cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adjusting a nutrient database to improve calculation of percent calories from macronutrients

Abstract The sum of percent calories from protein, fat, carbohydrate, and alcohol did not always total 100% for dietary recalls or food records entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR) 2007 and earlier versions of this software. This occurred because the calorie content of individual foods in the software's food and nutrient database were based on values calculated using either specific or general Atwater factors. Thus, daily total calorie intake estimates were based on calorie data derived from two different methods. In contrast, only general Atwater factors were applied when calculating the number of calories derived from each macronutrient in a daily diet. Two solutions to the macronutrient calculation problem just described were identified and evaluated. One approach was to create total daily calorie intake estimates based on general factors only. Using this approach, the same method to estimate energy is applied for both total calories and calories from each macronutrient calculation, thus ensuring that the sum of percent calories from each macronutrient totals 100%. The other solution was to incorporate energy factors specific to each core food into the NDSR nutrient database. Using these factors, calories contributed by each macronutrient are calculated for each food, and the calories/macronutrient summed for a daily total. The total calories/macronutrient divided by total calories per day × 100 provides the daily percent of calories from each energy macronutrient. The latter approach is preferable for a number of reasons. Most notably, we believe this approach will yield more accurate percent calories from macronutrient estimates, especially for diets rich in foods for which the general factors sub-optimally estimate energy composition. Thus, we opted to utilize this approach so that the sum of percent calories from macronutrients will total 100% for dietary recalls or food records entered into NDSR 2008 and subsequent versions of this software. The approaches to improving calculation of percent energy from individual macronutrients just described may be useful to others in maintaining databases that rely on energy composition information derived from varying methods.
Degradation of 1/f noise in short channel MOSFETs due to halo angle induced VT non-uniformity and extra trap states at interface

Abstract The impact of halo implantation angle on the low-frequency noise of short channel n-MOSFET is reported. The low-frequency noise is degraded with larger tilt angle for the same implant dose and energy. The higher dose/energy of the halo implant with larger tilt angle further enhances the degradation of low-frequency noise. The larger halo angle introduces non-uniform doping distribution and creates the non-uniform threshold voltage along the channel. Additional traps can be created near the oxide/semiconductor interface due to boron pileup due to larger tilt angle. A quantitative analysis supported by experimental results confirm that the degradation of 1/ f noise is due to the combined effect of non-uniformity in threshold voltage along the channel and the creation of extra trap charges near the oxide-semiconductor interface (near-interfacial charges).
Pediatric approach to early detection of learning disabilities

Learning disabilities (LD) are heterogeneous group of disorders with evidences of genetic or familial trait, intrinsic to the individual and presume to be due to central nervous dysfunction. Learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity dis order (ADHD) are the two of the most common disorders in the population of school-age children. Typically academic achieve ments in children with learning disabilities are significantly lower than expected by their normal or above normal range of IQ. Although academic and cognitive deficits are hallmarks of children with LD, those children are also at risk for a broad range of behavioral and emotional problems. Almost all cases meet criteria for at least one additional diagnosis such as ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, tic disorder, among which ADHD is particularly predominant. Because of the response to the therapeutic intervention program is promising and positive when applied early, it is critical to recognize patients as early as possible. Pediatricians often are the first to hear from parents worried about a childs academic progress. It is not the responsibility of pediatrician to make a diagnosis, referring children for a diagnostic evaluation of LD is a reasonable first step. Pediatricians can make early referral of suspicious children by asking some serial short questions about basic and processing skills. With a basic knowledge about the clinical characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of LD, pediatricians also can provide primary counseling and education for parents at their outpatient clinical settings. (Korean J Pediatr 2008;51:911-921)
Regional characterization of longitudinal DT-MRI to study white matter maturation of the early developing brain

The human brain undergoes rapid and dynamic development early in life. Assessment of brain growth patterns relevant to neurological disorders and disease requires a normative population model of growth and variability in order to evaluate deviation from typical development. In this paper, we focus on maturation of brain white matter as shown in diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI), measured by fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), as well as axial and radial diffusivities (AD, RD). We present a novel methodology to model temporal changes of white matter diffusion from longitudinal DT-MRI data taken at discrete time points. Our proposed framework combines nonlinear modeling of trajectories of individual subjects, population analysis, and testing for regional differences in growth pattern. We first perform deformable mapping of longitudinal DT-MRI of healthy infants imaged at birth, 1 year, and 2 years of age, into a common unbiased atlas. An existing template of labeled white matter regions is registered to this atlas to define anatomical regions of interest. Diffusivity properties of these regions, presented over time, serve as input to the longitudinal characterization of changes. We use non-linear mixed effect (NLME) modeling where temporal change is described by the Gompertz function. The Gompertz growth function uses intuitive parameters related to delay, rate of change, and expected asymptotic value; all descriptive measures which can answer clinical questions related to quantitative analysis of growth patterns. Results suggest that our proposed framework provides descriptive and quantitative information on growth trajectories that can be interpreted by clinicians using natural language terms that describe growth. Statistical analysis of regional differences between anatomical regions which are known to mature differently demonstrates the potential of the proposed method for quantitative assessment of brain growth and differences thereof. This will eventually lead to a prediction of white matter diffusion properties and associated cognitive development at later stages given imaging data at early stages.
Software-extended coherent shared memory: performance and cost

This paper evaluates the tradeoffs involved in the design of the software-extended memory system of Alewife, a multiprocessor architecture that implements coherent shared memory through a combination of hardware and software mechanisms. For each block of memory, Alewife implements between zero and five coherence directory pointers in hardware and allows software to handle requests when the pointers are exhausted. The software includes a flexible coherence interface that facilitates protocol software implementation. This interface is indispensable for conducting experiments and has proven important for implementing enhancements to the basic system.Simulations of a number of applications running on a complete system (with up to 256 processors) demonstrate that the hybrid architecture with five pointers achieves between 71% and 100% of full-map directory performance at a constant cost per processing element. Our experience in designing the software protocol interfaces and experiments with a variety of system configurations lead to a detailed understanding of the interaction of the hardware and software components of the system. The results show that a small amount of shared memory hardware provides adequate performance: One-pointer systems reach between 42% and 100% of full-map performance on our parallel benchmarks. A software-only directory architecture with no hardware pointers has lower performance but minimal cost.
Kinship Care: The African American Response to Family Preservation

The number of children entering the foster care system is increasing at an alarming rate. The increase in children entering foster care, compounded by political, economic, and social factors, has created a phenomenon in the African American community--formal kinship care. Formal kinship care is defined as a system through which the state or county has custody of the child but a relative takes care of the child. This article discusses increased kinship care as a resilient response by the African American community. The strengths and resilience of the African American family can be attributed in part to a strong kinship network. In this manner, the African American community is preserving the family. This community clearly needs support through imaginative social work policies and practice.
Analysis of Streptococcus salivarius urease expression using continuous chemostat culture

Alkali production from urea by bacterial ureases in the oral cavity is thought to have a major impact on oral health and on the physiology and ecology of oral bacteria. Using continuous chemostat culture, urease activity in Streptococcus salivarius 57.I was examined as a function of growth pH, carbohydrate availability and growth rate. A portion of the S. salivarius ureC gene was amplified by polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) using degenerate primers encoding highly conserved sequences from known ureases. The nucleotide sequence of the PCR product was determined, and was used to compare the level of urease gene expression under different growth conditions. The data indicated that urease was highly expressed at low pH, and expression was also modulated by glucose availability and growth rate. Differential expression was controlled, at least in part, at the transcriptional level.
Nanoscale porosity in pigments for chemical sensing

Porous pigments in which chemically responsive dyes have been immobilized in a matrix of organically modified siloxanes (ormosils) have been prepared and characterized by AFM, TEM, EDS, and optical analysis. In typical chemical sensing applications, an array of 36 different porous ormosil pigments are deposited on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.
The influence of lee sediment behind large bed elements on bedload transport rates in supply-limited channels

A coarse surface layer can help to limit bedload transport rates in channels with cobble and gravel beds. In these systems, periodic boulder-sized clasts often exist with small deposits of fine material in the lee of these large bed elements. A combined field and flume study was conducted to investigate the potential impact of lee deposits with distinctly finer sediment-sizes behind boulders on bedload transport rates. Detailed sediment characterizations were performed on surface, subsurface, and lee sediments in two coarse-bedded Connecticut channels. Bedload measurements also were conducted in a series of flows that approached the bankfull level in these two systems to determine transport rates and the size distribution of bedload material. A 6-m long, 0.5-m wide flume was used to model these systems with fine sediment passing over a fixed bed of sediment particles with uniform-sized, large bed elements. Sediment distributions of the lee deposits in the two Connecticut channels indicate that lee deposits may be produced from winnowing of sediments from the surface layer. Lee deposits also exhibit sediment distributions similar to bedload sediment distributions from low to near-bankfull flow in one of the two channels. Bedload sediments in the second channel were finer than lee deposits, presumably from selective entrainment of fines. Flume experiments demonstrate that bedload transport rates are lower for periods of steady flow relative to periods that include either an increase or decrease in discharge. The results show that lee sediments establish a metastable deposit behind each obstruction for a given discharge. Either increases or decreases in discharge disrupt this temporary stability and increase sediment delivery to the main flow. The study suggests that the influence of the rate of change in discharge may be as important as the absolute magnitude of discharge on sediment transport rates at moderate and low discharges in sediment-limited systems with large bed elements.
Skin dose mapping for fluoroscopically guided interventions.

Purpose: To introduce a new skin dose mapping software system for interventional fluoroscopy dose assessment and to analyze the benefits and limitations of patient-phantom matching. Methods: In this study, a new software system was developed for visualizing patient skin dose during interventional fluoroscopy procedures. The system works by translating the reference point air kerma to the location of the patient’s skin, which is represented by a computational model. In order to orient the model with the x-ray source, geometric parameters found within the radiation dose structured report (RDSR) are used along with a limited number of in-clinic measurements. The output of the system is a visual indication of skin dose mapped onto an anthropomorphic model at a resolution of 5 mm. In order to determine if patient-dependent and patient-sculpted models increase accuracy, peak skin dose was calculated for each of 26 patient-specific models and compared with doses calculated using an elliptical stylized model, a reference hybrid model, a matched patient-dependent model and one patient-sculpted model. Results were analyzed in terms of a percent difference using the doses calculated using the patient-specific model as the true standard. Results: Anthropometric matching, including the use of both patient-dependent and patient-sculpted phantoms, was shown most beneficial for left lateral and anterior–posterior projections. In these cases, the percent difference using a reference model was between 8 and 20%, using a patient-dependent model between 7 and 15%, and using a patient-sculpted model between 3 and 7%. Under the table tube configurations produced errors less than 5% in most situations due to the flattening affects of the table and pad, and the fact that table height is the main determination of source-to-skin distance for these configurations. In addition to these results, several skin dose maps were produced and a prototype display system was placed on the in-clinic monitor of an interventional fluoroscopy system. Conclusions: The skin dose mapping program developed in this work represents a new tool that, as the RDSR becomes available through automated export or real-time streaming, can provide the interventional physician information needed to modify behavior when clinically appropriate. The program is nonproprietary and transferable, and also functions independent to the software systems already installed on the control room workstation. The next step will be clinical implementation where the workflow will be optimized along with further analysis of real-time capabilities.
Clinical Management Issues in Males with Sex Chromosomal Mosaicism and Discordant Phenotype/Sex Chromosomal Patterns

The recent availability of Y DNA probes has made it possible to identify two forms of 46,XX male syndrome: Y DNA positive and Y DNA negative. The Y DNA positive male results from a X;Y translocation with a low recurrence risk; the Y DNA negative males are due to a mutation with a high recurrence risk. 46,XX males and mosaic forms are phenotypically indistinguishable. A review of the case histories for 11 individuals indicates that affected males have highly variable genital and nongenital phenotypes. Physical findings may be clearly apparent or nonexistent. With the exception of external genitalia, the basis for this variability is unknown. It may be related to differences in Y chromatin expression as the result of variable inactivation of the X chromosomes, or to the existence of minor deletions or point mutations secondary to an exchange of genetic material. Common and uncommon clinical problems in these individuals require evaluation and follow-up care that is provided through a cooperative, interdisciplinary approach.
Relating the statistics of the angle of linear polarization to measurement uncertainty of the Stokes vector

This work shows an analytic solution to the central moments of the angle of linear polarization (AoLP) when the linear Stokes parameters are independent and Gaussian distributed with different means but equal variance. Such a result is useful for distinguishing AoLP features from noise in polarimetry. When the DoLP is high relative to the measurement uncertainty of the linear Stokes vector, AoLP statistics have been shown to be well approximated by a Gaussian distribution. When the DoLP is zero, AoLP values are uniformly distributed. In general, the probability density function (PDF) of AoLP does not have a closed-form solution and this is the first report, to our knowledge, on an exact analytic form for the central moments of the AoLP. This analytic form will be useful when the AoLP is of interest even when the DoLP is low and the corresponding PDF on the AoLP is in between the extreme cases of a Gaussian or a uniform distribution. We also show that a simple propagation of error (PE) analysis underestimates the AoLP variance at extremely low DoLP but is verified for cases of DoLP that are high relative to the Stokes measurement uncertainty. An example use of the AoLP variance in imaging polarimetry is presented.
Joint attention and word learning in Ngas-speaking toddlers in Nigeria

Much of what is known about language acquisition concerns language learning in middle-class families in western cultures. However, some of the most important findings in language development come from studies that demonstrate the range of contexts in which language is acquired. For example, in Kaluli (Schieffelin & Ochs, 1991), infants (before 0;6) often are not treated as conversational partners but are part of a ‘triadic’ interaction in which the mother speaks for the infant in response to another person’s remarks. In addition, in K´iche´ Maya (Pye, 1992), parents speak little to their young infants, speaking more to them as they produce more intelligible speech. Even so, most Kaluli and K´iche´ Mayan children learn to talk. One view of these types of findings is that language learning is relatively robust across cultural variation. However, some social contexts within a culture may influence language learning in particular ways. For example, the labeling of objects in English (e.g., Goldfield, 1993) may promote noun acquisition. ‘Calling out’ routines (i.e., calling to other persons to locate them, identify who they are, and/or socialize with them) and repeating routines in the Kwara´ae culture of the Solomon Islands, create contexts in which children can anticipate utterances (Watson-Gegeo & Gegeo, 1986), and may help children learn words as part of longer phrases. In contrast, prompting routines (e.g., say…) in the Basotho group in South Africa (Demuth, 1986) may support the production of individual words. These and other interactional routines between caretakers and infants may serve as scaffolding (e.g., Bruner, 1983) to encourage word learning in particular ways. The present study examines a specific social context, joint attention, and investigates whether variations in that context have a specific influence on the acquisition of nouns and verbs. The study was motivated by two major bodies of research. One body of research has examined joint attention behaviors, language development and their interaction. These studies have shown important links between joint attention and language, but have not investigated specific influences on particular word types, nor the relationship between joint attention and language in nonwestern, nonindustrialized cultures. A second body of research has examined children’s production of nouns and verbs in early vocabularies and related this acquisition to children’s cognitive abilities, the linguistic characteristics of their language, and the cultural practices that surround them. Some of these studies have included nonwestern samples (e.g., Korean, Mandarin Chinese), but none of these studies has included a nonindustrialized culture; joint attention has not been considered systematically in this body of research. The present study contributes to both of these bodies of research by examining Ngas children’s joint attention behaviors, and the potential relationship between these behaviors and the acquisition of nouns and verbs.
Protein synthesis by the accessory gland of male house cricket, Acheta domesticus

The accessory gland in male Acheta domesticus consists of several hundred tubules of variable length. The secretory cells of the tubules, which are very richly endowed with rough endoplasmic reticulum, surround a central cavity filled with product proteins. The proteins produced by the gland have been characterized by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gradient centrifugation. They constitute a complex mixture with a wide range in molecular weights and charge properties. The mRNAs for the proteins appear to be of long half-life. Extensive regional specialization exists in the gland with respect to the types of export proteins formed. For the total gland, the acquisition of the full range of protein synthetic capacity is triggered by the imaginal molt, while the differentiation and growth of the tubules can continue in the absence of the molt.
PtdIns(4,5)P2 Functions at the Cleavage Furrow during Cytokinesis

Phosphoinositides play important roles in regulating the cytoskeleton and vesicle trafficking, potentially important processes at the cleavage furrow. However, it remains unclear which, if any, of the phosphoinositides play a role during cytokinesis. A systematic analysis to determine if any of the phosphoinositides might be present or of functional importance at the cleavage furrow has not been published. Several studies hint at a possible role for one or more phosphoinositides at the cleavage furrow. The best of these are genetic data identifying mutations in phosphoinositide-modifying enzymes (a PtdIns(4)P-5-kinase in S. pombe and a PI-4-kinase in D. melanogaster) that interfere with cytokinesis. The genetic nature of these experiments leaves questions as to how direct may be their contribution to cytokinesis. Here we show that a single phosphoinositide, PtdIns(4,5)P2, specifically accumulates at the furrow. Interference with PtdIns(4,5)P2 interferes with adhesion of the plasma membrane to the contractile ring at the furrow. Finally, four distinct interventions to specifically interfere with PtdIns(4,5)P2 each impair cytokinesis. We conclude that PtdIns(4,5)P2 is present at the cleavage furrow and is required for normal cytokinesis at least in part because of a role in adhesion between the contractile ring and the plasma membrane.
NARCISSISM AND BELIEF IN THE PARANORMAL

The present study was designed to assess whether the relationship between narcissistic personality and paranormal belief identified by Tobacyk and Mitchell earlier could be replicated with a general population and to see whether the effect could be found with a narrower definition of paranormal beliefs that focuses only on belief in psychic phenomena. 75 participants completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and two measures of paranormal belief, the Paranormal Belief Scale and the Australian Sheep-Goat Scale. There was no correlation between narcissism and Paranormal Belief Scale scores, but narcissism and Australian Sheep-Goat Scale scores were significantly positively correlated. Of the three subscales to the Australian Sheep-Goat measure, scores for narcissism correlated with belief in ESP and PK but not in Life after death. These relationships were interpreted in terms of need for control.
Improved Lesson Planning With Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Efficient lesson planning with universal design for learning (UDL) enables teachers to more effectively meet students’ individual needs. In this study, a comparison of lesson plans by teacher candidates in a teacher preparation program before and after UDL training is presented. After training, teachers (n = 45) incorporated more differentiated options and varied teacher strategies based on UDL principles into their lesson plans, so that the content was more accessible to all students. A variety of changes and options was examined, and examples of commonly occurring choices selected by the teacher candidates were provided. The improved multiplicity of options in lesson planning demonstrates a better understanding of UDL principles; however, teachers need more experience in actually implementing the UDL principles in their classrooms.
Levels of description and explanation in cognitive science

The notion of levels has been widely used in discussions of cognitive science, especially in discussions of the relation of connectionism to symbolic modeling of cognition. I argue that many of the notions of levels employed are problematic for this purpose, and develop an alternative notion grounded in the framework of mechanistic explanation. By considering the source of the analogies underlying both symbolic modeling and connectionist modeling, I argue that neither is likely to provide an adequate analysis of processes at the level at which cognitive theories attempt to function: One is drawn from too low a level, the other from too high a level. If there is a distinctly cognitive level, then we still need to determine what are the basic organizational principles at that level.
Influence of Topography on Density of Grassland Passerines in Pastures

Pastures provide substantial habitat for grassland birds of management concern in the Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin. The rolling topography in this region is characterized by lowland valleys surrounded by relatively steep and often wooded slopes which are set apart from more expansive treeless uplands. We hypothesized that there would be lower densities of area sensitive grassland passerines in lowland grasslands compared to upland grasslands because of their preference for larger more open grasslands. To test this hypothesis and assess how well pasture area and vegetation structure predicted grassland passerine density compared to upland/lowland status, we conducted point counts of birds in 60 pastures in May–June 1997 and 1998. Upland pastures generally supported greater densities of grassland passerines than lowland pastures. Densities of Savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) and bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) were significantly higher in upland pastures than in lowland pastures. Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) density was significantly higher on uplands in one of the study years. The density of eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna), western meadowlark (S. neglecta) and sedge wren (Cistothorus platensis) did not differ significantly between uplands and lowlands. Grassland passerine density was also predicted by pasture size and vegetation structure. Densities of bobolink and grasshopper sparrow were higher in larger pastures. Bobolink and Savannah sparrow occurred on pastures with greater vegetation height-density and less bare ground; bobolink also preferred shallower litter depths. Lowland pastures supported grassland bird species of management concern and should not be neglected. However, we recommend that pasture management for grassland passerines in areas of variable topography favor relatively large upland pastures that will contain higher densities of species of management concern.
Monetary compensation, workforce-oriented corporate social responsibility, and firm performance

Purpose – Prior literature has established the theoretical and statistical linkages between monetary compensation and firm performance, yet little is known about how the association between monetary compensation and firm performance is moderated by companies’ engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Further, compared to executive compensation, non-executive compensation remains an underexplored topic. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how workforce-oriented CSR moderates: first, the association between non-executive compensation and firm performance; and second, the association between executive compensation and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach – Using a sample of 181 from the largest 3,000 US companies for the years 1991-2011, the authors investigate how workforce-oriented CSR moderates the association between compensation and firm performance. Compensation is examined at two levels – non-executive versus executive compensation. The workforce-oriented CSR sco...
IV Acetaminophen Results in Lower Hospital Costs and Emergency Room Visits Following Bariatric Surgery: a Double-Blind, Prospective, Randomized Trial in a Single Accredited Bariatric Center

Background Postoperative pain control in bariatric surgery is challenging, despite use of intravenous (IV) narcotics. IV acetaminophen is one pain control alternative.
Flux-less direct soldering of aluminum by ultrasonic surface activation

Abstract Effective flux-less soldering of aluminum has been realized in a process that combines ultrasonic abrasive activation of aluminum surface and subsequent reflowing. In this method, a sheet of solder sprinkled with a controlled amount of fine alumina powder is placed against aluminum surface and subjected to in-plane ultrasonic vibration under low clamping pressure (20 MPa) at room temperature for a short duration (∼1 s). This disrupts the oxide on the aluminum surface and purges oxygen from the solder-aluminum interface. Subsequent reflow melts the solder on the activated aluminum surface, forming a metallurgically bonded aluminum-solder joint upon cooling. No pre-treatment of aluminum surface or atmosphere control is required. Optimally joined Aluminum 1100-SN100C joints were free of defects at interface and showed joint strengths (45–48 MPa) that are comparable with that of Sn-base solder joints.
Analysing Discourse as a Causal Mechanism

Utilising critical realist philosophy of social science, this article contends that discourse may be studied as a causal mechanism in the generation of events — and one relationally connected to mechanisms of differing kinds. To do this, it is argued that we should adopt critical discourse analysis rather than the guidance of poststructuralist discourse theory. After establishing the key assumptions of poststructuralist discourse theory, some of the substantive analytical tendencies that secrete are discussed and illustrated through a look at the treatment of humanitarian discourse in the International Relations literature on the nature of Western warfare. The article then places discourse within a critical realist view of the social world. I argue that unlike in poststructuralist discourse theory, with critical realism, discourse can be differentiated from the realm of extra-discursive practice, placed in dialectical relation to this wider realm of social relations, and analysed as a possible causal mechanism in the generation of social phenomena, alongside these other mechanisms, as a way to better determine discourse’s actual effect on events. critical discourse analysis is introduced as offering an amenable methodological tool-kit for studying discourse as conceptualised in this way.
The Protective Action of Normal Sheep Serum Against Infections of Trypanosoma Duttoni in Mice

The original discovery by Thiroux' that normal sheep serum protects mice against infections with Trypanosoma duttoni has been studied in the present investigation with regard to its occurrence in adult and infant sheep and in sheep after liver damage, and the findings have been compared with those of the trypanocidal property in normal human serum against most of the socalled pathogenic trypanosomes of manmals. (For an extensive review of this latter work, see Culbertson.2) The results are not as decisive as was hoped because normal sheep serum is not as consistently effective as is normal human serum and because protection had to be evaluated in terms of infection rather than of death of the mouse since T. duttoni is non lethal.
Vitamin E increases the growth inhibitory and differentiating effects of tumor therapeutic agents on neuroblastoma and glioma cells in culture.

SummaryThe effects of vitamin E in combination with several pharmacological agents on neuroblastoma (NBP2) and glioma (C-6) cells in culture for the criteria of growth inhibition (due to cell death and reduction of cell division) and morphological changes were studied. Vitamin E in combination with 5-FU, adriamycin, R020-1724, vincristine, sodium butyrate, chlorozotocin, or PGE1 produced a synergistic effect on growth inhibition of NB cells, whereas, vitamin E in combination with bleomycin, CCNU, DTIC, mutamycin, or cis-platinum produced an additive effect for the same criterion. In glioma cell culture, vitamin E in combination with vincristine, R020-1724, and CCNU produced a synergistic effect on growth inhibition; whereas, vitamin E in combination with bleomycin, 5-FU, adriamycin, DTIC, papaverine, mutamycin, and cis-platinum produced an additive effect for the same criterion. Vitamin E failed to enhance the effect of sodium butyrate, PGE1, chlorozotocin on glioma cells. Bleomycin, CCNU, chlorozotocin, ...
[5-3H]glucose overestimates glycolytic flux in isolated working rat heart: role of the pentose phosphate pathway.

We set out to study the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in isolated rat hearts perfused with [5-3H]glucose and [1-14C]glucose or [6-14C]glucose (crossover study with 1- then 6- or 6- then 1-14C-lab...
Electrical characteristics of snake distal tubules: studies of I-V relationships

Distal tubules of Thamnophis spp. were perfused in vitro with Ringer solution containing either 16 or 150 mM Na and bathed with 150 mM Na Ringer. Current-voltage relationships were obtained by injecting pulses of constant current, Io, into the tubule lumen and recording changes in voltage, delta Vo, at the proximal end of the perfused tubule segment. The Io-Vo plots showed a distinct break at a voltage E1 (approximately 85 mV) that was greater than the open-circuit voltage, VToc, and similar to values of ENa, the transepithelial driving force for Na transport estimated by other methods. The resistance of the shunt pathway, Rs, was estimated from the values of the transepithelial resistance after luminal addition of 10(-5) M amiloride, which caused a rapid fall of the VToc to 0 mV with concurrent increases of the transepithelial resistance. These estimates of Rs were the same as the values of E1/I1 obtained from the Io-Vo plots. The VToc, RT, and Rs were independent of the bath [Na] and were not influenced...
A Land Made from Water: Appropriation and the Evolution of Colorado’s Landscape, Ditches, and Water Institutions . By Robert R. Crifasi.

A Land Made from Water: Appropriation and the Evolution of Colorado’s Landscape, Ditches, and Water Institutions . By Robert R. Crifasi. (Boulder: University Press of Colorado, 2015. xv + 424 pp. Illustrations, maps, charts, table, notes, bibliography, index. $50.00, £36.00.) Donald Worster remarked in his 2013 Western History Association presidential address that the twenty-first century American West is suffering from a “heightened sense of vulnerability.” This region, “once almost immune to a tragic sensibility, now feels its vulnerability and fears what may come.” Certainly, water is key to these worries. Questions about ownership, economic value, and scarcity persist throughout the modern West. Historians such as James Earl Sherow ( Watering the Valley [1990]), Mark Fiege ( Irrigated Eden [1999]), and Karl Boyd Brooks ( Public Power, Private Dams [2006]) provide the scholarly grounding … vaildd{at}unk.edu
Telmisartan increases vascular reparative capacity in older HIV-infected adults: a pilot study.

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow-derived cells that contribute to vascular repair. EPCs may be reduced in HIV-infected (HIV+) persons, contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that increases EPCs in HIV-uninfected adults.Objective: To assess telmisartan’s effects on EPC number and immunophenotype in older HIV + adults at risk for CVD.Methods: HIV + persons ≥50 years old with HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL on suppressive antiretroviral therapy and ≥1 CVD risk factor participated in a prospective, open-label, pilot study of oral telmisartan 80 mg daily for 12 weeks. Using CD34 and CD133 as markers of early maturity and KDR as a marker of endothelial lineage commitment, EPCs were quantified via flow cytometry and defined as viable CD3−/CD33−/CD19−/glycophorin− cells of four immunophenotypes: CD133+/KDR+, CD34+/KDR+, CD34+/CD133+, or CD34+/KDR+/CD133+. The primary endpoint was a 12-week change in EPC subsets (NCT01578772).Results: Se...
Recent Tissue Engineering Advances for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are among the most common maxillofacial complaints and a major cause of orofacial pain. Although current treatments provide short- and long-term relief, alternative tissue engineering solutions are in great demand. Particularly, the development of strategies, providing long-term resolution of TMD to help patients regain normal function, is a high priority. An absolute prerequisite of tissue engineering is to understand normal structure and function. The current knowledge of anatomical, mechanical, and biochemical characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated tissues will be discussed, followed by a brief description of current TMD treatments. The main focus is on recent tissue engineering developments for regenerating TMJ tissue components, with or without a scaffold. The expectation for effectively managing TMD is that tissue engineering will produce biomimetic TMJ tissues that recapitulate the normal structure and function of the TMJ.
How much risk are emergency department patients willing to accept to avoid diagnostic testing

Objectives There is a paucity of research evaluating the risk tolerance of Emergency Department (ED) patients. We hypothesized that a significant percentage of ED patients surveyed would be comfortable with ≥5% risk of adverse outcome if they avoided testing in several hypothetical scenarios.
Activation of A1 Domain Adhesiveness in von Willebrand Factor by Elongational Force

Abstract Abstract SCI-16 Multiple mechanisms may contribute to activation of von Willebrand factor (vWF) adhesiveness by elongational flow at sites of hemostasis, including enhancement of A1 domain exposure within vWF concatamers and conformational change within the A1 domain or its complex with GPIbα. A receptor and ligand in a single molecule (ReaLiSM) containing the A1 domain, a flexible linker, and GPIbα fused in a single polypeptide and suspended between beads using DNA handles was interrogated with a laser trap. Two pathways for unbinding representing flexed and extended states were previously reported, with the flexed, more stable state predominantly at forces above 10 pN. vWD type 2B mutations in the A1 domain selectively stabilize the extended, high affinity state, whereas platelet-type vWD mutations in GPIbα stabilize both states. With ReaLiSM, we can also measure the kinetics and force-dependence of receptor-ligand binding. Remarkably, we also see two on-rates for receptor-ligand binding, with the faster on-rate predominating above 10 pN and the slower on-rate predominating below 10 pN. vWD type 2B mutations in the A1 domain selectively increased the fast on-rate, whereas platelet-type mutations in GPIbα increased both on-rates. Our results support force-dependent conformational change as one of the mechanisms that activates vWF in hemostasis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
ools, Science, and the Art of Compromise

When I moved my parents into our home, my 86-year-old father insisted on bringing his saddlebags. He said, “You can’t get a horseshoe hammer like mine anymore. And you never know when DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v35i5_box
Assessing the Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms on the Resting-State Default Mode Network in a Military Chronic Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Sample.

Abstract The relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is difficult to discern and poorly understood. An accurate differential diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mTBI and PTSD are challenging due to significant symptom overlap and the absence of clearly established biomarkers. The objective of this work is to examine how post-traumatic stress influences task-free default mode network in chronic mTBI subjects. Control subjects (N = 44) were compared with chronic mTBI subjects with low (N = 58, PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version [PCL-C] total < 30), medium (N = 124, PCL-C total = 31–49), and high (N = 105, PCL-C total ≥ 60) post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The results indicate significant differences in Brodmann area 10 for all mTBI subject groups, indicating potential mTBI-related disruptions with regulation of emotions and decision-making. The effects of PTSS were observed in the anterior cingulate and parahippocampus, sug...
In vivo transduction of neurons with TAT-UCH-L1 protects brain against controlled cortical impact injury

Many mechanisms or pathways are involved in secondary post-traumatic brain injury, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP), axonal degeneration and neuronal cell apoptosis. UCH-L1 is a protein that is expressed in high levels in neurons and may have important roles in the UPP, autophagy and axonal integrity. The current study aims to evaluate the role of UCH-L1 in post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its potential therapeutic effects. A novel protein was constructed that fused the protein transduction domain (PTD) of trans-activating transduction (TAT) protein with UCH-L1 (TAT-UCH-L1) in order to promote neuronal transduction. The TAT-UCH-L1 protein was readily detected in brain by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry after i.p. administration in mice. TBI was induced in mice using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model. TAT-UCH-L1 treatment significantly attenuated K48-linkage polyubiquitin (polyUb)-protein accumulation in hippocampus after CCI compared to vehicle controls, but had no effects on K65-linkage polyUb-protein. TAT-UCH-L1 treatment also attenuated expression of Beclin-1 and LC3BII after CCI. TAT-UCH-L1-treated mice had significantly increased spared tissue volumes and increased survival of CA3 neurons 21 d after CCI compared to control vehicle-treated mice. Axonal injury, detected by APP immunohistochemistry, was reduced in thalamus 24 h and 21 d after CCI in TAT-UCH-L1-treated mice. These results suggest that TAT-UCH-L1 treatment improves function of the UPP and decreases activation of autophagy after CCI. Furthermore, TAT-UCH-L1 treatment also attenuates axonal injury and increases hippocampal neuronal survival after CCI. Taken together these results suggest that UCH-L1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cell death and axonal injury after TBI.
Packet scheduling bandwidth type-based mechanism for LTE

LTE (Long-Term Evolution, commonly marketed as 4G LTE) is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for mobile phones and data terminals. The Packet Scheduler (PS) is a key feature of enhancing the networks performance. The packet scheduler is responsible of assigning the Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) to attached User Equipment (UEs). The main contribution of this paper is to compare the throughput of the eNodeB between a proposed algorithm and Round Robin (RR) Algorithm. The RR Algorithm assigns the PRBs between all attached UEs but does not take the channel conditions into account. In this paper, we propose a novel scheduling algorithm which considers the number of the PRBs and the number of the attached UEs and generates better throughput than RR algorithm.
The Peripherin/rds Gene

Mutations in the gene encoding the disk rim specific protein, peripherin/rds, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of both autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) and various forms of macular dystrophy (MD). Peripherin/rds plays an important role in the morphogenesis and maintenance of the disk rim structure.This role is supported by interactions with other proteins. To better understand how these mutations lead to the development of disease, knowledge of the structure-function relationships of the peripherin/rds gene is needed.To facilitate these studies, genomic clones encoding the murine gene were isolated using bovine cDNA sequences as probes. Sequence analysis of clones that contained the entire coding sequence for mouse peripherin/rds revealed the exon-intron organization of the gene. The gene is composed of three exons (581, 247, and 213bp) and two introns. The first and second introns are 8.6 kb and 3.7 kb in size, respectively. Two major (1.6 and 2.7kb) and three minor (4.0, 5.5, 6.5kb) transcripts were detected on RNA blots. Several transcription start sites were mapped within 26 nucleotides located approximately 200bp upstream from the translation initiation site. However, the lengths of the 3’untranslated portion of the transcripts varied because of utilization of different polyadenylation signals.
The rate of DNA damage and aging

A new theory of aging based on the rate of DNA damage is presented, and the relationship between the rate of oxidative DNA damage and maximum life span (MLS) of mammalian species is explored. In humans the level of oxidative DNA damage, as measured by urinary biomarkers, can be modulated by caloric restriction and dietary composition. Consequently, longevity may depend not only on the basal metabolic rate but also on dietary caloric intake and the type of diet. The theory may provide the basis for a practical approach for reduction of degenerative diseases in-general, extension of life expectancy, and optimization of individual lifestyles.
Unintended Consequences of Medical Malpractice Damages Caps

Previous empirical studies have examined various aspects of medical malpractice damages caps, focusing primarily upon their overall effect in reducing insurance premium rates and plaintiffs' recoveries, and (to a lesser degree) upon other effects such as physicians' geographic choice of where to practice and the "anchoring" effect of caps that might inadvertently increase award amounts. This Article is the first to explore an unintended crossover effect that may be dampening the intended effects of caps. It posits that, where noneconomic damages are limited by caps, plaintiffs' attorneys will more vigorously pursue, and juries will award, larger economic damages, which are often unbounded. Implicit in such a crossover effect is the malleability of various components of medical malpractice damages, which often are considered categorically distinct, particularly in the tort reform context. This Article challenges this conventional wisdom. My original empirical analysis, using a comprehensive dataset of jury verdicts from 1992, 1996, and 2001, in counties located in twenty-two states, collected by the National Center for State Courts, concludes that the imposition of caps on noneconomic damages has no statistically significant effect on overall compensatory damages in medical malpractice jury verdicts or trial court judgments. This result is consistent with the crossover theory. Given the promulgation of noneconomic damages caps, the crossover effect may also partially explain the recently documented trend of rising economic (as opposed to noneconomic) damages in medical malpractice cases.