cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Public cholesterol screening in the previously diagnosed: Misuse of resources or beneficial function?

The attendance of individuals with a previous diagnosis of hyperlipidemia at public cholesterol screenings is often criticized as a misuse of such programs. This study explored the post-screening actions of 811 participants in a cholesterol screening program who had previously been diagnosed with cholesterol elevations and whose blood levels at this screening required further medical referral. We also studied the responses of physicians from whom these subjects sought care. Within five months, 559 of 753 participants completing the survey (74.0%) sought medical follow-up. Physicians retested the blood cholesterol levels of 75.0% of these 559; high-risk screenees were more likely to be retested and to be informed that their levels were elevated than moderate-risk subjects (P < .0001). Physicians increased cholesterol-lowering dietary advice for high-risk subjects (P < .0001) and medication prescriptions for both risk groups (P < .0001). Participants seeking medical care after the screening program had better cholesterol-lowering dietary practices and reported increased regimen compliance (moderate-risk: P = .01; high-risk: P < .0001) than those individuals not obtaining medical follow-up. One year after screening, blood cholesterol levels were 4.5% lower (P = .001) in those complying with referral but were virtually unchanged in noncompliers. Screening program confirmation of high blood cholesterol levels combined with referral appeared to have a positive impact on previously diagnosed screenees. We conclude that there may be merit in including previously diagnosed individuals in cholesterol screening programs.
The immune system in 40 aplastic anemia patients receiving conventional therapy

Abstract Forty patients with aplastic anemia who were being considered for bone marrow transplantation were studied by in vivo and in vitro techniques to determine if the immune system in aplastic anemia is generally affected. It was found that patients with aplastic anemia had mild lymphopenia, with levels of circulating thymus-derived and bone-marrow-derived cells that were apparently secondarily depressed. Marked monocytopenia was observed, but this finding was mitigated by recovery of essentially normal numbers of mononuclear phagocytic cells (using a discontinuous Hypaque-Ficoll density gradient) and by the ability of patient mononuclear cells to participate at least as well as control cells in proliferative responses in vitro. More patients had abnormally low levels of the immunoglobulin classes than would be predicted from the laboratory normal range; however, no consistent pattern of immunoglobulin deficiency was found. Levels of complement components, antiviral antibody, and isohemagglutinins were essentially normal. However, cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity responses were impaired. Proliferative responses in vitro to mitogens and antigens (except staphylococcal filtrate) were at least as vigorous as the responses of controls. Patient mononuclear cells stimulated allogeneic cells as well as did MHC-identical sibling cells, and they responded at least as well to allogeneic unrelated cells. Clinically the patients did not suffer from fungal or protozoal infections, which are common in immune deficiency syndromes. Thus these aplastic anemia patients were little different from normal subjects. The mild lymphopenia, impaired delayed hypersensitivity, and modestly depressed IgG and IgM levels were correlated with corticosteroid therapy.
Rates in Open System in the Steady State: Definitions and Relations

Labeled compounds introduced into living systems are distributed in various spaces and undergo chemical reactions. In order to give a structure to the system, it is usually assumed that there are regions in which a compound is uniformly distributed or, at least, in which internal dispersion occurs much more rapidly than does outward flow; a compound distributed in one such space constitutes a pool. The term “pool” is used in preference to “compartment” to avoid the purely spatial implication that might be assigned to the latter term.
Analysis of isoform-specific tau aggregates suggests a common toxic mechanism involving similar pathological conformations and axonal transport inhibition

Misfolded tau proteins are characteristic of tauopathies, but the isoform composition of tau inclusions varies by tauopathy. Using aggregates of the longest tau isoform (containing 4 microtubule-binding repeats and 4-repeat tau), we recently described a direct mechanism of toxicity that involves exposure of the N-terminal phosphatase-activating domain (PAD) in tau, which triggers a signaling pathway that disrupts axonal transport. However, the impact of aggregation on PAD exposure for other tau isoforms was unexplored. Here, results from immunochemical assays indicate that aggregation-induced increases in PAD exposure and oligomerization are common features among all tau isoforms. The extent of PAD exposure and oligomerization was larger for tau aggregates composed of 4-repeat isoforms compared with those made of 3-repeat isoforms. Most important, aggregates of all isoforms exhibited enough PAD exposure to significantly impair axonal transport in the squid axoplasm. We also show that PAD exposure and oligomerization represent common pathological characteristics in multiple tauopathies. Collectively, these results suggest a mechanism of toxicity common to each tau isoform that likely contributes to degeneration in different tauopathies.
Addressing the Affective Domain: What Neuroscience Says About Social/Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Research in neurobiology clarifies the extent to which the interaction between genetics and early experience shapes brain architecture that impacts mental health. The affective domain and emotional development often receive less recognition as a core capacity emerging during early childhood than the cognitive domain. However, the foundations for social competence are developed from early childhood experiences linked to a child’s emotional relationships with caregivers. A review of the neuroscience literature provides a consensus of what a young child needs to experience in the first three years of life in order to achieve optimal social and emotional development for supporting learning.
Incorporating genetic testing ancestry results into medical decisions.

Though they claim to, direct-to-consumer genetic tests may not correctly identify an individual's ancestral background, and thus may overstate or understate one's risk for heritable disease.
The Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement: Controversial Negotiations and Controversial Results

This chapter examines the historical process that led to the adoption of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin, and some of the debates that may arise as ratification and implementation of the new Act progress. The chapter also considers whether common law jurisdictions are likely to eventually join the updated Lisbon system and the potential motivations for doing so, as at the time of this writing, none were part of this system yet. The chapter observes that the bridge between Lisbon and the common law system has not yet been built because of the different approaches of the Old World and New World representatives to appellations of origin as governed by the Geneva Act. Old World representatives are normatively rigid and concerned with preserving traditional elements such as terroir while New World representatives are concerned with elements of genericness and economic value. Thus, the adoption of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement represents a clear chance to reconcile the Lisbon system doctrinally and render it more appealing to a larger array of countries.
Pharmacology and Perioperative Considerations for Diabetes Mellitus Medications.

Background Given the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in modern society, health care providers are frequently tasked with managing glucose control in the perioperative period. When determining perioperative diabetes management, the clinician must balance the need to maintain relative euglycemia at the time of surgery with preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in a fasting surgical patient. This balance requires an understanding of the pharmacology of these medications, the type of surgery, and the patient's degree of diabetic control. Objective We discuss the various medications used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the current recommendations regarding perioperative care. Method A review of the current literature present on Pubmed and Medline was conducted between the years 2000-2016. The reference lists of each selected article were also reviewed for additional sources of information. Conclusion Perioperative control of blood glucose levels is associated with less morbidity and improved surgical outcomes in patients with and without DM. Preoperatively, clinicians need to thoughtfully adjust diabetic medications on the basis of patient comorbidities, the duration of the fasting period, and the duration of surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative strategies typically use insulin to maintain blood glucose levels in the range of 80 to 180 mg/dL.
Non-contact human computer interaction system design and implementation

Tongue has been proved to be effective in substituting human sensory system. Tongue supported human-computer interaction can help people with motor disability to operate assistive devices and computers. Previous research and applications focus on implementing such an interface by using mechanical or electromagnetic hardware which raises safety issues and hygiene concerns. This paper presents the process of developing a tongue interface by using computer vision so that people with dexterity impairment can interact with assistive devices and computers without relying on mechanical or electromagnetic hardware. An evaluation of the system is conducted and suggests that the novel interaction technique is effective in pointing and text entry for people with dexterity impairment.
Predictability and selection of hydrologic metrics in riverine ecohydrology

AbstractThe natural flow regime is critical to the health of riverine ecosystems. Many hydrologic metrics (HMs) have been developed to describe natural flow regimes, quantify flow alteration, and provide the hydrologic foundation for the development of environmental flow standards. Many applications require the use of models to predict expected natural values of HMs from basin characteristics at sites with no observed records of unimpaired flows. However, the error associated with HM estimation has not been evaluated. The primary goal of our study was to provide guidance for river scientists and managers in the selection, use, and interpretation of HMs for stream classification and hydroecological investigations of river ecosystems. We evaluated the predictability of a broad suite of HMs for the conterminous USA based on random forest statistical models. We also examined how the predictability of metrics varied among unique components of the flow regime. Roughly 40% of 612 HMs we examined could be predict...
Lack of MDM2 interpretation guidelines contribute to diagnostic difficulty in a case of undifferentiated sarcoma

Abstract Undifferentiated sarcomas are malignant mesenchymal neoplasms lacking any specific line of differentiation and are typically a diagnosis of exclusion requiring supplemental diagnostic testing. We present a case of a 68 year old male with a thigh mass. Microscopic evaluation revealed a spindle and epithelioid cell neoplasm with pleomorphic nuclei arranged in vague, irregular fascicles and positive nuclear MDM2 staining. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis demonstrated 36.2 average MDM2 signals and 31.7 average centromere 12 signals per cell (1.1 ratio). Although a dedifferentiated liposarcoma is defined by MDM2 amplification, the lack of an adjacent well differentiated liposarcoma component and radiographic characteristics argued against a lipomatous tumor in this case, leading to a diagnosis of undifferentiated sarcoma, despite the markedly increased MDM2 copy number. With expanding utilization of molecular and cytogenetic testing of tumors, this case highlights questions regarding the interpretation and incorporation of these results in diagnostic soft tissue pathology.
An open-label, phase II study of intravenous anetumab ravtansine, an anti-mesothelin antibody drug conjugate, in pretreated mesothelin-expressing advanced pancreatic cancer.

TPS540Background: Advanced pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest malignancies with median OS of 11 months with the most aggressive therapy regimen. Hence, a need exists for more effective,...
Mixed Finite Element Methods for Diffusion Equations on Nonmatching Grids

The hybridization technique is applied to replace the macro-hybrid mixed finite element problem for the diffusion equation by the equivalent cell-based formulation. The underlying algebraic system is condensed by eliminating the degrees of freedom which represent the interface flux and cell pressure variables to the system containing the Lagrange multipliers variables. An approach to the numerical solution of the condensed system is briefly discussed.
Epidemiology of Mesothelioma and Historical Background

Mesothelioma is a "new" malignant disease strongly associated with exposure to amphibole asbestos exposure (amosite and cro- cidolite) environmentally and in the work place. Nonetheless, in recent years, we have learned that many cases of mesothelioma are idiopathic, while some are caused by therapeutic irradia- tion or chronic inflammation in body cavities. This paper reviews the key epidemiological fea- tures of the malignancy in the context of the biological and mineralogical factors that influ- ence mesothelioma development. These tumors challenge the diagnostic pathologist's acumen, the epidemiologist's skill in devising meaning- ful and definitive studies, the industrial hygien- ist's knowledge of environmental hazards in diverse occupational settings, and the clini- cian's skill in managing an intrepid and uni- formly fatal malignancy. Many, if not most, of the major life-threatening diseases afflicting humankind were recognized well before the Christian era. In that context,
Phosphorus-bromine flame retardant synergy in engineering thermoplastics

Abstract Phosphorus -bromine flame retardant synergy was demonstrated in a 2/1 polycarbonate/polyethylene blend. These data also show phosphorus to be about ten times more effective than bromine in this blend. Brominated phosphates, where both bromine and phosphorus are in the same molecule, were also studied. In at least one case, synergy is further enhanced when both phosphorus and bromine are in the same molecule as compared with a physical blend of a phosphorus and a bromine compound. On a weight basis, phosphorus and bromine in the same molecule are perhaps the most efficient flame retardant combination. The effect of adding an impact modifier was also shown.
Vesamicol analogues as sigma ligands. Molecular determinants of selectivity at the vesamicol receptor.

Abstract The present study compares the affinities of 2-(4-phenylpiperidino)cyclohexanol (vesamicol, 1) and selected analogues of the latter at the vesamicol receptor (VR) with the corresponding affinities at σ1 and σ2 binding sites. For this study, the parent structure 1 was divided into three fragments: A (cyclohexyl), B (piperidyl) and C (phenyl). Vesamicol analogues were then selected to reflect structural modifications in these fragments. Consistent with earlier reports, vesamicol was found to exhibit nanomolar affinities at the VR and σ1 and σ2 sites, resulting in poor selectivity for the VR over the sigma sites. Vesamicol analogues characterized by an acyclic A-fragment showed moderate to low affinities at the VR and moderate to high affinities at σ1 and σ2 sites. As a result, many of these analogues showed poor selectivity for the VR. Replacement of the C4 carbon of 1 with a halobenzyl amine resulted in higher affinities at the VR coupled with moderate to low affinities at σ1 and σ2 sites. The introduction of a benzofused substituent at the C4 and C5 positions of 1 (compound 2) resulted in a 200-fold increase in affinity at the VR accompanied by a 5- to 6-fold decrease in affinity at σ1 and σ2 sites relative to the parent structure. Consequently, compound 2 showed 12,000-fold higher affinity at the VR than at sigma sites. Restricting the rotation of fragment C relative to B (by means of alkyl and alkenyl bridges) generally yielded analogues with subnanomolar affinities at the VR. The corresponding affinities of these spirofused conformationally restricted analogues were moderate to poor at σ1 and σ2 sites when fragment A was preserved. In contrast, the affinities at σ1 and σ2 sites were decreased 3- to 11-fold when fragment A was modified at position C4 and decreased up to 100-fold with benzofusion at the C4 and C5 positions of fragment A. Consequently, the spirofused analogues 15–19 were among the most selective VR ligands examined. Thus, the effect of conformational restriction in fragments A and B-C is to increase affinity at the VR while decreasing affinity at σ1 and σ2 sites, and thereby increasing selectivity for the VR over the sigma sites.
Impact of Melaleuca quinquenervia Biochar on Phaseolus vulgaris Growth, Soil Nutrients, and Microbial Gas Flux.

Biochar has been heralded for improving soil quality, sequestering C, and converting organic residues into value-added amendments. Biochar research in agricultural settings has been primarily conducted on acidic soils, with few studies evaluating biochar effects on alkaline soils. Given the rise of small-scale, sustainable farmers experimenting with biochar in South Florida’s alkaline, carbonaceous soil, this study sought to assess biochar use in South Florida using an invasive plant species as a feedstock. Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T. Blake biomass was converted into biochar to measure how application at two rates, 2 and 5% (w/w), affects plant growth, soil macro- and micronutrients, and microbial gas flux (CO₂) in a potted greenhouse experiment using Phaseolus vulgaris L. Plant growth was inhibited with biochar addition at the 2 and 5% rates. Dry shoot, pod weight, and pod length decreased significantly between treatments (P < 0.001). Significant reductions in plant-available P, Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn were observed in the 5% biochar soil postharvest (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, addition of biochar at 2 and 5% rates significantly reduced CO₂ flux during the growing season, but not at harvest (P < 0.01). Our results indicate that those considering biochar application in South Florida’s alkaline soil should be cautious in selecting feedstock and temperature for biochar production. Biochar can be produced at lower temperatures to decrease pH, but the concomitant increase in volatile matter (VM) is of concern. Although CO₂ flux may have decreased, the deleterious impacts of M. quinquenervia biochar (pH = 8.12, VM = 26.5%) on P. vulgaris production should not be dismissed.
Leaving the Lights on Using Gamma Entrainment to Protect against Neurodegeneration

The brain generates natural oscillations from coordinated neuronal activity. Recent work exploring gamma oscillation entrainment raised the possibility that the phenomenon can be exploited to preserve neural function. In this issue of Neuron, Adaikkan et al. (2019) now show that chronic gamma entrainment using visual stimuli protects against several neurodegenerative phenotypes.
Mechanical Properties and Chemical Characterization of Mortars with Halloysite Nanoclay after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

In this study, the effects of halloysite nanoclay (HNC) on cement mortars after exposure to elevated temperatures were investigated. The compressive strength, microstructure, and chemical composition of mortars with 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % HNC were compared after exposure to temperatures of up to 1,000°C. Also, the materials analysis using diffraction program was used to analyze the X-ray powder diffraction data based on the Rietveld method. Test results revealed that the HNC samples maintained higher strength of up to 10 % at elevated temperatures when compared to plain mortars. An increase in the relative elastic modulus and a higher energy absorption rate were also observed when the HNC was added. It is safe to state that the HNC had an interlocking effect by which it obstructed the heat-induced microcracks. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis showed that the HNC lowered the calcium hydroxide amount and increased/accelerated the hydration of alite and belite in the matrix.
Inadvertent Perforation of a Gravid Uterus During Laparoscopy.

Background Laparoscopic surgery is safe in pregnancy, but is not without risk. Inadvertent uterine perforation of the gravid uterus is a rare complication. Cases Three pregnant women had inadvertent uterine perforation during laparoscopic surgery. All patients were counseled regarding the risks of an "incidental fetoscopy" and elected to continue the pregnancy. Two delivered after preterm premature rupture of membranes at 32 and 36 weeks' gestation, and one twin pregnancy delivered at 30 weeks due to preeclampsia. Conclusion Surgical planning of the gravid patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery should include demarcation of the most superior aspect of the uterine fundus, either via physical examination or, if not conclusive, via preoperative or intraoperative ultrasound.
Implications of Including Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Materials to Performance of Balanced Asphalt Concrete Mixes

Understanding the effect of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) on the mechanical performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures may lead to improved mix design aiming to maximize the use of recycled m...
Electrodeposition of superconducting rhenium-cobalt alloys from water-in-salt electrolytes

Abstract Electrodeposition of rhenium-cobalt (Re-Co) alloys is investigated in water-in-salt electrolyte with a superhigh concentration of lithium chloride. Cyclic and linear sweep voltammetries, potentiostatic deposition, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy are used to characterize the electrochemical deposition behavior of electrolytes and determine the deposition rates of each elements. Re deposition rate is enhanced in the presence of Co and a constant alloy composition is observed within a wide range of potential, both of which are explained with a partial ionic stabilization effect of Co on Re. A completely miscible solid solution with hexagonal close pack structure is observed for ReCo alloys after annealing, where the lattice parameters linearly scale with the alloy compositions. The effect of Co alloying on the superconductivity of electrodeposited alloy films is also characterized down to 2 K.
The CBL–CIPK Calcium Signaling Network: Unified Paradigm from 20 Years of Discoveries

Calcium (Ca2+) serves as an essential nutrient as well as a signaling agent in all eukaryotes. In plants, calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) are a unique group of Ca2+ sensors that decode Ca2+ signals by activating a family of plant-specific protein kinases known as CBL-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs). Interactions between CBLs and CIPKs constitute a signaling network that enables information integration and physiological coordination in response to a variety of extracellular cues such as nutrient deprivation and abiotic stresses. Studies in the past two decades have established a unified paradigm that illustrates the functions of CBL–CIPK complexes in controlling membrane transport through targeting transporters and channels in the plasma membrane and tonoplast.
Phase II trial of clinical activity and safety of ceritinib combined with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

e21571Background: ALK-targeting drugs and SABR are combined in patients with metastatic cancer, anecdotally yielding clinical benefit. However, the precise impact of the combination and the optimal...
Blueprint for greening affordable housing, revised edition, by Walker Wells and Kimberly Vermeer: Washington, DC, Island Press, 2020

When the first edition of the Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing appeared in 2007 it featured several projects from the first generation of the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (EGCC) p...
Spelling Guilt Out of a Record? Harmless-Error Review of Conclusive Mandatory Presumptions and Elemental Misdescriptions

Part I of this Article summarizes the history of harmless-error review. Part II explains more fully the constitutional infirmities generated by conclusive mandatory presumptions and elemental misdescriptions, and demonstrates that the unique nature of these infirmities complicates the question of how courts should review them for harmlessness. It also examines the Supreme Court's attempts to answer the questions of whether, and how, conclusive mandatory presumptions and elemental misdescriptions should be reviewed for harmlessness. In so doing, it focuses particularly on how these attempts have been undermined by the Court's failure to take account of the structural rights undermined by these errors. Finally, Part III argues that the Constitution, relevant Supreme Court precedent, and policy considerations require application of the test specified in Justice Scalia's opinion concurring in the judgment in Carella v. California when courts confront challenges to conclusive mandatory presumptions and elemental misdescriptions. It also contends that this test should apply on direct and collateral review.
Overcoming the fundamental limitation of frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy spatial resolution

We propose and demonstrate the first analytical model of the spatial resolution of frequency-domain (FD) fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) that explains how it is fundamentally different with the common resolution limit of the conventional fluorescence microscopy. Frequency modulation (FM) capture effect is also observed by the model, which results in distorted FLIM measurements. A super-resolution FLIM approach based on a localization-based technique, super-resolution radial fluctuations (SRRF), is presented. In this approach, we separately process the intensity and lifetime to generate a super-resolution FLIM composite image. The capability of the approach is validated both numerically and experimentally in fixed cells sample.
Effect of a Behavioral Intervention on Outcomes for Caregivers of Veterans with PTSD

Caregivers of the approximately 9 million individuals in the US with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) face burdens that may seem overwhelming. In 2017, VA implemented the first national clinica...
Understanding Navajo K–12 Public School Finance in Arizona Through Tribal Critical Theory

Background/ContextCurrently, Native American education policy reports and empirical research papers have largely focused on sociocultural challenges to Native sovereignty and the policy that impede...
PORE-PRESSURE DISSIPATION DURING OFFSHORE CYCLIC LOADING

For cohesionless seafloor soils, the magnitude of pore pressures have a significant influence on design. As effective stresses control stiffness and strength characteristics for cohesionless soils, the rate of dissipation of pore pressures induced by cyclic loading will have a major influence on foundation deformations and seafloor stability. Four problems are examined: (1)Freefield earthquake response; (2)lateral soil-pile interaction; (3)wave loading of offshore gravity structures; and (4)wave induced seafloor pore-pressure response. Both published examples and new analytical solutions are used to show that significant pore-pressure dissipation may occur in many field loading problems, the extent of dissipation depending on induced pore-pressure gradients, the permeability of the soil, and the frequency of loading.
Drift (For Interim Analysis)

Drift, in the context of the design and analysis of group sequential plans for clinical trials, refers to the mean of a Brownian motion process describing the accumulating evidence on the treatment difference. Although the implementation of group sequential testing does not require explicit reference to Brownian motion process, some understanding of it simplifies the discussion of certain aspects, especially sample size determination, estimation, and stochastic curtailment. Keywords: Group sequential test; Brownian motion; information time
Chemical reactions in aerosols

Abstract The bromination of monodispersed submicron 1-octadecene aerosol droplets was investigated as a function of temperature, bromine vapor concentration, and particle size. The experiments were carried out in a steady laminar flow reactor using helium, laden with bromine vapor, as the carrier gas. The size distributions of the aerosols were determined in situ by light scattering. The degree of bromination was measured at the exit of the reaction tube for fixed residence times by collecting the aerosol in a thermal gradient precipitator and analyzing the collected samples by infrared spectrometry. The plots of the degree of bromination versus bromine vapor concentration are sigmoid in shape and are nearly independent of temperature and droplet size. The amount of 1-octadecene brominated ranged from 0 to 100% for bromine vapor concentrations varying between ∼1 × 10−5 and 4 × 10−5 mole/liter carrier gas. The aerosol-vapor interaction studied was analyzed theoretically and the results were found to be consistent with a model which assumes a liquid phase chemical reaction control of the bromination process.
Protein Utilization and Lysine Metabolism in Obese and Non-obese Growing Rats

Efficiency of protein utilization and lysine metabolism were studied in growing rats of the Zucker 13M strain, both obese and lean, and in the Charles River CD strain. When graded levels of wheat gluten or wheat gluten supplemented with lysine were fed to these three types of rats, no significant differences in the efficiency of protein utilization were found. However, under these dietary conditions, the Zucker obese rats appeared to be about 167% more efficient in energy utilization than the Zucker lean rats or the Charles River strain. The response of liver lysine-ketoglutarate reductase to the dietary treatment was similar in these three types of growing rats. The enzyme activity was induced by dietary lysine. Rats fed a lysine-deficient purified diet had a significantly lower enzyme activity than those fed a protein-free diet indicating that the same adaptive mechanism for lysine conservation as previously observed in adult rats also occurred in the growing animal. Interaction between dietary and genetic factors on fatty liver was found in this study. The most severe fatty liver was observed in the Zucker obese rats fed the most lysine-deficient diet containing 8% wheat gluten protein.
Connected vehicle penetration rate for estimation of arterial measures of effectiveness

Abstract The Connected Vehicle (CV) technology is a mobile platform that enables a new dimension of data exchange among vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. This data source could improve the estimation of Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) for traffic operations in real-time, allowing to perfectly monitor traffic states after being fully adopted. However, as with any novel technology, the CV adoption will be a gradual process. This research focuses on determining minimum CV technology penetration rates that would guarantee accurate MOE estimates on signalized arterials. First, we present estimation methods for various MOEs such as average speed, number of stops, acceleration noise, and delay, followed by an initial assessment of the penetration rates required to accurately estimate them in undersaturated and oversaturated conditions. Next, we propose a methodology to determine the minimum CV market penetration rates to guarantee accurate MOE estimates as a function of traffic conditions, signal settings, sampling duration, and the MOE variability. A correction factor is also provided to account for small vehicle populations where sampling is done without replacement. The methodology is tested in a simulated segment of the San Pablo Avenue arterial in Berkeley, CA. The outcomes show that the minimum penetration rate required can be estimated within 1% for most MOEs under a wide range of traffic conditions. The proposed methodology can be used to determine if MOE estimates obtained with a portion of CV equipped vehicles can yield accurate enough results. The methodology could also be used to develop and assess control strategies towards improved arterial traffic operations.
Befriending death: A mindfulness-based approach to cultivating self-awareness in counselling students.

ABSTRACTThe importance of self-awareness in counselling education is widely recognized; however, strengthening this vital aspect is often left to educators’ discretion. The author addresses this deficiency by first exploring four theoretical constructs: mindfulness, emotional regulation, death anxiety, and relationship dynamics. Then, she outlines a practical learning activity on the topic of death. The main exercise involves a guided meditation in which students imagine both a worst-case and best-case scenario of their own death, while practicing mindfulness, followed by a debriefing period and a written self-reflection. This activity can be used by educators to promote greater self-awareness in master’s level counselling students.
A new approach to resolving emitter locations in the presence of antenna manifold mismatch

We introduce a new method of locating multiple emitters which cannot be resolved using direction of arrival techniques such as MUSIC. Our method allows the position of a single emitter to be estimated with minimal interference from other co-channel emitters in the scene. We find that this technique is particularly useful for cases of antenna manifold mismatch and that it provides results similar to Alternating Projection with less computational burden.
Structures, Rotational Barriers, and Thermochemical Properties of Chlorinated Aldehydes and the Corresponding Acetyl (CC•O) and Formyl Methyl Radicals (C•CO) and Additivity Groups

Chlorinated formyl methyl radicals (C•CO) are the stable keto forms of chlorovinoxy radicals formed by cleavage or abstraction of the weak O−H bonds of chlorovinyl alcohols. Thermochemical properties, ΔHf°298, S°298, and Cp°(T) (5 K ≤ T ≤ 6000 K), are computed by density functional B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p), ab initio QCISD(T)/6-31G(d,p), and composite CBS-Q calculation methods for chlorinated aldehydes and the corresponding chlorinated acetyl and formyl methyl radicals: CH3CHO (1), CH3CClO (2), CH2ClCHO (3), CH2ClCClO (4), CHCl2CHO (5), CHCl2CClO (6), CCl3CHO (7), CCl3CClO (8), CH3C•O (9), CH2ClC•O (10), CHCl2C•O (11), CCl3C•O (12), C•H2CHO (13), C•H2CClO (14), E-C•HClCHO (15), Z-C•HClCHO (16), C•Cl2CHO (17), E-C•HClCClO (18), Z-C•HClCClO (19), C•Cl2CClO (20). Molecular structures and vibration frequencies are determined at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory. Vibration frequencies are scaled for zero-point energies and thermal corrections. Two to four isodesmic reactions are utilized ...
Work stressors in health care: Context and outcomes

This overview presents a holistic model of work stressors in health care settings. The model posits that health care system and personal system factors contribute to work stressors, influence staff coping, and affect staff and patient outcomes. We use the model for commenting on issues such as the determinants of health care workers' stressors and the impact of health care system factors, work stressors, and coping on staff's job morale and health. The research in this area suggests that health care system factors play a central role in the work life of health care providers. A positive work milieu can lessen the stressors staff confront and mitigate their negative effects. We discuss key developments that are changing the health care workplace and suggest directions for future research.
Cross-Cultural Analysis of Student Writing : Beyond Discourses of Difference.

Text analysis traditions in France and the United States include discourse analysis, critical linguistics, French functional linguistics, Bakhtinian dialogics, and “generous reading.” These frames ...
Electroencephalographic changes associated with experimental temporary focal cerebral anemia.

Abstract 1. 1. The right middle cerebral artery was occluded in 19 monkeys, in 9 animals permanently and in 10 animals for periods varying from 10 to 50 min. During each procedure a continuous cortical electrogram was made, and scalp records were obtained at intervals post-operatively. 2. 2. A decrease in electrical potential occurred within 1 min. following occlusion, in all but four animals. This decrease was not proportional to the size of the infarct which subsequently developed. 3. 3. In 9 of the 10 animals with temporary occlusion, some restoration of potential occurred within 30 min. following the termination of occlusion. In 5 of these the potential returned to the pre-operative level in this period. 4. 4. In about two-thirds of the post-operative scalp records there was a persistent diminution of amplitude over the region of the infarct or over the entire right hemisphere. 5. 5. Slow waves, appearing in only two animals during operation, were consistently present post-operatively in about one-half of the animals. 6. 6. Abnormal rhythmic patterns appeared in two-thirds of the animals, but clinical seizures were observed in only three, whose middle cerebral arteries were occluded for 40 min., 40 min. and 30 min. respectively. In each instance these seizures involved the contralateral arm and face. 7. 7. Epileptiform activity appeared in the EEG from the contralateral as well as the ipsilateral side in 3 animals.
Purification, Cloning, Expression, and Mechanism of Action of a Novel Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor from the Salivary Gland of the Blood-sucking Bug, Rhodnius prolixus

Rhodnius prolixus aggregation inhibitor 1 (RPAI-1), a 19-kDa protein isolated from the salivary gland of R. prolixus, was purified by strong cation exchange and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographies. Based on 49 amino-terminal amino acid sequences of RPAI-1, primers were produced to generate probes to screen an R. prolixus salivary gland cDNA library. A phage containing the full-length clone of RPAI-1 codes for a mature protein of 155 amino acids. RPAI-1 shows sequence homology to triabin and pallidipin, lipocalins from Triatoma pallidipennis. The cDNA sequence was cloned in Pet17B Escherichia coli expression vector, producing an active peptide. RPAI-1 inhibits human platelet-rich plasma aggregation triggered by low concentrations of ADP, collagen, arachidonic acid, thromboxane A(2) mimetics (U46619), and very low doses of thrombin and convulxin. Here we show that ADP is the target of RPAI-1 since (i) RPAI-1 inhibits ADP-dependent large aggregation formation and secretion triggered by U46619, without affecting Ca(2+) increase and shape change; (ii) ADP restored the inhibition of U46619-induced platelet aggregation by RPAI-1, (iii) PGE(1)-induced increase of cAMP (which is antagonized by U46619 in an ADP-dependent manner) was restored by RPAI-1, (iv) RPAI-1 inhibits low concentrations of ADP-mediated responses of indomethacin-treated platelets, and (v) RPAI-1 binds to ADP, as assessed by large zone chromatography. RPAI-1 affects neither integrin alpha(2)beta(1)- nor glycoprotein VI-mediated platelet responses. We conclude that RPAI-1 is the first lipocalin described that inhibits platelet aggregation by a novel mechanism, binding to ADP.
Screening Tool to Assess Adequacy of Bridge Timber Pile Bents during Extreme Scour Events

AbstractTimber substructure bridges supported by three, four, or five piles were commonly used in Alabama in the past for secondary and county highway bridges. Because of the large number of such bridges in the state, the Alabama DOT recently developed a screening tool to assist its engineers in assessing the adequacy of bridge pile bents for extreme flood and scour events. The evaluation procedure employed in the screening tool is presented in this paper through the following sequence: (1) preliminary or general checks; (2) possible kick-out or plunging failure; (3) bent pile buckling failure; (4) transverse pushover failure from combined vertical gravity and lateral floodwater loadings; and (5) bent upstream pile beam-column failure from combined vertical gravity and lateral debris raft loadings. This paper discusses the theoretical background for the equations used to evaluate each failure mode in the timber screening tool, in addition to describing the flow of the screening process.
Erosion resistance of diamond coatings

Abstract Preliminary solid particle erosion testing of 10 μm thick diamond films on silicon substrates showed excellent erosion resistance. The application of diamond coatings to materials that are commonly used in erosive environments should result in significant improvement over other erosion-resistant coatings. Diamond films were applied to silicon, tungsten and Ti-6Al-4V using a high-pressure microwave-assisted plasma deposition system and were determined to have a high degree of sp3 bonding using Raman spectroscopy. Erosion tests were performed on diamond-coated silicon, tungsten and Ti-6Al-4V, as well as on uncoated substrates and alternative coatings. The erosion resistances of the target materials were compared using volume loss versus erodent mass plots and steady-state erosion-rate data. Diamond-coated silicon showed the highest erosion resistance. Diamond-coated Ti-6Al-4V also showed high erosion resistance when compared with uncoated materials. Erosion mechanisms were identified by examination of eroded surfaces using scanning electron microscopy. Diamond coatings on Ti-6Al-4V substrates fail by delamination of the coating from the substrate. This is believed to be a result of high residual stresses and stress concentrations at the coating-substrate interface. Diamond coatings on silicon and tungsten substrates are gradually removed by a brittle erosion process.
Improved Shear Wave Motion Detection Using Pulse-Inversion Harmonic Imaging With a Phased Array Transducer

Ultrasound tissue harmonic imaging is widely used to improve ultrasound B-mode imaging quality thanks to its effectiveness in suppressing imaging artifacts associated with ultrasound reverberation, phase aberration, and clutter noise. In ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE), because the shear wave motion signal is extracted from the ultrasound signal, these noise sources can significantly deteriorate the shear wave motion tracking process and consequently result in noisy and biased shear wave motion detection. This situation is exacerbated in in vivo SWE applications such as heart, liver, and kidney. This paper, therefore, investigated the possibility of implementing harmonic imaging, specifically pulse-inversion harmonic imaging, in shear wave tracking, with the hypothesis that harmonic imaging can improve shear wave motion detection based on the same principles that apply to general harmonic B-mode imaging. We first designed an experiment with a gelatin phantom covered by an excised piece of pork belly and show that harmonic imaging can significantly improve shear wave motion detection by producing less underestimated shear wave motion and more consistent shear wave speed measurements than fundamental imaging. Then, a transthoracic heart experiment on a freshly sacrificed pig showed that harmonic imaging could robustly track the shear wave motion and give consistent shear wave speed measurements of the left ventricular myocardium while fundamental imaging could not. Finally, an in vivo transthoracic study of seven healthy volunteers showed that the proposed harmonic imaging tracking sequence could provide consistent estimates of the left ventricular myocardium stiffness in end-diastole with a general success rate of 80% and a success rate of 93.3% when excluding the subject with Body Mass Index higher than 25. These promising results indicate that pulse-inversion harmonic imaging can significantly improve shear wave motion tracking and thus potentially facilitate more robust assessment of tissue elasticity by SWE.
Prognostic indicators of malignancy in adrenal pheochromocytomas: clinical, histopathologic, and cell cycle/apoptosis gene expression analysis

Background Pheochromocytomas are malignant in ∼10% of patients. The histologic differentiation between benign and malignant tumors is difficult, the latter diagnosed by the presence of metastatic disease or recurrence. Aim To determine if postoperative histologic evaluation using the previously proposed Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) and cell cycle/apoptosis markers can predict patients at risk for recurrence. Methods Using the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adrenal database, we identified 48 patients with 51 resected pheochromocytomas (1987–2006). A senior endocrine pathologist, blinded to clinical outcome, reviewed the histopathologic characteristics of all cases using the PASS system. This pheochromocytoma scoring system is based on the presence of 12 different histologic parameters, including tumor necrosis, mitotic rate, tumor cell spindling, and the presence of large cell nests. In addition, we constructed a tissue microarray of all 5 malignant tumors and 41 of the benign tumors. By immunostaining of the tissue microarray, we assessed the expression of 7 different cell cycle/apoptosis–related genes (p53, Ki-67, Bcl-2, mdm-2, cyclin D1, p21, and p27). Results Forty-three patients had a benign clinical course while 5 patients harbored a clinically malignant pheochromocytoma. Tumor necrosis (focal or confluent) was a particularly powerful indicator of malignancy present in 4 of 5 patients (80%) with malignant tumors, but only in 3 of 42 cases (7%) with benign neoplasms (P = .0009). The presence of a high mitotic rate (>3/10 high power fields) and tumor cell spindling significantly correlated with malignancy (P = .026 and .041, respectively). High cellularity was more often present in the malignant lesions (P = .050). There was a highly significant difference in PASS scores between benign and malignant cases (P = .0003). All malignant pheochromocytomas had a PASS score ≥6, well above the previously proposed ≥4 cutoff value. Two of the 4 patients testing positive for Ki-67 (>2% nuclear staining) had a clinically malignant course while only 3 (7%) of the 41 cases with lower Ki-67 positivity rate behaved in a malignant fashion (P = .055). Ki-67-positive tumor had a significantly higher chance of harboring tumor necrosis than Ki-67-negative neoplasms (P Conclusions (1) A PASS score of
Introduction of specific point mutations into RNA polymerase II by gene targeting in mouse embryonic stem cells: evidence for a DNA mismatch repair mechanism.

We have introduced two specific point mutations, located 20 base pairs apart, into the endogenous murine gene that encodes the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPII215). The first mutation conferred resistance to the mushroom toxin alpha-amanitin (amar), and the second mutation generated a restriction fragment length polymorphism without altering the protein sequence. Targeted amar clones were generated at a frequency of 1 in 30 totipotent embryonic stem cells that expressed stably integrated DNA vectors after electroporation. Thirty to 40% of these clones had acquired both mutations, whereas, surprisingly, the remaining clones had acquired the specific amar point mutation but lacked the restriction fragment length polymorphism. We suggest that the latter clones were generated by independent DNA mismatch repair rather than by double crossover or gene conversion. These results demonstrate that it is possible to introduce specific point mutations into an endogenous gene in embryonic stem cells. Thus it should be possible to introduce single base substitutions into other cellular genes, including nonselectable genes, by optimizing the efficiency of gene transfer and/or the sensitivity of screening for targeted clones.