cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disrupting the ventral premotor cortex interferes with the contribution of action observation to use-dependent plasticity

Action observation (AO), observing another individual perform an action, has been implicated in several higher cognitive processes including forming basic motor memories. Previous work has shown that physical practice (PP) results in cortical motor representational changes, referred to as use-dependent plasticity (UDP), and that AO combined with PP potentiates UDP in both healthy adults and stroke patients. In humans, AO results in activation of the ventral premotor cortex (PMv), however, whether this PMv activation has a functional contribution to UDP is not known. Here, we studied the effects disruption of PMv has on UDP when subjects performed PP combined with AO (PP + AO). Subjects participated in two randomized crossover sessions measuring the amount of UDP resulting from PP + AO while receiving disruptive (1 Hz) TMS over the fMRI-activated PMv or over frontal cortex (Sham). We found that, unlike the sham session, disruptive TMS over PMv reduced the beneficial contribution of AO to UDP. To ensure that disruption of PMv was specifically interfering with the contribution of AO and not PP, subjects completed two more control sessions where they performed only PP while receiving disruptive TMS over PMv or frontal cortex. We found that the magnitude of UDP for both control sessions was similar to PP + AO with TMS over PMv. These findings suggest that the fMRI activation found in PMv during AO studies is functionally relevant to task performance, at least for the beneficial effects that AO exerts over motor training.
Anti-Poverty Policy for Families in the Next Century: From Welfare to Work--and Worries

This paper reveals that recent changes in social policy have included both sharp cutbacks in welfare for non-working families and dramatic increases in supports for low income working families. It explores the reasons for these changes, and documents how they have radically changed work incentives for some persons, notable single mothers. The result has been a large increase in work by low wage single parents. The paper concludes by examining several potential dangers of this new direction and explores the challenges that remain for the next century.
Ultra-small and Monodisperse Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Gamma-Al2O3

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) show unusual size-dependent optical, electronic, chemical, and catalytic properties; for example, Au particles on TiO2 are catalytically active for CO oxidation only when the Au NP is ~3 nm [1]. The novel size effects in heterogeneous catalysis must result from the change of atomic and/or electronic structures of supported metal NPs. Hence, an important goal to understanding and controlling heterogeneous catalysis is the ability to synthesis supported metal nanoparticles of a specific size and shape with a very narrow size distribution. Here we report the results of using forefront chemical synthesis methods to create ultra-small Pt NPs supported on gamma alumina and characterized by high-angle annular dark-field imaging (HAADF, or Z-contrast), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The EXAFS measures the ensemble-average structure of the particles within the entire sample, while TEM measures individual Pt NPs. More than 600 individual Pt NPs were analyzed by HAADF to gain statistically meaningful information on the size distribution.
Constitutively active TrkB confers an aggressive transformed phenotype to a neural crest-derived cell line

Neuroblastoma arises from sympathoadrenal progenitors of the neural crest and expression of the neurotrophin receptor TrkB and its ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is correlated with poor prognosis. Although activated TrkB signaling promotes a more aggressive phenotype in established neuroblastoma cell lines, whether TrkB signaling is sufficient to transform neural crest-derived cells has not been investigated. To address the role of TrkB signaling in malignant transformation, we removed two immunoglobulin-like domains from the extracellular domain of the full-length rat TrkB receptor to create a ΔIgTrkB that is constitutively active. In the pheochromocytoma-derived cell line PC12, ΔIgTrkB promotes differentiation by stimulating process outgrowth; however, in the rat neural crest-derived cell line NCM-1, ΔIgTrkB signaling produces a markedly transformed phenotype characterized by increased proliferation, anchorage-independent cell growth, anoikis resistance and matrix invasion. Furthermore, expression of ΔIgTrkB leads to the upregulation of many transcripts encoding cancer-associated genes including cyclind1, twist1 and hgf, as well as downregulation of tumor suppressors such as pten and rb1. In addition, ΔIgTrkB NCM-1 cells show a 21-fold increase in mRNA for MYCN, the most common genetic marker for a poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. When injected into NOD SCID mice, control GFP NCM-1 cells fail to grow whereas ΔIgTrkB NCM-1 cells form rapidly growing and invasive tumors necessitating euthanasia of all mice by 15 days post injection. In summary, these results indicate that activated TrkB signaling is sufficient to promote the formation of a highly malignant phenotype in neural crest-derived cells.
Optometric record keeping in a comprehensive health care environment.

Optometric records which have evolved in private practice must be reconsidered when included in a comprehensive care environment. These hospital, health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization, and similarly linked systems require a higher degree of communication among specialties than do self-standing practices. Furthermore, the administrative requirements of such a system require more standardization, cost sensitivity, medicolegal compliance, and other elements peculiar to a comprehensive facility. The expanded scope of care provided by optometrists within a hospital requires familiarity with a new range of procedures, languages, and reports. Information from laboratories, radiology, and other areas must be incorporated into the optometric record. Continuity of care is more complex. Opportunities for strong interprofessional synergies within the organization arise directly from proactivity in optometric record keeping. New legal hot spots arise from questions of records ownership , access, and privacy. Billing procedures are becoming extremely important, with significant effects on quality assurance audits, coding, doctor profiling against fraud, and abuse; these priorities can interfere with clinical priorities. Driven primarily by the concerns and resources of large third-party payers, technology is making rapid changes in the form of optometric record keeping in comprehensive systems. Electronic data management will change the face of medical records, although administrative data will be digitized much more quickly than clinical notes. Comprehensive care environments will be the test beds for these technologies. Optometry is in a good position to show its contribution to the health care team through leadership in the implementation of new record keeping models.
Singular perturbation of an infinite interval linear state regulator problem in optimal control

Abstract The corresponding problem on a finite interval has been studied by O'Malley and Kung using two different methods, namely: (1) the two-point boundary value method (O'Malley and Kung, SIAM J. Control 13 (1975), 327–337) and (2) The Riccati gain method (O'Malley and Kung, J. Differential Eqs. 16 (1974), 413–427). For the infinite interval, the two-point boundary value method is no longer relevant. However, the Riccati gain method can be applied. The conditions are changed slightly from those for the finite interval case. Some conditions are eliminated and some new conditions are added.
A trinuclear oxoniobium(V) complex with ketone molecules as ligands, [NbOCl3(OCRR′)]3 with RC6H5 and R′=m-CH3C6H4

Abstract The title compound and a less stable homolog containing benzophenone have been prepared. X-ray crystallography shows the title compound to be a trimer in which three NbOCl3(OCRR′) units are joined in cyclic fashion so that there is a closed set of NbO→Nb bonds. The unusual feature of the compound is the attachment of a ketone molecule to each metal atom. The following average distances were found: NbO, 1.767(6); NbO→Nb, 2.091(7); CO→Nb, 2.167(8), NbCl, 2.330(4) A; CONb angles were in the range 158°–177°.
Evaluation of Oscillating Bearings for High-Temperature and High-Vacuum Operation

The friction and wear characteristics of oscillating, plain journal, and self-aligning bearings were determined over a temperature range of −90 to 1750F, in a vacuum ranging from 10−6 to 10−3 torr and at atmospheric pressure. The nominal shaft diameter was one-half inch. The projected bearing load was from 4400 to 12,000 psi. The oscillating frequency was held constant at 31 cpm. The amplitude of oscillation was ± 25°. The bearing and shaft materials were two oxide-bonded cermets (Cr-Al2O3-Mo-TiO2 and Cr-Al2O3-W) and two high-temperature alloys (Cb-W-Mo-Zr-O-C and Ni-Cr-Co-Mo-Fe-Ti-Al-C-B). The lubrication means were silver-palladium cladding, MoS2 powder packed in a cavity in the bearing, and a resin-bonded MoS2 film; these were evaluated in a vacuum ranging from 10−6 to 10−3 torr. The most satisfactory performance over a wide range of operating conditions was provided by the cermet materials in combination with MoS2 powder packed in a cavity. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers pap...
PROTECTION OF C3HEB/FEJ MICE AGAINST LEISHMANIA AMAZONENSIS CHALLENGE AFTER PREVIOUS LEISHMANIA MAJOR INFECTION

The Th1 response elicited in mice infected with Leishmania major has been used as a model to characterize cellular immune defects associated with L. amazonensis infection. However, it is not known if the immune response associated with the infection by virulent L. major parasites can promote resistance to a subsequent L. amazonensis infection. Our data demonstrate that C3HeB/FeJ mice infected subcutaneously with virulent L. major are resistant to an L. amazonensis challenge. The healing phenotype is characterized by a Th1 response as measured by increased production of interferon-γ and low levels of interleukin-4 in the draining lymph node. Together, this indicates that the Th1 response associated with L. major infection can promote resistance to L. amazonensis infection and that it can be used as a tool to study the immune defects associated with L. amazonensis infection.
(2- 3 H)glycerol as a precursor of phospholipids in rat brain: evidence for lack of recycling.

— When [2-3H]glycerol was injected intracranially into young rats, it was presented as a pulse label, leaving the brain rapidly and giving up much of its labelled hydrogen to water. [2-3H]glycerol was efficiently incorporated into brain lipids, especially into choline and ethanolamine phospholipids. Following injection of a mixture of [3H]- and [14C]-labelled glycerol, the ratio of 3H to 14C in the phospholipids of both whole brain and the microsomal fraction decreased as a function of time after injection. This finding indicated less recycling of the tritium label. This lack of recycling was further indicated by the finding that 94 per cent of the tritium label of phosphatidyl choline was in the glycerol portion of the molecule rather than in the fatty acids. At 2 weeks following injection with [3H]glycerol, 93 per cent of the total radioactivity in brain appeared in the lipid fraction. In contrast, following injection with [14C]glycerol, only 57 per cent of the radioactivity appeared in lipid, with about 20 per cent in protein.
Calibration of the characteristic frequency of an optical tweezer using an adaptive normalized gradient approach

We describe the use of a normalized gradient approach for calibration of the characteristic frequency of an optical tweezer. Unlike existing methods that require purely off-line data analysis, the method discussed here can be performed on-line, provided a running average is periodically computed to reduce the effects of Brownian motion. We describe the experimental setup used for calibration of the optical tweezers and calculate the characteristic frequency of a trapped, 10-micron diameter polystyrene bead by processing experimental data using the normalized gradient algorithm and two existing off-line calibration methods. The three methods yield similar values for the characteristic frequency.
Thigh Adductor Transfer for Spastic Cerebral Palsy

SUMMARY Thigh adductor transfer has been performed on 35 cerebral-palsied children, 32 of whom were available for follow-up. The results were excellent or good in the large majority of cases; only one child did not benefit from surgery. In three cases there were minor complications. The procedure is easily performed, with minimal blood loss. The results have been more satisfactory and more predictable than those from other types of surgical approach to the flexed, adducted thigh in cerebral palsy. RESUME Transfert des adducteurs pour IMC spastigues 35 sujets prŕsentant une diplŕgie spastique ont bŕnŕficiŕ dun transfert bilattral des adducteurs pour attŕnuer le caractere repliŕ, en hyper-adduction et en ciseaux de la dŕmarche. 32 cas ont pu etre suivis par la suite. Objectivement, la mesure de la largeur de la base de sustentation et de 'ŕtendue de 'abduction s'est amŕliorŕe chez tous les sujets. La rotation des pieds et des genoux au cours de la marche a ŕtŕ significativement amŕliorŕe chez tous les sujets sauf cinq. Le besoin daide ambulatoire a diminuŕ pour plus de la moitiŕ des sujets. La mesure de la phase de posture en flexion du genou a montrŕ une diminution chez la moitiŕ des sujets. Subjectivement, la dŕmarche et 'apparence se sont amŕliorŕes chez tous les sujets sauf un. Les seules complications du procŕdŕ ont ŕtŕ deux infections superficielles de 'incision. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Adduktorenverpflanzung bei Cerebralparese Bei 35 Patienten mit spastischer Diplegie wurde eine bilaterale Adduktorenverpflanzung vorgenommen, um die Beugung, die Adduktion und das Uberkreuzen beim Gehen zu vermindern. 32 davon konnten nachuntersucht werden. Ganz objektiv gesehen konnte die Schrittweite und der Abduktionsradius bei allen Patienten verbessert werden. Mit Ausnahme von funf Patienten konnte bei allen die Rotation der Fuse und Kniee beim Gehen verbessert werden. Bei mehr als der Halfte der Patienten konnten die Gehhilfen reduziert werden. Die Knieflexion nahm bei der Halfte der Patienten in der Standphase ab. Subjektiv wurden Gang und Haltung bei allen bis auf einen Patienten verbessert. Die einzigen Komplikationen dabei waren zwei oberflachliche Wund-infektionen. RESUMEN Transplante de aductor en la pardisis cerebral espristica A 35 pacientes con diplejia espastica se les practico un transplante bilateral de aductor para disminuir su marcha encogida, en aduccion y en tijeras. Fue posible el estudio continuado en 32 casos. Objetivamente la medicion de la anchura de la base de la marcha y el margen de aduccion mejoraron en todos los pacientes. La posicion en rotacion de los pies y rodillas en la marcha mejoro significativamente en todos los pacientes excepto cinco. La necesidad de ayudas para la deambulacion disminuyo en mas de la mitad de los pacientes. La medicion de la flexion de la rodilla en la bipedestacion mostro una disminucion en la mitad de los pacientes. Subjetivamente, la marcha y el aspecto mejoraron en todos los pacientes excepto uno. Las unicas complicaciones de tratamiento fue la infeccion de dos heridas superficiales.
Real-world environment models for mobile network evaluation

Simulation environments are an important tool for the evaluation of new concepts in networking. The study of mobile ad hoc networks depends on understanding protocols from simulations, before these protocols are implemented in a real-world setting. To produce a real-world environment within which an ad hoc network can be formed among a set of nodes, there is a need for the development of realistic, generic and comprehensive mobility, and signal propagation models. In this paper, we propose the design of a mobility and signal propagation model that can be used in simulations to produce realistic network scenarios. Our model allows the placement of obstacles that restrict movement and signal propagation. Movement paths are constructed as Voronoi tessellations with the corner points of these obstacles as Voronoi sites. Our mobility model also introduces a signal propagation model that emulates properties of fading in the presence of obstacles. As a result, we have developed a complete environment in which network protocols can be studied on the basis of numerous performance metrics. Through simulation, we show that the proposed mobility model has a significant impact on network performance, especially when compared with other mobility models. In addition, we also observe that the performance of ad hoc network protocols is effected when different mobility scenarios are utilized.
Lack of association between enhanced TRPM-2/clusterin expression and increased apoptotic activity in sex-hormone-induced prostatic dysplasia of the Noble rat.

Although the functional role of TRPM-2/clusterin in the prostate remains controversial, it has been postulated that transcriptional activation of the gene is an important mechanism in castration-induced prostatic involution and perhaps is a means for prostatic cells to escape apoptotic induction. In the present study, we have measured expression levels of TRPM-2/clusterin and apoptotic activities in the prostates of castrated Noble (NBL) rats and those treated with testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) for 16 weeks. We have previously shown that the combined sex hormone treatment (T+E2) induces dysplasia, a purported preneoplastic lesion, exclusively in the dorsolateral prostates (DLPs) of all treated rats. In the present study, we demonstrate that, as expected, castration readily induced enhanced TRPM-2/clusterin expression, which was accompanied by increased apoptotic activity in the epithelia of DLP and ventral prostate (VP). The increase in TRPM-2/clusterin expression appeared earlier and was more dramatic in the VP than in the DLP. In sharp contrast, treatment of rats with T+E2 for 16 weeks induced augmentation of TRPM-2/clusterin expression selectively in the dysplastic lesions of the DLP but not in the lesion-free VP. The enhanced expression of TRPM-2/clusterin in the dysplastic epithelium was, however, not attended by an increase in apoptotic activity within the lesion. Thus, the observed up-regulation of TRPM-2/clusterin expression in the dysplastic foci of T+E2-treated rats occurred in animals whose androgen status remained normal and, despite the increased level of expression of this gene, apoptotic activity in these lesions was unchanged from basal values measured in the DLPs of untreated rats. These findings suggest that TRPM-2/clusterin expression in dysplastic lesions was no longer repressed by androgen nor was it associated with apoptosis. We propose that overexpression of the gene is likely a phenotype of neoplastic transformation. In addition, we speculate that TRPM-2/clusterin may serve as a survival factor, which could favor accumulation of transformed cells in dysplastic foci and thus promote the carcinogenic process.
What can we learn from confusing Olivella columellaris and O. semistriata (Olivellidae, Gastropoda), two key species in panamic sandy beach ecosystems?

Olivella columellaris (Sowerby 1825) and O. semistriata (Gray 1839) are suspension-feeding, swash-surfing snails on tropical sandy beaches of the east Pacific. While they often are the numerically dominant macrofaunal element in their habitats, their biology is poorly understood; the two species actually have been confused in all of the few publications that address their ecology. Frequent misidentifications in publications and collections contributed also to an overestimation of the geographic overlap of the two species. To provide a sound taxonomic basis for further functional, ecological, and evolutionary investigations, we evaluated the validity of diagnostic traits in wild populations and museum collections, and defined workable identification criteria. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that shell growth is allometric in O. columellaris but isometric in O. semistriata, suggesting that the species follow distinct developmental programs. The taxonomic confusion is aggravated by the existence of populations of dwarfish O. semistriata, which originally had been described as a separate species, O. attenuata (Reeve 1851). At our Costa Rican study sites, the occurrence of such dwarfish populations correlates with low wave energies but not with predation pressure and anthropogenic disturbances, indicating significant ecological plasticity in the development of O. semistriata.
Angle-resolved reflectance of obliquely aligned silver nanorods

Arrays of silver nanorods (AgNRs) formed by oblique-angle deposition (OAD) are strongly anisotropic, with either metallic or dielectric characteristics depending on the polarization of incident light, and may be used to enhance Raman scattering and surface plasmon polaritons. This work investigates the polarization-dependent reflectance of inclined AgNR arrays at the wavelengths of 635 and 977 nm. The specular reflectance at various incidence angles and the bidirectional reflectance distribution function were measured with a laser scatterometer, while the directional-hemispherical reflectance was measured with an integrating sphere. The AgNR layer is modeled as an effectively homogenous, optically uniaxial material using the effective medium theory to elucidate the dielectric or metallic response for differently polarized incidence. The thin-film optics formulation is modified considering optical anisotropy and surface scattering. This study helps gain a better understanding of optical properties of nanostructured materials.
New perspectives on Type A behavior: a psychiatric point of view.

OBJECTIVE To propose an answer to Medicine's confusion about what Type A Behavior is. METHOD To critically review early writings about Type A as well as current literature with a focus on five key articles which are frequently mentioned in medical and lay literature as containing relevant data undermining the Type A hypothesis. These five are critically evaluated for their definition of Type A, method of diagnosing Type A, nature of the cohort studied, and logic of their conclusions. RESULTS There is a failure in the literature to distinguish between Axis I symptoms and Axis II personality traits; the same term, Type A, being applied to quite different phenomena. CONCLUSIONS Type A should be defined as a Axis II Personality Disorder, and a new term, Stress Disorder (or Hostility Disorder) to the Axis I symptoms. This opens up endless possibilities in Medicine for Stress Disorder research, since Medicine can rightly argue that the research is to better treat the Stress Disorder disease, that precedes Coronary Artery disease.
Movement Disorders in Children

1. Bradley L. Schlaggar, MD, PhD* 2. Jonathan W. Mink, MD, PhD† 1. *Assistant Professor of Neurology, Radiology, and Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, St. Louis, MO 2. †Associate Professor of Neurology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, and Pediatrics; Chief, Child Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong, Rochester, NY. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the prevalence of tic disorder 2. Characterize the treatment of tic disorder 3. Explain how movement disorders can differ from autism and mental retardation 4. Describe the use of stimulant medication in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder associated with a tic disorder 5. Compare and contrast dopa-responsive dystonia and cerebral palsy Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, in 1964, while trying to define “obscenity,” articulated the now well-known “I shall not today attempt to define the kinds of material I understand to be embraced … [b]ut I know it when I see it ….” In some respects, a similar comment can be made about movement disorders. A movement disorder typically is defined as dysfunction in the implementation of appropriate targeting and velocity of intended movements, dysfunction of posture, the presence of abnormal involuntary movements, or the performance of normal-appearing movements at inappropriate or unintended times. The movement abnormalities are not due to weakness or abnormal muscle tone, but may be accompanied by weakness or abnormal tone By convention, movement disorders are divided into two major categories. The first is hyperkinetic movement disorders, sometimes referred to as dyskinesias. This term refers to abnormal, repetitive involuntary movements and encompasses most of the childhood movement disorders, including tics, chorea/ballismus, dystonia, myoclonus, stereotypies, and tremor. The second category is hypokinetic movement disorders, sometimes referred to as akinetic/rigid disorders. The primary movement disorder in this category is parkinsonism, manifested primarily in adulthood as Parkinson disease or one of many forms of secondary parkinsonism. Hypokinetic disorders are relatively uncommon in children. Although ataxia, weakness, and spasticity are characterized by motor dysfunction, by common convention these entities are not included among “movement disorders.” This review focuses on dyskinesias because they represent the bulk of movement disorders in children The components of the …
Geometric clipping using Boolean textures

Texture mapping is normally used to convey geometric detail without adding geometric complexity. This paper introduces Boolean textures, a texture mapping technique that uses implicit functions to generate texture maps and texture coordinates. These Boolean textures perform clipping during a renderer's scan conversion step. Any implicit function is a candidate Boolean texture clipper. The paper describes how to use quadrics as clippers. Applications from engineering and medicine illustrate the effectiveness of texture as a clipping tool. >
The Impact of Necessity and Sufficiency in the Wason Four-Card Selection Task

Performance in the Wason card selection task is often improved given thematic content. Such content effects have been considered evidence against human rationality. We propose that the role of content lies in specifying premises underlying “if P, then Q” rules. Unlike thematic rules, abstract conditional rules do not explicitly provide material interpretation (P is a sufficient but not necessarily a necessary condition for Q), resulting in nonnormative responses. When necessity-sufficiency relations were explicated, normative responses were elicited and effects of other logically irrelevant components disappeared. The results suggest that content effects are compatible with human rationality.
Cytokine Biology-Cytokines at the Interface of Health and Disease

The basic goal of immune system is to defend the host against pathogenic microorganisms and cancers. However, the immune system must also remain tolerant to mutualistic microorganisms and self-tissues. Therefore a critical balance between the destruction of pathogenic insults, and the limiting of collateral damage, must be maintained by the immune system. Immune system balance, or immune homeostasis, greatly depends upon effective targeting of a pathogenic insult, when encountered, followed by a return to steady state once it has been eliminated. Cytokines, which are low molecular weight proteins secreted by numerous cell types, play a critical role in the initiation of immune responses directed against a pathogenic insult and a subsequent return to steady state [1]. Given the critical importance of cytokine biology in immune system function and homeostasis, we have compiled a special issue of the Journal of Clinical and Cellular Immunology entitled: “Cytokine Biology: Cytokines at the interface of Health and Disease.” Within this issue we focus not only on the critical need for cytokines to initiate a proper immune response to pathogenic microorganisms and cancers, but also the deleterious effects of dysregulated cytokine signaling.
Negotiating Styles Among American Purchasing Managers In The 21st Century: Revisited

This study addresses whether the collaborative negotiation style is the most prevalent among American purchasing managers in the 21 st century’s landscape created by the global economy. It also examines whether there are relationships between the purchasing manager’s negotiation styles and selected personal and organizational characteristics that may affect negotiation styles. The results of the study reveal that the collaborative style is predominant. There are also significant relationships between the purchasing manager’s negotiation styles and personal and organizational characteristics.
Neoadjuvant therapy of gastric cancer with cetuximab added to both irinotecan and cisplatin, followed by surgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiation

e15552 Background: We previously demonstrated the efficacy of irinotecan (CPT) and cisplatin (Cis) combination therapy as neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric cancer [Newman E et al. J ...
Abstract 54: A Novel Technique in Controlling for Severity of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Measuring Outcomes in the Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample: The NIS-SAH Severity Score and NIS-SAH Outcome Measure

Introduction: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) is the largest publicly available inpatient care database. Its use in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) outcome studies, has been limited by an inability to control for SAH severity, and unverified outcome measures. To address this, we developed the NIS-SAH Severity Score (NIS-SSS) and NIS-SAH Outcome Measure (NIS-SOM). Methods: Three patient populations were used. Pop-I (N=148,958) and -II (N=147,395) were derived from the 1998-2009 NIS. Pop-III (N = 716) was derived from our institution. Using Pop-I, diagnosis codes likely to predict poor outcome were used to create the NIS-SOM. To create the NIS-SSS, diagnoses likely to predict SAH severity were entered into a regression model assessing poor outcome; model coefficients of significant factors were summed to generate the NIS-SSS. NIS-SOM was validated in Pop-III against modified Rankin Score (mRS) using inter-rater reliability; NIS-SSS was validated against Hunt-Hess (HH) grade using ANOVA; and the ability of NIS-SSS to predict poor outcome by mRS was analyzed using logistic regression. Using Pop-II, the ability of NIS-SSS to predict poor outcome was compared to other common measures of disease severity (APR-DRG, APS-DRG, and DRG). Results: A strong correlation between NIS-SOM and mRS was found, with agreement and Kappa statistic of 85% and 0.63 when poor outcome was defined by mRS > 2 and 95% and 0.84 when poor outcome was defined by mRS > 3. The NIS-SSS significantly correlated to HH grade (Fig. 1A) and strongly predicted poor outcome (Fig. 1B). When compared to APR-DRG, APS-DRG, and DRG, NIS-SSS was more accurate in predicting SAH outcome (AUC = 0.69, 0.71, 0.71, and 0.79, respectively). Conclusion: Our results indicate that: NIS-SOM is a valid measure for SAH outcome, NIS-SSS is a valid measure for SAH severity, and NIS-SSS outperforms other measures of disease severity in predicting SAH outcome. We believe NIS-SOM and NIS-SSS should be included in future NIS analyses.
Placing and sizing distributed photovoltaic generators for optimal reactive power compensation

A two-stage stochastic programming approach is pursued to optimally place and size photovoltaic (PV) inverters in a radial distribution network under solar irradiance and load uncertainties. First-stage variables include binary PV unit placement as well as continuous real and apparent power capacities of the inverters. Second-stage decisions comprise reactive power compensation, power flows, and nodal voltages, which are determined adaptive to the uncertainty. The objective is to minimize installation cost and expected thermal losses on the network. The optimization problem is formulated as a mixed-integer second-order cone program and is tested on a practical distribution network.
Inhibitors of DNA Methylation, Histone Deacetylation, and Histone Demethylation: A Perfect Combination for Cancer Therapy

Epigenetic silencing and inappropriate activation of gene expression are frequent events during the initiation and progression of cancer. These events involve a complex interplay between the hypermethylation of CpG dinucleotides within gene promoter and enhancer regions, the recruitment of transcriptional corepressors and the deacetylation and/or methylation of histone tails. These epigenetic regulators act in concert to block transcription or interfere with the maintenance of chromatin boundary regions. However, DNA/histone methylation and histone acetylation states are reversible, enzyme-mediated processes and as such, have emerged as promising targets for cancer therapy. This review will focus on the potential benefits and synergistic/additive effects of combining DNA-demethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors or lysine-specific demethylase inhibitors together in epigenetic therapy for solid tumors and will highlight what is known regarding the mechanisms of action that contribute to the antitumor response.
Synthesis of Inherently Chiral Azacalix[4]arenes and Diazadioxacalix[4]arenes

Described are nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions for the synthesis of inherently chiral azacalix[4]arenes and diazadioxacalix[4]arenes comprised of two or three different aromatic monomers. A variety of functional groups are tolerated at the 2-, 4-, and 5-positions on the nucleophilic-component monomers; reactions are run under ambient atmosphere; and the macrocycles are constructed without isolation of intermediate linear species.
Influence du placebo-répondeur dans l’évaluation de l’effet antalgique de l’aspirine (acide acétylsalicylique)

Nous avons etudie, en double aveugle, l’effet antinociceptif de l’acide acetylsalicylique dose a 0,6 g et d’un placebo (lactose) sur une douleur experimentale dentaire chez 17 sujets normaux. Le placebo, comme l’acide acetylsalicylique, produit une reponse analgesique statistiquement significative par comparaison avec les reponses de controle obtenues au cours des seances sans traitement. La comparaison des reponses analgesiques au placebo et a l’acide acetylsalicylique ne montre pas de difference significative pour l’ensemble de la population. Par contre, apres avoir separe les sujets en «placebo-repondeurs» et «placebo-non-repondeurs», nous avons pu mettre en evidence un effet analgesique de l’acide acetylsalicylique statistiquement superieur a celui du placebo dans le groupe «placebo-non-repondeur». Aucune difference significative entre l’effet du placebo et celui de l’acide acetylsalicylique ne peut etre montree dans le groupe «placebo-repondeur». Ainsi, la separation des sujets en placebo-repondeurs et placebo-non-repondeurs permet de demasquer l’effet antinociceptif de substances a faible pouvoir pharmacologique.
Wind tunnel effects on wingtip vortices

The influence of wind tunnel boundaries on a wing tip vortex is studied experimentally and by computation. Computations show that vortex is similar to that which would exist without tunnel walls. The experimental data are corrected for meandering. Then computations are in close agreement to data. A computation with the wall moved closer to the tip shows the primary effect to be displacement of the vortex core by the image effect. Wind tunnel experiments have studied the dynamics of the initial rollup from a stationary wing, and the subsequent development of axial and tangential velocities and turbulence with downstream distance. Devenport et al. (1996) reported that the flow outside the vortex core was dominated by the remainder of the wing wake, which wound into an ever increasing spiral, and that the turbulence stress levels varied along the wake spiral in response to the varying rate of strain imposed by the vortex. Chow et al. (1997) investigated the wing-tip vortex of a NACA 0012 airfoil model. They indicated a high level of axial velocity, in excess of 1.7U ∞ at all measurement locations. They also reported that the turbulence intensity in the vortex can be as high as 24%, but it decayed quickly with streamwise distance because of the stabilizing effect of the nearly solid-body rotation within the vortex-core. Many other detailed properties of the tip vortex have been measured in wind tunnel experiments. These studies have uncovered a good deal of useful information. However, the majority of them used point-wise flow measurement techniques. A common shortcoming of point-wise measurements is the inability to provide spatial structure of the unsteady vortices. Full field measurements are needed to effectively reveal the transient behavior of the wing-tip vortex structures. Temporally synchronized and spatially resolved flow field measurements are highly desirable in order to elucidate underlying physics. In a companion paper we describe the instrumentation for our current experiments. It consists of high resolution, stereoscopic PIV. Here we report preliminary data and CFD comparisons. It is well known that wind tunnel walls interfere with the flow around a test model. That is a major source of uncertainty in simulating free flight conditions. Various correction methods have been proposed for flows with concentrated vortices. For instance, Wang and Coton (2000) suggested combining a low-order panel method and a prescribed wake vortex into a coupled model to assess the basic affect of wind tunnel walls on wind turbine flow and performance. They reported that the numerical results from the coupled model compared well with the wind tunnel test data, although some discrepancies were noted. However, very little can be found in the literature to evaluate wind tunnel confinement effects on wing-tip vortices. Tunnel effects include test model blockage, inlet flow non-uniformities and inlet turbulence levels. Questions about how similar measured characteristics are to those occurring in free flight remain. Confinement effects provide one focus of the present experimental and numerical study.
Enhanced Apollo-Class Real-Time Targeting and Guidance for Powered Descent and Precision Landing

A new class of closed-form analytic solutions for the constant thrust arc of the braking and approach phases of the powered lunar descent and landing trajectory is presented as an enhancement of Apollo ground-based targeting solutions. The proposed solutions enable an Apollo-class explicit, integrated, real-time, on-board targeting and guidance procedures. These solutions enhance the lunar landing vehicle flight software and onboard guidance with real-time targeting and targeting capabilities while retaining the essential elements and concepts of the proven Apollo lunar descent algorithms. It is shown that real-time targeting problem for powered descent and precision landing can be formulated entirely by closed-form analytical solutions. It is also shown that a wide range of analysis of targeting and guidance parameters can be readily performed. The enhanced Apollo targeting and guidance solutions are applied to the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 trajectories and shown to compare favorably to the published actual descent trajectory. The proposed solutions are then applied to a precision landing problem for a new landing site at the lunar south pole.
Prevalence and Predictive Value of Dyspnea Ratings in Hospitalized Patients: Pilot Studies

Background Dyspnea (breathing discomfort) can be as powerfully aversive as pain, yet is not routinely assessed and documented in the clinical environment. Routine identification and documentation of dyspnea is the first step to improved symptom management and it may also identify patients at risk of negative clinical outcomes.
Tongue Blade Bite Test Predicts Mandible Fractures

The aim of the study is to evaluate the utility of a simple tongue blade bite test in predicting mandible fractures and use this test as an alternative screening tool for further workup. This is a retrospective chart review. An institutional review board approved the retrospective review of patients evaluated by the Department of Otolaryngology at a single institution for facial trauma performed from November 1, 2011, to February 27, 2014. Patients who had a bite test documented were included in the study. CT was performed in all cases and was used as the gold standard to diagnose mandible fractures. Variables analyzed included age, sex, fracture type/location on CT, bite test positivity, and operative intervention. A total of 86 patients met the inclusion criteria and of those 12 were pediatric patients. Majority of the patients were male (80.2%) and adult (86.0%; average age: 34.3 years). Fifty-seven patients had a negative bite test and on CT scans had no mandible fracture. Twenty-three patients had a positive bite test and a CT scan confirmed fracture. The bite test revealed a sensitivity of 88.5% (95% CI: 69.8-97.6%), specificity of 95.0% (95% CI:86.1-99%), positive predictive value [PPV] of 88.5% (95% CI: 69.8-97.6%), and negative predictive value [NPV] of 95.0% (95% CI: 86.1-99.0%). Among pediatric patients, the sensitivity was 100% (95% CI: 29.9-100%), specificity was 88.9% (95% CI: 68.4-100%), PPV was 75.0% (95% CI: 19.4-99.4%), and NPV was 100% (95% CI: 63.1-100%). The tongue blade bite test is a quick inexpensive diagnostic tool for the otolaryngologist with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting mandible fractures. In the pediatric population, where avoidance of unnecessary CT scans is of highest priority, a wider range of data collection should be undertaken to better assess its utility.
mRNA expression and the role of preproendothelin-1 in lungs of newborn rats with pulmonary hemorrhage

Objectives To determine the mRNA expression and the role of preproendothelin(ppET)-1 in the lungs of newborn rats with pulmonary hemorrhage. Methods Newborn rats were randomly divided into normoxic control (C)group and 4 experimental groups,including hypoxia(H)group,hypoxia/hypothermal(HH)group,reoxygenation after hypoxia/hypothermal(HHR)group and hyperoxia after hypoxia/hypothermal(HHRO2)group. Group C was exposed to air at room temperature,Group H to hypoxia(5% ～ 6% O2)alone for 6 hours,Group HH to hypothermia(10℃ ± 1℃)and hypoxia for 6 hours,Group HHR to hyperthermia(37℃)with inhaling room air for 2 hours after hypothermia(10℃ ± 1℃)and 6 hours of hypoxia,Group HHRO2 to hyperthermia(37℃)and reoxygenation( 95% O2)for 2 hours after hypothermia(10℃ ± 1℃)and 6 hours of hypoxia. The gross anatomical and histopathological changes(HE staining)in lungs were studied. The mRMA expression of ppET-1 was determined by RT-PCR. Results Pulmonary edema was observed in 4 experimental groups. In addition,punctiform,local or diffuse lesions of pulmonary hemorrhage were found in Group H,HH,HHR,and HHRO2 . Observation under light microscopy showed histopathological changes including pulmonary(alveoli and interstitial)edema,pulmonary alveoli dilate,spacer broken,pulmonary alveoli fusion and hemorrhage. The most dramatic changes were found in Group HHRO2 . Compared to Group C(0.363 ± 0.216),the mRNA expression of ppET-1 increased significantly in Group H(0.706 ± 0.184),HH(0.641 ± 0.172),and HHRO2 (0.673 ± 0.246)(P 0.01=. Conclusions Increased expression of ppET-1 mRNA was observed during the development of pulmonary hemorrhage and may play an important role in the pathological process of pulmonary hemorrhage.
Clinical Effect Observation of Qiliqiangxin Capsule in the Treatment of Refractory Heart Failure

Objective To observe the clinical effect of Qiliqiangxin capsule in the treatment of refractory heart failure(RHF).Methods 86 RHF patients admitted to our hospital from June 2012 to May 2014 were selected and divided into observation group and control group according to the admission sequence, with 43 cases in each group. The control group was given conventional symptomatic treatment, the observation group was given Qiliqiangxin capsule on the basis of conventional therapy, 2 weeks as a course, and 3 course at least. The cardiac function and short-term efficacy of two groups after 4 weeks of the treatment were compared, the long-term efficacy of two groups after following up for 6 months were also compared. Results After 4 weeks of the treatment, the LVEF, LVESV, SV and HR of observation group were significantly higher than those of control group, with statistical difference(P 0.05); the effective rate and total effective rate of observation group were 46.51%, 97.67% respectively, significantly higher than 23.26% and 83.72% of control group, with statistical difference(P 0.05). After 3 months and 6 months, the readmission cases of observation group were significantly lower than those of control group(P 0.05), but the death tolls of two groups had no statistical difference(P 0.05). The walking distance of 6MWT of observation group after following up for 6 months was significantly better than that of control group, with statistical difference(P 0.05).Conclusions Qiliqiangxin capsule has good short-term efficacy and long-term efficacy in the treatment of patients with refractory heart failure, without significant side effects, which can be promotion in clinic.
Imaging for Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) with Intraarterial Infusion of Yttrium-90 (Y-90) Microspheres: Pearls and Pitfalls

1324 Objectives 1. To describe the significance of Tecnetium-99m (Tc-99m)macroaggragated albumin (MAA) imaging prior to treatment. 2. To review the basics of SIRT using Y-90. 3. To demonstrate examples of expected and unexpected imaging patterns after SIRT. SIRT using Y-90 microspheres is an effective and usually well tolerated method for treating nonresectable primary or metastatic liver cancers. However, appropriate treatment planning prior to SIRT is crucial to avoid potentially harmful side effects. Tc-99m labelled MAA is injected into hepatic artery prior to treatment with Y-90 to demonstrate the shunting to the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. Lung shunting of <20% is required to reduce radiation related side effects in the lungs. If unexpected shunting to GI system is detected, angiographic embolization may be needed prior to treatment. A posttreatment bremsstrahlung scan should be obtained to verify the distribution of the Y-90 microspheres. This would also enable detection of unexpected areas of uptake that were not observed on pretreatment scan so that patients can be monitored more closely. SIRT using Y-90 microspheres is safe and efficient treatment modality in salvage therapy of metastatic liver cancers or nonresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. To avoid potentially harmful side effects, pretherapeutic work-up to explore hepatic vasculature and to assess shunting to lungs and GI system allows a better patient selection. Methods - Results - Conclusions -