cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved throughput with cooperating futuristic airspace management components

An experiment was conducted to integrate airspace management tools that would typically be confined to either the en route or the terminal airspace to explore the potential benefits of their communication to improve arrival capacity. A NAS-wide simulation was configured with a new concept component that used the information to reconfigure the terminal airspace to the capacity benefit of the airport. Reconfiguration included a dynamically expanding and contracting TRACON area and a varying number of active arrival runways, both automatically selected to accommodate predicted volume of traffic. ATL and DFW were selected for the study. Results showed significant throughput increase for scenarios that are considered to be over-capacity for current day airport configurations. During periods of sustained demand for ATL 2018, throughput increased by 26 operations per hour (30%) and average delay was reduced from 18 minutes to 8 minutes per flight when using the dynamic TRACON. Similar results were obtained for DFW with 2018 traffic levels and for ATL with 2006 traffic levels, but with lower benefits due to lower demand.
Mössbauer and infrared spectra of some tin(II) complexes

Abstract Infrared and Mossbauer spectra have been obtained for eighteen complexes of divalent tin. Absorptions attributed to NH 2 stretching and deformation vibration in metal complexes indicate that the order of nitrogen-to-metal dative bond strengths is N→Cd>N→Sn II >N→Pb II . Carboxylate frequency shifts indicate that the OCOSn bond has a greater covalent character than the OCOCu II bonda. The large positive isomer shifts for stannous chloride and stannous bromide decrease on complex formation with organic ligands, the decreases being greater for the chloride, and the isomer shifts become smaller with increasing coordination number of tin. All complexes of tin(II) investigated show quadrupole splittings, the largest being observed for Sn(oxine) 2 .
Leaf isoprene emission rate as a function of atmospheric CO2 concentration

There is considerable interest in modeling isoprene emissions from terrestrial vegetation, because these emissions exert a principal control over the oxidative capacity of the troposphere. We used a unique field experiment that employs a continuous gradient in CO 2 concentration from 240 to 520ppmv to demonstrate that isoprene emissions in Eucalyptus globulus were enhanced at the lowest CO 2 concentration, which was similar to the estimated CO 2 concentrations during the last Glacial Maximum, compared with 380 ppmv, the current CO 2 concentration. Leaves of Liquidambar styraciflua did not show an increase in isoprene emission at the lowest CO 2 concentration. However, isoprene emission rates from both species were lower for trees grown at 520 ppmv CO 2 compared with trees grown at 380 ppmv CO 2 . When grown in environmentally controlled chambers, trees of Populus deltoides and Populus tremuloides exhibited a 30-40% reduction in isoprene emission rate when grown at 800 ppmv CO 2 , compared with 400 ppmv CO 2 . P. tremuloides exhibited a 33% reduction when grown at 1200 ppmv CO 2 , compared with 600 ppmv CO 2 . We used current models of leaf isoprene emission to demonstrate that significant errors occur if the CO 2 inhibition of isoprene is not taken into account. In order to alleviate these errors, we present a new model of isoprene emission that describes its response to changes in atmospheric CO 2 concentration. The model logic is based on assumed competition between cytosolic and chloroplastic processes for pyruvate, one of the principal substrates of isoprene biosynthesis.
Experiences Acquired in the Design of RoboCup Teams: A Comparison of Two Fielded Teams

Increasingly, multi-agent systems are being designed for a variety of complex, dynamic domains. Effective agent interactions in such domains raise some of the most fundamental research challenges for agent-based systems, in teamwork, multi-agent learning and agent modelling. The RoboCup research initiative, particularly the simulation league, has been proposed to pursue such multi-agent research challenges, using the common testbed of simulation soccer. Despite the significant popularity of RoboCup within the research community, general lessons have not often been extracted from participation in RoboCup. This is what we attempt to do here. We have fielded two teams, ISIS97 and ISIS98, in RoboCup competitions. These teams have been in the top four teams in these competitions. We compare the teams, and attempt to analyze and generalize the lessons learned. This analysis reveals several surprises, pointing out lessons for teamwork and for multi-agent learning.
Social provisions in adulthood: concept and measurement in close relationships.

Social gerontologists are increasingly concerned about examining the nature of close relationships among the elderly. Theoretically grounded and empirically validated instruments are needed to advance research in this area. We analyzed the psychometric properties of the Social Provisions Scale using data from a probability sample of 494 community residents aged 65 or older. The theoretical foundation of this scale is Weiss's delineation of social support functions of close relationships. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a pattern in the data that corresponds to the theoretical definition of relational provisions: Factor 1 was Intimacy; Factor 2 was Social Integration; Factor 3 was Reassurance of Worth; and Factor 4 was Opportunity for Nurturance. Alphas for the four scales ranged from .83 to .94. Convergent validity was supported by significant correlations between the Social Provisions Scale (SPS) and respondent's morale, frequency of contact with friends, feelings of closeness with an adult child, relationship control, and relationship conflict. Discriminant validity was supported by nonsignificant correlations between the SPS and the Eysenck Lie Scale.
Noise driven in-package decoupling capacitor optimization for power integrity

The existing decoupling capacitance optimization approaches meet constraints on input impedance for package. In this paper, we show that using impedance as constraints leads to large overdesign and then develop a noise driven optimization algorithm for decoupling capacitors in packages for power integrity. Our algorithm uses the simulated annealing algorithm to minimize the total cost of decoupling capacitors under the constraints of a worst case noise. The key enabler for efficient optimization is an incremental worst-case noise computation based on FFT over incremental impedance matrix evaluation. Compared to the existing impedance based approaches, our algorithm reduces the decoupling capacitor cost by 3x and is also more than 10x faster even with explicit noise computation.
Shock-wave generation and pulse sharpening on a series array Josephson junction transmission line

A nonlinear transmission line can generate a shock wave. However, dispersion and granularity of the line offset the theoretical discontinuity associated with the shock wave and force the wave to a stable form. Such stable waveforms are examined in the context of superconducting technology. In particular, the characteristics of a tranmission line composed of a series of Josephson junctions are studied. Results indicate that by using available technology, such a transmission line can be used to generate 5-mV edges as sharp as 2 ps on lines with impedances of 50 Omega . >
Controlling Messenger RNA Stability in Bacteria: Strategies for Engineering Gene Expression

Recent advances in the understanding of prokaryotic gene expression have led scientists to look beyond traditional promoter control for new methods of regulating gene expression. A promising, new technique centers on controlling the stability of messenger RNA. To exploit the potential of mRNA stability for gene expression control, it is important to understand the mechanisms of prokaryotic mRNA decay as well as the cellular factors that can be used to enhance bacterial gene expression through mRNA stabilization. Factors involved in controlling prokaryotic mRNA stability such as nucleases, secondary structures, translation influences, and transcription effects are discussed and analyzed within the context of three prevailing mRNA decay theories. Several strategies for manipulating mRNA stability in genetically-engineered cells are developed from these discussions and presented as a future direction in gene expression control. In the near future, it should be possible to use these strategies to control mRNA stability in such applications as pharmaceutical protein production and metabolic pathway design.
Late-onset renal vein thrombosis: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION Renal vein thrombosis, a rare complication of renal transplantation, often causes graft loss. Diagnosis includes ultrasound with Doppler, and it is often treated with anticoagulation or mechanical thrombectomy. Success is improved with early diagnosis and institution of treatment.
The Sex Ratios of Families with a Neurodevelopmentally Disordered Child

It has been conjectured that mothers who give birth to neurodevelopmentally disordered (ND) children may have hormonal or immunological characteristics that bias them toward giving birth to male children. We examined this hypothesis in an epidemiological sample of 2,080 ND children drawn for the National Collaborative Perinatal Project (NCPP) who had one of nine kinds of NDs. No assumptions were made regarding the sex ratio of non-ND children since this could be computed from NCPP data for 11,213 families. The sex ratio of families with ND children was not significantly biased toward boys as compared to the sex ratio of families with non-ND children, provided that the index ND child was excluded from the analysis.
Model-Based Multi-Object Segmentation via Distribution Matching

A new algorithm for the segmentation of objects from 3D images using deformable models is presented. This algorithm relies on learned shape and appearance models for the objects of interest. The main innovation over similar approaches is that there is no need to compute a pixelwise correspondence between the model and the image; instead, probability distributions are compared. This allows for a faster, more principled algorithm. Furthermore, the algorithm is not sensitive to the form of the shape model, making it quite flexible. Results of the algorithm are shown for the segmentation of the prostate and bladder from medical images.
Hepcidin is produced by lymphoplasmacytic cells and is associated with anemia in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) patients often present with anemia as their primary disease manifestation that may be related to hepcidin, an important regulator of iron homeostasis. We therefore determined hepcidin levels in 53 WM patients, and 20 age-matched healthy patient donors by hepcidin-25 ELISA. Serum hepcidin levels were elevated in WM patients versus healthy patients (P=.04), and correlated with BM disease involvement (P=.004), beta-2-microglobulin levels (P=.029), and inversely with hemoglobin (P=.05). No correlation with serum iron indices was observed, though in patients with high hepcidin levels, increased iron deposition in bone marrow macrophages was observed. Importantly, hepcidin transcripts and protein were produced by primary WM cells. Hepcidin levels correlated with serum IL-6 (P<.001) and C-Reactive Protein (P=.033) levels. The results of this study implicate hepcidin as a contributor to anemia in WM, and suggest that an iron re-utilization defect accompanies hepcidin overproduction leading to its sequestration in WM patients.
Deaths associated with platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor treatment

Background: The glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors are potent antagonists of platelet aggregation that are approved to prevent thrombotic complications of percutaneous coronary intervention and for medical treatment of patients with acute coronary ischaemic syndromes. From safety data obtained from clinical trials, these agents appear to be associated with a definite but well tolerated increase in non-fatal bleeding complications. However, the bleeding risk of patients enrolled in clinical trials may not be representative of the population actually being treated with these agents. Objective: To conduct a review of the adverse events related to GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Methods: 450 reports of death related to treatment with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were submitted to the FDA between 1 November 1997 and 31 December 2000. These were reviewed and a standard rating system for assessing causation was applied to each event. Results: Of the 450 deaths, 44% were considered to be definitely or probably related to the use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. The mean age of patients who died was 69 years and 47% of deaths occurred in women. All of the deaths deemed to be definitely or probably related to GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor treatment were associated with excessive bleeding. The central nervous system was the most common site of fatal bleeding. Conclusions: Treatment with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors may result in fatal bleeding complications in some patients. These findings suggest that patients treated in normal clinical practice may be at greater risk than those treated in clinical trials. Judicious use of these agents is therefore appropriate.
The Process and Mechanisms of Organizational Healing

Organizational healing refers to the work of repairing practices, routines, and structures in the face of disruption and strengthening organizational functioning through social relationships. Heali...
Tubular Links for Eccentrically Braced Frames. I: Finite Element Parametric Study

This paper describes the development and results of a finite element parametric study of eccentrically braced frame links having hollow rectangular cross sections (i.e., tubular links). The parametric study involves over 200 combinations of geometries and properties and is divided into two parts. Part A considers a wide range of compactness ratios and link lengths to determine appropriate compactness ratio limits such that links with tubular cross sections can achieve desired rotation levels prior to significant strength degradation from local buckling. Part B of the study involves models developed with flange compactness ratios, web compactness ratios, and stiffener spacings near the proposed design limits from Part A, and also examines links having webs and flanges with different yield stresses (i.e., hybrid links). Results of the parametric study are also used to investigate the adequacy of a method for approximating link overstrength. A companion paper describes the experimental verification of the proposed design requirements.
KQML as an agent communication language

This paper describes the design of and experimentation with the Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language (KQML), a new language and protocol for exchanging information and knowledge. This work is part of a larger effort, the ARPA Knowledge Sharing Effort which is aimed at developing techniques and methodology for building large-scale knowledge bases which are sharable and reusable. KQML is both a message format and a message-handling protocol to support run-time knowledge sharing among agents. KQML focuses on an extensible set of performatives, which defines the permissible “speech acts” agents may use and comprise a substrate on which to develop higher-level models of interagent interaction such as contract nets and negotiation. In addition, KQML provides a basic architecture for knowledge sharing through a special class of agent called communication facilitors which coordinate the interactions of other agents. The ideas which underlie the evolving design of KQML are currently being explored through experimental prototype systems which are being used to support several testbeds in such areas as concurrent engineering, intelligent design and intelligent planning and scheduling.
Identity construction on Facebook

Early research on online self-presentation mostly focused on identity constructions in anonymous online environments. Such studies found that individuals tended to engage in role-play games and anti-normative behaviors in the online world. More recent studies have examined identity performance in less anonymous online settings such as Internet dating sites and reported different findings. The present study investigates identity construction on Facebook, a newly emerged nonymous online environment. Based on content analysis of 63 Facebook accounts, we find that the identities produced in this nonymous environment differ from those constructed in the anonymous online environments previously reported. Facebook users predominantly claim their identities implicitly rather than explicitly; they "show rather than tell" and stress group and consumer identities over personally narrated ones. The characteristics of such identities are described and the implications of this finding are discussed.
Influence of Body Size and Environmental Temperature on Carbon Dioxide Production by Forest Centipedes from Southwestern North America

We conducted a laboratory study to evaluate the mass and temperature dependence of carbon dioxide production by three dominant centipede species--Arctogeophilus umbraticus McNeill, Gonibius glyptocephalus Chamberlin, and Oabius sp.--from a montane forest in southwestern North America. We found that CO2 production (Q, microl/h) of resting, nonfasted individuals was related to body mass (M, mg live) and environmental temperature (T, K) as Q=e18.32M0.82e-0.49/kT, where e is the base of the natural logarithm and k is Boltzmann's constant (8.62x10(-5) eV/K). Our results indicated that the mass and temperature dependence of centipede metabolism is comparable with that of other arthropods. They also supported previous claims that centipede metabolic rate, for a given mass and temperature, is relatively low compared with other arthropods. Suggestions are given for using resulting metabolic rate equations in conjunction with data on abundance, body size, and environmental temperature to assess energy flux by centipede populations.
An In Vivo Rodent Model for Identifying and Characterizing Acaricides

Evaluation of candidate acaricides in livestock or companion animals is expensive, time-consuming, and usually requires large quantities of test material. To identify promising substances at the earliest possible stage of the development process, robust and predictive surrogate animal models, capable of rapidly characterizing potency with minimal compound requirements, are necessary. The objective of this study was to generate an in vivo surrogate animal bioassay capable of rapidly and accurately predicting the topical activity of acaricides emerging from in vitro acaricide bioassays. The rat acaricide test (RAT) requires adult rats, Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769), a flexible tick containment device fastened to their dorso-thoracic region, and the nymphal stage of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.). The feeding kinetics of A. americanum nymphs on rats was assessed, and compound efficacies were determined by measuring tick survivorship and engorgement weight on acaricide-treated animals. Results from this bioassay demonstrated efficacy with fipronil, ivermectin, permethrin, and chlorpyrifos, and dose-response relationships for each acaricide were determined. The rank order of potencies was fipronil > ivermectin > chlorpyrifos = permethrin for nymphal mortality and fipronil > ivermectin > chlorpyrifos > permethrin for inhibition of nymphal engorgement. The activity of permethrin against nymphs in the RAT was positively correlated with potency values for technical and commercial permethrin formulations against adult A. americanum infestations on cattle. The RAT proved to be an economical, rapid surrogate animal bioassay that together with the in vitro acaricide bioassay can be used for the rapid identification, characterization, and prioritization of candidate acaricides.
TV and the Spaces of Everyday Life

In 1958 the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) promoted its vision of television’s future with an image of a stylishly modern home (Fig. 3.1). Equipped with a “picture frame” flat screen TV mounted on a wall near a huge picture window, the living room was overcome by the postwar dream of TV leisure where views of the outside world (gleaming through the window) were now competing with virtual views on the TV screen. Adding to the attractions of this domestic utopia are a “television control unit” and a mini-fridge on wheels so that the residents are spared the quotidian “challenges” of simply moving around. As the RCA promotional rhetoric suggests, television offers a new and thoroughly modern form of spectacular intimacy where the virtual and the material co-exist, and where the object world is easily manipulated through technical and architectural tricks that allow for (at least the fantasy of) mastery over the environment.
Mechanisms of Legal Effect: Perspectives from Public Health

Public health approaches dating back to the late 18th century and earlier were primarily focused on economic, social and physical environmental conditions that increase risk of morbidity and mortality. As public health and medical breakthroughs of the early 20th century controlled infectious diseases and expanded life expectancy, public health shifted its attention from infectious to chronic disease. This era of public health primarily focused on individual-level risk factors and intervention approaches. Most recently there has been a movement to re-emphasize the importance of fundamental determinants of health and disease, including economic, social and physical conditions.The public health perspective highlights many mechanisms through which laws affect economic, social and physical conditions that, in turn, affect population distributions of risky or protective exposures and risky or protective behaviors. Exposures and behaviors, in turn, affect population health outcomes. Smoke-free laws, anti-discrimination laws, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) illustrate causal pathways from law to population health outcomes. A wide variety of data are available for exploring mechanisms of legal effects on population distributions of exposures, the health-related behaviors of individuals and organizations, and health outcomes.
Energy-Microcrack Growth Measurments for Mortar Cylinders in Compression

A high resolution three-dimensional scanning technique called x-ray microtomography was applied to measure internal damage and crack growth in small mortar cylinders loaded in compression. Tomographic scans were made at different load increments in the same specimen. Three-dimensional image analysis was used to measure internal crack growth during each load increment. Load-deformation curves were used to measure the work of the external load on the specimen. Non-recoverable work of load was related to measured crack growth to estimate work of fracture in three dimensions. Initial results indicate a roughly linear relationship between work of load and internal crack area.
ROCK1 and ROCK2 inhibition alters dendritic spine morphology in hippocampal neurons

Communication among neurons is mediated through synaptic connections between axons and dendrites, and most excitatory synapses occur on actin-rich protrusions along dendrites called dendritic spines. Dendritic spines are structurally dynamic, and synapse strength is closely correlated with spine morphology. Abnormalities in the size, shape, and number of dendritic spines are prevalent in neurologic diseases, including autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer disease. However, therapeutic targets that influence spine morphology are lacking. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinases (ROCK) 1 and ROCK2 are potent regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and highly promising drug targets for central nervous system disorders. In this report, we addressed how pharmacologic inhibition of ROCK1 and ROCK2 affects dendritic spine morphology. Hippocampal neurons were transfected with plasmids expressing fluorescently labeled Lifeact, a small actin binding peptide, and then incubated with or without Y-27632, an established pan-ROCK small molecule inhibitor. Using an automated 3D spine morphometry analysis method, we showed that inhibition of ROCK1 and ROCK2 significantly increased the mean protrusion density and significantly reduced the mean protrusion width. A trending increase in mean protrusion length was observed following Y-27632 treatment, and novel effects were observed among spine classes. Exposure to Y-27632 significantly increased the number of filopodia and thin spines, while the numbers of stubby and mushroom spines were similar to mock-treated samples. These findings support the hypothesis that pharmacologic inhibition of ROCK1 and ROCK2 may convey therapeutic benefit for neurologic disorders that feature dendritic spine loss or aberrant structural plasticity.
Immunofluorescence of Renal Lesions in Paraffinembedded and Fresh-frozen Sections

Immunofluorescent findings in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of kidneys involved by various nephropathies compared favorably with those in fresh-frozen sections. In some cases, the findings in paraffin-embedded sections were complementary. Immunoreactivity with complement could not be demonstrated.
Indian Immigrant Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: Stressors and Support Systems.

ABSTRACTAlthough Asian Indians constitute one of the largest immigrant groups in the USA, research examining wellbeing among Indian immigrant families caring for a child with a developmental disability is relatively scarce. In response, this study examined the stressors and perceived quality of social support among Indian immigrant families of children and adolescents with a developmental disability in the USA. Thirty-three Indian immigrant parents of a child or an adolescent with a developmental disability participated in an online study. The participants reported a moderate level of stress overall, but over 54% participants considered long-term planning for accommodation, finding opportunities for child to make friends, child's diagnosis, and planning for socioemotional support as extremely stressful. Spouse and support groups were the most positively rated sources of support. Participant stress was negatively linked to perceived quality of formal support. This paper discusses the findings in the contex...
Analysis of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection in Schools in Mianyang,2009

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)virus infection in Mianyang and provide scientific evidence for development of control policy.Methods Information related to 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1)virus infection in Mianyang was obtained from national disease reporting information system to conduct descriptive epidemiological analysis.Results A total of 186 cases were detected in 29 schools(20 middle schools,4 primary schools,4 colleges and 1 kindergarten)from 1-30 September in 2009,no severe case and death occurred.The disease occurred in all 6 districts in Mianyang.The average age of the cases was 14.64 years,and the male to female sex ratio was 1∶0.63.Conclusion In 2009,pandemic Influenza A(H1N1)virus infection had occurred in schools in Mianyang.
488 FIBROSING MEDIASTINITIS AS AN ETIOLOGY OF UNEXPLAINED SYNCOPE.

A 41-year-old Caucasian male presented with the chief complaint of intermittent syncope for 8 years. Syncope was observed with bending over, crouching, or standing up rapidly and was accompanied by 8 years of night sweats and 3 days of cough with hemoptysis. Past medical history was notable for asthma (diagnosed 18 years ago) and two prior episodes of “pneumonia.” The patient was born and raised in Tennessee and had worked as an agricultural field worker in California Central Valley and Iowa for over a decade before moving to San Diego. His physical exam, including vital signs, lung and heart exam were unremarkable, as was his complete blood count and serum chemistries. PPD skin testing and induced sputum smears for AFB were both negative, and sputum cultures only revealed rare yeast. Plain films of the chest suggested the presence of a right hilar mass. Chest CT scan demonstrated a 4.1 cm right anterior paratracheal mass with partial calcification that occluded the superior vena cava. Calcified bilateral mediastinal lymphadenopathy, splenic calcifications, and abdominal wall varices were also observed. CT angiogram demonstrated narrowing of the left main pulmonary artery to a minimum diameter of 7.6 mm. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed normal biventricular function and no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. We discuss the differential diagnosis of fibrosing mediastinitis, evaluate potential mechanisms for hemodynamic compromise, and discuss various medical and surgical treatment options available for this disease. California Thoracic Society, Western Regional Meeting, 2006.
Imaging for the Pretreatment Staging of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer. Accurate staging is essential to select the optimal treatment plan to maximize survival. No consensus exists on standard imaging modalities for pretreatment staging of SCLC. Materials and Methods We conducted a systematic review of the literature on imaging modalities in the pretreatment staging of SCLC. A systematic search of multiple databases identified relevant studies published from 2000 through June 2015. Outcomes of interest included test concordance, staging accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), choice of treatment, timeliness of treatment, and patient outcomes. Results The search identified 2880 citations; 7 studies met inclusion criteria, n = 408 patients. Six of the seven studies were deemed to have moderate risk of bias, and one was deemed to have high risk of bias. One of the studies reported test concordance, three studies reported comparative accuracy of testing strategies, and four studies reported the accuracy of a single imaging modality. Analysis from these studies revealed that fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is more sensitive than multidetector CT for detecting osseous metastases, more sensitive than bone scintigraphy for detecting osseous metastases, and more sensitive for detecting any distant metastases. Conclusions Evidence is sparse on the use of imaging in the pretreatment staging of SCLC. There is a lack of evidence on patient-oriented outcomes and a lack of evidence on whether comparative accuracy or effectiveness is associated with patient factors. We found low-strength evidence suggesting that FDG-PET/CT is more sensitive than CT and bone scintigraphy for detecting osseous metastases.
Is rhGH anabolic in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis

The effect of rhGH treatment on protein metabolism was studied in nine prepubertal patients on CAPD. An improvement in nitrogen balance as evidenced by a falling of blood urea nitrogen and urea nitrogen appearance with a constant protein intake was noticed. The significant increase in serum creatinine and creatinine excretion with a constant weekly creatinine clearance and the increase in mid-arm muscle circumference were all indications of an improvement in lean body mass. In addition, there was an improvement in the pattern of plasma amino acids and an increase in serum albumin, possibly as a result of the improvement of protein metabolism.
Competing Noncovalent Interactions Control the Stereoselectivity of Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Ring Openings of 3-Substituted Oxetanes

The noncovalent interactions responsible for enantioselectivity in organocatalytic oxetane ring openings were quantified using density functional theory (DFT) computations. Data show that the mode of stereoinduction in these systems differs markedly for different substituted oxetanes, highlighting the challenge of developing general stereochemical models for such reactions. For oxetanes monosubstituted at the 3-position, the enantioselectivity is primarily due to differential CH···π interactions between the mercaptobenzothiazole nucleophile and the aromatic backbone of the catalyst. This can be contrasted with 3,3-disubstituted oxetanes, for which interactions between an oxetane substituent and the phosphoric acid functionality and/or the anthryl groups of the catalyst become more important. The former effects are particularly important in the case of 3-OH-substituted oxetanes. Overall, these reactions demonstrate the diversity of competing noncovalent interactions that control the stereoselectivity of ma...
Sample covariance based estimation of Capon algorithm error probabilities

The method of interval estimation (MIE) provides a strategy for mean squared error (MSE) prediction of algorithm performance at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) below estimation threshold where asymptotic predictions fail. MIE interval error probabilities for the Capon algorithm are known and depend on the true data covariance and assumed signal array response. Herein estimation of these error probabilities is considered to improve representative measurement errors for parameter estimates obtained in low SNR scenarios, as this may improve overall target tracking performance. A statistical analysis of Capon error probability estimation based on the data sample covariance matrix is explored herein.
Improving the Efficiency of the Monte-Carlo Methods Using Ranked Simulated Approach

This chapter explores the concept of using ranked simulated sampling approach (RSIS) to improve the well-known Monte-Carlo methods , introduced by Samawi (1999), and extended to steady-state ranked simulated sampling (SRSIS) by Al-Saleh and Samawi (2000). Both simulation sampling approaches are then extended to multivariate ranked simulated sampling (MVRSIS) and multivariate steady-state ranked simulated sampling approach (MVSRSIS) by Samawi and Al-Saleh (2007) and Samawi and Vogel (2013). These approaches have been demonstrated as providing unbiased estimators and improving the performance of some of the Monte-Carlo methods of single and multiple integrals approximation. Additionally, the MVSRSIS approach has been shown to improve the performance and efficiency of Gibbs sampling (Samawi et al. 2012). Samawi and colleagues showed that their approach resulted in a large savings in cost and time needed to attain a specified level of accuracy.
Mechanism for the Origin of Recrystallization Nuclei

When two grains in a polycrystalline specimen meet at a point in the course of grain-boundary movements, and the new boundary created at the point is one of relatively low specific free energy, a nonequilibrium boundary condition occurs. The nonequilibrium is enhanced if the other grain boundaries involved at the point of meeting are relatively high in specific free energy. The nonequilibrium results in a correction by growth of the complex grain (two subgrains) to a large size, sufficient in many cases for it to become a self-propagating unit, i.e., a recrystallization grain. This mechanism, herein called “geometrical coalescence.” is proposed as a logical origin for recrystallization nuclei, particularly for secondary recrystallization.
Exploratory reconstructability analysis of accident TBI data

AbstractThis paper describes the use of reconstructability analysis to perform a secondary study of traumatic brain injury data from automobile accidents. Neutral searches were done and their results displayed with a hypergraph. Directed searches, using both variable-based and state-based models, were applied to predict performance on two cognitive tests and one neurological test. Very simple state-based models gave large uncertainty reductions for all three DVs and sizeable improvements in percent correct for the two cognitive test DVs which were equally sampled. Conditional probability distributions for these models are easily visualized with simple decision trees. Confounding variables and counter-intuitive findings are also reported.
Husbands' perceptions of their wives' breast cancer coping efficacy: testing congruence models of adjustment.

Introduction Recent reviews have reinforced the notion that having a supportive spouse can help with the process of coping with and adjusting to cancer. Congruence between spouses' perspectives has been proposed as one mechanism in that process, yet alternative models of congruence have not been examined closely. This study assessed alternative models of congruence in perceptions of coping and their mediating effects on adjustment to breast cancer. Methods Seventy-two women in treatment for breast cancer and their husbands completed measures of marital adjustment, self-efficacy for coping, and adjustment to cancer. Karnofsky Performance Status was obtained from medical records. Wives completed a measure of self-efficacy for coping (wives' ratings of self-efficacy for coping [WSEC]) and husbands completed a measure of self-efficacy for coping (husbands' ratings of wives' self-efficacy for coping [HSEC]) based on their perceptions of their wives' coping efficacy. Results Interestingly, the correlation between WSEC and HSEC was only 0.207; thus, they are relatively independent perspectives. The following three models were tested to determine the nature of the relationship between WSEC and HSEC: discrepancy model (WSEC - HSEC), additive model (WSEC + HSEC), and multiplicative model (WSEC × HSEC). The discrepancy model was not related to wives' adjustment; however, the additive (B=0.205, P<0.001) and multiplicative (B=0.001, P<0.001) models were significantly related to wives' adjustment. Also, the additive model mediated the relationship between performance status and adjustment. Discussion Husbands' perception of their wives' coping efficacy contributed marginally to their wives' adjustment, and the combination of WSEC and HSEC mediated the relationship between functional status and wives' adjustment, thus positively impacting wives' adjustment to cancer. Future research is needed to determine the quality of the differences between HSEC and WSEC in order to develop interventions to optimize the impact of these two relatively independent perspectives on cancer outcomes.
Radiation therapy and immune-related side effects in patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors.

207Background: Checkpoint inhibitors exert their antitumor effects by producing a heightened immune state, and inadvertently give rise to immune-mediated toxicities, including pneumonitis and hypothyroidism. We investigated whether these side effects were more common in patients who were treated with both PD-1 inhibitors and radiation. Methods: Our institution’s pharmacy database was used to collect data on patients who received ≥ 1 dose of PD-1 inhibitors, with or without radiation before August 31, 2016. Adverse effects of hypothyroidism, and pneumonitis were recorded and graded based on CTCAEv4. A logistic regression analysis was performed between radiation and hypothyroidism among patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and between radiation therapy (RT) and pneumonitis in lung cancer patients. Results: 231 patients received at least one dose of PD-1 inhibitors prior to data cut-off. Median age was 65 (24-92). There were 125 patients (54%) with lung canc...
Effect of motor-based speech intervention on articulatory placement in the treatment of a posterior nasal fricative: a preliminary MRI study on a single subject.

Background Posterior nasal fricatives are a learned compensatory articulation error and commonly substituted for oral fricatives. Treatment of such articulation errors requires the modification or teaching of skilled movements. A motor-based approach is designed to teach the complex motor skill movement sequences required in the production of sounds. Although motor learning research is well established, little has been done to determine how the approach changes the underlying physiology of articulatory movements. While the underlying anatomical configuration of the posterior nasal fricative has been described, no studies have quantified anatomic and physiological changes pre- and post-treatment. Aims To use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize and quantify the results of motor-based speech-intervention approach on articulatory placement for the treatment of the posterior nasal fricative. Methods & procedures A 6-year-old male with a history of ear infections and posterior nasal fricative substitution for /s/ underwent six 1-h sessions of a motor-based treatment approach over the course of 2 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluation included perceptual and instrumental assessment of speech and resonance. Perceptual resonance was rated by two speech-language therapists and articulation was assessed at the single-word level. Instrumental assessment included the See-Scape, Nasometer II and MRI during the sustained phonation of /s/. Amira v5.6 Visualization and Volume modelling software used the midsagittal and oblique coronal plane to measure dimensions of the articulatory anatomy. Outcomes & results Interrater reliability was assessed using a Pearson product moment correlation (α = .05) and ranged from r = .91 to .95. Intra-rater reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (.976) demonstrating a high degree of reliability with a 95% confidence interval. Articulation improved from 0% accuracy for /s/ in isolation at baseline to 100% for /s/ at the word level and 95% accuracy during conversational speech by session 6. Post-treatment results from this study revealed a greater shortening of the levator veli palatini (levator) muscle length during articulatory movements, more pronounced velar knee and dimple, decreased velar thickness, increased velar length and altered tongue position. Conclusions & implications This study demonstrated the use of pre- and post-treatment imaging methodology to quantify articulatory changes following an intensive motor-based treatment approach. MRI demonstrated quantifiable changes in articulatory placement. Individuals who exhibit non-developmental and phoneme-specific articulation errors, such as the posterior nasal fricative, may be excellent candidates for short-term, intensive and frequent speech therapy sessions to remediate the production of the posterior nasal fricative.
Chemical Signals and Primate Behavior

People hold strong views about sex and, so it seems, almost equally strong opinions about smell. Put the two together, and there need be no surprise that this area of scientific inquiry is controversial. However, we prefer to avoid the somewhat sterile semantic controversy surrounding the use of the term “pheromone” as it is applied to the reproductive behavior of higher mammals. Whether or not it is useful to borrow a term from insect physiology and apply it to the complexities of primate behavior can be debated far into the night. What concerns us now are the observations that (1) odoriferous substances are produced within the vaginae of rhesus monkeys, (2) their production depends upon a bacterial system that is influenced by the balance of ovarian steroids in the body, (3) these substances escape externally and volatilize, (4) male rhesus monkeys normally make frequent olfactory investigations of the females’ perinea, and (5) when the airborne signal is detected olfactorially, there is a change in the male’s level of sexual activity. If the foregoing statements can be substantiated, we would then have strong evidence for the existence of a chemical channel of communication between the female and the male in this primate species.
Development and successful pilot of a web-based scaleable, distributed curriculum development and management system for medical education.

In response to a need for a comprehensive online curriculum development and management system for medical education at the University of Pittsburgh the author, the Lab for Educational Technology (the Lab), students and faculty developed the Pitt Med Navigator website (Navigator). This completely web-based, distributed, personalized application is used by students and faculty to: 1) create, manage, and rapidly access online course resources ; 2) author teaching cases, interactive multimedia presentations, and quizzes; and 3) manage a personal education portal. Four pilot courses and objective evaluations have revealed high student and faculty utilization and a high degree of perceived educational value.
Regulation of protein phosphorylation by insulin and insulin-like growth factors in cultured fetal neurons.

Abundant evidence indicates that protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of tyrosine, serine, and threonine residues are key mechanisms by which insulin regulates cell function (for review see Ref. 1). The βsubunit of the insulin receptor is a tyrosine kinase activated by insulin binding that catalyzes autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of other proteins (2,3). The intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor appears to be critical for insulin action since cells transfected with kinase-deficient mutant insulin receptors (4) or cells injected with antibodies that inhibit the receptor kinase (5) become insensitive to insulin. A current working hypothesis is that activation of the insulin receptor kinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on several proteins. These proteins, in turn, regulate the more abundant serine kinases that phosphorylate proteins involved in the end-response.
Pathogenic Mechanisms of Prediabetes in Obese vs. Very Obese African American Women: Implications for Diabetes Prevention.

Abstract Background The influence of obesity on the development of prediabetes among African American women (AAW) remains uncertain. Thus, we investigated whether the pathogenic mechanisms of prediabetes differ in obese (OB, BMI 35 kg/m2) AAW. Subjects/Methods We recruited 26-OB and 41-VOB, AAW with prediabetes, mean age (46.3 ± 10.3 years), A1C (5.9 ± 0.4%) and BMI (38.3 ± 8.2 kg/m2). OGTT and FSIVGT were performed in each subject. Body composition (% body fat) was measured using DEXA. Si, Sg acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) and disposition index (DI) were calculated using minimal model method. Results Mean BMI (32.6 ± 1.9 vs. 42.8 ± 5.5 kg/m2) and %body fat (44.7 ± 2.0 vs. 49.6 ± 2.2%) were significantly (p = 0.0001) lower in OB vs VOB. Mean fasting and post-glucose challenge, (glucose, insulin, c-peptide) levels were significantly (p = 0.03–0.0001) lower in OB vs VOB. Mean Si and Sg was not different. Mean AIRg tended to be higher (808 ± 776 vs. 535 ± 443 (x min [uU/L] −1), p = 0.106) whereas DI was greater (1999 ± 1408 vs. 1511 ± 1033, (×10−2 x min−1), p = 0.01) in OB vs VOB subjects. Conclusion We found that OB and VOB AAW had similar Si and Sg, but VOB showed attenuated AIRg and DI. These parameters should be considered when developing primary prevention programs in AAW with prediabetes.
Successful Practices and Training Initiatives to Reduce Bus Accidents and Incidents at Transit Agencies: Abridged Version of TCRP Synthesis 126:

The purpose of this study is to document successful practices and training initiatives that have been effective in reducing transit accidents and incidents. Recognizing that safety does not occur i...