cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Radiation Exposure in Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections with Pulsed Fluoroscopy: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND Fluoroscopy-guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections (L-TFESI) result in radiation exposure that carries risks to patients, physicians, and procedural staff. OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the feasibility of using pulsed fluoroscopy to safely reduce radiation exposure during L-TFESI. STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING This study took place in a single-center, academic, outpatient interventional pain management clinic. METHODS Patients undergoing L-TFESI were randomly assigned to either continuous mode fluoroscopy (high-dose), pulsed fluoroscopy with 8 pulses per second (medium-dose), or pulsed fluoroscopy with one pulse per second (low-dose). Data on radiation doses and other clinical and demographic factors were also collected. RESULTS In total, 231 cases were analyzed in the high-dose group (n = 81), medium-dose group (n = 72), and low-dose group (n = 78). Mean radiation effective dose (µSv) was 121 in the high-dose group, 57.9 in the medium-dose group, and 34.8 in the low-dose group (P < 0.001). The incidence of inadequate image quality in the pulsed groups was 6% (9/150). The body mass index (BMI, mean ± SD) was significantly higher in patients with inadequate image quality (37.3 ± 7.2) than with adequate quality (30.5 ± 7.2, P = 0.005). LIMITATIONS Radiation doses were measured using the meter on C-arm fluoroscopes rather than by direct measurement. CONCLUSIONS The use of pulsed fluoroscopy during L-TFESI resulted in radiation dose reduction of up to 72.1% without causing any significant adverse events. Pulsed fluoroscopy should be considered as an initial fluoroscopic setting for L-TFESI to reduce radiation exposure. KEY WORDS Radiation, epidural, fluoroscopy, injection, exposure, pulse.
HEREDITARY APOLIPOPROTEIN A-1-ASSOCIATED CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS PRESENTING WITH A NOVEL GENETIC MUTATION

The diagnosis of rare types of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is commonly missed or delayed. We present a case of a 55-year-old Caucasian man who presented with worsening dyspnea and peripheral edema for 3 months. He had very low HDL and only mildly elevated levels of serum creatinine, ALT, AST, CK,
Pituitary Gland Signs

Nelson’s syndrome occurs after bilateral adrenalectomy to correct hypercortisolism in patients who have typically failed transsphenoidal surgery. It occurs as a result of the aggressive growth of the underlying ACTH-producing adenoma following the loss of feedback inhibition by circulating cortisol.
Detection of surface molecules and phosphorylation events by surface enhanced raman scattering (SERS) using composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles (COINs) in single cells.

4742 To better understand the processes occurring in abnormal cells compared to normal cells, there is an urgent need to improve the technology for simultaneous detection of multiple events in a single cell. To better characterize several different events that occur in a single cell at a given time, we need to be able to accurately detect and analyze several nodes concurrently. Currently, immuno-detecton assays are used with fluorescence tags. Fluorescent molecules have broad and overlapping spectra. We have developed “Composite Organic-Inorganic Nanoparticles” (COINs) Raman nanoparticles for immuno-detection assays of extra- and intra-cellular proteins in single cells. COINs are Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) silver particle clusters with incorporated Raman labels. Each COIN has a unique Raman spectral fingerprint, which allows higher levels of multiplexing. To measure Raman spectra in single cells we have built an Integrated Raman BioAnalyzer (IRBA). The IRBA is a low noise, high sensitivity, automated and compact Raman Spectrometer for biomedical applications. We tested the ability of antibody-conjugated COINs to detect surface antigens by recognizing the CD54 antigen that is expressed on U937 monocytic leukemia cells compared to the CD8 antigen that is not expressed on U937 cells in single cell immunoassays. We determined the cell specific detection of the CD54 antigen on U937 expressing cells compared to non-expressing H82 small cell lung cancer cells. To evaluate the COIN Raman technology for detecting specific populations in primary human cells we identified CD8 expressing T-cells among a heterogeneous population of primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Finally, we used COINs to measure intracellular phosphorylation in cells. We treated U937 cells with IFNγ and IL-4 cytokines and measured changes in Stat1 (Y701) and Stat6 (Y641) phosphorylation. We found a six-fold increase in Stat1 phosphorylation and a three-fold increase in Stat6 phosphorylation with COINs; both are comparable to the fluorescence signals measured by flow cytometry. We confirmed the utility of COINs in a multiplex assay by simultaneous detection of pStat1 (BFU) and pStat6 (AOH) in single cells. We have demonstrated the feasibility and practicality of using COINs for cell surface marker analysis and for measuring changes in intracellular phosphorylation. The COIN Raman nanoparticles offer new possibilities to expand on the current fluorescent technology used for immunoassays in single cells.
Primary signet ring cell histology does not portend worse survival for early stage lung cancer following lobectomy.

IntroductionSignet ring cell (SRC) histology is considered a poor prognostic factor in various cancers. However, primary SRC lung adenocarcinoma is rare and poorly understood.MethodsThe National Ca...
Exploring the Role of Moral Disengagement in the Link Between Perceived Narcissistic Supervision and Employees' Organizational Deviance: A Moderated Mediation Model

Current research on leader narcissism has been predominantly centered on the intrapersonal perspective and discusses leader narcissism and associated behavioral outcomes. Few have adopted the interpersonal approach to explore the possible effects that leader narcissism can exert on their followers. Drawing on the social cognitive theory of moral disengagement, the present study aims to examine leader narcissism and followers' outcomes from the interpersonal perspective. We propose that perceived narcissistic supervision will lead to employees' organizational deviance via moral disengagement and that employees' moral identity will moderate the link between perceived narcissistic supervision and employees' moral disengagement; Moreover, there also exists a moderated mediation effect of employees' moral identity. Study 1, a three‐wave study conducted in 10 companies distributed among eight cities in China within 2 months, with a final sample containing 61 supervisors and 228 subordinates, preliminarily supported the main effect and the moderating effect of moral identity. In addition, we conducted a supplementary study on the basis of another three‐wave investigation with a sample of 195 employees, which replicated our research results in Study 1 and also verified the moderated mediation effect. Implications of the model are described, and future research directions are suggested.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes in Response to Bile Under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions

Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium that causes the foodborne illness listeriosis. The pathogenesis of this bacterium depends on its survival in anaerobic, acidic and bile conditions encountered throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This transcriptomics study was conducted to analyze the differences in transcript levels produced under conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Changes in transcript levels were analyzed using RNA isolated from L. monocytogenes strain F2365 at both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, upon exposure to 0% and 1% bile at acidic and neutral pH. Transcripts corresponding to genes responsible for pathogenesis, cell wall associated proteins, DNA repair, transcription factors, and stress responses had variations in levels under the conditions tested. Upon exposure to anaerobiosis in acidic conditions, there were variations in the transcript levels for the virulence factors internalins, listeriolysin O, etc., as well as many histidine sensory kinases. These data indicate that the response to anaerobiosis differentially influences the transcription of several genes related to the survival of L. monocytogenes under acidic and bile conditions. Though further research is needed to decipher the role of oxygen in pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes, these data provide comprehensive information on how this pathogen responds to the GI tract.
Improving end-to-end availability using overlay networks

The end-to-end availability of Internet services is between two and three orders of magnitude worse than other important engineered systems, including the US airline system, the 911 emergency response system, and the US public telephone system. This dissertation explores three systems designed to mask Internet failures, and, through a study of three years of data collected on a 31-site testbed, why these failures happen and how effectively they can be masked. A core aspect of many of the failures that interrupt end-to-end communication is that they fall outside the expected domain of well-behaved network failures. Many traditional techniques cope with link and router failures; as a result, the remaining failures are those caused by software and hardware bugs, misconfiguration, malice, or the inability of current routing systems to cope with persistent congestion. The effects of these failures are exacerbated because Internet services depend upon the proper functioning of many components—wide-area routing, access links, the domain name system, and the servers themselves—and a failure in any of them can prove disastrous to the proper functioning of the service. This dissertation describes three complementary systems to increase Internet availability in the face of such failures. Each system builds upon the idea of an overlay network, a network created dynamically between a group of cooperating Internet hosts. The first two systems, Resilient Overlay Networks (RON) and Multi-homed Overlay Networks (MONET) determine whether the Internet path between two hosts is working on an end-to-end basis. Both systems exploit the considerable redundancy available in the underlying Internet to find failure-disjoint paths between nodes, and forward traffic along a working path. RON is able to avoid 50% of the Internet outages that interrupt communication between a small group of communicating nodes. MONET is more aggressive, combining an overlay network of Web proxies with explicitly engineered redundant links to the Internet to also mask client access link failures. Eighteen months of measurements from a six-site deployment of MONET show that it increases a client's ability to access working Web sites by nearly an order of magnitude. Where RON and MONET combat accidental failures, the I system guards against denial-of-service attacks by surrounding a vulnerable Internet server with a ring of filtering routers. Mayday then uses a set of overlay nodes to act as mediators between the service and its clients, permitting only properly authenticated traffic to reach the server. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
The impact of facecards on patients' knowledge, satisfaction, trust, and agreement with hospital physicians: A pilot study

BACKGROUND Simple interventions such as facecards can improve patients' knowledge of names and roles of hospital physicians, but the effect on other aspects of the patient-physician relationship is not clear. OBJECTIVE To pilot an intervention to improve familiarity with physicians and assess its potential to improve patients' satisfaction, trust, and agreement with physicians. DESIGN Cluster randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of physician facecards. Physician facecards included pictures of physicians and descriptions of their roles. We performed structured interviews of randomly selected patients to assess outcomes. SETTING One of 2 similar hospitalist units and 1 of 2 teaching-service units in a large teaching hospital were randomly selected to implement the intervention. MEASUREMENTS Satisfaction with physician communication and overall hospital care was assessed using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems. Trust and agreement were each assessed through instruments used in prior research. RESULTS Overall, 138 patients completed interviews, with no differences in age, sex, or race between those receiving facecards and those not. More patients who received facecards correctly identified ≥1 hospital physician (89.1% vs 51.1%; P < 0.01) and their role (67.4% vs 16.3%; P < 0.01) than patients who had not received facecards. Patients had high baseline levels of satisfaction, trust, and agreement with hospital physicians, and we found no significant differences with the use of facecards. CONCLUSIONS Physician facecards improved patients' knowledge of the names and roles of hospital physicians. Larger studies are needed to assess the impact on satisfaction, trust, and agreement with physicians. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:137–141. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Validation of community models: Identifying events in space weather model timelines

I develop and document a set of procedures which test the quality of predictions of solar wind speed and polarity of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) made by coupled models of the ambient solar corona and heliosphere. The Wang-Sheeley-Arge (WSA) model is used to illustrate the application of these validation procedures. I present an algorithm which detects transitions of the solar wind from slow to high speed. I also present an algorithm which processes the measured polarity of the outward directed component of the IMF. This removes high-frequency variations to expose the longer-scale changes that reflect IMF sector changes. I apply these algorithms to WSA model predictions made using a small set of photospheric synoptic magnetograms obtained by the Global Oscillation Network Group as input to the model. The results of this preliminary validation of the WSA model (version 1.6) are summarized.
A quadratic assignment problem without column constraints

We convert a quadratic assignment problem [1] with a nonconvex objective function into an integer linear program. We then solve the equivalent integer program by a simple enumeration that produces global minima.
Acceptability of Tanner Crab Meal in Concentrates for Lactation

Abstract Five pelleted concentrates were fed to 30 lactating Holstein cows to compare acceptability of tanner crab ( Chionoecetes bairdi ) meal with soybean meal. Crab meal substituted for soybean meal at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% on an isonitrogenous basis; concentrates contained 19:0, 14:7.5, 9.5:15, 5:22.5, or 0:30% soybean meal:crab meal. Barley/oat silage and concentrate were blended on a dry matter basis in ratios of either 56:44 or 50:50 and fed for ad libitum consumption. Cows reduced feed intake when first offered 7.5, 22.5, or 30% crab meal concentrates. Feed intake was lowest on 30% crab meal concentrate and was highest on 15%. When rations were 50% concentrate, some cows rejected 22.5 and 30% crab meal concentrates. Persistency of 4% fat-corrected milk production was highest for cows fed 0% crab meal concentrate. Cows fed 30% crab meal concentrate lost 18kg, while those fed 7.5 and 22.5% gained 3 and 13kg, and those fed 0 and 15% gained 22 and 24kg. The effect of crab meal on ration palatability and animal performance was of greater consequence than effect of crab meal on milk flavor.
Tuning of Hidden Order and Superconductivity in URu2Si2 by Applied Pressure and Re Substitution

Single crystals of URu2-xRexSi2 have been grown via the Czochralski technique. Detailed electrical transport studies under pressure on single crystals of URu2Si2 confirm that the zero- temperature critical field is suppressed smoothly towards an extrapolated critical pressure of 15 kbar, which also corresponds to the accepted critical pressure of the hidden order phase. Improving on previous work on polycrystalline samples, studies of single crystals of URu2-xRexSi2 have provided more precise tracking of the suppression of both the hidden order phase at low doping and the ferromagnetic phase at intermediate Re concentrations.
Teaching anthropology in the medical curriculum

Practicing medicine well requires recognizing the breadth of human experience and attending to the psychological and sociocultural dimensions of patients as well as their physical needs. Central to the concerns of anthropology are the shared beliefs and values expressed in social practices and traditions that give meaning to everyday life. The relevance of anthropology for biomedical practice and research is grounded in the discipline's emphasis on contextual meaning and its unique strategies for data gathering. In this article, we briefly review the field of anthropology and the discipline of medical anthropology. We argue for incorporating anthropological concepts and methods in medical training, and summarize anthropology's role in medical education over the past century. Finally, we present ideas for including anthropology in the medical curriculum, proposing curricular goals and content, and teaching settings and techniques. An anthropological orientation can foster trainee self-awareness, help trainees prepare for the diverse perspectives they will encounter in our pluralistic society, and facilitate critical analysis of biomedicine and its systems of care.
Evidence for the Tunneling Site on Transition-Metal Oxides: TiO2(110)

We present atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images from Ti${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$(110) surfaces. After annealing nearly perfect stoichiometric $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1$ surfaces to elevated temperatures in ultrahigh vacuum, randomly distributed oxygen vacancies are observed. The apparent shape of these defects provides strong evidence that the STM is imaging undercoordinated Ti atoms, as do first-principles pseudopotential calculations of the electronic states accessible to tunneling. We thus resolve a controversy as to whether STM imaging on this surface is dominated by geometric-structure or electronic effects.
The optimal public employment policy

Abstract This paper studies optimal public employment in a model with two types of labor, unskilled and skilled, and a single consumption good. A linear income tax is used to redistribute income. It is shown that, if the income tax and public employment levels are optimal, then there is less unskilled labor and more skilled labor in public production than is necessary to minimize costs at the prevailing gross wage rates. The robustness of this result is investigated by examining a second model.
Commonly Used Drought Indices as Indicators of Soil Moisture in China

Soil moisture shortages adversely affecting agriculture are significantly associated with meteorological drought. Because of limited soil moisture observations with which to monitor agricultural drought, characterizing soil moisture using drought indices is of great significance. The relationship between commonly used droughtindicesand soil moisture is examinedhereusing Chinesesurfaceweatherdata andcalculatedstationbased drought indices. Outside of northeastern China, surface soil moisture is more affected by drought indices having shorter time scales while deep-layer soil moisture is more related on longer index time scales. Multiscalardroughtindicesworkbetterthandroughtindicesfromtwo-layerbucketmodels.Thestandardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) works similarly or better than the standardized precipitation index (SPI) in characterizing soil moisture at different soil layers. In most stations in China, the Z index has a higher correlation with soil moisture at 0‐5cm than the Palmer drought severity index (PDSI), which in turn has a higher correlation with soil moisture at 90‐100-cm depth than the Z index. Soil bulk density and soil organic carbon density are the two main soil properties affecting the spatial variations of the soil moisture‐ drought indices relationship. The study may facilitate agriculture drought monitoring with commonly used drought indices calculated from weather station data.
Infra-red spectra and normal co-ordinate analyses of metal biuret complexes☆

Abstract Two linkage isomers are known for the biuret complexes of Cu(II); the bidentate, O-bonded and the bidentate, N-bonded complexes. In order to characterize them, the i.r. spectra of both forms and their deutero analogues have been obtained from 4000 to 200 cm−1. Normal co-ordinate analyses have been carried out on both complexes to assign the bands as well as to estimate the force constants. The results obtained for these Cu(II) complexes have been applied to the spectra of biuret complexes of other divalent metals. It has been found that Ni(II) also forms two linkage isomers similar to those of Cu(II). The N-bonded Co(II) complex has also been prepared.
Reenacting the American Civil War: a unique form of serious leisure for adults.

(1995). REENACTING THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: A UNIQUE FORM OF SERIOUS LEISURE FOR ADULTS. World Leisure & Recreation: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 23-27.
Tillage and compost effects on corn growth, nutrient accumulation, and grain yield

Applying organic amendments to cropland affects corn (Zea mays L.) response to tillage systems differently. Identifying causes of the tillage by amendment interaction could match amendment inputs to responsive tillage systems. The objectives of this research were to determine if shoot dry matter (DM), nutrient uptake, and soil water use could explain the tillage by compost interaction for corn-grain yield. A corn-soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/clover (Trifolium spp.) rotation, in all phases, with or without compost amendment, was initiated in 1998 in plots that had been managed with moldboard plow (MP), chisel plow (CT), or no-tillage (NT) since 1988. Compost amendment increased corn whole-plant P and K uptake 19 and 21%, averaged across 2 yr. No-tillage increased whole-plant P uptake 1 yr compared to MP and CT (113 vs. 65 kg ha -1 ) and increased grain P concentration (3.1 vs. 1.5 g kg -1 ). Compost provided no benefit (2 yr) or a negative effect (1 yr, 22%) to corn yield in MP. Compost provided no benefit to corn yield in CT. Corn growing in NT derived no benefit (2 yr) or a positive (1 yr, 9%) effect on grain yield from compost amendment. The tillage and compost responses observed in this study cannot be explained by plant N, soil water use, leaf gas exchange, or DM partitioning. Grain yield from soil managed using NT may respond to compost amendment, but reasons for this response remain unclear.
Quantitative particle-size distributions by sedimentation field-flow fractionation with densimeter detector

Abstract Certain colloidal samples pose problems in obtaining accurate transformation of turbidimetric detector signals in sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) to the desired particle concentration output. A densimeter detector shows promise in eliminating these problems. This device responds to changes in the density of sample components in the channel eluent. Accurate concentrations of sample particles are available directly without the need for detector-response transformation. Displaying the required signal-to-noise sensitivity for inorganic colloids, the densimeter appears to be a useful alternative to the turbidimetric detector for many SdFFF applications.
Prospective evaluation of the scapular manipulation technique in reducing anterior shoulder dislocations

Study objective: To evaluate the speed, efficacy, and safety of the scapular manipulation technique in reducing acute anterior shoulder dislocations. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Urban emergency department with an annual census of 65,000 patients. Participants: Forty-eight adult patients with acute anterior shoulder dislocation. Interventions: Patients had an initial neurovascular and radiographic evaluation performed. They were sedated with IV fentanyl and midazolam. The shoulder was reduced using the scapular manipulation technique. The patient was re-evaluated for any evidence of complication. The total dose of analgesic required and time to reduction were recorded. Results: The scapular manipulation technique was successful in 46 of 48 (96%) cases. The average time to reduction was 6.05 minutes, and no complications were detected. Average doses of 1.83 mg midazolam and 204 μg fentanyl were required for reduction. Conclusion: The scapular manipulation technique is a very fast, effective, safe method of reducing anterior shoulder dislocations in the ED.
OPTIMALITY FOR THE INTEGRATED CONDITIONAL MOMENT TEST

This paper proposes a version of the integrated conditional moment (ICM) test that is optimal for a class of composite alternatives. The ICM test is built on the fact that a random function based on a correctly specified model should have zero mean, whereas any misspecification in the conditional mean implies a divergent mean for the random function. We derive test statistics that are optimal for each basis element of an orthonormal decomposition of the function space for which the random function is an element. We then use a weighted summation of these test statistics to compose the single test statistic that is optimal for any pair of alternatives that are symmetric about zero. This test is equivalent to using a particular measure in the ICM test of Bierens and Ploberger (1997, Econometrica 65, 1129–1152).
Actinomycin D and the Response to Vitamin D

The administration of low doses of actinomycin D to rachitic chicks inhibits the action of a subsequent dose of vitamin D3 in promoting calcium absorption from the intestine.
Photodynamic therapy for Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia.

This article describes advances in photodynamic therapy for patients with Barrett’s esophagus and high-grade dysplasia—an important, minimally invasive treatment option proven to safely and durably ablate Barrett’s dysplasia and prevent carcinoma while preserving the gastroesophageal junction.
Airborne Laser Swath Mapping: Quantifying changes in sandy beaches over time scales of weeks to years

The University of Florida (UF) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) are collaborating on a program to improve the quantitative monitoring of Florida's beaches, which are subject to erosion and catastrophic damage from seasonal storms. Each year, a segment of the Florida coastline will be mapped using Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) technology (also referred to as LIDAR). The ALSM surveys, conducted by UF staff and students, nominally extend from a few hundred feet offshore to about 1500 ft inland. GPS observations are manually collected by FDEP personnel and used to generate profiles across the beach for comparison with profiles generated from the ALSM observations. Results from the first survey segment completed under the program, covering approximately 35 miles of beaches in northeast Florida, are presented. Additional results that demonstrate the ability to precisely quantify changes in beach topography and volume using ALSM data are also presented.
Maintenance of sympathetic innervation into the hippocampal formation requires a continuous local availability of nerve growth factor.

Abstract The sprouting of peripheral sympathetic fibers into the septally denervated hippocampal formation is a well-characterized model of lesion-induced plasticity. While various studies have demonstrated the importance of nerve growth factor for evoking sympathetic sprouting, little is known concerning whether nerve growth factor continues to be required for maintaining innervation once it has occurred. In the present study we have addressed this point by (i) investigating the consequences of withdrawing exogenous nerve growth factor support from rats in which sympathetic innervation was enhanced by a nerve growth factor infusion and (ii) using blocking antibodies to interfere with the actions of endogenous nerve growth factor. The results of this investigation clearly indicate that a continuous supply of nerve growth factor (either exogenous or endogenous) is required to maintain sympathetic innervation within the hippocampal formation. Evidence is also provided demonstrating that the nerve growth factor must be made available locally within a given region to evoke and maintain the sympathetic innervation within this location. Axonal rearrangement within the developing and adult brain is believed to be an important mechanism underlying learning and memory and is crucial for lesion-related plasticity. In various experimental paradigms, nerve growth factor has been shown to be an important cue for initiating axonal remodeling. In the current study, we have demonstrated that once such rearrangements have taken place, nerve growth factor may also be required to maintain them.
Validity of "Generalized" Equations for Body Composition Analysis in Women Athletes.

Abstract Equations by Jackson, Pollock, and Ward (1980) and by Durnin and Womersly (1974) for estimating body density (BD) from skinfolds (SF) purportedly overcome the criticism of “population specificity” by taking into account age and the curvilinear relationship between SFs and BD. Selected equations were validated on 79 women athletes against %fat and fat(kg) measured by underwater weighing. Equations by Sloan, Burt, and Blyth (1962), Wilmore and Behnke (1970), and Katch and McArdle (1973) were also evaluated to compare the newer equations to older ones. The mean estimate of %fat by one equation by Jackson et al. utilizing the sum of triceps, abdomen, suprailiac and thigh SF was the same as the true value (20.1%) and correlated .795 (SEE ± 3.27 total error 3.23). Regression analysis showed it to have acceptable accuracy over the range of sample values (10.3–34.0%). The Durnin-Womersly equations overestimated %fat by 3.9 to 4.4% and were not acceptable. For the older equations, the mean Sloan et al. es...
Sectionalism and the United States Congress

Abstract Sectionalism has been a significant factor in the history of the United States. Political sectionalism in past and contemporary American society is examined by way of elections to and roll call voting behavior within the United States Congress. A recent electoral study of the House of Representatives and Senate reveals that sectional parties were prevalent throughout much of American history, but have diminished in the last two decades. Likewise, studies of congressional roll call voting have suggested a decline of the sectional factor. Although sectionalism in congressional voting has declined, most roll call voting models include some son of ‘geographical’ variable in the analysis of the behavior of Senators and, especially, Representatives. In spite of the abating of the distinct sectionalism of the past, spatial phenomena within the United States Congress are still quite deserving of study by political geographers.
Stimulation of P‐GP mediated transport & expression by flutamide in vitro

Aims Steroid receptor antagonists, such as tamoxifen (TAM) or mifepristone (MFP), display significant inhibition of the ABC transport protein P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in vitro. To date, interactions between androgen receptor antagonists have yet to be described. Given their common use as treatments for prostate cancer, interactions between androgen receptor antagonists and P-gp may be important. Methods Two in vitro models of drug transport were used to assess the effects of flutamide (FLU) on drug transport. Possible modulation of P-gp expression was also investigated. Results Acute FLU treatment stimulated transport of Rho-123 in Caco-2 monolayers (PApp(BA/AB) Control: 5.8±1.2, 100.0 μM FLU: 10.5±1.0). These observations were confirmed using a Rho-123 retention assay within LS180V cells. As positive controls, TAM and MFP displayed inhibition in both models. After 72-hour incubation with LS180V cells, only FLU resulted in enhanced immunoreactivity of P-gp after Western blot analysis. Conclusions In contrast to TAM and MFP, these data suggest that FLU stimulates P-gp activity and expression. Whether in vitro models used in these studies are representative of prostate tissues remains unclear. Nonetheless, considering that MDR1 expression within prostatic neoplasms remains a clinically significant issue, the stimulatory effects noted with FLU on P-gp function and expression may have clinical implications. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P42–P42; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.055
Automatic calibration method for DC-DC power converter with sensorless adaptive voltage positioning controller

An automatic calibration method for a previously proposed sensorless adaptive voltage positioning (SLAVP) controller is presented in this article. The SLAVP scheme achieves AVP control without the need for current sensing and sampling required by conventional AVP schemes. However, the accuracy of the SLAVP control scheme is sensitive to the power path equivalent DC resistance value, Req. An automatic calibration method is developed in this article in order to calibrate the SLAVP control law when Req varies as a result of components aging or component replacement after initial design, for examples. The theoretical basis of the automatic calibration method is presented along with proof-of-concept experimental results for verification.
Effects of Shear, Stability and Valley Characteristics on the Destruction of Temperature Inversions

Abstract A dry two-dimensional version of the Colorado State Cloud/Mesoscale Model was used to study the morning, inversion destruction cycle in a variety of deep mountain valley configurations. Eleven simulations were run to examine the effects of valley width, surface heating rate, wind shear above the valley, valley orientation, sidewall slope, initial stability and variable surface albedo on the evolution of the daytime boundary layer in the valley. Each was initiated with a stable layer filling the valley to ridgetop with a neutral layer above the ridge. The model was driven at the lower surface by a sinusoidally varying potential temperature flux which approximates the diurnal heating cycle. All simulations show that the initial inversion layer is destroyed by a combination of three processes; a growing surface based neutral layer over the valley floor, the destabilization of the stable air mass by the recirculation of air warmed over the slopes and the descent of the inversion top by the transport ...
σ-Bond Metathesis: A 30-Year Retrospective

A review of σ-bond metathesis is presented using Watson’s 1983 observation of degenerative methyl ligand exchange at metallocene compounds as a starting point. This review has two major parts. The first presents identifying features and reactivity characteristics of this pivotal mechanistic step for high oxidation state metals, which are given with some historical context, though not in historical order for clarity of discussion. The second part presents several selected examples of the exploits of this transformation with a particular focus on catalytic bond forming reactions.
The plasma membrane (Mg2+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase from the human erythrocyte is not an ion pump.

The plasma membrane (Mg2+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase ((Mg2+)-ATPase) from human erythrocytes has been tested for its ability to transport ions. Using a preparation of inside-out vesicles loaded with the pH-sensitive fluorescence probe 1-hydroxypyrene-3,6,8-trisulfonic acid (HPTS), we have demonstrated the absence of proton movement during (Mg2+)-ATPase activity. From the rate of ATP hydrolysis and the passive proton permeability of these vesicles, an upper limit of 0.03 H+ transported per ATP hydrolyzed was calculated. To verify that proton pumping could be detected in this system, the intravesicular pH was monitored during (Ca2+)-dependent adenosine triphosphatase ((Ca2+)-ATPase) activity. Proton efflux associated with (Ca2+)-ATPase activity was observed (in agreement with a recent report of proton pumping by a reconstituted erythrocyte (Ca2+)-ATPase (Niggli, V., Sigel, E., Carafoli, E. (1982)J. Biol. Chem. 257:2350–2356)) and was shown to be stimulated by calmodulin. The ability of the (Mg2+)-ATPase to pump28Mg2+,35SO 4 2− and86Rb+ was also tested, with the results leading to the conclusion that the human erythrocyte enzyme does not function as an ion transport system.
In vivo analysis of dendritic cell development and homeostasis

Dendritic cells (DCs) in lymphoid tissue arise from precursors that also produce monocytes and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). Where DC and monocyte lineage commitment occurs and the nature of the DC precursor that migrates from the bone marrow to peripheral lymphoid organs are unknown. We show that DC development progresses from the macrophage and DC precursor to common DC precursors that give rise to pDCs and classical spleen DCs (cDCs), but not monocytes, and finally to committed precursors of cDCs (pre-cDCs). Pre-cDCs enter lymph nodes through and migrate along high endothelial venules and later disperse and integrate into the DC network. Further cDC development involves cell division, which is controlled in part by regulatory T cells and fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE FRUSTULE OF TRICERATIUM FAVUS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1,2

New structural details of the frustules of the diatom Triceratium favus Ehrenberg seen in the scanning electron microscope are reported. Significant new observations concern the pores of the hexagonal chambers, accessory structures (spines, dendritic processes) on the outer surfaces of the hexagonal chambers, the value margins and girdle structure.
STRESS RELAXATION OF STORED STIRRED CHEDDAR CURD

An introspective empirical method for reducing stress relaxation data of certain foods was proposed by Peleg (1979). In his method relaxation curves are normalized with respect to initial force. In the method described herein his resulting equation is rearranged as a straight line but with the normalized force and time variables written as reciprocals 1/f(t) = (1/ab)(1/t) + (1/a), a plot of 1/f(t) versus (1/t) will yield a more severe test of the experimental data since the time variable “t” no longer appears on both sides of the equation as it does in the former case. This empirical method has been applied to relaxation data of stirred curd cheddar cheese manufactured under government specifications and stored at −2 to 0°C. With this method there are apparently at least two relaxation periods for cheese, a primary period which occurs for about 2 min and a secondary period which commences thereafter. When the separate periods are compared to one another values of the “a” and “b” constants are completely different and show that the secondary relaxation rate is substantially slower than the first. This method provides a more sensitive tool for comparing aging effects in stored cheese.
Searching for host-plant resistance to arthropods in agriculture.

Host-plant resistance to arthropods for use in agriculture is proposed to- have arisen through 1) coevolution due to natural selection pressure by the arthropod, 2) coevolution without natural selection pressure by the arthropod and 3) isolation of the plant and arthropod. Arguments are developed indicating that the latter situation results in germplasm sources which show the most promise for obtaining suitable numbers of genes for arthropod resistance in agriculture. RESUME Recherche de la resistance contre les arthropodes nuisibles aux cultures La resistance des plantes aux arthropodes peut jouer un ro1e important dans la protection des plantes; il est admis qu'elle trouve ses origines, soit dans une evolution parallele avec pression de selection de la part de l'arthropode, soit dans une evolution parallele mais sans cette pression de selection, soit dans une evolution separee de la plante et de l'arthropode, isoles l'un de l'autre. Le materiel genetique provenant de ce dernier type d'evolution apparait comme le plus prometteur pour la decouverte d'un nombre suffisant de genes de resistance qui pourraient ětre utilises sur le plan pratique.
Identification of genes containing ecdysone response elements in the genome of Brugia malayi.

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that filarial parasites contain a functional homologue of the insect ecdysone receptor (EcR). As a first step in deciphering the physiological role that ecdysteroids play in filarial parasites, adult female parasites cultured in the presence and absence of 20-OH ecdysone were metabolically labeled. Gel electrophoretic analysis of proteins extracted from the cultured parasites revealed changes in the level of expression of several proteins, indicating that adult female parasites contained an ecdysone-responsive gene network. A bioinformatic analysis was then conducted to identify putative ecdysone response elements (EcREs) in the Brugia malayi genome. A total of 18 genes were identified that contained putative EcREs located in the 4 kbp upstream from the start of their open reading frames. The most common functional classifications of the encoded proteins were factors involved in transcription and metabolism. These genes revealed a number of different developmental patterns of transcription. The promoter of one EcRE-containing gene was cloned into a luciferase reporter vector and transfected into B. malayi embryos. Reporter gene expression from embryos transfected with this construct was up-regulated by 20-OH ecdysone. Deletion and substitution mutations in the canonical EcRE resulted in a loss of the ecdysone response. These results demonstrate the presence of functional EcREs in the B. malayi genome.
The subtle taste of Jupiter

Planets, like wines, mature with time. On 7 December last year, a probe from the Galileo spacecraft tasted Jupiter, revealing that at least in one place and epoch the planet is flavoured less richly than many expected. Preliminary results, discussed at a news conference on 22 January, reveal lower amounts of oxygen (as water), sulphur, helium and neon than presupposed, all measured relative to the overwhelmingly abundant hydrogen. Tiny but possibly high levels of xenon and krypton complicate the picture. But in all these subtle additives lies a wealth of information about how Jupiter and like planets form and evolve.
The Value to Herbivores of Plant Physical and Chemical Diversity in Time and Space

Whether foraging on pastures or rangelands, herbivores encounter plant species that differ in their concentrations of nutrients. They also all contain various secondary compounds that at too high doses can be toxic, but at the appropriate dose many of these toxins may have medicinal benefits. The quantity of forage an animal consumes depends on the other forages it selects because nutrients and toxins interact. Food intake also depends on an individual's morphology and physiology, and marked variation is common, even among closely related animals, in needs for nutrients and abilities to cope with toxins. Thus, individuals can better meet their needs when offered a variety of foods that differ in nutrients and toxins than when constrained to a single food. Nonetheless, we have focused on a few species, often grown in monoculture, and we have reduced concentrations of secondary compounds with little appreciation for their roles in protecting plants against herbivores, pathogens, and competitors. In nature, where diversity of plants is the rule and not the exception, eating a variety of foods is how animals cope with, and may benefit from, secondary compounds. The potential benefits of creating mixtures of plant species whose nutrient and secondary compound profiles complement one another are obvious, though much remains to be learned about how to reconstruct agro-ecosystems with plants that complement and enhance one another structurally, functionally, and biochemically.
Long-term outcome of vagus nerve stimulation for refractory partial epilepsy

We assessed 1- and 2-year outcomes of specific seizure types, quality of life, depression, and anxiety among patients treated with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for refractory partial epilepsy. Patients completed a seizure questionnaire, the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89 (QOLIE-89) questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and 1 year, and 2 years after activation of VNS. VNS was associated with >or=50% reduction in total seizure frequency in 54% of patients at 1 year and 61% of patients 2 years post-VNS activation compared with baseline. No statistically significant changes from baseline to 12 or 24 months were found in mean quality of life, depression, or anxiety measures in the overall study population. Patients with at least 50% reduction in seizures had significant improvement in anxiety at 12 and 24 months compared with patients who did not have the same degree of seizure reduction.
Topical antibiotic/steroid medication for infection prophylaxis after strabismus surgery: Is it custom or science?

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Modern concepts of systemic lupus erythematosus: A review of 126 cases

Abstract A survey of the unusual findings in 126 patients having systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.) is presented. From this study, a concept of an “L.E. diathesis” or a predisposition to the disease is suggested. The importance of accurately performed L.E. tests in confirming the diagnosis in atypical cases is emphasized. Cortisone and corticotrophin therapy in selected cases produced symptomatic remissions, permitting extensive surgical and medical procedures heretofore contraindicated by the inherent capacity of the patient with systemic lupus erythematosus to overreact to medications and surgical procedures.
Sweating under pressure: Skin conductance level reactivity moderates the association between peer victimization and externalizing behavior

Background This study examined whether the association between peer victimization and externalizing behavior may be illuminated by individual differences in skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) in the context of peer stress. Methods Participants included 123 fifth and sixth graders (Mean age = 12.03 years, 50% females; 42% ethnic minorities). SCLR was assessed in the context of an ecologically relevant, lab-based peer-evaluative stress experience in preadolescence. Results As hypothesized, self-reported peer victimization was linked with parent- and teacher-reported externalizing behavior, and SCLR consistently moderated these associations. Peer victimization was associated with parent- and teacher-reported externalizing behavior among preadolescents who exhibited lower SCLR, but not among preadolescents who exhibited higher SCLR. Conclusions Results suggest that promoting engagement with peer stress experiences and enhancing inhibitory control are potential intervention targets that may reduce externalizing behavior in the context of peer victimization (or reduce peer victimization among preadolescents who exhibit externalizing behavior).
Visual framing feedback for desktop video conferencing

Desktop video conferencing participants are often poorly positioned in their outgoing video — unaware of their appearance on camera. We combine face detection, feature tracking and motion detection for automatic real-time detection of poorly framed participants and subsequently provide framing feedback by compositing their incoming and outgoing video streams. Our solution provides participants visual feedback only while they have framing problems. Otherwise the display shows only the remote participants, allowing users to focus fully on the conference. We analyze the system components and describe a user study that found advantages of our approach over the existing mirror window solution.