cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive determination by cardiovascular magnetic resonance of right ventricular-vascular coupling in children and adolescents with pulmonary hypertension

Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains a disease with high morbidity and mortality in children. Understanding ventricular-vascular coupling, a measure of how well matched the ventricular and vascular function are, may elucidate pathway leading to right heart failure. Ventricular vascular coupling ratio (VVCR), comprised of effective elastance (Ea, index of arterial load) and right ventricular maximal end-systolic elastance (Ees, index of contractility), is conventionally determined by catheterization. Here, we apply a non-invasive approach to determining VVCR in pediatric subjects with PH. This retrospective study included PH subjects who had a cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study within 14 days of cardiac catheterization. PH was defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥ 25 mmHg on prior or current catheterization. A non-invasive measure of VVCR was derived from CMR-only (VVCRm) and compared to VVCR estimated by catheterization-derived single beat estimation (VVCRs). Indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi) and pulmonary vascular reactivity were determined during the catheterization procedure. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between PVRi and VVCRm. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the diagnostic value of VVCRm in predicting vascular reactivity. Seventeen subjects (3 months-23 years; mean 11.3 ± 7.4 years) were identified between January 2009-August 2013 for inclusion with equal gender distributions. Mean mPAP was 35 mmHg ± 15 and PVRi was 8.5 Woods unit x m2 ± 7.8. VVCRm (range 0.43–2.82) increased with increasing severity as defined by PVRi (p < 0.001), and was highly correlated with PVRi (r = 0.92, 95 % CI 0.79–0.97, p < 0.0001). Regression of VVCRm and PVRi demonstrated differing lines when separated by reactivity. VVCRm was significantly correlated with VVCRs (r = 0.79, CI 0.48–0.99, p <0.0001). ROC curve analysis showed high accuracy of VVCRm in determining vascular reactivity (VVCR = 0.85 had a sensitivity of 100 % and a specificity of 80 %) with an area under the curve of 0.89 (p = 0.008). Measurement of VVCRm in pediatrics is feasible. Pulmonary vascular non-reactivity may be contribute to ventricular-vascular decoupling in severe PH. Therapeutic intervention to maintain a low vascular afterload in reactive patients may preserve right ventricular functional reserve and delay the onset of RV-PA decoupling. Use of VVCRm may have significant prognostic implication.
Do perceived social stress and resilience influence the effects of psychopathy-linked narcissism and CU traits on adolescent aggression?

The current study explored the influences of social stress and resilience on the relation between psychopathy-linked personality characteristics (i.e., narcissism, dimensions of CU traits) and aggression with the expectation that social stress would exacerbate the relation, whereas resilience would mitigate it. In a sample of 154 at-risk adolescents (ages 16-18; 84% male), contrary to expectations, high social stress attenuated the relations of narcissism and callousness with aggression. Self-reported resilience attenuated the relation between callousness and aggression. The implications for understanding the role that these moderators might play in the association between adolescent psychopathic tendencies, particularly callousness, and aggression are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 9999:XX-XX, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Driving demand: What can gasoline refueling patterns tell us about planning an alternative fuel network?

Abstract Knowing which variables predict gasoline demand can help inform which are useful in determining future demand at an alternative fuel station such as those for bio-fuels, natural gas, hydrogen, or fast-charge electricity. This study explores the spatial distribution of demand by comparing two main classes of variables: those without a displacement component such as population in a census block group, and those that imply a vector or directionality such as vehicle kilometers traveled. The spatial distribution of these variables is compared to the spatial distribution of demand for gasoline using regression. Many models examining the transition from gasoline to an alternative fuel assume a demand pattern for fuel a priori in order to estimate potential demand at a future alternative fuel station. This paper studies not the models themselves but the variables used to predict demand. The results indicate that vehicle kilometers traveled (VKT) is the best variable to pinpoint where demand for fuel will occur. However, travel to the central business district of the metropolitan area does not appear to translate into demand for fuel in proportion to the VKT. While gasoline demand does appear to vary with population as well, the location of demand is much less specific than that predicted by VKT. The results also suggest that the route between home and the nearest freeway entrance may help predict a large portion of refueling and merits further investigation. This possible tendency can be used to create a new variable called “population-traffic” which appears to describe the spatial distribution of demand well. The good performance of this independent variable in regressions suggests that stations sited along the freeway may serve customers needs and provide the necessary concentration of demand for initial alternative fuel stations. A practical application of this work would be to help define refueling demand patterns in a rollout of alternative fueled vehicles in a neighborhood or town.
Ultraviolet Curing Acrylated Chlorinated Low-Molecular-Weight Guayule Rubber Wood Filler and Finish

Acrylated chlorinated low-molecular-weight guayule rubber (ACLMWGER) has been systhesized and characterized with Fourier Tranform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic responance spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry, We have found that ACLMWGER is useful as a prepolymer in 100% solids ultraviolet (UV) curing wood coatings. The properties of the coatings are equal or superior to coatings prepared from acrylated chlorinted rubber synthesized from commerical masticated natural rubber. However, when low-molecular-weight guayule rubber (LMWGR) serves as the feedstock, the cost of producing ACLMMWGR is significantly reduced since no mastication is needed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
689: Isolated oligohydramnios after 34 weeks: obstetric and neonatal outcomes

birth weight discordance (median 10% vs. 9% discordance) or neonatal admission rates (44% vs. 46%). Other perinatal outcomes were compared and found not to be statistically significant, including hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotising enterocolitis, respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and a composite of these outcomes including neonatal deaths (total 15% vs. 19%, p 0.05). We compared perinatal outcomes between the different types assisted conception groups (composed of 1% artificial insemination, 72% in vitro fertilization 10% intracytoplasmic sperm injection and 17% ovulation induction conception) and found no evidence of a difference in perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study found maternal, neonatal, and perinatal outcomes in twins conceived naturally and by assisted conception were comparable.
Facultative versus obligate nitrogen fixation strategies and their ecosystem consequences

Symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixers are critical components of many terrestrial ecosystems. There is evidence that some N fixers fix N at the same rate regardless of environmental conditions (a strategy we call obligate), while others adjust N fixation to meet their needs (a strategy we call facultative). Although these strategies are likely to have qualitatively different impacts on their environment, the relative effectiveness and ecosystem-level impacts of each strategy have not been explored. Using a simple mathematical model, we determine the best facultative strategy and show that it excludes any obligate strategy (fixer or nonfixer) in our basic model. To provide an explanation for the existence of nonfixers and obligate fixers, we show that both costs of being facultative and time lags inherent in the process of N fixation can select against facultative N fixers and also produce the seemingly paradoxical patterns of sustained N limitation and N richness. Finally, we speculate on why the costs and lags may differ between temperate and tropical regions and thus whether they can explain patterns in both biomes simultaneously.
Effects of allergic airway disease on mouse adenovirus type 1 respiratory infection.

Abstract Virus infection may contribute to asthma pathogenesis. In turn, a Th2-polarized pulmonary environment may increase host susceptibility to infection. We used a cockroach antigen (CRA) model of allergic airway disease to test the hypothesis that Th2 cytokine overproduction increases susceptibility to mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1). CRA sensitization led to upregulated lung expression of IL-4 and IL-13, lung cellular inflammation, and exaggerated airway mucus production. Following intranasal MAV-1 infection, lung cellular inflammation was more pronounced in CRA-sensitized mice than in unsensitized mice at 7 days post-infection but not at a later time point. CRA sensitization did not significantly suppress lung IFN-γ expression, and lung IFN-γ expression was upregulated in both CRA-sensitized mice and unsensitized mice over the course of MAV-1 infection. Despite CRA-induced differences in pulmonary inflammation, MAV-1 viral loads in lung and spleen and MAV-1 gene expression in the lung did not differ between CRA-sensitized and unsensitized mice. Our data therefore suggest that MAV-1 pathogenesis is not affected directly or indirectly by the Th2 polarization associated with allergic airway disease.
Density functional calculations of the strain effects on binding energies and adatom diffusion on (0 0 0 1) GaN surfaces

Abstract Density functional calculations were carried out to study the binding energies and diffusion barriers for adatoms on GaN surfaces. The binding energies and diffusion barriers were calculated for Ga and N adatoms on both Ga terminated and N terminated (0 0 0 1) surfaces, subjected to a hydrostatic compressive and tensile strain in the range of 0–5%. An understanding of the changes in adatom binding and diffusion under differing growth conditions was obtained. For example, the diffusion barrier of a Ga adatom is maximum for a 1% compressive strain and decreases rapidly at higher strains whereas the diffusion barrier for a N adatom is lowest at a 1% tensile strain and increases as the strain increases on a N terminated surface. These changes can explain differences in optimal growth conditions on bulk III-Nitride substrates as opposed to on III-Nitride template layers grown on foreign substrates.
Magnetic phase diagram of MnAs: Effect of magnetic field on structural and magnetic transitions

Abstract The boundary, in the T − H 0 plane, separating the MnP-type and NiAs-type crystallographic phases of MnAs was determined from magnetization and volume measurements. Transitions on one part of the boundary are of first order, but are of second order on the remaining part. The two parts are separated by a tricitical point.
Vagal nerve stimulation increases right ventricular contraction and relaxation and heart rate

Objective: To determine the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide, released from the right and left vagal nerves, on ventricular contraction, relaxation, and heart rate. Methods: The muscarinic and β-adrenergic receptors were blocked with atropine and propranolol, and afterload was controlled in 48 anesthetized, open-chest mongrel dogs. Experiments were performed in the absence (Series 1, 10 dogs) and in the presence (Series 2, 22 dogs) of a controlled heart rate and prior to and after the administration of a sensitive and selective vasoactive intestinal peptide antagonist (Series 3, 16 dogs). Results: Right ventricular contraction (+dp/dtmax), relaxation (−dp/dtmin) and heart rate increased significantly during 20 Hz vagal nerve stimulation for 5 min. Vagal nerve stimulation in Series 1 increased right ventricular +dp/dtmax by 28% from a control value of 480 ± 11 ( P < 0.001) and right ventricular −dp/dtmin by 23% from a control value of 341 ± 11 ( P < 0.002). Left ventricular +dp/dtmax and −dp/dtmin increased slightly but not significantly. Vagal nerve stimulation also increased the heart rate by 29% from a control value of 149 ± 2 ( P < 0.001). During controlled heart rate in Series 2, vagal nerve stimulation at 20 Hz consistently increased right ventricular +dp/dtmax and −dp/dtmin comparable to Series 1 experiments but did not increase left ventricular +dp/dtmax or −dp/dtmin. Injection of the vasoactive intestinal peptide antagonist [4C1-D-Phe6,Leu17]VIP into the right coronary artery of 16 dogs in Series 3 did not affect right ventricular +dp/dtmax, −dp/dtmin, or heart rate. However, this antagonist substantially decreased the vagal-induced increases in right ventricular +dp/dtmax, −dp/dtmin, and heart rate by 85, 63, and 71% ( P < 0.005), respectively. Conclusion: The present experiments suggest that vagal nerve stimulation releases vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) or a ‘VIP-like substance’ that significantly increases right ventricular contraction, relaxation, and heart rate.
Low Switching Energy 1200V Normally-Off SiC VJFET Power Modules

This work presents the progress in developing an all SiC based power module for use in high frequency and high efficiency applications. Using parallel combinations of 1200V enhancement mode SiC VJFETs (36mm2) and Schottky diodes (23mm2), a total on-resistance of only 10mOhm (2.7m-cm2) was achieved at ID=100A in a commercially available standard module configured as a half-bridge circuit. Careful attention to module layout, gate driver design, and the addition of optimized snubbers resulted in excellent switching waveforms with low total switching losses of 1.25mJ when switching 100A at 150oC.
Factors Related to Sexual Practices and Successful Sexually Transmitted Infection/HIV Intervention Programs for Latino Adolescents

Objective The purpose of this integrative literature review was to explore factors that are related to sexual practices among Latino adolescents and identify which of those factors are common across successful sexually transmitted infection (STI)/HIV intervention programs for Latino adolescents. Design An integrative literature review was conducted. Search terms included Latino, Hispanic, education, intervention/prevention programs, sex, sexuality, reproductive health, health risk behaviors, multiple sex partners, contraception, STI/HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, delay in initiation of sexual intercourse, consistent use of birth control, avoidance of STI/HIV infections, unintended pregnancy, cultural factors, and gender roles. Results Findings revealed from the review of 17 articles addressing factors related to sexual practices among Latino adolescents included familialism, religion, gender roles, level of knowledge/information, and privacy/confidentiality. Five successful STI/HIV intervention programs, that incorporated those factors to effectively reduce risky sexual behaviors were identified. STI/HIV knowledge and gender roles were recognized as common factors integrated into and across successful intervention programs for this population. Conclusion Only STI/HIV knowledge and gender roles were found as common factors across the five successful STI/HIV intervention programs and should be incorporated into future intervention programs that are culturally and gender specific. Therefore, health care providers need to understand culturally related gender roles and their impact on sexual practices to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate sex education about STIs and HIV for Latino adolescents to increase the program potential for reducing STI/HIV.
Signature work: Bandung, 1994

Abstract Recent statements on globalization, the social life of objects, and the open‐endedness of self‐definition offer fresh angles of approach in the ethnographic apprehension of contemporary art worlds. They are brought together here in an exploration of art forgeries, connoisseurship, value, and exchange in Bandung, Indonesia. Modernist ideas about art, authenticity, and painterly subjectivity not only inform the expert systems that oversee the ‘artness of art’ but also give rise to troubling anxieties and desires associated with ‘originals’ and fakes.’ The efforts of Indonesian painter A. D. Pirous to prevent forgeries of his work from reaching the market throw special light on the difficulties experienced in containing the illusions and confusions of art value. The predicaments are both intimate and global in dimension.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Intraoperative Magnesium Administration Does Not Improve Neurocognitive Function After Cardiac Surgery”

We thank Dr Derakhshan1 for his interest in our recently published study on magnesium and postoperative cognitive decline.2 The questions he raises on handedness and hemispheric dominance have already been elegantly addressed in a previous response to a similar query.3 In essence, handedness may be unreliable as a representation of hemispheric specialization.3,4 Dr Derakhshan also refers to the work of Messerotti Benvenuti et al5 in asserting that flow to the right hemisphere is not relevant to postsurgical outcome. We think that …
Adenyl cyclase: relationship to stimulated DNA synthesis in parotid glands

Abstract Parotid adenyl cyclase increases 3-fold within 2.5 minutes after injection of isoproterenol (IPR). Theophylline, an inhibitor of cyclic 3′, 5′ AMP breakdown, potentiates the effect of IPR on DNA synthesis in parotid glands, suggesting that cyclic 3′, 5′ AMP is involved in the stimulation of DNA synthesis.
Internalization of the TXA2 Receptor α and β Isoforms ROLE OF THE DIFFERENTIALLY SPLICED COOH TERMINUS IN AGONIST-PROMOTED RECEPTOR INTERNALIZATION

Thromboxane A2(TXA2) potently stimulates platelet aggregation and smooth muscle constriction and is thought to play a role in myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and bronchial asthma. The TXA2receptor (TXA2R) is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and is found as two alternatively spliced isoforms, α (343 residues) and β (407 residues), which share the first 328 residues. In the present report, we demonstrate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence microscopy that the TXA2Rβ, but not the TXA2Rα, undergoes agonist-induced internalization when expressed in HEK293 cells as well as several other cell types. Various dominant negative mutants were used to demonstrate that the internalization of the TXA2Rβ is dynamin-, GRK-, and arrestin-dependent in HEK293 cells, suggesting the involvement of receptor phosphorylation and clathrin-coated pits in this process. Interestingly, the agonist-stimulated internalization of both the α and β isoforms, but not of a mutant truncated after residue 328, can be promoted by overexpression of arrestin-3, identifying the C-tails of both receptors as necessary in arrestin-3 interaction. Simultaneous mutation of two dileucine motifs in the C-tail of TXA2Rβ did not affect agonist-promoted internalization. Analysis of various C-tail deletion mutants revealed that a region between residues 355 and 366 of the TXA2Rβ is essential for agonist-promoted internalization. These data demonstrate that alternative splicing of the TXA2R plays a critical role in regulating arrestin binding and subsequent receptor internalization.
A Shallow-Water Theory for the Sun’s Active Longitudes

We show that the global MHD shallow-water instability of differential rotation and toroidal field bands in the solar tachocline provides a possible mechanism for the formation and evolution of active longitudes seen in synoptic maps of photospheric magnetic fields. The mechanism involves the production of upward bulges at selected longitudes in the overshoot tachocline that contain significant toroidal fields.
Ultrasound attenuation coefficient in the fetal liver as a function of gestational age.

An apparent increase in the ultrasound attenuation coefficient per unit frequency, a/, of fetal liver as a function of gestational age has been observed. Measurements were made in utero with a 25 megasample/sec RF digitizer and a real time ultrasound system with a 5 MHz scan head. A precise measurement of a/was employed in which the intercept was tied to 0 at a frequency of 0. In 178 examinations of normal pregnancies, the linear regression of the af increased 26% between 26 and 40 weeks gestation. This statistically significant increase (p < 0.0001) is consistent with several observations, those of Parker et ai. of increased attenuation in liver when glycogen is added, the increasing glycogen storage in the liver before birth, and our own pre- and postnatal measurements reported elsewhere. A noninvasive assay for glycogen content would have important applications in medicine and biomedical science. However, an increase in measurement accuracy and precise correlation with glycogen content will be required to make meaningful predictions in individual cases, as opposed to the present statistical trends. Ultrasonics. BACKGROUND In the summer of 1986, an apparent increased attenu- ation by the fetal liver as a function of gestational age was observed in early data from a study of fetal lung maturity in which liver was used as an attenuation and echogenicity comparison for the lung. Shortly after, Duerinckx et al. (1986, 1988) indicated how strongly ultrasound attenuation correlated with liver function tests in their study of adults with and with- out liver disease. This suggested thinking about the greatest changes, normally occurring in the liver dur- ing third trimester pregnancies and that led to consid- eration of the great storage of glycogen near term. If, indeed, glycogen changes were responsible for changes in ultrasound attenuation and a noninvasive assay could be developed for glycogen content in the fetus, and even children and adults, that would be quite exciting. There is no such noninvasive assay at present and most third trimester concerns involve
29Si MAS NMR study of the structure of calcium silicate hydrate

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive investigation of single-phase calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) with known compositions using the combined capabilities of 29Si magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical analysis of the solution and solid. CSH gels with C/S ratios ranging from 0.4 to 1.85 have been synthesized by hydration of highly reactive β-C2S and aqueous reaction of fumed silica with CaO and separately with highly reactive β-C2S. The main findings include the following. (1) CSH shows continuity and diversity in both composition and structure and forms a continuous structural series. (2) Phase-pure CSH has C/S ratios between 0.6–1.54. (3) SiOH and CaOH bonds both occur in CSH, with the abundance of the former decreasing and that of the latter increasing with increasing C/S ratio. Model calculation indicates that there are between 0.13–0.43 SiOH bonds per tetrahedron and the CaOH/Ca ratio varies between nearly 0 and 0.64. An ideal formula for CSH with a C/S ratio of 1.5 is: Ca4.5[Si3O8(OH)](OH)4 · nH2O. A defect-tobermorite structural model is proposed for CSH in which individual layers have the basic structure of 1.4-nm tobermorite but contain a significant concentration of defects and are more disordered. Stacking disorder between adjacent layer and disorder within individual layers may both contribute to the local and long-range disorder and thus to the diversity of CSH.
A basic study of orientation in poly(ethylene terephthalate) stretch‐blow molded bottles

A series of stretch-blow molded poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles were investigated using measurements of birefringences (in plane and out of plane) and wide angle x-ray diffraction (WAXS) pole figures. Both bottles prepared in our laboratories and commercial bottles were investigated. Birefringences Δn13 and Δn23 of inside and outside surfaces of bottles were determined as a function of position along the length of the bottle (1-bottle axis, 2-hoop direction, 3-thickness direction). The Δn13, Δn23 for the inside surface of the bottles were found to be greater than those for the outside surface indicating heterogeneity through the thickness of the bottles. The WAXS studies indicate that the benzene rings in the polymer align parallel to the bottle surface. The chain axis in crystalline regions exhibit orientations close to equal biaxial orientation. Both Δn13 and Δn23 increased with inflation pressure.
Over‐infiltration mechanisms in selective laser sintered Si/SiC preforms

Purpose – The paper aims to evaluate mechanisms for silicon overfilling including volume expansion of silicon on solidification for composite silicon/silicon carbide (SiC) objects generated using post‐process infiltration of selective laser sintered (SLS) SiC preforms.Design/methodology/approach – Overfilling was characterized through geometrical means and microscopy, and results were used for further study and discussion of overfilling mechanisms.Findings – Silicon overfilling in silicon infiltrated SLS SiC parts is attributed primarily to its infiltrant silicon volume expansion on solidification. Si/SiC composites were found to be thermally stable with good material bonding.Research limitations/implications – Silicon as an infiltrant is unusual as it expands on solidification, whereas most infiltrants contract. Overfilling during infiltration of SLS porous performs is therefore not considered to be prevalent.Originality/value – This paper provides an examination of the value of silicon as an infiltrant ...
Current Options and New Developments in the Treatment of Haemophilia

Haemophilia A and B are X-linked bleeding disorders due to the inherited deficiency of factor VIII or factor IX, respectively. Of the approximately 1 per 5000–10000 male births affected by haemophilia, 80% are deficient in factor VIII and 20% are deficient in factor IX. Haemophilia is characterized by spontaneous and provoked joint, muscle, gastrointestinal and CNS bleeding leading to major morbidity and even mortality if left untreated or undertreated. The evolution of haemophilia management has been marked by tragedy and triumph over recent decades. Clotting factors and replacement strategies continue to evolve for patients without inhibitors. For patients with an inhibitor, factor replacement for acute bleeding episodes and immune tolerance, immune modulation and extracorporeal methods for inhibitor reduction are the cornerstone of care. In addition, adjuvant therapies such as desmopressin, antifibrinolytics and topical agents also contribute to improved outcomes for patients with and without inhibitors. The future direction of haemophilia care is promising with new longer-acting clotting factors and genetic therapies, including gene transfer and premature termination codon suppressors. With these current and future treatment modalities, the morbidity and mortality rates in patients with haemophilia certainly will continue to improve.
In vivo visualization of living flatworm neurons using Lucifer yellow intracellular injections

Turbellarian flatworms lend themselves to neurobiological investigations using intracellular iontophoresis of Lucifer yellow provided that one is able to anesthetize the animal and expose the nervous system. This paper details the methods used with the polyclad Notoplana acticola and the rhabdocoel Mesostoma ehrenbergii. Marine turbellarians can be anesthetized with equal parts of sea water and isotonic MgCl2 and fresh-water animals with an 8% ethanol in spring water. Animals can be held steady with minuten pins and spines of the cactus Opuntia basilaris or O. littoralis. Sheaths surrounding the brain can be digested away with a protease. Conventional glass microelectrode techniques are used to fill the cells with fluorescent dye, Lucifer yellow. The preparation needs to be viewed using darkfield illumination. Cells can be photographed through the microscope or traced using a camera lucida attachment to a fluorescence microscope. Tracings tend to be more useful for preserving details of the three-dimensional nature of the neuronal cytoarchitecture.
A joint Absorption–Mahonian process

A Bernoulli trials scheme is presented that jointly extends the absorption process of Blomqvist and the Mahonian process. The resulting distribution involves a (t,q)-analog of the binomial coefficient for which several identities are established using probabilistic arguments. A family of related distributions and q-identities are also surveyed.
Tool for assessment of process importance at the groundwater/surface water interface.

Abstract The groundwater/surface water interface (GWSWI) represents an important transition zone between groundwater and surface water environments that potentially changes the nature and flux of contaminants exchanged between the two systems. Identifying dominant and rate-limiting contaminant transformation processes is critically important for estimating contaminant fluxes and compositional changes across the GWSWI. A new, user-friendly, spreadsheet- and Visual Basic-based analytical screening tool that assists in evaluating the dominance of controlling kinetic processes across the GWSWI is presented. Based on contaminant properties, first-order processes that may play a significant role in solute transport/transformation are evaluated in terms of a ratio of process importance ( P i ) that relates the process rate to the rate of fluid transfer. Besides possessing several useful compilations of contaminant and process data, the screening tool also includes 1-D analytical models that assist users in evaluating contaminant transport across the GWSWI. The tool currently applies to 29 organics and 10 inorganics of interest within the context of the GWSWI. Application of the new screening tool is demonstrated through an evaluation of natural attenuation at a site with trichloroethylene and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane contaminated groundwater discharging into wetlands.
Spinal epidural abscess in hemodialysis patients: Report of three cases and review of the literature

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare infection that can evolve to severe permanent neurologic deficit or death if the diagnosis is delayed. We report three cases of SEA in hemodialysis patients and summarize nine previously reported cases occurring in hemodialysis patients, with detailed comparisons to series of SEA from the general medical literature. Among these 12 patients, hemodialysis catheters and arteriovenous grafts were the major source of infection, in contrast to the usual skin source. Staphylococcus aureus was implicated in all cases, but in one patient Bacteroides fragilis also was isolated from both the resected arteriovenous fistula and the SEA, and Escherichia coli was isolated from the arteriovenous fistula. The classic syndrome of SEA includes fever, backache, and local spinal tenderness, followed by progressive radicular and cord compression signs and symptoms. In this series, back pain and radicular pain were common at presentation, but only a minority had fever, back tenderness, weakness, or leukocytosis. Cerebrospinal fluid was typically abnormal but culture negative, whereas blood and epidural abscess cultures were frequently positive. Plain x-ray films, bone scans, and plain computed tomography scans had low diagnostic yield, and magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium had a sensitivity of 80%. Only myelography or computed tomography-myelography gave consistently correct diagnoses. The clinical outcome was poor, with one patient deceased and seven with severe weakness or paralysis. Early intervention provided a higher likelihood of good outcome, whereas late intervention and preoperative neurologic deficits portended a poor functional result. Because of the high incidence of bacteremia in hemodialysis patients, we recommend that symptoms of fever, backache, and spinal tenderness be promptly evaluated for SEA before signs or symptoms of cord compression develop. Early recognition and treatment with antibiotics and decompressive laminectomy is generally associated with a better outcome.
Obesity and Lifestyle Management in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is frequently associated with obesity, with at least 50% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome demonstrating overweight or obesity defined by body mass index >25 or >30 kg/m2. Overweight and obesity impact the clinical reproductive and metabolic features of the syndrome. Long-term complications of obesity such as cardiovascular risk and diabetes, as well as those over the short term in reproductive function, are significantly improved by lifestyle modification. Weight reduction is difficult to achieve over the long-term and programs designed for modest reduction in overall body weight (5% to 10%) with improvements in fitness are as effective as severe weight reduction in reducing metabolic disease and improving ovulatory potential. Further research is needed into the best approach for successful interventions that result in long-term sustained weight loss.
Entrepreneurial alertness and asymmetric information in a spin-glass model

Abstract The purpose of this article is to investigate the relative role played by alertness and asymmetric information on entrepreneurial decisions. The article presents a model in which an individual decides whether to become an entrepreneur based on her alertness and on the information available in her environment. Spin-glass simulations are used to illustrate the dynamics of the decisional process. According to the results, more alert agents have higher probabilities of exhibiting entrepreneurial behavior. However, if information is evenly distributed, the number of entrepreneurs is shown to remain low even when agents are highly alert. If, on the other hand, information is not evenly distributed, entrepreneurship is shown to increase and concentrate geographically. These results are consistent with observed clustering of entrepreneurial activity. In addition, entrepreneurship is identified as a path-dependent phenomenon. As a result, the model suggests that certain political and institutional settings are more conducive to entrepreneurship than others and implies that short-term policies aimed at increasing the prevalence of entrepreneurship are likely to be ineffective.
Time comparison of a medical intensive care unit before and after installation of a digital viewing station

Almost three years ago we conducted a study to assess the impact of digital viewing stations in intensive care units. Two intensive care units, the MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) and the SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit) were studied. The results demonstrated that clinicians in the SICU (with digital viewing capability) were 91/2 times more likely to view exam results within an hour than those in the MICU (without digital display) were to receive any kind of notification of the exam results within an hour. Some of the differences observed between the two units were attributed to the differences in operation. In an effort to determine the portion of the differences attributable to differences in operation of the two units, another study was performed in the MICU after a digital viewing station was installed. These results were compared with the results obtained before the digital viewing stations were installed. Results have shown that there is not statistical difference in the times within which the exams are viewed for the two cases.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adaptation to phosphate deprivation in osteoblast‐like cells

The rat osteosarcoma cell line UMR-106-01 has an osteoblast-like phenotype. When grown in monolayer culture these cells transport inorganic phosphate and L-alanine via Na(+)-dependent transport systems. Exposure of these cells to a low phosphate medium for 4 h produced a 60-70 per cent increase in Na(+)-dependent phosphate uptake compared to control cells maintained in medium with a normal phosphate concentration. In contrast, Na(+)-dependent alanine uptake and Na(+)-independent phosphate uptake were not changed during phosphate deprivation. The increased phosphate uptake was due, in part, to an increased Vmax and was blocked completely by pretreatment with cycloheximide (70 microM). In these cells recovery of intracellular pH after acidification with NH4Cl is due primarily to the Na+/H+ exchange system. The rate of this recovery process, monitored with a pH sensitive indicator (BCECF), was decreased by more than 50 per cent in phosphate-deprived cells compared to controls indicating that Na+/H+ exchange was inhibited during phosphate deprivation.
Rescue pyloroplasty for refractory delayed gastric emptying following esophagectomy

Background Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) following esophagectomy is a debilitating complication. Rarely, failure of postoperative endoscopic therapy may necessitate rescue pyloroplasty (rPP). Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-institution review of rPP for post-esophagectomy DGE from 2000 to 2013. Pre- and postoperative symptoms and pharmacologic use were examined. “Successful” rPP was defined as resolution of symptoms and pharmacologic requirements postoperatively. Quality of life (QoL) was evaluated by Short Form-12 and study-specific questionnaires. Results Thirteen patients underwent open transabdominal rescue Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty. Between esophagectomy and rPP, average interval weight loss was 19 ± 15 lb over 13 months (range, 3–22). Patients underwent 3.4 ± 1.0 preoperative endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) attempts, with 7 (54%) receiving endoscopic intrapyloric botulinum toxin (IPB) injections. Median follow-up was 12 months (range, 4-23). After rPP, the incidence of nausea, vomiting, bloating, prokinetic use, and total parenteral nutrition/total enteral nutrition dependence decreased (all P Conclusion rPP for post-esophagectomy DGE is well-tolerated, results in improvements in symptoms and pharmacologic dependence, and satisfactorily preserves QoL.
Anisotropy Effects on High Power Antiferromagnetic Resonance

The AFMR frequency shift Δ ω in a uniaxial antiferromagnet at high power is calculated within the framework of a random phase approximation. It is shown that Δ ω can be expressed in terms of the number or uniform mode ( k =0) magnons and degenerate ( k ≠0) magnons excited dynamically. The presence of these excited magnons results in a shift of the AFMR frequency through changes of the anisotropy and demagnetizing fields. In spherical samples the anisotropy induced shift is negative, so that the resonance condition for the low frequency AFMR branch for a fixed resonance frequency shifts towards lower fields.
Phytoserological systematic survey of the caprifoliaceae

Although several investigators have presented data suggesting that the Caprifoliaceae is polyphyletic in origin, the family has been retained as a taxon in recent classifications. Serological analyses of the taxa included within the family have been undertaken to provide additional taxonomic data. Precipitin techniques of double diffusion (Ouchterlony) and nephelometry (Boyden Procedure) were used to analyse serological similarities of seed proteins from representatives of the family. Three distinct groupings were detected for the taxa included in the Caprifoliaceae. AlthoughViburnum exhibited greatest serological similarity withSambucus, Viburnum was quite distinct from all members of the family investigated.Sambucus also was somewhat distinct from the other genera and exhibited about as much serological correspondence withCornus of the Cornaceae as with any tested member of the Caprifoliaceae. The remaining species examined formed a very close serological grouping. These data can be interpreted as supporting either a monophyletic or polyphyletic origin of the family as presently composed, because of the different arrangements of the families Caprifoliaceae and Cornaceae in the various systems of classification.
Methysergide, a serotonin antagonist, does not inhibit the expression of autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the rabbit

In view of recent interest in the potential role of vasoactive amines in the expression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and neuritis (EAN), we set out to determine the effect of slow-release methysergide, a serotonin antagonist, on the effector phase of EAE/EAN in rabbits immunized with homologous spinal cord in Freund's adjuvant. On day 6 post-immunization (p.i.), slow-release pellets of methysergide maleate were implanted subcutaneously in graded doses 0-400 mg. At the highest dose, blood concentrations of methysergide were approximately 90 ng/ml on day 8 p.i. falling to 20 ng/ml by day 16 p.i. However, even at the highest dose of methysergide, rabbits developed typical clinical and histological signs of EAE/EAN. It is concluded that serotonergic mechanisms do not play a critical role in the effector phase of EAE/EAN in the rabbit.
Experimental considerations for 2-D acoustooptic spectrum analysis

A 2-D acoustooptic spectrum analyzer with the associated reference function generator and real-time image processor has been constructed. The operation of the analyzer and the experimental considerations for obtaining a high resolution spectrum in real time are described.
Expression of sensory neuron antigens by a dorsal root ganglion cell line, F-11

The F-11 cell line is a fusion product of embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells with mouse neuroblastoma cell line N18TG-2 (Platika, D., Boulos, M.H., Baizer, L. and Fishman, M.C., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 82 (1985) 3499–3503). F-11 cells were uniformly labelled using a monoclonal antibody (RT-97) to the 200 kDa subunit of neurofilament protein, which labels a subpopulation of adult rat DRG neurons. F-11 cells did not stain for antigenic markers of fibroblasts or Schwann/satellite cells which are also present in DRG. Monoclonal antibodies that recognize cell surface carbohydrates have been shown to label subpopulations of DRG neurons. The stage-specific embryonic antigens SSEA-3 and SSEA-4, and the antigen recognized by B23D8, were expressed by some F-11 cells but not by the neuroblastoma parent of the hybrid cells. SSEA-3 was expressed by about 20% of the F-11 cells, whereas 40–60% expressed SSEA-4 or the antigen recognized by B23D8. The stability of F-11 cell subpopulations for sensory antigen expression was demonstrated by isolating single cells and growing the progeny as clonal lines. In some subclones, nearly 100% of the cells stably expressed SSEA-4 and/or B23D8, or failed to stain with anti-SSEA-4, anti-SSEA-3, or B23D8 over 12 passages. Other subclones were unstable for the expression of these antigens. This study demonstrates the derivation of the F-11 cell line from sensory neurons but also indicates that multiple phenotypes of varying stability are present in this line. This information is important for the use of this line as a model for DRG neurons.
Multidentate carborane-containing Lewis acids and their chemistry: mercuracarborands

Abstract Macrocyclic Lewis acidic hosts with structures incorporating electron-withdrawing icosahedral carboranes and electrophilic mercury centers bind a variety of electron-rich guests. These compounds, the so-called mercuracarborands, are synthesized by a kinetic halide ion template effect that affords tetrameric cycles or in the absence of halide ion templates, cyclic trimers. Both types of mercuracarborands form stable host–guest complexes with anionic and neutral electron-rich molecules. The multidentate structure of mercuracarborand hosts has made these unique molecules ideal for catalytic and ion-sensing applications as well as for the assembly of supramolecular architectures.
An Intelligent Pumping System to Cope With Gas Volume Fraction of the Oil-Well Multi-Phase Flow

A novel approach is presented to model the interplay between the gas volume fraction (GVF) and the driving force of the pumping unit. A physics-based model is proposed to predict the down-hole pressure for a constant, but unknown GVF and given oil flow-rate out of the well. The identified down-hole pressure is used to model the saddle-bearings axial displacements, which are indicative of polished-rod loading. The imbalance between the data obtained from the detailed model of the pumping unit, and predicted bearing’s displacements can be employed then to estimate the value of the GVF. The resulted GVF is incorporated into the sucker-rod string dynamics to determine the natural frequency of the system. A control strategy is then used to adjust the pump speed to compensate for the GVF variations while avoiding the resonance frequency of the sucker-rod string. A low dimensional simulation is performed and the results are demonstrated for upstroke movement of the sucker-rod.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Developing Optical Biomarkers to Characterize the Progression of Barrett’s Esophagus to Pre-Cancer

Esophageal pre-cancer biomarkers can be optically detected in tissue using confocal microscopy and specific stains. Developing and characterizing these optical biomarkers ex vivo is necessary to be able to detect them in vivo.
Endocytosis function of a ligand-gated ion channel homolog in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Summary Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that respond to a variety of transmitters, including acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and glutamate [1, 2]. These proteins play key roles in neurotransmission and are typically found in the nervous system and at neuromuscular junctions [3]. Recently, acetylcholine receptor family members also have been found in nonneuronal cells, including macrophages [4], keratinocytes [5], bronchial epithelial cells [5], and endothelial cells of arteries [6]. The function of these channels in nonneuronal cells in mammals remains to be elucidated, though it has been shown that the acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit is required for acetylcholine-mediated inhibition of tumor necrosis factor release by activated macrophages [4]. We show that cup-4 , a gene required for efficient endocytosis of fluids by C. elegans coelomocytes, encodes a protein that is homologous to ligand-gated ion channels, with the highest degree of similarity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Worms lacking CUP-4 have reduced phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate levels at the plasma membrane, suggesting that CUP-4 regulates endocytosis through modulation of phospholipase C activity.
Notice of Redundant Publication

After publishing the paper, “3-D CT is the Most Reliable Imaging Modality When Quantifying Glenoid Bone Loss” by Bishop et al. [1], it was brought to our journal’s attention that the article contained substantial redundancies with an earlier published article in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery entitled, “Comparison of Various Imaging Techniques to Quantify Glenoid Bone Loss in Shoulder Instability” by Rerko et al. [2] The later article, by Bishop et al. [1], neither mentioned nor referenced the earlier published work.