cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiofrequency wire for the recanalization of central vein occlusions that have failed conventional endovascular techniques.

Abstract Purpose To report the technique and acute technical results associated with the PowerWire Radiofrequency (RF) Guidewire used to recanalize central vein occlusions (CVOs) after the failure of conventional endovascular techniques. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2011, which identified all patients with CVOs who underwent treatment with a novel RF guide wire. Forty-two symptomatic patients (with swollen arm or superior vena cava [SVC] syndrome) underwent RF wire recanalization of 43 CVOs, which were then implanted with stents. The distribution of CVOs in central veins was as follows: six subclavian, 29 brachiocephalic, and eight SVC. All patients had a history of central venous catheter placement. Patients were monitored with regular clinical evaluations and central venography after treatment. Results All 42 patients had successful recanalization of CVOs facilitated by the RF wire technique. There was one complication, which was not directly related to the RF wire: one case of cardiac tamponade attributed to balloon angioplasty after stent placement. Forty of 42 patients (95.2%) had patent stents and were asymptomatic at 6 and 9 months after treatment. Conclusions The present results suggest that the RF wire technique is a safe and efficient alternative in the recanalization of symptomatic and chronic CVOs when conventional endovascular techniques have failed.
A novel model of intramedullary spinal cord tumors in rats: functional progression and histopathological characterization.

Objective Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are difficult lesions to treat given their recurrence rate and limited treatment options. The absence of an adequate animal model, however, has hindered the development of new treatment paradigms. In this study, we describe the technique for intramedullary injection of two experimental rodent gliomas (9L and F98) and present the methodology for functional and histopathological analysis of tumor progression. Methods F344 rats (n = 24) were randomized into three groups. Group 1 (n = 8) received a 5 microl intramedullary injection of Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium, Group 2 received a 5 microl intramedullary injection of 9L gliosarcoma (100,000) cells, and Group 3 received a 5 microl intramedullary injection of F98 glioma (100,000) cells. The animals were anesthetized, a 2 cm incision was made in the dorsal mid-thoracic region, and the spinous process of the T5 vertebrae was removed to expose the intervertebral space. The ligamentum flavum was removed, and an intramedullary injection was made into the spinal cord. The animals were evaluated daily for signs of paralysis using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale and sacrificed after the onset of deficits for histopathological analysis. Results Animals injected with 9L-gliosarcoma had a median onset of hind limb paresis at 12 +/- 2.9 days. Animals injected with F98 glioma had a median onset of hind limb paresis at 19 +/- 3 days. Animals injected with Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium did not show neurological deficits. Hematoxylin-eosin cross sections confirmed the presence of intramedullary 9L and F98 tumor invading the spinal cord. Control animals had no significant histopathological findings. Conclusion Animals injected with 9L or F98 consistently developed hind limb paresis in a reliable and reproducible manner. The progression of neurological deficits is similar to that seen in patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors. These findings suggest that this model mimics the behavior of intramedullary spinal cord tumors in humans and may be used to examine the efficacy of new treatment options for both low- and high-grade intramedullary tumors.
Autophagy and Apoptosis Are Differentially Induced in Neurons and Astrocytes Treated with an In Vitro Mimic of the Ischemic Penumbra

The development of clinical stroke therapies remains elusive. The neuroprotective efficacies of thousands of molecules and compounds have not yet been determined; however, screening large volumes of potential targets in vivo is severely rate limiting. High throughput screens (HTS) may be used to discover promising candidates, but this approach has been hindered by the lack of a simple in vitro model of the ischemic penumbra, a clinically relevant region of stroke-afflicted brain. Recently, our laboratory developed such a mimic (ischemic solution: IS) suitable for HTS, but the etiology of stress pathways activated by this model are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to determine if the cell death phenotype induced by IS accurately mimics the in vivo penumbra and thus whether our model system is suitable for use in HTS. We treated cultured neuron and astrocyte cell lines with IS for up to 48 hrs and examined cellular energy state ([ATP]), cell and organelle morphology, and gene and molecular profiles related to stress pathways. We found that IS-treated cells exhibited a phenotype of mixed apoptosis/autophagy characteristic of the in vivo penumbra, including: (1) short-term elevation of [ATP] followed by progressive ATP depletion and Poly ADP Ribose Polymerase cleavage, (2) increased vacuole number in the cytoplasm, (3) mitochondrial rupture, decreased mitochondrial and cristae density, release of cytochrome C and apoptosis inducing factor, (4) chromatin condensation, nuclear lamin A and DNA cleavage, fragmentation of the nuclear envelope, and (5) altered expression of mRNA and proteins consistent with autophagy and apoptosis. We conclude that our in vitro model of the ischemic penumbra induces autophagy and apoptosis in cultured neuron and astrocyte cell lines and that this mimic solution is suitable for use in HTS to elucidate neuroprotective candidates against ischemic penumbral cell death.
Effect of Brief Navigation‐Related Dewaterings on Fish Eggs and Larvae

Abstract Short-term dewatering of nearshore spawning areas often occurs during passage of commercial tows in the upper Mississippi River as well as in other navigated river systems. This phenomenon was examined experimentally to identify potential effects on survival of fish eggs and larvae. Early life stages of walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and northern pike (Esox lucius) were dewatered 2 min in laboratory studies at intervals of either 1, 3, 6, or 12 h from just after fertilization to 10-14 d posthatch. Dewatering did not cause mortality of eggs, but significant mortality of larvae of both species occurred at dewatering frequencies of 1 or 3 h. Therefore, significant mortality first was observed at a frequency equivalent to a mean passage of eight tows per day. This average passage rate is presently exceeded in about 50% of the upper Mississippi pools; it will be exceeded in all pools if proposed navigation modifications are implemented.
Size, Score and Speed of Development of Tumors in Chickens in Response to Subcutaneous Inoculations with Rous Sarcoma Virus

Abstract DIFFERENCES in susceptibility between breeding groups of chickens to inoculations with Rous sarcoma virus on the chorioallantoic membrane of the embryo were investigated by Prince (1958), Dhaliwal (1963), Crittenden et al. (1963), and Bower et al. (1964, 1965). These investigations measured the degree of susceptibility in terms of number of small tumors or pocks on the membrane. Waters and Burmester (1961) made intracerebral inoculations of Rous sarcoma virus and measured susceptibility in terms of mortality or survival of the chick. These methods do not permit a quantitative appraisal of the progress of response in terms of tumor growth or tumor numbers over an extended period of time. They also do not allow detection of retrogression of tumors. Work by Crittenden et al. (1963) with inoculation of tissue cultures of embryos may facilitate these observations. However, data with tissue cultures require extrapolation to the whole chick. With this in mind, the …
Nutritional benefits of Crematogaster mimosae ants and Acacia drepanolobium gum for patas monkeys and vervets in Laikipia, Kenya.

Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas )a re midsized primates that feed extensively on the gum of Acacia drepanolobium and the ants are housed in swollen thorns of this Acacia. Their diet resembles that expected more of smaller bodied primates. Patas monkeys are also more like smaller bodied primates in reproducing at high rates. We sought to better understand the convergence of patas monkeys with smaller bodied primates by compar- ing their feeding behavior on ants and gum with that of closely related, sympatric vervets (Chlorocebus pygeryth- rus), and analyzing the nutrient content of the gum of A. drepanolobium and of Crematogaster mimosae, the most common ant species eaten by patas monkeys in Laikipia, Kenya. All occurrences of feeding and moving during focal animal sampling revealed that 1) patas monkeys seek A. drepanolobium gum but vervets avoid it; 2) both species open swollen thorns most often in the morning when ants are less active; 3) patas monkeys continually feed on swollen thorns and gum while moving quickly throughout the day, whereas vervets reduce their con- sumption of these items and their travel rate at mid-day, and; 4) vervets eat young swollen thorns at a higher rate than patas monkeys. Patas monkeys are able to spend little time acquiring substantial amounts of energy, protein, and minerals from A. drepanolobium gum and C. mimosae ants each day. These findings, when coupled with evidence of causes of infant and adult female mortal- ity, suggest that reproductive success of female patas monkeys is more immediately affected by illness, disease, interactions between adults and infants, and access to water than by food. Am J Phys Anthropol 150:286-300, 2013. V
Working together to prepare for disasters.

In addition to the deaths, injuries, and damage to the physical and economic infrastructure caused by Hurricane Sandy, the storm wreaked havoc on scientific and biomedical research infrastructure. Facilities and specialized equipment were destroyed; thousands of animals, many of which were pains-
Differential regulation of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P in cultured neonatal rat vagal sensory neurons☆

Nodose (inferior vagal sensory) ganglia were removed from neonatal rats, enzymatically dispersed using neutral protease, and maintained on previously dispersed rat atriacytes. After 7–10 days in culture, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was present in 1–3 times the molar amount of substance P (SP). The content of SP was doubled by the addition of nerve growth factor (NGF) whereas CGRP was significantly less increased by 50% or less. The addition of forskolin increased SP and CGRP levels in cultures with or without NGF by 60–80 percent. Phorbol ester (PMA) did not alter SP content but significantly raised CGRP content by 40% in NGF supplemented cultures (P < 0.001). Corticosterone, reduced SP content by 30% independently of NGF but had no effect on CGRP. These studies demonstrate that SP in vagal sensory neurons is more sensitive than CGRP to the effects of NGF or corticosterone. Both peptides are up-regulated by presumed increases in intracellular cyclic AMP, while CGRP (or CGRP neurons) may be independently regulated by protein kinase C.
Composition Control in the Direct Laser-Deposition Process

Laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) is a solid freeform fabrication process that has the capability of producing functionally graded material (FGM) components by selectively depositing different powder materials in the melt pool at specific locations in the structure during part buildup. The composition in each layer of an FGM is dependent upon the degree of dilution between the substrate (or previous layer) and powder material. A study on the effects of LENS processing parameters (laser power, travel speed, and powder mass flow rate) on dilution was conducted for deposits of H-13 tool steel and copper powder on H-13 tool steel substrates. When varying a single processing parameter while holding all others constant, the dilution was found to increase with increasing laser input power and travel speed and decrease with increasing powder mass additions into the melt pool. A method for estimating dilution in LENS deposits was developed from knowledge of LENS process efficiencies and material thermophysical properties. A reasonable correlation was shown to exist between the experimentally measured dilution and the dilution calculated from the model.
Power Spectral Analysis of Heart Period Variability of Preceding Sinus Rhythm Before Initiation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Time domain analysis of heart period variability in patients without structural heart disease demonstrated increased parasympathetic modulation before paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) occurring predominantly at night. However, diurnal differences in autonomic activity preceding AF episodes in a diverse patient population have not been assessed. Accordingly, we performed spectral analysis of heart period variability on Holter recordings during sinus rhythm preceding AF in 29 patients, 17 with night and 12 with day episodes. Samples taken 5, 10, and 20 minutes before AF onset were compared. Normalized high-frequency (HF) spectral power change was greater when comparing the interval 10 to 5 minutes with 20 to 10 minutes preceding AF in 26 of 29 patients (0.09 +/- 0.07 vs 0.03 +/- 0.02; p < 0.0001). HF spectral power increased before 3 of 12 AF episodes during the day compared with 15 of 17 AF episodes during the night (p = 0.001). Nocturnal AF episodes were preceded by increased HF spectral power in the 5- versus the 20-minute sample expressed as natural logarithm-transformed values (5.6 +/- 4.8 vs 4.2 +/- 4.0; p < 0.005) and normalized values (0.19 +/- 0.09 vs 0.10 +/- 0.07; p < 0.02), a decrease in low-frequency/HF ratio (1.05 +/- 0.61 vs 2.21 +/- 1.75; p < 0.05) and heart rate (60 +/- 13 vs 71 +/- 13 beats/min; p = 0.06). Structural heart disease was more common with daytime than nocturnal AF episodes (58% vs 18%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, HF spectral power change was increased preceding most AF episodes. However, diurnal differences were demonstrated. Contrary to daytime AF, increased parasympathetic activity preceded predominantly nocturnal AF, mostly in younger patients with structurally normal hearts.
Rhesus macaque copulation calls: Re-evaluating the “honest signal” hypothesis

Male rhesus macaques sometimes give loud calls while thrusting or dismounting during multi-mount copulations.Hauser (1993) has proposed that these calls (1) impose a cost (increased risk of aggression) on calling males, and (2) increase callers' copulation frequencies, supporting the hypothesis that calls function as honest signals (handicaps) that females use to evaluate male quality during mate choice. This hypothesis was re-examined using data collected at Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico on 40 focal females and their 56 observed copulatory partners. Although attacks by males against copulating pairs were frequent, they were usually directed only against the female of the pair. Males that called were no more likely than silent males to suffer male escalated attack during or immediately following mount series. Male-female dyads in which the male called during copulation were significantly more likely than non-calling dyads to complete the most copulations observed for any given female. Males that called at least once were significantly more likely than non-calling males to complete at least one copulation with a peri-ovulatory female. A log-linear model revealed that male rank and calling were both associated with likelihood of experiencing at least one peri-ovulatory copulation. However, calling was not associated with reception of demonstrated female mate choice behaviors. Controlling for dominance rank, callers did not experience more female proximity maintenance than non-callers. Nor were callers' hip-grasps refused less frequently than non-callers' hip-grasps. These results cast doubt on the hypothesis that rhesus macaque copulation calls are costly, honest indicators of intrinsic male quality. A contrasting alternative hypothesis, that a male's copulatory calls advertise relative immunity from attacks against his copulatory partners, was not supported either. Thus, the function of rhesus macaque copulatory calls remains unknown. The unusually high rate of copulations amongHauser's (1993) subjects may explain the discrepancy in results, but it is unclear how high copulation rates would increase the cost of copulatory calling to males.
New applications of electromagnetically induced transparency

We present the study of many applications of electromagnetically induced transparency. From ultra-slow light to enhanced Brillouin scattering, the giant nonlinearity associated with this effect leads to many new and exciting experiments
The association of the HOPA12bp polymorphism with schizophrenia in the NIMH genetics initiative for schizophrenia sample

HOPA (MED12) is an X-chromosome gene that codes for a critical member of the Mediator Complex, a group of proteins that regulates transcription via the nuclear receptor, Wnt and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase pathways. In prior association and meta-analyses, we have shown that the presence of an evolutionarily conserved, 12 bp (4 amino acid) insertional polymorphism in exon 43 of this gene is associated with increased risk for an endophenotype of schizophrenia. In this communication, we describe the results of our work with subjects and data from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) Genetics Initiative for Schizophrenia. We report that the presence of the HOPA12bp polymorphism is associated with increased risk for schizophrenia in subjects of European ancestry. In the light of this new study and the prior wealth of clinical and basic science data, we conclude that the HOPA12bp allele is a risk factor for schizophrenia in subjects of European ancestry and suggest that further studies to define the endophenotype and mechanisms of illness associated with this polymorphism are indicated. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A TOPOLOGICALLY NOVEL SHEET OF URANYL PENTAGONAL BIPYRAMIDS IN THE STRUCTURE OF Na[(UO2)4O2(OH)5](H2O)2

Nous avons synthetise un nouveau compose, un oxyde de sodium et d'uranyle hydrate, Na[(UO 2 ) 4 O 2 (OH) 5 ](H 2 O) 2 , par reaction hydrothermale. La structure, dans le groupe spatial P1, a 8.0746(9), b 8.4633(10), c11.2181(13) A, a 80.398(2), β 87.492(2), γ 71.308(2)°, V 715.97(14) A 3 , Z = 2, a ete resolue et affinee en utilisant les facteurs F 2 pour toutes les donnees uniques prelevees avec rayonnement X monochromatique MoKa et un detecteur CCD jusqu'a un facteur de concordance (Rl) de 4.49%, calcule en utilisant 2915 reflexions uniques observees (‖F o ‖ ≥ 4σ F ). La structure contient quatre cations U 6 + symetriquement distincts, chacun d'eux fortement lies a deux atomes d'oxygene, pour donner des ions uranyles (UO 2 ) 2 + . Chacun de ces ions est coordonne a cinq anions. Les bipyramides pentagonales uranylees qui en resultent sont liees par partage de coins et d'aretes en feuillets qui ont une topologie non encore observee. Le seul cation Na, symetriquement distinct, est situe entre les feuillets, ou il entre en coordinence avec huit ligands, y inclus deux groupes H 2 O. La structure de Na[(UO 2 ) 4 O 2 (OH) 5 ](H 2 O) 2 ressemble etroitement a celle du compose Ca[(UO 2 ) 4 O 3 (OH) 4 ](H 2 O) 2 , quoique les feuillets dans ces deux structures possedent des topologies distinctes.
Cervical range of motion in the elderly

This study was conducted to establish normative cervical range of motion values for the elderly and to compare those values to standard young adult cervical range of motion values. Differences in range of motion between men and women were also assessed. A gravity goniometer was used to measure six cervical motions in 42 subjects aged 70 to 90 years and 31 subjects aged 20 to 30 years. The elderly group had significantly less motion than the younger group for all six motions measured (p < .001). A comparison of the mean range of motion values between the two groups found that the elderly group had approximately 12% less flexion, 32% less extension, 22% less lateral flexion, and 25% less rotation. The elderly group also had a wider variation of cervical range of motion values as compared to the younger group. Women had greater cervical range of motion values than men in both age groups.
A semi-solid surface fluorescence method for the determination of lactate dehydrogenase

Abstract A semi-solid surface fluorescence method for the determination of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) is reported. The commercially available enzyme in aqueous solution, and the enzyme in blood serum were studied. The serum analysis is compared to a method described by Bergmeyer . As little as 160 units of LDH per ml of blood serum can be determined with an accuracy of better than 3%. The reaction system used was : Download : Download full-size image The rate of production of the fluorescent product NADH was monitored. An investigation of pad color and pad stability was also performed.
“Volcano sign”—description of a sign of aggressive neoplastic epidural lesions with subdural extension

Introduction Aggressive epidural intracranial lesions that break through the dura and develop an intra-axial component have been well-described previously in literature. However, there is no description of lesions with an epidural component and an exclusive subdural component without parenchymal extension in the pediatric patient.
Resource replacement and psychological well-being during unemployment: The role of family support

Abstract There is an established inverse relationship between unemployment and psychological wellbeing. However, little is known about the processes that underlie this relationship. Using latent deprivation, conservation of resources, and social capital to form a theoretical framework, this study explored the relationship between the latent benefits associated with employment, family support, and financial strain. In a sample of 174 unemployed individuals, latent benefits were shown to partially mediate the relationship between family support and psychological well-being. Additionally, this mediation was moderated by financial strain, with latent benefits being more related to psychological well-being in those with greater financial strain. These findings provide guidance in understanding how to better address the needs that contribute to psychological well-being in those who are unemployed.
The Metal-Dielectric Transition in Short-Pulse Laser Ablation of Metals

Phase explosion is an explosive liquid-vapor phase change that occurs during short pulse laser ablation. Phase explosion results from homogenous vapor nucleation in a superheated liquid phase as the surface temperature approaches the thermodynamic critical temperature, Tc . For a metastable liquid, the upper limit of superheating is approximately 0.9Tc , above which the rate of homogeneous nucleation rises dramatically. Prior to reaching the superheat limit however, a “dielectric transition” is expected to occur at approximately 0.8Tc . The dielectric transition is the transition of an electrically conductive material to a non-conducting state due to large fluctuations in material properties. One consequence of the dielectric transition is that the material will become semi-transparent. Until now, little work has been performed to understand the role of the dielectric transition in laser ablation, and many questions remain about how the surface will rise above 0.8Tc if the surface is semitransparent and only weakly absorbing. This work investigates the role of the dielectric transition with a one-dimensional numerical model for heat transfer and phase change and includes the effect of the metal to dielectric transition. The model is used to simulate heating of aluminum by a Nd:YAG laser with a 7 nanosecond pulse width (FWHM) at the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm. Calculations of the transient temperature field, melt depth, and depth of the dielectric layer are obtained. Estimates of the absorption coefficient of a metal surface above the metal-dielectric transition are made from correlations found in the research literature. The value of the absorption coefficient is shown to be a critical parameter for determining the energy density required to reach 0.9Tc .Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Information Sharing in Global Supply Chain Alliances

ABSTRACT The post–WWII economic expansion of economies such as Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and more recently China and India was enabled to a significant degree by the increasingly complex, global supply chain networks of large Original Equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the United States, European Union, and Japan. By linking buyers and suppliers across countries and industries, supply chain management (SCM) practices have a large impact on the economic fortunes of companies and countries throughout the world. Nowhere has the effect of this mutual interdependence been felt more strongly than between the U.S. companies and the Asia-Pacific market. Although the benefits of SCM are well documented, some evidence suggests that the reality of SCM implementation can create additional pressures for suppliers. We identify key problem areas experienced by suppliers and their link to the type of information shared by buying firms. The problem area experienced by most suppliers relates to issue...
Bootstrapping the studentized sample mean of lattice variables

Abstract It is shown by an example that in general, the rate of bootstrap approximation to the studentized sample mean of lattice data is not better than the rate in the case of the normalized sample mean. A modified bootstrap method is proposed and shown to be second-order correct. Unlike the conventional "smoothed" bootstrap methods, the proposed procedure smooths the estimator rather than the resampling distribution. It is observed that irrespective of the lattice or nonlattice character of the data, confidence intervals based on this procedure have more accurate coverage probabilities than the usual bootstrap confidence intervals.
A profile of the fall foliage tourism market

Although fall color touring has long been pursued by the traveling public and promoted by destinations, it has been the subject of extraordinarily little research. This article helps fill this knowledge gap and assists destination marketers seeking to more effectively attract this market niche. Analyses of data from a telephone survey of households in the Great Lakes region indicate that marketers who wish to attract fall color tourists should promote a wide range of ancillary activities in addition to foliage viewing and target primarily older individuals in nearby markets.
The 1918 influenza pandemic hastened the decline of tuberculosis in the United States: An age, period, cohort analysis

The effect of the 1918 influenza pandemic on other diseases is a neglected topic in historical epidemiology. This paper takes up the hypothesis that the influenza pandemic affected the long-term decline of tuberculosis through selective mortality, such that many people with tuberculosis were killed in 1918, depressing subsequent tuberculosis mortality and transmission. Regularly collected vital statistics data on mortality of influenza and tuberculosis in the US are presented and analyzed demographically. The available population-level data fail to contradict the selection hypothesis. More work is needed to understand fully the role of multiple morbidities in the 1918 influenza pandemic.
Florida expressways and the public works career of Congressman William C. Cramer

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Department of American Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida St. Petersburg
Using simulation to schedule manufacturing resources

This paper discusses a real-world application of simulation to schedule operator and machine resources in a floor tile manufacturing plant. The paper discusses attempts at using a spread sheet, a simulator, and finally ProModel in the scheduling process.
Games are not convergence: The lost promise of digital production and convergence

This article critically examines the notion of ‘convergence’ as it applies to videogames and videogame development. Drawing on data from more than five years of ethnographic fieldwork amongst ‘AAA’ videogame development studios, the specific case of Spider-Man 3’s development is used as a lens for understanding the complexity of modern media production practice. This case sheds light on our understandings of cross-media development practice and the labor involved in the effect of media ‘flow’ from platform to platform. Actor-Network Theory serves as a guiding analytic framework for understanding how videogame production in this context, given the sheer number of actors, has significant implications for the kinds of cross-media products created and the labor involved in bringing these projects to fruition.
Mailed invitations for colorectal screening are effective in increasing screening participation in uninsured adults with faecal immunochemical testing: the preferred screening modality

Commentary on: Gupta S, Halm EA, Rockey DC, et al. Comparative effectiveness of fecal immunochemical test outreach, colonoscopy outreach and usual care for boosting colorectal cancer screening among the underserved: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med 2013;173:1725–32.[OpenUrl][1][PubMed][2][Web of Science][3] Colorectal cancer screening is currently recommended for average risk adults aged 50–75 years. There are several modalities available to screen for colorectal cancer, including stool blood tests, colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy. Most guidelines recommend multiple screening modalities and the choice of which to use should be individualised to provider and patient preference. Underserved populations (uninsured and underinsured patients and racial/ethnic minorities) are known to have lower rates of cancer screening, including colorectal cancer, even if they have access to routine medical care. The optimal mechanism for screening the underserved is … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJAMA%2BIntern%2BMed%26rft.volume%253D173%26rft.spage%253D1725%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23921906%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23921906&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F4%2F145.atom [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000328193600013&link_type=ISI
Experiments on natural convection in enclosures with localized heating from below

An experimental study was made of the steady-state natural convection induced in enclosures by a small hot spot centrally located on the floor. Enclosures of rectangular and circular floor plan were employed, with height equal to one-half the major dimension of the floor plan. The movement of air within the chambers was made visible by adding metaldehyde dust particles and illuminating them with an intense light beam. The Grashof number (Gr) based on hot-spot temperature and enclosure height ranged from 8 × 105 to 1 × 1010. Laminar flows were observed for Gr [lsim ] 1.2 × 109. The experimental flows in the circular chamber are compared in a companion paper with theoretically calculated flows (Torrance & Rockett 1969). In the region of laminar flows the agreement was excellent. The present paper notes certain similarities in the flows in rectangular and circular geometries. The disturbing effect of a slight heating of one wall of the rectangular enclosure was also investigated. Measurements were made of heat transfer from the hot spot to the air in the chamber.
Representation and Public Policy: The Consequences of Senate Apportionment for the Geographic Distribution of Federal Funds

Political scientists have long believed that the formal arrangements of representative institutions make a difference for public policy; in spite of this, they have largely neglected to investigate the policy effects of Senate apportionment This paper tests the hypothesis that coalition building in the Senate will produce distributions of federal funds to states reflecting the enhanced representation of small states in the Senate Using Bickers and Stein's U. S. Domestic Assistance Programs Database, I find that, first, federal distributive programs are typically constructed so that a majority, frequently an overwhelming majority, of states benefit Second, using a pooled cross-sectional time-series design (N = 350), I examine the distributions of federal funds to states in different types of domestic assistance programs to determine if they bear the imprint of Senate apportionment I find that over-represented states tend to receive higher allocations of federal funds per capita, most notably in programs ch...
Targeting mitochondrial alterations to prevent type 2 diabetes—Evidence from studies of dietary redox‐active compounds

As a growing epidemic, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has significantly affected the individual's quality of life and economy of the society. Understanding the mechanisms of the disease and discovery of new therapeutic options has become more urgent than ever before. Mitochondrial alterations (e.g. functional alterations, and impaired biogenesis and dynamics) are strongly associated with the development of T2DM. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species or intermediates of incomplete fatty acid oxidation due to mitochondrial deficiency activates stress kinases and dampens insulin signaling. Redox-active compounds such as resveratrol, pyrroloquinoline quinone, and hydroxytyrosol can potently counteract reactive oxygen species, and improve mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Therefore, targeting the mitochondrial alterations with these redox-active compounds may lead to new therapeutic or preventive options for T2DM. In this article, we review the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial alterations in T2DM, and the action of redox-active compounds to reverse mitochondrial changes and oxidative stress in T2DM. In addition, the current challenges and future directions are discussed and prospected.
Oil/High Explosive Compatibility Study. Selection of safing fluids for damaged explosives assemblies

A series of explosive compositions was treated with commercially available oils. Samples were analyzed by differential thermal analysis, accelerating rate calorimetry, and drop-weight impact test. Results were compared with those of the untreated compositions. Some systems showed definite incompatibilities. These data are beneficial to individuals who must select safing fluids for desensitizing explosives contained in assemblies that are damaged as a result of an accident. This is especially true where broken pieces of high explosives might rub together or against metal surfaces, thus causing increased hazards during handling operations.
Structural and Mechanical Properties of TiC/Ti and TiC/B4C Multilayers Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Multilayers of TiC/Ti and TiC/B4C have been deposited by pulsed laser deposition. Ti, B4C, and TiC targets were used to deposit multilayer films onto 440C steel and silicon substrates at 40 °C. The structural, compositional, and mechanical properties of the multilayers were examined by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoindentation techniques. Tribological properties were also evaluated using a pin-on-disc friction and wear test. The TiC/Ti films were found to have a crystalline structure, and both (200)TiC/(100)Ti and (111)TiC/(101)Ti orientation relationships were found in these films. In the TiC/B4C films, only the sample with the largest bilayer thickness (25 nm) had significant crystallinity and only the TiC layer was crystalline. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiles confirmed the presence of composition modulations in these films. Nanoindentation tests of the TiC/Ti multilayers showed hardness levels exceeding that predicted by the rule-of-mixtures. The TiC/B4C multilayers showed increasing hardness with decreasing bilayer thickness but reached only 22 GPa. The pin-on-disc tests gave friction values ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 for both sets of films. These results were correlated with the degree of crystallinity and grain structure of the films.
On the capacity of multi-antenna systems in the presence of Rician fading

The effects of Rician fading on the capacity of multi-antenna systems designed to be optimal for Rayleigh fading are investigated under the assumption that channel state information (CSI) is available only at the receiver. Capacity bounds for the multi-antenna Rician fading channel are also derived and numerical results for some representative situations are provided.
Multiple routes to Subfunctionalization and Gene Duplicate Specialization

Gene duplication is arguably the most significant source of new functional genetic material. A better understanding of the processes that lead to the stable incorporation of gene duplications into the genome is important both because it relates to interspecific differences in genome composition and because it can shed light on why some classes of gene are more prone to duplication than others. Typically, models of gene duplication consider the periods before duplication, during the spread and fixation of a new duplicate, and following duplication as distinct phases without a common underlying selective environment. I consider a scenario where a gene that is initially expressed in multiple contexts can undergo mutations that alter its expression profile or its functional coding sequence. The selective regime that acts on the functional output of the allele copies carried by an individual is constant. If there is a potential selective benefit to having different coding sequences expressed in each context, then, regardless of the constraints on functional variation at the single-locus gene, the waiting time until a gene duplication is incorporated goes down as population size increases.
Community attachment and satisfaction: the role of a community's social network structure

This paper links the micro and macro levels of analysis by examining how different aspects of community sentiment are affected by one's personal ties to the community compared with the organizational network structure of the community. Using data collected from residents of six communities in Washington State, network analysis combined with negative binomial regression is used to determine the effect of personal networks and community networks on community attachment and satisfaction. Findings suggest that while individual-level variables, such as length of residence and individual ties, affect one's attachment to community, a community's network structure does not significantly affect community attachment. However, a community's network structure significantly affects one's evaluation of community. Regardless of one's ties to the community, residents of cohesive communities are more likely to evaluate the community's social and physical environments more positively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Fundamental Differences Between Interval Type-2 and Type-1 Fuzzy Logic Controllers

Interval type-2 fuzzy logic controllers (IT2 FLCs) have recently been attracting a lot of research attention. Many reported results have shown that IT2 FLCs are better able to handle uncertainties than their type-1 (T1) counterparts. A challenging question is the following: What are the fundamental differences between IT2 and T1 FLCs? Once the fundamental differences are clear, we can better understand the advantages of IT2 FLCs and, hence, make better use of them. This paper explains two fundamental differences between IT2 and T1 FLCs: 1) Adaptiveness, meaning that the embedded T1 fuzzy sets used to compute the bounds of the type-reduced interval change as input changes; and 2) Novelty, meaning that the upper and lower membership functions of the same IT2 fuzzy set may be used simultaneously in computing each bound of the type-reduced interval. T1 FLCs do not have these properties; thus, a T1 FLC cannot implement the complex control surface of an IT2 FLC given the same rulebase. We also present several methods to visualize and analyze the effects of these two fundamental differences, including the control surface, the P-map, the equivalent generalized T1 fuzzy sets, and the equivalent PI gains. Finally, we examine five alternative type reducers for IT2 FLCs and explain why they do not capture the fundamentals of IT2 FLCs.
Diesel particulate matter emission factors and air quality implications from in–service rail in Washington State, USA

Abstract We sought to evaluate the air quality implications of rail traffic at two sites in Washington State. Our goals were to quantify the exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) and airborne coal dust from current trains for residents living near the rail lines and to measure the DPM and black carbon emission factors (EFs). We chose two sites in Washington State, one at a residence along the rail lines in the city of Seattle and one near the town of Lyle in the Columbia River Gorge (CRG). At each site, we made measurements of size–segregated particulate matter (PM 1 , PM 2.5 and PM 10 ), CO 2 and meteorology, and used a motion–activated camera to capture video of each train for identification. We measured an average DPM EF of 0.94 g/kg diesel fuel, with an uncertainty of 20%, based on PM 1 and CO 2 measurements from more than 450 diesel trains. We found no significant difference in the average DPM EFs measured at the two sites. Open coal trains have a significantly higher concentration of particles greater than 1 μm diameter, likely coal dust. Measurements of black carbon (BC) at the CRG site show a strong correlation with PM 1 and give an average BC/DPM ratio of 52% from diesel rail emissions. Our measurements of PM 2.5 show that living close to the rail lines significantly increases PM 2.5 exposure. For the one month of measurements at the Seattle site, the average PM 2.5 concentration was 6.8 μg/m 3 higher near the rail lines compared to the average from several background locations. Because the excess PM 2.5 exposure for residents living near the rail lines is likely to be linearly related to the diesel rail traffic density, a 50% increase in rail traffic may put these residents over the new U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards, an annual average of 12 μg/m 3 .
Fast Megapixel Charge-Coupled-Device Image Acquisition And Analysis System For High Energy Nuclear Physics

A two-camera system has been developed for photographing and analyzing images consisting of particle tracks from high energy collisions in a streamer chamber track detector. The charge-coupled-device (CCD) cameras view the collision region, with typical images consisting of more than 100 tracks. Each camera consists of a 1024 X1024 pixel CCD array. Up to three cameras can be read out simultaneously, at a rate of 5 X105 pixels/s/camera digitized to 9 bits, through a custom-designed multiplexing interface into an integer array processor, computer, and color display station. A software system has been developed that allows multiple asynchronous computer processes to record, analyze, and display the streamer chamber images. The system has been used in a high energy nuclear physics experiment for on-line analysis, digital data acquisition, and storage of streamer chamber events, with subsequent off-line image and physics analyses.
Lecithin:Retinol Acyltransferase and Retinyl Ester Hydrolase Activities Are Differentially Regulated by Retinoids and Have Distinct Distributions between Hepatocyte and Nonparenchymal Cell Fractions of Rat Liver

The cellular distribution of enzymes that esterify retinol and hydrolyze retinyl esters (RE) was studied in liver of vitamin A-sufficient, -deficient, and deficient rats treated with retinoic acid or N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-retinamide. Livers were perfused and cell fractions enriched in hepatocytes, and nonparenchymal cells were obtained for assays of RE and enzyme activity. The specific activity of lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) was approximately 10-fold greater in the nonparenchymal cell than the hepatocyte fraction from both vitamin A-sufficient and retinoid-treated rats. Total RE mass, newly synthesized [3H]RE and LRAT activity were positively correlated in liver and isolated cells of both normal (P < 0.0001) and retinoid-treated rats (P < 0.0002). In nonparenchymal cells, these three constituents were nearly equally enriched as evaluated by their relative specific activity values (RSA, defined as the percentage of recovered activity divided by the percentage of recovered protein), which were each significantly greater than 1.0, with values of 4.3 for total RE mass (P < 0.05), 3.6 for newly synthesized [3H]RE (P < 0.01) and 3.8 for LRAT activity (P < 0.01). In contrast, the specific activities of neutral and acid bile salt-independent retinyl ester hydrolases (REH) did not vary with vitamin A status, and their RSA values were close to 1.0 in both hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells. These data show that LRAT and REH are differentially regulated by retinoids and that these enzymes also differ in their spacial distribution between liver parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells.
DNA inhibits catalysis by the carboxyltransferase subunit of acetyl-CoA carboxylase: Implications for active site communication

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) catalyzes the first committed step in the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids. The crystal structure of the Escherichia coli carboxyltransferase component of ACC revealed an α2β2 subunit composition with two active sites and, most importantly, a unique zinc domain in each αβ pair that is absent in the eukaryotic enzyme. We show here that carboxyltransferase binds DNA. Half-maximal saturation of different single-stranded or double-stranded DNA constructs is seen at 0.5–1.0 μM, and binding is cooperative and nonspecific. The substrates (malonyl-CoA and biocytin) inhibit DNA:carboxyltransferase complex formation. More significantly, single-stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA, and heparin inhibit the reaction catalyzed by carboxyltransferase, with single-stranded DNA and heparin acting as competitive inhibitors. However, double-inhibition experiments revealed that both DNA and heparin can bind the enzyme in the presence of a bisubstrate analog (BiSA), and the binding of BiSA has a very weak synergistic effect on the binding of the second inhibitor (DNA or heparin) and vice versa. In contrast, DNA and heparin can also bind to the enzyme simultaneously, but the binding of either molecule has a strong synergistic effect on binding of the other. An important mechanistic implication of these observations is that the dual active sites of ACC are functionally connected.
Advances in mechanistic understanding and treatment approaches to tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by semi-involuntary, repetitive movements and sounds (motor and phonic tics). Transient tics in childhood are common, and their persistence in TS may be due to failure of maturation of frontal-subcortical circuits mediated by genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Tic improvement by young adult years is common, but its mechanism and predictive factors are unclear. Though tics can often be managed with nonmedical therapies, pharmacotherapy is often used for refractory, severe, or injurious tics but is complicated by side effects and incomplete benefit. This review summarizes the current understanding of TS pathophysiology, current and future treatment options, and recommendations for future research.