cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Annual Variations in Standing Stock in a Newfoundland Population of Lobsters

Abstract A time series of Petersen estimates of standing stock is presented for a localized lobster (Homarus americanus) fishing area in Notre Dame Bay on the northeast coast of Newfoundland. Standing stock has increased substantially during the 1970's as a result of increased recruitment. The proportion of recruits in the standing stock ranged as high as 91% and exploitation rates in the fishery as high as 95%. It is suggested that, in a fishery so heavily dependent on recruitment, dramatic fluctuations in annual landings are inevitable. Greater stability in landings could be achieved with lower levels of exploitation.
An inflammatory cascade leading to hyperresistinemia in humans.

Background Obesity, the most common cause of insulin resistance, is increasingly recognized as a low-grade inflammatory state. Adipocyte-derived resistin is a circulating protein implicated in insulin resistance in rodents, but the role of human resistin is uncertain because it is produced largely by macrophages. Methods and Findings The effect of endotoxin and cytokines on resistin gene and protein expression was studied in human primary blood monocytes differentiated into macrophages and in healthy human participants. Inflammatory endotoxin induced resistin in primary human macrophages via a cascade involving the secretion of inflammatory cytokines that circulate at increased levels in individuals with obesity. Induction of resistin was attenuated by drugs with dual insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties that converge on NF-κB. In human study participants, experimental endotoxemia, which produces an insulin-resistant state, causes a dramatic rise in circulating resistin levels. Moreover, in patients with type 2 diabetes, serum resistin levels are correlated with levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor α receptor, an inflammatory marker linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. Conclusions Inflammation is a hyperresistinemic state in humans, and cytokine induction of resistin may contribute to insulin resistance in endotoxemia, obesity, and other inflammatory states.
Quantum partition noise in a superconducting tunnel junction

The theory of charge partition noise of quasiparticles in a superconducting tunnel junction is developed. The charge fluctuations are shown to have a significant contribution from partition noise that arises from the quantum superposition of the electron and hole character of the quasiparticles. These fluctuations are dominant at small bias voltage. The charge fluctuations are compared to the usual Poisson ``shot noise'' of the current. The implications for the design of energy-resolving single-photon detectors are explored.
Activity of pectoral fin motoneurons during two swimming gaits in the larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) and localization of upstream circuit elements

In many animals, limb movements transition between gait patterns with increasing locomotor speed. While for tetrapod systems several well-developed models in diverse taxa (e.g., cat, mouse, salaman...
Functional analysis of mutations in the transcription terminator T1 that suppress two dnaG alleles in Escherichia coli

The mutations dnaG2903 and parB are both temperature-sensitive conditional lethal alleles of the Escherichia coli dnaG gene, which encodes the protein primase. The lesions are located in the 3′ end of the gene, 9 basepairs apart, and both cause Glu-to-Lys substitutions in the carboxy terminus of primase. Previously, it was shown that dnaG2903 can be suppressed by point mutations in the rho-independent transcription terminator T1, which is located just upstream of dnaG in the rpsU-dnaG-rpoD macromolecular synthesis operon. We report here that parB can also be suppressed by point mutations in T1, demonstrating that parB can be suppressed in the same manner as dnaG2903. We also identified additional suppressors of dnaG2903 that are point mutations in T1, suggesting that defective transcription termination leading to overexpression of dnaG2903 and parB suppresses the temperature-sensitive phenotype of strains harboring these mutations. Utilizing two mutant rpoB alleles whose transcription termination phenotypes at rho-independent terminators have been previously characterized, we demonstrate that defective transcription termination leading to the overexpression of dnaG does indeed suppress dnaG2903 and parB. The point mutations in T1 identified in this study were analyzed for their effects on termination efficiency at T1. Our results indicate that the thermodynamic stability of the hairpin structures may not be the sole determinant of termination efficiency in vivo.
COMPUTER EVALUATION OF IRRADIATION PROCESSES IN CYLINDRICAL CONTAINERS WITH GAMMA SOURCES

SUMMARY —A numerical technique is presented for evaluating food irradiation processes using cylindrical gamma sources. Dose rate distributions obtained by dividing a container into finite concentric rings permit the use of a nonuniform initial spore load distribution and the determination of both number and distribution of survivors. The double integral giving dose rates was computed using several methods. The computations gave survivors significantly different from those obtained by using approximations given in literature. Accurate evaluations require utilization of dose rate distributions in radial and axial directions.
Excitation of multiple surface-plasmon-polariton waves and waveguide modes in a 1D photonic crystal atop a 2D metal grating

The Floquet theory and the transfer-matrix approach were used to investigate the excitation of surfaceplasmon-polariton (SPP) waves and waveguide modes in a structure comprising a one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D PC) of finite thickness on top of a planar thick metallic layer. The solutions of the relevant dispersion equations were used to predict the excitation of multiple SPP waves and waveguide modes when the metallic layer is patterned as a two-dimensional (2D) surface-relief grating. The same structure was experimentally fabricated and optically characterized to validate the theoretical approach. Both the theoretical and experimental results show broadband coupling of incident light of either linear polarization state over a broad range of the angle of incidence. This structure has potential applications in planar optical concentrators.
Obstructive sleep apnea in extremely overweight adolescents undergoing bariatric surgery.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in extremely overweight adolescents and to examine the effect of significant weight loss on OSA severity. Research Methods and Procedures: We reviewed the anthropometric and polysomnographic data on all extremely overweight adolescents who underwent laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass surgery at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from July 2001 to September 2004. Repeat polysomnograms were performed after significant weight loss. Comparisons were made between pre- and postoperative polysomnographic data. Results: Nineteen of 34 patients (55%) who underwent bariatric surgery were diagnosed with OSA. Subsequent to surgery, 10 of these patients returned for follow-up polysomnographic testing. After significant weight loss (mean, 58 kg), OSA severity markedly decreased in all patients (median apnea-hypopnea index at baseline vs. after weight loss, 9.1 vs. 0.65). Discussion: Our study indicated that OSA was highly prevalent in extremely overweight adolescents meeting eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery. The significant weight loss after gastric bypass was associated with a marked reduction in OSA severity.
Comparison of Iterative Procedures for Solving Equations for Sire Evaluation

Gauss-Seidel, successive overrelaxation, end-of-round relaxation, and block iteration methods of obtaining solutions for sire effects from equations rising from progeny with records in mixed model procedures were compared. Equations transformed to provide direct solutions for genetic group plus sire effects as well as constrained and unconstrained equations were compared also. Equations for milk yield for the Northeast Artificial Insemination Sire Comparison numbered 301 for Ayrshires, 325 for Brown Swiss, 6,010 for Holsteins, and 926 for Jerseys after absorption of herd-year-season effects. Numbers of coefficients were 15 to 20% less for transformed equations, which decreased computing time per round of interation about 15%. Solutions for transformed equations converged more rapidly than solutions for untransformed equations with convergence criterion the ratio of the residual norm to the norm of the right-hand sides. Successive overrelaxation generally was more efficient than Gauss-Seidel iteraton. Solutions for equations constrained to full rank converged more slowly than unconstrained equations. Block iteration was more efficient than single equation iteration.
Topics in Calixarene Chemistry

Several facets of calixarene chemistry have been investigated including the mechanism of their formation by the base-induced condensation of phenols and formaldehyde, procedures for introducing functional groups onto the ‘upper rim’ and ‘lower rim’ of calixarenes, the conformational behavior of calixarene oxyanions, the formation of complexes in aqueous and nonaqueous systems, and the application of calixarenes as catalysts.
Protein Stability in Living Cells

Theories concerning the effects of macromolecular crowding assert that the biophysical properties of proteins and nucleic acids can be significantly altered in native cellular environments relative to buffer alone. Despite a growing number of studies probing equilibrium thermodynamic protein stability in cells, there remains a lack of quantitative information, especially regarding residue-level stability under non-perturbing conditions. We have measured the in-cell stability of the 56-amino acid B1 domain of protein G (GB1) at the residue level without using destabilizing solutes or thermal modification by using NMR-detected hydrogen-deuterium exchange of quenched cell lysates. Comparison to dilute solution (pH 7.6 and 37 °C) shows that residues are stabilized in Escherichia coli cells by as much as 1.1 ±0.1 kcal/mol (Figure 1). We have also identified the residues most important for global folding of GB1 in cells. We discuss the implications of our findings with respect to structural models gleaned from studies conducted in buffer alone.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
One-Dimensional Electron Localization and Superconducting Fluctuations in Narrow Aluminum Wires

We report magnetoresistance studies on narrow aluminum wires of width $0.2 \ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}lWl0.6 \ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ which demonstrate clearly for the first time the one-dimensional localization effects predicted by Thouless, where the theory is generalized to include spin-orbit scattering. The electron inelastic-scattering rate is the same as in two-dimensional films, determined by known inelastic mechanisms. The dependence of resistance on temperature for $2 \mathrm{K}lTl20 \mathrm{K}$ is also well explained by the theory.
Determining spins of metastable sleptons at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

We investigate models in minimal supergravity parameter space which contain metastable sleptons. We find the luminosity required to determine the slepton spin in these scenarios, and apply our analysis to two benchmark models. We show that the spin of the slepton in one of the benchmark models can be determined with less than 30 fb{sup -1} of data, while the slepton spin in the other model can be determined with roughly 40 fb{sup -1} of data. We show how our analysis can be applied to other models, and give an estimate of the luminosity needed for a spin determination as a function of the slepton mass. This analysis can be used to distinguish supersymmetry and extra dimensions.
Prediction of gait recovery in spinal cord injured individuals trained with robotic gait orthosis.

Motor impairment is a major consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Earlier studies have shown that robotic gait orthosis (e.g., Lokomat) can improve an SCI individual’s walking capacity. However, little is known about the differential responses among different individuals with SCI. The present longitudinal study sought to characterize the distinct recovery patterns of gait impairment for SCI subjects receiving Lokomat training, and to identify significant predictors for these patterns. Forty SCI subjects with spastic hypertonia at their ankles were randomly allocated to either control or intervention groups. Subjects in the intervention group participated in twelve 1-hour Lokomat trainings over one month, while control subjects received no interventions. Walking capacity was evaluated in terms of walking speed, functional mobility, and endurance four times, i.e. baseline, 1, 2, and 4 weeks after training, using the 10-Meter-Walking, Timed-Up-and-Go, and 6-Minute-Walking tests. Growth Mixture Modeling, an analytical framework for stratifying subjects based on longitudinal changes, was used to classify subjects, based on their gait impairment recovery patterns, and to identify the effects of Lokomat training on these improvements. Two recovery classes (low and high walking capacity) were identified for each clinical evaluation from both the control and intervention groups. Subjects with initial high walking capacity (i.e. shorter Timed-Up-and-Go time, higher 10-Meter-Walking speed and longer 6-Minute-Walking distance) displayed significant improvements in speed and functional mobility (0.033 m/s/week and–0.41 s/week respectively); however no significant change in endurance was observed. Subjects with low walking capacity exhibited no significant improvement. The membership in these two classes—and thus prediction of the subject’s gait improvement trajectory over time—could be determined by the subject’s maximum voluntary torque at the ankle under both plantar-and dorsi-flexion contractions determined prior to any training. Our findings demonstrate that subjects responded to Lokomat training non-uniformly, and should potentially be grouped based on their likely recovery patterns using objective criteria. Further, we found that the subject’s ankle torque can predict whether he/she would benefit most from Lokomat training prior to the therapy. These findings are clinically significant as they can help individualize therapeutic programs that maximize patient recovery while minimizing unnecessary efforts and costs.
How to draw a sphere. 3. The hyperbolic horizon

We want to draw a sphere. Actually, we want to draw an arbitrarily scaled and oriented ellipsoid. In part one I showed some matrix algebra for describing, transforming, and intersecting points, planes, and quadric surfaces (which include spheres). In part two I defined some useful coordinate systems and transformations. With the proper handling of hyperbolic silhouette curves the program works for any sphere (or ellipsoid) viewed from any point and in any direction. Making the algorithm work properly seems to be mostly a game of minus sign management since most of the tests hinge on the sign of some quantity. I've spent many hours chasing down rogue minus signs. The only thing left to discuss are some antialiasing tricks. >
The Metabolic Syndrome More Than the Sum of Its Parts

The prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically in the United States.1 This has led to a marked increase in the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), a clustering of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors characterized by visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and a systemic proinflammatory state.2 In the United States, the MetSyn affects roughly 25% of adults over the age of 20 and up to 45% of the population over 50. These observations have focused attention on the role of metabolic derangements in the development of cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines highlighted the key features of this syndrome and proposed a clinical definition to facilitate diagnosis and preventive interventions.3 This binary definition is based on having at least 3 of 5 criteria (Table). The diagnosis of the MetSyn appears to identify substantial additional cardiovascular risk above and beyond the individual risk factors.4 Therefore, the clinical diagnosis of MetSyn may be a valuable tool for identification of the elusive high-risk patient. View this table: MetSyn Features, Measurement of These Features, and Features Included in the Current NCEP ATP III MetSyn Guidelines Distinct pathophysiological components of the MetSyn need to be defined if we are to identify the life-style and pharmacological interventions that will succeed in modulating the primary abnormalities of the disorder. Factor analysis has been applied to data from epidemiological studies to reduce the large number of related metabolic variables into a smaller set of core factors.5 Such studies suggest that key components of the MetSyn include central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, in addition to chronic inflammation, procoagulation, and impaired fibrinolysis.6 However, current clinical MetSyn guidelines do not incorporate inflammatory or hemostatic factors. In fact, a situation is evolving in clinical practice in which the …
A new synthetic TLR4 agonist, GLA, allows dendritic cells targeted with antigen to elicit Th1 T cell immunity in vivo

Protein-based vaccines offer safety and cost advantages but require adjuvants to induce immunity. Here we examined the adjuvant capacity of glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA), a new synthetic non-toxic analogue of lipopolysaccharide. In mice, in comparison with non-formulated LPS and monophosphoryl lipid A, formulated GLA induced higher antibody titers and generated Type 1 T-cell responses to HIV gag-p24 protein in spleen and lymph nodes, which was dependent on TLR4 expression. Immunization was greatly improved by targeting HIV gag p24 to DCs with an antibody to DEC-205, a DC receptor for antigen uptake and processing. Subcutaneous immunization induced antigen-specific T-cell responses in the intestinal lamina propria. Immunity did not develop in mice transiently depleted of DCs. To understand how GLA works, we studied DCs directly from vaccinated mice. Within 4 h, GLA caused DCs to upregulate CD86 and CD40 and produce cytokines including IL-12p70 in vivo. Importantly, DCs removed from mice 4 h after vaccination became immunogenic, capable of inducing T-cell immunity upon injection into naive mice. These data indicate that a synthetic and clinically feasible TLR4 agonist rapidly stimulates full maturation of DCs in vivo, allowing for adaptive immunity to develop many weeks to months later.
Wavelet thresholding in partially linear models: a computation and simulation

Partially linear models have a linear part as in the linear regression and a non-linear part similar to that in the non-parametric regression. The estimates in Partially Linear Models have been studied previously using traditional smoothing methods such as smoothing spline, kernel and piecewise polynomial smoothers. In this paper, a wavelet thresholding method for estimating the corresponding parameters in Partially Linear Models is presented. Extensive simulation results shows that wavelet smoothing approach is comparable to traditional smoothing methods when their assumptions are satisfied. But wavelet smoothing is often superior when assumptions about the smoothness of the underlying function of non-parametric part are not satisfied. The computational complexity is linear on the sample size. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Degradation in Multiple Gate Field Effect Transistors

The radiation response of advanced non-planar multiple gate field effect transistors (MuGFETs) has been shown to have a strong dependence on fin width (W). The incorporation of total ionizing dose (TID) effects into a physics-based surface-potential compact model allows for the effects of radiation-induced degradation in MuGFET devices to be modeled in circuit simulators, e.g., SPICE. A set of extracted parameters are used in conjunction with closed-form expressions for the surface potential, thereby enabling accurate modeling of the radiation-response and its dependence on W . Total ionizing dose (TID) experiments and two-dimensional (2D) TCAD simulations are used to validate the compact modeling approach presented in this paper.
Supplemental instruction at a community college: The four pillars

This chapter describes how a well-respected peer-led academic support model, Supplemental Instruction (SI), has been successful in improving grades and reducing failure in high-risk courses at LaGuardia Community College since 1993.
Microencapsulation of chlorpheniramine maleate-resin particles with crosslinked chitosan for sustained release.

ABSTRACTFormulation and preparation parameters of drug/ion-exchange particles microencapsulated in cross-linked chitosan were evaluated for controlled release of the water-soluble drug chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) in a suspension. An emulsion solvent evaporation method was used to produce CPM-resinates embedded in glutaraldehyde (GTA) crosslinked chitosan microspheres (MCSs). Crosslinking extent in the chitosan was monitored by swelling measurements. Controlled release was evaluated by dissolution tests in simulated gastric fluid without enzyme (SGF) and in simulated intestinal fluid without enzyme (SIF). CPM-resinates contained 62% (w/w) of drug. MCSs were spherical, ranging from 82 to 420 μm in diameter, and contained multiple resinates. The sizes of MCSs prepared with safflower oil and Span 80 were controlled by surfactant concentration, stirring speed, and duration of stirring. Maximum crosslinking was produced with 240 mg GTA per 250 mg of chitosan. Maximum drug release from free CPM-resinates was ...
Short-term response of small mammals following oak regeneration silviculture treatments

Upland, mixed-oak forests in the eastern United States have experienced widespread oak regeneration failure, largely due to cessation of anthropogenic disturbance. Silvicultural practices used to promote advance oak regeneration may affect ground-dwelling mammals. From May to August 2008 (pre-treatment), 2010 (first year post-treatment), and 2011 (second year post-treatment), we trapped small mammals to assess changes in species richness and abundance following experimental tests of three silvicultural treatments (prescribed burns, midstory herbicide applications, and shelterwood harvests) used to promote oak regeneration. We trapped small mammals in five replicates of each treatment and controls using Sherman live traps (2008 and 2010) and drift fences (2008, 2010, and 2011). From pre- to post-treatment, we evaluated the change in estimated peromyscid abundance and relative abundance of masked shrews (Sorex cinereus), smoky shrews (Sorex fumeus), and northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda). Additionally, we evaluated the change in species richness across treatments for both sampling techniques. For all measures analyzed (i.e., species richness, peromyscid abundance, and relative abundance of shrews), the change from pre- to post-treatment did not differ among treatments. However, more masked shrews, smoky shrews, and northern short-tailed shrews were captured in 2011 (i.e., second year post-treatment) than in 2010 (i.e., first year post-treatment). Our research indicates that, in the short-term, small mammals (e.g., mice and shrews) can tolerate a wide range of forest disturbance following oak regeneration treatments. However, delayed treatment effects (e.g., additional post-herbicide midstory dieback) or additive changes following future treatments (e.g., prescribed burns following shelterwood harvests or multiple prescribed burns) may compound effects on small mammal populations, and should be assessed with long-term research (>2 years post-treatment).
Transition from pediatric to adult surgery care for patients with disorders of sexual development

Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are relatively rare congenital conditions in which the development of the chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex is atypical. Some conditions may not manifest until puberty or adulthood. The examination and workup of either an infant or an older patient with suspected DSD should be directed and performed systematically by a multidisciplinary team. Ideally, the team will include those with not only an interest in DSD but also experience with this group of patients. This article will briefly orient the reader to the conditions and decisions that may have been made during infancy, childhood, and adolescence and then focus on the challenges that may accompany transitioning the care of DSD patients from pediatric to adult surgeons and specialists to enable appropriate decisions and care. The actual transition will optimally involve a well-developed action plan that will take place gradually over a number of years as the person becomes educated about their condition and empowered to participate knowingly and actively in their own care.
Lipid mediator networks and leukocyte transmigration

In intact tissues, vascular endothelial cells lie anatomically positioned as the central coordinator of inflammation. Endothelia communicate with underlying cells (e.g. smooth muscle, fibroblasts, epithelia) in ways that both coordinate leukocyte trafficking, and control the composition of the inflammatory microenvironment. Such coordination occurs through both direct communication (e.g. cell adhesion) as well as via soluble mediators liberated at sites of inflammation (e.g. chemokines, cytokines, lipids). Locally generated mediators bind to surface receptors, and mediate both physiologic and pathophysiologic functional responses. Important in this regard, both endothelial and subendothelial cell populations express enzymes capable of utilizing arachidonic acid substrates to generate bioactive lipid mediators (e.g. lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases). Such lipid mediators can signal via autocrine or paracrine pathways and, depending on the tissue microenvironment, can convey a pro- or anti-inflammatory message. This review will highlight recent studies characterizing inflammatory responses to lipid mediators liberated at sites of inflammation, with a particular emphasis on neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte or PMN) trafficking.
Pegasus: Mining billion-scale graphs in the cloud

We have entered in an era of big data. Graphs are now measured in terabytes or even petabytes; analyzing them has become increasingly challenging. How do we find patterns and anomalies in these graphs that no longer fit in memory? How should we exploit parallel computation to boost our analysis capabilities? We present PEGASUS, the first open-source, peta-scale graph mining library, for the HADOOP platform (open-source implementation of MAPREDUCE). By observing that many graph mining operations can be described by repeated matrix-vector multiplications, we devised an important primitive called GIM-V for PEGASUS that applies to all such operations. GIM-V (Generalized Iterative Matrix-Vector multiplication) is highly optimized, achieving (1) good scale-up with the number of machines, (2) linear run time on the number of edges, and (3) more than 9 times faster performance over the non-optimized version. We ran experiments for PEGASUS on M45, one of the largest HADOOP clusters in the world. We report our findings on several real graphs with billions of nodes and edges. Selected findings include (a) the discovery of adult advertisers in the who-follows-whom on Twitter, and (b) the 7-degrees of separation in the Web graph.
Plasmodium falciparum Antigen-Induced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication Is Mediated through Induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α

Because malaria-stimulated cytokine production may have deleterious effects on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication, the effects of Plasmodium falciparum antigens on HIV-1 replication were studied. Stimulation with malarial antigens significantly enhanced HIV-1 replication of HIV-1LAV and primary HIV-1 isolates (subtype A) in CD8-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells from naive donors. The malarial antigen-induced activation of HIV-1 was due to cellular activation as judged by the expression of cell activation markers and proliferative responses. While malarial antigen stimulation increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), only monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to TNF-alpha inhibited malarial antigen-induced HIV-1 replication, whereas MAb to IL-6 had no effect. Malarial antigen increased HIV-1 replication by increasing viral mRNA expression and by activating long terminal repeat-directed viral transcription. These data suggest that P. falciparum infection can modulate HIV-1 pathogenesis by activating lymphocytes and stimulating viral replication through the production of cytokines.
Media Art in Argentina: Ideology and Critique "Después Del Pop"

This article examines the rise and reception of conceptual art in Argentina. Against dominant readings of the 1960s' and 70s' visual avant-gardes in Latin America, I reconsider the stakes of art's ...
Design and operation of an autonomous fuel cell-supercapacitor power system for portable applications

This paper presents a novel design for a portable fuel cell system. Since the merits of supercapacitors in fuel cell systems have been explored before, this design adds functionality and uses supercapacitors as an energy storage medium that can store energy and initiate fuel cell operation. This method eliminates the need for batteries and additional circuitry normally required to initiate fuel circulation in portable fuel cell systems. Furthermore, this design uses three different control modes, which are digitally implemented and are automatically selected based on the state of the system. This allows for autonomous operation of supercapacitor charging and normal fuel cell operation. A 20 W prototype direct borohydride fuel cell converter was designed and tested. A design procedure for choosing the supercapacitor is outlined. The advantages and limitations of the novel sequence and hardware architecture are presented.
Nanowires and nanoribbons of charge-density-wave conductor NbSe3.

We report synthesis of nanowires and nanoribbons of the charge-density-wave conductor NbSe3 through direct reaction of Nb and Se powders. The transverse dimension of the obtained nanostructures, as identified with scanning/transmission electron microscopy, ranges from 20 to 700 nm. X-ray and selected area electron diffraction analyses indicate that these nanowires and nanoribbons are single crystalline. Four-probe resistivity measurements confirm the expected charge-density-wave transitions, and furthermore, we find significant enhancement in the depinning threshold fields, which we attribute to a confinement effect.
International resuscitation research, exception from informed consent, and the European Union Directive 2001/20/EC.

BackgroundUnited States regulations allow a narrow exception from informed consent for a subset of resuscitation research. Such an exception is also allowed under the Declaration of Helsinki. In 2001, a European Union (EU) Directive was passed, which, if enforced literally, could prohibit resuscitat
Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problem Scores Cross-Ethnic and Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Behavior Problem Index

Accurate measurement of behavioral functioning is a cornerstone of research on disparities in child development. This study used the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) data to test measurement invariance of the Behavior Problem Index (BPI) during middle childhood across three ethnic groups. Using the internalizing and externalizing behavior problem division derived by Parcel and Menaghan (1988) and suggested for use with NLSY79 data, the configural invariance hypothesis was not supported. The BPI factor structure model was revised based on theoretical considerations using the division of items from the Child Behavior Checklist. This model demonstrated configural invariance across ethnic groups and over time. Moreover, measurement invariance of factor loadings and thresholds across ethnic groups at each time point and within each ethnic group over time was also supported. The implications of these findings for educational and cross-cultural research are outlined.
The prevalence and incidence of coronary heart disease is significantly increased in periodontitis: a meta-analysis.

Background Previous studies have shown conflicting results as to whether periodontitis (PD) is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether such an association exists. Methods A systematic review of the literature revealed 5 prospective cohort studies (follow-up >6 years), 5 case-control studies, and 5 cross-sectional studies that were eligible for meta-analysis. Individual studies were adjusted for confounding factors such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. The 3 study categories were analyzed separately. Heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by Cochran Q test. The studies were homogeneous; therefore, the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model was used to compute common relative risk and odds ratio (OR). Results Meta-analysis of the 5 prospective cohort studies (86092 patients) indicated that individuals with PD had a 1.14 times higher risk of developing CHD than the controls (relative risk 1.14, 95% CI 1.074-1.213, P P P P Conclusions This meta-analysis indicates that both the prevalence and incidence of CHD are significantly increased in PD. Therefore, PD may be a risk factor for CHD. Prospective studies are required to prove this assumption and evaluate risk reduction with the treatment of PD.
Controlled Release of Chlorhexidine from UDMA-TEGDMA Resin

Chlorhexidine salts are available in various formulations for dental applications. This study tested the hypothesis that the release of chlorhexidine from a urethane dimethacrylate and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate resin system can be effectively controlled by the chlorhexidine diacetate content and pH. The filler concentrations were 9.1, 23.1, or 33.3 wt%, and the filled resins were exposed to pH 4 and pH 6 acetate buffers. The results showed that Fickian diffusion was the dominant release mechanism. The rates of release were significantly higher in pH 4 buffer, which was attributed to the increase of chlorhexidine diacetate solubility at lower pH. The higher level of filler loading reduced the degree of polymerization, leading to a greater loss of organic components and higher chlorhexidine release rates.
Factors Associated With Radiographic Vertical Bone Loss Around Implants Placed in a Clinical Study

The loss of vertical bone height over time has been assessed radiographically as part of the Dental Implant Clinical Research Group studies. Radiographs were assessed from implant placement, uncovering surgeries, and recall appointments. Overall, the study implants experienced most peri-implant vertical bone loss in the first year after placement, followed by a dramatic decrease in bone loss rate through the subsequent study intervals. Stratified analysis of data up to 72 months after implant uncovering indicates different bone loss patterns by: 1) arch; 2) jaw region; 3) case type; 4) bone quality; 5) surface type; 6) implant design; 7) smoking status; and 8) postoperative antibiotic treatment. These results will be used to build statistical mixed models to indicate which clinical factors are most predictive of peri-implant vertical bone loss, controlling for confounding and accounting for correlation of data over time and within study patients.
Category IV: Neoplastic: Other

“Neoplastic: Other” defines a neoplasm that is either premalignant such as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm or mucinous cystic neoplasm with low-, intermediate-, or high-grade dysplasia, or a solid-cellular neoplasm such as well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor or solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm. Low-grade mucinous change of biliary epithelium remains in the “Atypical” category whereas high-grade biliary dysplasia is categorized as “Suspicious (for Malignancy).” “Other” neoplasms are much less aggressive than the high-grade and metastatic malignancies of the pancreas, a category which is dominated by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Surgical management of these “Other” neoplasms is highly variable and increasingly conservative since many are detected early and at a small size due to the increased use of cross-sectional imaging. The rationale for this classification relates to the desire to standardize the cytological nomenclature and terminology with the 2010 WHO classification and terminology. The standard cytological categories of “Atypical” and “Suspicious for Malignancy” are categories that imply an indeterminate interpretation, which could lead to inappropriate patient management and possibly an unnecessary repeat diagnostic procedure.
Valuing ecological systems and services

Making trade-offs between ecological services and other contributors to human well-being is a difficult but critical process that requires valuation. This allows both better recognition of the ecological, social, and economic trade-offs and also allows us to bill those who use up or destroy ecological services and reward those that produce or enhance them. It also aids improved ecosystems policy. In this paper we clarify some of the controversies in defining the contributions to human well-being from functioning ecosystems, many of which people are not even aware of. We go on to describe the applicability of the various valuation methods that can be used in estimating the benefits of ecosystem services. Finally, we describe some recent case studies and lay out the research agenda for ecosystem services analysis, modeling, and valuation going forward.
Racial Differences in Treatment Decision-Making for Men with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer: a Population-Based Study

Racial differences in prostate cancer treatment patterns have motivated concerns about over- and undertreatment. We surveyed black and white patients with localized prostate cancer (LPC) regarding their treatment decision-making processes to gain a better perspective on factors associated with LPC treatment choice. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey of 260 men (132 black, 128 white) aged ≤75 years, with newly diagnosed LPC. Our primary outcome was treatment choice (either surgery, radiation, or watchful waiting/active surveillance (WW/AS)), and our primary predictors were race and tumor risk level. Overall, treatment choice did not differ by race. As cancer risk increased, both black and white patients were more likely to undergo surgery and less likely to receive radiation. However, the pattern of WW/AS was different between white and black men. White men were less likely to select WW/AS as cancer risk increased, while risk level was unrelated to black men undergoing WW/AS. Urologist’s recommendation had the greatest impact on men’s treatment choice, followed by tumor risk level, age, and personal preferences. Although there were no overall racial differences in treatment choice, when stratified by tumor risk level, the pattern of WW/AS was different between white and black patients, suggesting that over- and undertreatment is a larger concern for black than white men. A risk-stratified approach to understand racial disparities in LPC treatment and better strategies to aid black men in their treatment decision-making are needed to reduce racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.
Economic Injury Level of the Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on Sweet Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), reduced sweet sorghum sugar yield up to 46% in artificial infestation field trials. A significant relationship between D. saccharalis damage and yield loss indicated an economic injury level of 10% bored internodes. Stalk weight, percent sucrose, and total sugars were negatively correlated to D. saccharalis damage. Increased fiber content, resulting in less juice, was positively correlated to percent bored internodes. Information from damage levels, along with survival records, indicated that the economic threshold was reached when 5% of the sweet sorghum plants contained small D. saccharalis larvae in their leafsheaths.
Quantitative Aspects of Clinical Reasoning: Measuring Endpoints and Performance

Appropriate metrics are critical in evaluating the quality of care and performance in the field of transplantation. The proper interpretation and implications of research often depend upon the reliability of data sources and the use of appropriate statistical methodology. This chapter provides an overview of the data sources and key metrics that are utilized in the analysis of performance of transplant programs.
Impact of Electronic Health Record Clinical Decision Support on the Management of Pediatric Obesity

Clinicians vary significantly in their adherence to clinical guidelines for overweight/obesity. This study assessed the impact of electronic health record-based clinical decision support in improving the diagnosis and management of pediatric obesity. The study team programmed a point-of-care alert linked to a checklist and standardized documentation templates to appear during health maintenance visits for overweight/obese children in an outpatient teaching clinic and compared outcomes through medical record reviews of 574 (287 control and 287 intervention) visits. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the diagnosis of overweight/obesity, scheduling of follow-up appointments, frequency of ordering recommended laboratory investigations, and assessment and counseling for nutrition and physical activity. Although clinical guideline adherence increased significantly, it was far from universal. It is unknown if modest improvements in adherence to clinical guidelines translate to improvements in children's health. However, this intervention was relatively easy to implement and produced measurable improvements in health care delivery.
Vanadium Bisimide Bonding Investigated by X-ray Crystallography, 51V and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, and V L3,2-Edge X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure Spectroscopy

Syntheses of neutral halide and aryl vanadium bisimides are described. Treatment of VCl2(NtBu)[NTMS(NtBu)], 2, with PMe3, PEt3, PMe2Ph, or pyridine gave vanadium bisimides via TMSCl elimination in good yield: VCl(PMe3)2(NtBu)2 3, VCl(PEt3)2(NtBu)2 4, VCl(PMe2Ph)2(NtBu)2 5, and VCl(Py)2(NtBu)2 6. The halide series (Cl–I) was synthesized by use of TMSBr and TMSI to give VBr(PMe3)2(NtBu)2 7 and VI(PMe3)2(NtBu)2 8. The phenyl derivative was obtained by reaction of 3 with MgPh2 to give VPh(PMe3)2(NtBu)2 9. These neutral complexes are compared to the previously reported cationic bisimides [V(PMe3)3(NtBu)2][Al(PFTB)4] 10, [V(PEt3)2(NtBu)2][Al(PFTB)4] 11, and [V(DMAP)(PEt3)2(NtBu)2][Al(PFTB)4] 12 (DMAP = dimethylaminopyridine, PFTB = perfluoro-tert-butoxide). Characterization of the complexes by X-ray diffraction, 13C NMR, 51V NMR, and V L3,2-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy provides a description of the electronic structure in comparison to group 6 bisimides and the bent metallocene...
Genitourinary tract mycoplasma infection and drug sensitivity analysis in 531 female patients of out-patient clinic

Objective To understand the genitourinary tract Ureaplasma urealyticum(UU) and Mycoplasma hominis(MH) infection status in the outpatients of Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital and to explore the antibiotic sensitivity of UU and MH for attaining rational clinical use of medicine.Methods Urinary samples of 531 female outpatients diagnosed with genitourinary tract mycoplasma infection for the first time were collected and cultured.The positive bacterial strains were tested for antibiotic sensitivity.Results Mycoplasmas were cultured from 313 out of the 531 samples.The positive rate of Mycoplasma was 58.95%.Among the 313 samples,268 cases were UU positive,19 cases were MH positive,and 26 cases were positive for UU+MH mixed.The positive rate of UU infection was 50.47%,which was significantly higher(P 0.01) than that of MH infection,3.58% and that of UU+ MH mixed infection,4.90%.Drug sensitivity analysis revealed that Mycoplasma was more sensitive to josamycinm,doxycycline,and minocycline compared to other antibiotics.Conclusion The genitourinary tract mycoplasma infection of our female outpatients was primarily caused by UU.Antibiotic resistance of UU,MH and UU+MH mixed was different.For patients with clinical symptoms of mycoplasma infection,drug sensitivity result is particularly important to select suitable treatment and control the dissemination and spread of mycoplasma.
Biochemical basis of aluminium tolerance in plant cells.

To be considered in this treatise are recent developments on biochemical aspects of aluminium tolerance and toxicity. Advances in aluminium biochemistry are best illustrated by knowledge gained in the area of aluminium uptake across the plasma membrane and by the putative role of aluminium in transmembrane signalling pathways.
Testis Sparing Surgery for Pediatric Epidermoid Cysts of the Testis

Epidermoid cyst of the testis is a rare, benign intratesticular tumor in children. Four patients 4 to 15 years old with epidermoid cysts were managed by tumor excision with salvage of the testis. Preoperative ultrasound, tumor marker status and intraoperative findings were suggestive of a benign neoplasm. Under these circumstances epidermoid cysts may be safely treated by excision in prepubertal patients.
Blunted increases in skin sympathetic nerve activity are related to attenuated reflex vasodilation in aged human skin

Reflex cutaneous vasodilation is attenuated in human aging; however, the contribution of altered skin sympathetic nervous system activity (SSNA) in this response is unclear. We report that the SSNA...
Kidney Injury in Patients with Ventricular Assist Devices

Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are an established treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF) that is refractory to conventional medical therapy. A significant proportion of these patients develop kidney impairment (KI) due to cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), which is often reversible following LVAD implantation, while others develop post-implantation acute kidney injury (AKI) or have chronic kidney disease (CKD) at implantation. The presence of KI has negative impact on clinical outcomes. It is associated with high mortality, lower cardiac transplantation rate, and potential outcome for long-term dialysis. Patients with LVADs who develop AKI necessitating renal replacement therapy (RRT) present unique challenges in their management and require an understanding of the hemodynamic and physiologic consequences of the LVAD during dialysis. This chapter discusses the effects of continuous blood flow on the kidney, various renal outcomes of patients following LVAD implantation, and management of RRT with LVAD.