cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vestibular function in Belgian Waterslager canaries (Serinus canarius)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to measure vestibular function in Belgian Waterslager canaries using short latency vestibular evoked potentials (VsEPs) elicited by linear acceleration stimuli. Responses were recorded with vertex to mastoid leads using traditional signal averaging. Response thresholds, latencies, and amplitudes were quantified and compared to non-Waterslager controls. Cochlear and vestibular organs were also processed for scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that vestibular response thresholds were slightly, but significantly, higher for Belgian Waterslager canaries and response amplitudes at 0 dBre:1.0 g/ms were significantly reduced compared to non-Waterslagers. Response peak latencies were not significantly different. The most striking morphological finding was that the stereociliary bundles of Waterslager saccular hair cells showed no common orientation. Previous reports have also found significantly less hair cells in Waterslager saccules (Weisleder and Park, Hear. Res. 80 (1994) 64–70); however, the present study did not confirm this finding. The utricle and ampullae appeared normal. The present results indicate that vestibular neural function, as measured with VsEPs, is affected in Belgian Waterslager canaries. The results also suggest that one structural correlate of the functional loss is the disordered stereociliary bundles in the sacculus.
Percent Protein and Amounts of Soft Red Winter Wheat for Lactating Cows

Abstract The effects of feeding a high (18%) and normal (14%) protein wheat mixture, compared to a corn concentrate mixture, were studied with Holstein cows in a switchback trial. Wheat was fed at 1 3 and 2 3 of the concentrate mixture. More wheat resulted in less 4% fat-corrected milk and a lower milk fat content. No significant differences in feed consumption, milk yield, or solids-not-fat and milk fat content due to kind of wheat were detectable; but cows consuming the high protein wheat lost weight during the trial. Milk production and feed consumption were similar when all wheat mixtures were compared to the corn mixture without wheat.
Technique for ipsilateral rescue embolization of common femoral side branch vessel injury.

We report a novel double wire technique for ipsilateral access of the external iliac/common femoral artery transition side-branches in a patient with active extravasation. The case is noteworthy in that asymptomatic extravasation was noted in both the inferior epigastric and deep circumflex iliac branches on femoral angiography prior to intraaortic balloon pump insertion following emergent diagnostic left heart cathetrization. We speculate the side branch injury was related to the J-wire and describe how this complication may be best treated by the ipsilateral technique reported herein. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Using appreciative inquiry to create a sustainable rural school district and community

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to document how a doctoral research team applied an action research process to improve communication and collaboration strategies among rural Midwestern school district stakeholders.Design/methodology/approach – An appreciative inquiry (AI) action research methodology framed as a qualitative case study using the AI 4‐D cycle over four consecutive weeks was facilitated with nine purposively selected stakeholders.Findings – Findings suggest that the AI 4‐D cycle promoted greater respect and value of participants' strengths/assets through shared personal narratives; participants transformed their rural school district's culture from defensive, isolationist, and reactive to one that embraced internal and external collaboration, greater levels of trust, and hope; and participants increased social capital between the school district and community agencies as well as in the relationship among school district stakeholders.Practical implications – Participants entered the pro...
Results of simulation comparison of control computers

In considering a digital computer for use in a control system, two types of digital computers are generally recognized today: whole word, commonly referred to as general-purpose, and partial word or incremental computers. One or the other may be ideal for a specific application, but, since they differ considerably in basic concept, neither of them can solve all problems.
Source allocation based on design criteria in analog circuits

A simple technique is presented that allocates the DC (voltage and current) sources in an analog design based on the design criteria provided. In cases where the main DC sources, such as supply batteries, are already assigned the technique uses other components such as current sources, current mirrors, and even “power-carrying components”, such as resistors, to match with the design criteria. The technique uses nullor pairs to pair the biasing design criteria with the power sources -locations and magnitudes - required for the biasing. Because the operating points of the transistors can be specified as part of the design criteria the technique allows the designer to linearized the circuit not only for the performance (AC) design but also for the biasing design. It is shown that the nullators keep the biasing criteria fixed during the analysis; whereas, the norators act as the place holders for the DC supplies or the power-carrying components. Finally some design examples are worked out, which demonstrate the capability of the presented technique in analog circuit designs.
Hormonal therapy and radiation for prostate cancer: is it safe?

Over the last few decades, hormonal therapy (HT) has emerged as an important component in the curative management of men with locally advanced or localized unfavorable-risk prostate cancer (PC). Mu...
Probing Adsorption Sites of Silica-Supported Platinum with 13C16O + 12C16O and 13C18O + 12C16O Mixtures: A Comparative Fourier Transform Infrared Investigation

A comparative investigation of the adsorption of 1 3 C 1 8 O + 1 2 C 1 6 O and 1 3 C 1 6 O + 1 2 C 1 6 O mixtures on silica-supported Pt has been conducted. It is advantageous to use 1 3 C 1 8 O + 1 2 C 1 6 O mixtures rather than 1 3 C 1 6 O + 1 2 C 1 6 O to probe the adsorption sites and electronic state of supported Group VIII metals because the vibrational bands of the adsorbed 1 3 C 1 8 O and 1 2 C 1 6 O isotopic molecules do not overlap. In addition, while an intensity redistribution suppresses the lower-frequency band with adsorbed 1 3 C 1 6 O and 1 2 C 1 6 O with vibrational frequencies differing by 50 cm - 1 , the intensity redistribution is less pronounced with the adsorbed 1 3 C 1 8 O and 1 2 C 1 6 O in which the frequency difference is 100 cm - 1 . Moreover, the small intensity redistribution that does occur between the bands of adsorbed 1 3 C 1 8 O and 1 2 C 1 6 O still allows the detection of the vibrational band of adsorbed 1 3 C 1 8 O at 1 3 C 1 8 O gas-phase concentrations as low as 3%. At such low concentrations, the dipole-dipole interaction between adsorbed 1 3 C 1 8 O molecules is negligible, and, hence, both the singleton frequency and the dipole-dipole shift for adsorbed CO may be obtained in a single experiment. Two types of strongly bound and one type of weakly bound linear CO-Pt adsorption complexes have been identified and characterized by their singleton frequencies and dipole-dipole coupling shifts. The origin of these CO adsorption modes is discussed.
Can naloxone inhibit the cardiovascular effect of acupuncture

Forty dogs were studied during MAC-I halothane anaesthesia with a chronically implanted electromagnetic flow probe on the ascending aorta. Cardiac output, stroke volume. heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, central venous pressure and total peripheral resistance were determined in addition to $$Pa_{o_2 } $$ . pH, $$Pa_{co_2 } $$ and base deficit. Acupuncture moxibustion with electrocautery at Jen Chung (Go-26) produced a significant (five per cent level) increase in the cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure and a significant decrease in total peripheral resistance during a 120-minute period of observation in dogs under halothane anaesthesia. Acupuncture moxibustion at Go-26 following pretreatment with the narcotic antagonist naloxone (1 mg · kg-1) produced a significant increase in cardiac output, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure and central venous pressure. It is concluded that naloxone, which inhibits the analgesic effects of acupuncture, does not inhibit the sympathomimetic effect of acupuncture or moxibustion at Jen Chung (Go-26) in dogs under light MAC-I halothane anaesthesia.
Parent, Teacher, and Self-Report of Problem and Adaptive Behaviors in Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome

The present study examined perceptions of the social problems and adaptive behaviors of children and youth with Asperger Syndrome. Parents and teachers used the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992) to evaluate 20 children and youth with Asperger Syndrome. In addition, the 20 students using the BASC self-report instrument evaluated their social problems and adaptive behavior. Findings are discussed relative to better understanding and planning for the needs of children and youth with Asperger Syndrome and their families.
Statistical issues in measurement

Abstract Measurement theories are traditionally couched in algebraic terms, which makes them unsuitable for statistical testing. A probabilistic recasting of these theories is proposed here. It is observed then that an axiom of probabilistic measurement has typically the form of a logical polynomial, the structure of which induces a particular partition of the parameter space, giving rise to a calss of statistical problems for which the null hypothesis is a union of convex polyhedrons. This is a consequence of the fact that a logical polynomial can always be rewritten in normal form, that is, as a disjunction of conjunctions. A likelihood ratio method is worked out in a couple of exemplary cases. One of these examples provides a test of transitivity, a property which lies at the heart of ordinal measurement.
The plane strain forging of aluminum and an aluminum alloy at low strain rates and elevated temperatures

The production of stress-strain data at low strain rates and elevated temperatures for pure aluminum and an aluminum-copper alloy, using a constant-velocity, planestrain compression test, is described. The shapes of the stress-strain curves are interpreted in terms of the competing tendencies towards work hardening and thermal softening. It is shown that the stress required to produce a given deformation is related to the strain rate through a power law. It is found that data can be correlated in terms of equivalent temperature and strain-rate combinations through the Zener-Hollomon parameter and a velocity modified temperature. However, in the case of the aluminum alloy the correlation is poor. Comparison of the present work with previous work revealed some differences in experimental results.
Isolation, short-term culture, and transplantation of small hepatocyte-like progenitor cells from retrorsine-exposed rats.

BACKGROUND: Complete liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats treated with the pyrrolizidine alkaloid retrorsine can be accomplished through the activation, expansion, and differentiation of a novel population of small hepatocyte-like progenitor cells (SHPCs). These cells have not been isolated in pure form, established in primary culture, or transplanted into syngeneic rats to examine their differentiation potential. METHODS: Primary liver cells enriched for SHPCs were prepared by differential centrifugation of primary liver cell dispersions from retrorsine-exposed rats 6-8 days and 13-15 days after PH. Isolated SHPCs were characterized for cell size, morphology, and expression of cell type-specific markers (including hepatocyte and bile duct-oval cell markers), and established in short-term primary culture. Isolated SHPCs were transplanted into the livers of syngeneic rats to evaluate their ability to engraft and differentiate into mature hepatocytes. RESULTS: SHPCs obtained from retrorsine-exposed rats 6-8 days and 13-15 days after PH were small (10-12 microm in diameter), morphologically resembled hepatocytes, and were predominantly H.4 antigen-positive, alpha-fetoprotein-positive, and OV6-negative. SHPCs did not proliferate in culture and could not be passaged, but short-term cultures were established using protein substrates (collagen or laminin) and defined medium containing epidermal growth factor and nicotinamide. After transplantation into the livers of syngeneic hosts, SHPCs insert into hepatic plates and give rise to differentiated hepatocyte progeny. The SHPC-derived hepatocyte progeny express a differentiated phenotype (albumin-positive, transferrin-positive, alpha-fetoprotein-negative) and are able to proliferate in vivo in response to the growth stimulus provided by PH. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that enriched SHPC populations can be isolated from retrorsine-exposed rats and established in short-term culture, and they can engraft and differentiate after transplantation into the livers of syngeneic rats.
Polymorphism of β2-glycoprotein I at codons 306 and 316 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome

Objective To determine the frequency of mutations in the phospholipid binding domain of β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and/or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and to analyze the clinical correlations of such mutations with thromboembolic complications. Methods Exons 7 and 8 of β2GPI, which encode for its fifth domain, were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and the presence of mutations was determined by restriction digestion and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis. A clinical correlation with these mutations and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anti-β2GPI antibody, and the development of thromboembolic complications was performed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Results From a total of 143 patients studied, we found that 5.6% were heterozygous for the mutation at exon 7 (codon 306), and 7.7% were heterozygous for the mutation at exon 8 (codon 316). No homozygous subjects were found for either mutation. No significant correlation between these mutations and the presence of aPL, LAC, or anti-β2GPI antibodies was found. In patients with SLE (n = 95), 4 of 6 patients with exon 8 mutation had thrombosis, compared with 22 of 82 patients without the mutation (P = 0.043). Conclusion The prevalence of mutations in the fifth domain of β2GPI in these patients with SLE and/or APS were similar to those previously reported for the general population. Heterozygosity for either mutation does not influence the incidence of aPL, but in patients with SLE, the mutation at exon 8 may predispose to thrombosis as an independent factor.
Towards Robot-Assisted Vitreoretinal Surgery: Force-Sensing Micro-Forceps Integrated with a Handheld Micromanipulator

In vitreoretinal practice, controlled tremor-free motion and limitation of applied forces to the retina are two highly desired features. This study addresses both requirements with a new integrated system: a force-sensing motorized micro-forceps combined with an active tremor-canceling handheld micromanipulator, known as Micron. The micro-forceps is a 20 Ga instrument that is mechanically decoupled from its handle and senses the transverse forces at its tip with an accuracy of 0.3 mN. Membrane peeling trials on a bandage phantom revealed a 60-95% reduction in the 2-20 Hz band in both the tip force and position spectra, while peeling forces remained below the set safety threshold.
Molecular and crystal structures of halopentaamminerhodium-(III) complexes, [Rh(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 and [Rh(NH3)5Br]Br2

The crystal and molecular structures of the title compounds have been determined by three-dimensional single-crystal X-ray techniques. All crystallographic details are fully reported. The major chemical conclusion for the pair, [Rh(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 and [Rh(NH3)Br]Br2, is that neither Cl nor Br exert a static intramoleculartrans effect. Furthermore, the two halogens have the same static electronic structural effect on the [RhIII(NH3)5] fragment. The conclusions shed much light on spectroscopic, thermodynamic and kinetic data of other compounds.
Psychostimulant effects on learning and cognitive function: Findings and implications for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract Psychostimulants are among the most popularly used treatments for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This article provides a comprehensive review of 84 studies in which the effects, dose-response nature, and time course of methylphenidate (MPH) on learning and cognitive function in children are critically examined. The results challenge the popularly held notion that low dosages produce optimal improvement in children's cognitive function and learning, and a preliminary model of stimulant effects is hypothesized.
Flow cytometric characterization of Peyer's patch and cecal tonsil T lymphocytes in laying hens following challenge with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

Two trials were conducted to determine T cell changes in Peyer's patches (PP) and cecal tonsils (CT) of specific-pathogen-free Single-Comb White Leghorn hens challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE). Each week, crop lavage samples were obtained from 4 or 3 hens in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. These birds were then sacrificed and their intestinal tracts excised. The crop sample and contents of one cecum from each hen were cultured for the presence of SE. Cells were purified from proximal and distal PP along with both CT and then aliquots of cells were incubated with antibodies to CD4, CD8, and the three T cell receptors (TCR). The T subsets were identified via flow cytometric analysis. Crop and cecal samples were 100% culture positive for SE at week 1 post challenge and a percentage of samples remained positive throughout the study. Some differences in TCR subsets between or within tissues were observed at various times relative to SE challenge but over-all the subsets remained similar during the study. The predominant TCR was TCR2 (vβ1) followed by TCR3 (vβ2). Low numbers of TCR1 (γδ) cells were observed. CD4/CD8 ratios increased in the PP and CT tissues by week 1 post challenge and the ratio elevation persisted throughout the experiment. These results indicate that T cell populations are comparable between PP and CT and enteric SE infection can affect the cellular dynamics of these lymphoid tissues.
Crosslinked and stabilized in-kernel heat-moisture-treated and temperature-cycled normal maize starch and effects of reaction conditions on starch properties

Kernels of normal maize were subjected to a heat-moisture treatment (HMT) followed by a temperature cycling (TC) regime that was previously shown to produce slowly digesting starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) (Wongsagonsup, Varavinit, & BeMiller, 2008). This starch (in-kernel HMT-TC normal maize starch [NMS]) was then subjected to a low level of crosslinking with phosphoryl chloride, to hydroxypropylation, and to crosslinking followed by hydroxypropylation to determine if it could be converted into a slowly digesting modified food starch. Five controls were used. Digestibility after cooking, RVA parameters, and DSC parameters of gelatinization and retrogradation were determined. Crosslinked in-kernel HMT-TC NMS had the greatest amount of SDS, but only 3.1% (compared to 1.3% in the native starch). Hydroxypropylated and crosslinked and hydroxypropylated in-kernel HMT-TC NMS had the greatest amount of RS, but only 35% and 33%, respectively (compared to 16% in the native starch). Derivatization changed the physical properties of in-kernel HMT-TC NMS. It was also found that subjecting the starches used in this study to the time, temperature, pH, and salt concentration conditions used for derivatization made significant changes to the physical properties of the starch. In fact, subjecting in-kernel HMT-TC NMS and HMT-TC laboratory-isolated NMS to the conditions used for derivatization but without any added reagent made greater changes in the peak viscosity than did derivatization. The same was not true, however, for laboratory-isolated NMS. And for the most part, the starches subjected to the conditions of derivatization alone also produced different final viscosity values, indicating that whatever changes in granule structure and behavior occurred as a result of treatment with reaction conditions were carried through the RVA cooling cycle.
A linear stochastic model for phytoplankton production in a marine ecosystem

Abstract A linear stochastic process is formulated as an approximation to a nonlinear ecosystem model. The formulation traces a chemical nutrient as it undergoes random exchanges between the phytoplankton, zooplankton, and the euphotic zone of an aquatic ecosystem. The formulation of a linear process allows the derivation of a partial-differential equation for the cumulant-generating function of the process. The use of this equation leads to a system of linear, deterministic differential equations for the cumulants of the process. Closed-form solutions are obtained for the means of the ecosystem components. These means display the characteristic oscillations and phase-plane spirals of predator-prey models. A variance which increases almost linearly with time suggests a non-stable probability distribution. Predation dynamics are reflected in the correlation structure of the solutions.
Motion Coordination using Virtual Nodes

We describe how a virtual node abstraction layer can be used to coordinate the motion of real mobile nodes on a 2D plane. In particular, we consider how nodes in a mobile ad hoc network can arrange themselves along a predetermined curve in the plane, and can maintain themselves in such a configuration in the presence of changes in the underlying mobile ad hoc network, specifically, when nodes may join or leave the system or may fail. Our strategy is to allow the mobile nodes to implement a virtual layer consisting of mobile client nodes, stationary Virtual Nodes (VNs) for predetermined zones in the plane, and local broadcast communication. The VNs coordinate among themselves to distribute the client nodes between zones based on the length of the curve through those zones, while each VN directs its zone’s local client nodes to move themselves to equally spaced locations on the local portion of the target curve.
Path criticality computation in parameterized statistical timing analysis

This paper presents a method to compute criticality probabilities of paths in parameterized statistical static timing analysis (SSTA). We partition the set of all the paths into several groups and formulate the path criticality into a joint probability of inequalities. Before evaluating the joint probability directly, we simplify the inequalities through algebraic elimination, handling topological correlation. Our proposed method uses conditional probabilities to obtain the joint probability, and statistics of random variables representing process parameters are changed due to given conditions. To calculate the conditional statistics of the random variables, we derive analytic formulas by extending Clark's work. This allows us to obtain the conditional probability density function of a path delay, given the path is critical, as well as to compute criticality probabilities of paths. Our experimental results show that the proposed method provides 4.2X better accuracy on average in comparison to the state-of-art method.
Simulation of grasping deformable objects with a virtual human hand

This paper addresses a largely open problem in haptic simulation and rendering: contact force and deformation modeling for haptic simulation of grasping a deformable object with a realistic virtual human hand, especially in power grasps. The virtual hand model consists of meshes of realistic shapes for the finger links and palm of a hand. We tackle the problem by adopting the non-linear contact force model and the beam-skeleton model for global shape deformation introduced in [5]. The results verify the efficiency of contact force and deformation modeling for both power grasp and precision grasp of deformable objects with reasonable realism.
The teen sleep loss epidemic: What can be done?

Making sense of “expert advice” is among the many challenges of parenting. With the media circulating contrasting views on the importance of sleep in adolescence, parents and practitioners would benefit from an accessible synopsis of the scientific literature. We tackled the multifaceted issue of adolescent sleep and daytime functioning, presenting the findings with their methodological limitations. Given what is known about sleep in this population, we offer guidelines that are both realistic and substantiated in empirical findings. Our aim is to put into practice the science behind adolescent sleep.
Role of Catheter Ablation in Postoperative Arrhythmias

Background: Patients who have undergone repair of congenital heart disease are at risk for atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden death, both because of altered substrate for arrhythmias and an altered hemodynamic response. Despite an armamentarium of arrhythmia management tools, including drug therapy, antibradycardia, pacing, antitachycardia pacing, surgical ablation and catheter ablation, management of these arrhythmias remains a challenge. Conclusions: This report provides an overview of the successes and failures of catheter ablation for treating and preventing these postoperative arrhythmias, and discusses ongoing developments, which may improve early and late outcome.
External cavity laser biosensor

Utilizing a tunable photonic crystal resonant reflector as a mirror of an external cavity laser cavity, we demonstrate a new type of label-free optical biosensor that achieves a high quality factor through the process of stimulated emission, while at the same time providing high sensitivity and large dynamic range. The photonic crystal is fabricated inexpensively from plastic materials, and its resonant wavelength is tuned by adsorption of biomolecules on its surface. Gain for the lasing process is provided by a semiconductor optical amplifier, resulting in a simple detection instrument that operates by normally incident noncontact illumination of the photonic crystal and direct back-reflection into the amplifier. We demonstrate single-mode, biomolecule-induced tuning of the continuous-wave laser wavelength. Because the approach incorporates external optical gain that is separate from the transducer, the device represents a significant advance over previous passive optical resonator biosensors and laser-based biosensors.
Proton NMR study of model substrate binding in hemoproteins. Intercalation of mercuric triiodide in sperm whale met-aquo myoglobin

Abstract 1 H-NMR spectra have been recorded for sperm whale met-aquo myoglobin intercalated with xenon, cyclopropane, mercuric triiodide and auric triiodide. All four agents are known to intercalate on the proximal side of the heme over pyrrole A. The complexes of xenon and cyclopropane exhibit insignificant shifts for all four heme methyls, suggesting that these species fit into an existing hole without causing significant perturbations on the heme cavity. Mercuric and auric triiodide, on the other hand, induce substantial changes in the hyperfine shifts for the heme methyls. Based on the previously assigned methyl peaks in met-aquo myoglobin, we find that methyl-1, closest to the intercalating agent, is affected most, with the influence decreasing with distance from the binding site. These results indicate that determination of the relative perturbations on the assigned heme methyl shifts due to substrate binding can be utilized to ascertain the substrate-heme stereochemistry in high-spin ferric hemoproteins such as peroxidases.
Short-time stability analysis of time-varying linear systems

This paper introduces a rather simple but effective procedure for short-time stability analysis of linear dynamical systems. Useful information regarding short-time stability are obtained from time domain analysis of "eigenvalues". It is observed that a system which is ruled out to be unstable can still be stable for a short time or a system which is said to be stable might be just short-time stable. Examples are given to demonstrate the capability of the procedure. >
The Maroons of Jamaica, 1730–1830: Livelihood, demography and health

(1985). The Maroons of Jamaica, 1730–1830: Livelihood, demography and health. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 6, Out of the House of Bondage: Runaways, Resistance and Marronage in Africa and the New World, pp. 152-172.
As conseqüências políticas e econômicas das crises entre executivo e legislativo

Much of the recent analysis of presidentialism has been based on the assumption that executive-legislative confrontation creates simultaneous conditions for policy stability and regime breakdown. In the first section of the paper, I show that there is an inherent logical tension between these two predictions and that they rely on contradictory assumptions. In the second section, I develop a model of executive-legislative deadlock and argue that regime instability is more likely when partisan players are unilaterally impatient, when institutional design is biased in favor of one party, and when the number of parties is greater. In the third section, I test the predictions of the model using time-series cross-section data for 19 presidential countries in the Western Hemisphere between 1950 and 2000. Finally, I discuss how this approach illuminates some empirical puzzles like the historical survival of American presidentialism and the lower levels of regime instability created by executive-legislative deadlock in Latin America in the 1990s.
Respiration-linked 'limbic spindles': vibration artifact recorded from nasopharyngeal and intracerebral electrodes.

Abstract Respiration-linked 20–40 c/sec spindles were recorded simultaneously from nasopharyngeal, sphenoidal and limbic depth electrodes in 10 patients under evaluation for temporal lobectomy. In addition, a piezo-electrode at the tip of one nasopharyngeal electrode at the tip of one nasopharyngeal electrode recorded vibration from the nasopharynx in 3 patients. Results demonstrated that respiration-linked 20–40 c/sec spindles recorded from nasopharyngeal and sphenoidal electrodes are vibration artifact. In addition, similar vibration artifact also occurred in the limbic depth, indicating that at least some respiration-linked intracerebrally recorded limbic spindles also are not of neuronal origin.
Consensus treatment recommendations for late‐onset Pompe disease

Introduction: Pompe disease is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the glycogen-degrad- ing lysosomal enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase. Late-onset Pompe disease is a multisystem condition, with a heterogeneous clinical presentation that mimics other neuromuscular disorders. Meth- ods: Objective is to propose consensus-based treatment and management recommendations for late-onset Pompe disease. Methods: A systematic review of the literature by a panel of spe- cialists with expertise in Pompe disease was undertaken. Conclu- sions: A multidisciplinary team should be involved to properly treat the pulmonary, neuromuscular, orthopedic, and gastrointesti- nal elements of late-onset Pompe disease. Presymptomatic patients with subtle objective signs of Pompe disease (and patients symptomatic at diagnosis) should begin treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) immediately; presymptomatic patients without symptoms or signs should be observed without use of ERT. After 1 year of ERT, patients' condition should be reevaluated to determine whether ERT should be continued. Muscle Nerve 45: 319-333, 2012
Iatrogenic ventricular dyssynchrony: a preventable cause of heart failure with right ventricular pacing?

Few therapies in arrhythmia management have undergone as dramatic a change in clinical utility as right ventricular pacing. Initially, pacemakers were developed to treat complete heart block following surgery for congenital heart disease. This was lifesaving therapy that quickly spawned a highly competitive industry that included more than a dozen companies developing this new technology. An engineering breakthrough and major advance in this field was the development of dual-chamber pacemakers to allow for “physiologic” cardiac activation. Retrospective studies reported dramatic reductions in mortality, stroke, congestive heart failure (CHF), and arrhythmias with dualchamber pacing compared with ventricular pacing. However, large prospective randomized studies failed to substantiate these claims, demonstrating less pacemaker syndrome and a modest reduction of atrial fibrillation, but no clear impact on mortality, stroke, or cardiovascular morbidity. 1,2 Interestingly, studies of atrial pacing alone, a modality rarely used in the United States, demonstrated superior outcomes compared with either ventricular or dual-chamber pacemakers, one of the early indicators of the problems associated with right ventricular pacing. 3,4 Patients with CHF were thought to be a group who benefited the most from appropriately timed right ventricular pacing. Observational studies reported marked improvement in functional status and ejection fraction with dualchamber pacing incorporating a short (100-ms) AV delay. 5,6 Subsequent randomized controlled studies again failed to confirm the benefit of right ventricular pacing. 7,8 In fact, the Dual Chamber and VVI Implantable Defibrillator (DAVID) trial showed that dual-chamber pacing caused increased mortality and hospitalizations for CHF in a cohort with left ventricular systolic dysfunction but no standard pacing indication. 9 The pathophysiologic processes causing these findings likely are multifactorial. Right ventricular apical pacing produces paradoxical septal motion and interferes with the normal functioning of the mitral apparatus, potentially causing mitral insufficiency. Right ventricular pacing also affects diastolic function, 10 as diastolic filling times are diminished. In addition, there are important metabolic effects of such pacing, including changes in regional myocardial blood flow and perfusion. 11,12 Pacing from the apex increases serum catecholamine levels that could have deleterious long-term effects on functional status and survival. 13 Finally, atrial (AAI) pacing in patients with intact AV conduction produces a higher cardiac output than dual-chamber pacing or ventricular pacing, indicating the ventricular activation pattern may influence cardiac performance. 14,15
Kardiovaskulär wirksame Medikamente

Die Aufrechterhaltung des uteroplazentaren Perfusionsdruckes ist vorrangiges Ziel einer Kreislauftherapie in der Schwangerschaft. Die Plazentadurchblutung unterliegt keiner Autoregulation und ist abhangig vom mutterlichen Blutdruck und vom Tonus des Myometriums. Ziel der Vasopressorentherapie ist die Optimierung der uteroplazentaren Perfusion. Die uterinen Arterien sind in der Schwangerschaft normalerweise bereits maximal weit. Auf eine a-Stimulation reagieren sie mit einer Vasokonstriktion, und zwar empfindlicher als das ubrige Gefasbett (1). Auch das Myometrium kontrahiert. Das fuhrt zu einer Drosselung des venosen Abflusses, und die Plazentaperfusion wird eingeschrankt. a-Mimetika konnen daher die uteroplazentare Perfusion reduzieren.
Influence of Thawing and Cooking Procedures on Selected Characteristics of Broilers

Abstract Fresh broilers purchased from a local supermarket were halved, frozen at −29°C., and held in the freezer for 6 weeks. Broiler halves were cooked either from the frozen state or after they had been thawed 48 hours at 4°C. They were deep-fat fried, cooked by microwave, pan fried, or oven roasted. Weight losses were significantly greater for meat thawed before cooking than for that cooked from the frozen state. Microwave cooking and oven roasting resulted in lower weight loss than did deep-fat or pan frying. Taste panel members could not distinguish between broilers cooked from the frozen state and broilers thawed before cooking. Shear press values did not differ significantly as a result of preparation or cooking method. Total heme pigment in flesh surrounding the femur of cooked broilers was determined. No significant difference was found between meat thawed and that nonthawed before cooking or among cooking methods. Parts cooked from the frozen state had less bone darkening than did the parts cooked after thawing. Deep-fat frying and microwave cooking resulted in severer bone darkening than did the other cooking methods.
Observation Satellites: Problems, Possibilities and Prospects

The emergence of special-purpose orbiting vehicles has focused attention on the observation satellite as a useful tool. Earth satellites of this type could be employed for both detailed and broad inspection, for mapping and geodetic purposes, for astronomical photography free of the image-degrading and narrow-band-pass effects of the Earth’s atmosphere, for studies in the several Earth sciences and for meteorological observation.
Effect of age and pattern of gain on induction of puberty with a progestin in beef heifers

Crossbred heifers (n = 75) fed for rapid (R; .82 kg/d) or slow-then-rapid (SR; .41 kg/d for 90 d then .82 kg/d) postweaning gain were used to examine the effects of age or pattern of gain on induction of puberty by a progestin. At 9.5, 11.0, and 12.5 mo of age, 12 prepuberal heifers from each growth treatment received progestin (a 6-mg Norgestomet implant for 10 d) or control treatments. Induction of puberty, LH secretory profiles, and ovarian follicular characteristics were assessed in Norgestomet-treated and control heifers. Body weights of R heifers were greater (P .1) LH secretory profiles, ovarian characteristics, or induction of puberty by Norgestomet. We conclude that progestins induce puberty by hastening the normal cascade of endocrine and ovarian events associated with spontaneous puberty. Furthermore, age, but not pattern of gain, seems to be the critical factor influencing the efficacy of progestins to induce puberty in heifers.
Estudios ecológicos de Camu-Camu (Myrciaria dubia). I. Producción de frutos en poblaciones naturales.

Long-term studies of the growth, reproduction and population dynamics of camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) were initiated in 1984 at Sahua cocha, Rio Ucayali, Peru. The present contribution describes the floral biology of the species and reports two years of fruit production data. The flowers of M. dubia are hermaphroditic but display protogyny during anthesis which helps to reduce setf-fertilization. The prymary pollinators are two species of bees (Melipona and Trigona). Fruit production was highly related with plant size both in 1984 (r2= 0.97) and 1985 (r2= 0.99). It is calculated that natural populations of the species produce between 9.5 and 12.7 tons οf fruit/ha/yr depending on the fluctuations in the Rio Ucayali.
The Treatment of Laminitis in Horses

The structural and vascular anatomy of the healthy equine foot is compared with the pathologic changes in the foot of horses with acute and chronic laminitis. The structural and vascular abnormalities present in the foot of horses with laminitis are demonstrated in order to explain the abnormal manner in which their feet grow. The medical, surgical, dietary, and endocrine management of acute and chronic laminitis is discussed. Various forms of hoof trimming beneficial to the reestablishment of normal digital perfusion, normal hoof growth, and normal spatial orientation among the distal phalanx, hoof wall, and sole are described. Guidelines for the provision of frog support provided by adjustable heart-bar shoes are presented.
EFFECT OF PLASTIC AND GLASS SURFACES ON CLOT RETRACTION AND SEROTONIN UPTAKE OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA STORED AT 4 DEGREES C.

Abstract The effect of plastic, glass, and siliconized glass surfaces on the number and function of blood platelets suspended in plasma and stored for various intervals at 4 ° C. was studied. Platelet function was tested by clot retraction and by the in vitro uptake of C 14 -labeled 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). It was found that while there was no significant difference in the rate of decrease in platelet number between samples of platelet-rich plasma preserved in plastic and those preserved in siliconized and non-siliconized glass containers, the clot retraction and the serotonin-uptake properties of the platelets disappeared more rapidly when the platelet-rich plasma was preserved in plastic containers. Other findings indicated that the effect of the plastic surface on the clot retraction of preserved platelets was the result of a change in the platelets themselves and not of an alteration in the suspending plasma. When, however, whole blood was preserved instead of platelet-rich plasma, the unfavorable effect of the plastic surface could not be demonstrated. The serotonin uptake property of platelet-rich plasma obtained from EDTA blood was compared with that of ACD blood during storage at 4 ° C. It was seen that in the presence of EDTA the platelets lost their serotonin uptake property more rapidly than when ACD was used.
Water Quality Awareness and Breastfeeding: Evidence of Health Behavior Change in Bangladesh

Decades of campaigns have cautioned households in Bangladesh about waterborne contaminants such as arsenic. In addition to switching water sources, mothers can protect young children from contaminated water by breastfeeding longer. We exploit time series variation in whether children were born before or after a nationwide information campaign and geographic variation in exposure to arsenic. We find that mothers breast-feed children longer in response to the campaign, especially when they have less access to uncontaminated wells, and that infants are more likely to be exclusively breast-fed. We find consistent evidence of lower mortality rates and diarrheal incidence for infants.
Molecular epidemiology and clinical features of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in epidemic areas of Interior Sindh, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE Highly variable genome of HCV and high prevalence in many geographical areas made it necessary to conduct local population studies. This study has been conducted to show HCV parameters along with clinical features in the local population of interior Sindh, province of Pakistan. METHODS Present study was conducted in from August 2010 to November 2015 in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan. All the 31560 screened samples selected for the study were tested by second Generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA Biokit 480&96). RESULTS Total 31560 people were screened for HCV and out of these 13.67% (n= 4314) HCV infected patients. When 4314 samples of patients were examined; the anti-HCV was significantly higher in males 2814 (14.98%) than in females 1500 (11.74%) with P value = 0.06. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 65 years. Out of 4314 HCV samples, 3020 (70%) were of Genotype 3a, 237(5.5%) of Genotype 2a, 108 (2.5%) of Genotype- 1a, 216 (5%) of Genotype 1b, 237 (5.5%) of Genotype 3b and 43 (1%) of Genotype 4. Additionally, 108 (2.5%) had co-infection and 345 (8%) samples showed no result -designated as untypable by the genotyping. CONCLUSION This study showed that HCV is most frequently reported disease with genotype 3a being the most prevalent genotype.
Optical Characterization of Chalcogenide Ge–Sb–Se Waveguides at Telecom Wavelengths

Nonlinear single-mode Ge 28 Sb 12 Se 60 strip waveguides were demonstrated at 1.53-1.55 μm. The waveguides were fabricated by photo-or e-beam lithography, followed by thermal evaporation and lift-off. The linear propagation loss, ranging from 4.0 to 6.1 dB/cm, is compared for waveguides under various fabrication conditions. Using measurements of the power-dependent transmission and spectral broadening, the nonlinear loss β and nonlinear refractive index n 2 of the waveguides fabricated with e-beam lithography are determined to be 0.014±0.003 cm/GW and 5±2×10 -19 m 2 /W, respectively, at 1.55 μm. Given the large measured figure of merit, n 2 /(βλ) = 2.3±0.9, this platform holds promise for nonlinear applications at telecom wavelengths.
The Myth of Optimality in Clinical Neuroscience

Clear evidence supports a dimensional view of psychiatric illness. Within this framework the expression of disorder-relevant phenotypes is often interpreted as a breakdown or departure from normal brain function. Conversely, health is reified, conceptualized as possessing a single ideal state. We challenge this concept here, arguing that there is no universally optimal profile of brain functioning. The evolutionary forces that shape our species select for a staggering diversity of human behaviors. To support our position we highlight pervasive population-level variability within large-scale functional networks and discrete circuits. We propose that, instead of examining behaviors in isolation, psychiatric illnesses can be best understood through the study of domains of functioning and associated multivariate patterns of variation across distributed brain systems.
Inhalant (Alkyl Nitrites, Nitrous Oxide, Hydrocarbons) Intoxication AKA: Poppers

History, chemical profile There is a virtually infinite number of volatile substances of abuse that can be inhaled: glue, gasoline, spray paint, household products. These substances all have different effects. Nitrous oxide, known as whippets, act on NO receptors. They induce smooth muscle relaxation and hypotension. Alkyl Nitrites, known as poppers, are NO receptor agonists and have similar effect to whippets. They were first synthetized by Ballard in 1844 and used in angina. How does the drug present, how is it consumed? There are all kind of methods to use inhalants: sniffing, bagging, or huffing Poppers and whippets are liquid substances usually packaged in small bottles. They are inhaled by approaching the opened bottle to a nostril. Context of using and desired effect Poppers and whippets became popular in the gay community in the 1970s and more generally during the sexual liberation movement. They induce a brief moment of euphoria, intense excitement, and decupled interest for the sexual partner. Poppers’ smooth muscle relaxation effect facilitate anal sex.
Longitudinal Associations Between Cognitive Functioning and Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adult Spouses in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Objective To examine the bidirectional associations between older adult spouses’ cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms over time. Design Longitudinal, dyadic path analysis with the actor-partner interdependence model. Setting Data were from visit 5 (1992/1993), visit 8 (1995/1996), and visit 11 (1998/1999) of the Cardiovascular Health Study, a multisite, longitudinal, observational study of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults 65 years or older. Demographic information was from the 1989/1990 original and 1992/1993 African American cohort baseline visits. Participants Husbands and wives from 1,028 community-dwelling married couples (N = 2,065). Measurements Cognitive functioning was measured with the Modified Mini-Mental State Exam. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Age, education, and disability (activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living) were included as covariates. Results Cross-partner associations (partner effects) revealed that one spouse's greater depressive symptoms predicted the other spouse's lower cognitive functioning, but a spouse's lower cognitive functioning did not predict the other spouse's greater depressive symptoms over time. Within-individual associations (actor effects) revealed that an individual's lower cognitive functioning predicted the individual's greater depressive symptoms over time, but greater depressive symptoms did not predict lower cognitive functioning over time. Effects did not differ for husbands and wives. Conclusion Having a spouse who is depressed may increase one's risk of cognitive decline as well as one's risk of depression. Interventions for preventing cognitive decline and depression among older adults may be enhanced by considering the marital context.