cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of ion beam modified ceramic wear surfaces using Auger electron spectroscopy

An investigation of the surface chemistry and morphology of the wear surfaces of ceramic material surfaces modified by ion beam mixing has been conducted using Auger electron spectroscopy and secondary electron microscopy. Studies have been conducted on ceramic/ceramic friction and wear couples made up of TiC and NiMo-bonded TiC cermet pins run against Si3N4 and partially stabilized zirconia disc surfaces modified by the ion beam mixing of titanium and nickel, as well as unmodified ceramic/ceramic couples in order to determine the types of surface changes leading to the improved friction and wear behaviour of the surface modified ceramics in simulated diesel environments. The results of the surface analyses indicate that the formation of a lubricating oxide layer of titanium and nickel, is responsible for the improvement in ceramic friction and wear behaviour. The beneficial effect of this oxide layer depends on several factors, including the adherence of the surface modified layer or subsequently formed oxide layer to the disc substrate, the substrate materials, the conditions of ion beam mixing, and the environmental conditions.
Relativistic hamiltonian equations for any spin

Abstract We discuss 2(2J + 1)-component Poincare-invariant Hamiltonian theories that describe free particles of definite mass and spin and that are subject to the conditions (a) every observable O is either Hermitian or pseudo-Hermitian (i.e., O = ϱ3O+ϱ3) and (b) the theory is invariant under the discrete symmetries. Our treatment is based on the Heisenberg equations of motion and on the Lie algebra of the Poincare group. Explicit formulas are found for the generators of this algebra, including the Hamiltonian H, and all relations between the operators Γ and H that are both necessary and sufficient for K = 1 2 [x , H] + + Γ to generate Lorentz boosts are found. To illustrate the utility of our results, we apply them to obtain explicit generalizations of the Dirac equation to any spin, by requiring that Γ = 0, and of the Sakata-Taketani spin-0 and spin-1 equations to any spin, by requiring that Γ = −ϱ 3 ( 1 2m ) S × p .
Immunohistochemical localization of brain type glucose transporter in mammalian inner ears: Comparison of developmental and adult stages

Abstract Inner ears from five mammalian genera were examined immunohistochemically with a rabbit polyclonal antiserum against the brain type glucose transporter (GLUT1). Vascular endothelial cells distributed widely in soft tissues of the cochlea and vestibular system in all five genera showed uniform immunostaining. The basal cell layer of the stria vascularis also contained GLUT1 in all genera, and in the guinea pig. the striai marginal cells reacted as well. GLUT1 was expressed in satellite cells surrounding spiral ganglion neurons but only in the gerbil and cat. In the developing inner ear of the gerbil, endothelial cells expressed GLUT1 at 2 days after birth, the earliest stage examined. Immunoreactive transporter also was detected at this time in cells lying under striai marginal cells and interpreted as immature basal cells. Satellite cells acquired affinity for GLUT1 antibody between days 12 and 16 after birth. The expression of GLUT1 by the various cell types correlates well with their structural and functional maturation. GLUT1 apparently plays a role in glucose transport in the inner ear where it mediates efflux from blood vessels into perilymph. It also appears to facilitate uptake of glucose by the stria vascularis from interstitial fluid via the basal cell layer and, in some species, by spiral ganglion neurons through satellite cells.
Advance directive decision making among medical inpatients

Per the Patient Self-Determination Act of 1991, hospitals are required to ascertain whether patients have an advance directive (AD). At this point, factors prompting patients to issue ADs have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to describe patients' understanding of ADs as well as the process patients used to arrive at their decisions to implement an AD. A stratified random sample of 26 patients from two intensive care units, one general medical unit, one general cardiac unit, and one acquired immunodeficiency unit were selected for participation. Patients were asked a series of open-ended questions to determine their knowledge and understanding of ADs. The constant comparative method was used to review the transcripts. It was found that only 31 per cent of patients had issued an AD, and 20% had learned of ADs for the first time during their hospitalization. Response analysis showed four phases of AD decision making: evaluation of illness, establishment of priorities, consideration of implications of the directives, and selection or rejection of directives. In conclusion, patients continue to have limited understanding of ADs and their implications. Continued investigation will elucidate the best strategies to educate patients about this topic.
The persistence in mice of certain foreign proteins and azoprotein tracer-antigens derived from them.

Methods have been devised whereby the persistence of foreign antigens in mice can be detected. A highly diffusible, blue azo dye, echt-saure-blau was coupled to bovine gamma-globulin and human serum albumin and injected into the animals. In this way deep blue tracer antigens were obtained. These were promptly stored in cells widely distributed throughout the body, especially in the reticulo-endothelial elements of the liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. The dye as such was not stored but rapidly excreted. A blue coloration in the organs just mentioned was still perceptible after 85 to 120 days in the case of the azoglobulin and 36 to 44 days in that of the azoalbumin. To determine whether these substances had actually persisted, as well as to learn how long uncoupled globulin and albumin remained after injection, recourse was had to the phenomenon of reversed passive anaphylaxis, which was found to be characterized by extraordinary changes in the vessels of the ears (EVR) in the mouse, plainly visible under the microscope when called forth by an antiserum specific for the antigen to which the animal had been sensitized. So sensitive is the vascular response that as little as 0.5 to 0.1 microg. of protein as antigen, previously injected into the peritoneal cavity of a 30 gm. mouse, can be detected a few days later by an intravenous injection of antiserum. By means of the EVR the globulin antigen has been detected in the blood and livers of injected mice for as long as 56 and 101 days, respectively; the albumin and azoalbumin for only 21 and 36 days. In the mesenteric lymph nodes of injected mice the albumin and azoalbumin antigens were found after 42 and 44 days, respectively. The hepatic tissue and that of the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice injected with azoalbumin, containing in consequence stored blue material, when transferred to recipient mice yielded positive tests for antigen (EVR) as long as blue color could be perceived in these tissues with the unaided eye, or at low magnification. After the color had disappeared from the tissues the transfer tests were found to be negative. This fact speaks for the antigenicity of the colored material. In summary it is plain that certain antigenic proteins, after introduction into the blood stream of mice, are stored in certain tissues and that they may persist there for weeks or even months, far longer than has generally been supposed. This persistence of antigen within the body, especially after detectable amounts of antigen have apparently disappeared from the blood, provides a reason for prolonged antibody formation, a phenomenon for which no adequate explanation has hereto been offered.
PERIODICALS ON ENDOCRINOLOGY OF SEX

The subject of the physiology of the ductless glands relating to sex and sex function is so complex that the average physician is staggered by the number of the periodicals which must be read in order to gain any sort of orderly knowledge. The appearance of “Sex and Internal Secretions” (1), edited by Allen and written by 22 investigators, each prominent in his special subdivision of the subject, has done much to make the acquisition of a basic understanding of sex hormonology easier. However, the subject is in a, stage of flux, discoveries are constantly being reported and unless one keeps abreast of the articles in current journals he is soon in as hopeless a state as before. The average man, not working in the field, is too busy to read all the medical journals which may have occasional articles pertaining be sex endocrinology. Therefore, he wants to know what journals should he read in order to maintain a reasonable idea of current progress.
Early Complications in the Operative Treatment of Patella Fractures

Objective:To identify and review early complications in the operative treatment of patella fractures.Design:Retrospective review.Setting:Single tertiary care institution with multiple surgeons, including generalists and fellowship trained subspecialists.Patients:A consecutive series of eighty-seven
Parting ways with routine postoperative chest radiographs: Are we ready to cut the cord?

tional light on this question by prospectively testing a selective protocol for postoperative CXR use during the first 24 hours after cardiac surgery with sternotomy at a single center in The Netherlands. Indications for selective (on-demand) CXRs were carefully defined in the article and included difficult central venous access, intra-aortic balloon pump placement, and hemodynamic, ventilatory, or physical examination abnormalities. Tolsma and colleagues 3 then verified the sensitivity of their selection protocol by performing CXRs on all remaining patients the next morning to screen for any missed findings among the patients who had failed to meet criteria for an ondemand CXR. According to their selection protocol, only 301 of 1102 patients (27%) met indications for an ondemand CXR after surgery; of these, 12 patients (4%) required intervention. Among the remaining 801 patients who did not receive an on-demand CXR on the day of surgery, screening CXRs the next morning identified only 5 patients (0.6%) who had missed findings requiring intervention (4 chest tubes for pneumothorax or effusion and 1transthoracicechocardiogram for widened mediastinum), and none of these patients were harmed as a result of the delay in diagnosis. Thus the selective CXR protocol achieved a 73% reduction in immediate postoperative CXR use, leading to reduced radiation exposure to patients, a predictedcostsavingof$40,000/year,andnoapparentincrease in adverse events. The rationale for compulsory chest imaging after cardiac surgery is to detect and address potentially harmful problems before any clinical manifestations.Similartoother screening tools, for routine CXRs to have value they must pose minimal risk to the patient, identify important pathology before the onset of signs or symptoms, allow for improved outcomes through early intervention, minimize overtreatment offalse-positivefindings, and be cost-effective. By most accounts, CXRs fulfill these criteria because they are safe and inexpensive, and the benefits of identifying major problems before acute decompensation (tamponade, tension pneumothorax, etc) are potentially large. As a result, most cardiac surgical centers are willing to accept the costs and small risks of performing routine CXRs on all postoperative cardiac surgicalpatients.ThestudybyTolsmaandcolleagues, 3 however, effectively challenges this practice and suggests that important life-threatening problems are not missed when routine CXRs are abolished and replaced with ondemand CXRs obtained only for defined clinical indications. The goals of minimizing patient exposure to unnecessary imaging and laboratory tests 4 and of reducing the costs of surgical intervention are clearly laudable, and Tolsma
Advancing Institutional Anomie Theory: A Microlevel Examination Connecting Culture, Institutions, and Deviance

Institutional anomie theory (IAT) contends that crime can be explained by an examination of American society, particularly the exaggerated emphasis on economic success inherent in American culture, which has created a "cheating orientation" that permeates structural institutions, including academia. Consistent with its macrosocial perspective, previous tests of IAT have examined IAT variables at the structural level only. The current study tests the robustness of IAT by operationalizing IAT variables at the individual level and looking at a minor form of deviance, student cheating. The author also examines the role statistical modeling has in testing the theory at the microlevel. Undergraduates, 122 American born and 48 international, were surveyed about their cheating behaviors and adherence to economic goal orientations. Results related to the hypothesis that American students, relative to foreign-born students, will have an increased adherence to economic goal orientations that increase cheating behaviors are presented, as are suggestions for future studies.
Scaling of Two- and Three-Dimensional Shock/Turbulent Boundary-Layer Interactions at Compression Corners

This paper begins by considering how the upstream influence of a two-dimensional shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interaction scales with the parameters of the incoming flow. Several recent experiments with equilibrium, supersonic, adiabatic turbulent boundary layers are considered in this light. Based on dimensional analysis, a functional relation is found among the upstream influence and the related parameters b0, Re, a, and Mw. Then, an explicit correlation of these parameters is derived from the experimental data. The correlation demonstrates that, when upstream influence is scaled by boundary-layer thickness, an RebQ "residual" remains. Further, some long-standing discrepancies among the experiments in this field are largely accounted for. Then, the upstream influence of three-dimensional interactions is examined to see if it scales in a manner similar to that of two-dimensional interactions. Based on measurements presented here for the first time, this is indeed the case, with the important provision that the flow development in both the streamwise and spanwise directions must be scaled simultaneously.
ONTOGENY OF B-LYMPHOCYTE FUNCTION I. Restricted Heterogeneity of the Antibody Response of B Lymphocytes from Neonatal and Fetal Mice*

The ontogeny of the ability of B lymphocytes to produce an antihapten response which is heterogeneous with respect to affinity for the antigenic determinant was studied in a cell transfer system. The heterogeneity of affinity of the immune response of lethally irradiated mice reconstituted with syngeneic, adult thymus cells and fetal or neonatal tissues as a source of B lymphocytes was studied. It was found that B cells from 17 day fetal liver or neonatal liver are highly restricted with respect to heterogeneity of affinity as compared with adult spleen or bone marrow. The B-cell population achieves an adult character with respect to heterogeneity of affinity by 2 wk of age. The peripheral lymphoid tissues (spleen) appear to mature in this respect more rapidly than do central lymphoid tissues (bone marrow). Spleens from 10-day old donors behave in an adult, heterogeneous manner while bone marrow from the same donors exhibit a marked restriction in heterogeneity of affinity. Germfree mice produce an immune response which is indistinguishable from conventionally reared adult animals with respect to heterogeneity of affinity. The earlier appearance of the ability to transfer a heterogeneous immune response in spleen as compared with bone marrow suggests that the increasing heterogeneity of the B-lymphocyte population which occurs between birth and 2 wk of age is the result of a differentiation event and not of a somatic mutation or recombination event.
Electron Diffraction and Microscopy Studies of the Structure of Grain Boundaries in Al2O3

Electron diffraction and weak-beam imaging techniques were used to examine the structure and thickness of grain boundaries in polycrystalline Al2O3. Extra diffraction spots from boundaries inclined to the foil surface were detected and related to the periodic structure of the boundary. Relrods from edge-on boundaries were detected and used to estimate the thickness of the boundary region, i.e. the depth that the displacement field of the boundary penetrates into the two crystals adjacent to the interface.
Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes of a tripodal ligand containing imidazoles

Abstract Two complexes of the formula [MH3L](ClO4)2 [M = Cu(II) (1), Ni(II) (2)] have been prepared by the reaction of M(ClO4)2 · 6H2O with the ligand (H3L) formed by the Schiff base condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) with three molar equivalents of 4-methyl-5-imidazolecarboxaldehyde and structurally and magnetically characterized. The structures of 1 and 2 are isomorphous with each other and with the iron(II) complex of H3L which has been reported previously. The ligand, while potentially heptadentate, forms six coordinate complexes with both metal centers forming three M–Nimine and three M–Nimidazole bonds. The tren central N atom is at a nonbonded distance from M of 3.261 A for 1 and 3.329 A for 2. The neutral complex CuHL 3 was prepared by reaction of H3L with Cu(OCH3)2 and the ionic complex Na[NiL] 4 was prepared by deprotonation of 2 with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Magnetic measurements of 1–3 are consistent with the spin-only values expected for S = 1/2 (d9, Cu(II)) and S = 1 (d8, Ni (II)) systems.
A mathematical programming approach for gene selection and tissue classification

Motivation: Extracting useful information from expression levels of thousands of genes generated with microarry technology needs a variety of analytical techniques. Mathematical programming approaches for classification analysis outperform parametric methods when the data depart from assumptions underlying these methods. Therefore, a mathematical programming approach is developed for gene selection and tissue classification using gene expression profiles. Results: A new mixed integer programming model is formulated for this purpose. The mixed integer programming model simultaneously selects genes and constructs a classification model to classify two groups of tissue samples as accurately as possible. Very encouraging results were obtained with two data sets from the literature as examples. These results show that the mathematical programming approach can rival or outperform traditional classification methods.
Discovery of Sonic hedgehog expression in postnatal growth plate chondrocytes: Differential regulation of Sonic and Indian hedgehog by retinoic acid

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a key signal protein in early embryological patterning of limb bud development. Its analog, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), primarily expressed during early cartilage development in prehypertrophic chondrocytes, regulates proliferation and suppresses terminal differentiation of postnatal growth plate (GP) chondrocytes. We report here for the first time that both Shh and Ihh mRNA are expressed in the GP of rapidly growing 6-week-old broiler-strain chickens. They are also expressed in other tissues such as articular chondrocytes, kidney, and bone. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR analyses reveal Shh in all zones of the GP, with peak expression in late hypertrophy. Using primary cultures of GP chondrocytes in serum-containing medium, we followed the patterns of Shh and Ihh mRNA expression as the cultures matured and mineralized. We find a cyclical expression of both hedgehog genes during the early period of culture development between day 10 and 14; when one is elevated, the other tended to be suppressed, suggesting that the two hedgehogs may play complementary roles during GP development. Retinoic acid (RA), a powerful modulator of gene expression in cell differentiation, stimulates GP chondrocytes toward terminal differentiation, enhancing mineral formation. We find that RA strongly suppresses Ihh, but enhances expression of Shh in this system. While Ihh suppresses maturation of GP chondrocytes to hypertrophy, we hypothesize that Shh acts to push these cells toward hypertrophy.
Demonstration of the microvasculature of the spinal cord by intravenous injection of the fluorescent dye, thioflavine S.

In the past, thioflavine S has been used for visualizing blood vessels and patterns of blood flow (Schlegel 1949; Schlegel and Moses 1950; Oliver et al. 1951). Methods employed have involved an intravenous injection of the dye, immersion of hand-cut sections in glycerol and examination of sections under incident Wood's light. With improved techniques it is possible to obtain microtome-cut sections and to use a more intense light source for enhancing fluorescence and resulting visualization of small vessels. Occlusion of arterioles by undissolved dye particles is prevented by ultracentrifugation of the solution to be injected.
Postoperative arrhythmia in patients with bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis

OBJECTIVES: Bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (BDCPA) is part of the staged Fontan palliation for congenital heart defects with single-ventricle morphology. The aim of this study was to describe incidence and characteristics of early postoperative arrhythmias in patients undergoing BDCPA. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 60 patients undergoing BDCPA at the age of <12 months from 2001 to 2008 at a single centre. Arrhythmias were subclassified in sinus bradycardia, premature atrial/ventricular contraction, supraventricular tachycardia and atrioventricular block. The groups were compared according to age at operation and diagnosis. Postoperative follow-up data were included until Fontan completion. RESULTS: Postoperative arrhythmia was observed in 20 patients: 12 temporary and 8 persisting until hospital discharge. Sinus bradycardia is a common postoperative arrhythmia and occurred in 16 patients (9 transient, 7 persistent until hospital discharge). One patient undergoing BDCPA and a Damus–Kaye–Stansel procedure had a persisting first-degree atrioventricular block. The occurrence of a postoperative arrhythmia was independent of age and diagnostic group (hypoplastic left heart vs non-hypoplasic left heart). After hospital discharge, five of the eight arrhythmia resolved spontaneously resulting in 2 patients with sinus bradycardia and 1 patient with a first-degree AV block immediately before the Fontan completion was undertaken. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative arrhythmias in patients with BDCPA occur early after surgery and are temporary. Severe and life-threatening arrhythmias are rare although the interventions are complex and the patients very young. The most common arrhythmia is sinus bradycardia.
Risk Factors for Skin and Soft-Tissue Abscesses among Injection Drug Users: A Case-Control Study

Skin and soft-tissue abscesses, a common problem among injection drug users (IDUs), result in serious morbidity for the patient and costly hospitalizations for incision and drainage; however, there has been little etiologic or preventive epidemiologic research on this problem. We performed a case-control study that enrolled 151 IDUs who had been given a new diagnosis of abscess requiring incision and drainage (cases) and 267 IDUs who did not have abscess or other bacterial infection during the previous year and who were stratum-matched to cases according to age, sex, and race (controls). Subcutaneous or intramuscular, instead of intravenous, injection is a major risk factor for abscess among IDUs. The injection of a cocaine and heroin mixture, or "speedball," may predispose patients to develop abscess by inducing soft-tissue ischemia. Cleaning the skin with alcohol before injection was found to have a protective effect. Neither human immunodeficiency virus nor human T-lymphotropic virus type II seropositivity was significantly associated with abscess.
Stereotactic and sonographic large-core biopsy of nonpalpable breast lesions

Abstract Rationale and objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of stereotactically and sonographically guided core biopsy (CB)for the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesions. Materials and methods Twenty-two institutions enrolled 2,403 women who underwent imaging-guided fine needle aspiration followed by imaging-guided large-CB of nonpalpable breast abnormalities. All mammograms were reviewed for study eligibility by one of two breast imaging radiologists. The protocol for image-guided biopsy, using either ultrasound (USCB) or stereotactic (SCB) guidance, was standardized at all institutions and all biopsy specimens were over-read by one of three expert pathologists. Patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), atypical lobular hyperplasia, or lobular neoplasia on CB underwent surgical excision. Those with negative CB but suspicious (“discordant”) pre-biopsy mammography also underwent surgical excision. Patients having a negative CB that was concordant with the pre-biopsy mammography suspicion were assigned to follow-up mammography at 6, 12, and 24 months following CB. Results A gold standard diagnosis based on definitive histopathologic diagnosis, mammography follow-up, or an imputed gold standard diagnosis was established for 1,681 patients. Of 310 cases with a gold standard diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma, 261 (84.2%) were invasive carcinoma, 31 (10%) were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), four (1.3%) were ADH, one (0.3%) was a non-breast cancer, and 13 (4.2%) were benign on CB. For 138 cases with a gold standard diagnosis of DCIS, 113 (81.9%) were DCIS, 20 (14.5%) were ADH, and five (3.6%) were benign on CB. For 57 cases (13 masses, 44 calcifications) with an initial CB diagnosis of ADH, atypical lobular hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia, 20 (35.1%) had a gold standard diagnosis of DCIS (4 masses, 16 calcifications) and four (7.0%) had a gold standard diagnosis of invasive cancer (4 calcifications). Of 144 cases (22 masses, 122 calcifications) with an initial CB diagnosis of DCIS, 31 (21.5%) had a gold standard diagnosis of invasive cancer (10 masses, 21 calcifications). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for CB by either imaging guidance method in this trial were .91, 1.00, and .98, respectively. The sensitivity, predictive value negative, and accuracy of CB for diagnosing masses (.96, .99, and .99, respectively) were significantly greater ( P P = 0.029) than that of USCB (.97) because of the preponderance of calcifications biopsied by SCB versus USCB. There was no difference between USCB and SCB in sensitivity, predictive value negative, or accuracy for the diagnosis of masses (97.3, 98.9, and 99.2, respectively for USCB; 95.6, 98.5, and 98.9 respectively for SCB). Conclusion Percutaneous, imaged-guided core breast biopsy is an accurate diagnostic alternative to surgical biopsy in women with mammographically detected suspicious breast lesions.
Impact of age at first drink on stress-reactive drinking

Background: Although recent data from animal models indicate that adolescent ethanol exposure increases self-administered ethanol intake in adult rats, the impact of age at first drink on the association between stress and drinking has not been studied in humans. Methods: Data collected in the 2001 to 2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) were used to estimate the extent to which age at first drink modified the association between stress and average daily volume (ADV) of ethanol intake in a sample of 26,946 past-year drinkers. Successive models estimated the magnitude and significance of the interaction between age at first drink (ages 14 or younger, 15–17, and 18 or older) and number of stressors (out of 12 past-year negative life events) after (1) adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, (2) additionally adjusting for family history of alcoholism, comorbid psychopathology, adolescent, and past-year tobacco and illicit drug use, and (3) additionally adjusting for all other significant interactions with number of stressors. Results: Even after adjusting for a wide range of confounders and their interactions with stress, initiation of drinking at ages 14 and younger increased the association between the number of stressors and ADV of ethanol consumption by 8% (p=0.014), when considering the full range of 12 potential stressors. In fact, the positive association between stress and consumption was significant only for this group of drinkers with early adolescent exposure to ethanol. Within this group, ADV of consumption increased by an average of 7% with each additional stressor experienced, although the exact percentage increase varied as a function of other covariates that had significant interactions with stress. When a reduced set of 4 stressors was considered, the magnitudes of the associations were mostly unchanged, but the modifying effect of age at first drink fell short of statistical significance (p=0.309) in the fully adjusted model. Conclusions: The findings of this study are consistent with the argument that early-onset drinking may increase stress-reactive ethanol consumption; however, these findings need to be replicated in an experimental human study in order to control fully the direction of the relationship between stress and consumption.
Pediatric varicocele embolization

Varicocele is a very common condition. Although some patients may have pain, it is usually asymptomatic. Treatment of adolescent and pediatric patients is based on the desire to prevent testicular dysfunction and infertility that may be irreversible in adulthood. Venous embolization of the spermatic vein is an effective and minimally invasive method to occlude the varicocele and is known to improve testicular size and function. Embolization can be optimized by use of sclerosant, such as sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) foam or ethanol to permanently occlude the internal spermatic vein. About 10 to 15% of patients have recurrent varicocele after embolization. This is usually due to collateral vessels, such as from the right spermatic vein or the splanchnic veins. Embolizing as low as possible, while preventing pampiniform phlebitis by externally compressing the external inguinal ring, and empiric bilateral embolization appear to have the best outcome for preventing recanalization. Complications of varicocele embolization are uncommon. They include pampiniform phlebitis and venous thromboembolism into the renal vein or pulmonary artery.
Unexpected instant death following successful coronary artery bypass graft surgery (and other clinical settings): atrial fibrillation, quinidine, procainamide, et cetera, and instant death.

Primum non nocere. Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs commonly following coronary artery bypass graft surgery, although new onset atrial fibrillation in this setting is usually transient. When AF reverts or is converted to sinus rhythm it is unlikely to recur, whether or not the patient takes preventive medication. As no benefit (and sometimes increased risk) associated with reduced mortality or morbidity in this setting has been reported for antiarrhythmic agents, standard treatment should consist of observation or control of ventricular response with an appropriate agent until AF relapses to sinus rhythm. If an antiarrhythmic agent, especially a class I agent, is used because of persistent or recurrent AF in the early postoperative period, heart rhythm should be monitored as long as the class I agent is administered and treatment initiated if an un-dersirable rhythm develops. Atrial fibrillation in other clinical settings in patients with structural heart disease presents a more difficult management problem. Class I agents are reported to be associated with an increased risk of death, despite an efficacious effect of maintaining sinus rhythm. Amiodarone is reported to be well tolerated with respect to the cardiovascular system, but unacceptable noncardiac effects are reported. A safe amiodarone-like agent is greatly needed. Atrial fibrillation in patients with no structural heart disease is not discussed in this presentation.
Evaluation in beef cattle of six deoxyribonucleic acid markers developed for dairy traits reveals an osteopontin polymorphism associated with postweaning growth

The objectives of this study were to 1) estimate the allelic frequencies in US beef cattle of 6 DNA markers reported to be associated with variation in dairy production traits; and 2) evaluate the associa- tion of these markers with beef production traits. Sev- eral genetic markers have been associated with milk yield or composition, including polymorphisms in se- creted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1; also called osteopon- tin), growth hormone receptor (GHR), casein S1 (CSN1S1),diacylglycerolO-acyltransferase1(DGAT1), peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co- activator-1alpha (PPARGC1A), and ATP-binding cas- sette subfamily G (white) member 2 (ABCG2). Allelic frequencies for these 6 markers, and their association with 21 phenotypes, were evaluated in 2 crossbred beef cattle populations that sample influential industry sires. Five of 6 markers were segregating in beef cattle populations; the exception was ABCG2. The SPP1 markerwasassociatedwithyearlingweight(P=0.025), live weight at slaughter (P = 0.016), postweaning ADG (P = 0.007), and HCW (P = 0.007) in a large, multisire
Accurate Intrinsic Gate Capacitance Model for Carbon Nanotube-Array Based FETs Considering Screening Effect

In this letter, an accurate semi-analytical model for the intrinsic gate capacitance of carbon nanotube (CN)-array based back-gated field-effect transistors (FETs) is proposed. The model accounts for electrostatic screening effect for any given number of nanotubes, their diameter, pitch, and gate-dielectric thickness. It is shown that screening effect varies significantly not only with the change in density but also with the number of nanotubes and must be considered while modeling the intrinsic gate capacitance of array-based CNFETs for both high-performance and thin-film transistor applications.
Treponema denticola upregulates MMP-2 activation in periodontal ligament cells: Interplay between epigenetics and periodontal infection

Abstract Objective Periodontal pathogens initiate chronic dysregulation of inflammation and tissue homeostasis that characterize periodontal disease. To better understand oral microbe–host tissue interactions, we investigated expression and activation of MMP-2 in periodontal ligament cells following Treponema denticola challenge. Design Cultured PDL cells were challenged with T. denticola , and bacterial adherence, internalization and survival were assayed by immunofluorescence microscopy and antibiotic protection assays, respectively. MMP-2 activation was detected by zymography. MMP-2, MT1/MMP and TIMP-2 expression following T. denticola challenge was determined by qRT-PCR. Promoter methylation of MMP-2 and MT1/MMP was screened by methylation-sensitive restriction analysis and by bisulfite DNA sequencing. Results T. denticola adhered to and was internalized by PDL cells but did not survive intracellularly beyond 24 h. Importantly, while dentilisin activity in PDL culture supernatants gradually decreased following T. denticola challenge, MMP-2 activation persisted for up to 5 days, suggesting involvement of other regulatory mechanisms. Transcription and expression of MT1/MMP and TIMP-2 increased in response to T. denticola challenge. However, consistent with previously reported constitutive pro-MMP-2 expression in PDL cells, the MMP-2 promoter was hypomethylated, independent of T. denticola challenge. Conclusions MMP-2 promoter hypomethylation is consistent with constitutive pro-MMP-2 expression in PDL cells. This, coupled with T. denticola -mediated upregulation of MMP-2-related genes and chronic activation of pro-MMP-2, mimics key in vivo mechanisms of periodontal disease chronicity, in particular MMP-2-dependent matrix degradation and bone resorption. Adherence and/or internalization of T. denticola may contribute to these processes by one or more regulatory mechanisms, including contact-dependent signal transduction or other epigenetic mechanisms.
A Unique Case of Adolescent CD56-Negative Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

Mature T-cell neoplasms are unusual in the pediatric population. The majority of these neoplasms in the United States are anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) characterized by CD30 and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-1 expression. Extranodal natural killer/T (NK/T)-cell lymphomas, nasal type, are extremely rare. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas often express CD56, are associated with Epstein-Barr virus, and are negative for CD30. Clinically, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphomas are much more aggressive than ALCL, and require different treatment strategies. The authors present an adolescent male with a CD56 negative extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type. The lymphoma was partially positive for CD30, diffusely positive for EBV by in situ hybridization, and clonal for T-cell receptor gene rearrangement and cytogenetic abnormalities. The patient was aggressively treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. More than 2 years from completion of the therapy, the patient remains disease free. This case highlights ...
Estimation of noisy telegraph processes: Nonlinear filtering versus nonlinear smoothing (Corresp.)

In the estimation problem of a two-state stationary Markov process with Gaussian white noise added, the optimal smoother is a two-filter smoother. In a special case, the performance of the optimal nonlinear filter and smoother is evaluated analytically. Some asymptotic results are also derived.
Efficient Determination of Fault Criticality for Manufacturing Test Set Optimization

Defective part levels of zero are almost impossible to achieve in an era of complex defects, process variations, and limited testing resources. It is important to ensure that any defects missed during test will impact the end user as little as possible. However, optimizing test sets for superior detection of critical defects requires an understanding of relative fault criticality, and this determination may be very expensive. In this paper, we will present a method which efficiently estimates this criticality under realistic usage conditions using a translation between combinational and sequential fault analysis. We will show that the resulting criticalities are sufficiently accurate to select an optimized test set which is as effective as one created with perfect criticality information.
Zooplankton Abundance in the Surf Zones of Nourished and Unnourished Beaches in Southeastern North Carolina, U.S.A.

ABSTRACT Stull, K.J.; Cahoon, L.B., and Lankford, T.E., 2016. Zooplankton abundance in the surf zones of nourished and unnourished beaches in southeastern North Carolina, U.S.A. Surf zones are poorly studied in comparison to adjacent estuarine and continental shelf ecosystems, partly owing to their dynamic, high-energy environment that is often difficult to sample. This study quantified zooplankton abundance in the surf zone at eight sites along three beaches in SE North Carolina between November 2008 and June 2010, encompassing a beach-nourishment cycle at four sites in early 2010. A Before-After/Control-Impact (BACI) sampling design tested the effects of beach nourishment on zooplankton abundance at both medium- (2–3 months) and short-term (2–3 weeks) time scales. Zooplankton abundances in the surf zone ranged from 386–54,900 zooplankters m−3 and averaged about 8240 individuals m−3, an order of magnitude higher than in nearby coastal ocean environments but not as high as in nearby rivers and estuaries. ...
Program Structure-Based Feature Selection for Android Malware Analysis

Zhou and Jiang [1] extensively surveyed and analyzed Android malware and found that 86% of the malware collected incorporated repackaged benign applications, and that many of them utilized common advertisement libraries. Such benign code reuse in malware can be expected to cause automated classification and clustering approaches to fail if they base their decisions on features relating to the reused code. To improve detection, classification, and clustering, feature selection from mobile malware must not be naive, but must instead utilize knowledge of malicious program semantics and structure. We propose an approach for selecting features of mobile malware by using knowledge of malicious program structure to heuristically identify malicious portions of applications.
A Developmental Perspective of Adolescence

Our understanding of “normal adolescence” is full of unknowns and speculation; the study of the exceptional adolescent is just beginning. It is the aim of this chapter to give an overview of what is known of normal adolescence so we might better understand the issues faced by the autistic teenager and his family in terms of developmental changes and behavioral expectations. After a brief historical perspective we will focus on three major aspects which define adolescence: physical development, cognitive development, and social-emotional development. At the end of each of these sections some comments will be made concerning what is known about the autistic adolescent within each of these three major areas of development. At the end of the chapter additional comments will be made as to the challenge which awaits parents, researchers, and the autistic adolescent himself.
Russia and the North, edited by Elana Wilson Rowe

The Arctic is currently producing roughly 10% of the world's crude oil and 25% of its natural gas, and the Russian Arctic accounts for 80% of this oil and 99% of the gas. This geographic fact expla...
Phenotypic Differences in Identical Twins with Mutated WDR45, a Newly Discovered X-Chromosome Gene Mutation Which Causes Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) (P03.052)

OBJECTIVE: To describe major phenotypic differences in identical twin girls that had the same gene mutation which causes BPAN. BACKGROUND: Several gene mutations cause NBIA and patients have unique clinical neurological and neuroimaging findings depending on the gene involved. A newly discovered NBIA entity is caused by mutation of WDR45 gene of the X-chromosome, which encodes a beta-propeller protein. The disease was named beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN). RESULTS: The twin girls are 28 years old. Their birth records indicate that they were monozygotic with one placenta but two amnions. Their mother noted behavioral differences by six months. Twin A developed normally and went to college. Twin B was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was never toilet trained, could not speak intelligibly and did not attend regular school. Head MRI revealed iron accumulation in the globus pallidus and substantia nigra, bilaterally and in both twins. However, twin B had atrophy of the posterior cerebral hemispheres and ventriculomegaly, more evident on the left, and consistent with perinatal hypoxia. Both twins had congruence in all genes that were tested, including the mutated WDR45 gene. X-inactivation studies showed differential skewing between the twins, with the more severely affected twin showing extreme skewing (90:10) and the less affected twin showing a random pattern (55:45). CONCLUSIONS: (1) When confronted with major phenotypic discordance in monozygotic twins, in utero and perinatal insults are important suspects, especially in monochorionic/diamniotic situations. (2) Patterns of X-inactivation are likely to influence penetrance and expressivity of the BPAN phenotype. Disclosure: Dr. Harik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dandu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Angtuaco has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hayflick has nothing to disclose.
Hulu.com or NBC? Streaming Video versus Traditional TV A Study of an Industry in Its Infancy

ABSTRACT The research employed online interviews among young adult viewers of online streaming television and traditional television to determine how media differ in terms of use and advertising perceptions and avoidance. Results indicated more similarities than differences. Significant differences regarded the amount of use and viewer attitudes toward advertising. Specifically, young adults watched 62 percent more traditional television than online television and were significantly less tolerant of online television advertising. These findings appeared to reflect the convenience-orientation of online television viewers. Advertisers should note that advertising presence on online streaming television will increase their message frequency among young adults.
Reliability- and Cost-Oriented Optimal Bridge Maintenance Planning

This paper summarizes some of the previous work on optimal bridge maintenance planning and presents new developments. The optimization process is reliability- and cost-oriented. The purpose is to optimize lifetime maintenance expenditures associated with bridge stocks. The degradation of the reliability of individual bridges and the present value of future maintenance costs are both considered in this process. Numerical examples illustrate different aspects of the optimal bridge maintenance planning approach.
Dispersion Patterns in a Peromyscus Population

Monthly live-trap censuses on a 2.8 ha grid provided population data for a western Montana river bottom population of Peromyscus maniculatus . Most of the adults were captured each census and numbers captured ranged from 7 to 73. Adults (=all postjuveniles) were categorized as New (not captured previously), Old-1 (captured the previous census only), or Old-2 (captured at least once prior to the preceding census). Numbers of Old-2 residents remained quite stable and numerical variation was attributed to New animals. Old-2 residents bred from May to September although the percent of females breeding declined in mid-summer. New adults seldom bred except (among males) when few Old-2 residents were present. Activity and home range size showed similar spring increases and fall decreases. During the breeding season, Old-2 animals were most active and, among males, they had the largest home ranges. All sex and residence groups aggregated strongly in winter. Males and females tended to occur together in all seasons. During the breeding season, same-sex Old-2 residents were evenly dispersed. New residents aggregated among themselves and tended to occupy the same area as same-sex Old residents. These New residents appeared to be relatively inactive, non-breeding subordinates. The patterns observed in this population are compatible with most earlier reports and may apply to many small, cryptic rodents. Variations in the fate of potential recruits and different dispersion patterns within various sex and residence groups can account for the variable results from earlier dispersion analyses.
Metabolic Syndrome and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women.

Abstract Background Limited literature suggests that sexual dysfunction in women covaries with the metabolic syndrome. This study examined the association of sexual function with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in healthy older women. Methods There were 376 postmenopausal, community-dwelling women from the Rancho Bernardo Study (mean baseline age = 73 years) that completed a clinic visit during 1999-2002 and returned the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire mailed in 2002. Results Thirty-nine percent reported being sexually active; 41.5% met a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The number of metabolic syndrome components was strongly associated with decreased sexual activity, desire, and low sexual satisfaction. Waist girth, diabetes, and hypertension were associated with decreased sexual activity. Elevated triglycerides were associated with low desire. Among the cardiovascular endpoints, heart attack, coronary artery bypass, and angina were associated with decreased sexual activity, but not with sexual desire or satisfaction. Past diagnosis of heart failure, poor circulation, and stroke were not associated with sexual function. Sexually active women with metabolic syndrome met criteria for sexual dysfunction in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains. The FSFI Total Score did not differ significantly between sexually active and inactive women. Conclusions Metabolic syndrome was associated with decreased sexual activity, desire, and satisfaction in all women and with sexual dysfunction in most domains in sexually active women. Coronary artery disease was more prevalent in women with low sexual activity.