cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence of effect of cardiac denervation and induced right ventricular failure on canine myocardial norepinephrine binding sites

Myocardial sensitivity to catecholamines appears to be altered in chronic cardiac denervation and failure. We have studied in vitro the binding of tritiated norepinephrine (3H-NE) to binding sites in myocardial membrane fractions prepared from canine right and left ventricles. Twenty-six dogs were studied; eight were normal controls, two had sham operations, eight had cardiac denervation, and eight had cardiac failure. Myocardial membranes were incubated with 5 × 10-9 mol/1 3H-NE in vitro and displacement studies with unlabelled norepinephrine performed. Computer-generated Scatchard plots indicated K (affinity constant of binding in 1/mol x 106) and q (number of binding sites in mol/mg of protein x 10-10). No group differed significantly from normal and sham controls. These results suggested that altered myocardial sensitivity to catecholamines in cardiac denervation and failure is not due to altered affinity or concentration of norepinephrine binding sites.
Contaminants in L-tryptophan associated with eosinophilia myalgia syndrome.

In late 1989, an epidemic of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) that resulted in several thousand cases of the syndrome and 36 deaths was recognized in the United States. Physicians in New Mexico linked the epidemic to the ingestion of L-tryptophan (LT). Results of studies indicated that one or more trace contaminants in LT were likely causes of the EMS epidemic. Investigators traced the LT that was taken by most patients with EMS to a single manufacturer, Showa Denko K.K. of Japan. We now report results of high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of LT samples from this manufacturer. Three sets of blind-coded samples were analyzed: the priority case lot set, which included 54 case-associated LT lots and 50 noncase-associated LT lots that were taken by case and control subjects who used only one brand of LT; the single lot case set, which included 73 case-associated LT lots and 25 noncase associated LT lots taken by case and control subjects who used only a single lot of LT; and the South Carolina tablet set, which included LT tablets taken by case subjects (n=26) and by control subjects (n=52). We statistically compared the concentration of each contaminant in case-associated, noncase-associated, and control samples of each sample set. The analyses showed that there were more than 60 minor contaminants in the LT from Showa Denko K.K., and that six of these contaminants were associated with EMS. The structures of three contaminants are known, but the identities of the other three contaminants are currently unknown. In this paper, we discuss each sample set and results of the analysis of each, the combined results of all sets, the identity of the six contaminants, and implications for future research into the etiology of EMS.
What makes a good sustainable development plan? An analysis of factors that influence principles of sustainable development

A key question faced by practitioners trying to plan for sustainable development is: what can be done in planning practice to influence promotion of sustainable development? This research addresses that question by investigating three dimensions of the planning process (political support for the concept, participation, and resource commitment), the organization of local land-use plans, and state planning mandates to determine how they influence the support plan policies have for principles of sustainable development. We use plan content analysis as well as survey data for forty-two communities across the United States to analyze factors which influence such support. Our findings highlight that the presence of a state planning mandate, most applicable to US planning, as well as having a variety of groups participating in the planning process, are key factors that increase overall plan support for the sustainable development principles. Recommendations for planning practice are offered based on our findings.
The formation of cell structures in fatigued iron crystals

Single crystals of α-Fe have been fatigued in constant stress amplitude reversed plane bending. TheS-N curve, the plastic strain amplitude variation, and the dislocation substructures developed in the crystals during fatigue have been studied. The formation of a cell structure was found to occur once a critical dislocation density had accumulated, the nature of which was influenced by the crystallography of the specimen and underwent changes with continued testing. The evolution of a continuous cell structure with testing coincided with a large decline in the level of plastic strain amplitude, and it appears that it is these substructures which account for fatigue hardening. From the observations of crack formation and the mode of dislocation movement during saturation, a mechanism for crack initiation is suggested.
Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) Science Operations Center initial design and implementation

Solar Probe Plus, scheduled to launch in 2018, is a NASA mission that will fly through the Sun's atmosphere for the first time. It will employ a combination of in situ plasma measurements and remote sensing imaging to achieve the mission's primary goal: to understand how the Sun's corona is heated and how the solar wind is accelerated. The Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) instrument suite consists of a Faraday cup and three electrostatic analyzers. In order to accomplish the science objectives, an encounter-based operations scheme is needed. This paper will outline the SWEAP science operations center design and schemes for data selection and down link.
Fracture Mechanisms in NiAlCr Eutectic Composites

Selected eutectic compositions in Ni-Al-Cr ternary systems were processed by directional solidification (DS) with various growth rates. Fracture toughness tests were performed at room temperature and 400 °C; fracture surfaces of broken specimens were examined using SEM to investigate fracture behavior of each alloy. The alignment of eutectic phases was found to play an important role in composite toughening for the intermetallic matrix. Binary eutectic composites consisting of bcc α-Cr and B2 β-NiAl phases with a directional, well-aligned structure showed improved fracture properties over NiAl single crystals. Ternary eutectics, which contain an fcc γ-Ni phase, offered an excellent fracture resistance at room temperature.
Knowledge-based design of progressive stamping dies

Abstract In the past few years, researchers have begun development of knowledge-based tooling design systems for die-casting, injection-molding, and certain other manufacturing processes. These computer systems assist design decision-making by using both physical principles and the often complex “rule-of-thumb” knowledge of human tool designers. To do this, they must draw on data representations of both the part and die geometry, as well as databases of standard die components, machine capabilities, and other reference information. In this paper, one such proof-of-concept system is described for design of progressive stamping dies. For simple sheet-metal parts with characteristics specified interactively by the user, the computer program (1) generates the flat pattern geometry (2) generates a strip layout (3) automatically selects punches, die blocks, side gages and other standard die components, and (4) generates a 3-D representation of the assembled die. Some underlying concepts of knowledge-based design and its application to progressive die design are discussed.
Component periods of non-principal-axis rotation and their manifestations in the lightcurves of asteroids and bare cometary nuclei

Lightcurve observations of asteroids and bare cometary nuclei are the most widely used observational tool to derive the rotational parameters. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of how component periods of dynamically excited non-principal axis (NPA) rotators manifest in lightcurves is a crucial step in this process. We investigated this with the help of numerically generated lightcurves of NPA rotators with component periods known a priori. The component periods of NPA rotation were defined in terms of two widely used yet complementary conventions. We derive the relationships correlating the component rotation periods in the two conventions. These relationships were then used to interpret the periodicity signatures present in the simulated lightcurves and rationalize them in either convention.
Conductive hearing loss during infancy: effects on later auditory brain stem electrophysiology.

Long-term effects on auditory electrophysiology from early fluctuating hearing loss were studied in 27 children, aged 5 to 7 years, who had been evaluated originally in infancy. For controls (Group...
Ordered array formation and negative differential resistance behavior of cation-exchanged heteropoly acids probed by scanning tunneling microscopy

Cation-exchanged 12-molybdophosphates deposited on a graphite surface were imaged by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and their current−voltage behavior in tunneling spectroscopy (TS) measurements was examined. The periodicity of the polyanion arrays in the STM images was ca. 11−14 A, and the spacing was dependent on the identity of the countercation. It was also observed that the characteristic negative differential resistance (NDR) behavior of 12-molybdophosphates, observed in TS measurements, is closely related to the reduction potential of the polyoxometalate and to the electronegativity of the countercation. The applied potential (sample to tip) at which NDR behavior was observed decreased with increases in the reduction potential of the HPA as well as with increases in electronegativity of the countercation. More electronegative countercations facilitated electron transfer between the cation and the heteropoly anion, apparently by acting as electron reservoirs, leading to NDR behavior at lower a...
Diet-gene interactions and PUFA metabolism: a potential contributor to health disparities and human diseases.

The “modern western” diet (MWD) has increased the onset and progression of chronic human diseases as qualitatively and quantitatively maladaptive dietary components give rise to obesity and destructive gene-diet interactions. There has been a three-fold increase in dietary levels of the omega-6 (n-6) 18 carbon (C18), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6), with the addition of cooking oils and processed foods to the MWD. Intense debate has emerged regarding the impact of this increase on human health. Recent studies have uncovered population-related genetic variation in the LCPUFA biosynthetic pathway (especially within the fatty acid desaturase gene (FADS) cluster) that is associated with levels of circulating and tissue PUFAs and several biomarkers and clinical endpoints of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Importantly, populations of African descent have higher frequencies of variants associated with elevated levels of arachidonic acid (ARA), CVD biomarkers and disease endpoints. Additionally, nutrigenomic interactions between dietary n-6 PUFAs and variants in genes that encode for enzymes that mobilize and metabolize ARA to eicosanoids have been identified. These observations raise important questions of whether gene-PUFA interactions are differentially driving the risk of cardiovascular and other diseases in diverse populations, and contributing to health disparities, especially in African American populations.
Modeling cloud failure data: a case study of the virtual computing lab

Virtual Computing Lab is a higher education cloud computing environment that on demand, allocates a chosen software stack on the required hardware and gives access to the customers, in this case NCSU students, faculty and staff. VCL has been in operation since 2004. An important component of the quality of the services provided by a cloud is the reliability and availability. For example, typical availability of the system exceeds 0.999, and reservation reliability is in the 0.99 range. VCL provides comprehensive information (provenance, logs, etc.) about its execution, its resources, and its performance. We mined the VCL log files to find out more about its reliability and availability, and the character of its faults and failures. This paper presents some of these results.
Inertial fusion science and technology for the 21 st century

Abstract This paper reviews the leading edge of the basic and applied science that use high-intensity facilities. The more than 15 000 experiments on the Nova laser since 1985 and many thousands more on other laser, particle beam, and pulsed power facilities around the world have established the new laboratory field of high-energy-density plasma physics and have furthered development of inertial fusion. High-brightness femtosecond lasers have enabled the study of matter in conditions previously unachievable on earth. These experiments and advanced calculations have established the specifications for the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and Laser MegaJoule (LMJ) and have enhanced scientific fields such as laboratory astrophysics. Science and technology developed in inertial fusion have found near-term commercial use, have enabled steady progress toward the goal of fusion ignition and gain in the laboratory, and have opened up new fields of study for the 21 st century.
Parental physical punishment and adolescent adjustment: bidirectionality and the moderation effects of child ethnicity and parental warmth.

This study used cross-lagged modeling to examine reciprocal relations between maternal and paternal physical punishment and adolescent misconduct and depressive symptoms, while accounting for stability in both physical punishment and adjustment problems over time. Data were drawn from a sample of 862 two-parent families and their adolescent children (52 % males; 54 % European American; 44 % African American; 2 % other ethnic backgrounds). Mothers’ and fathers’ physical punishment of their adolescents’ ages 12 and 14 predicted increased misconduct and depressive symptoms among these adolescents at ages 14 and 16. Adolescent misconduct, but not depressive symptoms, at ages 12 and 14 predicted increased physical punishment by their parents at ages 14 and 16. Neither parental warmth nor child ethnicity moderated the longitudinal relationship between parental physical punishment and adolescent adjustment. Patterns of findings were similar across mothers and fathers.
The evolution of targeted therapy of the erbB2/neu oncoprotein for human cancer therapy

The recognition that the erbB2/neu oncogene encodes a cell-surface receptor led to the development of targeted therapy. The erbB2/neu oncogene was found to encode a tyrosine kinase receptor that can form active dimers as a consequence of mutation or amplification. The receptor protein p185erbB2/neu was found to be able to dimerize with itself or with other members of the erbB family to create heteromers with active enzymatic activity and to diversify signalling and transforming patterns. When mutated or amplified, these homodimeric or heterodimeric kinases lead to human cancers, including breast and stomach malignancies. The first targeted therapeutics were monoclonal antibodies that were directed at the ectodomain of the p185erbB2/neu protein and resulted in receptor down-modulation and kinase inhibition. Unexpectedly, disabling the erbB2/neu kinase complex caused the malignant cells to convert to a more normal phenotype. The first demonstration that malignant properties could be reversed challenged all thinking at the time that malignant transformation could progressively lead to more phenotypically abnormal cells. Subsequent to phenotypical reversion, the tumour cells become sensitive to extrinsic death signals from radiation and chemotherapy. The disabling of oncoproteins that determine malignancy is an approach that is now a standard therapy for human cancer.
Relations among Preschool Teachers' Self-Efficacy, Classroom Quality, and Children's Language and Literacy Gains.

Abstract This study examined the relations among preschool teachers' self-efficacy (n = 67), classroom quality (instructional and emotional support), and children's (n = 328) gains in print awareness and vocabulary knowledge over an academic year in the US. Results indicated that teachers' self-efficacy and classroom quality served as significant and positive predictors of children's gains in print awareness but not vocabulary knowledge. However, results also showed a significant interaction among teachers' self-efficacy, classroom quality, and vocabulary gains: for children of teachers with higher levels of self-efficacy, higher levels of classroom quality (emotional support) were associated with higher vocabulary gains.
Sex differences in mortality after traumatic brain injury, Colorado 1994-1998.

Primary objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between sex and traumatic brain injury (TBI) mortality.Methods and procedures: A total of 20 465 persons with TBI were identified from a Colorado population-based surveillance system for 1994–1998. Case fatality ratios were calculated to identify sex differences for selected risk factors. Unconditional logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between TBI mortality and sex controlling for risk factors.Main outcomes and results: Adjusting for age, race, metropolitan residence and penetrating injury, the estimated odds of TBI mortality for males compared to females was 1.21 (95% CI 1.10, 1.34) for pre-hospital fatalities and 1.19 (95% CI 1.05, 1.37) for hospital fatalities.Conclusion: Results indicate differences in TBI mortality comparing males and females. Future studies are warranted to identify if behaviour and physiological responses are associated with TBI outcomes among males and females.
Non-hydraulic root-to-shoot signalling in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal sorghum exposed to partial soil drying or root severing

summary Our objectives were (1) to determine if arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis could modify leaf response to non-hydraulic root-to-shoot communication of soil drying in Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, and (2) to compare the sensitivity of leaf growth and stomatal conductance (Cs) to the non-hydraulic signal. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse with root systems split among four pots. Treatments were applied in a 2 (colonized or not colonized by Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith) × 2 (roots severed or dried) × 4 (roots in 0, 1, 2 or 3 pots dried or severed) experimental design. Plants with roots in three pots dried or severed showed reduced leaf elongation, Cδ and leaf water potential (Ψ) compared with fully watered (control) plants and thus were probably hydraulically affected by root treatment. Drying of severing roots in one pot did not affect leaf elongation, Cδ or Ψ in either mycorrhizal or non-mycorrhizal plants. In non-mycorrhizal plants having two pots dried, final leaf area and total leaf length were reduced by 18 and 10%, respectively, relative to controls. Stomatal conductance of these half-dried non-mycorrhizal plants remained unchanged, suggesting that the decrease in leaf growth was not hydraulically induced. Non-mycorrhizal plants having roots severed in two pots continued to have leaf growth similar to that of the controls, suggesting that growth reductions in half-dried non-mycorrhizal plants did not result from a reduction in root water gathering capacity. Mycorrhizal symbiosis appeared to eliminate inhibition of leaf growth that was not hydraulically induced, because mean leaf area and total leaf length were not reduced in half-dried mycorrhizal plants, relative to controls. However, final leaf area of mycorrhizal plants having one or two pots dried was negatively correlated with the product of drying rod mass and the time for which roots were exposed to mild drought, suggesting that mycorrhizal plants were also susceptible to growth inhibition that was not hydraulically induced. Reductions in leaf extension rate that were not hydraulically induced, when viewed as a function of actual soil matric potential, were similar in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants, suggesting that the differences in overall growth inhibition between half-dried mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants may have been related to differences in soil drying rate.
Computerized analysis of mammographic parenchymal patterns for breast cancer risk assessment: feature selection.

Our purpose in this study was to identify computer-extracted, mammographic parenchymal patterns that are associated with breast cancer risk. We extracted 14 features from the central breast region on digitized mammograms to characterize the mammographic parenchymal patterns of women at different risk levels. Two different approaches were employed to relate these mammographic features to breast cancer risk. In one approach, the features were used to distinguish mammographic patterns seen in low-risk women from those who inherited a mutated form of the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene, which confers a very high risk of developing breast cancer. In another approach, the features were related to risk as determined from existing clinical models (Gail and Clausmodels), which use well-known epidemiological factors such as a woman’s age, her family history of breast cancer, reproductive history, etc. Stepwise linear discriminant analysis was employed to identify features that were useful in differentiating between “low-risk” women and BRCA1/BRCA2-mutation carriers. Stepwise linear regression analysis was employed to identify useful features in predicting the risk, as estimated from the Gail and Clausmodels. Similar computer-extracted mammographic features were identified in the two approaches. Results show that women at high risk tend to have dense breasts and their mammographic patterns tend to be coarse and low in contrast.
Catecholamines inEntamoebae: Recent (re)discoveries

Free-living and enteric amoebae have similar two-stage life cycles, and both organisms depend on being able to monitor environmental conditions to determine whether to continue multiplying as trophozoites, or to differentiate into dormant or transmissible cysts. Conditions that support high trophozoite densities might also be expected to select for mechanisms of information exchange between these cells. We recently determined that trophozoites of at least one species ofEntamoeba release and respond to catecholamine compounds during differentiation from the trophozoite stage into the cyst stage. It turns out that this is not an entirely novel finding, as a number of previous studies have demonstrated parts of this story in free-living or enteric amoebae. We briefly review here major points of the previous studies and describe some of our recent results that have extended them.
Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Psychosocial Functioning and Life Satisfaction of Coronary Artery Disease Clients

This article details a quantitative, descriptive study that explored the effects of participation in two types of cardiac rehabilitation programs on psychosocial functioning and life satisfaction. Forty-seven clients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were included in the study sample. Data were collected during a home visit made 6 to 8 weeks after the coronary event. All subjects completed two data collection tools: the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), which measured clients' psychosocial functioning, and the Quality of Life Index (QLI), which measured clients' life satisfaction. No significant differences were found between the two treatment groups in psychosocial functioning or life satisfaction. Psychosocial functioning and life satisfaction were found to be related strongly. Further research efforts are needed to document empirically the influence of cardiac rehabilitation participation on the client's quality of life.
The puzzle of North America's Late Pleistocene megafaunal extinction patterns: Test of new explanation yields unexpected results

Abstract Although Late Pleistocene extinctions disproportionately affected larger mammalian species, numerous smaller species were also lost. To date, no satisfactory explanation has been presented to account for this pattern. Beginning with the assumption that human predation caused the extinctions, we offer and test the first such explanatory hypothesis, which is predicated on considering more realistic functional response forms (i.e., those that allow for predator interference or prey sharing). We then test the hypothesis via a one-predator, six-prey ecological model that maintains transparency, minimalism of design, and maximal constraint of parameters. Results indicate that altering assumptions about one cornerstone of ecological modeling (i.e., functional response) fails to produce qualitative differences in survival–extinction outcomes—even in conjunction with a wide range of capture efficiency permutations. This unexpected finding suggests that no reasonable form of predation alone is capable of producing the survival–extinction pattern observed. We conclude that the matter of causation and the conclusions of previous Late Pleistocene extinction models remain far less certain than many have assumed.
Low-dose doxepin for the treatment of insomnia: emerging data.

Background: Doxepin is a tricyclic compound that has been used extensively for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders for approximately thirty years. It was noted early to have sedative ...
Strings in background fields

Abstract We formulate the propagation of strings in background fields, including the effects of metric, antisymmetric tensor, and dilaton expectation values, as well as gauge field backgrounds in the case of heterotic strings. The inclusion of background fermion fields is sketched. The equations of motion of all these fields are shown to be the consequence of (super) conformal invariance of the string.
Inhibition of CXCR2 signaling promotes recovery in models of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by demyelination/remyelination episodes that ultimately fail. Chemokines and their receptors have been implicated in both myelination and remyelination failure. Chemokines regulate migration, proliferation and differentiation of immune and neural cells during development and pathology. Previous studies have demonstrated that the absence of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 results in both disruption of early oligodendrocyte development and long-term structural alterations in myelination. Histological studies suggest that CXCL1, the primary ligand for CXCR2, is upregulated around the peripheral areas of demyelination suggesting that this receptor/ligand combination modulates responses to injury. Here we show that in focal LPC-induced demyelinating lesions, localized inhibition of CXCR2 signaling reduced lesion size and enhanced remyelination while systemic treatments were relatively less effective. Treatment of spinal cord cultures with CXCR2 antagonists reduced CXCL1 induced A2B5+ cell proliferation and increased differentiation of myelin producing cells. More critically, treatment of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55-induced EAE mice, an animal model of multiple sclerosis, with small molecule antagonists against CXCR2 results in increased functionality, decreased lesion load, and enhanced remyelination. Our findings demonstrate the importance of antagonizing CXCR2 in enhancing myelin repair by reducing lesion load and functionality in models of multiple sclerosis and thus providing a therapeutic target for demyelinating diseases.
Fostering a creative interest in computer science

In this paper, we describe activities undertaken at our university to revise our computer science program to develop an environment and curriculum which encourages creative, hands-on learning by our students. Our main changes were the development of laboratory space, increased hands-on problem solving activities in the introductory course, open-ended programming projects in the early courses including a requirement of an open-ended project extension for an A grade, and the integration of a seminar into the senior project requirement. Our results suggest that these changes have improved student skill and willingness to deal with new problems and technologies. An additional surprising side-effect appears to be a dramatic increase in retention over the first two years, despite lower overall grade averages in those courses.
Optical path stability and fringe tracking in optical stellar interferometry

We analyze the problems of fringe pattern estimation in optical stellar interferometry that are associated with optical path errors. Our first finding is that an optimal fringe tracking system must track with path length errors of less than about one-eighth of the coherence length. The second is that if phase closure estimation is to be achieved at the lowest possible light levels, the time scale of fringe wander must not be less than about 10% of the total observation time.
Vitreal pathogenic role in optic pit foveolar retinoschisis and central serous chorioretinopathy

Purpose: To expand on current theories concerning the vitreal-induced mechanism underlying the development of foveolar retinoschisis and macular sensory detachments associated with optic nerve head pits. To propose the notion that vitreal traction may contribute to the pathogenesis of serous detachments in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Reports: We describe two patients, one with macular retinoschisis and the other with central serous detachment. The first patient, a 45-year-old Hispanic female, presented with a temporally located optic nerve head pit, foveolar retinoschisis and schisis retinal spaces extending to the surrounding macula and to the disc. The second patient, a 43-year-old Haitian male, developed a central serous retinal detachment OS with decreased visual acuity one day following in-office administration of Apraclonidine (0.5 per cent Iopidine, Alcon) and Dorzolamide-Timolol Maleate (Cosopt, Merck) to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Macular retinal pigment mottling and epiretinal membrane sheen OU had been observed on his initial visit. Visual acuity improved within a three day period with resolution of the serous detachment. Conclusion: We suggest that the persistence of Cloquet's canal may permit fluid leakage into the proximal vitreous in cases of congenital optic nerve head pits. Tangential vitreal traction may promote the opening of a fistula at the optic pit and additionally thrust vitreal fluid into the pit and retinal space inducing the formation of schisis spaces, foveolar-schisis and underlying sensory serous detachment. We question whether a reduction in vitreous volume, induced by initial administration of anti-glaucoma medications, may contribute to the development and/or recurrence of central serous choroidopathy in predisposed individuals.
Complete multi-partite cutsets in minimal imperfect graphs

Abstract We show that a minimal imperfect graph G cannot contain a cutset C which induces a complete multi-partite graph unless C is a stable set and G is an odd hole. This generalizes a result of Tucker, who proved that the only minimal imperfect graphs containing stable cutsets are the odd holes. It is also a special case of a conjecture of Chvatal.
Health Insurance Exchanges Of Past And Present Offer Examples Of Features That Could Attract Small-Business Customers

The Affordable Care Act calls on states to create health insurance exchanges serving small businesses by 2014. These exchanges will allow small-business owners to pool their buying power, have more choices of health plans, and buy affordable health insurance. However, creating an exchange that appeals to small-business owners poses several challenges. Past and current exchanges provide valuable insights into the role exchanges can play, services they can offer, and design features that can make them successful. For example, states should allow insurance brokers to provide employers with advice and analysis regarding plans offered in the exchanges. Exchanges should also provide services to ease enrollment, such as a single application for all of the plans they offer, and make additional benefits, such as wellness programs, available on a stand-alone basis or within insurance plans.
Nosocomial legionellosis traced to a contaminated ice machine.

Objective: To investigate a case of nosocomial legionellosis, identify pathways of transmission, and effect control of the environmental source. Design: Case investigation and environmental culture surveillance. Setting: A 720-bed university teaching hospital. Case Patient: A ventilator-dependent 66-year-old male developed nosocomial pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 6 after 3 months in an intensive-care unit (ICU). The patient had no intake of potable water except for ice chips from an ice machine in the ICU. Results: Cultures revealed L pneumophila serogroup 6 in the ice (4.3 colony-forming units/mL) and ice machine cold water (too numerous to count). Cultures from adjacent hot and cold taps, plus taps located near the patient, all were negative; ice machines and cold water on seven other patient units also were negative. Only sterile water had been used for tube feedings, mouth care, suctioning, and ventilator humidification. Hospital hot water previously had been colonized with L pneumophila serogroup 6, but all surveillance water cultures had been negative since chlorination of the hot-water system began the previous year; cold-water cultures had never before grown Legionella . The ice machine was disinfected with a 2-hour flush of 2.625% sodium hypochlorite. The supply line to the ice machine was replaced, and the cold-water pipe from the floor below was treated with 83 ppm sodium hypochlorite for 48 hours. All follow-up surveillance cultures of the ice machine remained negative through mid-1996. No additional cases of nosocomial legionellosis occurred. Conclusions: Ice machines may be reservoirs of L pneumophila in hospitals. Both ice and water dispensed from these machines may be contaminated, and nosocomial transmission may occur. Successful long-term decontamination and control can be accomplished with shock chlorination.
Changing the world of offender development and rehabilitation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to question and challenge the current punishment‐focused approach to sentencing of offenders and introduce a behavioural framework that focuses on the positive reinforcement of “good” behaviours, motivators, habits and consequences that would engage, inspire and compel change in individuals, equipping individuals with real behavioural skills through sustainable personal developmentDesign/methodology/approach – Both offenders/inmates at all levels of the probation and the criminal justice system were spoken to and a range of recently published (1997‐2007) papers that explore the causes of offending behaviour, in the UK, Europe and the USA were considered.Findings – When researching why individuals offend/re‐offend it became apparent that there was a gap between what society saw as acceptable and the current behaviour of offenders. What was interesting was the approach in the criminal justice system is very different to that of the business world when it attempts to cl...
Calcium and vitamin D use among adults in periodontal disease maintenance programmes

Objectives To determine the level of calcium and vitamin D oral supplementation in patients in periodontal disease maintenance programmes. Design Convenience survey. Setting St. Louis Metropolitan region. Subjects and methods Patients (n = 228) in two university-based, periodontal disease maintenance programmes. Main outcome measures Reported amounts of oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation were tested for differences based on gender and race. Results The last published recommended daily intakes from the United States (US) Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) for adults >50 years of age are 1,200 mg calcium and 400 IU vitamin D (or 600 IU if over 70). The mean age of the 228 patients (125 females and 103 males) was 63.6 ± 11.0 years (standard deviation). Of the 228 patients surveyed: (1) 204 (89%) were >50 years of age and of these, only 15 (7%) met the US FNB's recommended intakes of calcium and vitamin D from supplementation; (2) 138 (66%) reported that they took no oral supplementation, with significantly more males (n = 82) than females (n = 56) not taking supplementation (p = 0.03); (3) 88 (39%) took calcium supplementation, with females (947 ± 511 mg/day) taking significantly (p 0.05). The amounts of oral supplementation did not vary with race (p >0.05). Conclusion The use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation has been promoted for years, yet the numbers of adults taking supplements remains low and the level of supplementation varies greatly. Knowledge of the benefits of supplementation needs to be better disseminated and research needs to be conducted to determine optimal levels of calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
Computed Tomographic Angiography: Assessing Outcomes

Perforator flaps are preferable for breast reconstruction after mastectomy in many patients. Preoperative imaging of the perforators and source vessels is desirable to reduce surgeon stress, limit donor and recipient site complications, and minimize operative time and associated costs. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) has been shown to provide highly accurate representations of vascular anatomy with excellent spatial resolution. A critical review of the currently available literature was performed to identify the benefits of preoperative imaging (specifically CTA) in perforator flap reconstruction.
Quantitative characterization of turbid media using pressure contrast acousto-optic imaging

An acousto-optic imaging technique suitable for the local and quantitative determination of subsurface optical properties in turbid media is presented. Acousto-optic signals elicited by ultrasound pulses at two different peak pressures in turbid media are detected by using photorefractive-crystal-based interferometry. The ratio of the measured signals, once calibrated for a particular set of pressure pulses, is found to give a direct measure of the reduced scattering coefficient of the interaction region between the light and sound. Measurements of the reduced scattering coefficient of inclusions buried in diffuse tissue phantoms are demonstrated.
Acting Like a Lady: British Women Novelists and the Eighteenth-Century Theater

Introduction 1. The Theatrical Woman and The Feminine Ideal 2. The Lady and the Novelist: Paragon and Performer 3. Those Simple Signs: Elizabeth Inchbald and the Performance of Emotion 4. "Not as Juliet She Followed": Frances Burney and the Performance of Femininity 5. Seeing Double: Jane Austen and the Perception of Performance Appendix: Women Novelists and the Theatre Index.
A simplified approach for predicting fire resistance of reinforced concrete columns under biaxial bending

Abstract Reinforced concrete (RC) columns, when exposed to fire, are often subjected to biaxial bending arising from eccentricity in loading, 1-, 2-, 3-side fire exposure or due to non-uniform spalling. Effect of such biaxial bending and spalling is not taken into consideration in evaluating fire resistance of RC columns in current design codes. In this paper a set of numerical studies were carried out to quantify the effect of various factors on fire induced biaxial bending in RC columns. Results from parametric studies are utilized to develop a simplified equation for evaluating the fire resistance of RC columns under biaxial bending conditions. The proposed equation accounts for the effects of fire-induced spalling, 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-sided fire exposure, bi-eccentric loading and design fire scenarios. The validity of the equation is established by comparing the predictions from the equation with results from finite element analysis and test data. The applicability of the proposed equation to fire resistance design of RC columns is illustrated through a numerical example.
Issues in clinical trial design: stopping a trial early and the large and simple trial.

During the conduct of a clinical trial, a primary function of the Data Safety and Monitoring Committee is to select the trial conduct and the accumulating data to determine whether the trial should continue or be discontinued earlier than planned. Reasons for early discontinuation of a trial include: evidence of benefit, evidence of harm, and evidence of futility. More than 1 of these elements will often be present. These principles will be illustrated with examples from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development–Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units clinical trials. The “large and simple clinical trial” is a study design rarely undertaken in the United States but commonly used elsewhere. The principles of this type of trial will be introduced and contrasted with those of the “conventional clinical trial.”
Dopamine receptor activation reveals a novel, kynurenate-sensitive component of striatal N-methyl-d-aspartate neurotoxicity

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors plays an important role in brain physiology, but excessive receptor stimulation results in seizures and excitotoxic nerve cell death. NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal excitation and injury can be prevented by high, non-physiological concentrations of the neuroinhibitory tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA). Here we report that endogenous KYNA, which is formed in and released from astrocytes, controls NMDA receptors in vivo. This was revealed with the aid of the dopaminergic drugs d-amphetamine and apomorphine, which cause rapid, transient decreases in striatal KYNA levels in rats. Intrastriatal injections of the excitotoxins NMDA or quinolinate (but not the non-NMDA receptor agonist kainate) at the time of maximal KYNA reduction resulted in two- to threefold increases in excitotoxic lesion size. Pre-treatment with a kynurenine 3-hydroxylase inhibitor or with dopamine receptor antagonists, i.e., two classes of pharmacological agents that prevented the reduction in brain KYNA caused by dopaminergic stimulation, abolished the potentiation of neurotoxicity. Thus, the present study identifies a previously unappreciated role of KYNA as a functional link between dopamine receptor stimulation and NMDA neurotoxicity in the striatum.
Anti-ceramidase LCL385 acutely reduces BCL-2 expression in the hippocampus but is not associated with an increase of learned helplessness in rats

Abstract Evidence from in situ studies supports the role of anti-apoptotic factors in the antidepressant responses of certain psychotropics. The availability of anti-ceramidase pro-apoptocic compound (LCL385) provides an opportunity to test in vivo the relation between hippocampal apopotosis and learned helplessness. Method 40 Sprague–Dawley male rodents underwent an FST after a treatment with LCL385, desipramine (DMI), or placebo (SAL) over 3 days. Behavioral responses, including immobility, swimming and climbing were counted during the 6 min test. Western blot labeling was used to detect anti-apoptosis in hippocampus. Results DMI alone was associated with reduced immobility and increased climbing whereas LCL385 alone showed a decrease in Bcl-2/β-actin ratio. Conclusions Direct modulation of Bcl-2 expression in the hippocampus is not associated with learned helplessness in stressed rats. Three-day administration of DMI and LCL385 show divergent effects on behavioral and anti-apoptotic measures.
Synchronous elasticization: Considerations for correct implementation and MiniMIPS case study

Latency insensitivity is a promising design paradigm in the nanometer era since it has potential benefits of increased modularity and robustness to variations. Synchronous elasticization is one approach (among others) of transforming an ordinary clocked circuit into a latency insensitive design. This paper presents practical considerations of elasticizing reconvergent fanouts. It also investigates the suitability of previously published as well as new join and fork implementations for usage in the elastic control network. We demonstrate that elasticization comes at a cost. Measurements of a MiniMIPS processor fabricated in a 0.5 µm node show that elasticization results in area and dynamic and idle power penalties of 29%, 13% and 58.3%, respectively, without any loss in performance. These measurements do not exploit the capability of pipeline bubbles that occur if one needs to have unpredictable interface latency, or to insert extra bubbles into a pipeline due to wire delays. We finally show the architectural performance advantage of eager over lazy protocols in the presence of bubbles in the MiniMIPS.
Chiari I malformation in the very young child: the spectrum of presentations and experience in 31 children under age 6 years.

Introduction. The entity of hindbrain herniation without myelodysplasia in the very young child has been poorly described. A retrospective analysis of children diagnosed with Chiari I malformation (CM I) before their sixth birthday is presented. Methods. Since 1985, 31 children with CM I (0.3–5.8) years of age have been diagnosed at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Their records were reviewed for presenting symptoms, signs, radiographic findings, treatment, complications, and outcome. Results. The average age at diagnosis was 3.3 years. Sixteen patients were under age 3. Chief presenting complaints included impaired oropharyngeal function (35%), scoliosis (23%), headache or neck pain (23%), sensory disturbance (6%), weakness (3%), and other (10%). Sixty-nine percent of children under age 3 had abnormal oropharyngeal function. Three patients under age 3 (19%) had undergone fundoplication and/or gastrostomy before diagnosis of CM I. Common physical findings included abnormal tendon reflexes (68%), scoliosis (26%), abnormal gag reflex (13%), and normal examination (13%). Vocal cord dysfunction (26%, all under age 3) and syringohydromyelia (52%) were also seen. Twenty-five patients were treated surgically at our institution with posterior fossa decompression, duraplasty, and cerebellar tonsillar shrinkage. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Ninety-one percent of patients reported improved symptomatology at last follow-up (mean: 3.9 years). Three patients required reoperation for recurrence of symptoms. Syringomyelia improved in all patients. Scoliosis resolved in 2 of 8 patients, improved in 5, and stabilized in 1. There was no permanent morbidity from surgery. Discussion. We show that children with Chiari I abnormality are very likely to present with oropharyngeal dysfunction if under age 3, and either scoliosis or headache or neck pain worsened by valsalva if age 3 to 5. These symptoms are very likely to improve after Chiari decompression, which can be done with low morbidity. Conclusions. Very young children presenting with oropharyngeal dysfunction, pain worsened by valsalva, or scoliosis should prompt the clinician to consider CM I as a possible cause.
Universities of California Colorectal Surgery Collaborative Mission Statement

A collaborative effort among the 5 Universities of California (UC) Institutions was convened in November of 2011 to focus on opportunities for improvement in care of patients with benign and malignant colorectal diseases. Colorectal surgeons and other interested parties were present. Goals of the collaborative meeting included the following: to broaden our knowledge about geographically diverse patients at the different UC institutions, to integrate clinical research and care across the UC campuses to improve diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant colorectal disease, to evaluate our current standard of care in colorectal surgery and develop interventions to improve quality of care, to develop multidisciplinary and multi-institutional conferences that would allow us to advance our knowledge of patients with unusual diseases, and to promote surgical education and training via exchange programs. The collaborative effort has strong leadership from all the UCs, an in-progress UC-wide data collection program, and resources from the successful implementation of a UC-wide breast health care system, all of which will help ensure a successful colorectal collaborative program.