cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Auxiliary Subxiphoid Incision in Nuss Procedure for the Treatment of Complex Pectus Excavatum

An auxiliary subxiphoid incision was utilised to facilitate pectus bar placement and minimise operative risks in complex pectus excavatum. A series of 33 patients with recurrent or severe pectus excavatum underwent Nuss procedure with this incision from March 2013 to March 2016. The median age of the cohort was 6.9 years (9 females vs. 24 males). The mean Haller index was 5.22. There were 12 redo cases and 18 cases with a Haller index >6. Four cases underwent double bar correction. There was no perioperative death or major complication. Twenty-one cases had already the bars removed when this study was initiated. During follow-up (6-30 months), three cases presented with mild depression of lateral chest wall; while in the rest, the shapes of the chest wall remained satisfactory. The application of the auxiliary subxiphoid incision in Nuss procedure can make it safer in recurrent and severe pectus excavatum with favourable postoperative cosmetic effects.
Investigation of the Usefulness of Serum Amyloid A in Supporting the Diagnosis of Equine Proliferative Enteropathy.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if serum amyloid A (SAA), a major acute-phase protein, could help support the diagnosis of equine proliferative enteropathy (EPE) caused by Lawsonia intracellularis infection in foals. Archived serum samples from 101 foals with enteric signs and hypoproteinemia were available for SAA testing. Based on immunodiagnostics for L. intracellularis, the foals were divided into EPE-suspect (67) and non–EPE-suspect cases (34). Serum amyloid A values ranged from 0 to 2,761 μg/mL (median 466 μg/mL) and from 0 to 2,555 μg/mL (median 192 μg/mL) for the EPE-suspect and the non–EPE-suspect cases, respectively. Although SAA can be measured patient-side and help determine the severity of the underlying inflammatory condition, SAA was unable to consistently support the diagnosis of EPE in hypoproteinemic foals with enteric signs.
Trends in redo mitral procedure for treating mitral bioprostheses failure: a single center’s experience

Background Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation (TM-VIV) has emerged as a viable and attractive alternative to surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR). This study aimed to review a single-center experience with redo mitral procedure for mitral bioprostheses failure over an 8-year period. In addition, it compared procedural safety and early outcomes of various approaches. Methods Between January 2013 and January 2021, 79 consecutive patients who underwent redo procedure for mitral bioprostheses failure in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. SMVR and transapical TM-VIV were performed in 54 and 25 patients, respectively. In the SMVR group, 12 patients underwent totally thoracoscopic redo mitral valve replacement (MVR). Results The annual volume of procedures grew continuously during the study period, with the use of totally thoracoscopic redo MVR increasing from 0% in 2012 to 20% in 2019. In 2020, 84.2% of total procedures were performed via the transcatheter approach. Patients in the TM-VIV group were significantly older and had higher scores on the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroScore II) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS PROM) (P<0.01). The in-hospital mortality for the SMVR group and TM-VIV group was 3.7% (2 patients) and 0, respectively. Compared to the SMVR group, TM-VIV was associated with shorter ventilation time, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative in-hospital stay, and there was less need for blood transfusion. In the subgroup analysis, no significant difference was detected among most perioperative outcomes between the totally thoracoscopy approach group and the TM-VIV group. Conclusions There is an increasing number of patients demanding surgical treatments for mitral bioprostheses failure. TM-VIV is playing a significant role due to its scope of application and excellent outcomes.
Sodium Abnormalities Are an Independent Predictor of Complications in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Cautionary Tale!

Abstract Background Electrolyte levels are commonly obtained as part of the preoperative workup for total joint arthroplasty, but limited information exists on the interplay between electrolyte abnormalities and outcomes. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for primary, elective total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) performed between 2011 and 2017. Three patient groups were compared: normal (control), hypernatremia, and hyponatremia. The primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and 30-day adverse events: complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality. Results A total of 244,538 TKAs and 145,134 THAs were analyzed. The prevalence of hyponatremia and hypernatremia was 6.9% and 1.0%, respectively. After controlling for any baseline differences, hypernatremia was an independent predictor of ventilation >48 hours (THA, odds ratio [OR] 3.53), unplanned intubation (THA, OR 3.14), cardiac arrest (THA, OR 2.42), pneumonia (THA, OR 2.16), Clostridium difficile infection (OR 4.66 and 3.25 for THA and TKA, respectively), LOS >2 days (THA, OR 1.16), and mortality (THA, OR 4.69). Similarly, hyponatremia was an independent predictor of LOS >2 days (TKA, OR 1.21), readmission (TKA, OR 1.40), reoperation (OR 1.32 and 1.47 for THA and TKA, respectively), surgical site infections (OR 1.39 and 1.54 for THA and TKA, respectively), and transfusion (OR 1.13 and 1.20 for THA and TKA, respectively). Conclusion As the focus of total joint arthroplasty continues to shift toward value-based payment models and outpatient surgery, caution should be exercised in patients with abnormal preoperative sodium levels, particularly hypernatremia, because of significantly increased risk of prolonged LOS and 30-day adverse events.
Enhancing Question-Asking during Shared Reading in Immigrant Latino Families

Asking questions about a text enhances comprehension whether the questions are self-generated by the reader or asked by another. Previous parent training studies have focused on Latino parents with...
Ultra-processed Foods, Weight Gain, and Co-morbidity Risk.

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the available data regarding the associations of Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption with food intake and possible underlying mechanisms relating UPF consumption to weight gain and co-morbidities. Recent findings In primarily observational studies, UPF consumption is consistently associated with an increased risk for weight gain among adults and children and increased risk for adiposity-related co-morbidities in adults. In a single mechanistic study, consumption of UPFs led to increased energy intake and weight gain relative to whole foods. UPFs tend to be more energy-dense than nutrient-dense, and UPF consumption is associated with increased adiposity and co-morbidity risk. These data suggest that recommendations to limit UPF consumption may be beneficial to health - though further mechanistic studies are needed.
Mechanism of Sand Movement on Coastal Dunes

Sand supplied to a coast by streams, cliff erosion, and other sources generally is moved in one direction along the shoreline as littoral drift under the action of the prevailing wave conditions in the area. When this drift encounters a partial obstruction, such as a prominent natural headland or a major engineering structure, a condition is realized that is conducive to sediment deposition. Such a littoral compartment eventually becomes filled and some sand is carried past the obstruction. If the topography back of the area of deposition is relatively low and the prevailing winds are onshore, a considerable volume of sand may be moved inland to create a dune system. This loss of material from the coast may affect the stability of the down-coast shoreline. Therefore, knowledge of the annual loss (or supply) of sand from a particular section of coast by wind action is necessary in many instances. A method for estimating the rate of supply or loss of sand involves the use of a suitable transport equation. Numerous laboratory investigations on sand movement by wind have been made over the last 2-5 years. In the last 4 years these various studies were critically reviewed and the need for a method based on a better understanding of the mechanism of the bottom became apparent. The problem now is to determine a suitable method to describe the over-all mechanism of sand movement by wind. Each phase of the phenomenon will be explained herein and the desired relationships will be developed.
Using animated 3D graphical simulations to visualize semiconductor principles

This paper reports on three-dimensional graphic simulations we are developing and using to explain semiconductor principles. These simulations are Web-based three-dimensional graphical models of various materials presented using a Web browser's Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) viewer. Java programs allow animating particles within the models to show the material's electrical behavior. The Java programs also provide intuitive user interfaces which allow the user to perform interactive experiments by changing parameters such as voltage and temperature. The educational aspects of creating and using these types of simulation models for semiconductor and other subjects are discussed.
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is designed to improve respiratory function by resecting the most diseased lung tissue in patients with severe emphysematous COPD. In a selected subset of patients with severe emphysema, LVRS can improve exercise capacity, quality of life, and possibly survival compared to maximum medical therapy. Because it is performed on patients with debilitating pulmonary function and significant comorbidities, it requires proper patient selection and diligent anesthetic planning and implementation.
L-dihydroxyphenylserine (Droxidopa): a new therapy for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: the US experience.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension results from failure to release norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter of sympathetic postganglionic neurons, appropriately upon standing. In double blind, cross over, placebo controlled trials, administration of droxidopa, a synthetic amino acid that is decarboxylated to norepinephrine by the enzyme l-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase increases standing blood pressure, ameliorates symptoms of orthostatic hypotension and improves standing ability in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension due to degenerative autonomic disorders. The pressor effect results from conversion of droxidopa to norepinephrine outside the central nervous system both in neural and non-neural tissue. This mechanism of action makes droxidopa effective in patients with central and peripheral autonomic disorders.
Assignment of the structural OH stretching bands of gibbsite

Single-crystal Raman and FTIR methods have been combined to study the structural OH groups of gibbsite, Al(OH)3. According to factor group analysis, six unique OH stretching bands [ν (OH)] bands are expected to occur in both IR and Raman spectra. In this study, six ν(OH) bands were observed in both the Raman and IR spectra. Analysis of the gibbsite crystal structure reveals two distinct types of structural OH groups: interlayer and intralayer hydrogen-bonded OH groups. The ν(OH) bands corresponding to these two types of OH groups were clearly resolved using polarized single-crystal Raman spectroscopy. The interlayer hydrogen-bonded OH groups are oriented along the c axis of the crystal and are represented by three ν(OH) bands at 3433, 3370, and 3363 cm−1. In contrast, the intralayer hydrogen-bonded OH groups are oriented nearly parallel to the (001) face and are represented by the ν(OH) bands at 3623, 3526, and 3519 cm−1. Assignment of the ν(OH) bands was based, in part, upon the Lippincott and Schroeder one-dimensional (LS-1D) model of the hydrogen bond. Based upon the known geometry of each OH group, the LS-1D model was used to predict the ν(OH) frequencies corresponding to each OH group. Additional support for the band assignments was obtained by correlation between the single-crystal Raman band intensities and the OH bond orientations obtained from the crystal structure.
Seasonal variation in the temperature sensitivity of proteolytic enzyme activity in temperate forest soils

[1] Increasing soil temperature has the potential to alter the activity of the extracellular enzymes that mobilize nitrogen (N) from soil organic matter (SOM) and ultimately the availability of N for primary production. Proteolytic enzymes depolymerize N from proteinaceous components of SOM into amino acids, and their activity is a principal driver of the within-system cycle of soil N. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the soils of temperate forest tree species differ in the temperature sensitivity of proteolytic enzyme activity over the growing season and the role of substrate limitation in regulating temperature sensitivity. Across species and sampling dates, proteolytic enzyme activity had relatively low sensitivity to temperature with a mean activation energy (Ea) of 33.5 kJ mol−1. Ea declined in white ash, American beech, and eastern hemlock soils across the growing season as soils warmed. By contrast, Eain sugar maple soil increased across the growing season. We used these data to develop a species-specific empirical model of proteolytic enzyme activity for the 2009 calendar year and studied the interactive effects of soil temperature (ambient or +5°C) and substrate limitation (ambient or elevated protein) on enzyme activity. Declines in substrate limitation had a larger single-factor effect on proteolytic enzyme activity than temperature, particularly in the spring. There was, however, a large synergistic effect of increasing temperature and substrate supply on proteolytic enzyme activity. Our results suggest limited increases in N availability with climate warming unless there is a parallel increase in the availability of protein substrates.
A parallel algorithm and architecture for object recognition in images

The problem of tree pattern matching for object recognition in images is computationally intensive in nature. In two-dimensional images, the objects can be represented through multiscale decomposition as tree structures. The pattern tree representing an object can be matched with a subject tree representing an image in order to detect the objects within the image. Several sequential, parallel and hardware algorithms exist in the literature for tree pattern matching. In this paper, we describe a new parallel algorithm and its realization as a VLSI chip for tree pattern matching. The hardware algorithm is based on a linear array of processing elements (PEs) where the pattern matching is done in a pipelined fashion relying on nearest-neighbor communication between the PE's and the subject and pattern trees of arbitrary length can be processed using a fixed size PE array. The algorithm has an improved execution time of O(lceilm/arceiln) required to perform the matching where m, a and n are the sizes of the pattern tree, processor array, subject tree respectively. A prototype CMOS VLSI chip implementing the proposed algorithm has been designed and verified. It is shown that the hardware algorithm proposed in this work represent a sign improvement in terms of computational complexity, data flow, and architecture over the ones previously proposed for this problem
Disfonia crónica numa criança

HOARSENESS IN A CHILD DUE TO LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX Introduction: Symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in children vary according to age. The prevalence ranges from 1,8% to 8,2%. The cardinal symptoms among older children and adolescents are heartburn and regurgitation. One possible complication is chronic hoarseness due to reflux laryngitis (laryngopharyngeal reflux - LPR). The goal of this case report is to alert physicians to the possibility of LPR/GER as a cause of chronic hoarseness in children. Case Report:We report the case of a six year old girl who consulted her general practitioner (GP) for a routine visit. The GP noticed hoarseness that her mother confirmed to be chronic. The girl was referred to an otorhinolaryngologist (ORL) who performed a nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. He found adenoid hypertrophy, right vocal fold edema and sulcus glottidis, and diagnosed LPR. The ORL prescribed esomeprazole and speech therapy. Nine months later the hoarseness was resolved. Comment: LPR caused trauma to the vocal folds resulting in hoarseness. Appropriate treatment resolved the symptoms. Hoarseness is insufficiently recognized by young patients, their parents and even by physicians. It may be the only symptom of LPR/GER. Failure to recognize it may delay diagnosis and treatment, increase complications and worsen prognosis.
A hybrid HMM-neural network with gradient descent parameter training

Hybrid hidden Markov models (HMM) and multi-layer (MLP) neural networks have been applied great success in speech recognition problems. The hybrid system can be applies to sequence classification problems, where multiple looks at an object are used to determine class membership. This presents a utility to perform feature-level fusion in such problems. A new gradient descent algorithm is employed to find optimal parameters within the HMM/MLP model. This scheme has been applied to a data set which contains sonar backscattered signals for four underwater objects for classification as mine-like or non-mine-like.
Pattern, management and outcome of cervical spine injuries associated with head injuries in paediatric patients

This study examines the management and outcome of cervical spine injuries in children with head injuries, to assess the need for surgical treatment. We performed a retrospective analysis (1995–2005) of 445 children admitted intubated and ventilated to the intensive care unit with head injuries. Outcome measures: Frankel grade for spinal injuries and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) for head injuries. Cervical spine injuries were detected in 11 patients (incidence 2.5%, mean age: 6.3 years, range: 21 months–15 years). The injuries were: C1/2 distraction: 2; C1/2 subluxation: 2; odontoid peg fracture with C1/2 dislocation and cord transection: 1; disruption of posterior longitudinal ligament at C2: 1; odontoid peg fracture with C2/3 distraction: 1; C2/3 subluxation: 1; C3 lamina fracture: 1; C3/4 facet fracture: 1; C6/7 fracture dislocation with cord transection: 1. One patient was managed operatively, ten patients nonoperatively, two with halo vests and eight with hard collars. There were three deaths (mortality 27%) associated with severe head injuries. At 6 months follow-up, two patients remained quadriplegic (Frankel Grade A), one of them ventilator dependent, one had residual motor function but of no practical use (Frankel Grade C), five had good spinal outcome (Frankel Grade E). Seven patients had good head injury outcomes (GOS 5), one remained disabled (GOS 3). Most children with cervical injury can be managed nonoperatively with good outcomes. Surgical management may be necessary in severe unstable injuries.
Observation of second-phase particles in bulk zirconium alloys using synchrotron radiation

Abstract To further advance the mechanistic understanding of microstructural evolution in zirconium alloys for high burnup applications, it is important to obtain a quantitative measurement of the volume fractions of second-phase precipitates present in the bulk alloys as a function of the heat treatment and irradiation fluence. In this work, X-ray diffraction from a synchrotron radiation source was used to identify and follow the growth kinetics of second-phase particles in zirconium alloys. The high energy flux, energy resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of this light source allowed us to study the very small (
A Message Scheduling Scheme for All-to-All Personalized Communication on Ethernet Switched Clusters

We develop a message scheduling scheme for efficiently realizing all-to-all personalized communication (AAPC) on Ethernet switched clusters with one or more switches. To avoid network contention and achieve high performance, the message scheduling scheme partitions AAPC into phases such that 1) there is no network contention within each phase and 2) the number of phases is minimum. Thus, realizing AAPC with the contention-free phases computed by the message scheduling algorithm can potentially achieve the minimum communication completion time. In practice, phased AAPC schemes must introduce synchronizations to separate messages in different phases. We investigate various synchronization mechanisms and various methods for incorporating synchronizations into the AAPC phases. Experimental results show that the message scheduling-based AAPC implementations with proper synchronization consistently achieve high performance on clusters with many different network topologies when the message size is large
Accidental anorectal impalement in children

Forceful noniatrogenic injuries of the anorectum in children are rare. The majority are caused by falls at play or by a child molester. Local tissue and sphincteric destruction and, in addition, peritoneal penetration with associated organ involvement, hallmark these potentially life-threatening injuries. The configuration of the offending object, the force and direction of its penetration, and the resting point of its tip will dictate the nature and extent of the injuries. These in turn will suggest the therapeutic approaches. Classification of anorectal impalement injuries based on the site of penetration (anal vs perineal) and its final target (intra- vs extraperitoneal), will provide a rational schema of treatment.
A sensory basis for the lateral difference in the newborn infant's response to somesthetic stimulation.

Abstract To determine whether lateral differences in the newborn infant's response to somesthetic stimulation are a consequence of lateral differences in sensitivity or whether they are the result of lateral differences in motor tendencies, cardiac response to stimulation of the left and right perioral region was examined. Cardiac acceleration occurred significantly more frequently to stimulation of the right than to stimulation of the left. Ipsilateral head turning also occurred more reliably to stimulation of the infant's right side than to stimulation of his left side. Evidence of reliable lateral differences in cardiac acceleration responses even under conditions in which the effects of lateral differences in head turning were removed suggested that the laterally differentiated cardiac responsiveness was not merely a function of increased motor activity consequent upon stimulation of the infant's right side but reflected a difference in sensitivity at the infant's two sides as well.
Instructor Effects in Economics in Elementary and Junior High Schools

Instructor effects in elementary and junior high classes are estimated in a panel data model with data from the national nonning samples for the National Council on Economic Education's Test of Economic Knowledge and Basic Economics Test. Some teachers are shown to be more effective than others.
Evaluation of Guideline Recommendations on Oral Medications for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Background Clinical practice guidelines have an important role in guiding choices among the numerous medications available to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, but little is known about their quality. Purpose To assess whether guidelines on oral medications for type 2 diabetes are consistent with a systematic review of the current evidence and whether the consistency of the guidelines depends on the quality of guideline development. Data sources MEDLINE, CINAHL, and guideline-specific databases were searched between July 2007 and August 2011, after the 2007 publication of a peer-reviewed systematic review on oral diabetes medications. Study selection Two reviewers independently screened citations to identify English-language guidelines on oral medications to treat type 2 diabetes that were applied in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Data extraction Reviewers assessed whether the guidelines addressed and agreed with 7 evidence-based conclusions from the 2007 systematic review. Two reviewers independently rated guideline quality by using 2 domains from the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation instrument. Data synthesis Of the 1000 screened citations, 11 guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Seven guidelines agreed with the conclusion that metformin is favored as the first-line agent. Ten guidelines agreed that thiazolidinediones are associated with higher rates of edema and congestive heart failure compared with other oral medications to treat type 2 diabetes. One guideline addressed no evidence-based conclusions, and 5 guidelines agreed with all 7 conclusions. The summary scores of the rigor of development (median, 28.6% [range, 16.7% to 100.0%]) and editorial independence (median, 75.0% [range, 8.3% to 100.0%]) domains varied greatly across guidelines. Guidelines that received higher quality scores contained more recommendations that were consistent with the evidence-based conclusions. Limitation Only English-language guidelines targeting users in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada that contained recommendations on oral medications were included. Conclusion Not all practice guidelines on oral treatment of type 2 diabetes were consistent with available evidence from a systematic review. Guidelines judged to be of higher quality contained more recommendations consistent with evidence-based conclusions. The quality of guideline development processes varied substantially. Primary funding source Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
The bone cell biology of osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) has been defined as a heritable connective tissue disorder with variable severity of clinical expression. OI is a type I collagen based disease. Consequently, much research has focused on identifying specific mutations in the pro-alpha (I) genes. Our interest in OI lies in the metabolism of the non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) of the bone matrix. Although type I collagen is the most abundant protein in bone extracellular matrix, it is the NCPs which bind to, modify and have the potential to regulate that collagen matrix. Our approach has been to determine the levels of the NCPs for both OI and age-matched controls. Most recently, we have utilized an in vitro human osteoblast system to study normal and OI NCP metabolism (Fedarko et al. J. Bone Min. Res. 7, 921-930, 1992). It is our hypothesis that the altered stoichiometry of collagen and NCPs is, in part, responsible for the phenotypic variation of the disease.
Electrostatically enhanced stainless steel filters: Effect of filter structure and pore size on particle removal

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of using stainless steel fibrous and porous filters as the ground electrode of a point-to-plate electrostatic precipitator on particle penetration. The effect of filter medium structure and pore size on particle removal has been investigated as a function of particle size for particles in the range of 0.03 to 1 w m and filter face velocities in the range of 15 to 75 cm/s. Furthermore, the effect of filter thickness on penetration reduction was investigated in order to develop a better understanding of the relationship between the filtration depth, filter face velocity, and particle size for each filter. Seven different filters were tested. Four of the filters were made of 316L SS sintered metal fibers and three were made of 316L SS metal powders. The pore sizes of these filters ranged from 6 w m to 100 w m. The application of the electrical field decreased particle penetration by a factor of 6 to 54, depending on filter type and filtration velocity, wit...
On the Volume of Unit Tangent Spheres in a Pinsler Manifold

Motivated by some issues which enter into the Gauss-Bonnet-Chern theorem in Finsler geometry, this paper studies the unit tangent sphere (or indicatrix) Ix M at each point x of a Pinsler manifold M. We demonstrate that the volume of ImM, calculated with respect to a Riemannian metric induced naturally by the Finsler structure, is in general a function of x. This contrasts sharply with the situation in Riemannian geometry. We also express the derivative of such volume function in terms of the second curvature tensor of the Chern connection. In particular, we find that this function is constant on Landsberg spaces (though that constant need not be equal to the value taken by Riemannian manifolds).
A framework for evaluating ecosystem services provided by cover crops in agroecosystems

Abstract Cropping systems that provide ecosystem services beyond crop production are gaining interest from farmers, policy makers and society at large, yet we lack frameworks to evaluate and manage for multiple ecosystem services. Using the example of integrating cover crops into annual crop rotations, we present an assessment framework that: (1) estimates the temporal dynamics of a suite of ecosystem services; (2) illustrates ecosystem multifunctionality using spider plots; and (3) identifies key time points for optimizing ecosystem service benefits and minimizing trade-offs. Using quantitative models and semi-quantitative estimates, we applied the framework to analyze the temporal dynamics of 11 ecosystem services and two economic metrics when cover crops are introduced into a 3-year soybean ( Glycine max )–wheat ( Triticum aestivum )–corn ( Zea mays ) rotation in a typical Mid-Atlantic climate. We estimated that cover crops could increase 8 of 11 ecosystem services without negatively influencing crop yields. We demonstrate that when we measure ecosystem services matters and cumulative assessments can be misleading due to the episodic nature of some services and the time sensitivity of management windows. For example, nutrient retention benefits occurred primarily during cover crop growth, weed suppression benefits occurred during cash crop growth through a cover crop legacy effect, and soil carbon benefits accrued slowly over decades. Uncertainties exist in estimating cover crop effects on several services, such as pest dynamics. Trade-offs occurred between cover crop ecosystem benefits, production costs, and management risks. Differences in production costs with and without cover crops varied 3-fold over 10 years, largely due to changes in fertilizer prices, and thus cover crop use will become more economical with increasing fertilizer prices or if modest cost-sharing programs are established. Frameworks such as that presented here provide the means to quantify ecosystem services and facilitate the transition to more multifunctional agricultural systems.
The use of free amino acids for osmotic compensation by the euryhaline sponge Microciona prolifera (Ellis & Sollander)

Microciona prolifera (Ellis and Sollander) is a euryhaline sponge able to tolerate extended periods of exposure to salinities ranging from 10 to 40‰ and brief exposure to 5 or 45‰ seawater. After a 7-day adjustment period in 30‰ seawater at 20 °C, explants of this sponge were transferred to higher or lower salinities at a rate of 5‰ every 3 days. The explants were acclimated to these salinities (40‰, 20‰ and 10‰) for 2 weeks. Control explants were kept at 30‰. Explants kept at 10‰ underwent a reversible tissue regression characterized by cessation of normal pumping activity and loss of functional internal structure, a state that may enable the organism to tolerate long-term exposure to salinity stress by reducing the amount of surface area in contact with adverse conditions. Exposure to 40‰ resulted in a reduction in pumping activity, but the explants did not undergo extensive tissue regression. Acclimation to lower salinities resulted in a reduction in the intracellular concentration of ninhydrin positive substances, primarily the free amino acids glycine and phenylalanine. As salinity was lowered from 30 to 20‰, the concentrations of glycine and phenylalanine were reduced by 38 and 78%, respectively. The concentrations of these osmolytes were reduced 93 and 91%, respectively, when salinity was lowered from 30 to 10‰. While the concentration of ninhydrin positive substances increased with acclimation to a higher salinity, the calculated total free amino acid concentration remained unchanged.
The scale response ofTrichogramma [Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae]: Variation among species in host specificity and the effect of conditioning

Host specificity and the effect of conditioning on a behavioral response to lepidopteran scales varied among the females of 4Trichogramma spp. observed in laboratory experiments.Trichogramma species nrPretiosum Riley andT. exiguum Pinto & Platner responded weakly toOstrinia nubilalis (Hubner) scales relative toHeliothis zea (Boddie) andManduca sexta (L.).T. maltbyi Nagaraja & Nagarkatti andT. minutum Riley did not discriminate between scales from these 3 hosts. Conditioning with various combinations of host scales and eggs did not alter host specificity, but in some cases, changed general responsiveness to scales. These were attributed to habituation, loss of appetitive drive due to long oviposition bouts, and associative learning. In general, the scale response seems to be innate and fairly nonspecific.
Biosynthesis of 3-ethylthiopropionic acid and degradation of ethionine by Escherichia coli.

Abstract 3-Ethylthiopropionic acid has been isolated from a nitrogen-deficient medium of Escherichia coli, the first demonstration of its natural occurrence. It was identified by a combination of chemical, electrophoretic, paper chromatographic, synthetic, gas chromatographic, and mass spectrometric studies. A chemically related material recovered from chromatograms was an artifact formed by oxidation during the chromatography. Biosynthesis of 3-ethylthiopropionic acid utilized the sulfur of either 35 SO 4 2− or ethionine-35S. With exogenous nitrogen E. coli grew linearly using the sulfur of ethionine. Even without exogenous nitrogen, except for that from ethionine, a slight increase in turbidity occurred. While endogenous reserves may have been utilized to some extent, 35S was incorporated into cells even under these conditions. 3-Ethylthiopropionic acid also supplied 35S to cells when added to a nitrogen-sulfur deficient medium and was utilized more readily from a sulfur-deficient medium than was ethionine.
Diamond anvil cell radial x-ray diffraction program at the National Synchrotron Light Source

During the past decade, the radial x-ray diffraction method using a diamond anvil cell (DAC) has been developed at the X17C beamline of the National Synchrotron Light Source. The detailed experimental procedure used with energy dispersive x-ray diffraction is described. The advantages and limitations of using the energy dispersive method for DAC radial diffraction studies are also discussed. The results for FeO at 135 GPa and other radial diffraction experiments performed at X17C are discussed in this report.
Tensile bond strength of dental adhesives bonded to simulated caries-exposed dentin.

This study investigated the possibility of resin bonding to carious dentin. The study was divided into two parts, to determine first whether an in vitro model for caries could be developed for testing bond strength and second whether chemical modification of the caries model dentin surface, instead of mechanical removal of the carious layer, would enhance resin bond strengths. Dentin samples were exposed to an artificial caries decalcification solution (lactic acid + nitrocellulose) for 7 days. The depth of the decalcified surface was determined by microhardness and the nature of the surfaces analyzed by use of the scanning electron microscope. After bur removal of the decalcified dentin, samples were bonded with three different dentin bonding systems and the tensile bond strengths were determined. Control specimens were prepared and bonded with no decalcification or bur prepartion. These values were compared with specimens prepared by decalcification but with no mechanical removal of the decalcified surface layer before bonding. Additional decalcified samples were treated with phosphoric acid to modify the decalcified surface before dentin bond testing. Bond strengths were significantly higher ( p
Superimposed Gastric Aspiration Increases the Severity of Inflammation and Permeability Injury in a Rat Model of Lung Contusion

Introduction Lung contusion (LC) from blunt thoracic trauma is a clinically-prevalent condition that can progress to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with LC are at risk for gastric aspiration at the time of trauma, but the combined insults have not been well-studied in animal models. This study tests the hypothesis that concurrent gastric aspiration (combined acid and small gastric particles, CASP) at the time of trauma significantly increases permeability injury and inflammation compared with LC alone, and also modifies the inflammatory response to include distinct features compared with the aspiration component of injury. Materials and Methods Four groups of adult male Long-Evans rats were studied (LC, CASP, LC + CASP, uninjured controls). LC was induced in anesthetized rats at a fixed impact energy of 2.0 J, and CASP (1.2 mL/kg body weight, 40 mg particles/mL, pH = 1.25) was instilled through an endotracheal tube. Lung injury and inflammation were assessed by arterial blood gases and levels of albumin, cells, and cytokines/chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) at 5 and 24 h. Results Rats with LC + CASP had lower mean PaO2/FiO2 ratios compared with LC alone at 24 h, and higher BAL albumin concentrations compared with either LC or CASP alone. Rats with LC + CASP versus LC had more severe inflammation based on higher levels of PMN in BAL at 5 h, increased whole lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity at 5 and 24 h, and increased levels of inflammatory mediators in BAL (TNFα, IL-1β, and MCP-1 at 5 and 24 h; IL-10, MIP-2, and CINC-1 at 5 h). Rats with LC + CASP also had distinct aspects of inflammation compared with CASP alone, i.e., significantly higher levels of IL-10 (5 and 24 h), IL-1β (24 h), CINC-1 (24 h), and MCP-1 (24 h), and significantly lower levels of MPO (5 h), MIP-2 (5 h), and CINC-1 (5 h). Conclusions Concurrent gastric aspiration can exacerbate permeability lung injury and inflammation associated with LC, and also generates a modified inflammatory response compared with aspiration alone. Unwitnessed gastric aspiration has the potential to contribute to more severe forms of LC injury associated with progression to ALI/ARDS and pneumonia in patients with thoracic trauma.
Resource utilization in the treatment of critical limb ischemia: The effect of tissue loss, comorbidities, and graft-related events.

Objective Resource utilization (RU) in the care of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) is not well quantified. We present a cohort study to quantify in-hospital RU and analyze the role of tissue loss (TL), comorbidities, and vascular graft-related events (GREs) in patients undergoing peripheral bypass for CLI. Methods A retrospective analysis of 1404 patients enrolled in a multicenter clinical trial (PREVENT III) of vein bypass grafting for CLI was performed with analysis of RU during the 1-year follow-up period. Univariate and multivariable linear regressions were performed to determine RU predictors and outcomes. Results Compared with patients with rest pain, patients presenting with TL as the indication for bypass surgery had a longer index length of stay (mean, 9.8 vs 6.2 days), more rehospitalizations (mean, 1.6 vs 1.2), and a longer cumulative length of stay (mean, 27.7 vs 17.3 days; P P = .0002) and cumulative length of stay (mean, 25.9 vs 24.6 days; P = .0043), but no difference in the number of rehospitalizations (mean, 1.6 vs 1.5 days; P = .3272). During the 1-year follow-up, 554 (39.5%) patients had GREs, and this resulted in more rehospitalizations (mean, 2.1 vs 1.1; P P Conclusions The stage of disease at presentation (TL vs rest pain) and the patency of the bypass graft (freedom from GRE) are critical determinants of RU over the first year after limb-salvage surgery. These effects predominate early (index length of stay) and persist through 1 year. Patient-specific factors, particularly dialysis-dependent renal failure, are also critical comorbidities affecting RU in these patients.
Focus on child care education: A national effort

This paper describes the Conference-Research Sequence in Child Care Education, a three-year project funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and sponsored by the child development and Child Care Program, School of Health Related Professions, University of Pittsburgh. It includes annotated listings of the background papers prepared for the initial conference and a discussion of planned outcomes of the project.
Design and testing of an active polyvinylidene fluoride aperture antenna

Recent studies have shown that reflector surface adaptation can achieve performance characteristics on the order of some phase array antennas without the complexity and cost. The work presented in this study develops the experimental groundwork for a class of antennas capable of variable directivity (beam steering) and power density (beam shaping) The actuation for these antennas is employed by bonding polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film to a metalized mylar substrate. A voltage drop across the material will cause the material to expand or contract. This movement causes a moment to be developed in the structure which causes structural bending. Several studies of flexible structures with PVDF films have shown that cylindrical antennas can achieve significant deflections and thereby offer beneficial changes to radiation patterns emanating from aperture antennas. In this study, relatively large curved actuators are modeled and a deflection vs. force relationship is developed. This relationship is then simulated and compared to experimental results. A final simulation of the far field radiation patterns from a given set of deflections is then presented.
Modification of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) mRNA Expression in the Retinal-Recipient Thalamus

Abstract Although the environmental cues that trigger reproductive behaviors are known for many species, the mechanisms through which these signals influence the neurochemistry of the brain to produce behavior have been elusive. In this study, we describe a retinally modulated system of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) producing neurons in the thalamus of the plainfin midshipman fish, Porichthys notatus. Previously, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA for prepro-GnRH in midshipman. Here, using in situ hybridization, we localized prepro-GnRH mRNA to the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus, three divisions of the preoptic area, the ganglion of the terminal nerve, and the olfactory bulb. Since the thalamus, terminal nerve ganglion, and preoptic area have been associated with visual functions, we investigated the retinal connections in midshipman. In particular, biocytin tract tracing delineated a reciprocal connection between the ventrolateral nucleus of the thalamus and the retina. Retinofugal projections are exclusively contralateral. Experimental manipulation of this retinal-thalamic loop through complete optic nerve transection shows that GnRH mRNA expression in the contralateral ventrolateral nucleus may be influenced by the retina. We hypothesize that a reciprocal retinothalamic GnRH circuit is important in modulating the expression of seasonal reproductive behaviors.
The comparative effect of episodes of chiropractic and medical treatment on the health of older adults.

Abstract Objectives The comparative effect of chiropractic vs medical care on health, as used in everyday practice settings by older adults, is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to examine how chiropractic compares to medical treatment in episodes of care for uncomplicated back conditions. Episodes of care patterns between treatment groups are described, and effects on health outcomes among an older group of Medicare beneficiaries over a 2-year period are estimated. Methods Survey data from the nationally representative Survey on Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old were linked to participants' Medicare Part B claims under a restricted Data Use Agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Logistic regression was used to model the effect of chiropractic use in an episode of care relative to medical treatment on declines in function and well-being among a clinically homogenous older adult population. Two analytic approaches were used, the first assumed no selection bias and the second using propensity score analyses to adjust for selection effects in the outcome models. Results Episodes of care between treatment groups varied in duration and provider visit pattern. Among the unadjusted models, there was no significant difference between chiropractic and medical episodes of care. The propensity score results indicate a significant protective effect of chiropractic against declines in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, and self-rated health (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.49; AOR, 0.62; and AOR, 0.59, respectively). There was no difference between treatment types on declines in lower body function or depressive symptoms. Conclusion The findings from this study suggest that chiropractic use in episodes of care for uncomplicated back conditions has protective effects against declines in ADLs, instrumental ADLs, and self-rated health for older Medicare beneficiaries over a 2-year period.
The short- and long-term effectiveness of anti-piracy laws and enforcement actions

Film studios have spent the past two decades lobbying extensively to establish new legislation restricting access to copyrighted materials online. While there is growing evidence of the effect film piracy has on studio profits, the evidence on the impact of anti-piracy legislation is limited. If anti-piracy legislation is having the film industry’s desired impact, we would expect film revenues to be consistently higher following the passage of major laws that restrict access to pirated content, or major enforcement actions, such as the shutdown of Web sites that provide illegal content for download. This paper applies an intervention analysis approach to weekly data on movie box-office revenues in the USA to determine whether the passage of new anti-piracy policy has generated significant changes in box-office revenues during the period from 1997 to the present. These effects are evaluated in both the short and long term, which allows an assessment of the duration of effectiveness of government actions. The results show that four of the six included policies are ineffective in the long term and those policies that do impact revenues in the short term often harm film studios, rather than help them.
Undergraduate Admission Policies, Practices, and Procedures for Applicants with Learning Disabilities

This study examined (a) the academic and nonacademic criteria used by admission personnel to determine the eligibility of undergraduate applicants with learning disabilities, (b) agreement of criteria used by institutions of varying competitiveness, and (c) the frequency with which admission personnel conduct validity studies on these criteria. A nonrandom sample consisting of 66 state universities and colleges in the Northeast was surveyed. The results suggest that the academic and nonacademic criteria employed are similar to those employed for applicants without learning disabilities, the criteria used by different types of institutions differ significantly, and admission personnel do not conduct validity studies. Further clarification and validation of admission criteria appears warranted.