cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategy for the simplification of nitric oxide chemistry in a laminar methane/air diffusion flamelet

Abstract A reduction of two detailed kinetic mechanisms for nitrogen oxidation, GRI-Mech 2.11 and Drake & Blint, is presented which uses the conserved scalar description of species transport. Profiles of C/H/O species, temperature, and scalar dissipation rate as functions of mixture fraction are required as model inputs. Reaction rate analysis of the nitrogen chemistry is used to identify steady state relationships and pare insignificant reactions. The resultant skeletal mechanism for nitrogen chemistry can be recast as a closed set of five linear species conservation equations for NH 3 , HNCO, HCNO, HCN, and NO. The concentrations of nine other intermediates (HOCN, CN, NCO, NH, NH 2 , HNO, N, NO 2 , and N 2 O) may be obtained through steady-state relationships. Validation of the reduced mechanisms is accomplished through comparison with the parent detailed mechanisms. Of particular significance is the dominance of the reaction HCCO + NO → HCNO + CO in NO reburn chemistry in one of the detailed mechanisms investigated (GRI-Mech 2.11) and its derived reduced mechanism.
Implementing the web of student services

Providing high-quality student services to students enrolled in distance education programs is a critical link to the academic success of this growing student population.
Big data, deep data, and the effect of system architectures on performance

Summary form only given. “Big Data” traditionally refers to some combination of high volume of data, high velocity of change, and/or wide variety and complexity of the underlying data. Solving such problems has evolved into using paradigms like MapReduce on large clusters of compute nodes. More recently, a growing number of “Deep Data” problems have arisen where it is the relationships between objects, and not necessarily the collections of objects, that are important, and for which the traditional implementation techniques are unsatisfactory. This talk addresses a study of a class of such “challenge problems” first formulated by David Bayliss of LexisNexis, and what are their execution characteristics on both current and future architectures. The goal is to discover, to at least a first order approximation, what are the tall poles preventing a speedup of their solution. A variety or architectures are considered, ranging from standard server blades in large scale configurations, to emerging variations that leverage simpler and more energy efficient chip sets, through systems built on 3D chip stacks, and on to new architectures that were designed from the ground up to “follow the links.” Such architectures are considered for two variants of such problems: a traditional partitioned data approach where data is “pre-boiled” to provide fast response, and one that uses very large graphs in very large shared memories. The results are not necessarily intuitive; the bottlenecks in such problems are not where current systems have the bulk of their capabilities or costs, nor where obvious near term upgrades will have major effects. Instead, it appears that only highly scalable memory-intensive architectures offer the potential for truly major gains in application performance.
Puberty: A Period of Both Organizational and Activational Effects of Steroid Hormones On Neurobehavioural Development

During perinatal development, steroid hormones act on the central nervous system (CNS) to organize neural circuits. These circuits remain relatively dormant until hormonal stimulation received in adulthood acts on the CNS to activate adult reproductive physiology and behaviour. In this review, the proposal is put forward that, in addition to perinatal development, puberty serves as another period of neural maturation mediated by both steroid-dependent and -independent events that further organize and shape the behavioural potential of the adult organism. In support of this thesis, data are summarized that clearly show the organizational effects of the pubertal rise in gonadal hormones on mating behaviour and other steroid-mediated behaviours exhibited in adulthood, and on the neural pathways that mediate these behaviours. The importance of determining whether this sensitive period of neural development during puberty is a 'critical period' is also discussed, as well as whether perturbations of the nervous system during pubertal development may result in negative behavioural and physiological outcomes in adulthood. It is concluded that puberty is not merely a time when increasing levels of gonadal steroids activate the neural circuits organized during perinatal development, but also a time of further organization of the CNS, which allows for appropriate behaviours to emerge in adulthood.
Collagen‐like polypeptides: Synthesis of radioactive polytripeptides with the internal sequence ‐Gly‐Pro‐Pro‐

The synthesis of the tripeptide polymers (Pro-Gly-Pro)n, (Pro-Pro-Gly)n, and (Gly-Pro-Pro)n is described, with particular attention to procedures which favor the efficient insertion of radioactive proline in either of the two proline positions “X” or “Y” in the internal sequence, Gly-X-Y. By our methods, radioactive proline in the X-position is most efficiently obtained as (Pro-Gly-*Pro)n, while radioactive proline in the Y-position is most efficiently obtained as (Gly-Pro-*Pro)n. Some of the properties of these polymers and the stability of 3H- and 14C polymers are discussed. An additional finding relates to the synthesis of proline-containing tripeptides via the N-hydroxysuccinimide esters: our experience suggests the generalization that a peptide bond is not readily formed between pyrrolidine amino acids when a dipeptide is involved in such coupling reactions.
Asymmetric scattering of electrons in metals

Abstract Itinerant electrons moving in a metal urider the influence of an applied electric field suffer momentum-changing collisions from numerous causes: collision, with their own kind, with native or foreign ions, or with any other deviation from the periodicity of the ideel lattice structure. The subject of much recent research are those collisions which have left-right asymmetry; that is, the scattered electron has an unequal probability of passing to one side of the scatterer rather than to the other. Such Bsymmetric effects are most prominent in the case of ecatteriug by an ion which has a looalized magnetic moment and is in an applied magnetic field, although in principle any mattering centre having an attractive potential can give asymmetric scattering. This erticle gives an elementary and descriptive review of the microscopic processes leading to such scattering, and covers recent developments in their macroscopic manifestations.
Influence of the Cape COD Canal on the Hydrography and on the Copepods in Buzzards Bay and Cape COD Bay, Massachusetts. II. Respiration and FEEDING1

Respiration and feeding experiments were carried out on Calanus finmarchicus, Pseudocalanus minutus, Labidocera aestiva, Acartia tonsa, and A. clausi. The relationship between metabolism-temperature and the feeding-temperature curves appears to be correlated with the distribution of these species in nature. There was apparently some seasonal adaptation, but the high metabolic rate of some species in spring could not be attributed to temperature alone. Tests on Calanus finmarchicus and Centropages hamatus indicated that salinity may also become a limiting factor in the distribution of copepods. The amount of organic matter consumed is much larger than that calculated from respiratory rates. The assimilation of the food consumed thus seems to be quite low, perhaps as low as 10% or even less.
Clinical relevance of grief and mourning among Cambodian refugees

Abstract From 1975 to 1979, one to two million Cambodians were executed or died of disease and starvation during the rule of the Pol Pot government. In the aftermath of that catastrophe, many survivors have developed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. There is some evidence that the intrusive symptoms of this disorder, such as nightmares, sleep disorders, and startle reactions, can be treated with medication. But other psychological problems that are similar to those found in chronic grief, such as avoidance behavior, shame, and decreased involvement with other individuals, are more resistive to treatment. On a cross-cultural level, the interpretations of, or meanings given to, specific symptoms by the patient may be influenced by culturally-specific religious beliefs, rituals, and social traditions. For the clinician, these cultural factors have relevance not only for engaging the patient in treatment, but also in the planning of specific therapeutic interventions.
Evidence for nuclear interaction of a charged hyperon in flight

A Σ− hyperon, arising from a 12 + 0p star, disappears in flight, presumably by interacting with a proton and producing a neutral hyperon and neutron.
Vascular brachytherapy and coronary stenting for de novo lesions: love on the rocks.

Although vascular brachytherapy (VBT) has proved to be effective and safe for the treatment of in-stent restenosis ([1–8][1], its role in the treatment of de novo lesions remains unclear. The clinical trials that were designed to study the effectiveness of various beta radiations for the treatment
Radiographic evidence of disuse osteoporosis in the monkey (M. nemestrina).

Radiological techniques were utilized for monitoring progressive changes in compact bone in the tibia of monkeys during experimentally induced osteopenia. Bone mass loss in the tibia during restraint was evaluated from radiographs, from bone mineral analysis, and from images reconstructed from gamma ray computerized tomography. The losses during 6 months of restraint tended to occur predominantly in the proximal tibia and were characterized by subperiosteal bone loss, intracortical striations, and scalloped endosteal surfaces. Bone mineral content in the cross section of the tibia declined 17–21%. Tomography demonstrated endosteal widening and reduced mineral content per unit of thickness of cortical bone. In 6 months of recovery, the mineral content of the proximal tibia remained depressed. Effects of the dynamic environment on local-regional changes in various skeletal areas are discussed.
Pathways of Egr-1-mediated gene transcription in vascular biology.

Vascular endothelium forms a continuous cellular interface between the circulating blood elements and the surrounding tissues. Endothelium forms a nonthrombogenic surface and selective permeability barrier capable of modulating vascular reactivity and blood flow. The integrity of the endothelium is fundamental for the maintenance of normal homeostasis. Injury to this lining results in dramatic changes in the functional characteristics of the endothelium, rendering it adhesive and prothrombotic. These changes may result from molecules inducibly expressed or simply secreted by injured endothelium. These initial events are correlated with subsequent inflammatatory and proliferative cellular changes associated with the development of vascular pathology.
Kinetics of template growth in alumina during the process of templated grain growth (TGG)

Kinetics of texture development in liquid-phase sintered alumina ceramics has been studied during templated grain growth (TGG); a technique for developing crystallographic texture in ceramic bodies via the grain growth of aligned anisometric particles in a dense and fine grain size matrix. It has been shown that significant template growth is observed only at high densities (∼91% TD). The template growth in the radial direction followed a cubic growth law just like the growth of a single crystal {1120} and {0112} planes during the initial stage of TGG, suggesting that diffusion is the rate-limiting step for radial growth.
Pupil function design algorithm for bipolar incoherent spatial filtering

A two-step iterative algorithm is described for designing pupil functions for synthesis of bipolar point spread functions in a two-channel incoherent spatial filtering system. The first step uses the method of projections onto convex sets to determine an appropriate bias for the system pupil functions. This bias determines the complementary point spread functions and therefore the magnitude of the corresponding coherent spread functions. The phase of the coherent spread functions is obtained in the second step via iterative application of a magnitude constraint and a finite support constraint. With both magnitude and phase of the coherent spread functions established, the corresponding pupil functions are realized via Fourier transformation. Results are presented for a 2-D bandpass filter and compared with analytically obtained results. The comparison suggests that the iterative algorithm yields bias functions having less energy than bias functions determined by previously proposed analytic methods.
Are green residential developments attracting environmentally savvy homeowners

Abstract Green communities are designed to conserve natural resources, but whether residents have the knowledge and motivation to independently maintain a sustainable development is not well understood. In June 2006, we conducted a mail survey of new homeowners in two pairs of green and conventional master-planned communities in Florida to determine if there were differences in homeowners’ environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Homeowners in green communities reported more environmental knowledge and behaviors in just a few areas, but environmental scores were low overall and attitudes were no different than residents in the conventional communities. The results suggest that new residents do not come equipped with the environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviors to make green communities function as sustainable developments. Post-construction management and educational programs may be necessary to engage residents of green communities.
Daphne: performance debugging using model-driven anomaly characterization

It is not uncommon for complex systems (like multi-component online services) to perform worse than expected. Configuration errors, buggy code, and tricky middleware/OS behavior induce performance anomalies under certain workloads and system configurations. It is challenging to pinpoint root causes of such performance problems in complex systems. Currently, performance problems are solved by system administrators who intimately understand the system and are willing to forgo a personal life.
In Situ Measurements Of Corona Poling Induced SHG In Amorphous Polymers

In this paper we report for the first time in-situ measurements of corona poling induced SHG . We investigated a specially synthesized new amorphous polymer (PPNA) that contains p-nitroaniline as sidegroups covalently fixed to a polyethylene-type backbone. In addition, we did measurements on an amorphous alternating copolymer poly(vinylidenecyanide/vinyl-acetate) (PVDCN/VAc), known for its piezoelectric properties. In order to understand the nonlinear properties and their stability, an extensive characterization of the materials is necessary. Therefore, calorimetry, thermogravimetry, X-ray, dielectric relaxation, waveguide and absorption spectroscopy studies were performed. Fig. 1 shows the chemical structure of the polymers investigated.
Optically amplified downconverting link with shot-noise-limited performance

Experimental results of a 12-GHz downconverting optical link are presented that demonstrate shot-noise-limited performance at a maximum total photoreceiver current of 72 mA. A balanced photoreceiver is utilized to reject both laser intensity noise and noise added by an erbium-doped fiber amplifier. The receiver was constructed of four commercial 2-GHz photodetectors, each capable of detecting greater than 20 mA of average photocurrent with less than I-dB compression in received RF power.
Nucleation of biliary cholesterol, arachidonate, prostaglandin E2, and glycoproteins in postmenopausal women

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Among dieting obese patients, cholesterol gallstone formation is preceded by increases in levels of biliary cholesterol saturation, arachidonate, prostaglandin E2, total glycoproteins, and rapid nucleation of cholesterol. The aim of this study was to determine if similar increases occur among postmenopausal women with cholesterol crystals in their bile. METHODS: In 101 postmenopausal women without gallstones, gallbladder bile was sampled via nasoduodenal tube and analyzed. RESULTS: Nineteen of the women had saturated bile and crystals. Levels of cholesterol saturation, arachidonate, prostaglandin E2, and total glycoprotein were highest among women with cholesterol- saturated bile and cholesterol crystals and lowest among women with unsaturated bile. Levels were intermediate among women with saturated bile but no crystals. CONCLUSIONS: Among postmenopausal women, increases in levels of biliary cholesterol saturation, arachidonate, prostaglandin E2, and total glycoproteins may be important pathophysiologically in the rapid nucleation of cholesterol crystals. (Gastroenterology 1997 Apr;112(4):1271-6)
Analysis of Seed Zinc and Other Minerals in a Recombinant Inbred Population of Navy Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Mineral deficiencies in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) negatively affect plant growth and development. Genetic differences in seed mineral concentrations have been detected among landraces and genotypes for trace elements such as Zn and Fe, and major elements such as P and Ca, and these differences have been exploited for the genetic improvement of the crop. The objectives of this study were (i) to develop and evaluate a navy bean recombinant inbred population segregating for seed Zn, (ii) to measure other micronutrients in the seeds such as Fe and the major elements P and Ca, and (iii) to identify associations between microsatellite markers and seed mineral content. Transgressive segregants were observed for seed Zn and variation was also found for Fe, P, and Ca. Bean microsatellites associated with Zn, P, and Ca were identified, but there was no association with Fe. Our molecular data identified a locus associated with seed Zn accumulation in bean located on linkage group 9. Further studies would help to find the exact location of the gene. As more information becomes available, breeders will be able to combine techniques of molecular genetics with conventional breeding methods through marker-assisted selection to develop cultivars with higher seed Zn content.
Functional selectivity through protean and biased agonism: who steers the ship?

This article describes functional selectivity of agonists and antagonists and distinguishes conventional cell-based functional selectivity, where the strength of signal produces selective signaling in various organs, from true receptor active-state based selectivity, also alternatively referred to in the literature as “stimulus trafficking,” “biased agonism,” and “collateral efficacy.” This latter mechanism of selectivity depends on the ligand-related conformation of the receptor and is not compatible with the parsimonious view that agonists produce a single receptor active state. In addition, protean agonism is described, whereby a ligand produces positive agonism in quiescent systems and inverse agonism in constitutively active systems. This is a special case of active state-based selectivity in which the ligand produces an active state that is of lower efficacy than the natural constitutively active state. It is postulated that receptor active-state based selectivity, unlike cell-based functional selectivity, is controllable through the chemical structure of the ligand and is therefore more likely to be a viable avenue for therapeutic selectivity in the clinic. Reasons are given for differentiating receptor active-state based selectivity from conventional functional organ selectivity.
Calculating primary energy and carbon emission factors for the United States' energy sectors

Energy consumption is the main source of most anthropogenic carbon emissions. For effectively reducing carbon emissions, a complete life cycle energy and carbon evaluation of products is important, which takes into account all primary and delivered energy used and lost in the manufacturing process. All delivered energy usage should be converted to primary energy units so that the actual total carbon emissions can be quantified. A set of constants, also known as primary energy factors (PEFs), are used to translate delivered energy into primary energy units. The PEFs can be converted into carbon emission factors (CEFs) using carbon intensities of fuels. To ensure completeness, a PEF for a delivered fuel should be calculated by including all direct and indirect energy consumed and lost in generating and supplying the delivered fuel. Literature points out the need to establish a standard and complete method to calculate PEFs and CEFs. In this paper, we investigate the current state of PEF calculation in order to establish a method to more completely calculate a PEF. We also calculated PEFs and CEFs for the United States' economy using three methods to compare results and highlight the issue of energy double counting. The results demonstrate that a process or input-output-based hybrid method can cover most direct and indirect energy inputs and provide a complete PEF calculation.
Effect of vitamin B-6 deficiency on plasma amino acid levels in chronically azotemic rats.

Chronic renal failure is associated with many abnormalities in plasma amino acids. Since patients with renal failure are frequently deficient in vita min B-6, this study examined whether vitamin B-6 deficiency may be a cause of any of the abnormal plasma amino acid concentrations observed in chronic renal failure. Sham-operated and chronically azotemic rats were pair-fed diets deficient in or replete with vitamin B-6 for 21 d. By the end of 21 d, the EGOT index rose signifi cantly in the B-6-deficient rats but not in the B-6-replete animals. There were several differences in plasma amino acid concentrations between azotemic and control rats. Azotemia and B-6 deficiency each lowered the plasma serine concentration and raised the glycine-to-serine ratio. Plasma glycine was affected by a two-way interaction be tween azotemia and vitamin B-6 deficiency whereby the highest values were found in the sham-operated vitamin B-6-deficient animals. Plasma alanine and asparagine were reduced by B-6 deficiency and unchanged by azotemia. These results suggest that vitamin B-6 deficiency may contribute to several of the abnormalities in the plasma aminograms observed in chronic renal failure J. Nutr. 116: 1865-1872,
Treatment of the single tooth extraction site.

The removal of a tooth initiates a sequence of events including inflammation, epithelialization, and remodeling. Sockets heal by secondary intention, with remodeling continuing to 1 year after the extraction before the site is indistinguishable from adjacent edentulous bone. When a tooth is removed, the empty socket consists of cortical bone known as the lamina dura, torn periodontal ligaments, and a rim of oral epithelium. The socket fills with blood, which clots and seals the socket from the oral environment. The inflammatory stage of healing occurs during the first week. White blood cells enter the site and remove debris and break down remaining bone fragments and other soft tissue remnants. Fibroblasts and capillaries infiltrate the socket. The epithelium migrates down the wall of the socket until it reaches epithelium from the other side or encounters a bed of granulation tissue over which it can migrate. The second week has a large amount of granulation tissue filling the socket. Osteoid deposition begins along the alveolar bone lining the site. These processes continue during the third and fourth weeks, with epithelialization complete by the fourth week and earlier in small sites [1]. Woven bone is formed and fills the extraction site by 8 weeks [2]. Cortical bone continues to be resorbed from the walls of the socket, with new trabecular bone laid down across the socket. As shown by Atwood [3], however, the process of bone remodeling may vary significantly between individuals. The layer of compact bone may fail to regenerate [4], resulting in exposure of the cancellous bone in the alveolar ridge. Further resorption can then occur. Bone loss following tooth extraction may amount to 0.5 mm per year. Bone resorption is affected by overlying pressures
Conspicuous Consumption versus Charitable Behavior in Response to Social Exclusion: A Differential Needs Explanation

Social exclusion has been shown to produce a number of different responses. This research examines the proposition that social exclusion may produce either self-focused or prosocial responses, depending on which needs are threatened. Different types of social exclusion threaten different needs, which in turn produce distinct outcomes (differential needs hypothesis). Social exclusion in the form of being implicitly ignored increased conspicuous consumption, whereas being explicitly rejected increased helping and donation behavior. However, when efficacy needs (power, meaningful existence) were bolstered, the effects of being ignored were eliminated, whereas when relational needs (self-esteem) were bolstered, the effects of being rejected were eliminated. The results indicate that certain types of social exclusion produce prosocial responses, whereas others produce self-focused and attention-getting responses.
Anomalous centriole configurations are detected in Drosophila wing disc cells upon Cdk1 inactivation

The centriole, organizer of the centrosome, duplicates by assembling a unique daughter identical to itself in overall organization and length. The centriole is a cylindrical structure composed of nine sets of microtubules and is thus predicted to have nine-fold symmetry. During duplication, a daughter lacking discrete microtubular organization first appears off the wall of the mother centriole. It increases in length perpendicularly away from the mother and terminates growth when it matches the length of the mother. How a unique daughter of the correct length and overall organization is assembled is unknown. Here, we describe three types of unusual centriole configurations observed in wing imaginal discs of Drosophila following inactivation of Cdk1. First, we observed centriole triplets consisting of one mother and two daughters, which suggested that centrioles have more than one potential site for the assembly of daughters. Second, we observed centriole triplets comprising a grandmother, mother and daughter, which suggested that subsequent centriole duplication cycles do not require separation of mother and daughter centrioles. Finally, we observed centriole pairs in which the daughter is longer than its mother. These findings suggest that regulatory events rather than rigid structural constraints dictate features of the stereotyped duplication program of centrioles.
Oligomeric interactions of sarcolipin and the Ca-ATPase

We have detected directly the interactions of sarcolipin (SLN) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA) by measuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fusion proteins labeled with cyan fluorescent protein (donor) and yellow fluorescent protein (acceptor). SLN is a membrane protein that helps control contractility by regulating SERCA activity in fast-twitch and atrial muscle. Here we used FRET microscopy and spectroscopy with baculovirus expression in insect cells to provide direct evidence for: 1) oligomerization of SLN and 2) regulatory complex formation between SLN and the fast-twitch muscle Ca-ATPase (SERCA1a isoform). FRET experiments demonstrated that SLN monomers self-associate into dimers and higher order oligomers in the absence of SERCA, and that SLN monomers also bind to SERCA monomers in a 1:1 binary complex when the two proteins are coexpressed. FRET experiments further demonstrated that the binding affinity of SLN for itself is similar to that for SERCA. Mutating SLN residue isoleucine-17 to alanine (I17A) decreased the binding affinity of SLN self-association and converted higher order oligomers into monomers and dimers. The I17A mutation also decreased SLN binding affinity for SERCA but maintained 1:1 stoichiometry in the regulatory complex. Thus, isoleucine-17 plays dual roles in determining the distribution of SLN homo-oligomers and stabilizing the formation of SERCA-SLN heterodimers. FRET results for SLN self-association were supported by the effects of SLN expression in bacterial cells. We propose that SLN exists as multiple molecular species in muscle, including SERCA-free (monomer, dimer, oligomer) and SERCA-bound (heterodimer), with transmembrane zipper residues of SLN serving to stabilize oligomeric interactions.
The Influence of Endocrine Effects of Adjuvant Therapy on Quality of Life Outcomes in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors

Significance. There are 2.2 million breast cancer survivors, and approximately 25%–30% of newly diagnosed women each year are <50 years of age. Adjuvant therapy has prolonged survival, but the quality of that survival is influenced by persistent and late effects of therapy. Knowledge of treatment outcomes will assist in the design of interventions to prevent or manage persistent and late effects in survivors. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to review the incidence of gonadal toxicity associated with adjuvant chemotherapy, side effects of endocrine therapy, quality of life outcomes, fertility concerns, and options to preserve fertility in young (<35 years) and young midlife (35–0 yearest cancer su s
America's Rôle in the League of Nations

Whatever may be the present attitude of the people of the United States toward the League of Nations, it now seems clear that the Government of the United States has come to feel the necessity for such an international organization. For several years past, official American cooperation with the League has steadily increased. The situation has now developed to a point where the current formulae for explaining the official attitude are to some extent misleading, and it may serve a useful purpose to trace the changes which have occurred since 1920, to survey the situation as it now exists, and to forecast some of the probabilities for the future.Let us start with the fact that the United States has not ratified the Covenant of the League of Nations and has not accepted the place provided for her in the Assembly and the Council of the League. It is beside the present purpose to explain that fact, to attempt to say whether it is due to drift or to design, or to offer any argument for changing it. Whatever the seven millions of voters who constituted President Harding's majority in 1920 may have desired at that time, the Government of the United States has since interpreted their votes as a determination that the United States should not accept membership in the League, and it has proceeded on the theory that that issue is closed. But if this fact is to be taken as the starting-point, there still remains a question as to the account to be taken by the Government of the United States of other important facts, viz., that the League of Nations continues to exist, that more than fifty governments are vigorously pushing its work and effecting through it their cooperative action, and that much of the organized international life of our time is centered at Geneva.
Quality of life in obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature.

Abstract Objective : To review the literature on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Background : OSA affects nearly one in four men and one in ten women aged 30–60 years in the United States. Health consequences of OSA can include neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular sequela that disrupt professional, family, and social life and negatively impact HRQOL. Methods : We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on HRQOL and OSA, with special attention paid to instruments developed specifically for OSA. Results : Generic instruments used to study HRQOL and OSA include: Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, Nottingham Health Profile, Sickness Impact Profile, Functional Limitations Profile, EuroQol, and Munich Life Quality Dimension List. Specific instruments include: Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Instrument, Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, OSA Patient Oriented Severity Index, the OSA-18, and Cohen's pediatric OSA surgery quality of life questionnaire. Conclusions : OSA patients have impaired HRQOL when compared with healthy age- and gender-matched controls. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure appears to improve HRQOL. Other treatment modalities have not been rigorously studied. In addition, more data are needed from preference-based measures that allow conversion to utility scores, which can be used to calculate quality-adjusted life years and cost-effectiveness ratios.
Über das Additionsprodukt von Triphenylphosphin an Triphenylaluminium

Beim Vereinigen der Benzollosungen von Triphenylphosphin und Triphenylaluminium scheidet sich die Verbindung der Komponenten im Verhaltnis 1:1 aus. Diese zeigt in sehr verdunnten Losungen das halbe Molekulargewicht, jedoch keine Leitfahigkeit. Es findet also Spaltung in die Komponenten, nicht aber Dissoziationen in Radikalionen statt.
Nearest Regularized Subspace for Hyperspectral Classification

A classifier that couples nearest-subspace classification with a distance-weighted Tikhonov regularization is proposed for hyperspectral imagery. The resulting nearest-regularized-subspace classifier seeks an approximation of each testing sample via a linear combination of training samples within each class. The class label is then derived according to the class which best approximates the test sample. The distance-weighted Tikhonov regularization is then modified by measuring distance within a locality-preserving lower-dimensional subspace. Furthermore, a competitive process among the classes is proposed to simplify parameter tuning. Classification results for several hyperspectral image data sets demonstrate superior performance of the proposed approach when compared to other, more traditional classification techniques.
A Sonographer's View of Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum

This comprehensive overview of agenesis of the corpus callosum, including two case presentations, discusses not only the ultrasonic appearance and diagnosis of this congenital malformation, but the function, location, pathogenesis, etiology, clinical picture, and other modes of diagnosis. This is especially important for the ultrasonographer who is responsible for recognizing the sonographic manifestations of the various neurologic anomalies that can be demonstrated.
Superdirective miniature antennas embedded within magnetic photonic crystals

In this paper, we specifically consider the performance of printed antennas embedded within the magnetic photonic crystals (MPC) structure. As part of this process, we develop and implement Green's functions for multilayered anisotropic media and employ them in the context of the moment method (MoM) to evaluate the printed dipole currents. As is shown, miniature dipole arrays can be realized with significant gain and narrow beamwidths.
Subsurface geometry of the San Andreas‐Calaveras fault junction: Influence of serpentinite and the Coast Range Ophiolite

While an enormous amount of research has been focused on trying to understand the geologic history and neotectonics of the San Andreas-Calaveras fault (SAF-CF) junction, fundamental questions concerning fault geometry and mechanisms for slip transfer through the junction remain. We use potential-field, geologic, geodetic, and seismicity data to investigate the 3-D geologic framework of the SAF-CF junction and identify potential slip-transferring structures within the junction. Geophysical evidence suggests that the San Andreas and Calaveras fault zones dip away from each other within the northern portion of the junction, bounding a triangular-shaped wedge of crust in cross section. This wedge changes shape to the south as fault geometries change and fault activity shifts between fault strands, particularly along the Calaveras fault zone (CFZ). Potential-field modeling and relocated seismicity suggest that the Paicines and San Benito strands of the CFZ dip 65° to 70° NE and form the southwest boundary of a folded 1 to 3 km thick tabular body of Coast Range Ophiolite (CRO) within the Vallecitos syncline. We identify and characterize two steeply dipping, seismically active cross structures within the junction that are associated with serpentinite in the subsurface. The architecture of the SAF-CF junction presented in this study may help explain fault-normal motions currently observed in geodetic data and help constrain the seismic hazard. The abundance of serpentinite and related CRO in the subsurface is a significant discovery that not only helps constrain the geometry of structures but may also help explain fault behavior and the tectonic evolution of the SAF-CF junction.
The Role of Coercion in Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers

Abstract The impact of coercion in rehabilitation of drug abusers was examined in study of a population of drug abusers in treatment programs in South Jersey. The experimental group consisted of patients in treatment through the TASC program, while the control group were patients who had voluntarily committed themselves to treatment. A validated interview schedule was utilized for both coerced and non-coerced groups. Data analysis utilized analysis of conlingcncy tables involving X2 tests of significance and Pearsons Correlation Coefficients, as well as one-way and two-way analysis of variance. This study found that coercion facilitates success for certain population groups (e.g,. older, longer term heroin addicts), only by certain criteria (e.g., arrest and abstinence) for certain treatment settings (e.g. drug-free vs. methadone maintenance programs). Confirmation of the maturing out process with regard to treatment of heroin addicts was also noted. Based on study findings, and literature review, a numbe...
Binding of long-chain fatty acids to bovine serum albumin

We have studied the binding of long-chain free fatty acids (FFA) to crystalline bovine serum albumin (BSA) that had been extracted with charcoal to remove endogenous fatty acids. The data were analyzed in terms of a model consisting of six high-energy binding sites and a large number of weak binding sites. The high-energy sites were resolved into two distinct classes, each containing three sites. At 37 degrees C and pH 7.4, k'(1) (the apparent association constant of a class of binding sites) was about 10(6) m(-1) for binding to the three primary sites, and k'(2) was about 10(5) m(-1) for binding to the three secondary sites. The number of weak (tertiary) sites was estimated to be 63 with a k'(3) of 10(3) m(-1). In general, palmitate and palmitoleate were bound more tightly than oleate, linoleate, stearate, or myristate, and much more tightly than laurate. The association of palmitate with human and rabbit albumin also was analyzed in terms of this model. Palmitate was bound less firmly by human or rabbit albumin than by BSA. Palmitate binding to BSA was dependent upon the pH and temperature of the incubation medium. Long-chain hydrocarbons that did not contain a free carboxyl group (methyl palmitate, cetyl alcohol, and hexadecane) were bound to a limited extent and weakly. The presence of positively charged protein sites and native protein tertiary structure were required for maximal binding of palmitate to BSA. Of nine other proteins tested, only -lactoglobulin exhibited a significant capacity to bind palmitate.
Children’s Environmental Health: Beyond National Boundaries

Children are especially vulnerable to environmental pollution, a major cause of disease, death, and disability in countries at every level of development. This article reviews threats to children, including air and water pollution, toxic industrial chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, and hazardous wastes. Global climate change is expected to exacerbate many of these issues. Examples of innovative nongovernmental organizations and governmental programs that address the impacts of environmental hazards on children are included. International travel, adoption, migration, and movement of goods and pollutants worldwide make these conditions concerns for all pediatricians.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery in the Management of Vestibular Schwannoma and Glomus Jugulare: Indications, Techniques, and Results

Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKS) has become an important management strategy for an increasing number of patients with skull base tumors. For select patients with lateral skull base disorders, given the proximity to sensitive critical structures such as the brainstem, cranial nerves, and cochlea, this technology has emerged as a first-line treatment to achieve the paramount goals of long-term tumor control and maintenance of existing neurologic function. This article reviews the indications, technique, and results of GKS for the treatment of vestibular schwannoma and glomus jugulare tumors, and highlights our experience in treating these tumors at the Mayo Clinic.
Optimizing finite resources: Pharmacist chart reviews in an outpatient kidney transplant clinic

Abstract Objective To determine if a pharmacist-executed comprehensive chart review could serve as sufficient substitution for direct participation during outpatient clinic visits in the postdischarge follow-up treatment of kidney transplant recipients. Design Retrospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional study. Setting Acute and chronic transplant clinics at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Participants 219 individual kidney transplant recipients. Main outcome measures Effectiveness of chart review assessments (with written notes) as compared with in-clinic assessments (with verbal communication with transplant providers followed by documentation by pharmacists). An independent transplant provider graded pharmacist recommendations by severity. All recommendations were compared with the provider's plan to determine if the recommendations were incorporated. Results During the 3-month study period, 170 pharmacist chart reviews were written and 175 clinic visits involved direct pharmacist participation. Providers accepted a greater percentage of recommendations that were delivered directly compared with recommendations presented via a note in the patient folder following chart review (92% vs. 28%, respectively; P Conclusion The results of this study suggest that comprehensive chart review by pharmacists prior to patient clinic visits may not be as effective as in-person consultation in communicating recommendations to providers. Further research is needed in similar clinic settings.
"Pretend you didn't hear that"--managing ethical dilemmas from the bottom of a medical hierarchy.

Joe Hopeful, a third-year medical student, is on his dermatology rotation. He is planning to apply in the field, and he hopes to receive a letter of recommendation from a well-known surgical attending, Dr Malaprop. A visiting female postgraduate year-3 dermatology resident interviews for a Mohs micrographic surgery fellowship position during Joe’s rotation. One afternoon, Joe overhears the current fellow asking the attending what she thinks of the applicant. Dr Malaprop responds by saying ‘‘the applicant has an impressive resume; however, she recently had a baby, and I have hesitations over whether she can fully commit to the fellowship. A couple years ago, I made a mistake by taking on a fellow who was a new mother. I can’t afford to do that again.’’ Noticing Joe in the corner, Dr Malaprop turns to him and says, ‘‘Pretend you didn’t hear that.’’
Aristophanes on the Noble

This paper examines the extent to which, and the grounds on which, Aristophanes is a conservative defender of the noble virtues of the fighters at Marathon. To do so, it examines in particular the Clouds, Frogs, and Birds. It finds that Aristophanes’ emphasis on the importance of to kalon in the sense of beauty undercuts and limits his emphasis on the importance of to kalon in the sense of noble self-sacrifice or self-control. Aristophanes’ conservatism thus includes and perhaps rests on his radicalism.
Patient choice in opt-in, active choice, and opt-out HIV screening: randomized clinical trial

Study question What is the effect of default test offers—opt-in, opt-out, and active choice—on the likelihood of acceptance of an HIV test among patients receiving care in an emergency department? Methods This was a randomized clinical trial conducted in the emergency department of an urban teaching hospital and regional trauma center. Patients aged 13-64 years were randomized to opt-in, opt-out, and active choice HIV test offers. The primary outcome was HIV test acceptance percentage. The Denver Risk Score was used to categorize patients as being at low, intermediate, or high risk of HIV infection. Study answer and limitations 38.0% (611/1607) of patients in the opt-in testing group accepted an HIV test, compared with 51.3% (815/1628) in the active choice arm (difference 13.3%, 95% confidence interval 9.8% to 16.7%) and 65.9% (1031/1565) in the opt-out arm (difference 27.9%, 24.4% to 31.3%). Compared with active choice testing, opt-out testing led to a 14.6 (11.1 to 18.1) percentage point increase in test acceptance. Patients identified as being at intermediate and high risk were more likely to accept testing than were those at low risk in all arms (difference 6.4% (3.4% to 9.3%) for intermediate and 8.3% (3.3% to 13.4%) for high risk). The opt-out effect was significantly smaller among those reporting high risk behaviors, but the active choice effect did not significantly vary by level of reported risk behavior. Patients consented to inclusion in the study after being offered an HIV test, and inclusion varied slightly by treatment assignment. The study took place at a single county hospital in a city that is somewhat unique with respect to HIV testing; although the test acceptance percentages themselves might vary, a different pattern for opt-in versus active choice versus opt-out test schemes would not be expected. What this paper adds Active choice is a distinct test regimen, with test acceptance patterns that may best approximate patients’ true preferences. Opt-out regimens can substantially increase HIV testing, and opt-in schemes may reduce testing, compared with active choice testing. Funding, competing interests, data sharing This study was supported by grant NIA 1RC4AG039078 from the National Institute on Aging. The full dataset is available from the corresponding author. Consent for data sharing was not obtained, but the data are anonymized and risk of identification is low. Trial registration Clinical trials NCT01377857.
Responses of neoplasms to local immunotherapy.

Cell-mediated immune challenge reactions to diverse antigens at tumor sites result in regressions of various types of malignant lesions. Regressions of accessible lesions vary from partial to complete and last from several months to more than 5 years. Combination of immunotherapy with other treatment modalities resulted in augmentation of antitumor effects. The required cell-mediated immunocompetence may be attained by several methods of immunopotentiation or by transfer. Antitumor activities of challenge reactions are selective for tumor cells and appear to be independent of the types of antigens used or the types of malignant neoplasms. Preliminary studies indicate that noncellular mediators derived from lymphocytes and monocytes induce antitumor activities that may be significant in the regressions of neoplasms induced by cell-mediated challenge reactions.