cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anomalous Preservation of Pure Methane Hydrate at 1 atm

Direct measurement of decomposition rates of pure, polycrystalline methane hydrate reveals a thermal regime where methane hydrate metastably “preserves” in bulk by as much as 75 K above its nominal equilibrium temperature (193 K at 1 atm). Rapid release of the sample pore pressure at isothermal conditions between 242 and 271 K preserves up to 93% of the hydrate for at least 24 h, reflecting the greatly suppressed rates of dissociation that characterize this regime. Subsequent warming through the H2O ice point then induces rapid and complete dissociation, allowing controlled recovery of the total expected gas yield. This behavior is in marked contrast to that exhibited by methane hydrate at both colder (193−240 K) and warmer (272−290 K) test conditions, where dissociation rates increase monotonically with increasing temperature. Anomalous preservation has potential application for successful retrieval of natural gas hydrate or hydrate-bearing sediments from remote settings, as well as for temporary low-pre...
Infectious disease screening and isolation for pediatric patients in an emergency department

Communicable infectious childhood diseases present special management challenges to the ED nurse. Chickenpox, measles, mumps, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and meningitis are all highly contagious diseases that occur frequently in the pediatric population, and a large number of people can be exposed in a brief period of time in a busy emergency department. In the triage process, patients are prioritized according to illness acuity with nonemergent patients allocated to a general waiting area. Close proximity with other ill and possibly immunocompromised patients can increase the likelihood of spreading communicable diseases. The process of diagnosing the child's condition frequently necessitates travel to other departments, thereby further exposing the general hospital population. Recognizing the problem In the fall of 1993, as the emergency department and the pediatric intensive care unit for Children's Hospital of Omaha, Nebraska, anticipated a seasonal influx of patients with RSV, we began reviewing quality assurance data regarding interdepartmenta l transfers of patients with known RSV. The goal was to reduce exposure from these contagious patients. The infectious disease department added new information regarding the time and financial expense of tracking exposures. It became evident that a more sensitive screening process was needed to identify potentially contagious patients. Two multidisciplinary meetings were held to identify the scope of the problem, to identify institutional and systems barriers to the implementation of a new policy and procedure, and to devise a plan of action to minimize the spread of infectious disease. We identified the lack of knowledge regarding disease-specific incubation periods and transmission routes as the first barrier. Information from the
Comparative in vitro activity of the new difluoro-quinolone temafloxacin (A-62254) against bacterial isolates from cancer patients.

The in vitro activity of temafloxacin, a new difluoro quinolone agent, against 725 bacterial isolates representing 32 species was evaluated in comparison with that of ciprofloxacin. Temafloxacin inhibited the majority ofEnterobacteriaceae isolates at a concentration of≤0.5 µg/ml. It was also extremely active againstAcinetobacter spp. andAeromonas hydrophila. Its activity was 2–8fold less than that of ciprofloxacin against most gram-negative isolates. Methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negativeStaphylococcus spp.,Streptococcus spp.,Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus spp. and group JK corynebacteria were inhibited at concentrations equal to that of ciprofloxacin.
Identifying and treating inhalation injuries in fire victims.

Inhalation injury is the primary cause of fire-related deaths. Although treatment of cutaneous burn injuries has greatly improved patient survival, inhalation injury remains a clinical challenge. This article reviews the current methods of identifying and treating fire-related inhalation injury. Language: en
Lower bounds for characteristic values

It is the purpose of this note to give lower bounds for the characteristic value, h, in a certain differential inequality. The novelty is that the differential operator is not formally self-adjoint, the conditions on the coefficients are very weak, and corners are allowed in the comparison function, V. The method generalizes to problems involving degenerate elliptic operators in n dimensions, though details are not given here. Throughout this note (a, b) denotes a finite or infinite open interval of the real line, the independent variable is X, and f, g, h, u, o, y are functions of X, with h 3 0. For a class of functions u to be specified later an operator T is defined by Tu=f-g;-h$. (1)
Catholicism and Indices of Social Pathology in the States

In 50 states, percentages of Catholic residents correlated negatively with suicide and divorce rates and positively with abortion rates. The percentages of Catholic residents did not correlate with homicide and illegitimacy rates.
Abundance and characteristics of the recreational water quality indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci in gull faeces

L. R. F O G A R T Y , S. K. H A A C K , M. J. W O L C O T T A N D R. L. W H I T M A N. 2003. Aims: To evaluate the numbers and selected phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the faecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci in gull faeces at representative Great Lakes swimming beaches in the United States. Methods and Results: E. coli and enterococci were enumerated in gull faeces by membrane filtration. E. coli genotypes (rep-PCR genomic profiles) and E. coli (VitekGNI+) and enterococci (APIrapid ID 32 Strep and resistance to streptomycin, gentamicin, vancomycin, tetracycline and ampicillin) phenotypes were determined for isolates obtained from gull faeces both early and late in the swimming season. Identical E. coli genotypes were obtained only from single gull faecal samples but most faecal samples yielded more than one genotype (median of eight genotypes for samples with 10 isolates). E. coli isolates from the same site that clustered at ‡85% similarity were from the same sampling date and shared phenotypic characteristics, and at this similarity level there was population overlap between the two geographically isolated beach sites. Enterococcus APIprofiles varied with sampling date. Gull enterococci displayed wide variation in antibiotic resistance patterns, and high-level resistance to some antibiotics. Conclusions: Gull faeces could be a major contributor of E. coli (10 5 -10 9 CFU g )1 ) and enterococci (10 4 - 10 8 CFU g )1 ) to Great Lakes recreational waters. E. coli and enterococci in gull faeces are highly variable with respect to their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and may exhibit temporal or geographic trends in these features. Significance and Impact of the Study: The high degree of variation in genotypic or phenotypic characteristics of E. coli or enterococci populations within gull hosts will require extensive sampling for adequate characterization, and will influence methods that use these characteristics to determine faecal contamination sources for recreational waters.
Shielding distribution for anisotropic radiation in low earth orbit

The highly directional nature of radiation encountered in low earth orbit (LEO) can be a basis for distributing mass for spacecraft radiation shielding. Trapped (Van Allen) radiation at low altitudes is concentrated within a plane perpendicular to the local geometric field lines. Trapped high-energy protons (which penetrate the relatively thin shielding required for electrons) have a pronounced east-west asymmetry at low altitudes, with the flux from the west much higher than that from the east. By distributing radition shielding mass in response to these anisotropies, spacecraft mass can be reduced, the altitude limits of LEO extended, and the exposure of men and sensitive materials decreased. Geophysical behavior of trapped radiation is reviewed with particular emphasis on the factors responsible for radiation anisotropy. Shielding distribution in response to anisotropic radiation is then explored for consistently oriented spherical and cylindrical spacecraft. The 28.5-deg orbital inclination is considered in detail, with a brief extension of the concepts to other inclinations. These radiation shielding concepts may find near-term application in Space Station design. 21 references.
Bounds on the Fourier coefficients for the periodic solutions of non-linear oscillator equations

The differential equations describing nonlinear oscillations (as seen in mechanical vibrations, electronic oscillators, chemical and biochemical reactions, acoustic systems, stellar pulsations, etc.) are investigated analytically. The boundedness of the Fourier coefficients for periodic solutions is demonstrated for two special cases, and the extrapolation of the results to higher-dimensionsal systems is briefly considered.
TSDC study of structural relaxation on polyethylene terephthalate

Abstract The influence of physical aging processes on the electrical and thermal properties of amorphous polyethylene terephthalate was investigated by means of the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and low frequency dielectric methods. A noticeable decrease in polarization and loss factor corresponding to the main α relaxation was observed with increasing aging times, especially for aging temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 °C below Tg. This behavior is compatible with the free-volume concept, and can be explained by a gradual decrease in segmental mobility following a shift of the relaxation time spectrum of molecular motions to longer time scales. The whole experimental evidence suggests that proper consideration should be given to thermal history and aging effects of polyethylene terephthalate. The thermally stimulated depolarization current was chosen due to its low equivalent frequency, useful to study systems exhibiting multiple relaxations.
Colorectal foreign bodies and perforation

Summary Although most rectal foreign bodies can be removed safely in the emergency room, some require removal in the operating room. Good results can be achieved if basic principles in the management of colorectal injuries in general are applied to colorectal perforations by foreign bodies. Although rectal foreign bodies and colorectal perforations from nonmedical rectal instrumentation have been a medical curiosity for many years, especially in metropolitan general hospitals, there can be little doubt that the frequency of such problems is increasing. We expect that community hospitals, will see more of these problems in years to come, if they are not already.
The synthesis of new electron-deficient naphthoquinones

The syntheses and electrochemical properties of two novel electron-deficient naphthoquinones are described. Quinone (4) readily forms a charge transfer salt with tetrathiofulvalene (TTF). The key step in the synthesis of the quinones is an active nickel powder-assisted cycloaddition of a substituted o-xylylene to fumaronitrile.
Brainstem hyperperfusion syndrome after intravenous thrombolysis: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)-associated hyperperfusion syndrome in brainstem after acute stroke has not yet been reported. The current report demonstrates that rtPA-associated hyperperfusion syndrome can be a cause of clinical deterioration following improvement (DFI) after rtPA in acute stroke. METHODS We observed a transient DFI in a 59-year-old man with acute ischemic stroke who received rtPA. The phenomenon was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted image (DWI) and a series of transcranial Doppler scan evaluating changes in the basilar arterial flow. RESULTS We demonstrated a reversible hyperintensity at pons on DWI as well as a transient increase in basilar arterial flow on Doppler scan suggesting the occurrence of vasogenic edema and hyperperfusion at brainstem. CONCLUSIONS rtPA-associated hyperperfusion can occur at brainstem causing transient neurological deficits. It can be a cause of DFI in addition to reocclusion after recanalization.
A stochastic approach to SRAF printing prediction

In this paper we discuss a statistic approach to SRAF printing detection. This method considers and is generically based on the opportunistic essence of the resist image formation due to various stochastic uncertainties in the state-of-the-art advanced node lithographic process. The method is based on the direct measurement of the probability of SRAF printing at considered-to-be-nominal conditions and extrapolation of the results based on the process conditions/assumptions to the probability ranges where direct probability measurements are practically impossible. The method described here provides a controllable and quantitative framework for setting up SRAF printing detection and facilitates the significant reduction of the efforts and costs needed to setup SRAF printing checks. The argumentation and the way of looking at the verification setup in the environments with considerable variability can be directly reused to design and calibrate other checks in OPC verification flows.
Paraganglioma of the vagina: the first report of a rare tumor in a child.

Paraganglioma (extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma) is a rare tumor, particularly in childhood. Those in the female genital tract are exceptionally rare, with only 9 cases reported in detail since 1926. All were seen in adults and only two arose in the vagina. This study examined the incidence of this tumor in the childhood population of the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom since 1957 and found 4 cases: 2 abdominal, 1 para-aortic, and 1 carotid body. A recent additional case is reported in the vagina of a child aged 11 years, who presented with heavy vaginal bleeding in the absence of hypertension. Initial diagnosis suggested rhabdomyosarcoma and near complete excision was carried out. Since this is the first such case to be described in a child, the outcome can only be assumed. Although histopathohgical examination suggested the benign nature of the tumor, implying that surgical excision was sufficient treatment, close follow-up is recommended.
ERK1/2 mediate wounding- and G-protein-coupled receptor ligands-induced EGFR activation via regulating ADAM17 and HB-EGF shedding.

Purpose Previous studies have shown that wounding of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) results in the release of G-protein-coupled receptor ligands such as ATP and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which in turn transactivate epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) through ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF). In the present study, the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in regulating EGFR transactivation was investigated.
Why gurus are heavy

Why Gurus Are Heavy Author(s): David Gordon White Source: Numen, Vol. 31, Fasc. 1 (Jul., 1984), pp. 40-73 Published by: BRILL Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3269889 . Accessed: 22/12/2013 17:05 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. BRILL is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Numen. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 128.111.121.42 on Sun, 22 Dec 2013 17:05:50 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions
Clinical application of transthoracic volume-rendered three-dimensional echocardiography in the assessment of mitral regurgitation.

Abstract Two-dimensional echocardiography (2-DE) and Doppler methods are generally used for assessing mechanisms and severity of mitral regurgitation (MR). Recently, 3-dimensional echocardiography (3-DE) has been applied successfully in various cardiac disorders, but its value in evaluating the mechanism and the severity of MR are not known. We studied 30 patients with MR using 2-DE and 3-DE. Volume-rendered gray-scale 3-DE images of the mitral valve apparatus and MR jets were reconstructed. Maximal volume of the MR jet by 3-DE was compared with mitral regurgitant volume and fraction, regurgitant jet area and the ratio of jet area to left atrial area, and semiquantitative grading derived from 2-DE methods. Our results demonstrated that 3-DE aided in a better depiction of the mitral apparatus and its abnormalities in 70% of the patients. The origin, direction, and morphology of the MR jet were better delineated in 3-DE volumetric display. Quantitative analysis, however, showed only a weak to moderate correlation between 3-DE maximal MR jet volume and 2-DE mitral regurgitant volume ( y =0.5 x +11.4, r = 0.7), regurgitant fraction ( y =0.5 x +8.2, r = 0.65), mitral regurgitant jet area ( y =0.2 x +5, r = 0.51), jet area to left atrial area ratio ( y =0.53 x +7.6, r = 0.54), and semiquantitative grading of MR ( y =9.1 x −1.8, r = 0.74). In conclusion, 3-DE aids in a better understanding of the mechanisms of MR and morphology of the regurgitant jets. Its quantitative ability, when reconstruction of the jet alone is used, may be limited.
The geographical understanding of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract Despite the small number of geographers who are conducting research on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, there is now a sophisticated understanding of the origins, spread and spatial dynamics of the epidemic. Some of this understanding comes from research that has been conducted by geographers themselves, but much of the knowledge comes from related fields, ranging from the social sciences to molecular and analytic epidemiology. In this article, the spatial epidemiologic and molecular epidemiologic evidence for the African origins of HIV is reviewed, and this evidence is scientifically solid. The spread of HIV/AIDS within Africa, since the virus became firmly established within the population, is also described and analyzed. In addition, the social and economic effects of the epidemic are delineated. These effects include decreased life expectancy in many countries, increased mortality rates, and the social and economic burdens of orphanhood. The article also discusses the factors that...
Hierarchical modeling of urban growth across the conterminous USA: developing meso-scale quantity drivers for the Land Transformation Model

The Land Transformation Model (LTM) is hierarchically coupled with meso-scale drivers to project urban growth across the conterminous USA. Quantity of urban growth at county and place (i.e., city) scales is simulated using population, urban density and nearest neighbor dependent attributes. We compared three meso-scale LTMs to three null models that lack meso-scale drivers. Models were developed using circa 1990–2000 data and validated using change in the 2001 and 2006 National Land Cover Databases (NLCD). LTM and null models were assessed using the mean difference in quantity between simulated and actual growth measured at multiple spatial scales. We found that LTM models performed relatively well at spatial scales as small as 450 m, and that the mean difference between the NLCD and LTM with meso-scale drivers at 900 m was 2–3%, whereas null models produced a mean difference of ∼5%. Thus, introducing meso-scale modules into large-scale LTM simulations significantly increases model accuracy.
Metamodeling: What is it good for?

Abstraction is not a new concept for hardware designers, and metamodeling is but another form of abstraction. The author explores some of the questions as to why, with the proliferation of so many design aids in recent years, the industry has not yet adopted a meaningful way to reuse IP.
Nucleon-nucleon resonances☆

Abstract We review the experimental evidence for resonances in the nucleon-nucleon system.
Advanced mask metrology system for up to 4-Gb DRAM

Photolithography using photomasks will be used for at least up to the 4 Gbit DRAM generation. For these advanced photomasks, higher performance will be demanded from the mask metrology system. The metrology system must satisfy performance criteria such as higher measurement accuracy, handling capability for larger reticles (9' by 9') and so forth, because the pattern rule for reticles will be tighter and the exposure field area will grow in the next generation. Nikon Corporation has been providing a mask metrology system, the XY-5i which can be used for up to the 1 Gbit DRAM generation. In order to meet the above mentioned required performance for the next generation system, Nikon has developed a new metrology system, the XY-6i. The XY-6i has higher measurement accuracy and resolution for pattern coordinates and critical dimensions on reticles and can also measure wafers and next generation reticles (9' by 9') automatically.
A screening tool to assess and manage behavioral risk in the postoperative bariatric surgery patient: The WATCH

Bariatric surgery is increasingly recognized as a highly effective treatment for individuals who are severely obese. Amount of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities surpass those of nonsurgical approaches; however, suboptimal weight loss and weight regain are not uncommon. These outcomes, though not fully understood, are likely at least partially explained by failure to make long-term behavioral and/or cognitive changes. We are unaware of any established clinical tools to guide providers in assessing postoperative behaviors and identifying those who may require specialized treatment. The goal of this paper is to introduce a brief screening tool, The WATCH, to help clinicians assess and identify patients who may be at risk for poor or untoward outcomes post bariatric surgery. We first review the literature on postoperative outcomes, including weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, suboptimal outcomes, and development of problematic eating behaviors. We then provide an easily-recalled, five-item tool that assesses outcomes, and discuss patient responses that may necessitate further intervention or referral.
Hydroelastic impact of piezoelectric structures

Abstract In this paper, we experimentally study the hydroelastic impact of an active flexible wedge on an otherwise quiescent fluid. A piezoelectric transducer is incorporated in the wedge with the twofold intent of measuring structural deformations during the impact and assess the feasibility of piezoelectric energy harvesting in fluid entry problems. Experiments are conducted in a drop-tower, in which the drop height of the wedge from the water surface is parametrically varied to investigate the effect of the impact velocity on the piezohydroelastic response of the active structure. In these tests, the electrodes of the transducer are either open-circuited, to demonstrate piezoelectric sensing, or shunted with a resistor, to characterize piezoelectric energy harvesting. Our results demonstrate that the piezohydroelastic response of the structure is controlled by the impact velocity, which differentially regulates both the amplitude and frequency content of the electrical signals. Experimental results are interpreted through a distributed model based on linear plate theory and Wagner's approximate solution for the hydrodynamic load. Findings from this work are expected to find application in marine structures, where piezoelectrics can be used as sensors, to monitor the state of health of the structure, or as energy harvesters, to recover part of the energy that is otherwise lost in undesired vibrations.
Cleft palate with autosomal recessive transmission in Brittany spaniels.

Abstract In the course of maintaining a large colony of Brittany spaniels for studying a dominantly inherited motor neuron trait, cases of sporadic complete cleft palate were observed. Without intervention, the pups with cleft palate that attempt to nurse, aspirate and die. In this study, we report on the incidence of cleft palate in this dog kindred, describe the gross morphologic characteristics of the cleft, and present a morphometric analysis of the skull of two of the cleft palate pups and one unaffected pup that died at birth. Our data thus far indicate 26.9% incidence of cleft palate in the colony. Pedigree analysis indicates that this cleft palate trait is inherited as an autosomal recessive. High resolution computed tomography scans of the pup heads were used in morphometric comparison of normal and cleft palate pups. We found specific morphologic differences between the cranial base and palate of normal and cleft palate pups. Plans for future studies of the genetics and growth and development of...
Biomarkers of aging.

As a subgenre of biogerontology, biomarker research has developed a thoroughly tarnished reputation, and those who believe that biomarker studies should be a major focus in experimental aging research must now try to prove to their doubting colleagues that under the tarnish lies true metal, rather than more layers of tarnish. In this Perspective, the author argues that the discovery of biomarkers of aging is possible.
Optical Realization of Bio-Inspired Spiking Neurons in SrS:Eu 2+ ,Sm 3+ Thin Film

An infrared stimulable electron trapping material combined with suitable optical bi-stability is considered as a medium for optical realization of the stylized Hodgkin-Huxley model of the biological neuron. Parallelism between these two dynamics is discussed.
Identifying Multiple Outliers in Multivariate Data

SUMMARY We propose a procedure for the detection of multiple outliers in multivariate data. Let Xbe an n x p data matrix representing n observations onp variates. We first order the n observations, using an appropriately chosen robust measure of outlyingness, then divide the data set into two initial subsets: a 'basic' subset which containsp + 1 'good' observations and a 'nonbasic' subset which contains the remaining n -p - 1 observations. Second, we compute the relative distance from each point in the data set to the centre of the basic subset, relative to the (possibly singular) covariance matrix of the basic subset. Third, we rearrange the n observations in ascending order accordingly, then divide the data set into two subsets: a basic subset which contains the first p +2 observations and a non-basic subset which contains the remaining n -p -2 observations. This process is repeated until an appropriately chosen stopping criterion is met. The final non-basic subset of observations is declared an outlying subset. The procedure proposed is illustrated and compared with existing methods by using several data sets. The procedure is simple, computationally inexpensive, suitable for automation, computable with widely available software packages, effective in dealing with masking and swamping problems and, most importantly, successful in identifying multivariate outliers.
Distortions and Dichotomies in Inclusive Education for Children with Disabilities in Cambodia in the Context of Globalisation and International Development

This paper explores the consequences of transferring technical information on disability and inclusive education from the North to the South within the context of international development. Based on data from the author’s experiences as a US-trained Indian international consultant in Cambodia, it analyses how problems with translation and socio-cultural assumptions embedded in the terminology of disability can divert the intention of teacher training in inclusive education. The paper also examines the politics of inclusive education with regard to the disconnect between a donor-based agenda and local priorities, and discusses the complexities of the author’s own role within the context of increasing South/South cooperation.
Childhood asthma and indoor allergen exposure and sensitization in Buffalo, New York

Abstract This nested case-control study examined the association between prevalent asthma and indoor allergen sensitization and/or exposure among children (aged 5–17 years) in Buffalo, New York. The study included a self-administered questionnaire, clinical interviews, skin allergen sensitivity tests and home dust sampling for house dust mites, cat, dog, cockroach and mouse allergens. After adjusting for multiple confounders, asthma cases had higher odds of being sensitized to Der p dust mites (odds ratio [OR] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–3.35), cat (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13–3.39), or dog allergens (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.10–3.22) than the controls. A significantly positive association between asthma status presence of cat allergen in the child's mattress (ORs: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.09–6.28) was also found. Children with both sensitization and environmental exposure to cat allergens had higher odds of asthma (OR = 7.08, 95% CI: 2.12–23.62) than those who were only sensitized to cat allergen (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.01–5.32) or had only home exposures (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.47–4.65). The association between allergen sensitization and asthma was more consistent than for home exposures. The findings help to confirm the role of allergen sensitization and home exposure in regard to asthma, and suggest that both, individually and jointly, are associated with asthma.
Cognitive outcome in urea cycle disorders

Despite treatment, cognitive and motor deficits are common in individuals with inherited urea cycle disorders. However, the extent to which the deficits involve specific cognitive or sensorimotor domains is unknown. Furthermore, little is known about the neurochemical basis of cognitive impairment in these disorders. This paper reviews studies of cognitive and motor dysfunction in urea cycle disorders, and discusses potential venues for investigation of the underlying neural basis that may elucidate these defects. Such methods of investigation may serve as a model for studying the relationship between genes, biochemical markers, brain function, and behavior in other metabolic diseases.
Spatial frequency-dependent abnormalities of the pattern electroretinogram and visual evoked potentials in a parkinsonian monkey model.

The pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG) were studied in 5 cynomolgus monkeys before and during the development of a parkinsonian syndrome induced by MPTP. The stimuli were vertical bars of four spatial frequencies (0.5, 1.2, 2.5 and 3.5 cycles/degree (cpd) modulated at temporal rates of 1, 4, 6, and 8 Hz. Following MPTP administration, all monkeys developed parkinsonian signs accompanied by changes in the amplitude and latency of the PVEP and PERG. Sinemet L-dopat carbi olopa administration produced temporary recovery of both PVEP and PERG. Two of the monkeys were followed for a prolonged period: 30–40 days after MPTP, the parkinsonian signs showed partial recovery; the PVEP latency and amplitude to 2.5 and 3.5 cpd stimuli and the latency to 1.2 cpd showed improvement but remained abnormal. The latencies of PERGs were normal, but the amplitudes were significantly reduced when stimuli of 2.5 and 3.5 cpd were used. Both PVEP and PERG to 0.5 cpd stimuli returned to normal. No further modifications were seen in the recordings performed 6 months and 1 year later. This study demonstrates (1) that spatial frequency-dependent electrophysiological abnormalities occur in the MPTP-treated monkey, a result previously found in human Parkinson's disease, and (2) that dopamine has a specific function in neurotransmission in the visual system of primates.
Statistical strategies for constructing health risk models with multiple pollutants and their interactions: possible choices and comparisons

As public awareness of consequences of environmental exposures has grown, estimating the adverse health effects due to simultaneous exposure to multiple pollutants is an important topic to explore. The challenges of evaluating the health impacts of environmental factors in a multipollutant model include, but are not limited to: identification of the most critical components of the pollutant mixture, examination of potential interaction effects, and attribution of health effects to individual pollutants in the presence of multicollinearity. In this paper, we reviewed five methods available in the statistical literature that are potentially helpful for constructing multipollutant models. We conducted a simulation study and presented two data examples to assess the performance of these methods on feature selection, effect estimation and interaction identification using both cross-sectional and time-series designs. We also proposed and evaluated a two-step strategy employing an initial screening by a tree-based method followed by further dimension reduction/variable selection by the aforementioned five approaches at the second step. Among the five methods, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression performs well in general for identifying important exposures, but will yield biased estimates and slightly larger model dimension given many correlated candidate exposures and modest sample size. Bayesian model averaging, and supervised principal component analysis are also useful in variable selection when there is a moderately strong exposure-response association. Substantial improvements on reducing model dimension and identifying important variables have been observed for all the five statistical methods using the two-step modeling strategy when the number of candidate variables is large. There is no uniform dominance of one method across all simulation scenarios and all criteria. The performances differ according to the nature of the response variable, the sample size, the number of pollutants involved, and the strength of exposure-response association/interaction. However, the two-step modeling strategy proposed here is potentially applicable under a multipollutant framework with many covariates by taking advantage of both the screening feature of an initial tree-based method and dimension reduction/variable selection property of the subsequent method. The choice of the method should also depend on the goal of the study: risk prediction, effect estimation or screening for important predictors and their interactions.
Time-Distance Helioseismology at High Frequencies

In time-distance helioseismology, computed travel time is believed to be the shortest time taken by a wave packet to travel between two spatial locations on the surface of the Sun separated by the shortest distance. Typically, it is computed by cross-correlating oscillation signals at the two locations and identifying the position of the envelope peak of the cross-correlation function. When the oscillation signals are measured in the region where the waves are propagating, correlation techniques do not necessarily provide the shortest travel time. Instead, they are shown to give the total time for the wave packet to take one round-trip between the two boundaries of the cavity in which the waves are enclosed. High-frequency oscillations (above the chromospheric acoustic cutoff frequency of approximately 5 mHz) are believed to be reflected by the corona-chromosphere boundary, and their signals are measured in the region where they propagate. Travel time computed by correlation techniques indicates the time the wave packet takes to return to the observing plane the second time after it encounters both the upper and lower turning points. Correlation techniques do not directly provide the shortest travel time, which would be the time to return to the observing plane after an encounter with either the upper or lower turning points. Inversions of travel time at high frequencies should include the path of the wave packet through the chromosphere between the observing plane and the corona-chromosphere boundary where travel time can be significantly affected by the local thermal, magnetic, and flow properties of the chromosphere.
T1 process and dynamics in glass-forming hard-sphere liquids.

To study the relationship between dynamics and structure in a glass-forming liquid, we introduce a purely geometric criterion for locally mobile particles in a dense hard-sphere fluid: namely, “T1-active” particles, which can gain or lose at least one Voronoi neighbor by moving within their free volume with other particles fixed. We obtain geometrical and dynamical properties for monodisperse hard-sphere fluids with 0.40 < ϕ < 0.64 using a “crystal-avoiding” MD simulation that effectively suppresses crystallization without altering the dynamics. We find that the fraction of T1-active particles vanishes at random close packing, while the percolation threshold of T1-inactive particles is essentially identical to the commonly identified hard-sphere glass transition, ϕg ≈ 0.585.
Myasthenia gravis, thymoma, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibody.

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction occurs rarely in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and thymoma. The etiology of the intestinal pseudo-obstruction remains to be elucidated, although an autoimmune mechanism is postulated. We present the first report of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-specific antibody in a patient with seropositive MG, malignant thymoma, and intestinal pseudo-obstruction. This finding provides evidence that intestinal pseudo-obstruction associated with thymoma and possibly other neoplasms may be related to antibodies against the neuronal nicotinic receptors at autonomic ganglia.
Megakaryoblastic leukemia-1/2, a transcriptional co-activator of serum response factor, is required for skeletal myogenic differentiation.

Serum response factor (SRF) is required for the expression of a wide variety of muscle-specific genes that are expressed upon differentiation and is thus required for both striated and smooth muscle differentiation in addition to its role in regulating growth factor-inducible genes. A heart and smooth muscle-specific SRF co-activator, myocardin, has been shown to be required for cardiac development and smooth muscle differentiation. However, no such co-factors of SRF have been identified in the skeletal myogenic differentiation program. Myocardin and the related transcription factor megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 (MKL1/MAL/MRTF-A) can strongly potentiate the activity of SRF. Here we report the cloning of the third member of the myocardin/MKL family in humans, MKL2. MKL2 binds to and activates SRF similar to myocardin and MKL1. To determine the role of these factors in skeletal myogenic differentiation we used a dominant negative MKL2 to show that the MKL family of proteins is required for skeletal myogenic differentiation. Expression of the dominant negative protein in C2C12 skeletal myoblasts blocked the differentiation-induced expression of the SRF target genes skeletal α-actin and α-myosin heavy chain and blocked differentiation of the myoblasts to myotubes in vitro. C2C12 cells express both MKL1 and MKL2, but not myocardin, implicating MKL1 and/or MKL2 in the requirement for skeletal myogenic differentiation. MKL1 was predominantly cytoplasmic in C2C12 cells, with a small amount in the nucleus, however, no movement of MKL1 to the nucleus was observed upon differentiation.
TGFβ1 regulation of vimentin gene expression during differentiation of the C2C12 skeletal myogenic cell line requires Smads, AP-1 and Sp1 family members

Vimentin exhibits a complex pattern of developmental and tissue-specific expression regulated by such growth factors as TGFbeta1, PDGF, FGF, EGF and cytokines. Vimentin is expressed in the more migratory, mesenchymal cell and its expression is often down-regulated to make way for tissue-specific intermediate filaments proteins such as desmin in muscle. Here, we suggest a mechanism to explain how TGFbeta1 contributes to the up-regulation of vimentin expression while blocking myogenesis. TGFbeta1 binds to serine/threonine kinase receptors resulting in the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, followed by formation of a heteromeric complex with Smad4. The translocation of this complex to the nucleus modulates transcription of selected genes such as vimentin. However, the vimentin gene lacks a consensus TGFbeta1 response element. By transient transfection analysis of vimentin's various promoter elements fused to the CAT reporter gene, we have determined that tandem AP-1 sites surrounded by GC-boxes are required for TGFbeta1 induction. Mutations within this region eliminated the ability of Smad3 to induce reporter gene expression. DNA precipitation and ChIP assays suggest that c-Jun, c-Fos, Smad3 and Sp1/Sp3 interact over this region, but this interaction changes during myogenesis with TGFbeta1 induction.
BMI and OCP failure

This letter to the editor focuses on the growing body of evidence exonerating obesity as a risk factor for hormonal contraceptive failure. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Calcified atrial myxoma: diagnostic significance of the "systolic tumor sound" in a case presenting as tricuspid insufficiency.

Abstract A calcified right atrial myxoma presenting as tricuspid insufficiency was successfully excised, and the destroyed valve replaced with a prosthesis. The case is presented to illustrate two useful but previously unemphasized diagnostic features. (1) A “systolic tumor sound,” distinctive both in timing and quality, was identified. (2) Calcification was shown to have additional diagnostic value when properly sought by fluoroscopy in addition to routine x-ray examination. A review of the literature suggests that tricuspid insufficiency is the predominant hemodynamic disturbance in cases of right atrial myxomas which are grossly calcified. This otherwise lethal tumor is surgically curable if diagnosed early.
The optimal location of a path or tree in a tree network

This article describes methods for finding an optimal location for a path-shaped or tree-shaped facility of a specified size in a tree network. Four optimization criteria are examined: minimizing distancesum, minimizing eccentricity, maximizing distancesum, and maximizing eccentricity. Solution algorithms are presented for all but one case.
THE EFFECTS OF DESIGN AND OPERATING CONDITIONS ON PARTICLE MORPHOLOGY FOR SPRAY-DRIED FOODS

An experimental program was carried out in order to provide insight into the effects of the design and operating conditions of spray drying on the morphological behavior of the product. Single streams of uniform-size drops fell through a column in which air temperature profiles could be monitored and manipulated. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy were used to measure shrinkage (or expansion) and to observe physical characteristics. The effects of varying the type of feed, the feed concentration, initial drop size, and air temperature history were investigated. Results are compared with previous investigations related to bulk density.
Comment on Heni et al. Central insulin administration improves whole-body insulin sensitivity via hypothalamus and parasympathetic outputs in men. Diabetes 2014;63:4083-4088

Heni et al. (1) published an article in Diabetes demonstrating an increase in whole-body insulin sensitivity (measured as change in glucose infusion rate [GIR] during low-dose hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp) following intranasal insulin application in lean men. This was accompanied by an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity and hypothalamic blood flow (measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging). Interestingly, obese men did not have an increase in GIR after intranasal insulin. The authors hypothesized that …
Polymerization in non-uniform reaction fields : Monte Carlo description of structure buildup during photopolymerization

A Monte Carlo 3D off lattice percolation in a non-uniform reaction field is reported. Monomers are simulated as point particles of functionality (coordination number), f=3. The non-uniform field is expressed as an exponentially decaying reaction probability in one dimension tailored to simulate the photopolymerization process. It is argued that tubular reactors and other polymerizations in non-uniform fields will show similar qualitative features. Two cases of molecular mobility are studied. In the first limit molecules can only react in immediate neighborhoods corresponding to diffusion limited growth. In the second any two units can react. Reaction gradients cause a large spatial heterogeneities in size distribution of the molecules and also introduce large polydisperities. These results are compared with recent experimental observations on photopolymerizations and tubular reactors
Ideality of clay membranes in osmotic processes; a review

Clays can act as osmotic membranes and thus give rise to osmotically induced hydrostatic pressures. The magnitude of generated osmotic pressures in geologic systems is governed by the theoretical osmotic pressure calculated solely from solution properties and by value of the membrane's three phe- nomenological coefficients: the hydraulic permeability coefficient, Lv; the reflection coefficient, tr; and the solute permeability coefficient, 60. Generally, low values of Lp correspond to highly compacted membranes in which ~ is near unity and r approaches zero. Such membrane systems should give rise to initially high osmotic fluxes and gradual dissipation of their osmotic potentials. The high fluid pressures in the Dunbarton Triassic basin, South Carolina, are a good example of osmotically induced potentials. A unique osmotic cell is created by the juxtaposition of fresh water in the overlying Cretaceous sediments against the saline pore water housed within the membrane-functioning sediments of the Triassic basin. Because wells penetrating the saline core of the basin show anomalously high heads relative to wells penetrating the basin margins, the longevity of this osmotic cell is probably dictated by the rate at which salt diffuses out into the overlying fresh water aquifer.
Sickle cell anemia (homozygous S) with aseptic necrosis of femoral head.

1. Six patients with sickle cell anemia who exhibit aseptic necrosis of the femoral head are presented. 2. All patients were proven homozygous S by paper electrophoresis. 3. In our material, aseptic necrosis of the femoral capital epiphysis in patients with sickle cell anemia is not an uncommon finding, 12% of 51 cases demonstrating this lesion. 4. The incidence of this lesion may be even greater than we report, inasmuch as some of our patients were asymptomatic, although typical roentgenographic changes of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head were present.