cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
All small things considered: the diversity of fungi, bacteria and oomycota isolated from the seagrass, Zostera marina

Fungi in the marine environment are often neglected as a research topic, despite that fungi having critical roles on land as decomposers, pathogens or beneficial endophytes. Here we used culture-dependent methods to survey the fungi associated with the seagrass, Zostera marina, also obtaining bacteria and oomycete isolates in the process. A total of 108 fungi, 41 bacteria and 2 oomycetes were isolated. These isolates were then taxonomically identified using a combination of molecular and phylogenetic methods. The majority of the fungal isolates were classified as belonging to the classes Eurotiomycetes, Dothideomycetes, and Sordariomycetes. Most fungal isolates were habitat generalists like Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp., but we also cultured a diverse set of rare taxa including possible habitat specialists like Colletotrichum sp. which may preferentially associate with Z. marina leaf tissue. Although the bulk of bacterial isolates were identified as being from known ubiquitous marine lineages, we also obtained several Actinomycetes isolates which might produce interesting secondary metabolites and a Phyllobacterium sp. which may be involved in nitrogen cycling in the seagrass ecosystem. We identified two oomycetes, another understudied group of marine microbial eukaryotes, as Halophytophthora sp. which may be opportunistic pathogens of Z. marina. Overall, this study generates a culture collection of fungi, bacteria and oomycetes which expands knowledge of the diversity of Z. marina associated microbes and highlights a need for more investigation into the functional and evolutionary roles of microbial eukaryotes associated with seagrasses.
o POSSÍVEL USO DA LATANOPROSTA NA TERAPIA CAPILAR

INTRODUCAO: A latanoprosta e um analogo a prostaglandinas utilizadas no tratamento de glaucoma, mas que tem sido usado para avaliacao da hipertricose. OBJETIVO: Revisar atraves da literatura o papel da latanoprosta no crescimento de pelos. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de uma revisao descritiva que avaliou publicacoes indexadas na base de dados MEDLINE, consultadas por meio do PUBMED; Biblioteca Virtual de Saude (BVS), Periodicos Capes e Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SCIELO), nos meses de junho e julho de 2018. A partir das analises foram incluidos apenas trabalhos que fizeram uso da latanoprosta em humanos. RESULTADO E DISCUSSAO: De 111 artigos relacionados com a latanoprosta e o crescimento de pelos, apenas nove foram incluidos. A maioria dos estudos eram do tipo caso-controle com avaliacao do uso da latanoprosta principalmente no crescimento de pelos do couro cabeludo e cilios tratados para alopecia areata e androgenetica. O numero de participantes dos estudos variou de 1 a 54 individuos. A latanoprosta foi utilizada principalmente por via topica na concentracao de 0,005%. Infelizmente nem todos os trabalhos incluidos avaliaram a eficacia da latanoprosta ou descreveram adequadamente a maneira como foi investigado o crescimento dos pelos. CONCLUSAO: Apesar de nao serpossivel afirmar que a latanoprosta e eficaz como terapia capilar, este estudo e promissor e pode apoiar novos trabalhos que investiguem melhor a eficacia e seguranca da latanoprosta, bem como a dose ideal e duracao do tratamento dela ou de outro candidato analogo das prostaglandinas.
Influences on childhood depressive symptoms: The effects of trauma and distress tolerance across age and sex groups.

Abstract Background Depression affects many children and adolescents, leading to poor academic performance, impaired psychosocial functioning, and an increased frequency of suicidal behavior. Depression has also been notably associated with trauma and distress tolerance. Our study sought to understand the relationships of these variables across age and sex categories in youth and adolescents. Methods The current study examined data from a total of 324 participants between the ages of 7 and 17 years-old who were a part of a larger study. Data related to age, sex, depression, trauma, and distress tolerance were examined. Results A multiple regression revealed a significant interaction between age and sex on depression severity. Further, trauma and age by sex categories significantly predicted depression score, as well as distress tolerance predicting depression score. Lastly, a regression analysis, including trauma, distress tolerance, and age by sex categories were significant predictors of depression. Limitations The results are limited by the cross-sectional design. Conclusion Clinicians should consider age by sex effects when treating childhood depression. Future research should further the understanding of depression across age and sex groups, as well as among children with extensive trauma experiences. Future research should also seek to further understand the implications of distress tolerance therapy on childhood depression.
Elevated nest temperature has opposing effects on host species infested with parasitic nest flies

O_LIHosts have developed or evolved defense strategies, including tolerance and resistance, to reduce damage caused by parasites. Environmental factors, such as elevated temperature, can influence the effectiveness of these different host defenses but also can directly affect parasite fitness. Therefore, the net effect of elevated temperature on host-parasite relationships are determined by its direct effects on the host and the parasite. Furthermore, because host species can defend themselves differently against their parasites, the net effect of temperature might differ across each hosts interaction with the same parasite. C_LIO_LIFew studies have determined the net effects of temperature on both host defenses and parasites in a multi-host system. To address this gap, we experimentally manipulated temperature and parasite presence in the nests of two host species who defend themselves differently to the same parasitic nest fly (Protocalliphora sialia). Specifically, we conducted a factorial experiment by increasing temperature (or not) and removing all parasitic nest flies (or not) in the nests of tolerant eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and resistant tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). We then quantified parasite load in nests and measured nestling body size metrics, blood loss, and survival. C_LIO_LIIf temperature predominately affected parasite fitness, then elevated temperature would cause similar directional effects on parasite abundance across species. If temperature has different effects on hosts, then parasite abundance would differ in response to elevated temperature across host species. C_LIO_LIIn contrast to previous years, we found that bluebird nests had half as many parasites as compared to swallow nests. Elevated temperature affected parasite abundance differently in each host species. Swallows from heated nests had fewer parasites compared to non-heated nests, suggesting that they were more resistant to the parasites. Interestingly, swallows from heated nests were also more tolerant to the effects of parasites than controls. In contrast, bluebirds from heated nests had more parasites and lower body mass compared to controls, suggesting that they lost tolerance, and resistance, to the parasites. C_LIO_LIOur results suggest that a changing climate could have complex net effects on host-parasite interactions, including on host defenses, with implications for host health and parasite survival. C_LI
The ASEAN–EU Relations and the ASEAN Regional Integration

This chapter analyzes the relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) through the specific program on ASEAN integration. This chapter begins by tracing the relationship between ASEAN and the EU. Then, it analyzes the depth and the width of the cooperation between ASEAN and the EU. After that, it discusses the opportunities for ASEAN integration with support from the EU. Besides the opportunities from the EU support, the program of ASEAN integration is also strengthened by China which is another significant partner of ASEAN. The chapter then proceeds to discuss specific challenges related to the role of the EU in ASEAN integration. It finally argues that the improved relationship and cooperation between ASEAN and the EU have significantly contributed to the ASEAN regional integration process.
Learning-based Adaptive Quantization for Communication-efficient Distributed Optimization with ADMM

In distributed optimization schemes that consist of a group of agents coordinated by a coordinator, the optimization algorithm often involves the agents solving private local proximal minimization subproblems and exchanging data frequently with the coordinator. Such schemes usually incur excessive communication cost, effecting the need for communication reduction in distributed optimization. Gaussian Processes (GPs) have been shown to be effective for learning the agents’ proximal operators and hence for reducing the communication of the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). We combine this learning-based approach with an adaptive uniform quantization approach to achieve even higher communication reduction. Our approach exploits the probabilistic prediction of the GPs to adapt and refine the quantizers along the progress of the ADMM algorithm. Moreover, following a linear minimum mean square error estimation (LMMSE) approach, we improve the GP regression and hyperparameter tuning by taking into account the statistics of the resulting quantization errors. The proposed approach can achieve significant communication reduction for ADMM without sacrificing the convergence nor the optimality even with small numbers of quantization levels, as demonstrated in simulations of a distributed optimal power dispatch application.
Stress Analysis of Adhesively Bonded Joints

In this study, the effect of adhesive bondline thickness on the stress distribution in an adhesively bonded joint is examined. A linear variation in bondline stresses through the adhesive thickness is used to model this effect. In this way, an important influence on bond behavior, heretofore neglected or incompletely modeled, is studied. Also presented is a parametric study of the effect of various joint parameters on bondline stress distribution when thickness effects are included.
Steps and fluctuations of Listeria monocytogenes during actin-based motility

The actin-based motility of the bacterium, Listeria monocytogenes, is a model system for understanding motile cell functions involving actin polymerization. Although the biochemical and genetic aspects of Listeria motility have been intensely studied, biophysical data are sparse. Here we have used high-resolution laser tracking to follow the trailing ends of Listeria moving in the lamellae of COS7 cells. We found that pauses during motility occur frequently and that episodes of step-like motion often show pauses spaced at about 5.4 nm, which corresponds to the spatial periodicity of F-actin. We occasionally observed smaller steps (<3 nm), as well as periods of motion with no obvious pauses. Clearly, bacteria do not sense cytoplasmic viscoelasticity because they fluctuate 20 times less than adjacent lipid droplets. Instead, bacteria bind their own actin 'tails, and the anchoring proteins can 'step' along growing filaments within the actin tail. Because positional fluctuations are unusually small, the forces of association and propulsion must be very strong. Our data disprove the brownian ratchet models and limit alternative models, such as the 'elastic' brownian ratchet or the 'molecular' ratchet.
Lack of Significant Morphological Differences Between Human X and Y Spermatozoa and Their Precursor Cells (Spermatids) Exposed to Different Prehybridization Treatments

ABSTRACT: Human X and Y spermatozoa were previously compared by several nonmolecular techniques. Recent studies show that in many of the previous investigations, the methods used to identify the spermatozoa were nonspecific and thus produced contradictory findings. In the present study, the comparison of the 2 germ cell types, X and Y, were performed following fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which is the most reliable genotyping technique currently available. The FISH technique was performed under 3 different treatments: permeabilization with liquid N2, fixation with Carnoy's, and chromatin decondensation with lithium di-iodosalicylate. Mature and immature germ cells (spermatozoa and spermatids) were compared. Lithium showed higher hybridization efficiency, while liquid N2 and Carnoy's fixative maintained better morphological integrity of cells with lower hybridization. The sperm exhibiting hybridization signals were not different in any of the morphometric or qualitative comparisons from those that did not exhibit signals. No significant deviation of the sex ratio from 1:1 was seen in either the mature or immature germ cell population. The spatial distribution of X and Y chromosome-specific signals in the sperm head were identical. The hybridization treatments did not have any preferential effect on the cells of specific genotype (X or Y). Neither head parameters (length, HL; width, HW; area, HA) nor tail length (TL) significantly differed between X and Y populations of spermatozoa under any of the treatments. Similarly, the haploid, X-specific round cells did not differ from Y-specific ones by their size (diameter) and shape. These results indicate that neither mature sperm nor their precursors possess significant morphological differences between X and Y genotypes.
Endometriosis as a cause of ileal obstruction.

Abstract This paper presents the first analysis of clinical data of a series of cases in which ileal obstruction was caused by endometriosis. The subject is of particular significance because the obstructive involvement of the distal part of the ileum by this highly invasive nonmalignant tissue often has been confused clinically with appendicitis accompanied by ileus, with malignant lesions causing obstruction of the intestine, and with intestinal obstruction caused by the adhesions of pelvic inflammatory disease. The importance of endometriosis as a cause of ileal obstruction has not been sufficiently stressed. The clinical picture of this condition, as revealed by a detailed analysis of the clinical data of sixteen cases, will be presented, as will also (1) certain facts higly pertinent to the differential diagnosis, (2) pathologic lesions and (3) surgical treatment. The term “endometriosis” indicates the existence of endometrial tissue in any extrauterine location.
Culture of human glomerular cells.

Despite extensive knowledge about the etiology of glomerular disease, it is still not possible to prevent the excess accumulation of macromolecules (basement membrane, mesangial matrix, collagen, etc.) which results in glomerular sclerosis. In the intact animal it is difficult to study at a cellular and at a molecular level the progression of events that begins with glomerular cell injury and ends with glomerular sclerosis. It is for this reason that several investigators have begun to develop methods for the in vitro culture of glomerular cells. For such systems to be meaningful they must be reproducible, and various laboratories throughout the country must agree on the best model. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of controversy concerning whether adult glomeruli can be cultured successfully (Fish et al., 1975), and if so, which cells are present in the resultant outgrowths (epithelial, mesangial, or endothelial) (Foidart-Willems et al., 1975; Holdsworth et al., 1978). The present study presents a reliable way to culture adult human glomeruli and presents preliminary morphologic and cytochemical characterization of the cultured cells.
Pediatrician's Practice Choices: Differences Between Part-time and Full-time Practice

A national survey was used to study the differences in career and family patterns of pediatricians who work part-time (PT) vs those who work full-time (FT). A questionnaire mailed to 375 members of the American Academy of Pediatrics asked about age, marital status, number of children, type of practice, hours worked in particular duties, and attitudes about their choices. Sixty-five percent (n = 216) of the questionnaires were completed. The mean age of both the PT and FT women was 40 years, and FT men averaged 46 years. Thirty-seven percent of women had worked PT at some point in their careers; 21% were currently working PT. Only 70% of the FT women were married compared with 97% and 95% of PT women and FT men. The FT women had significantly fewer children (mean 1.27, compared with 2.34 for PT women and 2.39 for FT men). Part-time women in academic medicine tended to do little research or administrative work, but they had more teaching responsibilities. Almost all the PT women were happy with their decisions and careers despite the feeling among many that they had made career compromises. Many of the FT pediatricians wanted to work less. It is concluded that many women, particularly those with children, choose PT work in order to combine career and family duties. These choices may lead to different career paths for women pediatricians. By recognizing these different career paths, it may be possible for academic institutions to benefit from the unique contributions that PT women pediatricians can make.
Imperfect Repair, Counting Processes†

Models for repairable systems are often categorized by the effect of a failure/repair on the subsequent performance of the system. This article looks at various assumptions regarding this effect. Models for minimal repair, renewal, imperfect repair, and various others are included. Keywords: nonhomogeneous Poisson process; renewal process; intensity; minimal repair; age-dependent minimal repair; reduction in intensity
Aqua­bromidobis(dimethyl­glyoximato)cobalt(III)

In the title complex, [CoBr(C4H7N2O2)2(H2O)], a crystallo­graphic mirror plane bis­ects the mol­ecule, perpendicular to the glyoximate ligands. The geometry around the cobalt(III) atom is approximately octa­hedral with the four glyoximate N atoms forming the square base. A bromide ion and the O atom of a water mol­ecule occupy the remaining coordination sites. The N—Co—N bite angles are 82.18 (4) and 80.03 (16)°. The glyoximate moieties form strong intra­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The coordinated water mol­ecule forms an inter­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bond with a glyoximate O atom, thereby generating supra­molecular chains parallel to [010].
Dietary α-linolenic acid inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in hypercholesterolemic subjects

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease. We previously reported that a diet high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) reduces lipid and inflammatory cardiovascular disease risk factors in hypercholesterolemic subjects. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effects of a diet high in ALA on serum proinflammatory cytokine concentrations and cytokine production by cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from subjects fed the experimental diets. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, 3-diet, 3-period crossover study design was used. Hypercholesterolemic subjects (n = 23) were assigned to 3 experimental diets: a diet high in ALA (ALA diet; 6.5% of energy), a diet high in linoleic acid (LA diet; 12.6% of energy), and an average American diet (AAD) for 6 wk. Serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations and the production of IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha by PBMCs were measured. RESULTS: IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha production by PBMCs and serum TNF-alpha concentrations were lower (P < 0.05 and P < 0.08, respectively) with the ALA diet than with the LA diet or AAD. PBMC production of TNF-alpha was inversely correlated with ALA (r = -0.402, P = 0.07) and with eicosapentaenoic acid (r = -0.476, P = 0.03) concentrations in PBMC lipids with the ALA diet. Changes in serum ALA were inversely correlated with changes in TNF-alpha produced by PBMCs (r = -0.423, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased intakes of dietary ALA elicit antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting IL-6, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha production in cultured PBMCs. Changes in PBMC ALA and eicosapentaenoic acid (derived from dietary ALA) are associated with beneficial changes in TNF-alpha release. Thus, the cardioprotective effects of ALA are mediated in part by a reduction in the production of inflammatory cytokines.
Assumptions of Human Nature, and Initial Expectations and Behavior as Mediators of Sex Effects in Prisoner's Dilemma Research:

This research investigated the influence of assumptions regarding human nature, expectations of opponent's initial behavior and early game interpersonal behavior on subsequent levels of cooperation in a mixed motive, nonzero sum game. It was hypothesized that differential effects for males and females may be due to their different assumptions, expectations, and different responses to initial interpersonal behavior. It was found that: (1) women had a more positive view of human nature, however assumptions about human nature were not related to initial expectations or behavior; (2) women had a slightly higher expectation of cooperation from their opponents and this was highly related to initial cooperation; (3) women had more unconfirmed expectations of cooperation and for women this was negatively related to early game levels of cooperation; and (4) initial levels of cooperation and early game interpersonal patterns of cooperation were an important influence on later levels of game behavior and these facto...
On the Optimization of Search Heuristics: A Fuzzy Approach

Heuristics are key factors in reducing the computational workload of searching decision trees. Artificial intelligence techniques utilize algorithms which are highly dependent upon the heuristic sensitivity and the processing workload required to generate the plausibility of a given node. Fuzzy set theory offers a means of providing reasonable heuristics to the search procedure in an effort to improve overall heuristic performance. A procedure was defined to generate fuzzy heuristics for an nth order state-space system. Results indicate that although the fuzzy heuristic is more sensitive than a linear-weighted test heuristic and may be beneficial for certain applications, the defuzzification algorithm required by the fuzzy approach required increased computational efforts. A brief review of AI search techniques is provided as well as an illustrative example which compares the performance of the fuzzy heuristic versus a linear-weighted test heuristic.
Plasma lipoprotein changes following thermal injury in the dog.

SummaryPlasma lipoproteins of 4 dogs were studied by flotation in the ultracentrifuge before and after thermal injury. After injury, the high density lipoprotein of all 4 shifted to higher flotation rates without consistent changes in concentration. The low density lipoprotein increased in concentration in all 4 dogs with variable flotation rate changes among the 4. No significant changes were seen in the lipoproteins of a control dog. It is suggested that these lipoprotein changes contribute to the electrophoretic α-globulin changes seen generally after injury.
Enact, discard, and transform: a critical race feminist perspective on professional socialization among tenured Black female faculty

Through an analysis informed by critical race feminism, this paper examines the intersection of professional socialization and agency among tenured Black female faculty at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Professional socialization entails the transmission and reproduction of professional norms. However, within PWIs, professional socialization emanates from a legacy of race and gender exclusion. Thus, normative conceptualizations of professional development may not adequately address how Black women negotiate institutional cues to define their professorial role. The findings show that a three-prong model of engagement: enacting, discarding, and transforming institutional norms, comprised the participants’ socialization process; agency played an important role in their career success. Implications for facilitating agency among Black female faculty and similarly situated groups are discussed.
Through-Thickness Texture Variation in Non-Oriented Electrical Steel Sheet Produced by Asymmetric Rolling

The hot bands of non-oriented electrical steel were cold rolled by asymmetric rolling with speed ratio of 1.125 as well as conventional symmetric cold rolling to investigate the effects of cold rolling mode on through-thickness texture variation. Asymmetric rolling shows a marked weakening effect on α fiber (RD//) running from {001} to {112} through sheet thickness, especially at the side contacting with faster roll. Asymmetric rolling increases {111} component while decreases {111} component through sheet thickness except for the surface layers. The through-thickness texture variation due to asymmetric rolling was explained in terms of shear strain distribution.
SU-FF-T-389: Study of Surface Dose Distribution in Sinus Cancer

Purpose: To investigate any discrepancies between dose calculations from the Pinnacle treatment planning system and film measurements at the tissue‐air interface of an air cavity.Method and Materials: A ring shaped phantom with removable insert was made to simulate an air cavity within a patient. 6 MV 3D‐CRT and IMRT treatment plans were generated for both the cavity (without the insert) and homogeneous situations (with insert) using the Pinnacle treatment planning system (Pinnacle‐3™ 8.1r, Philips Medical System, Milpitas, CA). For the air cavity mode, the CTV was around the anterior part of the cavity. The same contour was used for the homogeneous mode. Treatment plans were delivered and Gafchromic EBT™ film was used to measure the dose at the air cavitysurface. Films were scanned with an Epson reflective scanner. The blue channel reading was extracted for calibration and measurement. The measured and the calculated doses were compared. Results: In the homogeneous situation, the measured dose is consistently 4% low perhaps indicating under‐response of the film. However, in the air cavity situation, the calculated dose is much higher than the measured value. The average differences in the 3D‐CRT and IMRT plans are 18% and 14% respectively. The absolute difference in the 3D‐CRT case is larger than for IMRT. This is likely due to the fact that the multiple fields used in the IMRT plans provide secondary electronsgenerating from different angles to compensate for the electronic disequilibrium. Conclusion: The Pinnacle system has difficulty calculating the dose at the tissue‐air interface. However, the use of multiple, distributed fields, combined with optimization techniques used in IMRT can help to offset the effects of electronic disequilibrium incurred in the air cavity.
Differential isoform profiles of α2-macroglobulin from plasma of patients with chronic-progressive or relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a human neurological disease for which no clinically useful marker has been identified in blood. This study examined α2-macroglobulin (α2M) from the plasma of six patients with chronic-progressive MS and six with relapsing-remitting disease. The α2M trypsin-binding activity in the plasma from both groups of patients did not differ from normal controls. However, after column isoelectric focusing, consistently less α2M activity was recovered from the MS samples: those from the chronic-progressive and relapsing-remitting disease groups were an average of 43% and 68%, respectively, of controls. The number and isoelectric point (pI) values of the isoforms of the α2M from patients with chronicprogressive disease were similar to controls. The average pI of the major form for both groups was 6.6. By contrast, the average pI of the major form from the patients with relapsing-remitting MS was significantly elevated to 7.1, and this group displayed a significantly higher percentage of total recovered activity above pH 7.0. In eleven of the twelve cases examined, the pI of the major form of α2M correctly correlated with the clinical status of the patient. The original clinical diagnosis of the patients was reassessed by a 9-year retrospective interview which verified that 9 of the 10 patients in the follow-up group retained their original clinical diagnosis. These studies demonstrate differential isoform profiles of native α2M from MS patients with progressive versus remitting disease which may be useful in subclassifying MS patients.
Anemia of aging and obstructive sleep apnea.

World Health Organization defined anemia of aging (AOA) when men and women greater than 65 years, respectively, have unexplained hemoglobin (Hgb) less than 13 and 12 g/dl. Recent evidence suggests that this is likely a chronic inflammatory process involving interleukins (IL) 6, 12, and C-reactive protein. Among elderly with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypoxic stimulation of erythropoiesis may obscure AOA. Treatment of OSA may paradoxically restore AOA. We sought to identify OSA and AOA coexistence and OSA treatment AOA interaction. Records of 101 successive patients older than 65 years and with OSA who were treated with continuous positive airway pressure were analyzed retrospectively. Differences among pre/post-treatment of OSA hemograms were assessed using paired two-tailed Student’s t test. Hemogram changes were compared to apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory effort related arousals (RERA), and duration patients slept with oxyhemoglobin saturation <89% (hypoxic time (HT)) and were assessed for correlative significance using Pearson coefficient correlation. Eighty-two of one hundred one patients (27 men, 55 women; average age 71 years) had charted all the study data variables cited above. Mean pre-treatment and mean 1-year post-treatment of OSA Hgb/hematocrit (Hct) for men and women, respectively, were 13 g/dl/40.7% to 12.7 g/dl/39.1% and 12.1 g/dl/38.1% to 11.9 g/dl/37.6%. Hct changed significantly among both men and women (p < 0.05). Among 56% and 30% of the 82 patient study cohort, 1-year post-treatment of OSA, Hct declined (mean 4.8%) and increased (mean 3.7%), respectively; both changes were statistically significant (p < 0.01). These changes did not correlate significantly with AHI, RERA, or HT. Among the entire cohort for both men and women, we did not see AOA before OSA treatment and we did see AOA 1 year after OSA treatment. However, post-treatment of OSA Hct distributed bimodally, with significant increases and declines of Hct. While these Hct changes did not correlate significantly with selected sleep-breathing variables, we remain intrigued by a possible AOA-OSA interaction. AOA and OSA share common inflammatory processes. We believe OSA inflammatory processes interact with OSA hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis. The balance of these sets of processes determines the effect of OSA and OSA treatment on AOA.
Electrical evidence of disorder at the SiO 2 /4H-SiC MOS interface and its effect on electron transport

Silicon carbide Schottky diodes have been in commercial production since 2002, their use has saved about $2B in energy and prevented about 10M tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere worldwide, equivalent to taking 1.7M automobiles off the roads [1]. Recently, SiC power DMOSFETs entered commercial production [2], ushering in a new era of opportunity for wide bandgap power electronics. Going forward, high-voltage SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs hold the key to more efficient energy utilization and renewable energy production.
A route to three-dimensional structures in a microfluidic device: stop-flow interference lithography.

hasemergedasanattractivealternativetechniquethatallowstherationaldesignofcomplexanddefect-free1D,2D,and3Dpatternsoverlargeareas.Besidesbeingfastandefficient,ILalsoaffordscontrolovergeometricalparameters,suchassymme-try and volume fractions, of the structures formed. ILperformed using an elastomeric poly(dimethylsiloxane)(PDMS)phasemask
ω-Conotoxin GVIA Alters Gating Charge Movement of N-Type (CaV2.2) Calcium Channels

ω-conotoxin GVIA (ωCTX) is a specific blocker of N-type calcium (CaV2.2) channels that inhibits neuropathic pain. While the toxin appears to be an open channel blocker, we show that N-channel gatin...
Purification and some properties of the phosphoprotein from rat incisors.

Abstract The phosphoprotein of rat incisors has been purified by successive gel and ion-exchange chromatography. The product gave a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and contained approximately 34% phosphoserine and 32% aspartic acid. Alkaline elimination experiments showed all the phosphate to be present as phosphoserine. Ultraviolet spectra in the presence or absence of ATP showed that the phosphoprotein did not contain a nucleotide moiety as suggested by Veis, A.; Spector, A. R. and Zamoscianyk, H. ((1972) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 257, 404–413) for bovine dentin phosphoprotein.
Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot in Children Less Than 4 kg Body Weight

We reviewed our experience of surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) in children weighing less than or equal to 4 kg to compare outcome of early palliation versus complete repair as the initial surgical approach. Seventy-six patients, weighing ≤4 kg, with TOF surgery between January 2005 and September 2013 were included in this single-center retrospective study. Twenty-five patients who underwent initial shunt procedure followed by later full repair were compared to 51 patients who had primary full repair for differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes. Shunt group patients had lower body weight, 2.76 ± 0.69 versus 3.11 ± 0.65 (kg), p = 0.03, and lower preoperative oxygen saturations, 82 ± 7 versus 90 ± 6 (%), p = 0.0001, than full repair group. A higher number of surgical procedures per patient was recorded in shunt patients, 2.29 ± 0.59 versus 1.27 ± 0.49, p = 0.00002. Thirteen of 51 patients in the full repair group required a repeat surgery. Catheterization procedures were performed in 12 patients in shunt and in 15 patients in full repair group, with interventional angioplasty in three and 11, respectively, p ≥ 0.05. Two patients, both in the shunt group, died after the surgery. Early full repair had longer hospital stay but significantly less hospitalizations 1.95 ± 1.3 versus 2.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.03. Initial complete repair of TOF in small children yielded favorable outcome with significantly less surgical procedures and subsequent hospitalizations. Cath laboratory re-interventions for residual defects were similar after both surgical approaches, and type of initial surgery does not predict freedom from re-intervention.
An Empirical Analysis of the Political Economy of Tariffs

We seek to analyze the determinants of senatorial response to “generic” trade bills that seek to impose restrictions on the lowering of tariffs. The analysis is based on the response of senators to the trade expansion acts of 1962 and 1974. In the recent past these have been the only bills that are “generic” in nature since they are not targeted at any particular industry. Within the same framework we also examine the issue of “legislator shirking”, a term used to imply the response of senators based on pure personal ideology rather than the interests of the constituents. Regression results show the growing influence of state specific factors and the diminishing role of party and personal ideology on senatorial response. Interestingly, we find that despite the similar generic nature of the two bills examined, the influence of personal ideology on the response of senators varies across the two bills examined.
Shorted operators and the structure of operators with numerical radius one

The theory of the shorted operator is used to prove that if w(T)≤1, then T can be written in the form T=2(I-C*C)1/2C. Using this form, Ando has exhibited a matricial form for a unitary 2-dilation of T.
Evaluation of a laser Doppler flowmetry implantable fiber system for determination of threshold thickness for flow detection in bone

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) with the use of a standard metal shafted probe, has been successfully used to study bone blood flow in a wide variety of settings. The use of the standard probe is limited by the requirement that the probe be replaced onto the bone surface or driven into the bone with a trocar. In response to this, a system of implantable, detachable fibers was developed. This system allows repeated measurement over time without repeated surgical manipulation of the area of interest. This study was performed to evaluate the implantable fiber system by determining threshold thickness for flow detection in bone. A flow chamber with perpendicular and end-on flow was designed to collect results under controlled conditions for flow detection. Threshold thickness for bovine cortical and cancellous bone samples was determined after sequentially grinding the specimens and placing them in the flow chamber. A 2% solution of latex circulated in the chamber and each specimen was exposed to both flow directions and both types of probe. The laser Doppler probe was able to detect flow by resting on top of the sample, with the latex on the other side of the sample. The results showed a significantly greater threshold thickness for the standard probes than for the implantable probes, and a significantly greater threshold thickness for trabecular bone than for cortical bone. Despite the reduced threshold thickness with the implantable fiber, this new system was able to consistently detect depth of perfusion of 80–90% of the values for the standard probe. The minimum value for threshold thickness in cortical bone with the implantable fiber was 2.43 mm. This was well within a clinically relevant range for flow detection. Threshold thickness and the LDF output were not affected by the flow direction. The study provides baseline information on the utility of this technique and demonstrates the potential usefulness of the implantable fiber system.
Atomization and combustion properties of flashing injectors

Flashing injection involves expanding a fluid through an injector until a supersaturated state is reached, causing a portion of the fluid to flash to a vapor. This investigation considered the flow, atomization and spreading properties of flashing injectors flowing liquids containing dissolved gases (Jet A/air) as well as superheated liquids (Freon 11). The use of a two stage expansion process, separated by an expansion chamber, was found to be beneficial for good atomization properties of flashing injection - particularly for dissolved gas systems. Both locally homogeneous and separated flow models provided good predictions of injector flow properties. Conventional correlations for drop sizes from pressure atomized and airblast injectors were successfully modified, using the separated flow model to prescribe injector exit conditions, to correlate drop size measurements. Additional experimental results are provided for spray angle and combustion properties of sprays from flashing injectors.
Flow and heat transfer characteristics of the boundary layers over a stretching surface with a uniform-shear free stream

Abstract In this work, the momentum and thermal boundary layers over a continuously stretching surface with a uniform-shear free stream were investigated. Based on the boundary layer assumptions, the similarity equations were obtained, which were solved numerically. Theoretical analysis was conducted for certain special conditions. The solution domain for the momentum boundary layer was theoretically estimated and compared with the numerical results. It is found that the interaction of uniform-shear free stream and the wall stretching velocity greatly affects the fluid motion and heat transfer characteristics. Dual solutions exist for the stretching parameter γ > γc = −0.596985. There is one solution for γ = γc and no solution for γ m = - 2 3 and m = 0 with arbitrary values of Pr and m. Interesting observations were found for negative wall stretching parameter, negative temperature power index, and the lower solution branch.
The process of measurement in managerial accounting: A psycho-technical systems perspective

Abstract This paper develops a formal framework of the act or process of measurement in managerial accounting. Although the traditional paradigm of measurement underlying accounting treats it as a technology designed to represent properties of events and transactions in numerical terms, this paper is based on the notion that managerial accounting measurement is intended to facilitate behavior, and thus requires an alternative view of measurement as a “psycho-technical system”. The paper presents the psycho-technical framework and examines its application in selected areas of managerial accounting: human resource accounting, social accounting, divisional performance evaluation, zero-based budgeting, standard costing, and evaluation of internal control systems.
Photo-sensitive ligands on nanoparticles for achieving triggered emulsion inversion.

Abstract A photocleavable ligand containing an o -nitroveratryl ( o NV) linker was synthesized and used to functionalize CdSe quantum dots (QDs) to achieve liquid–liquid interface stabilization and the formation of stable water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion droplets. Ligand cleavage upon irradiation of the droplets at 365 nm led to an increase of QD hydrophilicity, and a subsequent emulsion inversion to give oil-in-water (o/w) droplets. The fluorescence of functionalized QDs, initially quenched due to the presence of the o NV group, is turned-on after irradiation and linker cleavage. Photocleavage was monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and liquid–liquid interface stabilization was evaluated by interfacial tension measurements by pendant drop tensiometry.
The kamikaze approach to membrane transport

Membrane transport proteins catalyse the movement of molecules into and out of cells and organelles, but their hydrophobic and metastable nature often makes them difficult to study by traditional means. Novel approaches that have been developed and applied to one membrane transport protein, the lactose permease from Escherichia coli, are now being used to study various other membrane proteins.
Analysis of seaweed communities in a disturbed rocky intertidal environment near Whites Point, Los Angeles, Calif., U.S.A

Recently, our understanding of the effects of severe disturbances such as sewage pollution (e.g., Borowitzka 1972; Munda 1974; Littler & Murray 1975; Murray & Littler 1977a, 1978a), sand scouring and sediment burial (e.g., Daly & Mathieson 1977; Seapy & Littler 1982; Taylor & Littler 1982; Littler et al. 1983), substratum instability (e.g., Sousa 1979, 1980) and extreme aerial exposure (e.g., Seapy & Littler 1982) on the population dynamics and diversity of intertidal sea weeds has been greatly advanced. Under conditions of extreme disturbance, communities show reduced species diversity and increased standing stocks of opportunistic seaweeds, with the caveat that, as noted by Sousa (1979, 1980) and Littler et al. (1983), localized disturbance can produce mixed patches of organisms undergoing different stages of succession resulting in an overall increase in community diversity.
Enhanced muscle by myostatin propeptide increases adipose tissue adiponectin, PPAR-α, and PPAR-γ expressions

Muscle tissue utilizes a large portion of metabolic energy for its growth and maintenance. Previously, we demonstrated that transgenic over-expression of myostatin propeptide in mice fed a high-fat diet enhanced muscle mass and circulating adiponectin while the wild-type mice developed obesity and insulin resistance. To understand the effects of enhanced muscle growth on adipose tissue metabolism, we analyzed adiponectin, PPAR-alpha, and PPAR-gamma mRNA expressions in several fat tissues. Results indicated muscled transgenic mice fed a high-fat diet displayed increased epididymal adiponectin mRNA expression by 12 times over wild-type littermates. These transgenic mice fed either a high or normal fat diet also displayed significantly high levels of PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma expressions above their wild-type littermates in epididymal fat while their expressions in mesenteric fats were not significantly different between transgenic mice and their littermates. This study demonstrates that enhanced muscle growth has positive effects on fat metabolisms through increasing adiponectin expression and its regulations.
An AFM study of the tribological properties of NaCl (100) surfaces under moist air

Water molecules in the air play a very important role in the modification of the physical and chemical properties of NaCl surfaces. In this paper, we report on the dependence of the friction force between this alkali halide and a Pt-coated tip on the external load at different humidity levels. The results clearly demonstrate that the tribological properties of the surface are modified by water adsorption. We also found that at high humidity and below a certain threshold load, the water layer can act as a lubricant. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Reducing costs and hospital stay for pneumonia with home intravenous cefotaxime treatment: Results with a computerized ambulatory drug delivery system

Studies have documented the efficacy and safety of antibiotic infusion in the home as a cost-effective alternative to in-hospital infusion. The present analysis focuses on home treatment of pneumonia with cefotaxime delivered via an ambulatory infusion pump and the potential of this therapy to reduce the length of hospital stay. Data presented here and in previously published studies of a variety of serious infections show that admitting patients into home intravenous antibiotic therapy programs can significantly reduce, and sometimes eliminate, hospital stay, while providing efficacy and safety comparable to that expected from hospital treatment. Analysis of hospitalization patterns for pneumonia patients placed on cefotaxime therapy delivered via portable infusion pump revealed that length of stay was only 10% of that for the reference diagnosis-related group. Despite the great potential cost savings, there are reimbursement barriers to the use of home infusion antibiotics. However, healthcare reform may promote greater acceptance, use, and support of home infusion technology.
Evaluating Boating Safety Risk in Intracoastal Waterways

Growth in the number of recreational vessels that use inland and coastal waterways, coupled with the diversity of boating activities, results in increased boating-related conflicts, accidents, and fatalities. This situation has led to numerous requests from boaters, shorefront property owners, waterfront businesses, and local governments for the imposition and enforcement of boating safety speed zones within Florida's Intracoastal Waterways. A decision-support framework that incorporates Geographic Information Systems (GIS)–based risk assessment was developed to assist the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Division of Law Enforcement evaluate requests and applications for the establishment of boating safety zones, pursuant to the Florida Administrative Code Rule 68-D-23.105 “Criteria for Approval of Regulatory Markers.” The risk assessment uses geospatial data compiled from multiple government agencies, survey data from subject matter experts, and public input from participatory workshop...
Preventing dental caries associated with sugar-sweetened beverages

ABSTRACT Background Dietary intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased during the past 30 years, and SSB intake is associated with caries. Download full-size image Conclusions SSBs vary in the quantity and nature of sugars they contain; however, all of the sugars are fermentable by oral bacteria and potentially cariogenic. Practical Implications Oral health care practitioners should assess patients’ SSB intakes by asking questions regarding the quantity, frequency and duration of SSB intake. In response to individual behaviors, practitioners should tailor recommendations when providing anticipatory guidance to help patients decrease their exposure to SSBs for caries prevention. In light of the association between SSB intake and caries risk, as well as the increased consumption of SSBs, all dental practices should assess patients’ SSBs intake.