cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence-based anaesthesia and critical care

Abstract Anaesthesia and critical care are important, acute specialities in which the practitioners need considerable dexterity and practical skills as well as an ability to think quickly in an emergency situation. However, although technical skills are clearly very important to achieving good outcomes, identifying and integrating the best available evidence from clinical research is also important to improve patient care. Clinicians who wish to use an ‘evidence-based' approach to the practice of anaesthesia and critical care will need to learn some new skills such as those of comprehensively searching the medical literature and critically appraising clinical studies. These processes are often time consuming and a number of shortcuts have been developed to enable clinicians to obtain up-to-date valid summaries of the clinical evidence. One such approach is to read systematic reviews. Systematic reviews provide summaries of the results of studies (such as randomized controlled trials) using a rigorous methodology. The methodology is designed to limit bias and reduce random errors, thus providing reliable results on which to draw conclusions and make decisions. If appropriate, a systematic review may include a meta-analysis of the results of a number of different studies. Meta-analysis is a statistical method used to aggregate data from independent studies. It can provide more precise estimates than those derived from the individual studies included in the review. Systematic reviews are now becoming increasingly used and many are of high quality and are reliable, such as those published on the Cochrane Library. However, evidence-based practitioners will need to critically appraise systematic reviews to ensure that they are of a sufficiently high standard to be used to guide practice. By identifying best evidence and applying it appropriately clinicians can ensure that the management of patients is based on clinically useful diagnostic tests and treatments which are effective and not harmful.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of the m-Xylylene Anion in the Gas Phase. The Enthalpy of Formation of m-Xylylene

The enthalpy of formation of m-quinodimethane (m-xylylene) has been determined using two different gas-phase approaches. The first involves combining the electron affinity of the biradical (0.919 ± 0.008 eV, Wenthold, P. G.; Kim, J. B.; Lineberger, W. C. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 1354) with the acidity of the 3-methylbenzyl radical. The acidity of the 3-methylbenzyl radical was determined by bracketing the proton affinity of m-xylylene ion, prepared from the reaction of m-xylene and atomic oxygen ions in a flowing afterglow triple quadrupole apparatus. Deuterium labeling and reactivity studies show that 75% of the H2+ abstraction product formed in the reaction is the m-xylylene ion, with the rest being 3-methyl-α,n-dehydrotoluene ions resulting from [α, ring] hydrogen abstraction. The m-xylylene negative ion underwent reactions similar to those observed for 3-methylbenzyl anion and for other open-shell ions. The m-xylylene ion also reacted with mesitylene by H2+ transfer. The acidity of the 3-methylben...
PGE2—The Immune System Tamer

Although most of us do not realize it, the immune system is constantly fending off infections on our behalf. It is only when it starts misfiring, leading to more frequent and severe infections, that we truly grasp the critical role played by this inconspicuous infantry. Chronic liver disease (CLD)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Dynamic Response to Pulsed Energy Deposition in HfO2-TiO2 Compositions

The coefficient of thermal expansion and the dynamic response to pulsed energy deposition were investigated in the 25 to 60 mol % TiO/sub 2/ region of the system HfO/sub 2/--TiO/sub 2/. Thermal expansion results revealed very low coefficients (approx. =1 x 10/sup -6///sup 0/C) for the 30 to 40% compositions and relatively high coefficients (greater than or equal to3 x 10/sup -6///sup 0/C) for the 45 to 60% TiO/sub 2/ compositions. The 25% TiO/sub 2/ composition fell between these two groups. Dynamic response measurements revealed considerably lower free surface velocities for the 30 to 40% TiO/sub 2/ compositions than for the 45 to 50% TiO/sub 2/ compositions. Calculation of Grueneisen parameters, using the thermal expansion and dynamic response data, revealed low values for the 30 to 40% TiO/sub 2/ compositions and an increase by a factor of 2 to 3 for the 45 and 50% TiO/sub 2/ compositions.
A hypothesis for the origin of perylene based on its low abundance in sediments of Green Bay, Wisconsin

Abstract Perylene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that is common in sediments, is believed to originate principally from anaerobic diagenesis of organic matter, but its precursor material remains enigmatic. We have investigated the formation of perylene in a dated sediment core from Green Bay, WI. Comparisons of sedimentary profiles of perylene, anthropogenic PAHs, land-plant-derived hydrocarbons, and aquatic contributions of organic matter rule out a specific industrial, terrigenous, or aquatic precursor for perylene. Instead, perylene seems to be formed from any kind of organic matter as a consequence of a specific type of microbial activity in sub-bottom sediments. Despite an abundance of organic matter, the amount of perylene is low in Green Bay and in other organic-carbon-rich lake sediments. The abundant availability of organic matter that stimulates microbial activity in Green Bay sediments would seem to favor perylene formation in such sediments. We therefore hypothesize that the microorganisms responsible for perylene formation do not compete successfully with those that flourish in sediments rich in organic matter. Perylene formation consequently does not become significant until deeper in sediments after the more-reactive types of organic matter have been consumed.
Plant responses and characteristics associated with dollar spot resistance in creeping bentgrass

Dollar spot, incited by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa F.T. Bennett, is one of the most important diseases affecting creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) golf greens, fairways, and tees. Genetic resistance to dollar spot is a promising control strategy. A study was initiated to: (i) evaluate dollar spot resistance of 265 collections of creeping bentgrass in two locations; (ii) determine bentgrass clone stability of dollar spot resistance; and (iii) evaluate 10 resistant and susceptible clones for disease, turf, and leaf traits. The field experiments were arranged in randomized complete blocks with six and five clonally propagated replicates in each of two locations evaluated across 2 yr in North Brunswick, NJ. Five isolates of S. homoeocarpa were used to inoculate the field experiments. New Jersey fairway collections had the highest percentage of stable dollar spot resistant clones compared with Illinois fairway and New Jersey and New York golf green collections in this particular study. Resistant clones maintained a significantly higher turf density and percentage green turf cover and smaller dollar spot diameter sizes compared with susceptible clones.
Transcriptional regulation of growth hormone gene expression by growth hormone-releasing factor

Production and release of hormones by the pituitary is known to be under complex hormonal control. Prolactin, for example, is both positively and negatively regulated by steroid and thyroid hormones as well as by peptide hormones1–5. Some hypothalamic releasing factors have been shown to regulate both hormone biosynthesis and hormone release6–11. In the case of growth hormone (GH), glucocorticoids and thyroid hormone stimulate its production12–14, at least in part by stimulating transcription of the GH gene12, and somatostatin inhibits6,15,16 and growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) stimulates17–19 its release. So far, however, polypeptide hormone regulation of GH biosynthesis has not been demonstrated. Recently a peptide with GH-releasing activity has been characterized from human pancreatic islet tumours14,20,21. We report here that pure human pancreatic GRF (hpGRF) stimulates transcription of the GH gene, as well as stimulating GH release.
Intrahepatic portal-hepatic venous anastomosis: a portal-systemic shunt with neurological repercussions.

Intrahepatic shunts are rarely diagnosed as a cause of neurocognitive abnormality. A complaint of fatigue led to the diagnosis of a right portal vein–hepatic vein aneurysmal communication in a 23-yr-old, otherwise healthy woman. Neuropsychological testing, imaging, and MR spectroscopy revealed changes similar to those described in patients with cirrhosis and subclinical hepatic encephalopathy. T1-weighted MRI showed a hyperintense globus pallidus, a feature seen in subjects with and without portal-encephalopathy. Portal-systemic shunting in the absence of parenchymal liver disease reproduces neurological features described in cirrhosis.
Understanding the Value of On-Premise Signs as Marketing Devices for Legal and Public Policy Purposes:

Abstract Although on-premise signs have received scant attention in the academic literature, they serve important functions as marketing and promotional devices. This article provides a conceptual framework that outlines the marketing functions of on-premise signs. It provides support for the framework by surveying small and medium-sized business owners. The authors argue that because of the importance of on-premise signs and the lack of guidance in the literature and in practice, a marketing perspective on the value of signs in needed in legal cases. This perspective should also be considered in the processes local communities use to make decisions about sign codes. To address this missing perspective, the authors propose a new valuation method for estimating the value of signage to the business enterprise. This method is centered on valuing the cost of replacing the customer exposures to the sign, which offers a conservative but just measure of compensation for business owners.
Supervised factorial learning

Factorial learning, finding a statistically independent representation of a sensory “image”---a factorial code---is applied here to solve multilayer supervised learning problems that have traditionally required backpropagation. This lends support to Barlow's argument for factorial sensory processing, by demonstrating how it can solve actual pattern recognition problems. Two techniques for supervised factorial learning are explored, one of which gives a novel distributed solution requiring only positive examples. Also, a new nonlinear technique for factorial learning is introduced that uses neural networks based on almost reversible cellular automata. Due to the special functional connectivity of these networks---which resemble some biological microcircuits---learning requires only simple local algorithms. Also, supervised factorial learning is shown to be a viable alternative to backpropagation. One significant advantage is the existence of a measure for the performance of intermediate learning stages.
Reinstatement-induced recovery of a taste-LiCl association following extinction

Water-deprived rats were given a single exposure to saccharin and LiCl, either paired or unpaired. Half the subjects then received three saccharin-only exposures (extinction) in the training enclosure, followed by a single LiCl-only presentation (unconditioned stimulus reinstatement) 8 days after conditioning. The remaining subjects received six saccharin-only exposures, followed by LiCl reinstatement 13 days after conditioning. In both cases LiCl reinstatement occurred outside the training/test context. Appreciable recovery from extinction was observed after the partial loss of taste aversion obtained with three extinction sessions and the 8-day conditioning-reinstatement interval, but not after the asymptotic loss of taste aversion obtained with six extinction sessions and the 13-day conditioning-reinstatement interval. Conditioned taste aversions appear to be similar to more traditional associations with respect to both extinction and reinstatement-induced recovery from extinction. The results are discussed with reference to the event-memory, contextual-conditioning, and facilitated-retrieval hypotheses of postextinction reinstatement effects.
Gene Regulation in the Third Dimension

Analysis of the spatial organization of chromosomes reveals complex three-dimensional networks of chromosomal interactions. These interactions affect gene expression at multiple levels, including long-range control by distant enhancers and repressors, coordinated expression of genes, and modification of epigenetic states. Major challenges now include deciphering the mechanisms by which loci come together and understanding the functional consequences of these often transient associations.
Chemerin as a marker of body fat and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

AbstractAdipocytokines may alter normal metabolic function and play an important role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We prospectively evaluated a cohort of obese and non-obese women with PCOS and non-PCOS controls for both novel (chemerin and omentin-1) and established (leptin and adiponectin) adipokines. Compared with age-matched controls, non-obese women with PCOS had decreased serum omentin-1 (191.1 ng/ml versus 269.7 ng/ml, p = 0.0001), while serum chemerin was not significantly altered in women with PCOS (53.95 ng/ml versus 48.61 ng/ml, p = 0.11). The findings were similar in the entire group of women with PCOS. However, in women with PCOS, chemerin correlated with leptin (r = 0.508, p = 0.004), adiponectin (r = −0.36, p = 0.014), and the leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio (r = 0.605, p < 0.0001), while there were no such correlations with omentin-1. In women with PCOS, chemerin correlated with BMI (r = 0.317, p = 0.034), abdominal subcutaneous fat (r = 0.451, p = 0.0019), an...
Polysaccharide production by Aureobasidium pullulans cells immobilized by entrapment

Abstract Cells of the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans ATCC 201253 were entrapped within 4% agar cubes or 5% calcium alginate beads and were examined for their production of the polysaccharide pullulan. The immobilized fungal cells were utilized twice in batch cultures for 7 days of polysaccharide production in medium containing corn syrup as a carbon source. The entrapped cells produced higher pullulan levels during the second cycle when compared to the first cycle polysaccharide levels. The agar-entrapped cells exhibited a higher level of productivity and pullulan content than did the alginate-entrapped cells during both production cycles.
Inclusion problem of a two-dimensional finite domain: The shape effect of matrix

Abstract With the advance in composite mechanics and micromechanics, there are increasing demands for analytical solutions of inclusion problems in a bounded domain. To echo this need, this study is focused on establishing explicit expressions of elastic fields for a 2D elastic domain containing a circular inclusion at center. Unlike the configuration in the classical Eshelby formulation, the elastic domain in this study is bounded and has shapes other than a circle. To circumvent the mathematical difficulty in solving Green’s function in a finite domain, an approach powered by complex potential method, which has been successfully employed to formulate the elastic fields for inclusion problems where matrix is unbounded or bounded by a circle, is extended to finite domains displaying complicated shapes, particularly, a Pascal’s limacon and a curved square (an approximation of perfect square) in this study. In order to take advantage of the mathematical simplicity inherent in expressing a circular geometry, conformal mapping is used to transform the complex geometry of the finite domain of interest to a unit circle. The governing complex potentials, which capture the discontinuity on the inclusion–matrix interface due to the uniform eigenstrain within the inclusion, are formulated with the aid of Cauchy integral and then explicitly identified by satisfying the prescribed boundary conditions. In this study, the displacement fields for finite domains bounded by a Pascal’s limacon and a curved square are obtained based on Dirichlet (displacement) boundary conditions imposed by the far field strain. In addition to asymptotical behaviors, firm agreement is also achieved when the analytical solutions based on complex potentials are compared with the FEM results. Furthermore, inverse of the conformal mapping is discussed here in order to get the explicit expression for elastic fields.
Planting seeds for peace: Are they growing in the right direction?

Abstract In this paper, originally presented as the Presidential Address at the 6th Biennial Conference of the International Academy for Intercultural Research, the author attempts to explain an intercultural conundrum suggesting that young people may be more sophisticated in terms of intercultural sensitivity than their teachers. The paper examines the intersection of four interrelated areas as they pertain to education and the development of intercultural sensitivity – intercultural content knowledge, intercultural pedagogical knowledge, intercultural experience, and intercultural applications of technology. Each of these influences, all coming together in the lives of young people in ways never before encountered, offers insights into the different life experiences encountered by students and their teachers. Areas of further intercultural research and possible policy implications for educators are considered.
Extratemporal atrophy in patients with complex partial seizures of left temporal origin

Total cerebral, temporal lobe, hippocampal, caudate, and lenticular nuclei volumes were quantified from magnetic resonance images of 21 patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy and medically intractable complex partial seizures. These regional brain volumes were compared with the same measures in 19 controls. No significant differences in total cerebral, left temporal lobe, right temporal lobe, or total temporal lobe volumes were found. As expected, left hippocampal volumes were significantly smaller in the patients with epilepsy than in control subjects. The left hippocampus-to-right hippocampus volume ratio was significantly lower in patients than in control subjects. In addition to left hippocampal volumes, mean left thalamic, left caudate, and bilateral lenticular volumes were significantly smaller in the patients with epilepsy than in control subjects. The left-to-right thalamic volume ratio was also significantly lower in the patients with epilepsy compared with control subjects, but there were no significant group differences in caudate or lenticular ratios. These results show that medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with volume loss in brain structures outside the presumably involved hippocampus. The pathophysiological significance of our findings is uncertain. They could be related to the underlying cause of the disorder. However, volume loss also may reflect damage due to involvement of these structures in recurrent seizure activity.
Underpotential Deposition of Lead onto Pt(001): Interface Structure and the Influence of Adsorbed Bromide

Using in-situ X-ray diffraction, we have studied the underpotential deposition of Pb onto a Pt(001) electrode both in pure perchloric acid and in the presence of bromide anions. In pure perchloric acid, the Pb adlayer forms monolayer-high islands which fully cover the Pt surface but have no long range order in the surface plane. The presence of strongly adsorbed Br atoms at step edges on the Pt(001) surface and the competitive nature of the Pb−Br interaction cause a rapid exchange of Pb and Br on the Pt terraces, the Pb then forming a strongly bonded c(2×2) adlayer.
Detection of galE gene by polymerase chain reaction in campylobacters associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Abstract Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a neuromuscular disorder and campylobacteriosis is known to trigger the onset of the disorder. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol was developed that could specifically amplify a 497-bp region of the UDP-galactose 4-epimerase ( gal E) gene sequence in campylobacters responsible for triggering the onset of GBS. The identity of the PCR product was confirmed by Hind III endonuclease restriction digestion, which produced the predicted 430 and 67-bp DNA fragments. The assay could detect the presence of the gene in Campylobacter suspensions containing as few as 5 cells ml −1 . The assay detected the presence of the gene in 17 of the 20 campylobacters isolated from chicken, 9 of the 13 campylobacters isolated from turkey and 7 of the 7 campylobacters isolated from human stools. All Campylobacter strains isolated from chicken, turkey and clinical samples were resistant to multiple antibiotics. The assay failed to detect the presence of the gene in five different microaerophilic strains of Helicobacter spp., E. coli and Salmonella spp. The entire diagnostic assay, including template preparation, amplification and electrophoresis, can be completed within 6 h.
Price‐to‐earnings multiplies and mergers and acquisition

This paper examines the assertion that the financial market pays fixed PE multiples and that the recognition of goodwill and subsequent amortization depresses earnings and stock prices, putting U.S. firms in a competitive disadvantage in the international merger and acquisition arena. Evidence from this study suggests that, contrary to common belief, price/earnings ratio expands by a sufficient amount in response to amortization, making amortization irrelevant to stock valuation.
Low risk of perioperative infection without prophylactic antibiotics for transperineal prostate brachytherapy

Abstract Purpose:To determine the incidence of postimplant in patients who are not given prophylactic antibiotics (ATBs). Methods and Materials One hundred thirty-one patients had computerized tomography (CT)-planned transperineal 125 I implantation of the prostate from 1988 through 1995. One hundred fourteen of the patients did not receive prophylactic ATBs, 19 of whom required postimplant Foley catheter drainage for 1 day or more for acute urinary retention. Results: The incidence of postimplant febrile episodes within 2 weeks of surgery among the patients who had not received prophylactic ATBs was 2 of 114 (2%). One of the two patients who developed postimplantation febrile episodes was treated successfully with ATBs as an outpatient. The second patient, who had a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and immune suppression, developed E. coli sepsis and required intravenous antibiotics. Of 17 patients who received prophylactic ATBs, none had a postoperative febrile episode. Conclusion: We continue to refrain from routinely prescribing prophylactic ATBs unless there is some compelling circumstance including rheumatic heart disease, prosthetic devices, immune compromise, or a previous history of prostatitis.
The molecular packing of collagen in mineralized and non-mineralized tissues

Summary The collagen in adult bovine dentine, adult rat bone and tail tendon, and purified, reconstituted steerskin collagen were studied by x-ray diffraction in conjunction with a technique for assaying the intermolecular volume of collagen fibrils. These four collagens all have a geometric lateral arrangement compatible with hexagonal or near-hexagonal molecular arrays. The average intermolecular gap in bone and dentine, however, is 6A whereas in rat tail tendon it is only 3A. Phosphate ions, which have a diameter of approximately 4A, can thus penetrate the collagen fibrils of bone and dentine but not those of rat tail tendon. We conclude mineral cannot accumulate within the collagen fibrils of rat tail tendon purely for steric reasons.
Identification and Functional Reconstitution of the Type 2 Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor from Ventricular Cardiac Myocytes

Abstract The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP3R) is an intracellular Ca2+ release channel that mediates the rise in cytoplasmic calcium in response to receptor-activated production of InsP3. The InsP3R-mediated signaling pathway appears to be ubiquitous and is involved in many cellular processes including cell division, smooth muscle contraction, and neuronal signaling. Different regions of the heart also express InsP3 receptors. We report here that acutely dissociated ventricular myocytes from ferret and rat hearts express significant levels of InsP3R as indicated by immunoblotting with a receptor consensus antibody. InsP3binding experiments (K D = 23.6 nm andB max = 0.46 pmol/mg) suggest the myocytes contain the high affinity type 2 InsP3 receptor. Exhaustive mRNA screening by polymerase chain reaction, RNase protection, and subsequent DNA sequencing positively identify the InsP3R as type 2. The type 2 receptor from ferret heart was then incorporated into planar lipid bilayers and formed Ca2+-selective, InsP3-activated, heparin-blocked ion channels. We conclude that the predominant InsP3 receptor isoform expressed in cardiac myocytes is type 2 and that it forms a functional InsP3-gated Ca2+ channel when reconstituted in planar lipid bilayers.
INDUCED SUPERSYMMETRY BREAKING WITH A VANISHING VACUUM ENERGY

Abstract A new mechanism for symmetry breaking is proposed which naturally avoids the constraints following from the usual theorems of symmetry breaking. In the context of supersymmetry, for example, the breaking may be consistent with a vanishing vacuum energy. A 2 + 1 dimensional supersymmetric gauge field theory is explicitly shown to break supersymmetry through this mechanism while maintaining a zero vacuum energy if we assume the conventional wisdom of discarding the irregular solutions of the Schrodinger equation. This mechanism may provide a solution to two long standing problems, namely, dynamical supersymmetry breaking and the cosmological constant problem.
Self-Regulated Strategy Development for Students With Writing Difficulties

Students with writing difficulties often struggle with the planning, composing, and revising skills required for effective writing. Fortunately, researchers have documented that explicit, interactive, scaffolded development of powerful composing strategies and strategies for self-regulating the writing process, as in Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) instruction, results in improved student performance across writing genres. In addition, SRSD has had significant and meaningful effects among students with learning disabilities (LD) in both elementary and secondary settings. In this article, examples of SRSD instruction for planning, composing, and revision are described. Promising findings of recent research for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also highlighted. Finally, tips for effective classroom implementation are provided.
Uncertainty in Future Government Spending and Investment

This note examines the effect that uncertainty about future levels of government spending has on an economy's private investment. The analysis is based on a simple, two-period neoclassical model. Both lump sum and proportional income taxes are considered. In the case of lump sum taxes, increased uncertainty about the future level of government spending tends to increase investment. This disagrees with the rather widespread view that such uncertainty has a deleterious effect on investment. The result, however, does arise for a straightforward reason. Uncertainty about future government spending introduces uncertainty into individuals' future tax liabilities, and this, in turn, induces uncertainty in their future disposable incomes. Leland [1968] and Sandmo [1970] have shown that, under very plausible conditions, such uncertainty has a positive effect on savings. (Chan [1983] has used this fact in analyzing the effect of uncertainty about the incidence of a lump sum tax.) For the model here, this leads to an increase in investment. The situation is more complicated with proportional income taxation, since uncertainty in future government spending also may induce uncertainty in the after-tax rate of return on investment. In this case, the effect of the uncertainty is generally ambiguous, but, with what are reported to be realistic parameter values, the increased uncertainty does, in fact, increase investment. In the next section the basic model is presented, and the case of lump sum taxation is analyzed. In Section III a proportional income tax is analyzed. The final section contains some brief concluding comments.
Multiple QTL for Horticultural Traits and Quantitative Resistance to Phytophthora infestans Linked on Solanum habrochaites Chromosome 11

Previously, a Phytophthora infestans resistance QTL from Solanum habrochaites chromosome 11 was introgressed into cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum). Fine mapping of this resistance QTL using near-isogenic lines (NILs) revealed some co-located QTL with undesirable effects on plant size, canopy density, and fruit size traits. Subsequently, higher-resolution mapping with sub-NILs detected multiple P. infestans resistance QTL within this 9.4-cM region of chromosome 11. In our present study, these same sub-NILs were also evaluated for 17 horticultural traits, including yield, maturity, fruit size and shape, fruit quality, and plant architecture traits in replicated field experiments over 2 years. The horticultural trait QTL originally detected by fine mapping each fractionated into two or more QTL at higher resolution. A total of 34 QTL were detected across all traits, with 14% exhibiting significant QTL × environment interactions (QTL × E). QTL for many traits were co-located, suggesting either pleiotropic effects or tight linkage among genes controlling these traits. Recombination in the pericentromeric region of the introgression between markers TG147 and At4g10050 was suppressed to approximately 29.7 Mbp per cM, relative to the genomewide average of 750 kbp per cM. The genetic architecture of many of the horticultural and P. infestans resistance traits that mapped within this chromosome 11 S. habrochaites region is complex. Complicating factors included fractionation of QTL, pleiotropy or tight linkage of QTL for multiple traits, pericentromeric chromosomal location(s), and/or QTL × E. High-resolution mapping of QTL in this region would be needed to determine which specific target QTL could be useful in breeding cultivated tomato.
Quantifying the dependence of dead lithium losses on the cycling period in lithium metal batteries

We quantify the effects of the duration of the charge–discharge cycling period on the irreversible loss of anode material in rechargeable lithium metal batteries. We have developed a unique quantification method for the amount of dead lithium crystals (DLCs) produced by sequences of galvanostatic charge–discharge periods of variable duration τ in a coin battery of novel design. We found that the cumulative amount of dead lithium lost after 144 Coulombs circulated through the battery decreases sevenfold as τ shortens from 16 to 2 hours. We ascribe this outcome to the faster electrodissolution of the thinner dendrite necks formed in the later stages of long charging periods. This phenomenon is associated with the increased inaccessibility of the inner voids of the peripheral, late generation dendritic structures to incoming Li+.
Construction of a nontoxic fusion peptide for immunization against Escherichia coli strains that produce heat-labile and heat-stable enterotoxins.

The 59 terminus of the gene that codes for the heat-stable enterotoxin of Escherichia coli (ST) was genetically fused to the 39 terminus of the gene that codes for the binding subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli (LT-B). The ST-encoding gene used for these studies was constructed synthetically with appropriate restriction sites to permit in-frame, downstream insertion of the oligomer. For this construction, maximum expression of ST antigenicity was obtained when a seven-amino-acid, proline-containing linker was included between the LT-B and ST moieties. The LT-B-ST fusion peptide was purified by affinity chromatography and consisted of a single polypeptide chain with an apparent molecular weight of 18,000 when examined by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. There was no evidence of multimer formation and no change in the mobility of the fusion peptide when it was boiled in SDS or in SDS with dithiothreitol. The LT-B-ST fusion peptide was nontoxic, and immunologic determinants of both LT and ST were recognized by antibodies to the native toxins. More importantly, the LT-B-ST fusion peptide was immunogenic. Animals immunized with crude or purified preparations containing the hybrid molecule produced antibodies that were able to recognize native toxin in vitro. Significantly, these antibodies were able to neutralize the biological activity of native ST. Images
The value of repeat thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy in patients with a previously benign result: How often does it alter management?

Background: Thyroid nodules are prevalent and mostly benign, being present in up to 67% of the population when assessed by ultrasound. Due to the variable diagnostic performance of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (USFNA) of the thyroid and the possibility of a false-negative result, current clinical guidelines recommend ultrasonographic follow-up of benign thyroid nodules. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of a repeat fine-needle aspiration (rFNA) in patients with an initial benign fine-needle aspiration biopsy (iFNA). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of medical records of patients seen at the Mayo Clinic between January of 2003 and December of 2013 who had undergone rFNA of a nodule with benign iFNA. The outcome measured was the result of the rFNA and histopathological correlation, when available. Results: Three hundred and thirty-four nodules with benign iFNA underwent rFNA during the 10-year study period. The rFNA was most commonly reported ...
Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase induce larval settlement and metamorphosis of the polychaete annelid Capitella teleta

The neurotransmitter nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the inhibitory control of metamorphosis of some marine gastropods, echinoderms, and ascidians. We have explored whether or not metamorphosis of metatrochophore larvae of the polychaete annelid Capitella teleta is also regulated by NO. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a bilateral group of three large nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactive cells that lie dorsal to the pharynx and extend ventral processes toward the pharynx in the region of the dorsal pharyngeal pad. Smaller NOS-immunoreactive cells were distributed widely throughout the body but concentrated in the prostomium and pygidium. Histological analysis for NO, using the NO detector diaminofluorescein-FM, showed that NO concentration was high in the larval midgut, although diffuse amounts of NO were detected throughout the body. Inhibitors of NOS, including s-methylisothiourea sulfate, aminoguanidine hemisulfate, 7-nitroindazole, and N-methyl-L-arginine all induced settlement and...
Myocardial Infarction in a 72-Year-Old Woman with Low LDL-C and Increased hsCRP: Implications for Statin Therapy

A 72-year-old white woman underwent a routine annual physical examination. She had no history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or chronic inflammatory condition. She smoked, had hypertension (systolic blood pressure 145 mm Hg), and was being treated with an angiotensin-converting–enzyme inhibitor. She was on no other medications. Physical examination was unremarkable. She was thin with a body mass index of 23 kg/m2. Screening laboratory evaluation included total cholesterol [5.59 mmol/L (216 mg/dL)], LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)1 [2.69 mmol/L (104 mg/dL)], and HDL-C [2.12 mmol/L (82 mg/dL)]. Her primary care physician considered her lipid concentrations “optimal,” and the patient’s calculated Framingham 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease was 7% or low risk, despite her age and smoking history. However, the patient had a family history that included myocardial infarction in her father at age 58 years as well as bypass surgery in a brother at age 62 years. Her high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was increased at 7.7 mg/L (repeat value 2 weeks later 7.4 mg/L). With these data, the patient’s calculated 10-year risk according to the Reynolds Risk Score was 23.2%, or very high risk. Preventive therapy recommendations for this patient were based on Framingham guidelines, so no pharmacologic intervention was provided. Four months later the patient was admitted with acute myocardial infarction and substantial loss of ventricular function. Coronary angiography revealed stenoses in the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries. She was treated with drug-eluting stents and prescribed simvastatin 40 mg, aspirin, and Plavix; 30 days after lipid-lowering therapy was initiated, LDL-C was 2.02 mmol/L (78 mg/dL) and hsCRP was 4.8 mg/L. Both the patient and her physician wondered why myocardial infarction occurred despite excellent lipid concentrations, and both sought information regarding whether the patient’s achieved LDL-C and hsCRP concentrations were adequate for long-term care. ### limitations of traditional risk-prediction algorithms Epidemiologic investigators in Framingham, …
Learning Disabilities, Low Achievement, and Mild Mental Retardation More Alike Than Different?

Children identified with learning disabilities (LD), low achievement (LA), or mild mental retardation (MMR) were contrasted on 41 measures of ability, academic achievement, social skills, problem behavior, academic engaged time, perceptual-motor skills, and school history. Both multivariate, univariate, and meta-analytic comparisons among the three groups showed relatively large differences on measures of aptitude and achievement, with the LD group scoring higher on measures of cognitive ability than the LA and MMR groups and the LA group showing higher tested academic achievement than the LD and MMR groups. Teacher ratings of academic competence showed similar levels of functioning for the LD and LA groups. No differences among the groups were found on measures of social skills, problem behaviors, or academic engaged time, or on most indices reflecting school history. Results were interpreted in light of studies contrasting LD and LA groups. Comparisons with earlier studies were difficult in light of demographic differences in samples and the lower cognitive and academic functioning of children in the present study. The current study showed that 61% of the LD group could be differentiated from the LA group, with LD-MMR and LA-MMR differentiation levels being 68.5% and 67.5%, respectively.
Standardized Load-Center Unit Substations for Low-Voltage A-C Systems

THE tremendous expansion of production facilities necessitated by American defense and war efforts has given the manufacturer of electrical equipment a serious challenge. Entire large defense projects, such as manufacturing plants, navy yards, drydocks, air depots, and office buildings, have been built in incredibly short times. Any one of these projects will not be complete without an electrical distribution system. One of the many tasks before the electrical manufacturer is to produce the necessary apparatus for the electrical distribution systems, and have it available by the time the project is ready to receive it.
A multi-paradigm programming language for constructing fault-tolerant, distributed systems

The design of FT-SR, a programming language based on SR and oriented toward constructing fault-tolerant distributed systems, is presented. The language, which is based on the existing SR language, is unique in that it has been designed to support equally well any of the programming paradigms that have been developed for this type of system, including the object/action model, the restartable action paradigm, and the state machine approach. To do this, the language is designed to support the implementation of systems modeled as collections of fail-stop atomic objects. Such objects execute operations as atomic actions except when a failure or series of failures cause underlying implementation assumptions to be violated; in this case, notification is provided. An example program consisting of a data manager and its associated stable storage is given. >
The Student Health Collaboration An Innovative Approach to Enhancing Communication and Improving Student Health

Students, families, school staff and school nurses all benefit from successful community partnerships. School nurses requested improved communication with local clinicians and access to the health information of their students. School nurses were not routinely recognized as part of the care team and therefore were not able to access protected health information found in the medical record, which would improve health outcomes for their students. With a goal of improving student health outcomes, a local pediatric health care delivery system partnered with school nurses to share student health information. School nurses were included as part of the health care team, with access to electronic health records. This is an innovative coordinated care team approach with parents, nurses, and community clinicians able to communicate, plan, intervene, and evaluate student health.
Influence of Connector Design on Fracture Probability of Ceramic Fixed-partial Dentures

Fracture of ceramic fixed-partial dentures (FPDs) tends to occur in the connector area because of stress concentrations. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the radius of curvature at the gingival embrasure of the FPD connector significantly affects the fracture resistance of three-unit FPDs. Two three-dimensional finite element models (FEMs), representing two FPD connector designs, were created in a manner corresponding to that described in a previous experimental study (Oh, 2002). We performed fractographic analysis and FEM analyses based on CARES (NASA) post-processing software to determine the crack initiation site as well as to predict the characteristic strength, the location of peak stress concentrations, and the risk-of-rupture intensities. A good correlation was found between the experimentally measured failure loads and those predicted by FEM simulation analyses. Fractography revealed fracture initiation at the gingival embrasure, which confirms the numerically predicted fracture initiation site. For the designs tested, the radius of curvature at the gingival embrasure strongly affects the fracture resistance of FPDs.
Low-cost run-time diagnosis of hard delay faults in the functional units of a microprocessor

This paper addresses the run-time diagnosis of delay faults in functional units of microprocessors. Despite the popularity of the stuck-at fault model, it is no longer the only relevant fault model. The delay fault model - which assumes that the faulty circuit element gets the correct value but that this value arrives too late - encompasses many of the actual in-field wearout faults in modern microprocessors. In-field wearout faults, such as time-dependent dielectric breakdown and electromigration, cause signal propagation delays which may be missed during production test time. These defects progress exponentially over time, potentially causing a catastrophic failure. Our goal is to diagnose hard delay faults (i.e., identify them as hard faults, not transients) during run-time before they lead to catastrophic chip failures. Results show that we can diagnose all injected delay faults and that prior diagnosis mechanisms, which target only stuck-at faults, miss the majority of them.
Dynamic Monitoring of Oncolytic Adenovirus In Vivo by Genetic Capsid Labeling

Background: Conditionally replicative adenoviruses represent a promising strategy to address the limited effi cacy and safety issues associated with conventional cancer treatment. Despite rapid translation into human clinical trials and demonstrated safety, the fundamental properties of oncolytic adenovirus replication and spread and host – vector interactions in vivo have not been completely evaluated. Methods: We developed a noninvasive dynamic monitoring system to detect adenovirus replication. We constructed capsid-labeled E1/E3-deleted and wild-type adenoviruses (Ad-wt) by fusing the minor capsid protein IX with red fl uorescent proteins mRFP1 and tdimer2(12), resulting in Ad-IX-mRFP1, Ad-IXtdimer2(12), and Ad-wt-IX-mRFP1. Virus DNA replication, encapsidation, cytopathic effect, thermostability, and binding to primary receptor (coxsackie adenovirus receptor) were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, cell viability (MTS) assay, and fl uorescence microscopy. Athymic mice ( n = 4) carrying xenograft tumors that were derived from A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells were intratumorally inoculated with Ad-wt-IX-mRFP1, and adenovirus replication was dynamically monitored with a fl uorescence noninvasive imaging system. Correlations between fl uorescence signal intensity and viral DNA synthesis and replication were calculated using Pearson’s correlation coeffi cient ( r ). Results: The red fl uorescence label had little effect on viral DNA replication, encapsidation, cytopathic effect, thermostability, and coxsackie adenovirus receptor binding . The fl uorescent signal correlated with viral DNA synthesis and infectious progeny production both in vitro and in vivo (in A549 cells, r = .99 and r = .65; in tumors, r = .93 and r = .92, respectively). The replication effi ciency of Ad-wt-IX-mRFP1 in vivo was variable, and replication and viral spreading and persistence were limited, consistent with clinical observations. Conclusions: Genetic capsid labeling provides a promising approach for the dynamic assessment of oncolytic adenovirus function in vivo. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2006;98:203 – 14]
Transpiring Interfaces: Turning Transparency on Its Head

The contrastive understandings of the notion of transparent design by designers and researchers are investigated, and a different perspective is presented on the basis of ideas from distributed cognition, active learning, and ubiquitous computing.
First Mesozoic Record of a Parasitiform Mite: a Larval Argasid Tick in Cretaceous Amber (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae)

A larval argasid tick (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae) is described from a single specimen preserved in amber from New Jersey. The amber is dated as Turonian, 90—94 mya, and thereby doubles the age of the oldest fossil in the mite order Parasitiformes. The specimen shows general characteristics of the genus Carios, but is unique because of its pattern of dorsal setae, featuring a double row of posterior marginal setae. Earlier hypotheses that Carios arose after the isolation of South America are challenged but not rejected by the discovery of this fossil. Salvaging these hypotheses seems most compatible with dispersal on birds, an idea consistent with the presence of a small feather in the same outcrop in which the tick fossil was found.