low interface-state buildup following irradiation and had a long-term annealing curve with a simple ln(t) dependence, while the Sigate capacitors studied had a more complicated annealing curve due to the buildup of a larger number of interface states and lateral nonuniformities (LNUs). Thinning the gate oxide was found to dramatically reduce the effects of interface states and LNUs on the long-term anneal. In capacitors where the effects of interface states and LNUs are small the long term annealing was found to be only weakly temperature dependent over the range -60 to 100°C, and removal of bias following irradiation had little effect. On the other hand, the long-term annealing of capacitors with a significant buildup of radiation-induced interface states and LNUs exhibited a strong temperature and post-radiation bias dependence. Some implications of the experimental results for the proper design of test procedures for determining radiation susceptibility are discussed.
Is high ligation of the indirect hernia sac essential in inguinal hernioplasty

High ligation of indirect hernias sacs, once considered essential in groin hernioplasties, is now thought superfluous by some authors. Between 1970 and 1990, 2120 indirect hernioplasties in men were performed using the Shouldice technique. In 923 of this group, the indirect inguinal hernia sacs were ligated high before amputation and in 1197 of them the indirect hernia sacs were amputated high without ligation and the edges of the sac allowed to retract. The recurrence rate in the ligated group was 0.43 % (4/923) and in the non-ligated group was 1.7 % (20/1197) respectively. The difference between the two groups is significant (p = .0058, Fisher's exact test by chi-square) and indicates that for good results indirect hernia sacs should be ligated during Shouldice inguinal hernioplasties.
Measuring the ROI on Knowledge Management Systems

Illustrating the return-on-investment (ROI) for a portal solution or knowledge management (KM) system has proven an elusive target. This paper will demonstrate that ROI can be found for portals and KM systems in measuring the ROI on improved processes and increased economic value of employee performance. Thus, rather than employing traditional notions of value and assets as noted in standard accounting practices, KM solutions are tools managers should use to support opportunities for process improvement and redesign. ROI that measures value from this perspective creates new areas of value from an organization's existing, undervalued assets. A well-developed measurement methodology for implementing a KM system may illustrate ROI, justify expenditures for implementing the system, and provide a format to ensure that process improvement occurs. A well-thought-out KM system has the capability of becoming the “digital nervous system” of an organization, tying all areas to the strategic goals of an organization.
Entry barriers in politics and uncontested elections

Abstract Lott (1986, 1987a) argues that brand names can be barriers to entry in political markets because political brand names cannot be sold. Our empirical model examines the effect of inalienability of political capital on entry into nineteenth-century British political markets. We test the hypothesis that since county races were more expensive than borough races owing to greater costs of information, the level of non-transferable investment produced by a given number of past campaigns was greater in the rural districts and produced more significant entry barriers.
Direct observation of nanoscale Peltier and Joule effects at metal-insulator domain walls in vanadium dioxide nanobeams.

The metal to insulator transition (MIT) of strongly correlated materials is subject to strong lattice coupling, which brings about the unique one-dimensional alignment of metal–insulator (M–I) domains along nanowires or nanobeams. Many studies have investigated the effects of stress on the MIT and hence the phase boundary, but few have directly examined the temperature profile across the metal–insulating interface. Here, we use thermoreflectance microscopy to create two-dimensional temperature maps of single-crystalline VO2 nanobeams under external bias in the phase coexisting regime. We directly observe highly localized alternating Peltier heating and cooling as well as Joule heating concentrated at the M–I domain boundaries, indicating the significance of the domain walls and band offsets. Utilizing the thermoreflectance technique, we are able to elucidate strain accumulation along the nanobeam and distinguish between two insulating phases of VO2 through detection of the opposite polarity of their respe...
National Surveillance Definitions for Hypertension Prevalence and Control Among Adults

Background Clear and consistent definitions of hypertension and hypertension control are crucial to guide diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. A variety of surveillance definitions are in frequent use, resulting in variation of reported hypertension prevalence and control, even when based on the same data set. Methods and Results To assess the variety of published surveillance definitions and rates, we performed a literature search for studies and reports that used National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data from at least as recent as the 2003 to 2004 survey cycle. We identified 19 studies that used various criteria for defining hypertension and hypertension control, as well as different parameters for age adjustment and inclusion of subpopulations. This resulted in variation of reported age-standardized hypertension prevalence from 28.9% to 32.1% and hypertension control from 35.1% to 64%. We then assessed the effects of varying the definitions of hypertension and hypertension control, parameters for age adjustment, and inclusion of subpopulations on NHANES data from both 2007 to 2008 (n=5645) and 2005 to 2008 (n=10 365). We propose standard surveillance definitions and age-adjustment parameters for hypertension and hypertension control. By using our recommended approach with NHANES 2007 to 2008 data, the age-standardized prevalence of hypertension in the United States was 29.8% (SE, 0.62%) and the rate of hypertension control was 45.8% (SE, 4.03%). Conclusions Surveillance definitions of hypertension and hypertension control vary in the literature. We present standard definitions of hypertension prevalence and control among adults and standard parameters for age-adjustment and population composition that will enable meaningful population comparisons and monitoring of trends.
Effects of oil on the rate and trajectory of Louisiana marsh shoreline erosion

Oil can have long-term detrimental effects on marsh plant health, both above- and belowground. However, there are few data available that quantify the accelerated rate of erosion that oil may cause to marshes and the trajectory of change. Between November 2010 and August 2012, we collected data on shoreline erosion, soil strength, per cent cover of Spartina alterniflora, and marsh edge overhang at 30 closely spaced low oil and high oil sites in Bay Batiste, Louisiana. Surface oil samples were taken one meter into the marsh in February 2011. All high oiled sites in Bay Batiste were contaminated with Macondo 252 oil (oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, 20 April?15 July 2010). The results suggest that there is a threshold where soil parameters change dramatically with a relatively small increase in oil concentration in the soil. Heavy oiling weakens the soil, creating a deeper undercut of the upper 50 cm of the marsh edge, and causing an accelerated rate of erosion that cascades along the shoreline. Our results demonstrate that it could take at least 2?yr to document the effects heavy oiling has had on the marsh shoreline. The presence of aboveground vegetation alone may not be an appropriate indicator of recovery.
TREATMENT OF SELF‐INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR USING A WATER MIST: INITIAL RESPONSE SUPPRESSION AND GENERALIZATION

This study evaluated the effects of a fine mist of water applied to the face contingent upon self-injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by profoundly retarded persons. In Experiment 1, results of individual reversal designs showed substantial reductions in a variety of SIB's (mouthing, hand biting, skin tearing, and head banging) for seven participants. In Experiment 2, two participants who frequently bit their hands were each observed in two different settings. Following initial baselines in each setting, a series of manipulations was undertaken to compare the effects of mild verbal punishment ("No") with those of a combined treatment ("No" plus mist procedure). Results in one setting indicated that "No" suppressed SIB only after it was first paired with the water mist. Data also suggested that, once acquired, the punishing properties of "No" could be extended to a second setting in which the mist was never applied, and that these effects could be generalized across therapists. Results of these experiments indicate that the water mist procedure may be an effective alternative to traditional punishment techniques. Although conclusions regarding generalization are limited due to the brevity of the maintenance conditions, the data suggest that treatment gains may be transferred to more acceptable forms of social punishment and reinforcement.
DNA cleavage by EcoRV endonuclease: Two metal ions in three metal ion binding sites

Four crystal structures of EcoRV endonuclease mutants K92A and K38A provide new insight into the mechanism of DNA bending and the structural basis for metal-dependent phosphodiester bond cleavage. The removal of a key active site positive charge in the uncleaved K92A−DNA−M2+ substrate complex results in binding of a sodium ion in the position of the amine nitrogen, suggesting a key role for a positive charge at this position in stabilizing the sharp DNA bend prior to cleavage. By contrast, two structures of K38A cocrystallized with DNA and Mn2+ ions in different lattice environments reveal cleaved product complexes featuring a common, novel conformation of the scissile phosphate group as compared to all previous EcoRV structures. In these structures, the released 5‘-phosphate and 3‘-OH groups remain in close juxtaposition with each other and with two Mn2+ ions that bridge the conserved active site carboxylates. The scissile phosphates are found midway between their positions in the prereactive substrate a...
Total bacterial load within Echinacea purpurea, determined using a new PCR-based quantification method, is correlated with LPS levels and in vitro macrophage activity.

Our previous studies indicate that the majority of in vitro monocyte/macrophage activation exhibited by extracts of Echinacea depends on bacterial components. In the present study, total bacterial load was determined within E. purpurea samples and ranged from 6.4 × 106 to 3.3 × 108 bacteria/g of dry plant material. To estimate total bacterial load, we developed a PCR-based quantification method that circumvents the problems associated with nonviable/nonculturable cells (which precludes using plate counts) or the coamplification of mitochondrial or chloroplast DNA with the use of universal bacterial primers (which precludes the use of qPCR). Differences in total bacterial load within Echinacea samples were strongly correlated with the activity (NF-κB activation in THP-1 cells) and content of bacterial lipopolysaccharides within extracts of this plant material. These results add to the growing body of evidence that bacteria within Echinacea are the main source of components responsible for enhancing innate immune function.
On Additive Conditional Quantiles With High-Dimensional Covariates

We investigate the estimation of the conditional quantile when many covariates are involved. In particular, we model the conditional quantile of a response as a nonlinear additive function of relevant covariates. For this setup, we propose a nonparametric smoother to estimate the unknown functions. The estimator provides direct computation of the nonlinear functions. Because it does not require any iteration, the estimator allows fast and routine data analysis. On the theoretical front, we also show asymptotic properties of the estimator, including mean squared error and limiting distribution. The theory confirms that for moderate dimension of the covariates, the estimator escapes the “curse of dimensionality” problem. Both simulated and real data examples are provided to illustrate the methodology.
Wdr5, a WD-40 protein, regulates osteoblast differentiation during embryonic bone development.

Wdr5 accelerates osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation in vitro, and is developmentally expressed in osteoblasts as well as in proliferating and hypertrophic chondrocytes. To investigate the role of Wdr5 during endochondral bone development, transgenic mice overexpressing Wdr5 under the control of the 2.3-kb fragment of the mouse α(1) I collagen promoter were generated. The transgene was specifically expressed in the osteoblasts of transgene positive mice and was absent in the growth plate. Histological analyses at embryonic day 14.5 demonstrated that the humeri of transgene positive embryos were longer than those isolated from wild-type littermates largely due to an expansion of the hypertrophic chondrocyte layer. Acceleration of osteoblast differentiation was observed with greater and more extensive expression of type I collagen and more extensive mineral deposition in the bone collar of transgene positive embryos. Acceleration of vascular invasion was also observed in transgene positive mice. Postnatal analyses of transgenic mice confirmed persistent acceleration of osteoblast differentiation. Targeted expression of Wdr5 to osteoblasts resulted in earlier activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in the bone collar as well as in primary calvarial osteoblast cultures. In addition, overexpression of Wdr5 increased the expression of OPG, a target of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that Wdr5 accelerates osteoblast differentiation in association with activation of the canonical Wnt pathway.
Family Dynamics, the Nazi Holocaust, and Mental Health Treatment: A Shift in Paradigm

This article describes survivors' family dynamics before, during, and after the Nazi Holocaust. Demographics and the Danieli Typology were used to explore family dynamics among the full sample. The researcher constructed a family resilience template, synthesizing the assumptions of ecological, family systems, and risk and resilience theories about family adaptability, to guide the analysis of interview transcripts. The survivors' own words became the vehicle for illustrating themes of family and family-like interactions.
TAOK3, a novel genome-wide association study locus associated with morphine requirement and postoperative pain in a retrospective pediatric day surgery population.

Abstract Candidate gene studies have revealed limited genetic bases for opioid analgesic response variability. Genome-wide association studies facilitate impartial queries of common genetic variants, allowing identification of novel genetic contributions to drug effect. Illumina (Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA, USA) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays were used to investigate SNP associations with total morphine requirement as a quantitative trait locus and with postoperative pain in a retrospective population of opioid-naive children ages 4–18 years who had undergone day surgery tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. In an independent replication cohort, significant genome-wide association studies-identified SNPs were assayed using TaqMan probes. Among 617 comprehensively phenotyped children, the 277 subjects of European Caucasian (EC) ancestry demonstrated nominal association between morphine dose and a series of novel SNPs (top rs795484, P = 1.01 × 10 −6 and rs1277441, P = 2.77 × 10 −6 ) at the TAOK3 locus. Age, body mass index, and physical status were included covariates. Morphine requirement averaged 132.4 μg/kg (SD 40.9). Each minor allele at rs795484 (guanine [G] > adenine [A]) contributed +17.6 μg/kg (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.7–24.4) to dose. Effect direction and magnitude were replicated in an independent cohort of 75 EC children ( P A) in the EC cohort (odds ratio 2.35, 95% CI 1.56-3.52, P P TAOK3 encoding the serine/threonine-protein kinase, TAO3, are associated with increased morphine requirement in children of EC ancestry and with increased acute postoperative pain in both EC and AA subjects.
Fluorescence Investigations into Complex Coacervation between Polyvinylimidazole and Sodium Alginate

Electrostatic interactions between the imidazole-based cationic homopolymer, polyvinylimidazole (PVIm), and anionic polysaccharide, sodium alginate, lead to the formation of colloidal aggregates known as complex coacervates in the pH range 4-6.5. PVIm was labeled with the fluorescent reporter pyrene to investigate the coacervation-induced changes in and around PVIm chains. While the pyrene-tagged PVIm had blue fluorescence in water, the coacervate phase exhibited an additional broad band around 492 nm (green) due to formation of pyrene excimers. Fluorescence spectroscopic investigations point toward aggregation of PVIm chains and desolvation upon coacervation. Highly anisotropic fluorescence emission indicates tight packing of the polymer chains in the coacervate. Confocal microscopy of fluorescein-labeled alginate and rhodamine-labeled PVIm shows coacervates as dense aggregates with uniform distribution of the polymers. Fluorescence spectroscopy offers sensitive and easy investigation into polyelectrolyte interactions.
Contribution of wild-origin chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytcha) to the spawning run in the Salmon River, New York

We examined the contribution and distribution of wild-origin chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytcha) in the Salmon River, New York, during the 2005 spawning run. To determine the origin of each fish, we used scale metrics and a recently developed discriminant function model. We estimated that approximately 32% (∼20,000 individuals) of chinook salmon were of wild-origin and that there was a greater proportion of wild fish in younger age groups than in older groups (age-1 = 48.6%, age-2 = 47.2%, and age-3 = 21.1%). We also observed spatial differences in the distribution of wild- and hatchery-derived fish, with a higher proportion of wild-origin chinook salmon in the lower section of the river (47.5%) than in the upper sections (28.2%). The lowest proportion of wild fish was found in the Salmon River hatchery (12.4%), located in the upper section of the river. These findings suggest that wild-origin fish were more evenly distributed along the river, whereas hatchery fish were more likely to reach the upper...
Hydropolitics and Inter-Jurisdictional Relationships in China: The Pursuit of Localized Preferences in a Centralized System

Inter-jurisdictional water resource issues constitute a growing political and economic challenge in China. This article examines three such cases of hydropolitics, namely large dam construction, water resource allocation, and downstream water pollution, through the lens of central–local relations. It argues that the hydropolitics in China are characterized by the pursuit of localized preferences within the constraints imposed by a centralized political system. In each case, the primary actors are sub-national administrative units, who adopt various competitive strategies to pursue their own localized interests at the expense of neighbouring jurisdictions. This article argues that although vertical control mechanisms in the Chinese system effectively limit central–local preference divergence, they do little to contain horizontal conflicts between sub-national administrative units. The paucity of formal inter-jurisdictional dispute resolution mechanisms is a major barrier to meeting water resource challenges, and inter-jurisdictional collective action problems are likely to pose growing difficulties for the Chinese political system.
Pumpkin eIF5A isoforms interact with components of the translational machinery in the cucurbit sieve tube system.

Summary In yeast, eIF5A, in combination with eEF2, functions at the translation step, during the protein elongation cycle. This result is of significance with respect to functioning of the enucleate sieve tube system, as eIF5A was recently detected in Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin) phloem sap. In the present study, we further characterized four CmeIF5A isoforms, encoding three proteins, all of which were present in the phloem sap. Although hypusination of CmeIF5A was not necessary for entry into the sieve elements, this unique post-translational modification was necessary for RNA binding. The two enzymes required for hypusination were detected in pumpkin phloem sap, where presumably this modification takes place. A combination of gel-filtration chromatography and protein overlay assays demonstrated that, as in yeast, CmeIF5A interacts with phloem proteins, like eEF2, known to be involved in protein synthesis. These findings are discussed in terms of a potential role for eIF5A in regulating protein synthesis within the enucleate sieve tube system of the angiosperms.
Possible singlet oxygen generation from the photolysis of indigo dyes in methanol, DMSO, water, and ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate

Abstract We suggest that singlet molecular oxygen [1O2 (1Δg)] is formed upon irradiation of indigo 1 [in air or O2-saturated DMSO and DMSO (0.5% H2SO4)] and indigo carmine 2 [in air or O2-saturated CH3OH, D2O, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BmIm–BF4)]. The quantum yield for production of 1O2 is estimated to be 0.6 for 1 and 0.3–0.5 for 2. The rates of reaction of 1O2 with 1 and 2 were determined by monitoring the emission of 1O2 at 1270 nm over time. Low molar absorptivities (at 532 nm) and rapid physical quenching caused by 1 and 2 limit their utility as 1O2 photosensitizers in solution. Compounds 1 and 2 degrade slowly during the photolysis due to a self-sensitized (type I or II) photooxidation reaction. Oxidative cleavage of 1 by singlet oxygen and superoxide, and 2 by superoxide has been noted before (Kuramoto, N.; Kitao, T. J. Soc. Dyers Color. 1979, 95, 257–261; Kettle, A. J.; Clark, B. M.; Winterbourn, C. C. J. Biol. Chem. 2004, 279, 18521–18525).
Cytotoxicity and cell membrane depolarization induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticles in human lung epithelial cells A549

The cytotoxicity of 13 and 22 nm aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles was investigated in cultured human bronchoalveolar carcinoma-derived cells (A549) and compared with 20 nm CeO2 and 40 nm TiO2 nanoparticles as positive and negative control, respectively. Exposure to both Al2O3 nanoparticles for 24 h at 10 and 25 µg mL−1 doses significantly decreased cell viability compared with control. However, the cytotoxicity of 13 and 22 nm Al2O3 nanoparticles had no difference at 5–25 µg mL−1 dose range. The cytotoxicity of both Al2O3 nanoparticles were higher than negative control TiO2 nanoparticles but lower than positive control CeO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 < Al2O3 < CeO2). A real-time single cell imaging system was employed to study the cell membrane potential change caused by Al2O3 and CeO2 nanoparticles using a membrane potential sensitive fluorescent probe DiBAC4(3). Exposure to the 13 nm Al2O3 nanoparticles resulted in more significant depolarization than the 30 nm Al2O3 particles. On the other hand, the 20 nm...
Quantitative comparison of lipoprotein fractions derived from human plasma and serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Background: Lipoproteins are complex, globular molecules which play essential roles in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol. Their implication in the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, has sustained a great deal of interest in these particles. Their various functions, and their contribution to the development of atherosclerosis, are often attributed to their protein constituents, which vary greatly among the different lipoprotein classes. Recent advances in the field of mass spectrometry have provided insight into the array of proteins associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and, even more so, with high-density lipoproteins (HDLs). Plasma and serum are the most commonly used samples for the analysis of lipoproteins. Although these lipoprotein sources are unique, it was our goal to determine whether or not their inherent differences would ultimately affect a quantitative analysis of the LDL and HDL proteomes. To this end, we isolated LDL and HDL fractions with fast protein liquid chromatography-size exclusion chromatography (FPLC-SEC) from both human plasma and serum samples from the same individuals. After delipidating these samples, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis to compare the lipoprotein-associated proteins derived from both plasma and serum. Results: Although the primary differences between the samples are found in fibrinogen proteins which are removed from serum, it of interest to note that, with respect to LDL-associated proteins, apolipoproteinB-100 was found at significantly higher levels in serum samples. Complement component 3 was found at significantly higher levels in serum-derived HDL fractions. Both of these proteins are known LDL- and HDL-associated proteins, respectively. Conclusion: Overall, the results from our study indicate that both plasma and serum samples are equally suited for proteomic studies, and provide similar results. These findings are particularly important for studies profiling proteomic differences in lipoprotein particle composition in a variety of disease conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Background Lipoproteins, as their name implies, are complex, globular aggregates of lipid and protein which circulate primarily in plasma/serum, and play a central role in the transport and metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous cholesterol and other lipids. It is a well established fact that, in general, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels are directly correlated with the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, whereas high
First and Second Graders Writing Informational Text

The author of this article investigated, described, and interpreted the ways in which primary-grade children interacted with informational texts and wrote their own informational texts. In a qualitative study of informational writing in the primary grades, 24 first and second graders worked in pairs over a period of two weeks to research self-selected topics and to produce written work suitable for (classroom) publication. Analysis of the students' written text, together with the transcripts of their conversations, showed that while the students wrote their new texts, their talk centered around the following topics: content suggestion, generating ideas, syntax negotiation, spelling, concern for conventions, organizing and categorizing information, rereading the writing, and revision. Results suggest that common instructional practices in the primary grades may underestimate the ability of these students to comprehend (age-appropriate) informational texts and to produce informational writing of their own.
Letter by Al-Ruzzeh and Navia regarding article, "Safety and efficacy of recombinant activated factor VII: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in the setting of bleeding after cardiac surgery".

To the Editor: We read with interest the recent article by Gill et al on recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in cardiac surgery.1 We would like to raise the following issues. The authors’ conclusion that “for the first time, a hemostatic agent has the possibility of being an effective alternative to allogenic transfusion in cardiac surgery patients with uncontrolled postoperative bleeding” is imprecise. The 3 randomization arms in the trial received “allogenic transfusion,” and the concluded beneficial effect of rFVIIa in the trial was that it significantly increased the percentage of patients who avoided transfusions. In other words, rFVIIa was an adjunct, not a …
Analysis of an O(N2) heuristic for the single vehicle many-to-many Euclidean dial-a-ride problem

Abstract We develop an O(N2) heuristic to solve the single vehicle many-to-many Euclidean Dial-A-Ride problem. The heuristic is based on the Minimum Spanning Tree of the modes of the problem. The algorithm's worst case performance is four times the length of the optimal Dial-A-Ride tour. An analysis of the algorithm's average performance reveals that in terms of sizes of single-vehicle problems that are likely to be encountered in the real world (up to 100 nodes) and in terms of computational complexity, the O(N2) heuristic performs equally well, or, in many cases, better than heuristics described earlier by Stein for the same problem. The performance of the heuristic exhibits statistical stability over a broad range of problem sizes.
Correcting Generalized Gingival Recession

Recession associated with the maxillary anterior gingiva can be particularly displeasing to the patient with a high smile line. The coronally positioned flap technique was used in this case to create a more esthetic appearance.
On channel identification based on second-order cyclic spectra

Gardener (1991) presented an interesting use of cyclostationarity for channel identification in PAM data communication systems. The present paper presents new results that address the identification of linear rational channels with higher than minimum bandwidth based on the use of second-order cyclic statistics. Unlike the approach taken by Gardener, the present authors show that channel identification is achievable for a class of linear channels without the need for a pilot tone or training periods. Moreover, channel identification based on cyclic statistics does not preclude Gaussian or near-Gaussian inputs. >
Connecting shear layer dynamics with unsteady pressures within a resonating cavity

2Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616 The present work evaluates the connection between shear layer dynamics and unsteady pressures produced within a resonating cavity. The shear layer dynamics are considered for the baseline cavity as well as a cavity with a spanwise oriented cylinder located upstream of the cavity. The cylinder is used as a suppression device on account of its simplicity and its effectiveness in a number of previous studies. The detailed experimental study includes mean velocity data, phase averaged measurements in the shear layer of the cavity, and acoustic measurements. Linear stability calculations are performed for the measured velocity profiles as well as other published profiles available in the literature. Stability calculations include both local and integrated growth rates. Results are presented for the baseline cavity with a shear layer type profile and for the configuration with the cylinder that represents a shear layer + wake type profile. The extensive data sets obtained during this study could serve as a valuable resource to benchmark cavity tone simulation results. Our results also shed light on the working mechanism of the cylinder.
Adherence to Buprenorphine Treatment Guidelines in a Medicaid Program

ABSTRACTBackground: Buprenorphine is the most frequently prescribed medication for treating substance use disorders in the United States, but few studies have evaluated the structure of treatment delivered in real-world settings. The purpose of this study is to investigate adherence to current buprenorphine treatment guidelines using administrative data for Massachusetts Medicaid. Methods: We identified buprenorphine treatment episodes beginning in 2009 through pharmacy claims. We then used service claims to identify treatment-related physician, behavioral, and laboratory services received in the induction, stabilization, and maintenance phases of these treatment episodes. Rates of service utilization were compared with those recommended in treatment guidelines. Results: A total of 3674 treatment episodes met inclusion criteria, representing 3005 unique Medicaid beneficiaries. Liver enzymes were tested in 47.3% of episodes, but testing for hepatitis C (23.2%), hepatitis B (19.6%), and human immunodeficien...
CryoEM and molecular dynamics of the circadian KaiB-KaiC complex indicates that KaiB monomers interact with KaiC and block ATP binding clefts.

The circadian control of cellular processes in cyanobacteria is regulated by a posttranslational oscillator formed by three Kai proteins. During the oscillator cycle, KaiA serves to promote autophosphorylation of KaiC while KaiB counteracts this effect. Here, we present a crystallographic structure of the wild-type Synechococcus elongatus KaiB and a cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) structure of a KaiBC complex. The crystal structure shows the expected dimer core structure and significant conformational variations of the KaiB C-terminal region, which is functionally important in maintaining rhythmicity. The KaiBC sample was formed with a C-terminally truncated form of KaiC, KaiC-Δ489, which is persistently phosphorylated. The KaiB–KaiC-Δ489 structure reveals that the KaiC hexamer can bind six monomers of KaiB, which form a continuous ring of density in the KaiBC complex. We performed cryoEM-guided molecular dynamics flexible fitting simulations with crystal structures of KaiB and KaiC to probe the KaiBC protein–protein interface. This analysis indicated a favorable binding mode for the KaiB monomer on the CII end of KaiC, involving two adjacent KaiC subunits and spanning an ATP binding cleft. A KaiC mutation, R468C, which has been shown to affect the affinity of KaiB for KaiC and lengthen the period in a bioluminescence rhythm assay, is found within the middle of the predicted KaiBC interface. The proposed KaiB binding mode blocks access to the ATP binding cleft in the CII ring of KaiC, which provides insight into how KaiB might influence the phosphorylation status of KaiC.
Automated sensor planning for robotic vision tasks

A method is presented to determine viewpoints for a robotic vision system for which object features of interest will simultaneously by visible, inside the field-of-view, in-focus, and magnified as required. A technique that poses the problem in an optimization setting in order to determine viewpoints that satisfy all requirements simultaneously and with a margin is presented. The formulation and results of the optimization are shown, as well as experimental results in which a robot vision system is positioned and its lens is set according to this method. Camera views are taken from the computed viewpoints in order to verify that all feature detectability requirements are satisfied. >
Why Teams Don’t Work

A few years ago, Paul Osterman, an economist at MIT, did a careful national survey of innovative work practices in U.S. manufacturing firms. He found that more than half the companies surveyed were using teams—and that some 40% of these companies reported having more than half the organization working in teams (Osterman, 1994). How well do all these teams perform? To judge from books and articles written for a managerial audience, the answer is clear: Teams markedly outperform individuals, and self-managing (or self-regulating, or self-directed, or empowered) teams do best of all. Here are some reports from the field, cited by Osburn, Moran, Musselwhite, and Zenger (1990) in Self-Directed Work Teams: The New American Challenge. At Xerox, the authors report,
Maximal right ideals of transformation near-rings

The purpose of this note is to characterize maximal right ideals of T 0 ( G ), the (left) mear-ring of transformations from a group ( G , +) into itself which leave zero fixed. Using this characterization, we answer some questions raised by Heatherly (1972).
Correlation of single-breath count test and neck flexor muscle strength with spirometry in myasthenia gravis.

Introduction: Although formal spirometry is the gold standard for monitoring respiratory function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), such testing is often delayed or unavailable. There is a need for a simple bedside test that can accurately measure respiratory function. Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional, single-blind study in adults with acetylcholine receptor antibody positive MG. Participants performed the single breath count test (SBCT) and underwent manual muscle strength testing, and a respiratory therapist performed spirometry blinded to SBCT and strength results. Results : Thirty-one patients, aged 57 ± 19 years participated. SBCT showed significant correlations with forced vital capacity (FVC), negative inspiratory force, and neck flexor strength (P < 0.01). FVC showed significant correlation with neck flexor strength (P = 0.02) but no correlation with shoulder abductor strength. Conclusions: These data suggest that the SBCT and neck flexor strength testing are valuable tools for bedside assessment of respiratory function in MG patients. Muscle Nerve 53: 134–136, 2016
Can two observations confirm a theory? A comment on Max U versus Humanomics

Deirdre McCloskey's recent claim in this journal that the formal institutions of government do not explain the ‘bulk’ of modern income levels is examined. In fact, they do.
Individuals and Passthrough Entities - Fifth Circuit's Opinion in St. David's Raises More Questions than it Answers

On November 7, 2003, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit published its opinion in St. David's Health Care System, Inc., reversing a grant of summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff, a nonprofit hospital, by the District Court for the Western District of Texas. The issue in St. David's concerned whether the IRS had abused its discretion in revoking the tax-exempt status of the nonprofit hospital when it entered into a limited partnership with a for-profit hospital. This article discusses the opinions of both the district court and the Fifth Circuit in St. David's and the standards that the Fifth Circuit set forth for purposes of determining whether forming a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership with a for-profit organization will cause a nonprofit organization to lose its tax-exempt status.
Headaches and their relationship to sleep.

Despite the complex influences of normal sleep physiology and sleep disorders on the development or presentation of headache, it is important to recognize and understand these relationships. Successful outcomes depend on the provision of treatment interventions specifically directed toward each condition. Nocturnal or early morning headaches that are associated with OSA are often eradicated after the sleep disorder is successfully managed with CPAP, oral appliances, or surgery. Substantial improvement in headache can also result from the successful management of other sleep disorders that may incite headaches such as heavy snoring, PLMS, or the various forms of insomnia. To improve headache patterns associated with bruxism and TMD, it is often necessary to formulate a multidisciplinary treatment approach that combines oral appliance therapy, stress management, biofeedback, oromandibular physical therapy, and, at times, pharmacologic treatment (i.e., tricyclic antidepressant, intramuscular botulinum toxin injections). There are still many gaps in the understanding of the interrelationships of sleep physiology and headache pathophysiology. More well-designed clinical trials are needed so that enough data can be amassed for the formulation of evidence-based guidelines or consensus statements that can better delineate the identification, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of sleep-related headache disorders and headaches that develop as a consequence of disordered sleep.
Applying Novel Approaches to Old Datasets: Utilizing Opportunistic Observations to Describe Spatial-Use Patterns for the Steller Sea Lion Using a Bayesian Poisson Model

Ecological niche models of habitat suitability are attractive due to their conceptual interpretation and use of presence-only data. Niche models have potential to exploit a variety of presence-only data sources, such as museum records, limited effort surveys, ancillary field observations, and citizen science programs. Limitations of niche models, however, substantially reduce their utility in management situations, in particular, the inability to independently evaluate habitat covariates for their relative influence. Generalized linear models, i.e., logistic regression, provide this ability, but require both presence and absence data. We present an approach that overcomes the limitation of niche models while retaining the use of presence-only data. The generation of pseudo-absences, derived from areas of low suitability as determined by the niche model, allow use of logistic regression to produce robust models of habitat suitability. The approach also has the added benefit of reducing contamination (false absences) among absence data that occurs with simple random sample approaches. We discuss the pseudo-absence approach in an example of modeling habitat suitability for nesting white-headed woodpeckers (Picoides albolarvatus).
The synthesis, storage and degradation of plant natural products: cyanogenic glycosides as an example.

Cyanogenic glycosides are natural products found in a wide variety of plant genera including Sorghum, Prunus, Linum, Manihot and Passiflora.
Visual spectroscopy method to evaluate entrapment efficiency of electrostatically precipitated proteins in combination with octenyl succinic anhydrate (OSA)-modified polysaccharides

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of visible spectroscopy to discern the entrapment capability of a hydrophobic compound ( trans -cinnamaldehyde) by electrostatic precipitation in aqueous solution of pure whey proteins or in combination with octenyl succinic anhydrate (OSA)-modified polysaccharides. Particles were obtained by electrostatic precipitation of complex structures formed at different weight ratios (1:0–1:10) of proteins and OSA-modified polysaccharides. Trans -cinnamaldehyde 99% (TCNN) was selected as a model hydrophobic bioactive compound, due to its use as an antimicrobial. The entrapment capability of TCNN by the complex structures was evaluated by measuring the remaining TCNN on the supernatant (TCNNsuptt) after centrifugation of the complexes that were electrostatically precipitated at 23 °C. The insoluble complexes were effectively monitored through absorbance (Abs) measurements at 600 nm with a spectrophotometer. Absorbance values corresponded well with total sugar interaction-adsorption of OSA-modified polysaccharides at the electrostatic precipitation of proteins, which in turn corresponded to the entrapment efficiency, based on the amount of protein precipitated. These results validate the use of spectrophotometric measurements as a rapid, toxic-free, and easy, comparative method to evaluate the adsorption interaction between protein and other amphiphilic molecules. In addition, electrostatic precipitation of protein alone or in combination with OSA-modified polysaccharides is a feasible method to entrap volatile and thermolabile compounds.