cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The quest for unbiased research: randomized clinical trials and the CONSORT reporting guidelines.

The large and increasing number of randomized clinical trials in all of medicine has prompted the introduction of guidelines that are intended to improve the quality of the research and of the published papers derived from such investigations. These guidelines for reporting clinical trials, the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (the CONSORT statement) were set forth by a group of journal editors, statisticians, biomedical investigators, and editors. The CONSORT statement has been published in several major medical journals and is likely to have a major impact on editorial policies as well as the design of such investigations. I have invited Dr Kenneth F. Schulz of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a leading investigator in the evaluation of clinical trials and a participant in the design of the CONSORT guidelines, to prepare this brief summary for the Annals. The CONSORT statement is expected to have a substantial effect on the peer review of clinical trials, and it promises to elevate the quality of such investigations. Future submissions to the Annals will be evaluated in the context of these guidelines.
Effects of ketamine on response properties of neurons in the superior paraolivary nucleus of the mouse

The superior paraolivary nucleus (SPON; alternative abbreviation: SPN for the same nucleus in certain species) is a prominent brainstem structure that provides strong inhibitory input to the auditory midbrain. Previous studies established that SPON neurons encode temporal sound features with high precision. These earlier characterizations of SPON responses were recorded under the influence of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic agent and known antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate (NMDA) receptors. Because NMDA alters neural responses from the auditory brainstem, single unit extracellular recordings of SPON neurons were performed in the presence and absence of ketamine. In doing so, this study represents the first in vivo examination of the SPON of the mouse. Herein, independent data sets of SPON neurons are characterized that did or did not receive ketamine, as well as neurons that were recorded both prior to and following ketamine administration. In all conditions, SPON neurons exhibited contralaterally driven spikes triggered by the offset of pure tone stimuli. Ketamine lowered both evoked and spontaneous spiking, decreased the sharpness of frequency tuning, and increased auditory thresholds and first-spike latencies. In addition, ketamine limited the range of modulation frequencies to which neurons phase-locked to sinusoidally amplitude-modulated tones.
Water Vapor Permeability of Whey Protein Emulsion Films as Affected by pH

The water vapor permeability (WVP) of whey protein isolate-beeswax emulsion films was investigated as related to pH. Lower WVP was observed for films cast from solutions at pH 7.0. When pH of the film-forming solution was lowered, resulting film WVP increased. At the isoelectric point, WVP was the highest. As pH of the emulsion approached pI, a sharp change in viscosity occurred due to an increase in protein aggregation. This increase in viscosity probably lowered lipid mobility and reduced interconnectivity among lipid droplets, resulting in the higher WVP. For minimum WVP, such films should be applied at pH different from pI.
“Acquired” Chiari I Malformation after Multiple Lumbar Punctures: Case Report

ABSTRACTTHE AUTHORS PRESENT the history of a patient with a Chiari I malformation “acquired” after multiple traumatic lumbar punctures. The genesis of tonsillar descent is believed to be related to persistent leakage of cerebrospinal fluid secondary to the multiple traumatic lumbar punctures. The to
Long-term results of periarterial sympathectomy.

Purpose To compare long-term results (minimum follow-up of 23 months) of periarterial sympathectomy for patients with digital vasospasm secondary to either an autoimmune disease or generalized atherosclerotic disease. Patients with posttraumatic or localized occlusive disease and vasospasm were not evaluated. Methods Twenty-eight patients had periarterial sympathectomy at 1 hospital by 1 senior surgeon. Periarterial sympathectomy was targeted to the areas of ulceration. Twenty patients (with 24 involved extremities and 42 ulcerated digits) had a documented autoimmune disease; 17 patients had scleroderma or an undifferentiated mixed connective tissue disorder, 2 had systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 had rheumatoid arthritis. Eight patients (with 9 involved extremities and 17 ulcerated digits) had atherosclerotic disease. The primary outcomes were complete healing of all ulcers, a decrease in the number of ulcers, and need for amputation by the end of follow-up. Statistical analysis was done using the Fischer exact t -test. Results The average follow-up for all patients was 96 months (90 months for the autoimmune group and 113 months for the atherosclerotic group). Fifteen of the 20 patients (28 of 42 digits) in the autoimmune group had complete healing or decrease in ulcer number. Conversely, only 1 of the 8 patients (2 of 17 digits) in the atherosclerotic group had complete healing or decrease in ulcer number. Eleven of the 42 (26%) digits treated in the autoimmune group required amputation. In contrast, 10 of the 17 (59%) digits treated in the atherosclerotic group ultimately required amputation. Conclusions Periarterial sympathectomy can lead to complete healing and decrease in ulcer number in autoimmune disease patients with digital ischemia from vasospasm. However, our data suggest that periarterial sympathectomy may be of little or no benefit in patients with chronic digital ischemia and vasospasm secondary to severe atherosclerotic disease. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.
Computer Simulation of Control Strategies for Culex Tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae)

A computer simulation model for the prediction of population densities of Culex tarsalis is described. The model is dependent on the daily temperatures to which the mosquito population is exposed, and permits the incorporation and modification of various data which depend on geographical area, such as dates for diapause and autogeny rates. The model allows the study of the independent or combined effects of larvicide application, adulticide application and release of sterile males on both population density and genotype frequencies at 2 loci affecting insecticide resistance. Population density and genotype frequencies are computed separately for the various cohorts of each life stage of the insect.
Meteorological noise in crustal gas emission and relevance to geochemical exploration

ABSTRACT Klusman, R.W. and Webster, J.D., 1981. Meteorological noise in crustal gas emission and relevance to geochemical exploration. In: A.W. Rose and H. Gundlach (Editors), Geochemical Exploration 1980. J. Geochem. Explor., 15: 63–76. The emission of gas from the earth's crust is a complex process influenced by meteorological and seasonal processes which must be understood for effective application of gas emission to geochemical exploration. Free mercury vapor emission and radon emanation are being measured in a shallow instrument vault at a single nonmineralized site in order to evaluate these influences on gas emission. Mercury concentrations in the instrument vault average 9.5 ng/m 3 and range from 3 to 53 ng/m 3 with a strong seasonal effect. Mercury has a direct relationship to vault temperature, air temperature, soil temperature, barometric pressure, water table, and the frozen or thawed state of the soil. Air and soil temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity are most important in influencing mercury emission while soil moisture is also important in radon emanation. Diurnal cycles are common but do not occur on all days. A heavy precipitation event on a dry soil seals the soil resulting in a rise in mercury concentration. Precipitation on a soil that is already wet does not increase mercury emission because of the compensation caused by lowering of the soil temperature by the precipitation event. Freezing of the soil changes the physical state of the vault—soil—soil gas—atmosphere system and emits the lowest concentrations of mercury. Phase lag effects are likely important. Stepwise multiple regression of mercury as dependent variable with meteorological and seasonal parameters as independent variables gives a cumulative R value of 0.563 and R 2 of 0.317. The short-term noise coupled with phase lags are an important factor. The radon measurements integrated over weekly intervals smooth out much of the short-term noise. Stepwise multiple regression of radon as dependent variable with meteorological and seasonal parameters as independent variables gives a cumulative R value of 0.967 and R 2 of 0.934. In this portion of the study the variation in the radon emanation is adequately predicted by meteorological and seasonal parameters.
Shortened surveillance intervals following suboptimal bowel preparation for colonoscopy: results of a national survey.

Purpose Suboptimal bowel preparation can result in decreased neoplasia detection, shortened surveillance intervals, and increased costs. We assessed bowel preparation recommendations and the relationship to self-reported proportion of suboptimal bowel preparations in practice; and evaluated the impact of suboptimal bowel preparation on colonoscopy surveillance practices. A random sample of a national organization of gastroenterologists in the U.S. was surveyed.
Ultrasonic propagation in solid H2: The effects of orientational ordering

A report is given of the observation below 1 K of the sound attenuation δα expected from progressive orientational ordering in hcp H2 with ortho concentrationsX<0.53. The experiments were carried out at 10 and 30 MHz. The amplitude of this effect depends on the coupling between the lattice vibrations and the molecular orientation, and should be maximum when the acoustic angular frequency ω is comparable with the orientational relaxation rate τ−1. The average rate can be roughly estimated from NMR longitudinal relaxation timeT 1 measurements. Such a maximum for δα was indeed observed in the expected temperature range. At high enough temperatures, δα was found to be proportional toT 1 −1 . which is consistent with predictions in the high temperature limit. Furthermore, the transition between the hcp and the fcc phases forX>0.53 is studied by means of the large changes in the sound propagation at the transition, and the phase diagram thus obtained is compared with results from x-ray and pressure measurements. The new observations explain some previous discrepancies in results using different methods. The difference between solid H2 and D2 regarding the stabilization of the cubic structure above the orientational ordering transition is also discussed. Calculations of the respective energy barriers ΔE to be overcome during the martensitic transition are suggested.
ELECTRIC POLARIZABILITY OF THE NEUTRON

In connection with a proposed explanation of the anisotropy observed in the scattering of neutrons from various elements at energies of a few hundred kev, the order of magnitude of the neutron polarizability is estimated by making use of data on photoproduction of pions. A polarizability $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ greater than \ensuremath{\sim}2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}42}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$ appears unlikely on this basis. There remains an unexplained factor of \ensuremath{\sim}50 which has to be accounted for either in the polarizability or by providing another explanation of the neutron scattering anisotropy. The possibility of explaining the anisotropy on the basis of ordinary scattering theory does not appear to be excluded. The exact proportionality of the coefficient of $cos\ensuremath{\theta}$ to the neutron momentum does call for an ${r}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ type of potential, but it is not clear whether the energy dependence of the coefficient is sufficiently well determined by the data and whether the compound nucleus features of the interaction are capable of explaining the observations. Nevertheless, a few less usual effects are estimated. These are the interaction of the neutron moment with the vacuum polarization charge and with the external electric field of the nucleus as well as its interaction with the electric charge density at the nuclear surface. The latter is hard to distinguish from other nuclear effects. The former two effects are small and do not resemble the observed effects.
Brown ghost electric fishes of the Apteronotus leptorhynchus species-group (Ostariophysi, Gymnotiformes); monophyly, major clades, and revision

Neotropical brown ghost electric knifefishes of the Apteronotus leptorhynchus species-group are reviewed. A series of synapomorphies delimit the species-group and the two major subunits that comprise that clade. The phylogeny is concordant with the hypothesis of a primary division within the clade resultant from Andean uplift events 8 Mya and with the existence of ancestral components of the species-group 12 Mya. Species of the species-group are characterized by morphological stasis across that time frame. Apteronotus leptorhynchus, previously considered to be a widely distributed and morphologically variable species, was found to encompass five species. The description of the four new species is supplemented by the redescription of the five previously recognized forms within the species-group. Members of this clade are broadly distributed through the Essequibo River and Rio Orinoco of the Atlantic slope of South America, the Rios Aroa, Atrato, Cauca, Magdalena, and Yaracuy, and the rivers of the Lago Maracaibo basin of the Caribbean slope and drainages in northern Colombia and Panama along the Pacific versant. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London
Calcium and vitamin d supplementation in postmenopausal women.

Context: Bone health is influenced by the intake of both calcium and vitamin D. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the influence of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on PTH and bone turnover. Setting, Patients, and Design: At an ambulatory research center, 159 postmenopausal healthy white women participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel, longitudinal factorial study that was 6 months in duration. Interventions: Subjects were randomly allocated to 4 groups: 1) double placebo, 2) calcium (1200 mg daily) plus placebo, 3) vitamin D3 (100 μg) plus placebo, and 4) vitamin D3 and calcium. Serum and urine were collected fasting and 2 hours after a calcium load at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Main Outcome Measures: Serum PTH, cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX), and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured. Results: Before study medication, a calcium load resulted in a decline in PTH and CTX and an increase in urinary calcium excretion. Serum CTX and P1NP declined...
A new two-sensor active noise cancellation algorithm

A novel approach to active noise cancellation using two microphones is developed. The primary microphone is placed at the point where noise cancellation is desired and the secondary microphone is placed at some other point. The cancelling signal is generated as the output of a two-input/single-output FIR (finite impulse response) filter which is driven by the outputs of the secondary and the primary microphones. The output of the primary microphone is not only used to adjust the coefficients of this filter, but is also used as an input to the filter itself. The performance of the two-sensor algorithm is compared with that of an LMS (least mean square) algorithm and with that of a single-sensor algorithm. These three algorithms were applied to noise recordings made using a set of headphones worn inside the cabin of a propeller aircraft. The primary sensor was placed inside the headphones and the secondary sensor was attached to the outside of the headphones. Assuming that the transfer function between the cancelling speaker and the primary sensor was a pure delay of about 40 mu s, the new algorithm was able to attenuate the overall noise power 15 dB more than the LMS algorithm and 3 dB more than the single-sensor algorithm. >
Reduction of Base Access Resistance in AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors using GaInN Base Cap Layer and Selective Epitaxial Growth

One of the major challenges affecting the performance of Npn AlGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) is the high base access resistance, which is comprised of the base contact resistance and the base bulk resistance. A novel concept is proposed to reduce the base access resistance in Npn AlGaN/GaN HBTs by employing polarization-enhanced contacts and selective epitaxial growth of the base and emitter. In addition, this technique reduces the exposed base surface area, which results in a lower surface recombination current. Such a structure would enable better performance of AlGaN/GaN HBTs in terms of higher current gain and a lower offset voltage. Theoretical calculations on polarization-enhanced contacts predict p-type specific contact resistance lower than 10 –5 Ωcm 2 . Experimental results using transmission line measurement (TLM) technique yield specific contact resistances of 5.6×10 –4 Ωcm 2 for polarization-enhanced p-type contacts and 7.8×10 –2 Ωcm 2 for conventional p-type contacts.
Modeling learning: The role of leaders

What follows is the Portland State University story, a reflection on change as a scholarly act within a learning community using techniques from organizational learning.
Heterocycles from substituted amides. VII Oxazoles from 2‐isocyanoacetamides

Certain heretofore unknown tertiary α-isocyanacetanilides 1 are reported for the first time, prepared by methods necessarily different from those employed to prepare the previously cited aliphatic α-isocyano-acetamides 2. Like 2, 1 has been shown to readily undergo dialkylation with alkyl halides. Moreover, 1 also gives rise to oxazole and oxazoline derivatives upon reaction with acyl halides and aldehydes, respectively, resembling the similarly activated α-isocyano esters and sulfones. Further, in a demonstrable ring-chain tautomeric equilibration, apparently restricted to tertiary amides, 1 readily cyclizes, providing the only known synthesis of 5-amino-2,4-unsubstituted oxazoles 3. In other examples 4-chloro and 4-alkyl-5-amino-oxazoles are produced. The materials and reactions are characterized, and compared with previous related studies.
CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF ANGIOTENSIN IN RATS: CHANGES IN BLOOD PRESSURE, RENAL AND ADRENAL HISTOPHYSIOLOGY AND ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION.

Angiotensin II-amide in oil was administered subcutaneously to rats, in doses ranging from 0.05 to 0.4 mg per 100 g per day. At the highest dose there was marked histologic and histochemical evidence of increased secretory activity in the adrenal zona glomerulosa, together with a decline in the juxtaglomerular granulation index to zero by 4 weeks. Lower doses showed less severe changes. Animals receiving the largest dose were shown to have a steadily rising blood pressure during 11 days of injection. Adrenals obtained from these animals after injection for 2 weeks showed a detectable rise in ability to synthesize aldosterone in vitro.
Does the shallow structures proposal account for qualitative differences in first and second language processing

In their Keynote Article, Clahsen and Felser (CF) provide a detailed summary and comparison of grammatical processing in adult first language (L1) speakers, child L1 speakers, and second language (L2) speakers. CF conclude that child and adult L1 processing makes use of a continuous parsing mechanism, and that any differences found in processing can be explained by factors such as limited working memory capacity and incomplete lexical knowledge. The authors then suggest that the existing differences between L1 (both adult and child) and L2 processing provide evidence that parsing mechanisms are qualitatively different between these groups. They posit that this qualitative difference between L1 and L2 is due to L2 speakers having shallower and less detailed syntactic representations than L1 speakers. This commentary focuses on discussing this shallow structures account and considers what this means for L2 processing.
An optical communications link design tool for long-term mission planning for deep-space missions

We describe work on the development of an optical link budget tool for an intensity-modulated direct-detected photon-counting channel utilizing pulse-position-modulation (PPM). We provide new material in several areas. First, we provide an approximation to the channel capacity, which is not known in closed form, to enable efficient search algorithms over the trade space. The expression also illustrates clearly the trade-offs between signal and noise power, and modulation parameters. We provide an approximation to the losses due to log-normal fading, which may be used to model scintillation. We provide approximations for the loss due to photo-detector blocking and jitter. Lastly, we describe a methodology to choose an optimum detector sub-array in the presence of dark noise, blocking, and an arbitrary point spread function.
Changes in polymorphonuclear leukocytes as a manifestation of malignant neoplasia.

Malignancy associated changes in polymorphonuclear leukocytes were studied in routine Wright-Giemsa and Feulgen stained smears of blood from 254 patients (131) patients w/o tumors, 70 w/carcinoma and 53 w/multiple myeloma, lymphosarcoma and various leukemias. The cells were examined at the highest magnification of the light microscope by use of a x100 oil immersion objective and x16 wide field oculars and by closed circuit television microscopy at x16,000. In patients without tumor a prominent chromocenter and straight chromatin bands in each of the leukocyte lobules were usually present. In patients with malignant tumors the nuclear structure in the leukocytes consisted either of the orderly MAC with numerous pale circular areas surrounded by conspicuously evident chromatin bands or of the disorderly arranged malignancy associated structure with deeply stained-chromocenters and chromatin bands of varying size. In addition a variety of ancillary changes were noted. These were decreased or abnormal segmentation, nuclear excrescences such as hair-like appendages, short and long rods and clubs and the target formation. These changes, though more frequently found in patients with malignant tumors, were not considered significant for the interpretation of MAC. The presence of MAC in blood leukocytes was noted in 81.4% of patients with carcinoma, in 70.0% of those with various leukemias, in 62.5% of those with multiple myeloma and in 70.6% of those with lymphosarcoma. In patients without evidence of tumor MAC were found in 14.5% of the cases. The presence of MAC in the high percentage of patients with malignant tumors is suggestive of a systemic involvement of the host. The reasons for the occurrence of MAC in cases without evidence of tumor remains undetermined until further information is available from continued observation of these patients.
Finite Dimensional Filters with Nonlinear Drift, XI: Explicit Solution of the Generalized Kolmogorov Equation in Brockett–Mitter Program☆☆☆

Abstract Ever since the technique of the Kalman–Bucy filter was popularized, there has been an intense interest in finding new classes of finite-dimensional recursive filters. In the late 1970s the concept of the estimation algebra of a filtering system was introduced. Brockett, Clark, and Mitter proposed to use the Wei–Norman approach to solve the nonlinear filtering problem. In 1990, Tam, Wong, and Yau presented a rigorous proof of the Brocket–Mitter program which allows one to construct finite-dimensional recursive filters from finite–dimensional estimation algebras. Later Yau wrote down explicitly a system of ordinary differential equations and generalized Kolmogorov equation to which the robust Duncan–Mortenser– Zakai equation can be reduced. Thus there remains three fundamental problems in Brockett–Mitter program. The first is the problem of finding explicit solution to the generalized Kolmogorov equation. The second is the problem of finding real-time solution of a system of ODEs. The third is the Brockett's problem of classification of finite–dimensional estimation algebras. In this paper, we solve the first problem.
Mutations in NOTCH2 in patients with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome

Summary The Hajdu–Cheney syndrome is a very rare disease that affects several organ system, leading to severe osteoporosis and other abnormalities. We describe clinical and genetic findings of nine patients with this disease.
Periodic operation of immobilized cell systems: Analysis

The authors' mathematical model of transient immobilized cell growth and product formation is applied here to examine the performance of an immobilized cell system subject to periodic cycling of the rate-limiting substrate supply. The model system consists of a single hydrogel-like (porous) particle entrapping viable microorganisms. Proper nutrient cycling is shown to yield a relaxed periodic system and to virtually eliminate the leakage of biomass from the support that is commonly observed experimentally in steady (continuous nutrient supply) operation of these systems. The use of cyclic operation is evaluated by calculating the average product yield (the ratio of product formed to substrate consumed) and the average product flux from the particle (a measure of the total productivity of the system), for various cycling rates. Cycling increased the average product yield by at least a factor of three in nongrowth-related fermentations, relative to steady operation, without any significant sacrifice in average total productivity. Growth-related fermentations lost significant total productivity under most cycling conditions, while the average product yield was approximately unchanged at all cycling rates. Thus, immobilization in conjunction with periodic operation should be considered as an alternative process design for the production of nongrowth-related products such as penicillin and monoclonal antibodies.
Finding generality in ecology: a model for globally distributed experiments

Summary 1. Advancing the field of ecology relies on understanding generalities and developing theories based on empirical and functional relationships that integrate across organ ismal to global spatial scales and span temporal scales. Significant advances in predicting responses of ecological communities to globally extensive anthropogenic perturbations, for example, require understanding the role of environmental context in determining outcomes, which in turn requires standardized experiments across sites and regions. Distributed collaborative experiments can lead to high-impact advances that would otherwise be unachievable. 2. Here, we provide specific advice and considerations relevant to researchers interested in employing this emerging approach using as a case study our experience developing and running the Nutrient Network, a globally distributed experimental network (currently >75 sites in 17 countries) that arose from a grassroots, cooperative research effort. 3. We clarify the design, goals and function of the Nutrient Network as a model to empower others in the scientific community to employ distributed experiments to advance our predictive understanding of global-scale ecological trends and responses. 4. Our experiences to date demonstrate that globally distributed experimental science need not be prohibitively expensive or time-consuming on aper capita basis and is not limited to senior scientists or countries where science is well funded. While distributed experiments are not a panacea for understanding ecological systems, they can substantially complement existing approaches.
Proliferation of rat and human lung fibroblasts following exposure to prostaglandin E2.

Numerous investigators have reported that exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGEJ can inhibit human lung fibroblast proliferation in vitro. Yet various lines of evidence derived from clinical and experimental studies suggest that PGE2 may not be of major importance in inhibiting fibroblast proliferation in vivo. We examined the effects of exogenously-supplied PGE2 on the in vitro proliferation of HFL-1 human lung fibroblasts and rat lung fibroblasts derived from Fischer 344 rats using a multisample assay system that provided a detailed kinetic picture ofPGE2 effects on fibroblast proliferation. Exogenously supplied PGE2 (5-5000 ng/ml) had no effect on the proliferation of actively cycling or initially quiescent subconfluent populations of rat lung fibroblasts. In contrast, initially quiescent subconfluent or confluent cultures of HFL-1 cells that were treated with 50-5000 ng/ml PGE2 exhibited a dose-dependent, transitory inhibition of division when stimulated to return to a state of active proliferation. Once di...
Extent and Nature of Sexual Harassment in the Fashion Retail Workplace

Sexual harassment is a pervasive and costly problem in the workplace. Various researchers are pursuing issues associated with occupational self-analysis as a step toward understanding and eliminating sexual harassment. Individuals most likely to be sexually harassed are young, unmarried females—a description that coincides with a description of clothing and textiles students in that most share similar characteristics. This study was designed to clarify the nature and extent of sexual harassment in the fashion retail workplace from the perspective of a group of clothing and textiles students. The study used the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ2) and the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board Survey, both designed to measure sexual harassment in the workplace. Data were collected in university classroom settings from students enrolled in clothing and textiles classes during spring semester, 1992 (N = 132). Although 97 students had experienced sexually harassing behaviors, only 41 labeled the behaviors as sexual harassment. The most frequently reported situations involved gender harassment and seductive behavior. Such behaviors constitute “condition of work” harassment and create an offensive work environment. Methods of coping with the behavior were to ignore it, avoid the perpetrator, or ask the person to stop. No respondent had filed formal complaint, grievance, or lawsuit. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that students receive training on all aspects of sexual harassment so that they will be prepared to recognize and cope with it if it occurs.
De Novo Folding of RNA Hairpins by Temperature Replica Exchange

Describing folding and thermodynamic behaviors of small RNA hairpins is a key step in elucidating the folding processes of larger RNA macromolecules. Experimental methods have been used to describe a wide range of dynamical behavior in RNA hairpins including the dynamics of loop residue interactions and folding rates of stems, but many questions surrounding the detailed mechanism of RNA hairpin formation remain unanswered. The order and directionality of stem nucleation and stem base-pair formation remains open for debate, as well as the effects of stem-length on the rate of hairpin formation and the frequency of base mismatches. All-atom molecular dynamics offers a methodology for analyzing heterogeneous, multiple-pathway folding processes and how they contribute to the overall thermodynamic behaviors of RNA hairpins. To that end, we analyzed the equilibrium folding of a hyperstable tetraloop with a four base-pair stem, r(ggccGCAAggcc), using recently published RNA parameters. Using microsecond-timescale temperature replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations we are able to sample a large ensemble of conformational states adopted by RNA hairpins and describe the thermodynamic processes involved in hairpin formation. The results give us insights into the biophysical driving forces of RNA folding.
Injuries in Bouldering: A Prospective Study

Abstract Category 1 Continuing Medical Education credit for physicians is available to Wilderness Medical Society members for this article. Go to http://wms.org/cme/cme.asp?whatarticle=1842 to access the instructions and test questions. Objective.—Bouldering is a type of rock climbing in which the climber ascends small boulders with pads and spotters in lieu of ropes, with an emphasis on ascending the most difficult surface possible. We sought to investigate the prevalence and incidence of injuries, and we hypothesized boulderers who enlisted preventative measures and those who bouldered indoors would have fewer injuries. Methods.—This cross-sectional cohort study assessed incidence and pattern of injury among indoor and outdoor boulderers over 1 year. Results.—Spotting other boulderers resulted in few injuries, but both climbing and falling were associated with diffuse injuries. Finger and ankle injuries were common. Traditional preventative measures were ineffective, and there were few differences betwe...
Periodontal Disease and Mortality From All Causes in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study

Abstract The role that oral conditions may play as risk factors or indicators for various medical outcomes, including mortality, is not well understood. We have examined the relationship of periodontal disease to mortality from all causes in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study and Normative Aging Study, a prospective cohort study of the determinants of disease in aging men. Subjects were screened for entry into the closed-panel cohort in the mid-1960s, based on good medical health. They are not VA patients. We have used proportional hazards regression models to assess the relationship of periodontal health status at baseline to all-cause mortality over a 25+-year follow-up period. A total of 804 dentate subjects who were alive and medically healthy through their first follow-up exam were used in the analysis; of these, 166 died during subsequent follow-up through December 1996. Survival was calculated in years from baseline exam to death or censoring (most recent study examination date). To define periodonta...
Abstract 18011: The Impact of Institutional Stage I Surgical Volume on Mortality, Length of Stay, and Hospital Charges in Infants With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a Review of the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File From 1999-2012

OBJECTIVE: Studies to date have suggested an association between center surgical volume and lower mortality in children undergoing heart surgery. While this has been investigated in national sampled data and registries, contemporary statewide data specifically relevant to public health insurance have not been investigated in detail. METHODS: The Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File, a database of hospital discharges in the state of Texas, was queried from 1999-2012. Infants with the diagnosis of HLHS undergoing a Stage I Palliation (S1P) as defined by an aortopulmonary shunt (ICD-9 39.0) or right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (35.92) were included. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate the relationship between center S1P surgical volume and hospital mortality, length of stay, and total charges. The association between insurance status and race/ethnicity and mortality were also investigated. RESULTS: Of >37 million discharges, 780 infants with HLHS underwent S1P at 14 hospitals. The mean number of annual S1Ps at each hospital varied from 15 S1Ps/year. Fifty-four percent of the infants were covered by public insurance. In univariable analysis, lower surgical volume was associated with increased mortality, with mortality in hospitals performing 15 surgeries per year 15.6% (p for trend 15 surgeries/year, CONCLUSION: Institutions with higher Stage I surgical volume had lower HLHS hospital mortality, without increased charges or length of stay. Given the large population of infants covered by public insurance, governmental health care plan support of regionalization of care in neonatal HLHS has the potential to improve mortality rates in this population.
Glycosyl Sequence and Unique Features of the O-Polysaccharide from the Rhizobium etli CE3 Lipopolysaccharide

The O-antigenic polysaccharide of the Rhizobium etli strain CE3 LPS was isolated and structurally characterized using chemical degradations in combination with GLC-MS, electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry, MS/MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, and and COSY and TOCSY NMR analyses of the native polysaccharide and the derived oligosaccharides. Chemical degradations included the Smith degradation, lithium-catalyzed degradation of uronic acid residues, and basecatalyzed beta-elimination of the uronosyl residues. The CE3 O-chain polysaccharide was found to be a unique, relatively low MW glycan having a fairly discrete size, with surprisingly little variation in the number of repeating units (DP = 5). The polysaccharide is highly O-acetylated and contains a variety of O-methylated glycosyl residues, rendering the native glycan somewhat hydrophobic. The MW of the major de-O-acetylated species, including the reducing end Kdo residue, is 3330 Da.
Pavlov and integrative physiology

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was the first physiologist to win the Nobel Prize. The Prize was given in 1904 for his research on the neural control of salivary, gastric, and pancreatic secretion. A major r...
Diet and Activity Pattern of the Sechuran Desert Fox (Dusicyon sechurae)

Le regime alimentaire et l'activite ont ete etudies chez D.s; par radiotracking avant et apres les pluies El Nino
Technological Development Strategy in Japan

After the post war development for half a century,politics and economy have entered a period of structural adjustment.Among the major structural reform,education and research development have become the major topics.
Alteration of the GnRH-induced LH release by steroids in postpartum dairy cattle.

The effect of elevated plasma concentrations of estradiol-17 beta (E2 beta), estrone (E1) and progesterone (P), in concentrations similar to those observed at the end of pregnancy, on the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release in postpartum dairy cows was studied. Twenty-five dairy cows in late gestation were assigned to five groups of five each to receive daily steroid treatments as follows: 1 and 2) no exogenous steroids; 3) 20 mg E2 beta and 30 mg E1; 4) 150 mg P and 5) 20 mg E2 beta + 30 mg E1 + 150 mg P. Steroids were dissolved in alcohol (vehicle) and injected sc twice daily. Cows receiving no steroids were given vehicle. Administration of steroids or vehicle began immediately after parturition (d 0) and continued for 7 d to maintain concentrations of steroids in plasma similar to prepartum concentrations. Cows in groups 2 through 5 received an injection of 100 micrograms GnRH on d 2, 8, 16, 24 and 32 postpartum, while those in group 1 received water (vehicle for GnRH) on the same days. Plasma for hormonal determinations was collected on alternate days beginning 10 d before the expected day of parturition, daily through the period of steroid treatments (d 0 to 6, postpartum) and on alternate days thereafter until d 40 postpartum. In addition, plasma was collected immediately before GnRH or water administration and at .5 h intervals thereafter for 4 h. Trends in response to treatment over days postpartum were studied by partitioning sums of squares due to linear, quadratic and cubic polynomial responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Perceptions of ageing among older women softball players

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women who play competitive softball in later life to understand the meanings they attach to participation and the connections between participation and their perceptions of ageing. Data collection involved focus groups with members of six teams who played in leagues designed for women aged 55 and over or 65 and over. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Themes emerged suggesting that participants: (a) experienced softball uniquely based on life stage; (b) placed meaning on continuing to play as a means of staying active; (c) adjusted the game to their physical abilities in later life; and (d) took pride in playing a competitive sport in later life. The findings indicated that participants displayed resistance to age and gender stereotypes about sports participation and a deep sense of pride in overcoming the odds to be able to do so.
Intertwining of Greiner’s Theoretical Works and Our Experimental Studies

The one phonon \(\gamma \)-vibrational bands in \(^{154}\)Gd are compared with the theories existing at the time (1960) showing the best agreement with the rotation vibration model of Faessler and Greiner. In recent years experimental evidences have been found for both one, two, and possibly three phonon \(\gamma \) bands in the A \(=\) 103–110 region including the first such bands in odd N-even Z and even N-odd Z nuclei. Nuclear shape coexistence was discovered in both \(^{72}\)Se and \(^{184-188}\)Hg with the Frankfurt Generalized Collective Model reproducing the two different shapes. Cluster radioactivity predicted by Sandulescu, Poenaru and Greiner has been observed. Maximum cluster radioactivity is seen in the zero neutron emission in cold binary and ternary fission of \(^{252}\)Cf. Finally, recent super heavy discoveries of the new elements 115, 117 and 118 are described. The half lives in 117 which is closest in N to N \(=\) 184 on the Island of Stability support the theoretical predictions of the long-lived island.
Inorganic Porous Films for Renewable Energy Storage

Environmental issues and the depletion of unsustainable resources have triggered great research efforts on the development of renewable energy technologies. Electrochemical energy storage devices, including Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and some emerging rechargeable battery technologies beyond Li-ion systems, provide a way to use energy in a clean and sustainable manner. Inorganic porous films are the essential component for renewable energy storage technology owing to their unique merits compared with powder materials: (i) high surface area and three-dimensional open channels facilitate mass/ion transport; (ii) additive-free features enable facile fabrication; (iii) porous structure can well relax the mechanical strain caused by the volume change; (iv) the porous structure can be integrated with portable electronic systems. Here, the synthesis methods and particular structural features of inorganic porous films are examined, and their applications in electrochemical energy storage devices are revie...
Tailoring the mechanical properties of sputter deposited nanotwinned nickel-molybdenum-tungsten films

Abstract Advanced metallic alloys are attractive in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) applications that require high density, electrical and thermal conductivity, strength, and dimensional stability. Here we report the mechanical behavior of direct current (DC) magnetron sputter deposited Nickel (Ni)-Molybdenum (Mo)-Tungsten (W) films annealed at various temperatures. The films deposit as single-phase nanotwinned solid solutions and possess ultra-high tensile strengths of approximately 3 GPa, but negligible ductility. Subsequent heat treatments resulted in grain growth and nucleation of Mo-rich precipitates. While films annealed at 600 °C or 800 °C for 1 h still showed brittle behavior, films annealed at 1,000 °C for 1 h were found to exhibit strength greater than 1.2 GPa and near 10% tensile ductility. In addition to the excellent mechanical properties, alloy films further exhibit remarkably improved dimensional stability – a lower coefficient of thermal expansion and greater microstructural stability. An excellent balance between mechanical properties and dimensional stability make sputter deposited Ni-Mo-W alloys promising structural materials for MEMS applications.
Endocrinology of the Pregnant Hamster

The objective of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive account of reproductive endocrinology of the pregnant hamster and to point out the major differences from the rat, which has been the most extensively studied rodent. As the chapter unfolds it should become clear that major differences exist between the two species.
Scalable Optical Phased Array with Sparse 2D Aperture

A scalable OPA with sparse 2D aperture is presented, achieving the highest reported grating-lobe-free FOV-to-beamwidth ratio (16°/0.8°). A PWM generator chip is designed to drive compact phase shifters with row-column layout to reduce power consumption.
Evaluation of left ventricular false tendons in children with idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia.

Background Left ventricular false tendons (FT) traverse the ventricular cavity and are thought to have some association with idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT). However, reported prevalence of FT varies widely, making correlation difficult. Superior echocardiographic windows of pediatric patients may permit better analysis of FT in ILVT. Our study describes the relationship between FT and ILVT in young patients. Methods Retrospective case-control study of 30 ILVT patients with 98 controls compared for FT. Diagnosis of ILVT was made by electrocardiogram and clinical history, and for 25 patients was further confirmed by electrophysiology study (EPS). Presence of FT was identified by one blinded observer and verified by a second blinded observer. Presence of FT was then compared between ILVT patients and controls using Fisher's exact test. Results Presence of FT did not differ significantly between patients and controls (53% vs 43%, P = 0.40). Twelve FT patients (19%) had multiple FTs detected, though the incidence of ILVT was no higher in the setting of multiple FTs. A total of 25 patients with ILVT underwent EPS for intended ablation therapy, with ultimate success in 22/25 (88%) after one or more ablation sessions. Of the 25 EPS patients, FTs were present in 11, but precise correlation between successful ablation location and FT location was not possible since intraprocedural echocardiography was not performed in this patient group. Conclusions Presence of FTs did not differ between ILVT patients and controls. While FTs are not absolutely required for ILVT, they may still play a role in some cases.
Principles of Floodplain Management

Herodotus, the Greek historian in describing his travels noted that you can never return to the same river again. The water and its floodplain are always changing and so are the people who live there. Floodplain occupants have been making decisions about how to use floodplain lands and waters and how to cope with the associated flood risk throughout human history. Today, the process of making floodplain use decisions has become more sophisticated. Recent technological and societal developments allow more effective reduction of flood risk to life and property while also preserving and restoring valuable floodplain natural resources.
Arbitrary primer mediated fingerprinting in plants: Case studies in plant breeding, taxonomy and phylogeny

Arbitrary primer directed DNA amplification methods have allowed rapid, inexpensive, non-toxic, automatable and discriminative means of differentiating between individuals and varieties of cultivated plants. Representatives of at least 54 plant genera and more than 67 species have been surveyed by these methods. Profile data from arbitrary primer methods become less predictively informative as phylogenies diverge. Even within a single species (e.g., maize) genetic map locations for primer sites can be genotype dependent. Nonetheless, these methods have allowed new and enduring approaches to mapping. They will continue to be applied in species where life-cycles (e.g., trees), complex genetics (e.g., polyploids) or development costs render other methods unavailable. Arbitrary primers will be quickly replaced by technologies that are more specific to sequence, which can provide more comprehensive map information and which can generate data even more rapidly as soon as development and subsequent costs can be justified.