cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Structure and Function of the 50-Plus Radiology Organizations, Part 2: A Unified Strategic Plan—A Summary of the 2011 Intersociety Conference

The member organizations of the Intersociety Conference have agreed that radiology would benefit from consolidation and collaboration of the 50-plus radiology organizations. At this year's annual meeting, the participants concluded that the educational and research missions of the organizations would benefit from the creation of a unified strategic plan that addressed the coordination of annual meetings, online educational materials, research infrastructure, and the creation of a direct relationship between the research initiatives of the organizations and the patient advocacy groups of the Academy of Radiology Research. The socioeconomic mission of the organizations would be enhanced through the creation of a formal communication network with the ACR, and certification could be enhanced by the orchestration of the creation of educational materials related to the maintenance of certification.
HORMONES IN CRUSTACEA

Summary Colour changes in crustaceans are controlled by a secretion originating in the eye-stalk. The glandular tissue is probably Hanstrom's sinus gland, although the X-organ may also be concerned in this function. Retinal pigment migration is similarly regulated by a hormone from the eye-stalks. Physiological evidence points to the existence of at least two pigmentary hormones, one for the chromatophores and another for the retinal pigment. No conclusion can yet be made concerning the exact numbers of these hormones. Cyclic activity of these pigmentary effectors under constant environmental conditions is explained on a nervous-hormonal basis. There is no evidence that calcium metabolism is under specific hormonal control. The reserve pre-moulting calcium may be regulated by an eye-stalk hormone that is also suspected of inhibiting ecdysis. The viability effect reputedly regulated by eye-stalk hormone may be due to nervous injury rather than to a specific active substance. Maintenance of the secondary sex characters has been thought to be controlled by the sex hormones. The evidence, coming chiefly from studies of parasitic and radiation castrations, is not wholly reliable because of metabolic disturbances introduced under these conditions. Direct evidence from injection of glandular extracts is lacking.
Comparative properties of U-500 and U-100 regular human insulin.

We appreciate the comments provided by Dr. Brusko and colleagues. The study they cite[1][1] was published after our manuscript was first submitted to AJHP . Our comments about the pharmacokinetic properties of U-500 regular insulin were based on older literature. We stated that U-500 regular
Student-Operated Internet Businesses: True Experiential Learning in Entrepreneurship and Retail Management

Using the Internet, students can create and carry through to completion their own business plans, from product development to marketing and promotions to operations. As measured by student satisfaction and content analysis of student reflection papers, this new technique is an effective way to study “real-world” entrepreneurship and retail management, especially in terms of developing Internet skills. Side benefits include increased fund-raising and membership for student organizations, increased community interaction, and free publicity for the host institution. The author provides observations and recommendations concerning the successful operation of student-operated Internet businesses.
Evaluation of Brayton and Rankine Alternatives for Diesel Waste Heat Exploitation

A diesel engine may produce exhaust-gas thermal energy in excess of that needed for turbocharging. Alternatives for exploitation of the energy by producing work may be direct expansion through a gas turbine (completing a Brayton cycle that begins with the engine's compression and combustion), or transfer of heat into a Rankine cycle. It is demonstrated that either alternative may have a domain in which it is superior in work done, or in exhaust volume per unit mass of diesel exhaust. Computation models are developed and demonstrated for finding the boundaries along which the Rankine and Brayton alternatives have equal merit in either work or exhaust volume.
A New Method for Automatic 3D Face Registration

In view of todays security concerns, 3D face reconstruction and recognition has gained a significant position in computer vision research. Depth information of a 3D face can be used to solve the problems of illumination and pose variation associated with face recognition. Registration is an integral part of any reconstruction process and hence we focus on the problem of automatic registration of 3D face point sets through a criterion based on Gaussian fields. The method defines a simple energy function, which is always differentiable and convex in a large neighborhood of the alignment parameters; allowing for the use of powerful standard optimization techniques. The new method overcomes the necessity of close initialization, which is required by Iterative Closest Point algorithm. Moreover, the use of the Fast Gauss Transform reduces the computational complexity of the registration algorithm.
The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Program data resource

The NIH Roadmap Reference Epigenome Mapping Consortium is developing a community resource of genome-wide epigenetic maps in a broad range of human primary cells and tissues. There are large amounts of data already available, and a number of different options for viewing and analyzing the data. This report will describe key features of the websites where users will find data, protocols and analysis tools developed by the consortium, and provide a perspective on how this unique resource will facilitate and inform human disease research, both immediately and in the future.
Expression of Cell-Mediated Antimicrobial Immunity by Mouse Trophoblast Monolayers

Monolayers of mouse trophoblast cells were produced after short-term culture (two to four days) of ectoplacental cone cells derived from 7.5-day-old mouse conceptuses and were then tested for phagocytic activity. Following brief intervals of coincubation with the blood stage form of Plasmodium berghei, the parasite that causes rodent malaria, cultured trophoblast cells were found to phagocytose large amounts of parasitic material. In a manner similar to that of peritoneal macrophages, trophoblast cells ingested predominantly hemozoin pigment granules, while internalization of nonparasitized red blood cells occurred infrequently. Trophoblast-mediated phagocytosis was sensitive to the inhibitory effects of cytochalasin B. The expression of this form of immunelike function by midstage trophoblastic elements may play an important role during embryogenesis by protecting the fetoplacental unit from injury by invading microorganisms or by limiting congenitally acquired infections.
Hepatorenal syndrome in a 52-year-old Caucasian male

Patient: 52-year-old Caucasian male. Chief Complaint: Swollen legs and abdominal distension. History of Present Illness: The patient has a past medical history that is significant for end-stage liver cirrhosis and blindness. Since 1967, he has had a history of heavy alcohol consumption; however, he quit 12 months prior. The patient had a PT of 27 seconds (INR=2.5) and liver disease associated with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. He was admitted for increased lower extremity edema due to noncompliance with medications. He had also been recently admitted for altered mental status and had been treated for hepatic encephalopathy. Past Medical History: Alcoholic cirrhosis, retinitis pigmentosa, panic disorder, and hepatorenal syndrome. He was admitted with lower-extremity edema and abdominal swelling. Family/Social History: He has a family history of blindness-retinosus pigmentosus (genetic brother), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (father), and hypertension (mother). Medications: Klonopin, Levaquin, Cephulac, Protonix, Deltasone, Inderal, Atarax, Lasix, and Spironolactone. Physical Examination: Temperature, 36°C; blood pressure, 118/68; pulse, 110; and weight, 74.8 Kg. He was alert and oriented and in no apparent distress. His pupils were equal and round. His oropharynx was clear with moist mucous membranes. The abdomen was firm and distended with normoactive bowel sounds. He had edema to the thigh with open ulceration on his feet with clear margins/base. Principal Laboratory Findings: Tables 1 , 2 , and 3 . 1. What are this patient’s most striking clinical and laboratory findings? 2. How do you explain these findings? 3. What is this patient’s most likely diagnosis? 4. What is the etiology of this patient’s condition? 5. What is the standard therapy for this patient’s disorder? 6. What is the diagnostic approach of hepatorenal syndrome seen in our patient? 7. What are the complications and prognosis for this disease? 1. Our patient presented with lower-extremity edema and abdominal swelling associated with a past medical history significant for …
Advances in pediatric neuroimaging.

Magnetic resonance evaluation of the pediatric central nervous system is rapidly improving in a number of ways: (1) anatomically with higher resolution; (2) with greater sensitivity to pathological processes characterized by increased water content utilizing fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging (FLAIR); (3) with greater speed of acquisition with ultrafast (1 s/image) and echo planar imaging techniques (50 ms/image); (4) with measurement of cerebral blood flow as perfusion; (5) with measurement of water proton dispersion (e.g. diffusion imaging); (6) with measurement of biochemical components within tissues with proton spectroscopy; and (7) with evaluation of cortical activation with functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Reduction of the Dynamic Load Capacity in a Squeeze Film Damper Operating With a Bubbly Lubricant

Squeeze film dampers (SFDs) are effective means to reduce vibrations and to suppress instabilities in rotor-bearing systems. However, at operating conditions while traversing critical speeds with large orbital whirl motions, ingestion and entrapment of air into the thin lands of SFDs generates a bubbly mixture (air in lubricant) that is known to reduce the dynamic film pressures and the overall damping capability. This pervasive phenomenon lacks proper physical understanding and sound analytical modeling. An experimental investigation to quantify the forced performance of a SFD operating with a controlled bubbly mixture is detailed. Tests are conducted in a constrained circular orbit SFD to measure the dynamic squeeze film pressures and journal motion at two whirl frequencies (8.33 and 16.67 Hz) as the air content in the mixture increases from 0% to 100%. The analysis of period-averaged film pressures reveals a zone of uniform low pressure of magnitude equal to the discharge pressure, independently of the mixture composition. The uniform pressure zone extends as the mixture void fraction increases. Radial and tangential film forces are estimated from the dynamic pressures at two axial locations of measurement. The tangential (damping) force decreases proportionally with the mixture volume fraction, while a radial hydrostatic forcemore » remains nearly invariant. The experimental results quantify effects previously known by qualitative description only, thus providing a benchmark towards the development of sound theoretical models.« less
Acuerdos carentes de una teoría completa en Derecho Constitucional

En muchos paises, los ciudadanos deben enfrentar conflictos y desacuerdos sobre los asuntos mas fundamentales. La existencia de valores diversos parece atentar contra la posibilidad real de un orden constitucional.
Micronutrients and Reproductive Health Issues: An International Perspective

Micronutrients may have a role in enhancing reproductive health of women living in the developing world. Two illustrative micronutrients zinc and vitamin A have received some attention in this regard. Numerous animal experiments and observational studies suggest the potential role of zinc deficiency in labor and delivery-related complications such as premature rupture of membrane placental abruption preterm labor and inefficient uterine contraction. These associations have not been confirmed in supplementation studies. Zinc does not appear to be a limiting factor in intrauterine growth in the developing world contrary to some evidence of its suggested benefit among women residing in industrialized countries. One study in Nepal found that maternal vitamin A or s-carotene supplementation reduces pregnancy-related mortality but not infant mortality. These findings are corroborated by observations of the significantly higher risk of mortality among night-blind women compared to non-night-blind women long after the termination of pregnancy and the resolution of night blindness. Maternal multiple micronutrient supplementation needs more careful evaluation before its use in large-scale programs. Two recent trials indicated that a prenatal multiple micronutrient supplement provides no added advantage over iron and folate in reducing outcomes such as low birth weight and probably no survival benefit. Data are also suggestive that adding zinc may negate the beneficial effect of iron and folic acid on birth weight. Research is needed to further our understanding of nutrient–nutrient interactions. (authors)
Metal Elements and Gene Expression

The transcriptional regulation of genes by metals is a biological function separate from structural and catalytic roles for metals in gene expression. Each of these functions relies on metals that enter cells from metabolic compartments derived from and influenced by the dietary metal supply. The intracellular metal pools provide an available source for binding to metalloregulatory proteins for transcriptional regulation. These proteins bind MRE sequences found in the promoters of some genes. The distribution of MRE sequences and of metalloregulatory proteins extends from microbial to mammalian systems. The bulk of the data on metal regulation of mammalian gene expression is from the perspective of positive transcriptional regulation. Nevertheless, negative regulation by metals could potentially occur. Transcriptional regulation of genes by nutritionally important metals must be viewed in the context of the other roles of metals in cellular structure and function. Investigators are rapidly delineating the involvement of metals in molecular biology in general and in gene expression in particular.
Temperature Dependent Raman Scattering and Dielectric Permittivity Measurements of Pb1−x Srx TiO3 Films

Pb1-x Srx TiO3 (x = 0 to 1.0) films of thickness ∼ 4 μ m have been prepared on sapphire and Pt substrates by metalorganic decomposition (MOD) method. X-ray diffraction results show that the films are polycrystalline with a perovskite tetragonal phase at room temperature for x 0.5. Room temperature Raman spectra show a systematic variation of lattice vibrational modes with x. The most notable changes in the Raman spectra with x are the decrease in the splitting of A1(3TO) and E(3TO) modes and the disappearance of E(3TO) mode at x ∼ 0.6. Although the x-ray diffraction peaks for films with x > 0.5 show a cubic phase at room temperature, the Raman spectra show the characteristic phonon modes of a tetragonal phase even at x = 0.7. The dielectric permittivity versus temperature measurements for films with x ≤ 0.7 show a broad dielectric anomaly corresponding to a diffuse ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition. The phase transition temperature (Tc) values are consistently lower than the corresponding bulk ceramic alloys. Furthermore, Tc are also determined by monitoring the temperature dependence of the splitting between E(3TO) and A1(3TO) phonon modes in the Raman spectra of Pb1-x Srx TiO3 films for x ≤ 0.6. There has been good agreement between the two methods.
A Plasma Glycoprotein Depressed in Vitamin A Deficiency in the Rat: α1-Macroglobulin

Plasma glycoprotcin synthesis in normal and vitamin A- deficient rats was investigated by injecting the rats with labeled carbo hydrate precursors and then fractionating their plasmas on DEAE-Sepha- dex. Plasma from deficient rats showed a consistent depression of 30% in the uptake of label into a peak eluting with 0.23 M NaCl. The major com ponent of this peak was identified as the rat ai-macroglobulin, based on its molecular weight (800,000), its mobility on cellulose acetate electro- phoresis and its ability to bind trypsin. Although the Â«^-macroglobulin synthesis appeared to be depressed by 30%, its fractional turnover rate was not affected by vitamin A deficiency (t} â€"18 hours). The trypsin-binding ability of this glycoprotein was used as a comparative measure of its con centration, and the results confirmed that serum levels of this glyco protein were lower in deficient rats. In severe deficiency, ai-macroglobulin levels dropped to between 10% and 20% of normal levels. J. Nutr. 106: 1659-1667, 1976.
Infrared polarization signature from cirrus clouds

Maximum infrared polarization signature of up to 1% is predicted in tropical subvisual cirrus involving randomly oriented ice crystals, based on radiative transfer calculations.
Fasolt: a program for feedback-driven data-path optimization

The author describes Fasolt, a system that automatically optimizes the bus topology of a register-level data-path design. The unique aspect of Fasolt is that it uses information taken from a detailed layout model to choose optimizing transformations of the bus topology and the schedule of operations and transfers of an existing design. Such a system is called a feedback-drive system because it uses information derived at a low level (in this case, that of physical layout) to drive the selection of optimizing transformations at a higher level or levels (in this case, the scheduling and allocation levels). This allows the scheduling and topology synthesis steps to take wiring considerations into account in a way that has hitherto not been demonstrated in an automatic synthesis system. Experiments have shown that improvements in area, cycle time, and overall average delay can often be achieved in the same design using this approach. >
MUTATION SYSTEMS IN CULTURED MAMMALIAN CELLS

Experimental studies on the complex process of mutagenesis are conducted in the belief that they will increase our understanding of the effects of environmental agents on human populations. Cultured mammalian cells offer distinct advantages over other biological systems for studying this problem. Mutagenesis in cultured mammalian cells is unquestionably more relevant to man than are bacterial, fungal, or insect systems. At the same time, compared to whole-animal studies, cultured cells offer the advantage of ease of handling, low cost, and rapidity of assay. Mutation in cultured mammalian cells can be identified and measured at the phenotypic, protein, and DNA levels. Test systems have been developed to detect both gene and chromosome mutations. Direct evidence is available for true mutations occurring in mammalian cells, although some of the heritable variations could be epigenetic. It is now possible to identify the specific molecular alternations in mammalian cell mutants arising in vitro. The development of methods for the quantitation of mutation in cultured mammalian cells has been briefly considered in this presentation, particularly with reference to the choice of cell material, development of selective markers, and the various factors that affect quantitative measurement of mutations. Although notable progress has been made, much still remains to be learned to make these measurements more reliable. In applying the mammalian cell mutation assays for the screening of environmental mutagens, the choice of a system or systems should be based on their technical advantages and relevance to man. The basic parameters of the mutagen screening system must be well defined and controlled. The sensitivity for detection may be increased by the use of hypermutable cell strains. Appropriate statistical models to account for various sources of variability and the choice of statistical methods for the analysis of data are important considerations in screening environmental mutagens and carcinogens.
Procedural-based category learning in patients with Parkinson's disease: impact of category number and category continuity

Previously we found that Parkinson's disease (PD) patients are impaired in procedural-based category learning when category membership is defined by a nonlinear relationship between stimulus dimensions, but these same patients are normal when the rule is defined by a linear relationship (Filoteo et al., 2005; Maddox & Filoteo, 2001). We suggested that PD patients' impairment was due to a deficit in recruiting ‘striatal units' to represent complex nonlinear rules. In the present study, we further examined the nature of PD patients' procedural-based deficit in two experiments designed to examine the impact of (1) the number of categories, and (2) category discontinuity on learning. Results indicated that PD patients were impaired only under discontinuous category conditions but were normal when the number of categories was increased from two to four. The lack of impairment in the four-category condition suggests normal integrity of striatal medium spiny cells involved in procedural-based category learning. In contrast, and consistent with our previous observation of a nonlinear deficit, the finding that PD patients were impaired in the discontinuous condition suggests that these patients are impaired when they have to associate perceptually distinct exemplars with the same category. Theoretically, this deficit might be related to dysfunctional communication among medium spiny neurons within the striatum, particularly given that these are cholinergic neurons and a cholinergic deficiency could underlie some of PD patients’ cognitive impairment.
Validation of a Cataplexy Questionnaire in 983 Sleep-disorders Patients

Our goal was to validate a self-administered narcolepsy questionnaire focusing on cataplexy. Nine hundred and eight three consecutive subjects entering the Stanford Sleep Disorder Clinic completed the questionnaire. Clinic physicians reported on the presence or absence of "clear-cut" cataplexy. Responses to 51 cataplexy-related questionnaire items were compared between subjects with clear-cut cataplexy (n = 63) and all other patients (n = 920). As previously reported, a large portion of the non-narcoleptic population was found to experience muscle weakness with various intense emotions (1.8% to 18.0%) or athletic activities (26.2% to 28.8%). Factor analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis were used to determine the most predictive items for clear-cut cataplexy. Most strikingly, cataplexy was best differentiated from other types of muscle weakness when triggered by only three typical situations: "when hearing and telling a joke," "while laughing," or "when angry." Face or neck, rather than limbs, were also more specifically involved in clear-cut cataplexy. Other items, such as length of attacks, bilaterality, and alteration in consciousness, were poorly predictive. A simple decision tree was constructed to isolate high-(91.7%) and low-(0.6%) risk groups for cataplexy. This questionnaire will be used to increase diagnostic consistency across clinical centers, thus providing more homogenous subject pools for clinical and basic research studies.
Potential causes of population declines in forest fragments in an Amazonian frog

Forest fragmentation results in population declines and extinctions for many forest vertebrates, but little is known about the mechanisms causing declines in fragments. We investigated potential causes of declines in forest fragments for an Amazonian forest frog (Colostethus stepheni) at an experimental fragmentation study site in central Amazonian Brazil using field estimates of abundance and vital rates coupled with population simulations. Although adult male survival was not reduced by fragmentation, mean clutch size was reduced by 17%. Population simulations demonstrate that a reduction in clutch size of this magnitude is sufficient to cause the observed magnitude of population declines in fragments. Female snout-vent length was also reduced in fragments and may be related to the observed reduction in clutch size.
Conceptual approach to early melanoma detection: models, tools, issues and challenges

Identification and removal of melanoma early in its development remains the most effective treatment. However, identification of early melanoma remains challenging and may result in unnecessary morbidity due to the excess excision of benign melanocytic nevi. Herein, we present a conceptual model of benign and malignant melanocytic growths. The potential differences in the location of the cell of origin as well as considerations for neoplasm progression are also reviewed. Several of the clinical tools currently available, the integration of information from those different sources, and approaches to set an optimum biopsy threshold are discussed. While early detection remains a challenge, significant progress has been made. Insight into melanoma growth processes and appropriate use of available tools can result in the detection of thinner melanomas while also decreasing overall biopsy rates.
HYBRIDIZATION OF SOMATIC CELLS IN VITRO

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the hybridization of somatic cells in vitro. As the general trend of karyotypic evolution in all cultures of hybrid cells is in the direction of a decrease of chromosome number, it is probable that accidental loss of chromosomes is the major mechanism of segregation. The question of selection of hybrids is intimately tied to that of the availability of selective markers. So far, no use has been made of such markers simply because no selective markers have been known in or have been introduced into the lines that do cross. Hybridization has been observed between several pairs of cell lines, both neoplastic or one neoplastic and the other normal. Wide quantitative and qualitative differences in genotype do not necessarily represent obstacles to hybridization. Several types of hybrid cells have been isolated in pure culture, making the study of their properties possible. Hybridization is followed by rather rapid and extensive segregation, revealed by the diminution of chromosome number. This segregation appears to be because of chromosome loss, although the intervention of nondisjunction is probable.
Tax Savings Ease the Task of Saving for College Tuition

Parents with college-bound or college age children have several options available to help fund the rising cost of a college education. Some of these were enacted in 2001 as part of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA). A variety of exclusions, deductions and credits offer tax breaks for college expenses but each break has its own requirements often including income limitations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences of several different types of education savings plans, including 529 plans, Coverdell Education savings accounts, EE and I savings bonds, education grants and fellowships, employer related assistance and student loan cancellation. In addition, there are discussions on how to receive federal tax credits and federal tax deductions for education expenses already incurred.
The effect of progestins on behavioral stress responses in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE We assessed the effects of progestin when added to estrogen on the adaptive patterns to provoked stress in postmenopausal women. METHODS Fourteen postmenopausal women were randomized to receive either a transdermal estrogen patch (TE2) (n = 7) for 6 weeks or TE2 with added medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 mg) (TE2/MPA) (n = 7) for the last 10 days of the 6-week regimen. Behavioral stress tests were administered to each group, with measurements of biophysical and neuroendocrine responses. In a crossover fashion, after each group received the first treatment and testing, treatment was continued for another 6 weeks with the alternate regimen, at which time another stress test was administered. Responses to stress in the two treatment groups were compared to each other and to established placebo responses. RESULTS Biophysical responses in the TE2 group were significantly blunted compared to both TE2/MPA and placebo responses (P < .05). Without MPA treatment, there were significantly blunted speech (P < .05) and cold pressor (P < .01) blood pressure responses. With added progestin, there was a greater systolic blood pressure response (P < .01) compared with estrogen alone. Both groups (TE2 and TE2/MPA) had blunted and nonsignificant responses of ACTH and cortisol upon testing, whereas the placebo group showed a significant response (P < .01). Plasma norepinephrine responses, however, were significantly blunted after TE2, compared with the increased responses observed with both TE2/MPA and placebo (P < .01). CONCLUSION Although estrogen significantly reduces behaviorally induced stress reactivity in postmenopausal women, certain doses of progestin administration may blunt this effect.
On the Importance of Regulating Hydroxyl Coverage on the Basal Plane of Graphene Oxide for Supercapacitors

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been explored as an alternative to graphene as an electrode material for use in supercapacitors, which thus enables highly scalable solution-based processing. To understand the performance of rGO electrodes in supercapacitors, we theoretically investigate model systems by considering OH-functionalized graphene immersed in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (EMIM/FSI) ionic liquid. Our specific interest is to understand the influence of varying the hydroxyl content (or O/C ratio) on both the quantum (CQ) and electric double-layer (CD) capacitances. Ultimately, the total interfacial capacitance is found to be sensitive to O/C, but is optimized when the suppression of CD is most effectively mitigated by the enhancement in CQ. Our findings clearly demonstrate that the use of GO materials has the potential to enhance supercapacitor performance significantly but will require careful control of both the concentration and composition of oxygen functional groups along the basal surface.
Group 13 Superacid Adducts of [PCl2N]3.

Irrespective of the order of the addition of reagents, the reactions of [PCl2N]3 with MX3 (MX3 = AlCl3, AlBr3, GaCl3) in the presence of water or gaseous HX give the air- and light-sensitive superacid adducts [PCl2N]3·HMX4. The reactions are quantitative when HX is used. These reactions illustrate a Lewis acid/Bronsted acid dichotomy in which Lewis acid chemistry can become Bronsted acid chemistry in the presence of adventitious water or HX. The crystal structures of all three [PCl2N]3·HMX4 adducts show that protonation weakens the two P–N bonds that flank the protonated nitrogen atom. Variable-temperature NMR studies indicate that exchange in solution occurs in [PCl2N]3·HMX4, even at lower temperatures than those for [PCl2N]3·MX3. The fragility of [PCl2N]3·HMX4 at or near room temperature and in the presence of light suggests that such adducts are not involved directly as intermediates in the high-temperature ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of [PCl2N]3 to give [PCl2N]n. Attempts to catalyze or initiate...
Bluff Body Flame Holder with Flow Entrainment Using Perforated Plate

Benefits of flow entrainment in bluff bodies to control stagnation pressure losses are investigated. Bluff bodies yield stagnation pressure loss due to flow recirculation and sudden expansion flow for flame holding. A portion of incoming unburned flow is entrained through a perforated plate and directly introduced to a low velocity region. The velocity gap at the trailing edge of bluff bodies is mitigated in order to reduce the stagnation pressure loss. Flow diffusion in a short distance is one of the main challenges of this concept. This challenge is addressed by scaling down the size of entrained jets. The proposed configuration is first characterized in control volume analysis. The mitigation of the loss generation is remarkable under the condition with the high blockage ratio of bluff bodies. The further details accounting for the three-dimensional complexities are next investigated using numerical simulation and the system feasibility is demonstrated. The capability of flame holding is also examined in a combustion experiment using a single bluff body. Preheated and high speed air demonstrating the environment of a real combustion chamber is supplied to the apparatus. It is successfully found that the proposed concept is not only beneficial to control the stagnation pressure loss, but also to extend the blow off limit.
Comparing Wing Shape of Bats: The Merits of Principal-Components Analysis and Relative-Warp Analysis

Size and shape are fundamental features of organisms. Ideally, the methods used to describe size and shape must be sensitive enough to detect small differences, and at the same time provide interpretation that is visually satisfying. I compared shape of wings among Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis lucifugus, Pipistrellus hesperas , and Tadarida brasiliensis using three methods of morphometric analysis; principal-components analysis on traditional measures of lengths and areas, principal-components analysis of interlandmark distances, and relative-warp analysis. These species were chosen to test the efficacy of each morphometric analysis at discovering and describing differences in both size and shape. Although principal-components analyses provided similar aggregations of species based on variable loadings, only relative-warps analysis provided clear pictures as to how species differ. The molossid bat, T. brasiliensis , had narrower wings than the vespertilionid bats; this shape was not due to compression of the entire wing, but to a complicated rotation around the fifth digit. The vespertilionid bats were difficult to discern based on wing shape alone, but the warp analysis showed that P. Hesperus and M. lucifugus are more similar in shape of wing than either is to E. fuscus . Each method of analysis of shape has strengths, but relative-warp analysis provided both the power to discriminate among minor differences in shape of species within families, and the graphical capability to display those differences in a visually pleasing way.
Influences on Stakeholder Participation in Water Negotiations: A Case Study from the Klamath Basin

ABSTRACTIn water governance, where problems are controversial and value laden, different forms of stakeholder involvement have become common and are frequently required. Stakeholder participation is often recognized as fundamental to the legitimacy and success of negotiated environmental decisions, but the intricacies of why stakeholders participate has received less attention. We examine factors that influenced stakeholder participation in the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement of 2010. The research draws on in-depth, semistructured interviews of a sample recruited from stakeholder organizations in the Klamath River Basin. Results indicate that previous negative experiences did not translate into nonparticipation; divisions within seemingly aligned stakeholder organizations encouraged some stakeholders to participate and others to actively oppose negotiations; stakeholders’ perceptions of power differentials encouraged both stakeholder participation and exc...
Improving the detection of explosive hazards with LIDAR-based ground plane estimation

Three-dimensional point clouds generated by LIDAR offer the potential to build a more complete understanding of the environment in front of a moving vehicle. In particular, LIDAR data facilitates the development of a non-parametric ground plane model that can filter target predictions from other sensors into above-ground and below-ground sets. This allows for improved detection performance when, for example, a system designed to locate above-ground targets considers only the set of above-ground predictions. In this paper, we apply LIDAR-based ground plane filtering to a forward looking ground penetrating radar (FLGPR) sensor system and a side looking synthetic aperture acoustic (SAA) sensor system designed to detect explosive hazards along the side of a road. Additionally, we consider the value of the visual magnitude of the LIDAR return as a feature for identifying anomalies. The predictions from these sensors are evaluated independently with and without ground plane filtering and then fused to produce a combined prediction confidence. Sensor fusion is accomplished by interpolating the confidence scores of each sensor along the ground plane model to create a combined confidence vector at specified points in the environment. The methods are tested along an unpaved desert road at an arid U.S. Army test site.
Study on the teratogenicity ofradix pseudostellariae in rats

Objective To study maternal toxicity,embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of radix pseudostellariae in SD rats.Methods Pregnant SD rats were successfully divided into 4 groups.In the gestation for 7-16 days,rats in three groups were orally given radix pseudostellariae at the dose of 1.25 g / kg BW,2.50 g / kg BW and 5.00 g / kg BW each day.Clinical manifestations and body weight of the pregnant rats were recorded during the study.On the 20th day,the pregnant rats were euthanized and examined for the count,weight,length,visceral and skeletal changes of the fetuses.Results In the study,no significant difference among all dose groups and control group was observed for the observed indexes including reproductive capacity,embryogenesis,embryos appearance,viscera and skeletal condition( P 0.05).Conclusion No obvious maternal toxicity,embryotoxicity and teratogenicity of radix pseudostellariae in SD rats were observed.
The changing face of primary pediatrics.

The sharply falling birth rate, the steep decline in infectious disease, the persistently rising cost of care, the referral of many difficult but interesting cases to specialists, the consequences of increasing medical manpower, and the growth of family medicine and allied health personnel are all factors that are influencing the shape of pediatric practice. These issues are examined from an epidemiologic and sociologic perspective in relation to “primary” pediatrics, as distinct from “specialty” pediatrics.
CALCIUM UTILIZATION IN CONTRACTURES INDUCED BY ACETYLCHOLINE OR HIGH-POTASSIUM SALINE IN MOLLUSCAN PROBOSCIS MUSCLES

The mechanisms by which high-K + saline and acetylcholine (ACh) mobilize cellular calcium in molluscan muscle was studied in three proboscis muscles of Busycon canaliculatum . BAY K 8644, a calcium agonist, enhanced tonic force induced by exposure to 25 mmoll −1 K + in the odontophore and radular retractor muscles but inhibited this response in the radular sac muscle. Its effect on the radular protractor muscle was concentration-dependent, excitatory at 10 −7 mol l −1 and inhibitory at higher concentrations. The tonic response to 80 mmoll −1 1 K + was enhanced by BAY K 8644 in the odontophore retractor and radular retractor muscles but inhibited in the radular sac muscle. In all muscles, BAY K 8644 eliminated the fast twitches induced by 80 mmolI −1 K + , and inhibited the tonic ACh responses. Sucrose-gap studies with the radular protractor muscle showed that the effects of BAY K 8644 on the depolarizations induced by K + and ACh were similar. The effect on the ACh-induced depolarization suggested that this agent had inhibited sodium influx through the ACh receptor Mytelase enhanced ACh-induced tonic force, but at 10 −4 moll −1 it inhibited the response to doses of ACh above 10 −5 moll −1 . Mytolon reduced the maximum ACh-induced tonic force and increased the response threshold to ACh. ACh and high-K + depolarization pathways were not synergistic for force development The existence of two separate cellular calcium pools, independently released by high-K + saline and ACh, seems improbable. We suggest that K + and ACh act via separate mechanisms to release calcium from a single cellular calcium pool
Barnacle biology before, during and after settlement and metamorphosis: a study of the interface

Mobile barnacle cypris larvae settle and metamorphose, transitioning to sessile juveniles with morphology and growth similar to that of adults. Because biofilms exist on immersed surfaces on which they attach, barnacles must interact with bacteria during initial attachment and subsequent growth. The objective of this study was to characterize the developing interface of the barnacle and substratum during this key developmental transition to inform potential mechanisms that promote attachment. The interface was characterized using confocal microscopy and fluorescent dyes to identify morphological and chemical changes to the interface and the status of bacteria present as a function of barnacle developmental stage. Staining revealed patchy material containing proteins and nucleic acids, reactive oxygen species amidst developing cuticle, and changes in bacteria viability at the developing interface. We found that as barnacles metamorphose from the cyprid to juvenile stage, proteinaceous materials with the appearance of coagulated liquid were released into and remained at the interface. It stained positive for proteins, including phosphoprotein, as well as nucleic acids. Regions of the developing cuticle and the patchy material itself stained for reactive oxygen species. Bacteria were absent until the cyprid was firmly attached, but populations died as barnacle development progressed. The oxidative environment may contribute to the cytotoxicity observed for bacteria and has the potential for oxidative crosslinking of cuticle and proteinaceous materials at the interface.
Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation in Patients Exposed to Hepatitis B Virus: Analysis by Phase of Infection.

Abstract Background In kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, immunosuppression may increase viral replication with increased risk for liver disease progression and HBV-related kidney diseases, factors that could adversely influence graft and patient outcomes. We aimed to analyze the impact of different phases of HBV infection on the outcomes in KTRs. Methods Using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database, we selected adult KTRs from 2001 to 2011 who received peri-operative antibody induction followed by calcineurin inhibitor/mycophenolate mofetil maintenance with/without steroid. The cohort was divided into 4 groups, based on the presence/absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and core antibody (HBcAb) at the time of transplantation: group 1: HBsAg+/HBcAb− (acute infection); group 2: HBsAg+/HBcAb+ (developing immune response); group 3; HBsAg−/HBcAb+ (resolving infection); and group 4: HBsAg−/HBcAb− (HBV-naive). Graft and patient survivals were compared among the groups in a multivariate Cox model. Results Adjusted overall graft (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–1.10; P = .58) and patient (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83–1.09; P = .52) survival rates were similar between groups 1 and 2, with inferior death-censored graft survival in group 1 (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71–0.98; P = .02). Adjusted over all graft (HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.90–1.00; P = .46) and patient (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.90–1.10; P = .10) survival rates were similar between groups 3 and 4, and death-censored graft survival trended inferior in group 3 (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90–1.00; P = .05). Conclusions Our analysis supports a practice of delaying kidney transplantation in HBV-infected patients until they develop an immune response and preferably until the infection is cleared.
Abstract P069: Heat, Heat Waves and Hospital Admissions in Indianapolis, Indiana

Background: The association between heat and hospital admissions is well studied, but in Indiana where the regulatory agencies cites lack of evidence for global climate change, local evidence of su...
Ear piercing and sepsis.

Planning—whether planning one's work as a pediatrician, planning a career in pediatrics, or planning for the health care of the population—requires in sight into the way pediatricians spend their time. Even in the clinical practice of pediatrics, work patterns vary widely according to the needs and facili ties of the community and the goals of the individual practitioner. This outline can be a starting point for comparison with one's own work pattern.
Effect of Beta Blockers on Mortality After Open Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of perioperative beta blocker (BB) use on postoperative in-hospital mortality after open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (OAR). BACKGROUND Postoperative mortality after OAR ranges from 3.0% to 4.5%. Insight about the effect of BBs on postoperative mortality after OAR is currently lacking. METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing OAR from 2009-Q3 to 2015-Q1 in the Premier Healthcare Database. The Premier Healthcare Database includes data representing 20% of all inpatient US discharges annually. Patients under 45 years, admitted after a trauma or who underwent multiple aortic repair procedures, were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to assess the relationship between perioperative BB use and postoperative in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Of 6515 patients admitted for OAR, 5423 (83.2%) received perioperative BBs. Patients who received BBs were more likely to develop major adverse events compared with those who did not (45.6% vs 35.2%; P < 0.001); however, failure to rescue was lower among BB users (7.6% vs 19.5%; P < 0.001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, BB use was associated with 57% [odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31-0.56, P = 0.001) and 81% (odds ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.11-0.31, P < 0.001) lower odds of mortality among patients without and with a history of coronary artery disease, respectively. The predicted mortality (95% CI) for patients who did not receive BBs, or received low, intermediate, or high-intensity BBs was 11.6% (8.0%-15.2%), 5.4% (4.4%-6.5%), 2.5% (1.9%-3.0%), and 3.3% (2.3%-4.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In-hospital use of BBs was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative mortality after OAR. This is the first study to demonstrate a dose-response relationship between BBs and postoperative mortality after OAR.
The Effects of Enhanced Milieu Teaching With Phonological Emphasis on the Speech and Language Skills of Young Children With Cleft Palate: A Pilot Study.

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the extent to which a naturalistic communication intervention, enhanced milieu teaching with phonological emphasis (EMT+ PE), improved the...
Collective Growth in a Small Cell Network

Summary Theoretical studies suggest that many of the emergent properties associated with multicellular systems arise already in small networks [1, 2]. However, the number of experimental models that can be used to explore collective dynamics in well-defined cell networks is still very limited. Here we focus on collective cell behavior in the female germline cyst in Drosophila melanogaster , a stereotypically wired network of 16 cells that grows by ∼4 orders of magnitude with unequal distribution of volume among its constituents. We quantify multicellular growth with single-cell resolution and show that proximity to the oocyte, as defined on the network, is the principal factor that determines cell size; consequently, cells grow in groups. To rationalize this emergent pattern of cell sizes, we propose a tractable mathematical model that depends on intercellular transport on a cell lineage tree. In addition to correctly predicting the divergent pattern of cell sizes, this model reveals allometric growth of cells within the network, an emergent property of this system and a feature commonly associated with differential growth on an organismal scale [3].