cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain lactate and alanine-glutamate ratios during and after asphyxia in rats

Abstract Recently, Conger, Garcia, Kauffman, Lust, Murakami and Passonneau, (1981) proposed the use of brain alanine-glutamate ratios (A : G) for the prediction of outcome after brain ischemia. This study evaluates this parameter and brain lactate concentration during and after asphyxial insults in rats. During the first 15 min of asphyxial death in rats (n = 37), lactate increased sharply from mean values of 1.48 to 18.06 μmol g−1 wet brain, and thereafter to 19.44 μmol g−1 wet brain at 180 min. During total body asphyxia (n = 38) and recovery after resuscitation, brain lactates increased to mean values of 15 and 17.5 μmol g−1 wet brain at 5 and 10 min, respectively, to recover after 30–60 min to baseline. The alanine-glutamate ratios did not rise during the insult; however, after restoration of circulation, the ratios rose to peak at about 15 min post-restoration of circulation and recovered slowly during the next 165 min to still slightly increased levels. During intermittent asphyxia (n = 15), lactate and alanine-glutamate ratios followed the same patterns as found before except at lower levels. The conclusions of this study are: (1) brain lactate concentrations had no value in predicting the potential of recovery; (2) increased lactate concentrations during recovery indicated secondary insult; (3) brain A : G's did not increase during asphyxiation; (4) brain alanine-glutamate ratios increased after restoration of circulation and may have reflected the quality of reflow; (5) increased ratios during recovery beyond 20 min indicated secondary insult. Brain alanine-glutamate ratios could not be used for prediction of outcome in asphyxial insults in rats.
Dimensionally stable polyimide copolymers for microelectronics applications

Polyimides are finding increased applications in microelectronics due to their high thermal stability, good chemical resistance, good adhesion, low moisture absorption, good mechanical properties, and low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Four series of random copolyimides were synthesized and characterized for potential application as encapsulants, stress-relief layers, and interlevel dielectrics. Several candidates exhibited good combinations of physical and mechanical properties with inherent viscosities from 1.21 to 1.42 dL/g, T(sub g)'s ranging from 251 to 277 C, 10% weight loss temperatures between 503 and 527 C, and CTEs ranging from 33 to 39 ppm/deg C. Mechanical properties at room temperature for the best candidates included tensile strengths of 17.8-21.3 ksi, moduli between 388 and 506 ksi, and elongations of 11-43%. Moisture absorption for these copolyimides ranged between 0.85 and 1.38 wt %.
Progress toward Understanding the Stress Corrosion Problem

Abstract This paper describes current understanding of the propagation of transgranular stress corrosion cracking (TGSCC) in engineering alloys. In contrast to intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC), which proceeds by preferential anodic dissolution at the crack tip, TGSCC is considered to propagate by discontinuous brittle fracture (cleavage). First, the propagation process is described, outlining current knowledge of the crystallography of the cleavage surfaces and reviewing the evidence for the discontinuous nature of cracking. An evaluation follows of the models that are currently proposed to explain how interaction with the chemical environment induces brittle fracture in normally ductile alloys, focusing, in particular, on a new approach, the film-induced cleavage model. Finally, attention is directed to step formation between the parallel, but displaced, primary cleavage facets. It is suggested that step formation, which in face-centered cubic (fcc)alloys occurs by highly localized plastic...
Physiology of cave arthropods in Hawaii

Lava tube caves in the Hawaiian Islands contain an impressive array of troglobitic arthropod species. These animals exhibit striking morphological adaptations to their subterranean environment including loss of eyes and body pigment, reduction or elimination of wings, and hypertrophication of chemosensory and tactile organs. Certain modifications of water balance and metabolic rates are also apparent in these cave-adapted animals. Neither Hawaiian troglobites nor their surface relatives can absorb water vapor from a saturated atmosphere even following a period of prolonged desiccation, whereas both forms are able to restore water deficits adequately through drinking. Lava tube crickets (34.5 and 52.3 μg cm−2 hour−1 mmHg−1) and spiders (33.4 μg cm−2 hour−1 mmHg−1) possess greater integumentary permeabilities than their epigean relatives (crickets, 26.2; spiders, 3.1 μg cm−2 hour−1 mmHg−1). Hawaiian troglobitic crickets lack a diel metabolic rate (night = 279.5 ± 20.1; day = 280.8 ± 13.5 μl 02 gm−1 hour−1). The daily average metabolic rates of cave-adapted (280.2 ± 15.3) and surface crickets (277.4 ± 9.8 μl 02 gm−1 hour−1) are not significantly different (P > 0.05), however, suggesting differential strategies of caloric utilization in the two environments which may be related to water availability.
The impact of small chironomid grazers on epiphytic algal abundance and dispersion

SUMMARY 1 A combination of field and laboratory experiments was used to assess the impact of chironomid grazers on taxonomic composition, abundance and dispersion of epiphytic algal assemblages. 2 In the laboratory, Psectrodadius sp. reduced the biovolume of algal species preferred as food and increased the degree of clumping of non-preferred species. Thienemanniella cf. fusca had both positive and negative effects (depending on the algal species) on the biovolumes of algal species preferred as food and increased the degree of clumping of non-preferred species. 3 In field exclosures, no effect of removal of chironomid larvae from the grazer assemblage could be detected in autumn or winter experiments. A third, longer removal experiment, conducted in summer, resulted in increased biovolumes of edible Cosmarium spp. and Aphanocapsa spp., preferred foods of chironomid larvae. Biovolumes of Lyngbya sp., Eulbochaete spp. and Oedogortium spp., filamentous taxa used extensively in larval case construction, also increased. Chironomid larvae had no effect on total algal biovolume or biovolume of large unicellular algae. 4 Chironomid larvae can influence epiphytic algal assemblages through selective grazing by reducing the biovolumes of preferred foods and through case-building activity by reducing the biovolumes of construction materials.
The etiology, treatment, and prevention of nonorganic failure‐to‐thrive in infants

Nonorganic failure‐to‐thrive is a medical‐psychological disorder reflecting lack of growth in an infant without apparent physical causes. Children who fail to thrive as infants are at high risk for developmental delays, personality problems, abuse, and death. This article focuses on environmental failure‐to‐thrive, describing the behavioral characteristics of the nonthriving infant and the family milieu. Aspects of early environments of NOFT infants are profiled, specific intervention strategies are discussed, and recommendations regarding the promotion of intense, consistent multi‐disciplinary intervention strategies are advanced.
The Future of Emergency Care of Children: Mind the Gaps

In June 2006, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released the Future of Emergency Care in the United States series consisting of 3 reports: Hospital-Based Emergency Care: At the Breaking Point, Emergency Medical Services: At the Crossroads,and Emergency Care for Children: Growing Pains. On the day of release, the findings of the reports made national news with warnings of an emergency medical system (EMS) on the brink of collapse burdened by overcrowding, boarding, and ambulance diversions. It was disappointing that the pediatric report received the least amount of media coverage. The reason, I believe, is that the findings are not easily summarized in the popular sound bite. The harsh reality is that improvement in the emergency care of children must occur at many levels. This includes providing the equipment, training, and pediatric protocols for the smallest community in rural America and extends to funding for pediatric emergency medicine research. In other words, a lot of work must be done. So although we can tolerate the media glossing over the current gaps in the provision and quality of emergency care of children, the advocacy efforts to fully inform and engage policy makers to support improvement deserve our full attention. The 2006 IOM Growing Pains report follows up and expands on the 1993 IOM report Emergency Medical Services for Children. That work represented the first comprehensive look at pediatric emergency care. It documented shortcomings in education, communications, planning, evaluation, and research that expose the limited capacity of the emergency care system to address the needs of children. As a result of the findings and recommendations published in 1993, the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMS-C) program within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) was expanded and the first EMS-C 5-year plan was developed. The 2006 report notes that the accomplishments of the EMS-C Program are numerous. Perhaps foremost among
Type II isshiki thyroplasty in the management of dyspnea in bilateral vocal cord paralysis or immobility

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis remains a serious and sometimes life-threatening problem. Management of the glottic airway is complicated by the necessary trade between voice and adequate breathing. This article outlines specific instances in which airway may be improved with very little harm to the voice. Three adult females presented between January 1993 and September 1995 with dyspnea secondary to thyroidectomy-induced bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Increasing dyspnea on exertion prompted their clinic examinations, and videostroboscopy revealed glottal obstruction secondary to bilateral cord paralysis and vocal fold mucosal laxity, the Bernoulli effect causing increased inspiratory obstruction. All three women opted for a unilateral Type II Isshiki thyroplasty instead of long-term tracheotomy tube placement or other management options. The surgical goal was to tighten the lax mucosa on the most involved side and slightly lateralize the vocal cord, hopefully resulting in both adequate airway and better postoperative voice. Surgery was accomplished under attended local anesthesia with tracheotomy tube placement for airway control. Two patients were successfully decannulated within 6 weeks postoperatively with marked improvement in breathing and a higher-pitched, near-normal voice as gauged by videostroboscopy and voice analysis. The other patient required an emergency tracheotomy preoperatively and has elected to keep her tracheotomy tube in place and corked during the day, unplugging it at night and for strenuous exercise. Long-term follow-up confirms the stability of the initial results, and the Type II thyroplasty is offered as yet another tool in the management of dyspnea in females with bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
The use of software complexity metrics in software reliability modeling

The central theme of the study is the creation of a suitable complexity measure for use in software reliability models. Factor analytic techniques are employed to reduce the dimensionality of the complexity problem space to produce a set of reduced metrics. The reduced metrics are subsequently combined into a single relative complexity measure. Program complexity varies dynamically as a function of inputs to the system. Hence, the notion of relative complexity is extended to a dynamic or functional complexity metric for use in proposed modifications to existing reliability models. >
Junín Virus Infects Mouse Cells and Induces Innate Immune Responses

Junin virus is the causative agent for Argentine hemorrhagic fever, and its natural host is the New World rodent Calomys musculinus. The virus is transmitted to humans by aerosolization, and it is believed that many of the clinical symptoms are caused by cytokines produced by sentinel cells of the immune system. Here we used the Junin virus vaccine strain Candid 1 to determine whether mouse cells could be used to study virus entry and antiviral innate immune responses. We show that Candid 1 can infect and propagate in different mouse-derived cell lines through a low-pH-dependent, transferrin receptor 1-independent mechanism, suggesting that there is a second entry receptor. In addition, Candid 1 induced expression of the antiviral cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and beta interferon in macrophages, and this induction was independent of viral replication. Using Candid 1, as well as virus-like particles bearing the viral glycoprotein, to infect different primary cells and established macrophage cell lines with deletions in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway, we show that TLR2 is a cellular sensor of both the Parodi and Candid 1 viral glycoproteins. Because Junin virus is highly lethal in humans, the use of an experimentally tractable model system, such as the mouse, could provide a better understanding of the antiviral innate cellular responses to Junin virus and the role of these responses in pathogenesis.
Reorientation of a structure in space using a three link manipulator

Proposes to control the attitude of space structures using a serial three-link PUMA-type manipulator that can be mounted on the space structure. This unconventional method of attitude control exploits the nonholonomic nature of the constraints that arise due to the conservation of angular momentum. The author adopts a surface integral approach for manipulator motion planning that will reorient the space structure in any desired way. The salient features of the algorithm are (a) it is possible to mathematically prove the controllability of the system, (b) the motion of the manipulator can be planned amidst additional constraints like joint limits of the manipulator, and (c) the algorithm can be easily extended to flexible space structures.
Live births achieved via IVF are increased by improvements in air quality and laboratory environment

Infertility is a common disease, which causes many couples to seek treatment with assisted reproduction techniques. Many factors contribute to successful assisted reproduction technique outcomes. One important factor is laboratory environment and air quality. Our facility had the unique opportunity to compare consecutively used, but separate assisted reproduction technique laboratories, as a result of a required move. Environmental conditions were improved by strategic engineering designs. All other aspects of the IVF laboratory, including equipment, physicians, embryologists, nursing staff and protocols, were kept constant between facilities. Air quality testing showed improved air quality at the new IVF site. Embryo implantation (32.4% versus 24.3%; P < 0.01) and live birth (39.3% versus 31.8%, P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the new facility compared with the old facility. More patients met clinical criteria and underwent mandatory single embryo transfer on day 5 leading to both a reduction in multiple gestation pregnancies and increased numbers of vitrified embryos per patient with supernumerary embryos available. Improvements in IVF laboratory conditions and air quality had profound positive effects on laboratory measures and patient outcomes. This study further strengthens the importance of the laboratory environment and air quality in the success of an IVF programme.
Atmospheric formaldehyde monitoring in the greater Houston area

Formaldehyde in ambient air was detected during three periods from July 20-September 25, 2002 in the Houston Area. A laser spectrometer based on difference-frequency generation operating at 3.53 microns was used to quantify HCHO with a precision of 0.5 ppbV.
Flutter prediction at low mass-density ratios with application to the finite-span noncavitating hydrofoil.

Flutter prediction at low mass density ratios, using modified and two dimensional strip analysis and kernel function methods
Behavioral effects of a synthetic mixture of aliphatic acids in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract The stimulation of sexual behavior by a synthetic mixture of volatile aliphatic acids (acetic, propanoic, methylpropanoic, butanoic, methylbutanoic, methylpentanoic) was studied in male rhesus monkeys. Twelve intact adult males and 12 long-ovariectomized adult females were used in 24 paired combinations (541 tests each of 1 hr). A mixture of authentic acids similar to that found in the vaginal secretions of estrogenized females was applied to the sexual skin area of ovariectomized females immediately before tests with males. There was marked between-pair variability during the application of both control and test substances. However, using rigorous behavioral criteria, there was a well-marked stimulation either of male mounting attempts or of ejaculations in 12 of 24 pairs involving 9 of 12 males. Three males responded with both female partners, three responded with neither female partner, and six responded with one partner only. In the responding pairs, there were highly significant increases in mounting attempts and ejaculations, an effect that could be attributed only to treatment. We conclude, therefore, that these aliphatic acids (copulins), which act via olfactory pathways, have communicatory significance in rhesus monkeys.
The calculation of the directional reflectance of a vegetative canopy

Abstract The non-Lambertian directional reflectance of a multilayer vegetative canopy is derived. Cause of the reflectance of the canopy is made traceable to the properties of the biological elements of the canopy. A new and possibly useful canopy property leading to the down sun “hot spot” is discussed.
Optimization of parameters for semiempirical methods I. Method

A new method for obtaining optimized parameters for semiempirical methods has been developed and applied to the modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO) method. The method uses derivatives of calculated values for properties with respect to adjustable parameters to obtain the optimized values of parameters. The large increase in speed is a result of using a simple series expression for calculated values of properties rather than employing full semiempirical calculations. With this optimization procedure, the rate-determining step for parameterizing elements changes from the mechanics of parameterization to the assembling of experimental reference data.
A probability-optimized fast timing trigger for the Belle II time of propagation detector

To search for physics beyond the Standard Model the Belle II experiment expects to operate at a trigger rate 30–50 times that of the Belle detector, which operated at KEKB, the world's highest luminosity collider. To reduce backgrounds and semiconductor tracker occupancies, a nanosecond precision timing trigger is desired. Due to its intrisically fast timing, the time-of-propagation detector is an obvious choice for a prompt timing trigger signal, provided that the complex photon arrival pattern can be processed in real-time. This paper presents the analysis and preliminary implementation of a trigger that can be realized in programmable hardware and that determines single charged particle impact timing to a precision better than a few ns with a processing time of a couple microseconds.
Modeling of Induced Electric Fields as a Function of Cardiac Anatomy and Venous Pacing Lead Location

The combined effects of cardiac anatomy and pacing lead electrode location within left ventricular cardiac veins on resultant pacing thresholds are not well understood. The specific aims of this study were to: (1) develop a comparative electrostatic model based on previously obtained histological measurements, and (2) compare resulting electric fields and voltage gradients with in vitro experimental results. In vitro pacing thresholds measured from swine hearts were utilized to model electric fields generated from different cardiac venous pacing locations within veins of varying diameter and fat thickness. The simulated activation fields were defined as 100 V/m and all materials were defined as isotropic. The obtained results predicted larger activation fields when an electrode was oriented away from the myocardium or in free-floating positions, hence requiring more myocardial tissue to have 100 V/m than when it was oriented toward the myocardium. Thus, the resultant modeled electric fields followed the same qualitative trends as in vitro experiments performed in the swine hearts. In general, while electrode position primarily affected pacing thresholds, both vein diameter and relative epicardial fat thickness also influenced pacing thresholds. The electric fields were larger for basal regions modeled using larger vein diameters and epicardial fat thicknesses. These electrostatic field simulations provide unique insights as to how varied cardiac anatomies and relative electrode locations affect thresholds by enabling visualization of the electric fields propagating through cardiac tissues during pacing from the venous system.
Ca2+ Sensitivity of Smooth Muscle and Nonmuscle Myosin II: Modulated by G Proteins, Kinases, and Myosin Phosphatase

Somlyo, Andrew P., and Avril V. Somlyo. Ca2+ Sensitivity of Smooth Muscle and Nonmuscle Myosin II: Modulated by G Proteins, Kinases, and Myosin Phosphatase. Physiol Rev 83: 1325-1358, 2003; 10.1152...
Comparison of Screening Tools for Assessing Deep Brain Stimulation Candidacy in Parkinson Disease (P7.056)

OBJECTIVE: To explore the comparative efficacy of two screening tools for deep brain stimulation (DBS) candidacy in a cohort of patients with Parkinson disease (PD). BACKGROUND: The majority of care for PD patients is provided by general neurologists and primary care physicians. Two screening tools are available to aid these physicians in deciding whether to refer a patient with PD for DBS evaluation: the Florida Surgical Questionnaire for PD (FLASQ-PD) and the STIMULUS decision tool. DESIGN/METHODS: 157 consecutive PD patient referrals to the University of Michigan Surgical Therapies Improving Movement (STIM) program for consideration of DBS were retrospectively reviewed. FLASQ-PD and STIMULUS scores were calculated for each patient from the STIM team neurologist’s initial standardized clinical evaluation. The reference standard used for comparison was the consensus STIM team decision about whether to offer DBS surgery to the patient. RESULTS: The greatest degree of sensitivity (96.1%) was achieved with FLASQ-PD using a cut-off score of > 15. The greatest degree of specificity was achieved with STIMULUS using a cut-off score of > 7 (86.1%). STIMULUS had the highest positive predictive value (PPV = 82.5%) using a cut-off score of > 7 and the highest negative predictive value (NPV = 85.7%) using a cutoff score of < 3. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.784 (95% CI: 0.704, 0.865) for STIMULUS and 0.645 (95% CI: 0.547, 0.742) for FLASQ-PD. CONCLUSIONS: STIMULUS and FLASQ-PD are both reasonable screening tools for assessing DBS candidacy amongst PD patients. Comprehensive utilization of these scales in practice may improve the quality and appropriateness of DBS referrals for PD. Disclosure: Dr. Chou has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic Inc., and Accordant as a consultant. Dr. Coleman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Patil has nothing to disclose.
Parental obesity moderates the relationship between childhood appetitive traits and weight

This study examined the independent and combined associations between childhood appetitive traits and parental obesity on weight gain from 0 to 24 months and body mass index (BMI) z score at 24 months in a diverse community-based sample of dual parent families (n = 213). Participants were mothers who had recently completed a randomized trial of weight loss for overweight/obese post-partum women. As measures of childhood appetitive traits, mothers completed subscales of the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire, including Desire to Drink (DD), Enjoyment of Food (EF), and Satiety Responsiveness (SR), and a 24-hour dietary recall for their child. Heights and weights were measured for all children and mothers and self-reported for mothers’ partners. The relationship between children’s appetitive traits and parental obesity on toddler weight gain and BMI z score were evaluated using multivariate linear regression models, controlling for a number of potential confounders. Having two obese parents was related to greater weight gain from birth to 24 months independent of childhood appetitive traits, and while significant associations were found between appetitive traits (DD and SR) and child BMI z score at 24 months, these associations were observed only among children who had two obese parents. When both parents were obese, increasing DD and decreasing SR was associated with a higher BMI z-score. The results highlight the importance of considering familial risk factors when examining the relationship between childhood appetitive traits on childhood obesity.
Effects of Induced Parturition and Estradiol on Feed Intake, Liver Triglyceride Concentration, and Plasma Metabolites of Transition Dairy Cows

The effect of induced parturition and estradiol on feed intake, liver triglyceride, plasma metabolites, and milk yield was evaluated in fifty-six Holstein cows and heifers. Cows were assigned to treatments on d 260 of gestation and were on trial until d 10 postpartum for measurement of dry matter intake (DMI), plasma metabolites, and liver triglyceride and until d 31 postpartum to measure milk yield. Fourteen animals per group (9 cows and 5 heifers) received either a placebo, 1 mg of fenprostalene, 50 mg of estradiol-17β benzoate, or both on d 276 of gestation. Cows that received fenprostalene consumed more dry matter (DM) for the last 8 d prepartum than did cows that did not receive fenprostalene (9.6 kg/d vs. 8.5 kg/d, respectively) but consumed less DM for the first 10 d postpartum (10.9 kg/d vs. 13.1 kg/d, respectively). Cows injected with estradiol-17β benzoate tended to consume less DM postpartum than did cows not injected with estradiol-17β benzoate (11.3 kg/d vs. 12.7 kg/d, respectively). There was no effect of treatment on milk yield; however, a fenprostalene by day interaction resulted from lower milk yield on d 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10 relative to calving in cows that received fenprostalene. Administration of fenprostalene resulted in a delay in the peak plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration until 2 d after calving. Plasma glucose concentrations were greatest 1 d prior to calving for cows that received fenprostalene, whereas plasma glucose concentrations peaked on the day of calving for cows that did not receive fenprostalene. Liver triglyceride increased over time; however, there was no effect of treatment on liver triglyceride. Calving induction improved DMI for the last 8 d prepartum, but a concomitant decrease in liver triglyceride after calving did not result. Estradiol-17β benzoate had no effect on plasma metabolites or liver triglyceride, indicating that the physiological rise in estradiol prior to calving does not have a primary role in lipolysis or hepatic fatty acid metabolism in the dairy cow.
The Relative Effect of Two High Levels of an Antibiotic on Laying Chickens During Hot Weather

ABSTRACT HEYWANG (1956) reported that the egg production of White Leghorns was increased during hot weather when chlortetracycline was in their diet at the level of either 50 or 100 grams per ton, but the data obtained were not considered extensive enough to show whether the lower level was as effective as the higher. The results indicated that the increase in egg production was greater among the poor than among the good layers. Although it was believed that insufficient data were obtained to warrant definite statements, the trends toward greater egg production during cooler weather appeared similar to those during hot weather. Since that report was prepared an experiment designed to obtain information on whether chlortetracycline is as effective at the 50 as at the 100 gram per ton of diet level in increasing the egg production of White Leghorns during hot weather was conducted at the Southwest Poultry Experiment Station, . . .
Limitation of the resting ankle-brachial index in symptomatic patients with peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been demonstrated to be prevalent in the primary care setting. However, it has also been shown to be unrecognized and under-treated. Owing to the association with cardiovascular disease it has been recommended to screen high-risk patients for PAD in the primary care setting using the ankle-brachial index (ABI). ABI has been demonstrated to be highly sensitive and specific in diagnosing PAD in patients with significant stenosis. However, the utility in patients with less severe stenosis and calcified vessels is in question. The aims of this study were to determine the diagnostic utility of measuring the ABI at rest in patients referred to the vascular laboratory for evaluation of suspected PAD, and to assess the added value of pulse volume recordings and post-exercise studies in patients with a normal ABI. A computerized vascular diagnostic laboratory database was queried for symptomatic outpatients referred for measurement of segmental blood pressure, the ABI or pulse volume recordings by physicians not specialized in the evaluation and management of patients with peripheral vascular disease. Of 707 patients undergoing outpatient physiologic arterial evaluations between February 1, 2003 and July 31, 2004, 396 met these inclusion criteria. Data recorded included rest- ing ABI, ABI following treadmill exercise test and the presence of abnormal pulse volume recordings. The study population (n 396) consisted of equal numbers of men and women (mean age 69 years, range 19-100 years). Among 396 studies, rest- ing ABI values were normal in 183 (46.2%) and abnormal in 159 (40.2%). Of the 138 patients who underwent exercise testing, 84 had normal ABI readings at rest. In the 84 patients who had a normal ABI at rest and underwent exercise testing, the ABI fell below 0.9 after exercise in 26 (31%). Arterial non-compressibility was detected in 54 (13.6%) patients, whose average age was 67 years. Thirteen (24%) of those with non-compressible vessels had abnormal pulse volume recording (PVR) results, compared to five with normal resting ABI who had abnormal PVR findings (2.7%). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that nearly half of patients referred to the outpatient vascular laboratory because of suspected arterial disease had a nor- mal resting ABI. While it is recommended that the ABI be measured at rest in patients at risk of PAD in primary care practice, these findings suggest that patients with symptoms of PAD should be more completely evaluated in a vascular labora- tory. Furthermore, when the ABI is normal at rest in patients with symptoms of inter- mittent claudication, exercise testing is recommended to enhance the sensitivity for detection of PAD.
An AM/FM Radio Subsystem IC

The design of a new AM/FM integrated circuit was prompted by two primary considerations, cost and space. Cost reductions have always been a strong motivation for IC development; also space requirements are becoming increasingly important as more electronics are crammed into consumer equipment. An excellent and relevant example of a space problem is the packaging difficulty encountered in designing an AM/FM radio-citizens band transceiver combination to fit into the dashboard of a car.
Dopamine receptor regulation of ethanol intake and extracellular dopamine levels in the ventral pallidum of alcohol preferring (P) rats

Abstract Sufficient evidence exists for the inclusion of the ventral pallidum (VP) into the category of a dopaminoceptive brain region. The effects of inhibiting dopamine D 1 - or D 2 -like receptors in the VP on (a) ethanol intake and (b) extracellular levels of dopamine, were investigated in the alcohol-preferring (P) rat. The D 1 -like antagonist, SCH-23390, and the D 2 -like antagonist, sulpiride (0.25–2 μg/0.5 μl) were bilaterally injected into the VP and ethanol (15%, v/v) intake was assessed in a 1 h limited access paradigm. The results indicate that microinjections of sulpiride significantly increased ethanol consumption (65% increase at the 2.0 μg dose). Whereas the D 1 antagonists SCH-23390 tended to decrease ethanol intake, the effect was not statistically significant. In a separate group of rats, reverse microdialysis of sulpiride and SCH-23390 (10–200 μM) were conducted in the VP of P rats. Local perfusion of only the 200 μM sulpiride dose significantly increased the extracellular levels of dopamine (maximal increase: 250% of baseline). On the other hand, local perfusion of SCH-23390 (10–200 μM) dose dependently increased the extracellular levels of dopamine 180–640% of baseline. Overall, the results of this study suggest that (a) tonic activation of D 2 postsynaptic receptors in VP imposes a limit on ethanol intake in the P rat; (b) there are few D 2 autoreceptors functioning in the VP; (c) there is tonic D 1 -like receptor mediated inhibitory feedback regulation of VP-dopamine release.
The importance of being mobile: some social consequences of wearable augmented reality systems

What are the consequences of mobility for augmented reality? This paper explores some of the issues that I believe will be raised by the development and future commonplace adoption of mobile, wearable, augmented reality systems. These include: social influences on tracking accuracy, the importance of appearance and comfort, an increase in collaborative applications, integration with other devices, and implications for personal privacy.
Power supply health management — deploying prognostics technology for enhanced weapon system depot support

Recent technical advances in assessing power supply degradation have spawned new capabilities for deploying electronics health management systems (HMS). The work described herein has extended and matured previous efforts by the authors. A methodology for implementing health monitoring for switched-mode power supplies was outlined in . The authors present the integration of power supply characterization techniques into an automated test package as a depot-level use case and outline the development of O-level and embedded implementations in support of the verticality of test philosophy. We also discuss the future work efforts being pursued to implement the power supply HMS technology within the maintenance infrastructure, and to further enhance the technology through remaining useful life (RUL) studies and new techniques for accelerated test. Finally, a real-world cost benefit is presented for a critical avionic system to justify technology adoption due to its positive impact on availability, maintenance support and return on investment.
Accelerometer-derived physical activity levels of preschoolers: a meta-analysis.

Objectives: This study synthesized the published estimates of daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA d −1 ) of preschooler-age children (3–5 years). Design: Meta-analysis of previously published studies reporting accelerometer-derived estimates of daily MVPA of preschoolers. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies published by March 2010 that reported daily minutes of accelerometer-derived MVPA in preschool-age children (3–5 years). Random effects point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated based on study weighted means and standard deviations of raw accelerometer counts per minute (cpm) and reported minutes of MVPA and/or percentage of time spent in MVPA d −1 . Results: 29 articles representing 6309 preschoolers were included. Overall, preschoolers engaged in 42.8 min (95% CI 28.9–56.8) of MVPA d −1 , and 54.4 min (95% CI 29.9–78.9) and 45.4 min (95% CI 25.2–65.6) for boys and girls separately. This translated into approximately 5.5% (95% CI 3.7–7.2%) of time spent in MVPA d −1 , and 7.1% (95% CI 3.9–10.3%) for boys and 6.3% (95% CI 3.9–8.7%) for girls. Studies (76%) using ActiGraph accelerometers reported an average of 714 cpm (95% CI 678–751), with boys and girls having 783 cpm (95% CI 753–813) and 696 cpm (95% CI 665–727), respectively. Conclusions: Interpretation of accelerometer-derived MVPA is confounded by differences in cutpoints applied within a study. Great care, therefore, should be taken when interpreting the activity levels of preschoolers to inform policy decisions, such as the development of physical activity guidelines. Hence, considerable attention is required to unify accelerometer-derived MVPA so that unbiased comparisons across studies can be made. © 2011 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Hyperlipidemia and Long-Term Outcomes in Nondiabetic Chronic Kidney Disease

Background and objectives: Dyslipidemia confers a paradoxical survival advantage in patients with kidney failure. Data are limited in the earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design, setting, participants, and measurements: This was a cohort study in 840 subjects with stage 3 to 4 CKD enrolled in the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study. Cox models were used to examine the relationship of total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-cholesterol (NHDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and progression to kidney failure. Results: During a mean follow-up of 10 years, there were 208 deaths, 128 deaths from CVD, and 554 subjects reached kidney failure. There was no association between tertiles of any of the lipid variables and mortality; the lowest HDL-C tertile (1.44, 1.18 to 1.78) had increased risk of kidney failure but covariate adjustment abolished this association. In analyses with lipids as continuous variables, there was a significant association with all-cause mortality for TC (hazard ratio [HR] per 10-mg/dl increase, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.03, 1.0 to 1.06) that disappeared with covariate adjustment; there was no association of TG, HDL-C, and NHDL-C as continuous variables with all-cause or CVD mortality. There was a significant inverse association between HDL-C and kidney failure (HR = 0.93, CI = 0.87 to 0.99) in an unadjusted Cox model that was attenuated after adjustment for covariates (HR = 0.98 CI = 0.91 to 1.06). Conclusions: In this cohort, with predominantly nondiabetic CKD patients, hyperlipidemia is not an independent predictor of long-term outcomes.
The Regulation of Cyclic AMP and Lipolysis in Adipose Tissue by Hormones and Other Agents

Lipolysis in fat cells is regulated at least in part by the intracellular levels of adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) (1, 2). Cyclic AMP levels in fat cells are increased or decreased by several hormones and chemical agents. The relationships between such agents, cyclic AMP, and lipolysis are illustrated in Fig. 1.
Asymmetric Enzymatic Synthesis of Allylic Amines: A Sigmatropic Rearrangement Strategy

Sigmatropic rearrangements, while rare in biology, offer opportunities for the efficient and selective synthesis of complex chemical motifs. A “P411” serine-ligated variant of cytochrome P450_(BM3) has been engineered to initiate a sulfimidation/[2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement sequence in whole E. coli cells, a non-natural function for any enzyme, providing access to enantioenriched, protected allylic amines. Five mutations in the enzyme substantially enhance its activity toward this new function, demonstrating the evolvability of the catalyst toward challenging nitrene transfer reactions. The evolved catalyst additionally performs the highly enantioselective imidation of non-allylic sulfides.
The Effect of Laser Fiber Cleave Technique and Lithotripsy Time on Power Output.

Abstract Purpose: Various cleave techniques have recently been shown to significantly impact initial laser fiber power output during holmium laser lithotripsy. The impact of cleave technique on long-term power output has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of laser cleave technique on power output over time. Materials and Methods: In this randomized single-blinded study, five cleave techniques were tested on two holmium laser fiber diameters (200, 365 μm) over 15 minutes of laser lithotripsy with calcium oxalate monohydrate stones. Comparisons between cleave techniques and fiber diameters were performed using independent samples Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and homogeneity of variance tests with a significance of p < 0.05. Results: The 365-μm fiber was more durable and less affected by burnback degradation than the 200-μm fiber (p < 0.05). While initial power output varied between cleave techniques, all significance disappeared by 3 minutes. Power output d...
A new combination in Senegalia and typification of six New World Acacia names

Recent and past morphological and genetic studies suggest that the genus Acacia s.1. is better treated as a number of segregate genera. The generic segregates more or less follow the boundaries of the former Acacia sub-genera. It is thus an appropriate time to transfer Acacia kelloggiana A.M. Carter & Rudd from Acacia subgenus Aculeiferum to Senegalia Rafinesque. Studies of New World members of Acacia subgenus Aculeiferum have also revealed the necessity to select neotypes or lectotypes for some names of species now placed in the genus Senegalia.
Sonography interval and the diagnosis of twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the relationship between sonography surveillance interval and Quintero stage at diagnosis.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies diagnosed with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and followed with serial sonography between 1997 and 2013. Women were divided into three cohorts: diagnosis at initial second-trimester sonogram, at a sonogram within 14 d of the prior exam, and at a sonogram greater than 14 d from the prior exam. Isolated amniotic fluid abnormalities were also recorded.Results: TTTS was identified in 48 pregnancies, with 50% of cases diagnosed at the initial sonogram, 21% within 14 d of a prior sonogram, and 29% more than 14 d from a prior sonogram. There was no association between interval and TTTS stage at diagnosis. Of 24 cases diagnosed during a follow-up sonogram, 46% had an isolated amniotic fluid abnormality preceding diagnosis. When isolated oligohydramnios (29%) or hydramnios (17%) was present, the sonogra...
Identifying predictive factors for long-term complications following button battery impactions: A case series and literature review.

Abstract Objectives To complement a case series review of button battery impactions managed at our single military tertiary care center with a thorough literature review of laboratory research and clinical cases to develop a protocol to optimize patient care. Specifically, to identify predictive factors of long-term complications which can be used by the pediatric otolaryngologist to guide patient management after button battery impactions. Methods A retrospective review of the Department of Defense's electronic medical record systems was conducted to identify patients with button battery ingestions and then characterize their treatment course. A thorough literature review complemented the lessons learned to identify potentially predictive clinical measures for long-term complications. Results Eight patients were identified as being treated for button battery impaction in the aerodigestive tract with two sustaining long-term complications. The median age of the patients treated was 33 months old and the median estimated time of impaction in the aerodigestive tract prior to removal was 10.5 h. Time of impaction, anatomic direction of the battery's negative pole, and identifying specific battery parameters were identified as factors that may be employed to predict sequelae. Conclusion Based on case reviews, advancements in battery manufacturing, and laboratory research, there are distinct clinical factors that should be assessed at the time of initial therapy to guide follow-up management to minimize potential catastrophic sequelae of button battery ingestion.
Introduction: Ideas and China’s Transformation

Since the late 1970s, China has undergone a dramatic process of economic and social transformation, during which the country has experienced and is still experiencing an outpouring of competing schools of thought (sichao). These schools of thought have affected the pace, scope, content, and nature of China’s reform. This book examines the role of the ideas in such a dramatic transformation and the dynamic process of discursive interactions among Chinese intellectuals over the past three decades of reforms.
Feeling my way : Jazz improvisation and its vicissitudes-a plea for imperfection

A newcomer to jazz who listens to a certain recorded performance of "My Funny Valentine" by Miles Davis is likely to be shocked at its roughness.3 He will hear cracked notes not quite in tune, sloppy triplets, unaccountable pauses, arbitrary shifts of rhythm, and chaotic runs that go nowhere. Knowing that performances of similar quality in "classical" music would never see the light of day, he will be puzzled to learn that many such jazz performances are recorded and issued to the public. Strikingly, improvised jazz also exhibits a chronic defect of an almost opposite kind, namely, that much of the music seems routine, predictable, and formulaic. A main feature of Theodore Adorno's harsh critique of jazz turns on the charge that the jazz musician's spontaneity is a myth-indeed, that on the whole the music is monotonous.4 In the same spirit, Winthrop Sargeant, whose classic study of jazz betrays a peculiar love-hate relationship with its subject, declares that "a sturdy repetition" of the music's basic elements always underlies "the apparent freedom of improvised" jazz.5 After listening to too many performances that merely shuffle through a sequence of orderly but tired cliches, a listener may be tempted to conclude that the charge is basically correct. One might pair the problems and dub them the formalist's complaints. The reason for calling them "formalist" should be clear: Music that is disordered, chaotic, and musically confused will for obvious reasons fail to satisfy formalist criteria of aesthetic excellence. Just as obviously, music that is formulaic, banal, and oversimple will fail to satisfy the formalist. Of course, jazz performances can be messy, or routine, or both at the same time-for reasons that are not very interesting-as when simple phrases are executed badly by beginners. I want to set such cases aside in order to address the deeper issue that the formalist's complaints jointly reflect. As we shall see, the formalist focuses too narrowly on the sheer acoustic dimensions of the music at the expense of other considerations-in particular, those that concern (1) the cultural matrices of the music and (2) the process by which it is generated. After considering some resources for talking the formalist out of the grounds for his complaints, we shall see there remains one dimension of the music's imperfection that these strategies cannot rationalize. However, I shall argue that even this residual imperfection can be regarded as a vital aspect of improvised jazz, provided it is framed the right way. In order to set the stage for the discussion, we need to detail some of the features of improvisational activity.
Consumption of Roasted Chick Peas Results in Increased Excretion of Oral Bacteria in Feces

Dietary fibers, such as those contained in pulses, reach the large intestine and contribute to the maintenance of a healthy commensal microbiota. Targeted modification of microbiota composition and...