cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biomarker progressions explain higher variability in stage-specific cognitive decline than baseline values in Alzheimer disease

Abstract Background It is unknown which commonly used Alzheimer disease (AD) biomarker values—baseline or progression—best predict longitudinal cognitive decline. Methods 526 subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). ADNI composite memory and executive scores were the primary outcomes. Individual-specific slope of the longitudinal trajectory of each biomarker was first estimated. These estimates and observed baseline biomarker values were used as predictors of cognitive declines. Variability in cognitive declines explained by baseline biomarker values was compared with variability explained by biomarker progression values. Results About 40% of variability in memory and executive function declines was explained by ventricular volume progression among mild cognitive impairment patients. A total of 84% of memory and 65% of executive function declines were explained by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) score progression and ventricular volume progression, respectively, among AD patients. Conclusions For most biomarkers, biomarker progressions explained higher variability in cognitive decline than biomarker baseline values. This has important implications for clinical trials targeted to modify AD biomarkers.
The declining prevalence of overweight among Russian children: Income, diet, and physical activity behavior changes

Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the relationships among income, diet, physical activity behaviors and overweight among Russian children during a period of economic upheaval. Subjects include 2151 schoolchildren aged 7–13 derived from cross-sectional waves of the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Surveys in 1995 and in 2002. Diet was assessed by 24-h recall and physical activity (h/week) and household income by parental questionnaire. Hours spent in vigorous activities were low (1.0–1.5 h/week), and time spent in sedentary behaviors increased from 31 to 37 h/week between 1995 and 2002. In 1995 there was a direct relationship of income to energy and fat intake, and time spent in vigorous activity, and an inverse relationship of income to h/week spent in moderate activities (such as walking to school). The effect of having low income parents was less in 2002 than in 1995. Overweight prevalence did not differ significantly by income in either year, but there was a significant decline in overweight among high income children. Only hours spent in moderate physical activity was moderately protective against overweight. Income disparities do not explain trends in overweight among Russian children.
Study of the Shape of Cyclotron-Resonance Lines in Indium Antimonide Using a Far-Infrared Laser

An experimental and theoretical study of the shape of cyclotron-resonance lines in highpurity $n$-type InSb has been conducted at cryogenic temperatures, using a repetitively pulsed far-infrared gas laser at $\ensuremath{\lambda}=336.8, 118.6, 78.4, 55.1, \mathrm{and} 47.5$ \ensuremath{\mu}m. Measurements of the 4.2 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K effective mass and scattering times have been obtained as a function of frequency via transmission through a thin sample arranged in the Faraday configuration. For carriers at a concentration of 1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$, one obtains a zero-field 4.2 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K effective-mass ratio of 0.0139 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.0002. At laser frequencies below the optical-phonon frequencies, an anomalous narrowing of the lines was observed whose width implies a collision time $\ensuremath{\tau}$ near ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}11}$ sec, which is about 160 times longer than the value derived from dc magnetoconductivity at 20 kG. The theoretical analysis uses the quantum plasma dielectric tensor $\stackrel{}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{q}},\ensuremath{\omega})$ complete with a collisional energy term of the form $\ensuremath{\Delta}+i\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ and a nonparabolic energy expression for conductionband electrons. The dispersion equations for photon propagation in the Faraday and Voigt geometries are then solved to obtain the cyclotron-resonance line shape, using both constant-and energy-dependent collision times. It is shown that the observed line shapes and widths may be predicted without adjustable parameters to within the experimental error by a scattering time $\ensuremath{\tau}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}},{k}_{z})$, which describes adiabatic and nonadiabatic Coulomb scattering. Thus the narrowed lines are attributed to the reduced scattering rate from long-range ionized impurities that occurs in the quantum limit $\ensuremath{\hbar}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c}g{k}_{B}T$. Another experiment, done in the Voigt configuration at 77 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K using $\ensuremath{\lambda}=336.8$ \ensuremath{\mu}m, yielded at 4.5-kG mass ratio of 0.0132 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.0002 and a scattering time of 2.75 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ sec, which is within a factor of 2 of the zero-field mobility time.
Hypoxia increases extracellular concentrations of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in subsequently induced seizure: In vivo microdialysis study in the rabbit

It is uncertain whether a brief hypoxic exposure exerts long lasting effects on central nervous system amino acid neurotransmission. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a short period of hypoxia would affect release of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids during subsequent bicuculline-induced seizure. Utilizing in vivo microdialysis in cerebral cortex of rabbits, we observed no significant increase in extracellular fluid (ECF) concentrations of the excitatory amino acids, glutamate and aspartate, or the inhibitory amino acids, GABA and taurine, during a 30-min exposure to hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.08). In addition, there was no significant change in these amino acids during uncomplicated seizure. However, when seizure was complicated by a preceding period of hypoxia, there was a marked and progressive rise in both excitatory and inhibitory amino acids in ECF. We conclude that a short period of hypoxia, which itself does not cause changes in ECF concentrations of excitatory amino acids, may nonetheless contribute to neuronal injury by altering the levels of ECF amino acids during a subsequent insult.
A review of cancer cachexia and abnormal glucose metabolism in humans with cancer.

In 1919, glucose intolerance became the earliest recognized metabolic abnormality in cancer patients. Prior to the development of severe malnutrition, colon, gastric, sarcoma, endometrial, prostate, localized head, neck, and lung cancer patients had many of the metabolic abnormalities of type II (noninsulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. These metabolic abnormalities include glucose intolerance, an increase in both hepatic glucose production (HGP) and glucose recycling, and insulin resistance. In a study of over 600 cancer patients, a diabetic pattern of glucose tolerance test was noted in over one-third of the patients. An increased rate of HGP, commonly seen in diabetics, has been noted in almost all types of cancer patients studied to date. Etiology of the increased glucose production in the cancer patient is not known, but abnormalities in the counter regulatory hormones, especially growth hormone, may contribute to the development of abnormal glucose metabolism. A second possible stimulus for the incr...
Spatial Pattern of Yield Distributions: Implications for Crop Insurance

Crop insurance is similar to flood and hurricane insurance in that spatially correlated weather tends to cause violations of the independence assumption. Ideally, one would seek to pool uncorrelated risk drawn from the same distribution in crop insurance. This article proposes a testing procedure for the cross-sectional pooling of group units, and empirically analyzes whether the proposed test improves out-of-sample rating performance. We utilize a balanced panel of U.S. county-level corn yields for 510 counties, and the results of an out-of-sample crop insurance rating performance exercise provide economic significance to the proposed pooling methodology and results.
Studies of the toxicity of an intravenous fat emulsion. i. Hematologic changes and survival after administration of a soybean oil (FE-S15) in beagles.

The potential toxicity of FE-S15 (B. Braun-Melsungen), a soybean-oil fat emulsion used in parenteral nutrition, was studied in dogs. Forty pure-bred beagles, in two experimental groups (FE-S15 at 9 and 4 g/kg/day) and two corresponding control groups (receiving Dextrose-Ringer;apos solution), were given daily infusions for 28 days via a central venous catheter. Vital signs and hematologic, biochemical, and bacteriologic changes were monitored closely. When compared with control groups, no significant weight loss was observed in either experimental group; the food intake decreased only in animals receiving fat in high doses. Hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased in all groups during infusion, the greatest fall observed in the group receiving high-dose fat infusion where the hematocrit declined from 45.5% to 31.7%. This decrease was significantly different from the controls only during one observation period. Clinical signs, such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and fever were observed infreq...
Air Quality Measurements Inside Diesel Truck Cabs During Long-Term Idling

The overall objective of this study was to measure the air pollutant concentrations inside and outside of diesel truck cabs under conditions of extended idling at a truck stop. The measurements were conducted under different modes of engine and air conditioner operation at different times of day and night. One-hour average concentrations of fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide were measured. All trucks showed some level of self-contamination of in-cab air quality from engine emissions during idling. Some trucks showed significantly higher in-cab concentrations than outside concentrations, indicating engine compartment leaks into the cab. Other trucks showed in-cab concentrations similar to or even lower than outside concentrations but showed higher outside and in-cab concentrations during engine idling than when the engine was turned off. In these cases, truck emissions raised the outside concentrations, which then migrated into the truck cab. Carbon monoxide concentrations measured in the cab were insignificant compared with relevant air quality standards, but fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide concentrations were higher than some U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ambient air quality standards. None of the measurements was higher than Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health air quality standards.
ASYMMETRIC INFORMATION AND THE COHERENCE OF LEGISLATION

Legislators' beliefs, preferences, and intentions are communicated in committees and legislatures through debates, the proposal of bills and amendments, and the recording of votes. Because such information is typically distributed asymmetrically within any group of decision makers, legislators have incentives to reveal or conceal private information strategically and thus manipulate the collective decision-making process in their favor. In consequence, any committee decision may in the end reflect only the interests of a minority. We address a problem of sharing information through debate in an endogenous, agenda-setting, collective-choice process. The model is game theoretic and we find in the equilibrium to the game that at least some legislators have incentives to conceal private information. Consequently, the final committee decision can be "incoherent" by failing to reflect the preferences of all committee members fully. Additionally, we characterize the subset of legislators with any incentive to conceal data.
Hormone-induced modification of EGF receptor proteolysis in the induction of EGF action.

A proposal that EGF action is mediated through enhanced internalization of EGF receptors is modified to account for more recent evidence. EGF receptors turn over at a rapid rate, and the maintenance of a steady state of EGF receptors on the cell surface is provided through a rapid synthesis of EGF receptors, balancing their removal. This rapid turnover of unoccupied receptors may arise through their removal. This rapid turnover of unoccupied receptors may arise through their internalization and proteolysis in the lysosomes, in much the same way as receptors are internalized and degraded when exposed to EGF, which enhances internalization. This provides a dilemma for the endocytic activation concept, since slight enhancement of receptor internalization gives rise to a strong hormone response. This problem may be solved by the observation that EGF induces a change in its receptor, exposing an otherwise unavailable site for proteolytic cleavage. This hormone-dependent modification of receptors may be the critical step in the induction of responses to EGF and other hormones that are internalized with their receptors. Both platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) are shown to down-regulate EGF receptors, though transiently, placing still more stringent requirements on the specificity by which hormones might act through endocytic activation of their receptors.
Generational Change in Elite Political Beliefs: The Growth of Ideological Polarization

The past two decades have been years of temendous social and political change in most Western democracies, as the student movement, citizen action groups, and other new social movements challenged ...
Low-Cost Detection and Monitoring of Coronary Artery Disease Using Ultrasound

Cardiovascular disease has a significant impact on global public health both due to its prevalence and high morbidity and mortality as well as its large financial burden. Prevention strategies using traditional risk factors miss many opportunities, because these risk factors do not identify the atherosclerotic plaques that are responsible for the target ischemic events. We present a new technology that could be used to develop a new prevention strategy by providing a low-cost tool for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). This technology can be used in a decentralized primary care setting. This technology uses ultrasound for measuring minute local vibrations in the cardiac wall associated with acoustic markers of CAD. We have developed a programmable ultrasound platform that has enabled the rapid translation of this technology from the research laboratory to clinical evaluation. Preliminary feasibility studies indicate the promising potential of this technology for detecting and classifying CAD in a symptomatic population. For more effective secondary prevention of patients with diagnosed CAD, this technology can be used in conjunction with another new ultrasound-based method for measuring local variation of mechanical strain in the carotid artery wall as a surrogate for monitoring the progression or regression of CAD
Increased striatal serotonin synthesis following cortical resection in children with intractable epilepsy.

Summary Background and purpose Serotonin is a major regulator of structural brain plasticity, which may occur following cortical resection in humans. In this study we used positron emission tomography (PET) with alpha[11C]methyl- l -tryptophan (AMT) to evaluate serotonergic alterations in subcortical structures following cortical resection in children with intractable epilepsy. Methods AMT uptake in the thalamus and lentiform nucleus was evaluated postoperatively (1–89 months following resection) in 19 children (mean age: 8.7 years) with a previous cortical resection due to intractable epilepsy. Ten children with partial epilepsy but without resection and seven normal children served as controls. Results There was an increased AMT uptake in the lentiform nucleus ipsilateral to the resection as compared to the contralateral side (mean asymmetry: 4.2 ± 3.0%), and the asymmetries were significantly higher than those measured in the control groups (p ≤ 0.001). Post-resection asymmetry indices in the lentiform nucleus correlated inversely with postoperative time (r = −0.67; p = 0.002), but not with age (p = 0.29) or the extent of resection (p = 0.77). In contrast, thalamic AMT uptake asymmetries were not different among the three groups (p = 0.63). Conclusions Cortical resection results in a sustained increase of AMT uptake in the lentiform nucleus, suggesting increased serotonin synthesis. Serotonergic activation in the deafferented striatum may play a role in the functional reorganization of cortico-striatal projections in humans.
A brain-computer interface for recognizing brain activity

Electroencephalogram signals (EEG), also known as brainwaves, provide rich information about the brain processes, once that they result from the electrical activity of millions of neurons beneath the skull. By finding correlation between EEG patterns and certain brain processes, such as thought, it is possible to design an intelligent system that is able to translate the EEG information into computer commands. This research investigates this possibility by introducing the design of a portable EEG data acquisition system (to be connected to the printer parallel port of a PC computer) and developing a new neural network to classify signals.
SVL: storage virtualization engine leveraging DBMS technology

The demands on storage systems are increasingly requiring expressiveness, fault-tolerance, security, distribution, etc. Such functionalities have been traditionally provided by DBMS. We propose a storage management system, SVL that leverages DBMS technology. The primary problem in block storage management is block virtualization, which is essentially an abstraction layer that separates the user view of storage from the implementation of storage. Storage virtualization standardizes storage management in a heterogeneous storage and/or host environment, and plays a crucial role in enhancing storage functionality and utilization. Currently specialized hardware or microcode-based solutions are popular for implementing block storage management systems, commonly referred to as disk controllers. We demonstrate how to take a general purpose commercial RDBMS, rather than a specialized solution, to support block storage management. We exploit the simple semantics of storage management systems to streamline database performance and thus attain acceptability from a storage point of view. This work promises to pave the way for diverse and innovative industrial applications of database management systems.
Changing patterns in interventional bronchoscopy.

res_1490 595..600 Background and objective: Many interventional tools for airway disorders can now be delivered via flexible bronchoscopy (FB), including neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet laser, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation,cryotherapy,balloon dilatation and metal or hybrid stents. Comparison of outcomes for patients undergoingrigidbronchoscopy(RB)withthosetreated using FB highlights the usefulness of the FB approach. Methods: A retrospective medical record review of all interventional bronchoscopy procedures performed at Lahey Clinic over the past 8 years was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the procedure used, that is, RB (251 patients), and FB (161 patients) groups.Patients with malignancies were included as a separate subgroup, comprising 178 RB and 117 FB patients. For every procedure, the location of the lesion, patient survival from the first interventional procedure performed, and in patients with malignancy, additional treatments received such as chemotherapy and radiation were recorded. Results: Ninety per cent of RB procedures were performed in patients with tracheal or main stem lesions, while over half the patients undergoing FB had more distal lesions. A trend towards increasing use of FB for interventional procedures in recent years was noted. Conclusions: FB is a valuable alternative to RB for treating less advanced malignant disease or distal airway lesions.
Some random thoughts concerning the symbiotic relationship between social and institutional economics

An intellectual symbiosis exists between social economics and institutional economics because the strengths and weaknesses of these two leading schools of heterodox economic thought are complementary. Axiology and goals are the strength of social economics and the weakness of institutional economics. Epistemology and methodology are the strength of institutional economics and the weakness of social economics. The rationalistic and metaphysical axiology of the social economists can be effectively merged with the empirical and pragmatic epistemology of the institutional economists. The resulting symbiotic synthesis will certainly provide the basis for a creative integration of social and institutional economics into a new and improved school of heterodox economic thought.
Averaging of the Iterates

The difficulty of selecting a good step size sequence {e n } has been a serious handicap in applications. In a fundamental paper, Polyak and Juditsky [142] showed that (loosely speaking) if e n goes to zero slower than O(1/n), the averaged sequence \( \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {{\theta _i}/n} {\text{ }} \) converges to its limit at an optimum rate.
The study of the early history of terrestrial magnetism

In order to furnish a background for our present knowledge of terrestrial magnetism, many scholars have devoted much time and labor to the examination of ancient and medieval instruments containing references to the magnet and its properties. Such studies involve the expenditure of much patience because the original documents are not readily accessible since they are widely scattered in libraries and collections. Difficulties are also encountered in understanding them, because they are usually written in language now not easily intelligible even to those who speak the modern forms of the languages represented. Parchment and other materials on which these manuscripts were written were, during the middle ages, so scarce and expensive that the urge for economy led to the excessive employment of arbitrary abbreviations which, often dimmed by the effects of time, render the text difficult to decipher. Expressions, too, employed before modern physical concepts came into use, make doubtful the interpretation of many passages.
Ka-band SATCOM in A2C2S

The rapid growth of the digitized battlefield is placing greater demands on spectrum use. High bandwidth/data rate requirements and non-line-of-sight communication links move one toward the use of high frequency and high bandwidth satellite communications. Wideband gapfiller system, WGS, is a SATCOM system filling this role and previous analysis has been devoted to ground terminals on the pause and on the move. We consider use of WGS for rotary winged aircraft, in particular, for the Army Airborne Command and Control System, A2C2S, which employs an UH-60 as an airborne command post. This system will be deployed for both military and homeland security use. The problems associated with antenna placement and rotor modulation are presented and discussed. Link budgets are computed to demonstrate the asymmetric link capabilities and potential waveform solutions for defeating rotor blockage are presented.
Carrots, Sticks, De-escalation: U.S.—Soviet and Arab—Israeli Relations:

Various efforts to initiate and negotiate de-escalating agreements in the U.S.-Soviet and Arab-Israeli conflicts are examined. Theoretical approaches regarding the role of noncoercive and coercive inducements are compared and applied to the cases. Six generalizations are inferred from the analysis. First, noncoercive inducements are particularly useful in initiating de-escalation. Second, positive sanctions are more likely to be effective if preceded by communications about them. Third, major de-escalating gestures are difficult to make at the initiation of de-escalation because of constituency concerns. Fourth, both consistency and persistence are important in the effectiveness of de-escalation efforts. Fifth, positive sanctions are more easily made in the negotiation rather than initiating stage and are relatively frequent then. Sixth, sequencing of coercive and noncoercive inducements is important for effective de-escalation.
[Comment on ’”Debate over free exchange of data roils geohysical world” by Julie Wakefield”] Geophysics data: Neither free nor cheap in today's political, economic climate

A Feb. 14, 1995, Eos article, “Debate Over Free Exchange of Data Roils Geophysical World,” discussed a controversial proposal to develop a three-tiered system for meteorological data exchange. In response to the call for related Forum pieces, I offer the following comments. Environmental data does not come cheap. The real costs of environmental data are frequently “buried” in the budgets of the multipurpose infrastructures that gather the information. Costs include instrumentation and calibration, siting and access, technical support, and data processing. Many producers and consumers probably do not know the actual “cost per information unit.” Smart systems, with communications links, are reducing acquisition costs; but the trend is countered by increasingly sophisticated and costly sensor technology and acquisition schemes.
Some modifications of the multidimensional Marshall and Olkin model

The following mechanism of multiple failures in a system is considered. Suppose that the failure of a component ei causes with probability pij ≤ 0 an instantaneous failure of a component ei which can, in turn, cause another instantaneous failure of ek with probability PJk 0 and so on (i,j, k = 1, 2,..., n). We apply this mechanism to the Marshall and Olkin formula for the joint probability distribution of system component lifetimes when multiple failures in the system occur. The formulae given replace the Marshall and Olkin constant set failure rates by variable ones. Other comparisons with Marshall and Olkin models are made.
A Deconstructed Example of a Type 4 Study: Research to Monitor and Report on Common Uses and Shape Desired Directions

The previous articles in this series of outstanding examples of educational technology studies (see Roblyer, 2005, 2006) reiterated the common plaint about the lack of useful studies and the difficulties inherent in doing meaningful, useful research in our field. Not only do we face the usual problems, obstacles, and complexities of all research on human behavior (Kaestle, 1993), educational technology also faces an array of additional challenges.
Chapter 9 Applications to Mathematical Analysis

One of the limitations of floating point arithmetic is computer roundoff error. It is measured by a number called unit roundoff error (URE), which is defined as the least positive real number u such that the computer cannot distinguish between 1.0+u and 1.0. Actually, this number is software dependent, and as you will surely test, with Pascal it is different for different real types. The following program is one approach to measuring URE. Its first approximation to u is the first negative power of 10 that doesn’t change 1.0 when added to it. Its next approximation to u is a multiple of that, so the result is the first significant decimal digit of the true u. Then it goes for two more decimal digits, which is really close enough.
E-Government Readiness at Divisional Secretariats in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka:Challenges and Recommendations

Governments have become more and more interested in embracing Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and have made a remarkable progress over the last several years. In Sri Lanka, Divisional Secretariats are providing e-Government services to the public using ICT. The study attempts to assess the level of E-Government Readiness (EGR) at Divisional Secretariats in Batticaloa district focusing on five selected variables affecting EGR categorized into: (i) ICT strategy; (ii) E-Government program; (iii) User access; (iv) Infrastructure; and (v) Human resource. The quantitative and qualitative data were obtained through distributing questionnaires, discussion and observing organizations’ physical setup. The findings revealed that the Readiness of E-Government was at moderate level. Concerning detailed assessment, the results proved that ICT strategy, E-Government program and user access were at high level, whereas human resource and infrastructure were at moderate level. The findings further exposed that all five variables have a significant impact on EGR and also have a positive correlation with EGR.
Resistance to Larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera in Three Experimental Maize Hybrids

One commercial and three experimental maize hybrids were tested for resistance to larvae of Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte under uniform controlled infestations. Damage was measured directly by root damage ratings and indirectly by root-pulling resistance and yield reduction; the experimental hybrids were damaged less than the commercial hybrid and were, therefore, considered to be resistant. The same number of adults emerged from both the susceptible and resistant hybrids, but those from the resistant hybrids were heavier. The resistant hybrids may have been nutritionally superior to the susceptible hybrid, or perhaps the resistance was the result of an initial antixenosis followed by physiological compensation. In either case, the resistance was not tolerance, since it appeared to be the result of a response by rootworm larvae to resistant host plants and not the result of a host plant response to larval attack.
On the Limit Points of the Sequence {sin n}

(1967). On the Limit Points of the Sequence {sin n} Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 210-213.
FEMALE RECEPTIVITY TO REMATING AND EARLY FECUNDITY IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER.

Fecundity and receptivity to remating in 3 populations of D. melanogaster derived recently from the field. We also compared four stock-maintenance procedures for their effects on remating and related attributes
Cardiac Function and Dysfunction in Sepsis

Cardiac function and dysfunction are important in the clinical outcomes of sepsis and septic shock. Cardiac dysfunction is not a single entity, but is a broad spectrum of syndromes that result in biventricular cardiac dysfunction manifested by both systolic and diastolic dysfunction and is influenced by cardiac loading conditions (ie, preload and afterload). Elucidating the underlying pathophysiology has proved to be complex. This article emphasizes the underlying pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction and explores recent evidence related to diagnosis, including the utility of biomarkers, the role of echocardiography, and management goals and treatment.
The Chemical Ionization/Particle-Induced Ion Source

Fast-atom bombardment (FAB) has proven to be a useful desorption technique for the mass spectrometric analysis of intractable chemical species [1]. These species are sputtered as ions and neutrals from solid surfaces, films, or liquid matrices by an energetic beam of fast atoms. The number of sputtered neutral species should be considerably larger than the number of ionic species, based on typical ion yields from classical surface studies.
A Lifestyle Analysis of the Elderly: Perceptions of Risk, Fear, and Vulnerability

This article examines the place of risk, fear, and vulnerability in the lifestyle choices of the elderly. Using the earlier lifestyle theory of the late researcher Michael Hindelang and his colleag...
Vaccination situation and strategy of left-behind children in Wanli District

Objective To grasp the present situation of left-behind children in our region and provide reliable basis for formulating corresponding strategies. Methods Vaccination situation of 300 children from 1 to 6 years old were investigated and analyzed by random survey method, and 120 guardians of left-behind children were investigated about vaccination awareness by questionnaire survey. Results The survey results indicated that vaccination rate of five strengthen immunization programs was less than 90 %.And the awareness rate of the vaccination knowledge was less than 60%. Conclusion It is essential to paying serious attention to the immunization assignment and taking a series of measures to enhancing the immunization coverage of left-behind children and vaccination knowledge awareness of the guardian of left-behind children.
Reference of first botanical drug product approved by America to non-clinical pharmacodynamics evaluation of Chinese herbs

Veregen is the first botanical drug product approved by U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA) in 2006.Based on the non-clinical pharmacodynamics documentation of veregen submitted to the FDA in investigational new drug applications,the paper stated FDA’s thinking on non-clinical pharmacodynamics evaluation of botanical drug product,and its reference to drug development of Chinese herbs.
Study on the Organization Form of Carrying out the Open Country Survival Life Training in Universities

Through physical quality,psychological quality outdoor life knowledge and the skill raise,the open country survival life training is advantageous to stimulate university students' sports study motive,urge the student to participate in the physical trainingon own initiative,and exercise their viability.At present the ordinary universities carry out the open country survival life training by two organization form which are teaching form and club form two kinds,each kind of organization form all has own characteristic and the request.
Psychiatric Symptoms, Parental Attachment, and Reasons for Use as Correlates of Heavy Substance Use Among Treatment-Seeking Hispanic Adolescents.

ABSTRACTIn early adolescence, Hispanics self-report higher drug use rates compared to White and African American peers. Among adolescent users, heavy users have more negative behavioral and health consequences. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine whether psychiatric symptoms, parental attachment, and reasons for use predict heavy alcohol and illicit drug use (more than 10 times in the past three months) among Hispanic adolescents. Methods: This study examines baseline data from a study evaluating a family based substance abuse treatment program for Hispanic adolescents. Participants were 14–17 years old (N = 156, 44% female). Adolescent reports on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Predictive Scales measured psychiatric symptoms of major depressive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and anxiety. The Personal Experiences Inventory measured type and amount of drug use, as well as perceived social and psychological benefits of drug use. The I...
Sudden Onset Complex Tic Associated with Streptococcal Infection in a Neonate: The First Case of Neonatal PANDAS

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is defined by acute onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, most notably simple or complex motor or vocal tics, with an abrupt onset before adulthood associated with a Group A Streptococcal infection. This disorder is most commonly diagnosed in childhood presumably because of the high incidence of Group A Streptococcal infections during this time in development. This is the first report of a neonate with PANDAS. The neonate presented with clinical and laboratory evidence of a non-invasive Group A Streptococcal infection and concomitantly developed a complex tic. The complex tic waned as the Group A Streptococcal antibody titers decreased suggesting a temporal relation between the two. Infection and other triggers should be considered when abrupt changes in behavior or development occur early in life. Such an increased index-of-suspicious of PANDAS or Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (PANS) early in life may lead to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Management of Glenoid Bone Loss with Anterior Shoulder Instability: Indications and Outcomes.

Glenoid Bone Loss is a commonly encountered problem in anterior shoulder instability. In this article, we review current techniques for diagnosis, indications and management of glenoid bone loss. Multiple bone grafting techniques are available depending on the glenoid defect size including the coracoid, distal clavicle, iliac crest, and allograft distal tibia. Advancement in imaging methods allows for more accurate quantification of bone loss. Indications and techniques are continuing to evolve, and emerging evidence suggests that smaller degrees of bone loss “subcritical” may be best treated with bone grafting. Future directions for innovation and investigation include improved arthroscopic techniques and a refinement of indications for the type of bone grafts and when to indicate a patient of arthroscopic repair versus glenoid bone grafting for smaller degrees of bone loss to ensure successful outcome.
Insurance for broad genomic tests in oncology

Tests based on DNA sequencing methods are redefining diagnostic categories in oncology and providing a rational basis for the development and use of new cancer therapies, especially the many drugs targeted against mutant proteins that drive malignant growth ( 1 ). The medical and economic value of identifying specific genetic abnormalities in cancers has been established by the evidence-based use of targeted drugs and immunotherapies in cancer patients (see the figure for an example). For some cancer therapies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved label calls for the use of a companion diagnostic test for the presence or absence of certain genetic changes before initiating treatment. Most recently, the FDA approved the use of the immunotherapeutic pembrolizumab for treatment of tumors that show a defect in DNA repair called microsatellite instability, irrespective of the tissue of origin; although an FDA-approved test for microsatellite instability is not yet available, many clinical laboratories are using assays for the relevant biomarkers ( 2 ).
Thoracolumbar Deformity MIS (Palsy) Surgery Complication

Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques have become increasingly popular methods of treating spinal pathologies. Spinal surgeons once trained in traditional open approaches must now familiarize themselves with the complication profile associated with these less invasive techniques. Quadriceps palsy is recognized as a possible adverse event following lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). The complication occurs due to neurological insults incurred during dissection of the psoas, a muscle that houses key elements of the lumbosacral plexus. Quadriceps palsy is associated with significant morbidity and delayed recovery postoperatively. The chapter gives a brief overview of adult spinal deformity (ASD) including management strategies for treating the disorder. A case of quadriceps palsy is presented in a patient that underwent multilevel LLIF for treatment of ASD. Quadriceps palsy is described in depth including possible causes, presentation in the literature, and common management strategies. Finally, the chapter provides general recommendations for avoiding quadriceps palsy in ASD cases.
La siempre cambiante contextualización de la naturaleza de la ciencia: documentos recientes sobre la reforma de la educación científica en los Estados Unidos y su impacto en el logro de la alfabetización científica

Many have expressed concerns over the marginalization of nature of science (NOS) in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). However, a careful conceptual analysis of how the NGSS addresses NOS relative to previous U.S. reform documents reveals a complex situation related to how NOS is contextualized and apparent assumptions about how NOS is best taught and learned. A historical perspective of the emergence of NOS as an important educational outcome is provided before discussing the role of NOS in the NGSS and in previous reform documents.
The Impact of Environmental Pollutants on Wildlife — an Overview

In spite of the current wave of interest, the impact of environmental pollutants on wildlife is surprisingly difficult to assess. The acute effects of toxic substances on birds, fish, and large mammals are easy to discern. Acute effects on small mammals, reptiles and amphibians are only rarely reported, possibly because these animals are less readily noticed by casual observers. The chronic effects of only a few pollutants have received significant study with regard to their effects on wildlife. It is tempting to ascribe many declines of wildlife populations to the effects of toxic substances. However, in many cases concurrent changes in the wildlife habitat have comlicated these evaluations. To date, major declines in some species or birds seem to have been prompted by some chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides. For other species the evidence is often ambiguous. Oil spills, mercury, and lead have clearly contributed to local declines in wildlife populations. However, in many instances the impact on wildlife populations is not clear. There is a need for increased study in the field of ecological toxicology, a need to bridge the gap between laboratory studies and field observations, and to integrate the vast quantities of monitoring data into a conceptual framework based on principles of ecological toxicology.
Developing a Text Support Tool for English Language Learners

K-12 teachers often need to develop text adaptations of authentic classroom texts as a way to provide reading-level appropriate materials to English language learners in their classrooms. Adaptations are done by hand, and include practices such as, writing text summaries, substituting appropriate vocabulary, and offering native language support. In light of the labor-intensiveness involved in the manual creation of text adaptations, we have implemented the Automated Text Adaptation Tool (ATA v.1.0). This tool uses natural language processing (NLP) capabilities to automatically generate text adaptations that are similar to teacher-created adaptations. We have also conducted a qualitative teacher pilot with 12 middle school teachers who teach English language learners. We present a discussion of the tool and pilot.
Information Literacy in the United States: Contemporary Transformations and Controversies

While acknowledging that efforts in information literacy are a global, the paper concentrates on information literacy efforts in the USA. The American Library Association (ALA) issued in year 2000 a set of standards that provided a framework for assessing the information literate individual. By 2013 it was realized that many changes require an update and even new approaches to information literacy. At the start of 2014 ALA proposed an initial draft of a new framework for information literacy for higher education. A new definition of information literacy was offered, together with a new framework based on threshold concepts– critically reviewed in the paper. During 2014 several public debates were conducted; the new framework is scheduled to be finalized in 2015. The paper summarizes these debates, with particular emphasis of description and critiques of threshold concept, which is at the core of the new framework.
Conclusions and Research Perspectives

The SCF and APC ubiquitin E3 ligases are well-characterized members of the RING finger ubiquitin E3 ligase family. During the past two decades, a significant amount of experimental evidence has been generated towards understanding the biochemical features and the physiological functions of these ligases, especially their roles in tumorigenesis. In this book, we have discussed the growing list of the identified ubiquitin substrates for SCF and APC members. More importantly, we have summarized the studies that used genetically engineered mouse models to examine the roles of SCF or APC in tumorigenesis. Moreover, we have discussed the physiological functions of the SCF and APC members under normal conditions as well as in human diseases such as cancer. However, as there are numerous questions remaining to be addressed in this field, we urge the development of novel large-scale screening strategies to efficiently identify novel substrates for each E3 ligase, and to establish additional genetically engineered mouse models, both of which would greatly facilitate our understanding of the physiological as well as pathological roles of SCF and APC in tumorigenesis (Fig. 6.1).
Thoracic Aortic Calcification: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Management Considerations

AbstractThoracic aortic calcification (TAC) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, and for the cardiovascular imager, is predominantly encountered in 4 settings: 1) incidentally, for e...
Compartmentation of hormone action in adult mammalian cardiomyocytes.

Our interests in hormone action on mammalian heart have led us to explore the hormonal responsiveness of purified adult ventricular cardiomyocytes. In this report, we shall describe cardiomyocytes from both rat and rabbit that retain excellent biochemical homology with the intact heart and possess an abundance of receptors for adrenergic and cholinergic hormones that regulate the metabolism and contraction of cardiac muscle. Our data demonstrate the utility of the purified cardiomyocyte preparation in questions about the distribution of hormonal responsiveness between myocyte and non-myocyte elements of cardiac tissue. In addition, our data demonstrate the subcellular basis of hormone-specific compartmentation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cAMP-protein kinase (cAMP-PK) in cardiomyocytes, implying that the expression of cAMP-PK activity is regulated intracellularly by factors in addition to cAMP.
Use of Retrovirus-Derived Vectors to Introduce and Express Genes in Mammalian Cells

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the usage of retrovirus-derived vectors to introduce and express genes in mammalian cells. There has been a surge in the development of experimental systems to introduce and express genes in mammalian cells. The main feature of such transduction systems is a vector, a defined DNA fragment carrying various properties affecting the propagation and/or expression of the transduced gene in the recipient cells. The first and most widely used mammalian transduction system was derived from the genome of SV40, a DNA virus of monkey origin. The chapter discusses a mammalian transduction system derived from the genome of a murine retrovirus, Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV). This experimental system is designed to introduce genes into the chromosome of mammalian cells at the rate of one or a few copies per genome and to permit expression of the transduced genetic information in a stable fashion, enabling the isolation and indefinite propagation of cells carrying the newly acquired gene.
Exposure to an extreme environment comes at a sensorimotor cost

Long duration space flight is known to induce severe modifications in the sensorimotor and musculoskeletal systems. While in-flight strategies including physical fitness have been used to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass using appropriate rehabilitative countermeasures, less attention has been put forth in the design of technologies that can quickly and effectively assess sensorimotor function during missions in space. The aims of the present study were therefore (1) to develop a Portable Sensorimotor Assessment Platform (PSAP) to enable a crewmember to independently and quickly assess his/her sensorimotor function during the NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) and (2) to investigate changes in performance of static posture, tandem gait, and lower limb ataxia due to exposure in an extreme environment. Our data reveal that measuring the degree of upper body balance and gait regularity during tandem walking using PSAP provided a sensitive and objective quantification of body movement abnormalities due to changes in sensorimotor performance over the duration of mission exposure.