cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age-Dependent Changes in the Midsized Neurofilament Subunit in Sensory-Motor Systems of the Cat Brainstem An Immunocytochemical Study

This study documents age-related changes in the immunoreactivity of the medium-molecular weight subunit of neurofilaments in sensory and motor neurons in the brainstem of the cat. In old age, there was a clear decrease in immunoreactivity in the following brainstem sensory and motor nuclei: sensory trigeminal, gracile, cuneate, and facial motor. Only a few neuronal perikarya and dendrites were labeled in these nuclei in old cats; moreover, when present, the labeling was weak. In contrast, in adult cats, these nuclei contained intensely stained neuronal perikarya and dendrites. In other sensory and motor nuclei of the brainstem, there was an obvious age-related increase in the immunoreactivity of the medium-molecular weight subunit of neurofilaments in the perikarya. Despite different patterns of age-related alterations in immunoreactivity within perikarya and dendrites in distinct brainstem regions, most sensory and motor axons in old cats were smaller than those in adult cats. A decrease in the medium-molecular weight neurofilament subunit in the dendrites may be the basis for the dendritic atrophy that has been shown to occur in sensory nuclei in old animals. The decrease in axonal size is likely to be one of the causes of the decrease in axonal conduction velocity, in these neurons, that was reported in our previous studies.
Overview of Materials International Space Station Experiment 7B

Materials International Space Station Experiment 7B (MISSE 7B) is the most recent in a series of experiments flown on the exterior of International Space Station for the purpose of determining the durability of materials and components in the space environment. A collaborative effort among the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, industry, and academia, MISSE 7B will be flying a number of NASA experiments designed to gain knowledge in the area of space environmental effects to mitigate risk for exploration missions. Consisting of trays called Passive Experiment Containers, the suitcase sized payload opens on hinges and allows active and passive experiments contained within to be exposed to the ram and wake or zenith and nadir directions in low Earth orbit, in essence, providing a test bed for atomic oxygen exposure, ultraviolet radiation exposure, charged particle radiation exposure, and thermal cycling. New for MISSE 7B is the ability to monitor experiments actively, with data sent back to Earth via International Space Station communications. NASA?s active and passive experiments cover a range of interest for the Agency. Materials relevant to the Constellation Program include: solar array materials, seal materials, and thermal protection system materials. Materials relevant to the Exploration Technology Development Program include: fabrics for spacesuits, materials for lunar dust mitigation, and new thermal control coatings. Sensors and components on MISSE 7B include: atomic oxygen fluence monitors, ultraviolet radiation sensors, and electro-optical components. In addition, fundamental space environmental durability science experiments are being flown to gather atomic oxygen erosion data and thin film polymer mechanical and optical property data relevant to lunar lander insulation and the James Web Space Telescope. This paper will present an overview of the NASA experiments to be flown on MISSE 7B, along with a summary of the thermal environment to be expected during the 1 yr mission scheduled for launch in 2009.
A Liberal Theory of Civic Virtue

A democratic society cannot flourish if its citizens merely pursue their own narrow interests. If it is to do more than survive, at least a substantial proportion of its citizens must fulfill responsibilities that go beyond simply avoiding the violation of others' rights and occasionally casting a vote. The vitality and success of a democracy requires that many citizens — ideally all of them — contribute something to their communities and participate responsibly in the political process. The disposition to do these things is a large part of what constitutes civic virtue. But that virtue encompasses considerably more. My task here is to explore civic virtue. I first outline a conception of virtue in general and, with that set out, pursue the question of what makes a virtue civic. My special concern is to articulate what constitutes civic virtue in relation to an enduring problem for democratic societies and especially for the pluralistic democracies of the Western world: how to determine what constitutes a proper relation between religion and politics and, in the lives of religious citizens having civic virtue, an appropriate balance between religious and secular considerations.
Psychoactive medicinal and nonmedicinal drug use among high school students.

Although concern has been voiced regarding the medical profession9s relationship to nonmedicinal drug use, few data are available. In a random sample of more than 1,000 New Haven area high school students, nonmedicinal use was 1.9 to 11 times greater among those students with a history of three or more recommendations of a psychoactive drug by a physician as compared to those students who had never received such a recommendation. The relationship between medicinal psychoactive drugs and nonmedicinal drug use persisted while potentially confounding variables were controlled and was statistically significant for cigarettes, marijuana, amphetamines, barbiturates, and heroin use with odds ratios of 2.0, 1.6, 3.1, 4.0 and 6.2, respectively. The relationships of cigarette, marijuana, amphetamine, and heroin use to physician recommendation of a psychoactive drug appeared to be as strong as those of previously identified correlates of nonmedicinal drug use. The results were not attributable to artifacts of reporting. Although causal mechanisms cannot be inferred from these cross-sectional data, the results may have implications for preventive programs aimed at decreasing nonmedicinal drug use.
Alternative overwintering strategies in an Antarctic midge: freezing vs. cryoprotective dehydration

Summary 1. Cryoprotective dehydration is a relatively new addition to our understanding of freeze avoidance strategies employed by polar invertebrates. Although the underlying cellular processes associated with this strategy are similar to those of freeze tolerance, little is known about potential trade-offs of overwintering in these physiological states. 2. This study compares the potential of larvae of the terrestrial midge Belgica antarctica (Diptera, Chironomidae) to overwinter in these two states. As the only insect with the capacity to tolerate freezing and to cryoprotectively dehydrate, it is an ideal model to compare the benefits and costs of these strategies. 3. Compared to summer-acclimated larvae, supercooling points of winter-acclimatized larvae were significantly depressed and were lower than observed minima for their microhabitat temperatures. Thus, if larvae avoid inoculative freezing from environmental ice, they could remain unfrozen via cryoprotective dehydration. 4. Both frozen and cryoprotectively dehydrated larvae readily survived a 32-day exposure to simulated overwintering temperatures. 5. Freezing had little effect on larval body water content and haemolymph osmolality. In contrast, cryoprotective dehydration at 5 °C resulted in a progressive loss of body water, ultimately reducing larval water content by 62%. This level of dehydration corresponded to an increase in haemolymph osmolality to c. 2750 mOsm kg 1 , depressing the haemolymph melting point to 49 °C. 6. Freezing and cryoprotective dehydration resulted in distinctly different patterns of glycogen breakdown. Whereas the glycogen content decreased only during the first 14 days in cryoprotectively dehydrated larvae, frozen larvae continued to break down glycogen throughout the 32-day subzero exposure. However, after recovery at 0 °C for 5 days, glycogen levels were similar in these two groups, as were the levels of total lipids. 7. Our results indicate that freezing and cryoprotective dehydration are both effective in promoting winter survival of larvae, with surprisingly few differences in energetic costs. Whether larvae freeze or become cryoprotectively dehydrated ultimately depends on the hydric condition of their microhabitat. The physiological flexibility of B. antarctica to overwinter in these alternative states likely contributed to its range distribution that extends further south than any other free-living insect.
Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14-94

ABSTRACT Introduction Despite a demonstrated relationship between sexual behaviors and health, including clinical risks, little is known about contemporary sexual behavior. Aims To assess the rates of sexual behavior among adolescents and adults in the United States. Methods We report the recent (past month, past year) and lifetime prevalence of sexual behaviors in a nationally representative probability sample of 5,865 men and women ages 14 to 94 in the United States (2,936 men, 2,929 women). Main Outcome Measures Behaviors assessed included solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, giving and receiving oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse. Results Masturbation was common throughout the lifespan and more common than partnered sexual activities during adolescence and older age (70+). Although uncommon among 14- to 15-year olds, in the past year 18.3% of 16- to 17-year-old males and 22.4% of 16- to 17-year-old females performed oral sex with an other-sex partner. Also in the past year, more than half of women and men ages 18 to 49 engaged in oral sex. The proportion of adults who reported vaginal sex in the past year was highest among men ages 25–39 and for women ages 20–29, then progressively declined among older age groups. More than 20% of men ages 25–49 and women ages 20–39 reported anal sex in the past year. Same-sex sexual behaviors occurring in the past year were uncommonly reported. Conclusions Men and women engage in a diverse range of solo and partnered sexual behaviors throughout the life course. The rates of contemporary sexual behavior provided in this report will be valuable to those who develop, implement, and evaluate programs that seek to improve societal knowledge related to the prevalence of sexual behaviors and to sexual health clinicians whose work to improve sexual health among the population often requires such rates of behavior. Herbenick D, Reece M, Schick V, Sanders SA, Dodge B, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14–94. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):255–265.
P2F-2 Piecewise-Linear Approximation for Improved Accuracy in Near-Field Ultrasound Simulation

Computer simulation is an important tool for the design of phased array ultrasonic systems. FIELD II, which determines the two-way temporal response of a transducer at a point in space, is the current de facto standard for ultrasound simulation tools [Jensen, et. al., 1992]. However, our laboratory has recently described [Ellis, et. al., 2006] a complementary tool, entitled DELFI, which is optimized for prediction of spatial responses at a single instant in time. This tool makes use of an analytical approach by defining the impulse response as delta functions or sums of unit step or unit ramp functions. Here we have modified this original DELFI tool, removing any far-field assumptions, to achieve a significant increase in accuracy for near-field applications, with only a slight loss in computational efficiency. For applications requiring a spatial response at a single instant in time, new DELFI is roughly 110 times faster than FIELD-triangles for similar amounts of error and 9 times more accurate than original DELFI at a computational cost factor of 1.3. For spatio-temporal applications, new DELFI has about the same computational efficiency as FIELD-triangles for similar amounts of error and is 9.3 times more accurate than original DELFI at a computational cost factor of 1.5
Within- and cross-participant classifiers reveal different neural coding of information

article i nfo Analyzing distributed patterns of brain activation using multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) has become a popular approach for using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to predict mental states. While the majority of studies currently build separate classifiers for each participant in the sample, in principle a single classifier can be derived from and tested on data from all participants. These two approaches, within- and cross-participant classification, rely on potentially different sources of variability and thus may provide distinct information about brain function. Here, we used both approaches to identify brain regions that contain information about passively received monetary rewards (i.e., images of currency that influenced participant payment) and social rewards (i.e., images of human faces). Our within- participant analyses implicated regions in the ventral visual processing stream—including fusiform gyrus and primary visual cortex—and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Two key results indicate these regions may contain statistically discriminable patterns that contain different informational representations. First, cross-participant analyses implicated additional brain regions, including striatum and anterior insula. The cross-participant analyses also revealed systematic changes in predictive power across brain regions, with the pattern of change consistent with the functional properties of regions. Second, individual differences in classifier performance in VMPFC were related to individual differences in preferences between our two reward modalities. We interpret these results as reflecting a distinction between patterns showing participant-specific functional organization and those indicating aspects of brain organization that generalize across individuals.
Effects of race and ethnicity on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and heart rate in three ethnic populations: comparative studies in African-Americans, African immigrants (Ghanaians), and white Americans using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

We sought to examine the association of insulin, insulin sensitivity, and blood pressure using ambulatory blood pressure monitor in three ethnically distinct populations. The study population comprised the following. Group 1 (n = 31): African-Americans; Group 2 (n = 27): recent African immigrants; and Group 3 (n = 31): white Americans who were residing in Franklin County, Ohio. Quantitative insulin sensitivity index (Si) was obtained using the minimal model method in both groups of African ancestry and white Americans. The mean insulin sensitivity index (Si) was similar in the African-Americans (3.23 +/- 0.47 x (10)-4 x [min-l x microU/mL (-1)])(-l) and African immigrants (2.53 +/- 0.27). However, these Si values were significantly (P < .01) lower in people of African ancestry than in white Americans (6.56 +/- 1.07). The mean systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rates (HR) during 24-h and daytime periods were not significantly different in the African-Americans and African immigrants. During the night, whereas the mean SBP was not different in the three groups, DBP and HR were significantly (P < .05) higher in both groups of African ancestry than in white Americans. However, we found no significant relationships among serum insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, and ambulatory blood pressure (systolic and diastolic and mean arterial pressure) and heart rates in any of the groups. In summary, our present study demonstrates that people of African ancestry manifest 1) significantly lower insulin sensitivity indices and 2) blunted physiologic reduction in nocturnal DBP and HR when compared to white Americans who reside in the same environment. We speculate that these chronobiological alterations in BP and HR in blacks appear to be genetically determined.
Detection of persistent microcystin toxins at the land-sea interface in Monterey Bay, California

Abstract Blooms of toxin-producing Microcystis aeruginosa occur regularly in freshwater systems throughout California, but until recently potential impacts in the coastal ocean have been largely ignored. Twenty-one sites in and around Monterey Bay were surveyed for evidence of microcystin toxin (2010–2011) at the land–sea interface. Following this initial survey four major watersheds in the Monterey Bay area were surveyed (2011–2013) for microcystin concentration, nutrients, alkalinity and water temperature to identify potential environmental factors correlated with the abundance of microcystin at the land–sea interface. During the first year microcystin was detected in 15 of 21 sites. Data from years two and three were analyzed by principal components analysis and mixed effects model. Results indicated that coastal nutrient loading (nitrate, phosphate silicate, ammonium, urea), were statistically significant predictors of the microcystin concentrations in the watersheds with clear evidence for seasonality at some sites. Microcystin was frequently at highest concentration in the autumn; however, at some locations high levels of toxin were measured during spring. Because this toxin has the ability to biomagnify and persist within food webs, elevated levels within the watershed may decrease potential for health and survival of wildlife and humans exposed to freshwater and marine waters. The widespread occurrence of microcystin at low to moderate levels throughout the year and throughout the sampled watersheds demonstrates the potential difficulty for management.
Mechanisms for the mechanical response of airway smooth muscle to length oscillation.

Shen, X., M. F. Wu, R. S. Tepper, and S. J. Gunst. Mechanisms for the mechanical response of airway smooth muscle to length oscillation. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(3): 731–738, 1997.—Airway smooth muscle...
Strain Variation in Albumen Quality Decline of Hen’s Eggs

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION THE initial quality of fresh shell eggs varies among breeds and strains. As early as 1934 Knox and Godfrey noted that eggs from White Leghorn hens had a significantly greater percentage of thick white than eggs from Rhode Island Red hens. Grimes (1953) observed that standard-bred strains tended to produce eggs of superior albumen quality when compared with eggs laid by crossbred and incrossbred “strains” although the quality of eggs from the standard-bred strains was less uniform. The fact that breeds and strains do lay eggs of significantly different albumen quality has been supported by many other workers including Dawson et al. (1953), Cotterill and Winter (1954), Johnson and Gowe (1956) and King and Hall (1955). Several studies have shown that initial albumen quality is an inherited trait. Lorenz, Taylor and Almquist (1934) developed high and low quality lines based on percentage of thick albumen in the eggs. Knox . . .
Alternative Oxidants for High-Power Fuel Cells Studied by Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) Voltammetry at Pt, Au, and Glassy Carbon Electrodes

Oxygen (O2) reduction has long been the factor limiting the power density of most fuel cells. Membraneless, microfluidic fuel cells are a promising new fuel cell technology, yet they are affected e...
Spin Polarized Inelastic Electron Scattering From Ni (110)

The spin dependent energy loss mechanisms in low-energy electron scattering from a ferromagnetic Ni(110) surface are studied. It is shown that exchange scattering can be the dominant loss mechanism for small energy losses. The energy-, angle and temperature dependence of spin asymmetries are studied in detail.
Study of Involute Spur Gear Module Based on Unigraphics

The process is introduced that developed a module of involute spur gear with UG/OPEN API,and combined the method that designed the application of involute spur gear with UG/OPEN GRIP.This method successfully designed the model of parametric involute spur gear。
Clinical Characteristics of Renal Vascular Hypertension in Children

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of renal vascular hypertension(RVH) in children. Methods The clinical data of 10 patients with RVH were collected in the Children′s Hospital of Tianjin.The distribution of causes,clinical manifestations,laboratory data and therapy were retrospectively analyzed.SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results Congenital disease accounted for 80%(8/10 cases).The headache was the mostly common in clinical earlier period(5/10 cases),and hypertensive encephalopathy onset accounted for 30%(3/10 cases),60%(6/10 cases) patients′ kidneys were involved in and 70%(7/10 cases)patients′ hearts were involved in.Sixty-three percent(5/8 cases) patients′ renin levels of morning blood plasma were increased,5 patients′ renin levels of both renal vein and inferior vena were determined,which showed that renal vein renin levels of the narrow side were higher than contralateral renal vein and inferior vena,and the difference had statistically significant(P0.05).To compare multilayer spiral CT angiography(MSCTA)with digital subtraction angiography,only 1 child with both kidneys renal arterial stenosis missed diagnosis of left kidneys renal arterial stenosis during MSCTA examination,and the results of 2 examination methods showed location and degree of renal artery stenosis,which were totally in conformity in the rest patients.All cases with RVH were serious,hard to controll high blood pressure by medicine,and 80% children applied more than 2 kinds of drug in combination.One patient performed percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty,and another one performed percuta-neous transluminal renal angioplasty stenting implantation,systolic pressure fell 2 kPa more after operation,and hypotensive drug reduced. Conclusions Among children with RVH,congenital disease accounts majority,they defect specificity symptom in clinical earlier period and are easy to be misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.RVH may cause important organ damages such as heart,brain,kidney.Determination of renin levels can help to diagnose.At some extent,MSCTA can instead of traumatic selected renal arteriography;endovascular treatment used in childhood RVH get some therapeutic effect.
Changes of primary higher alcohols during the traditional and new rice wine fermentation process

The gas chromatography method was used to determine the primary higher alcohols,such as n-propyl alcohol,isobutyl alcohol,isoamyl alcohol,β-phenylethyl alcohol,during the traditional and new rice wine fermentation,respectively.The results indicated that the total higher alcohols content increased along with the fermentation,and the increment during the primary fermentation was obviously faster than that of later fermentation.In the new fermentation process,82% of higher alcohols content was synthesized in the primary fermentation stage,whereas,the value was 73% in the traditional technology.When the fermentation was over,the total higher alcohols content of new technology was 56.60mg/L,which was higher than that of the traditional one.The ratio of n-propyl alcohol,isobutyl alcohol,isoamyl alcohol and β-phenylethyl alcohol was close to 1∶2∶5∶1,which had no obvious change during the fermentation and was not dependent on the type of fermentation process.
Abciximab added to urokinase increased amputation-free survival in peripheral arterial occlusion of the legs.

Source Citation Duda SH, Tepe G, Luz O, et al. Peripheral artery occlusion: treatment with abciximab plus urokinase versus with urokinase alone: a randomized pilot trial (the PROMPT Study). Radiolo...
[Frontiers in Live Bone Imaging Researches. Two-Photon Excitation Microscopy, principles and technologies].

The "two photon absorption" phenomenon had been predicted by the American Physicist, Maria Ghoppert-Mayer in 1931. Denk and Webb group had proved it in 1990 and the first product had been launched in the market in 1996. But ever since the product became available, the number of users are not increased. Moreover, the system had been too difficult to use and the system sometimes stay not working in labs. But recently, the new easier-to-use products are released and the ultra short pulse IR laser became stable. And its applications are extending from neuro-science to oncology or immunology fields. Due to these reasons, the shipment of multi-photon microscope in Japan in 2013 is approximately 40 units which is 3 times bigger than in 2010. In this paper, I would like to discuss the principles of two-photon microscopy and some of the new technologies for the higher signal capture efficiency.
Generational and Cultural Changes in Family Life in the United Arab Emirates: A Comparison of Mothers and Daughters

An exploratory study of daughters and their mothers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), guided by modernity theory is reported. The UAE has come from a desert nomadic culture to a high tech oil rich...
Young Adults' Retrospective Perceptions of Parenting

In recent years, social and cultural norms have evolved together with accelerated changes in our society. These changes have, in turn, influenced children's expectations of their parents. While mothers have been considered primary caregivers for centuries and are often considered more influential than fathers, fathers also attempt to act in the best interests of their children. This study examined selected long-term outcomes of parenting by mothers and fathers on young adults. An online survey was conducted in the Midwest, USA, to assess young adult' retrospective perceptions of the parenting they received from their parents (N = 1,208). Path analysis was used to examine paternal and maternal parenting effects on the young adults’ developmental outcomes. Respondents' perceptions of father availability were examined in relation to perceptions of parent' parenting quality. Paternal parenting and maternal parenting had different roles in shaping young adult respondent' self-esteem, socio-emotional maturity, academic attitude, and selfefficacy. Implications of these findings for supporting effective parents are discussed.
Trends in Marine Foraging in Precontact and Historic Leeward Kohala, Hawai'i Island

Traditional Hawaiian fishing and marine exploitation have been studied using both ethnographic and archaeological approaches, but few studies have attempted to investigate intensity of marine foraging over time at a regional scale. In this paper we examine Hawaiian exploitation of the marine ecosystem of the leeward coast of Kohala, located on the northern tip of Hawai‘i Island. Over 158,000 specimens of fish, mollusks, arthropods, and echinoderms were recovered during archaeological excavation of 57 precontact (i.e., pre–AD 1778) residential features. These residences span a period of roughly 500 yr and are located both along the coast and in the interior. For these sites, we analyzed taxonomic abundance (NISP), number of taxa (NTAXA), taxonomic evenness, prey indices, and body-size changes over time. Results indicate that intensity of marine foraging increased over time, mirroring trends in increased numbers of residences (and inferred increases in human population size). There were no apparent declines in abundance of particular marine taxa. There were some differences in movement of marine resources into the upland Leeward Kohala Field System (LKFS), with larger-sized fish, mollusks, and echinoderms transported in increasing numbers. Examination of changes in body size suggest significant harvest pressure on fish and mollusks during the first 400 yr of human occupation and population rebound following human abandonment of the region in the postcontact period.
Modeling the water permeability and water/salt selectivity tradeoff in polymer membranes

A theoretical framework is proposed to model the observed water/salt permeability, diffusivity, and sorption selectivity tradeoff relationships with water permeability, diffusion, and sorption coefficients. Salt sorption is modeled using an electrostatic (or dielectric) exclusion approach. Water and salt diffusion are modeled using hindered diffusion and free volume theories. The modeling approach suggested here is compared to a set of water and salt transport property data measured using a wide variety of polymers. The models describe the general trends observed in the tradeoff relationships but also situations where penetrant-polymer interactions and/or other system specific effects are likely significant. The approach also highlights the importance of convective frame of reference and thermodynamic correction factors in the analysis of water diffusion in hydrated polymers. These corrections are discussed within the framework of experimental data from a variety of hydrated polymer systems. The expanded tradeoff relationship data set and theoretical framework help to expand insight into the fundamental phenomena that govern water and salt transport in polymer membranes for desalination applications.
14q32 Abnormalities and 13q Deletions Are Common in Primary Systemic Amyloidosis Using Cytoplasmic Immunoglobulin Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (cIg-FISH).

Background: Primary systemic amyloidosis is an uncommon plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by organ deposition of immunoglobulin light or heavy chain fragments. It is related to the other plasma cell dyscrasias such as multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. cIg-FISH on bone marrow plasma cells has become well established in the initial evaluation of myeloma as the t(4;14), t(14;16),13q-, and the 17p- abnormality are of major prognostic value. The corresponding data does not exist in amyloidosis, as there are only three small studies published to date. Methods: Using a prospectively held dysproteinemia database, we reviewed all cases of amyloidosis seen at our institution who had cIg-FISH or cytogenetics performed as part of their routine clinical testing. Three hundred thirty nine patients were identified with amyloidosis and cytogenetic testing. Of these 69 had cIg-FISH testing results. cIg-FISH was performed with fluorescent-tagged antibodies to kappa/lambda immunoglobulin and FISH probes corresponding to the following anomalies: trisomies 3, 7, 9 and 15; del17p/-17; -13/del13q; 14q32 split; and t(11;14). CCND1/IGH. If an IGH rearrangement was detected that did not involve CCNDI, we also evaluated t(4;14) or IGH/FGFR3 and t(14;16) or IGH/c-MAF. These probes constitute the standard screening panel used in MM at our institution. Results: The study population had a median age of 61 years with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Median follow up time was 13.5 months. By conventional cytogenetics, 88% of patients had no detectable abnormality. In contrast, only 33% were normal by cIg-FISH. The abnormalities demonstrated were 28% 13-/del13q, 42% IgH translocation, 33% t(11;14), and 3% t(14;16). No patients had a -17/del 17p- or t(4;14). Nine patients had del13q/-13 with an IgH translocation, with 7 of these having t(11;14). Both t(14;16) patients had del 13q. A trend towards increased mortality was seen in patient with any abnormality (p=0.11), but this could not be demonstrated for any single abnormality, likely due to lack of statistical power. There was no correlation between renal involvement or cardiac involvement and cIg-FISH results. Conclusion: The majority of chromosomal abnormalities in amyloidosis are undetected by conventional cytogenetics. With further study, chromosomal abnormalities may carry the same prognostic value in amyloidosis that they currently enjoy in myeloma. This effect may be independent of currently recognized risk factors. | Abnormality | Amyloidosis % (n=69) | |:--------------- | -------------------- | | Normal | 33(23) | | −13/del13q | 28(19) | | IgH Abnormality | 42(29) | | t(4;14) | 0(0) | | t(11;14) | 33(23) | | t(14;16) | 3(2) | | del 17 | 0(0) | | Other | 3(2) | Chromosomal abnormalities in Amyloidosis as detected by cIg-FISH
Self-Efficacy and Salesperson Job Involvement as Mediators of the Emotional Intelligence – Creativity Relationship

Creative performance is needed in the sales profession as individual and organizational success depends on supplying innovative and useful solutions for their customers (Chonko and Jones 2005; Lassk and Shepherd forthcoming). Recognizing its important role, creativity is often listed as an essential characteristic of successful salespeople and sales managers (for example, Dubinsky and Ingram 1983; Weitz, Castleberry and Tanner 2009). Emerging research has shown that a leader’s emotional intelligence positively supports field members’ creative performance (Rego et al. 2007; Zhou and George 2003). Using a sample of 460 field members, this study extends this research by exploring how a field member’s perception of their immediate business leader’s emotional intelligence impacts his/her creativity and key individual variables, self-efficacy and job involvement.
Feasibility of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis: Rationale and design of the Low Risk TAVR (LRT) study.

Background Safety and effectiveness of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in low-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis have not yet been established. Hypothesis Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is feasible in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis and low risk for surgical aortic valve replacement. Design The LRT study is the first US Food and Drug Administration–approved Investigational Device Exemption prospective multicenter feasibility trial of TAVR in low-risk patients. Patients determined to be low risk by the Heart Team will be enrolled to undergo TAVR with a commercially available balloon-expandable or self-expandable device. A propensity score–matched, site-specific cohort of historical surgical aortic valve replacement patients will serve as a control group treated during the site's enrollment period or within the prior 3 years. Low-risk patients with symptomatic bicuspid aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR will be enrolled into a separate registry arm. All TAVR patients will undergo 4-dimensional contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography 4-6 weeks after implantation to assess for subclinical leaflet thrombosis and will be followed up clinically for 5 years with yearly echocardiography to monitor prosthesis function. Summary The LRT study will test feasibility of TAVR in low-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in the United States with either tricuspid or bicuspid native aortic valves. Enrollment commenced in 2016 and results are expected in 2018.
Epidemiology and Prognosis of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Utah

Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a relatively frequent and severe malformation. Population-based data on clinical presentation and associated mortality are scarce. We examined a state-wide cohort of infants with a clinically validated diagnosis of CDH to assess their clinical profile, sociodemographic patterns, and infant mortality. Methods We identified CDH cases from Utah's statewide population-based surveillance program among the cohort of all pregnancy outcomes (live births, stillbirths, and pregnancy terminations) delivered from 1999 to 2011. Clinical geneticists reviewed all cases and classified them based on etiology (known, unknown), and whether they were isolated, multiple (additional unrelated major malformations or unique minor malformation), or syndromic (genetic, chromosomal). Results CDH occurred in 1 in 3156 births (227/718,990, or 3.17 per 10,000), with no time trend during the 13 years (p = 0.85). CDH was much more common in males (male to female ratio, 1.72:1; p < 0.01). Clinically, 64% of the cases were isolated, 23% were multiples, and 13% were syndromic. Most cases were live born (90%), with fewer stillbirths (7%) and pregnancy terminations (3%). Overall infant mortality was 32.5%, and varied considerably by underlying etiology (isolated 21%; multiple 44%; syndromic 82%). Prognosis was related to specific clinical findings within each etiologic group (e.g., prematurity, low Apgar score, and intrathoracic liver). Conclusion This information on specific clinical and etiologic factors associated with prognosis can help clinicians and parents in the complex discussions about care planning and management that often occur in a crisis situation, following the diagnosis of CDH, whether prior or after delivery. Birth Defects Research 109:1451–1459, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerclage for the Management of Cervical Insufficiency

Cervical insufficiency is commonly described as painless cervical dilation with subsequent delivery. Cerclages may be placed in three distinct settings: history-indicated, ultrasound-indicated, and physical examination-indicated. Cerclages are most commonly placed vaginally, however, abdominal cerclages may be needed if a vaginal approach is not possible or if the patient has a history of failed vaginal cerclage [1].
Operation family caregiver: Problem-solving training for military caregivers in a community setting.

Objective This study, conducted over a 2-year period at 9 sites, describes the outcomes of an evidence-based support program, Operation Family Caregiver, to gain an understanding of how a tailored, problem-solving training could assist military caregivers, who provide care and assistance to those injured, ill, or disabled as a result of war. Method A pre-post research design was employed to examine caregiver burden, depression, health complaints, satisfaction with life, children's anxiety, and problem solving among a convenience sample of caregivers of 128 military service members and veterans. Results Analysis revealed a decrease in depression, burden, and health complaints and an increase in satisfaction of life and positive problem-solving skills (p < .001). Conclusion This program may be beneficial to caregiving families of military service and veterans living with posttraumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and/or a physical disability.
Comparisons That Go Wrong

The issue in this chapter is how to handle comparisons in English, specifically that treat the small word “than” as a conjunction as in the sentence “Helen is smarter than I” or as a preposition in the sentence “Robert is taller than me.” Traditional grammarians look to the past and insist that “than” is not a preposition and that proper English demands “I” (subjective case) as the terminal word in a grammatical comparison. Revisionists insist that “than” is a proposition and that me is the correct object of “than.” A clinching argument emerges to establish that traditionalists misspeak or write incorrectly; hence, the revisionists come out on top.
Common pain generators after total shoulder arthroplasty and their pesky relatives

Abstract Although anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are generally very successful procedures with predictable pain relief, a small percentage of patients experience refractory pain postoperatively. Common etiologies of pain following such surgery are infection and joint instability in the early postoperative period, as well as implant loosening beyond 2 years postoperatively. However, once these causes of pain are ruled out, less common etiologies should be considered. These less common causes of postoperative pain include psychological factors (i.e., depression and anxiety), physiologic (i.e., narcotic dependence and neurologic), mechanical (i.e., symptomatic hardware and acromioclavicular arthritis), or secondary gain (i.e., workman's compensation and insurance issues).
Intracranial contrast transit times on digital subtraction angiography decrease more in patients with delayed intraparenchymal hemorrhage after Pipeline

BackgroundPipeline embolization devices (PEDs) are used for endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms but can be associated with delayed ipsilateral intraparenchymal hemorrhage (DIPH). Changes i...
Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), principally resulting from the pro-neoplastic effects of chronic intestinal inflammation. Epidemiologic studies continue to highlight the increased risk of CRC in IBD. However, the incidence has declined over the past 30 years, attributed to both successful CRC-surveillance programs and improved control of mucosal inflammation. Risk factors that further increase the risk of IBD-related CRC include disease duration, extent and severity, the presence of inflammatory pseudopolyps, coexistent primary sclerosing cholangitis, and a family history of CRC. All major professional societies agree that IBD-CRC surveillance should occur more frequently than in the general population. Yet, guidelines and consensus statements differ on the surveillance schedule and preferred method of surveillance. Improved sensitivity to previously “invisible” flat dysplastic lesions using high definition and chromoendoscopy methods has resulted in many guidelines abandoning requirements for random untargeted biopsies of the colon. While colonic dysplasia remains a worrisome finding, and several clinical scenarios remain best addressed by total proctocolectomy due to concerns of synchronous undetected lesions and the unpredictable tempo of progression to malignancy, better detection techniques have also increased opportunities for endoscopic resection of dysplastic lesions that can be clearly delineated. Finally, the expanding armamentarium of medical options in IBD, including anti-tumor necrosis factor and anti-adhesion biologic therapies, have substantially improved our ability to control severe inflammation and likely reduce the risk of CRC over time.
Quasi-Two-Dimensional Halide Perovskite Single Crystal Photodetector

The robust material stability of the quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) metal halide perovskites has opened the possibility for their usage instead of three-dimensional (3D) perovskites. Further, devices based on large area single crystal membranes have shown increasing promise for photoelectronic applications. However, growing inch-scale quasi-2D perovskite single crystal membranes (quasi-2D PSCMs) has been fundamentally challenging. Here we report a fast synthetic method for synthesizing inch-scale quasi-2D PSCMs, namely (C4H9NH3)n(CH3NH3)n−1PbnI3n+1 (index n = 1, 2, 3, 4, and ∞), and demonstrate their application in a single-crystal photodetector. A quasi-2D PSCM has been grown at the water–air interface where spontaneous alignment of alkylammonium cations and high chemical potentials enable uniform orientation and fast in-plane growth. Structural, optical, and electrical characterizations have been conducted as a function of quantum well thickness, which is determined by the index n. It is shown that th...
The value of FDG PET/CT in detection of focal and diffuse splenic lesions

1565 Objectives: Evaluate the clinical impact of whole body FDG-PET/CT in assessment of focal and diffuse splenic lesions. Methods: A retrospective review of cases (from September 2005 to November 2007) yielded 21 patients (mean age 61yr) who had biopsy proven lymphoma or other known primary malignancy. Splenic metabolism of FDG, diffuse or focal, greater than hepatic metabolism was interpreted as consistent with tumor. Results: Increased metabolism indicative of lymphomatous involvement was detected in 13 of 21 patients. Of these, 10 patients showed focal (single or multiple) lesions, and 3 had diffuse involvement (moderately to markedly increased FDG uptake with morphologically normal spleen on CT). Five of 21 patients with non-lymphomatous primary malignancies had focal splenic metastases identified: one papillary thyroid cancer, one lung cancer, one breast cancer and two melanomas. Diffuse mildly increased FDG uptake was also seen in 3 of 21 patients who had undergone Procrit treatment but with normal appearance of the spleen on CT. Procrit treatment demonstrated diffusely increased metabolism in the bone marrow along with mild, diffusely increased metabolism in the spleen; greater than liver uptake. Metabolic changes are evident when there is diffuse or focal tumor infiltration, regardless of whether frank morphologic changes are present. All the patients with positive findings by PET/CT scan were confirmed by clinical biopsy, surgery, subsequent PET/CT. Conclusions: FDG-PET is a superior modality than CT to detect focal and diffuse splenic involvement in patients with lymphoma or other primary malignancies. CT is a complementary tool for confirming FDG PET findings. Accurate identification of splenic lesions is essential as it can have significant impact on clinical management and prognosis.
Raising Math Scores Among Children in Low-Wealth Households: Potential Benefit of Children's School Savings

Recent findings using traditional regression methods show that children's savings designated for school are associated with higher math scores. We build on this research by using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) to confirm that children with school savings have higher math scores than those without school savings. Moreover, we suggest children's school savings may have a stronger association with children's math scores than with either household wealth or children's savings not designated for school. Further, we find evidence that children's school savings mediates the relationship between household wealth and math scores. Policy implications for children living in low-wealth households are discussed.
MONITORING WHEAT GROWTH WITH RADAR.

The scattering properties of wheat in the 8-18 GHz band were studied as a function of frequency, polarization, incidence angle, and crop maturity. Supporting ground truth was collected at the time of measurement. The data indicate the radar backscattering coefficient is sensitive to both radar system parameters and crop characteristics, particularly at incidence angles near nadir. Linear regression analysis of the backscattering coefficient (dB) on both time and plant moisture content result in rather good correlation, as high as 0.9, with the slope of these regression lines being 0.55 dB/day and -0.275 dB% plant moisture at 9.4 GHz at nadir. It is found that the coefficient undergoes rapid variations shortly before and after the wheat is harvested. Both of these analyses suggest methods for estimating wheat maturity and for monitoring the progress of harvest.
Inferential Statistical Analysis of Data

In Chap. 3, we introduced several statistical techniques for the analysis of data, most of which were descriptive or exploratory. But, we also got our first glimpse of another form of statistical analysis known as Inferential Statistics. Inferential statistics is how statisticians use inductive reasoning to move from the specific, the data contained in a sample, to the general, inferring characteristics of the population from which the sample was taken.
A gauge theory of CPT transformations to first order

The CPT symmetry is made local for the Dirac field and an analogous local symmetry is proposed for curved spacetime. A nontrivial, infinitesimal variation of the Dirac action is thus induced. It is shown that the metric spin connection of general relativity cannot accommodate this symmetry. A new gauge field is therefore introduced, which turns out to be a real pseudovector field, and its equations of motion are derived.