cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gait speed and hospitalization among ambulatory hemodialysis patients: USRDS special study data

AIM: To assess the association of measured gait speed with hemodialysis (HD) patients’ hospitalization, in conjunction with, and apart from, recent fall history. METHODS: Gait speed was measured by a standard protocol and falls during the past 12 mo were ascertained for a prevalent multi-center HD cohort (n = 668) aged 20-92. Hospitalization during the past 12 mo was identified in the patient’s clinic records, and the first hospitalization after gait speed assessment (or the competing event of death) was identified in the 2013 United States Renal Data System Standard Analysis Files. RESULTS: Slow gait speed, defined as < 0.8 m/s, characterized 34.7% of the patients, and 27.1% had experienced a recent fall. Patients with slow gait speed but without a history of recent falls were 1.79 times more likely to have been hospitalized during the past 12 mo (OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.11-2.88, P = 0.02), and patients with slow gait speed and a history of recent falls were over two times more likely to have been hospitalized (OR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.19-3.73, P = 0.01), compared with patients having faster gait speed and no recent fall history. Prospective examination of gait speed/fall history status in relation to first hospitalization (or death) incurred by the end of follow-up December 31, 2011 also showed that slow gait speed was associated with these events in conjunction with a history of falls (HR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.04-2.30, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The International Task Force on Nutrition and Aging reported that gait speed is a powerful predictor for older adults of adverse outcomes such as hospitalization. In our data, gait speed--apart from, as well as in conjunction with, recent fall history--was associated with HD patients’ hospitalization for multiple causes. Gait speed may be a sensitive health indicator among HD patients across the age spectrum.
Congenital tracheo-esophageal fistula withoutesophageal atresia

Summary Three infants with tracheo-esophagealfistula without atresia of the esophagus have been presented. The incidence, anatomy, symptomatology, and pitfalls in establishing this diagnosis have been discussed. An essentially closed system utilizing an endotracheal tube and esophagoscope with intratracheal instillation of dye and radiopaque media has been successfully used in two infants to establish the presence of a fistula and to localize it sufficiently to proceed with surgical closure.
Interactions of intracellular mediators of amylase secretion in permeabilized pancreatic acini

Abstract Mouse pancreatic acini were permeabilized with streptolysin O to investigate amylase secretion stimulated by various intracellular mediators and the kinetics of secretion as a function of temperature. Amylase secretion was temperature dependent in that the initial rate of Ca2+-stimulated secretion increased with increasing temperature. In addition, there was no enhancement of Ca2+-stimulated secretion by GTP[γS] at 14°C, while enhancement was maximal at 30°C. GTP[γS]-mediated enhancement of secretion at a given temperature was mostly due to sustained secretion with a small increase in secretory rate. At 30°C Ca2+-stimulated secretion was also enhanced by cAMP and phorbol ester (TPA) to similar extents as by GTP[γS]. The maximally effective concentration of cAMP was 1–10 μM in the presence of 0.1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine. The enhancements of Ca2+-stimulated amylase secretion by all combinations of cAMP (100 μM plus 0.1 mM isobutylmethylxanthine), TPA (1 μM), and GTP[γS] (30 μM) were fully additive. In Ca2+-free buffer, cAMP, TPA or GTP[γS] individually had no effect on amylase secretion. Together, TPA and GTP[γS] stimulated Ca2+-independent secretion, which was 187 ± 38% of basal. Cyclic AMP together with TPA and GTP[γS] in the absence of Ca2+ stimulated 329 ± 30% of basal secretion. Ca2+-stimulated amylase secretion was decreased about 50% by metabolic inhibition, while the enhancement by cAMP, TPA or GTP[γS] was totally blocked by metabolic inhibitors. These data demonstrate that amylase secretion in the acinar cell is mediated by multiple intracellular pathways which act in parallel and probably converge at a distal step in the exocytotic process.
Does the ocean–atmosphere system have more than one stable mode of operation?

The climate record obtained from two long Greenland ice cores reveals several brief climate oscillations during glacial time. The most recent of these oscillations, also found in continental pollen records, has greatest impact in the area under the meteorological influence of the northern Atlantic, but none in the United States. This suggests that these oscillations are caused by fluctuations in the formation rate of deep water in the northern Atlantic. As the present production of deep water in this area is driven by an excess of evaporation over precipitation and continental runoff, atmospheric water transport may be an important element in climate change. Changes in the production rate of deep water in this sector of the ocean may push the climate system from one quasi-stable mode of operation to another.
Low prairie plant communities of wetlands as a function of disturbance: Physical parameters

Abstract Understanding how physical parameters within and adjacent to Prairie Pothole Region wetlands affect the surrounding biological communities is important for sound management decisions for agricultural and rangeland settings. We evaluated the wetland, adjacent non-wetland, and landscape physical parameters role in determining low prairie (sub-irrigated) species composition. We first developed hypothetical models using the physical variables collected from 193 wetlands in relation to the existing plant communities. The models were then evaluated using structural equation modeling and a final (alternative) model was developed from these results. The models developed indicated the importance of the low prairie community in proper ecological functioning of associated wetlands. A number of physical parameters measured can be used as indicators of declining plant community condition, one example being the potential of the low prairie plant community to be invaded by exotic species such as Bromus inermis Leyss.
Scanned Surface Photovoltage Detection of Defects in Silicon Wafers

A scanned surface photovoltage (SSP) method is capable of detecting a wide variety of defects in a silicon surface. This method can be used to scan a large area of the silicon surface, which is coupled by a surface channel to a small remote electrode. The resolution obtained, about 2 ?m, is explained theoretically in this paper for the case of a differentiated photovoltage signal and a small (0.8 ?m diameter) light beam from an optimized optical system. SSP images of a variety of defects, both naturally occurring and induced, were obtained along with images produced by other methods for comparison.
Potassium and ammonium interactions in nutrition of tomato cultivars and mutants

Abstract A visual symptom of ammonium toxicity on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) is the development of shallow, brown, stem lesions. Lesion formation is alleviated by K fertilization. In this study, tomato cultivars and mutants differed in sensitivity to ammonium injury. Mutants, yellow‐green‐5 and neglecta‐1, accumulated high concentrations of K in their stems and were strongly resistant to ammonium toxicity from soil‐applied ammonium salts. Cultivars which were sensitive to ammonium injury accumulated much less K in their stems than did these mutant strains. Efficiency in K accumulation and the accompanying resistance to ammonium toxicity appeared to be heritable traits.
A SIMPLE METHOD OF ESTIMATING PROGRESSION OF CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

In 31 of 34 patients with chronic renal insufficiency caused by various diseaes, reciprocal serum-creatinine concentration declined linearly as creatinine concentration rose from a mean of 2-6 mg/dl to 14-8 mg/dl over an average of 71 months. These results indicate that in most cases reciprocal serum-creatinine declines linearly with time as chronic renal failure progresses. Analysis of this relation in individual patients gives an estimate of the progression of the disease, may help to determine the effects of therapy, and could be used to predict when dialysis will become necessary.
Multivariate analyses of morphological characters of Leptolaena Thouars s.l. subgenera Mediusella and Xerochlamys (Sarcolaenaceae)

Leptolaena Thouars is one of the first described genera within Sarcolaenaceae, but represents the last great species-level taxonomic challenge in this endemic Malagasy plant family. As currently circumscribed, this genus comprises three subgenera, two of which, Mediusella Cavaco and Xerochlamys (Baker) Cavaco, exhibit patterns of morphological variation that have been understood differently and have led to an unstable taxonomy, such that a consensus on the delimitation of species has yet to be reached. Principal component analysis of morphological characters was performed on 211 herbarium specimens in order to evaluate the morphological variation within the two subgenera and to clarify historically problematical species boundaries. The results showed that ten entities could be distinguished on the basis of vegetative, floral, and fruit characters, and that they provide a robust basis for proposing a new species-level taxonomic framework. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 157, 559–574.
Inferring biological structures from super-resolution single molecule images using generative models

Localization-based super resolution imaging is presently limited by sampling requirements for dynamic measurements of biological structures. Generating an image requires serial acquisition of individual molecular positions at sufficient density to define a biological structure, increasing the acquisition time. Efficient analysis of biological structures from sparse localization data could substantially improve the dynamic imaging capabilities of these methods. Using a feature extraction technique called the Hough Transform simple biological structures are identified from both simulated and real localization data. We demonstrate that these generative models can efficiently infer biological structures in the data from far fewer localizations than are required for complete spatial sampling. Analysis at partial data densities revealed efficient recovery of clathrin vesicle size distributions and microtubule orientation angles with as little as 10% of the localization data. This approach significantly increases the temporal resolution for dynamic imaging and provides quantitatively useful biological information.
Cyclohexenyl Transfer: Synthesis of Cyclohexenyl Substituted Homoallylic Alcohols via a Tin(IV) Diethyl Tartarate Complex

The allylic tin(IV) complex 2 prepared from the dialkoxyanion of diethyl tartarate, tin(II) chloride, and 3-bromocyclohexene reacts with aldehydes to furnish cyclohexenyl substituted homoallylic alcohols.
Role of Mechanotransduction in Vascular Biology: Focus on Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections

Thoracic aortic diseases that involve progressive enlargement, acute dissection, or rupture are influenced by the hemodynamic loads and mechanical properties of the wall. We have only limited understanding, however, of the mechanobiological processes that lead to these potentially lethal conditions. Homeostasis requires that intramural cells sense their local chemomechanical environment and establish, maintain, remodel, or repair the extracellular matrix to provide suitable compliance and yet sufficient strength. Proper sensing, in turn, necessitates both receptors that connect the extracellular matrix to intracellular actomyosin filaments and signaling molecules that transmit the related information to the nucleus. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are associated with poorly controlled hypertension and mutations in genes for extracellular matrix constituents, membrane receptors, contractile proteins, and associated signaling molecules. This grouping of factors suggests that these thoracic diseases result, in part, from dysfunctional mechanosensing and mechanoregulation of the extracellular matrix by the intramural cells, which leads to a compromised structural integrity of the wall. Thus, improved understanding of the mechanobiology of aortic cells could lead to new therapeutic strategies for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections.
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus nsP2 Protein Regulates Packaging of the Viral Genome into Infectious Virions

Alphaviruses are one of the most geographically widespread and yet often neglected group of human and animal pathogens. They are capable of replicating in a wide variety of cells of both vertebrate and insect origin and are widely used for the expression of heterologous genetic information both in vivo and in vitro. In spite of their use in a range of research applications and their recognition as a public health threat, the biology of alphaviruses is insufficiently understood. In this study, we examined the evolution process of one of the alphaviruses, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), to understand its adaptation mechanism to the inefficient packaging of the viral genome in response to serial mutations introduced into the capsid protein. The new data derived from this study suggest that strong alterations in the ability of capsid protein to package the viral genome leads to accumulation of adaptive mutations, not only in the capsid-specific helix I but also in the nonstructural protein nsP2. The nsP2-specific mutations were detected in the protease domain and in the amino terminus of the protein, which was previously proposed to function as a protease cofactor. These mutations increased infectious virus titers, demonstrated a strong positive impact on viral RNA replication, mediated the development of a more cytopathic phenotype, and made viruses capable of developing a spreading infection. The results suggest not only that packaging of the alphavirus genome is determined by the presence of packaging signals in the RNA and positively charged amino acids in the capsid protein but also that nsP2 is either directly or indirectly involved in the RNA encapsidation process.
Cross-Validation of the HSPQ as a Predictor for High School Grades:

Cattell's HSPQ was used to predict achievement on a new sample of high school students (Total N = 469), and estimates of achievement were compared with observed values. Multiple linear regression was performed twice; HSPQ scores alone and HSPQ scores in combination with two ability measures. Results indicate (a) the beta weights derived in the present study were essentially consistent with those used by Cattell, (b) one-fourth of the variance associated with achievement was accounted for by personality factors, and (c) predicted achievement scores using Cattell's equation correlated relatively high with observed scores.
On the evolution of the lunar orbit

It is generally accepted that the earth-moon separation is at present increasing due to tidal dissipation. Values for the corresponding lunar deceleration and the related slowing of the earth's rotation are obtained from astronomical observations and studies of ancient eclipses. Extrapolation of these values leads to a close approach of the earth and moon 1-3 b.y. BP. Periodicities in the Precambrian stromatolites may yield the number of solar days in a lunar month prior to 500 m.y. BP. These data combined with dynamic constraints on the number of solar days in a lunar month indicate a close approach of the earth and moon at 2.85 plus or minus 0.25 b.y. BP. Mare volcanism on the moon and high-temperature Archean volcanism on the earth prior to this date may be due to tidal heating. Strong tidal heating during a close approach could have contributed to the formation of the first living organisms.
Cross-Regional Trends in Female Terrorism

Worldwide, women have historically participated in terrorist groups but their low numbers and seemingly passive roles have undermined their credibility as terrorist actors for many observers. This analysis contends that female involvement with terrorist activity is widening ideologically, logistically, and regionally for several reasons: increasing contextual pressures (e.g., domestic/international enforcement, conflict, social dislocation) creates a mutually reinforcing process driving terrorist organizations to recruit women at the same time women's motivations to join these groups increases; contextual pressures impact societal controls over women that may facilitate, if not necessitate, more overt political participation up to, and including, political violence; and operational imperatives often make female members highly effective actors for their organizations, inducing leaders toward "actor innovation" to gain strategic advantage against their adversary.
Multilevel analysis of flooded rice areas in Italy

Abstract A multilevel approach to the study of flooded rice crops has been developed. It has been used to examine an area of 5,381 Km2 where the main crop is flooded rice, located in the 75,000 Km2 basin of the Po River in northern Italy. More than 95% of rice harvested in the whole of Italy is produced here. Small, meso and large scale analyses have been made. Landsat Thematic Mapper and NOAA‐AVHRR images have been used and the classification and vegetation indices computed and evaluated. An Integrated Geographic Information System (IGIS) has been implemented, using these and other sets of data, from satellite imagery to cartography, conventional statistics, and environmental indicators. The system, proposed and tested for evaluation of the environmental impact of the agricultural operations involved in rice growing, will be employed as a decision support tool in agricultural planning.
Gradient balance method for specific gravity determination in milk.

Abstract The accuracy of the immiscible gradient balance method for determining the specific gravity and solids-not-fat (SNF) of milk was compared with the Watson lactometer and gravimetric procedures. Observations were also made to verify the effect of the breed of animal, stage of lactation, use of chemical preservatives, and effect of sample heat-tempering upon the accuracy of the method. The gradient balance method gave results slightly lower than those obtained with the Watson and gravimetric procedures. Results from the method gave greatest variation from the Watson technique in milk produced by the Jersey breed or in late lactation. Formalin preservative or prior heat-tempering of the sample did not affect the results.
Brightness Relationships for Comfortable Seeing

Quantitative data were obtained to determine the effects of sources of brightness in the visual field upon comfort and discomfort. The results are based upon subjective appraisals of sources exposed to view in a controlled manner amid a surrounding field of uniform brightness. The criterion involved the visual sensation at the borderline between comfort and discomfort.Certain factors may be considered as being basic and fundamental and include the brightness and size of the source and the brightness to which the eyes are adapted. Other factors which have a modifying influence upon the basic factors include the position and number of sources in the visual field and the configuration of the sources. The relationships among these factors are expressed by an empirical formula which makes possible the determination of the brightness conditions which should be expected to produce a comfortable visual sensation. A simple rule is developed for converting a group of sources into a single equivalent source. Close agreement is obtained between the observed and calculated brightnesses at the borderline between comfort and discomfort of a simulated visual environment. This indicates the possibility of the ultimate development of a simple and logical method which is based upon experimental data for determining whether a lighting installation can be expected to be comfortable or uncomfortable.
870 CATHETER RELATED BACTEREMIA IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS WITH INDWELLING BROVIAC CATHETERS

Nineteen children (median age 2 yrs) undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies had indwelling silastic Broviac catheters (BC) placed in the superior vena cava to provide vascular access. The BC were in place for a total of 85 patient-months (mean 4.5 mos/patient). There were 8 episodes of BC-related bacteremic infections (1 episode/10.6 patient-months). The infections occurred from 3wks-6 mos after BC insertion (median 7 wks ). Presenting symptoms included fever in all cases (often associated with irrigation of the BC), chills, and peripheral vascular instability. The bacteremia was not associated with neutropenia or other foci of infection. The infecting organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (2), Staphylococcus epidermidis (2), Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Candida tropicalis, and an unidentified gram-negative rod. Cultures drawn from the BC were positive in all cases and those drawn from a peripheral vein in 6/8 (75%). Antimicrobial therapy (Rx) alone without BC removal successfully cured the infection in 5 of 6 cases (83%). The one medical failure had bacteremia with 3 different organisms which cleared only after BC removal. One child with Candida infection had BC removal without antimicrobial Rx. One child had BC removal for reasons unrelated to infection. There were no other infection related complications. Most BC infections may initially be treated with antimicrobial Rx alone without BC removal.
Taking Mylonites' Temperatures

We measured titanium-in-quartz (TitaniQ) temperatures by ion microprobe for three deformed rocks having different quartz microstructure to assess the possibility of constrain- ing the temperature of mylonitization directly from dynamically recrystallized quartz grains. Calibration via ion microprobe indicates analytical precisions and accuracies of ~±2 °C and ±10 °C, respectively (2σ). High- versus low-temperature mylonites yield high versus low Ti concentrations and temperatures that are consistent with other fi eld studies of mylonites that have similar microstructures; these observations imply that TitaniQ accurately measures dynamic recrystallization temperatures. Variations in temperature in a single domain exceed analytical errors, implying that one microstructure in a rock can refl ect different tempera- tures and, presumably, strain rates. Combined with paleopiezometric and phase-equilibrium estimates of differential stress and water fugacity, strain rates may be estimated.
Assessing Student Learning in a Virtual Laboratory Environment

Laboratory experience is a key factor in technical and scientific education. Virtual laboratories have been proposed to reduce cost and simplify maintenance of lab facilities while still providing students with access to real systems. It is important to determine if such virtual labs are still effective for student learning. In the assessment of a graduate computer networks course, the author quantifies the amount of learning that is observed in lectures and labs. The results not only show that learning indeed occurs during lab sessions, but almost equally as much (45.9%) as in lectures (54.1%). Also, it is observed that even students who have prior experience in networking benefit from virtual labs.
Invasive Species Influence Riparian Plant Diversity Along a Successional Gradient, Willamette River, Oregon

Abstract Recognizing the importance of invasive plant species is necessary to preserve, protect, and manage for biodiversity in riparian habitats. Non-metric multidimensional ordination of 28 study sites along a successional gradient on the Willamette River indicated that abundance of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L). was strongly correlated with stand plant composition and abundance. High abundance of reed canarygrass was also correlated with lower values of understory species diversity and total species richness. Considering older stands only (n = 19), reed canarygrass presence and abundance was the most highly correlated plant species with overall stand plant species presence and abundance. This was probably due to this invasive species inhibiting establishment of understory tree, shrub, herbaceous species, and late-successional tree species during understory reinitiation. Without intervention to control the establishment and survival of reed canarygrass, and perhaps some other invasive specie...
A battery operated portable phoswich detector for field monitoring of low levels of transuranic contaminants

Abstract A fully portable, phoswich-detector-based, radiation survey instrument has been developed. The design takes advantage of the low photon background characteristics of a phoswich scintillator system to detect small amounts of low energy photon emitters such as plutonium and americium. For the portable and unshielded instrument a background reduction of ∼3 compared to an equivalent thin NaI detector is achieved with little loss of sensitivity. With shielding, the background reduction is ∼6 compared to an equivalent thin NaI detector.
Increased expression of tenascin-C-binding epithelial integrins in human bullous keratopathy corneas.

SUMMARY We previously found an abnormal deposition of an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, tenascin-C (TN-C), in human corneas with pseudophakic/aphakic bullous keratopathy (PBK/ABK). In this work, we studied cellular TN-C receptors in normal and PBK/ABK corneas. Cryostat sections of normal and PBK/ABK corneas were stained by immunofluorescence for TN-C receptors: � 2 , � 8 , � 9 , � V � 3 , � 1 , and � 6 integrins, and annexin II. � 6 integrin mRNA levels were assessed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using � 2 -microglobulin gene to normalize the samples. In PBK/ABK compared to normal corneas, relatively minor changes were observed for � 2 and � 1 integrins,
A half century of experience with carcinoid tumors in children

Abstract Purpose : To investigate the frequency, presentation, clinical management, and prognosis of appendiceal carcinoid tumors in children. Method : A review of our institution's experience over 50 years. Results : Twenty-two patients below the age of 20 presented with appendiceal carcinoid tumor. The mean age at presentation was 14.6 years. Twelve patients presented with symptoms of appendicitis. No tumor was >2.0 cm in size. Only 2 patients underwent resection beyond appendectomy. No patient had recurrent or metastatic carcinoid tumor, and all but 1 patient (who died of ovarian choriocarcinoma) are alive without evidence of carcinoid tumors 1.5 to 30 years after diagnosis. Conclusions : Appendiceal carcinoid tumors in children are rarely life-threatening and the incidence of large tumors (>2.0 cm) is very low. The role of right hemicolectomy in large (>2.0 cm) tumors is questionable in this age group.
EMI noise reduction between planes due to a signal via with a ground via at various distances

This study investigates the behavior of EMI noise reduction through a simple 2-layered printed circuit board cavity, as a ground (GND) via is placed in proximity of a signal (SIG) via. Provided that the maximum frequency of the signal's harmonic content is known, an algorithm which predicts the maximum distance at which the GND via placement will effectively provide noise reduction has been developed. This could be used as a design guideline for PCB designers.
Lithium Diisobutyl(methyl)aluminum Hydride

[17034-29-6] C9H22AlLi (MW 164.23) InChI = 1S/2C4H9.CH3.Al.Li.H/c2*1-4(2)3;;;;/h2*4H,1H2,2-3H3;1H3;;;/q;;;-1;+1; InChIKey = UOEZOVJIZHZDQX-UHFFFAOYSA-N (used to hydroaluminate triple bonds2, 3 and to reduce α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds regioselectively in conjuction with MAD4) Physical Data: see Diisobutylaluminum Hydride and Methyllithium. Solubility: reactions using the title reagent are conducted in ether or glyme. Preparative Methods: prepared in situ by adding methyllithium in ether to diisobutylaluminum hydride in ether or glyme while maintaining the temperature below 25 °C or at 0 °C.2 Form Supplied in: prepared in situ from commercially available reagents. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: see Diisobutylaluminum Hydride and Methyllithium.
In a Neonate with Down Syndrome Immunophenotypic Studies

This report describes the results of bone marrow leukocyte immunophenotypic studies, DNA index measurement, and chromosome analysis in a newborn with Down syndrome and transient myeloproliferative disorder. The infant's initial leukocytosis with immature cells in the peripheral blood and thrombocytopenia resolved without treatment by 6 months of age, and he was well at 2 years of age. The lack of specific reactivity between the patient's morphologically immature cells and multiple monoclonal antibodies directed against lymphoid and myeloid leukemia cells may be characteristic of this disorder. Other cases should be examined for immunophenotype to correlate the results with chromosomal analysis and to provide a basis for comparison in those who subsequently develop true acute leukemia.
Strain Variation in Glycosaminoglycan Recognition Influences Cell-Type-Specific Binding by Lyme Disease Spirochetes

Lyme disease, a chronic multisystemic disorder that can affect the skin, heart, joints, and nervous system is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Lyme disease spirochetes were previously shown to bind glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). In the current study, the GAG-binding properties of eight Lyme disease strains were determined. Binding by two high-passage HB19 derivatives to Vero cells could not be inhibited by enzymatic removal of GAGs or by the addition of exogenous GAG. The other six strains, which included a different high-passage HB19 derivative (HB19 clone 1), were shown to recognize both heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate in cell-binding assays, but the relative efficiency of binding to these two GAGs varied among the strains. Strains N40, CA20-2A, and PBi bound predominantly to heparan sulfate, PBo bound both heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate roughly equally, and VS461 and HB19 clone 1 recognized primarily dermatan sulfate. Cell binding by strain HB19 clone 1 was inhibited better by exogenous dermatan sulfate than by heparin, whereas heparin was the better inhibitor of binding by strain N40. The GAG-binding preference of a Lyme disease strain was reflected in its cell-type-specific binding. Strains that recognized predominantly heparan sulfate bound efficiently to both C6 glioma cells and EA-Hy926 cells, whereas strains that recognized predominantly dermatan sulfate bound well only to the glial cells. The effect of lyase treatment of these cells on bacterial binding was consistent with the model that cell-type-specific binding was a reflection of the GAG-binding preference. We conclude that the GAG-binding preference varies with the strain of Lyme disease spirochete and that this variation influences cell-type-specific binding in vitro.
Arterial Injuries of the Extremities Associated With Fractures

Vascular injuries of the extremities associated with closed fractures in civilian practice have given poor results because of delay in diagnosis or inadequate treatment. Five cases are presented where arteriography defined the site and suggested the type of arterial obstruction. The treatment consisted of arteriolysis, thrombectomy, or intimal repair or some combination of these. Low molecular dextran 40 was used in all cases and heparin sodium in one. A normal functioning limb resulted in all patients.
The measure of a man: associations between digit ratio and disordered eating in males.

Objective The current study sought to determine whether there is a relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure, as indicated by the digit ratios of the second to fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio), and disordered eating and drive for muscularity in men. Method Digit ratios were calculated by measuring photocopies of participants' finger lengths. Self-reported body image and eating attitudes and behaviors were assessed. Results There were significant correlations between 2D:4D ratio and disordered eating and drive for leanness, indicating that greater prenatal testosterone exposure was associated with less disordered eating and increased drive for muscularity. Discussion This suggests that greater prenatal testosterone exposure may be protective factor against the development of eating disorders in men. Potential mechanisms are discussed. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010; 43:543–548
Uncertainty and species recovery program design

Abstract This paper explores economic aspects of reintroducing large, wide-ranging mammalian carnivores, such as wolves and grizzly bears, to their native habitats. The key tension is that such species can inflict transboundary damages for which managers are not liable with certainty. We show that this tension can be offset by the manager's judicious choice of habitat, as habitat contributes both directly to the likelihood of the species’ survival (from a biological point of view) and indirectly as precautionary capital that partially mitigates damages. We show how uncertainty over liability for damages affects the likelihood of the species’ survival, and we conclude with a discussion of optimal compensation mechanisms.
Patient experiences living with pancreatic cancer risk

Pancreatic cancer (PancCa) is recognized as a component of many well-described hereditary cancer syndromes. Minimal research has focused on patient needs and experiences living with this risk. To understand the meaning and experience of living with familial PancCa risk and to explore experiences related to screening and prevention of PancCa. Participants underwent semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Adults without PancCa and who met familial or hereditary risk criteria were eligible. Thematic analysis was completed on the transcripts in order to identify patterns, consistencies, and differences. Narrative review of existing literature related to women living with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) risk was completed to explore similarities and differences between published findings and our current findings. Nineteen individuals (9 male, 10 female) participated. Major themes addressed participants’ family experiences with PancCa and PancCa death and the associated grief from the experiences. Family experiences impacted how participants interpreted and approached their own cancer risk and participated in the cancer screening program. Participants wanted to control their cancer risk and sought information and resources to prevent PancCa or PancCa related death. Distress related to risk was not described as constant but occurred around salient time points. Study results begin to describe the lived experience of individuals with PancCa risk. Through this research we have uncovered important variables to further understand, measure, and intervene upon in future research. Distress related to risk was not described as ongoing, but occurred around specific and salient time points that brought risk to the forefront. Individuals with familial PancCa risk may have a unique experience compared to other hereditary cancer syndromes due to the high mortality of the disease and uncertainty related to prevention and early detection outcomes.
Super-resolution reconstruction of compressed video using transform-domain statistics

Considerable attention has been directed to the problem of producing high-resolution video and still images from multiple low-resolution images. This multiframe reconstruction, also known as super-resolution reconstruction, is beginning to be applied to compressed video. Super-resolution techniques that have been designed for raw (i.e., uncompressed) video may not be effective when applied to compressed video because they do not incorporate the compression process into their models. The compression process introduces quantization error, which is the dominant source of error in some cases. In this paper, we propose a stochastic framework where quantization information as well as other statistical information about additive noise and image prior can be utilized effectively.
Optimum-Weighted RLS Channel Estimation for Rapid Fading MIMO Channels

This paper investigates on an accurate channel estimation scheme for fast fading channels in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) mobile communications. A high-order exponential-weighted recursive least-squares (EW-RLS) method has been known as a good channel estimation scheme in rapid fading. However, there exists a drawback that we need to properly adjust the estimation parameters of a forgetting factor and an estimation order according to the channel environment. In this paper, we theoretically derive an optimum-weighted LS (OW-LS) channel estimation based on the statistical knowledge of the spatio-temporal channel correlation. Through the analysis, we reveal that the zero-th order polynomial becomes optimal when the optimum-weighting is employed. Furthermore, we propose an efficient recursive algorithm for channel tracking in order to reduce the computational complexity. Since the proposed scheme automatically adapts the weighting coefficients to the channel condition, it has a significant advantage in mean-square error (MSE) performance compared to the EW-RLS scheme.
International Adoption among Families in the United States: Considerations of Social Justice

The practice of international adoption of children is critiqued, using Rawls' egalitarian concept of a distributive method of social justice. From this perspective, international adoption may be perceived as contradictory to principles of social justice by ignoring the social context within which it occurs. Social contexts that frequently surround international adoption are severe poverty and the disenfranchisement of the adopted child's biological family; the disenfranchisement of certain children because of their lower social status; gender oppression and discrimination against female children; risk to children's rights to the knowledge of their birth history and parentage; risk to children's rights to identification with their ethnic, cultural, and national group; and practices that may involve abduction, deceit, and trafficking in children. The article presents alternate views, including libertarian and utilitarian perspectives. Solutions from two international conventions are critiqued and implications are discussed for social work policy advocacy, practice, and research.
Type 2 Diabetes is a Delayed Late Effect of Whole-Body Irradiation in Nonhuman Primates.

One newly recognized consequence of radiation exposure may be the delayed development of diabetes and metabolic disease. We document the development of type 2 diabetes in a unique nonhuman primate cohort of monkeys that were whole-body irradiated with high doses (6.5–8.4 Gy) 5–9 years earlier. We report here a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes in irradiated monkeys compared to age-matched nonirradiated monkeys. These irradiated diabetic primates demonstrate insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia, however, they lack the typical obese presentation of primate midlife diabetogenesis. Surprisingly, body composition analyses by computed tomography indicated that prior irradiation led to a specific loss of visceral fat mass. Prior irradiation led to reductions in insulin signaling effectiveness in skeletal muscle and higher monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels, indicative of increased inflammation. However, there was an absence of large defects in pancreatic function with radiation exposure, which h...
Assessment of outcome in clinical trials of gout--a review of current measures

There has been renewed interest in the treatment of gout with recent reported intervention studies of new agents such as etoricoxib, febuxostat and pegylated-uricase. However, these studies have highlighted the relative paucity of validated outcome measures with which to judge efficacy. This review outlines the published information regarding which endpoints have been measured in randomized clinical trials, what should be measured, what tools or instruments are available for this and the technical properties of such instruments. It highlights recent work that validates measures of tophi, radiographic damage and patient-reported outcomes. The absence of a valid definition of gout-flare or how flare reduction defines response is problematic; this forms the basis for a current ACR-EULAR sponsored project.
Angle- and Temperature- Dependent Magnetic Circular Dichroism in Gd(0001) Core-Level Photoemission

Recent results on the dependence of the magnetic circular dichroism on the angle and temperature for thick (100 ML) films of Gd(0001) are presented. Strong dichroic effects were observed in 4d core-level photoemission for the magnetized films, which showed excellent agreement with an atomic many-particle description recently published [1]. The angular dependence of the magnetic dichroism has been discussed taking into account photoelectron diffraction effects. In addition, an indication of a higher surface Curie temperature has been observed in the temperature- dependent measurements.
Novel Drug Targets Based on Association between Inflammation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

We read with great interest the editorial published by Uomo et al. in the 2010 May issue of JOP. J Pancreas (Online) titled: “Inflammation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Potential Scenario for Novel Drug Targets” [1]. There is a growing amount of evidence that inflammation plays a contributory role in the pathogenesis of cancer, including pancreatic carcinogenesis. Inflammatory states are characterized by the formation of reactive oxygen species and the induction of cell cycling for tissue growth and repair [1, 2, 3]. The initiation, promotion and expansion of tumors may be influenced by numerous components that also function in the inflammatory response. Recognized risk factors for pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking, chronic/hereditary pancreatitis, obesity and type II diabetes. Each risk factor is linked by the fact that the inflammatory state significantly drives its pathology. We agree with the authors that multiple links between inflammation and pancreatic adenocarcinoma has led to development of novel targeted therapy which is under evaluation both in vivo and in vitro studies to fight against pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the United States. Current therapy for pancreatic cancer involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; however, the 5-year survival rate remains less than 5%. Therefore, developments of novel agents, in particular based on the pathogenesis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma are urgently indicated. Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kappa B) Activity Few agents affecting NF-kappa B activity includes: MG132, a proteasome inhibitor [4], thymoquinone [5], fisetin, a natural flavonoid [6], sulforaphane [7], lidamycin [8], curcumin [9] and PHY906, a Chinese botanical formulation [10]. Of note characterization of sonic hedgehog as a novel NF-kappa B target gene that promotes NF-kappa B-mediated apoptosis resistance and tumor growth is potentially very important [11].
Collaborative practice in obstetrics/gynecology: Implications for cost, quality, and productivity

Rising costs, concern over quality of care, and low worker productivity are some of the factors suggesting a need for revision in the organization of the health care delivery system. Reorganization of the nurse-physician working relationship through the establishment of collaborative practice can serve as the mechanism for improving cost, quality, and productivity outcomes. This analysis evaluates collaborative practice within the disciplines of obstetrics and gynecology.
Distributed Power Allocation for Multiuser MISO Indoor Visible Light Communications

In multiuser MISO (multiple-input single output) visible light communication (VLC) systems, it is essential to find effective means for allocating the transmitted power from the various LEDs fairly among users that are randomly dispersed in large indoor environments. Distributed algorithms are a natural choice because, unlike centralized power allocation algorithms, distributed schemes do not require extensive computation complexity and computation time. In this paper we propose and compare two distributed algorithms: a partial jointly optimized power allocation and a weighted distributed power allocation. The system uses code division multiple access (CDMA) plus optical on- off keying (OOK) with a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) receiver to diminish the effect of multiple-access interference in the indoor VLC system. We compare the performance of the proposed distributed algorithms with an optimal centralized approach. From the numerical results, both distributed algorithms proposed in this paper have less than a 2 dB power penalty compared with the centralized approach, and the computational complexity can be reduced by 75% for a small indoor environment and by 93% for a large indoor environment.
Comment: Delivering Solutions and Building Business with Agriculture and Nutrition Technology

Creating shareholder and societal value has been a goal of DuPont for a number of years. We responded constructively to the environmental crises of the 1970s and 1980s, and in the 1990s we turned our attention to the ultimate challenge—sustainable growth. We’ve made significant progress in reducing our footprint. And today DuPont is putting science to work to create both shareholder and societal value on a number of fronts. Businesses throughout DuPont are challenging themselves to create sustainable solutions essential to better, safer, and healthier life for people everywhere. And, yes, “everywhere” includes the 4 billion poor people who live on $2,000 a year or less. The views stated in our Comment section are strictly those of the author and in no way reflect the opinions of the management of Polymer News and Taylor & Francis, Ltd. We will print letters or other comments from our readers which either support or disagree with the above views. This guest editorial is based on an address presented by Mr....
Axisymmetric Stresses and Displacements in Thick-Walled Elastic Torus

Problems of toroidal membranes and shells under pressure have received a great deal of attention in recent years, with stress, vibration, and stability analyses being performed by many researchers. However, relatively few articles have appeared concerning similar analyses for the thick-walled elastic torus. Kornecki used the method of perturbation to solve for the stresses in a thick-walled torus, loaded by internal and external pressures. Kornecki worked with two equations of elasticity that pertain to this axisymmetric problem, written in terms of stresses; simultaneously, then, four compatibility equations were necessarily solved in obtaining a third approximate solution by perturbing on the ratio of the torus' two radii. In this note, the writers present results of an analysis of an extension of this problem in which displacements as well as stresses are examined. The solution is obtained by solving the basic equation of linear elasticity by the use of finite differences.