cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Impact: Diabetic Patient 5-Year Coronary Artery Bypass Clinical Outcomes.

Background For diabetic patients who require coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation, controversy persists whether an off-pump or an on-pump approach may be advantageous. This US-based, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, Department of Veterans Affairs Randomization On versus Off Bypass Follow-up Study, compared diabetic patients’ 5-year clinical outcomes for off-pump versus on-pump procedures. Methods From 2002 to 2008, 835 medically treated (ie, oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin) diabetic patients underwent either off-pump (n = 402) or on-pump (n = 433) CABG. Five-year primary end points included all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite included all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization). Secondary 5-year end points included cardiac death and MACE-related components. With baseline risk factors balanced, outcomes were evaluated by using a p value less than or equal to 0.01; nonsignificant trends were reported for p values greater than 0.01 and less than or equal to 0.15. Results Five-year all-cause death rates were 20.2% off pump versus 14.1% on pump (p = 0.0198). No differences were seen in MACE (32.6% off-pump approach versus 28.6% on-pump approach, p = 0.216), repeat revascularization (12.4% off-pump approach versus 11.8% on-pump approach, p = 0.770), and nonfatal myocardial infarction (12.7% off-pump approach versus 10.4% on-pump approach, p = 0.299). Cardiac death trended worse with off-pump CABG (9.0%) than with on-pump CABG (6.25%, p = 0.137). Sensitivity analyses that removed conversions confirmed these findings. Conclusions With a 6.1% absolute difference, a strong trend toward improved 5-year survival was observed with on-pump CABG for medically treated diabetic patients. No off-pump advantage was found for any 5-year end points. A future clinical trial now appears warranted to rigorously compare off-pump versus on-pump longer term outcomes for diabetic patients.
Invasion genetics from eDNA and thousands of larvae: A targeted metabarcoding assay that distinguishes species and population variation of zebra and quagga mussels.

Identifying species and population genetic compositions of biological invasions at early life stages and/or from environmental (e)DNA using targeted high-throughput sequencing (HTS) metabarcode assays offers powerful and cost-effective means for early detection, analysis of spread patterns, and evaluating population changes. The present study develops, tests, and applies this method with a targeted sequence assay designed to simultaneously identify and distinguish between the closely related invasive Eurasian zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis) and their relatives and discern their respective population genetic patterns. Invasions of these dreissenid mussel species have markedly changed freshwater ecosystems throughout North America and Europe, exerting severe ecological and economic damage. Their planktonic early life stages (eggs and larvae) are morphologically indistinguishable, yet each species exerts differential ecological effects, with the quagga often outcompeting the zebra mussel as adults. Our targeted assay analyzes genetic variation from a diagnostic sequence region of the mitochondrial (mt)DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, to assess temporal and spatial inter- and intra-specific genetic variability. The assay facilitates analysis of environmental (e)DNA from water, early life stages from thousands of individuals, and simultaneous analysis of 50-100 tagged field-collected samples. Experiments evaluated its accuracy and performance using: (a) mock laboratory communities containing known DNA quantities per taxon, (b) aquaria with mixed-species/haplotype compositions of adults, and (c) field-collected water and plankton versus traditional sampling of adult communities. Results delineated species compositions, relative abundances, and population-level diversity differences among ecosystems, habitats, time series, and life stages from two allopatric concurrent invasions in the Great Lakes (Lake Erie) and the Hudson River, which had separate founding histories. Findings demonstrate application of this targeted assay and our approach to accurately and simultaneously discern species- and population-level differences across spatial and temporal scales, facilitating early detection and ecological understanding of biological invasions.
The apparent absolute requirement of adenosine diphosphate for the inorganic phosphate--water exchange of oxidative phosphorylation.

Abstract With suitable submitochondrial particles from the heart, the rate of the inorganic phosphate ⇄ HOH exchange during substrate oxidation in the absence of ADP is less than 1/1000 of the rate in the presence of ADP. The concentration dependence of the exchange on ADP shows simple saturation behavior with an apparent Km of 0.32 mm. For net oxidative phosphorylation under similar conditions, but with a hexokinase-glucose trap present, the apparent Km for ADP is 0.58 mm. The ADP analogue, adenosine methylene diphosphonate, is not detectably phosphorylated, does not stimulate the Pi ⇄ HOH exchange in the absence of ADP, and does not inhibit the exchange in the presence of ADP. The submitochondrial particles show the presence of an oligomycin and a 2,4-dinitrophenol-sensitive ADP ⇄ ATP exchange. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the Pi ⇄ HOH exchange results from dynamic reversal of ATP formation at the catalytic site, and that in the phosphorylation reaction the first covalent compound formed from Pi or ADP is ATP.
The Effects of Social Characteristics of Jobs on the Cognitive Skills of Adults in the United States: A PIAAC Analysis:

There is contrary research around whether collaboration at work fosters individual learning and skill development. This study’s purpose was to examine the relationship between social characteristic...
Influence of rurality on the awareness of myocardial infarction symptoms in the US.

Background:Myocardial infarctions (MIs) are the leading cause of death in the United States (US). Differences in MI mortality rates exist between rural and urban areas in the US. Early recognition ...
Transcriptome-based design of antisense inhibitors re-sensitizes CRE E. coli to carbapenems

Abstract Carbapenems are a powerful class of antibiotics, often used as a last-resort treatment to eradicate multidrug-resistant infections. In recent years, however, the incidence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has risen substantially, and the study of bacterial resistance mechanisms has become increasingly important for antibiotic development. Although much research has focused on genomic contributors to carbapenem resistance, relatively few studies have examined CRE pathogens through changes in gene expression. In this research, we used transcriptomics to study a CRE Escherichia coli clinical isolate that is sensitive to meropenem but resistant to ertapenem, to both explore carbapenem resistance and identify novel gene knockdown targets for carbapenem re-sensitization. We sequenced total and small RNA to analyze gene expression changes in response to treatment with ertapenem or meropenem, as compared to an untreated control. Significant expression changes were found in genes related to motility, maltodextrin metabolism, the formate hydrogenlyase complex, and the general stress response. To validate these transcriptomic findings, we used our lab’s Facile Accelerated Specific Therapeutic (FAST) platform to create antisense peptide nucleic acids (PNA), gene-specific molecules designed to inhibit protein translation. FAST PNA were designed to inhibit the pathways identified in our transcriptomic analysis, and each PNA was then tested in combination with each carbapenem to assess its effect on the antibiotics’ minimum inhibitory concentrations. We observed significant treatment interaction with five different PNAs across six PNA-antibiotic combinations. Inhibition of the genes hycA, dsrB, and bolA were found to re-sensitize CRE E. coli to carbapenems, whereas inhibition of the genes flhC and ygaC was found to confer added resistance. Our results identify new resistance factors that are regulated at the level of gene expression, and demonstrate for the first time that transcriptomic analysis is a potent tool for designing antibiotic PNA.
Capabilities of multivariate Bayesian inference toward seismic hazard assessment

Multivariate Bayesian inference can bring significant benefits to seismic hazard analysis: its multivariate feature enables computing scalar and vector hazard without making any approximations; Correlations between intensity measures are implicitly modeled, permitting direct simulation of ground motion selection tools such as the conditional mean spectrum and the generalized conditioning intensity measure. Its updating feature enables a seamless integration of new ground motion data into the hazard results. In this paper, we first develop a multivariate Bayesian ground motion model through the NGA-West2 database. The model functional form considers fault type, magnitude and distance dependencies, and also the linear and the rock intensity-dependent site response. We use a hybrid Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling to perform Bayesian inference consisting of Gibbs step and a multilevel Metropolis–Hastings step. We then perform several checks on the model to ensure that it is unbiased. Finally, we illustrate the merits of this multivariate Bayesian analysis through practical and contemporary examples, which include: ground motion model updating with ground motion data recorded in the last four years and not part of the NGA-West2 database; computation of scalar and vector seismic hazard using the un-updated and updated ground motion models for Los Angeles, CA; and simulation of the conditional mean spectrum under scalar and vector IM conditioning while accounting for different sources of aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties.
Case Study using Probe Vehicle Speeds to Assess Roadway Safety in Georgia

Speed is a primary risk factor for road crashes and injuries. Previous research has attempted to ascertain the relationship between individual vehicle speeds, aggregated speeds, and crash frequency...
Optimal Mean Estimation without a Variance.

We study the problem of heavy-tailed mean estimation in settings where the variance of the data-generating distribution does not exist. Concretely, given a sample $\mathbf{X} = \{X_i\}_{i = 1}^n$ from a distribution $\mathcal{D}$ over $\mathbb{R}^d$ with mean $\mu$ which satisfies the following \emph{weak-moment} assumption for some ${\alpha \in [0, 1]}$: \begin{equation*} \forall \|v\| = 1: \mathbb{E}_{X \thicksim \mathcal{D}}[\lvert \langle X - \mu, v\rangle \rvert^{1 + \alpha}] \leq 1, \end{equation*} and given a target failure probability, $\delta$, our goal is to design an estimator which attains the smallest possible confidence interval as a function of $n,d,\delta$. For the specific case of $\alpha = 1$, foundational work of Lugosi and Mendelson exhibits an estimator achieving subgaussian confidence intervals, and subsequent work has led to computationally efficient versions of this estimator. Here, we study the case of general $\alpha$, and establish the following information-theoretic lower bound on the optimal attainable confidence interval: \begin{equation*} \Omega \left(\sqrt{\frac{d}{n}} + \left(\frac{d}{n}\right)^{\frac{\alpha}{(1 + \alpha)}} + \left(\frac{\log 1 / \delta}{n}\right)^{\frac{\alpha}{(1 + \alpha)}}\right). \end{equation*} Moreover, we devise a computationally-efficient estimator which achieves this lower bound.
Delayed Presentation of Unstable Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears Treated with Volar Foveal Ligament Repair.

Hypothesis An open volar surgical approach with suture anchor repair of the foveal ligament and temporary pinning of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) is an effective way to treat DRUJ instability associated with chronic foveal tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). Methods We retrospectively reviewed nine patients with foveal ligament tears of the TFCC and DRUJ instability who underwent open repair of the TFCC using a volar surgical approach, combined with temporary pinning of the DRUJ for 8 weeks. Pain, instability, arc of motion, and functional outcomes scores were evaluated. Results Mean patient age was 40.5 years (range 16.3–56.2). Average time from injury to surgery was 8.4 months (range 2.9–23.3 months). Average final follow-up was 18.9 months from injury (range 12.0–29.3 months), 10.5 months from surgery (range 3.9–18.6 months), and 8.7 months from pin removal (range 1.7–17.2 months). At final follow-up, all patients demonstrated clinically stable DRUJ. Pain scores diminished significantly from pre to final postoperative visits, with averages of 6.8 (range 4.0–9.0) improving to a mean of 0.70 (range 0.0–2.0), respectively. Average postoperative forearm rotation was 71.1 degrees in supination and 76.1 degrees in pronation (average total arc of motion 147.2 degrees, range 90–160 degrees). Average postoperative wrist motion was 68.8 degrees in flexion and 70.6 degrees in extension (average total arc of motion 139.4 degrees, range 110–160 degrees). No patients developed crepitus, recurrent DRUJ instability, or required revision surgery (subsequent to pin removal). Conclusion Volar suture anchor repair of the foveal ligament of the TFCC with DRUJ pinning led to reliable outcomes within this patient group including a stable DRUJ with improved functional outcomes regarding pain, stability, and range of motion in patients with foveal TFCC tears and associated DRUJ instability. These results compare favorably with dorsal repair of the foveal ligament. Level of Incidence This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.
An Epidemiologic Method to Determine Losses Associated with Subclinical Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Yearling Cattle

In many northern regions of the United States, gastrointestinal nematode infections are largely subclinical, with relatively few cases of clinical disease. At subclinical levels the effects of nematodes are less apparent but lead to decreased rates of production and decreased immunity to various infectious diseases. Subclinical burdens may make it difficult for producers to recognize the loss, and the need to control these parasites. A convenient method to measure subclinical losses under actual herd production conditions is needed to enhance producers' ability to evaluate the cost-benefit of nematode control programs. The objective of this project was to evaluate an epidemiologic-based methodology, which measures losses due to subclinical gastrointestinal nematode infections in yearling cattle on a single pasture.
Golden State Elixers – Should We Obtain a Canna-Business License?

Golden State Elixers is a California medical cannabis collective producing cannabis tinctures. California has introduced a new regulatory regime for canna-businesses and Golden State is investigating whether to obtain a license, shut down, or join the black market. In addition to growing their business, Golden State must take into account three different government levels (Federal, State, Local) each with different laws and taxes.
Chemical Thermodynamics in Theory

The calculations of chemical thermodynamics center on a few state functions and on the dependence of the state functions on a few state variables. The state functions include enthalpy (H), entropy (S), and Gibbs energy (G), and the state variables are usually pressure (P), absolute temperature (T), and (in solutions of electrolytes) ionic strength (s). If a chemical reaction is involved, the extent-of-reaction variable (ξ) is also important.
Frequency‐dependent selection of reflexes by pudendal afferents in the cat

Activation of urethral or genital afferents of the pudendal nerve can elicit or inhibit micturition, and low frequency stimulation of the compound pudendal nerve (PN) is known to produce a continence response. The present study demonstrates that PN stimulation also can elicit a micturition-like response and that the response to PN stimulation is dependent on stimulation frequency. We measured the changes in bladder pressure and external urethral sphincter (EUS) electroneurogram (ENG) evoked by PN stimulation before and up to 16 h after spinal cord transection (SCT) in cats anaesthetized with α-chloralose. Low frequency (10 Hz) stimulation elicited a continence-like response, including inhibition of the bladder and activation of the EUS, but mid-frequency (33 Hz) stimulation produced a micturition-like response, including excitation of the bladder without activation of the EUS. The dependence of the response on stimulus frequency was linked to interpulse interval as the same number of pulses at 10, 33 and 100 Hz produced different responses. Stimulation of the PN at 33 Hz produced bladder contractions before and 8 h after SCT provided the bladder contained a minimum volume of fluid. Only mid-range frequency stimulation with sufficient stimulus train duration produced a reduction in EUS ENG activity before and after SCT. In addition to a continence-like response, PN stimulation can also elicit a micturition-like response, and this response is dependent on stimulation frequency, stimulus train duration, and bladder volume. The ability to control the two principal functions of the bladder by pudendal nerve stimulation is an exciting prospect for neurorehabilitation.
Effect of Mixed Culture on Nitrosomonas europaea Simulated by Uptake and Utilization of Pyruvate

Clark, Connie (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis), and E. L. Schmidt. Effect of mixed culture on Nitrosomonas europaea simulated by uptake and utilization of pyruvate. J. Bacteriol. 91: 367–373. 1966.—Contamination of a 5-liter culture of Nitrosomonas europaea resulted in enhanced nitrite formation as compared with pure cultures. The dominant contaminant, a yellow-pigmented, heterotrophic bacterium, was isolated and studied both in pure culture and in deliberate mixture with N. europaea . Growth of N. europaea was stimulated in mixed cultures with the heterotrophic isolate to varying degrees, apparently depending on the age and density of autotrophic inocula. Mixed culture stimulation of N. europaea was evidenced only by a shortened lag phase, since post-lag phase growth of the autotroph was equivalent in both pure and mixed cultures. The heterotrophic component had a nutritional requirement for amino acids when grown on simple media; presumably, in the mixed culture system, the heterotroph was provided with amino acids synthesized by the autotroph. The mixed culture effect was reproduced in all essential features by the addition of sodium pyruvate to the nitrification medium. Pure cultures of N. europaea were shown to incorporate sodium pyruvate- 2-C 14 during growth. Labeled carbon was widely distributed in cell fractions. The more pronounced and consistent pyruvate effect was observed on old inocula of N. europaea . Images
Identification, evaluation, and selection of petroleum exploration and development, and reserve acquisition investments: US petroleum companies

Identification, evaluation and selection (IE&S) of petroleum exploration and development (E&D) and reserve acquisition investments are important steps to ensure the success of petroleum company R&D projects. Investment decisions about the projects demand thorough analysis of the economic and noneconomic feasibility of embarking on such projects. This paper is based on a study of the IE&S decisions for petroleum E&D, and reserve acquisition investments in US petroleum companies.
Teoria da Agência: Uma Avaliação e Revisão

A teoria da agencia e uma importante teoria, ainda que seja controversa. Este artigo traz uma revisao sobre a teoria da agencia, suas contribuicoes para a teoria das organizacoes e do trabalho empirico existente bem como desenvolve proposicoes testaveis. As conclusoes sao de que a teoria da agencia oferece uma visao unica sobre sistemas de informacao, incerteza dos resultados, incentivos risco e e uma perspectiva empirica valida, principalmente quando combinada com perspectivas complementares. A recomendacao principal e incorporar uma perspectiva agencia em estudos sobre os muitos problemas que tem uma estrutura cooperativa.
Making Sense of Mass Atrocity

1. The challenge of prosecuting mass atrocity Part I. Legal Rules and their Problems: 2. The responsibility of superiors 3. Participating in a criminal enterprise 4. Defining the criminal enterprise Part II. The Political Context of Legal Choice: 5. Must national prosecutions serve global concerns? 6. The conflicting incentives of national and international prosecutors Part III. New Possibilities and Solutions: 7. The bureaucracy of murder 8. Collective sanctions for collective wrong 9. The collective responsibility of military officers 10. Being economical with amnesty.
Maternal Grand Mal Seizure Leads to a Surprising Diagnosis of Dandy‐Walker Variant

Pregnant women may present with abnormal symptoms that are assumed to be related to the pregnancy. The purpose of this case study is to examine an obstetric case that provides a wider view of a grand mal seizure in a perinatal patient with previously undiagnosed Dandy-Walker Variant. When a pregnant or newly postpartum woman has seizures, eclampsia may be the most the most likely diagnosis, but it may not be accurate.
Determinants of Household Healthcare Expenditure in an African Country

Background: This is a retrospective study that examines the determinants of household healthcare expenditure (Out-of-pocket) in an African country-Kenya. Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure is common in most households in Africa however; there is noticeable variation in the amount being expended. In order to understand the basis for the differences in household healthcare expenditure, there is the need to analyze the determinants such as age, education, income, settlement, gender, household size; and establish the link with out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. In Africa, there are limited relevant scientific studies in this area. This study, therefore, will serve to fill the vacuum by supplying relevant scientific findings emanating from study of the determinants of Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure an African country.Methodology: Raw data from 2004/05 Household income and expenditure surveys conducted by Kenya Bureau of Statistics was analyzed. In all, 1340 households (representing a household per cluster of ten with equal probability of distribution) out of a total of 13,340 household selected were analyzed. Data was analyzed for the following determinants: age, education, gender, settlement, household size and total income. Further results were achieved by analyzing average household healthcare expenditure by determinants. Regression analysis was done using 95% confidence interval level.Results: This study showed that Education and Settlement are the main significant determinants of Household healthcare expenditure using multiple regression analysis with P-value being significant at 5% error level. No other explanatory variable is significant at this level, not even at 0.1000.The elderly age group was found to have the highest expenditure at 141KShs compared with other age groups while the youngest age group has the second highest expenditure at 129.5 Kshs. However, age as a determinant is not found to be significant determinant using the regression analysis
DXRenderFarm: an Xgrid based render farm for Maya®

DXRenderFarm is distributed rendering software for Maya® on Mac OS X, build upon Xgrid, Apple's grid computing technology. Since it was originally developed for computer graphics courses at DXARTS, University of Washington, it mainly targets the use in the open environment where a number of the students need to share the computational resources to render their CG works and effective system administration is required, and where all those computers must be available to any user at the same time.
Expression and localization of myosin-1d in the developing nervous system

Myosin-1d is a monomeric actin-based motor found in a wide range of tissues, but highly expressed in the nervous system. Previous microarray studies suggest that myosin-1d is found in oligodendrocytes where transcripts are upregulated during the maturation of these cells. Myosin-1d was also identified as a component of myelin-containing subcellular fractions in proteomic studies and mutations in MYO1D have been linked to autism. Despite the potential implications of these previous studies, there is little information on the expression and localization of myosin-1d in the developing nervous system. Therefore, we analyzed myosin-1d expression patterns in the peripheral and central nervous systems during postnatal development. In mouse sciatic nerve, myosin-1d is expressed along the axon and in the ensheathing myelin compartment. Analysis of mouse cerebellum prior to myelination at day 3 reveals that myosin-1d is present in the Purkinje cell layer, granule cell layer, and region of the cerebellar nuclei. Upon the onset of myelination, myosin-1d enrichment expands along axonal tracts, while still present in the Purkinje and granule cell layers. However, myosin-1d was undetectable in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells at early and late time points. We also show that myosin-1d interacts and is co-expressed with aspartoacylase, an enzyme that plays a key role in fatty acid synthesis throughout the nervous system. Together, these studies provide a foundation for understanding the role of myosin-1d in neurodevelopment and neurological disorders.
Ab initio study of gallium stabilized δ-plutonium alloys and hydrogen-vacancy complexes.

All-electron density functional theory was used to investigate ?-plutonium (?-Pu) alloyed with gallium (Ga) impurities at 3.125, 6.25, 9.375 atomic (at)% Ga concentrations. The results indicated that the lowest energy structure is anti-ferromagnetic, independent of the Ga concentration. At higher Ga concentrations (>3.125?at%), the position of the Ga atoms are separated by four nearest neighbor Pu?Pu shells. The results also showed that the lattice constant contracts with increasing Ga concentration, which is in agreement with experimental data. Furthermore with increasing Ga concentration, the face-centered-cubic structure becomes more stably coupled with increasing short-range disorder. The formation energies show that the alloying process is exothermic, with an energy range of ?0.028 to ?0.099?eV/atom. The analyses of the partial density of states indicated that the Pu?Ga interactions are dominated by Pu 6d and Ga 4p hybridizations, as well as Ga 4s?4p hybridizations. Finally, the computed formation energies for vacancy and hydrogen?vacancy complexes within the 3.125?at% Ga cell were 1.12?eV (endothermic) and ?3.88?eV (exothermic), respectively. In addition, the hydrogen atom prefers to interact much more strongly to the Pu atom than the Ga atom in the hydrogen?vacancy complex.
Effects of stocking density and water exchange rate on growth and survival of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) in circular tanks

Abstract Channel catfish were cultured for 177 days in circular tanks containing 1.6 m 3 of water at combinations of five stocking densities (90–720 fish/m 3 ) and five water exchange rates (2.0–0.5 h per exchange). Net yield increased as stocking density increased up to 540 fish/m 3 then declined at higher densities. Mean fish weight, feed conversion efficiency and survival all declined as stocking density increased. Water exchange rates of 1.5 h or greater achieved similar results at stocking densities of 180 and 360 fish/m 3 . However, at a density of 540 fish/m 3 a faster exchange rate resulted in increased growth, feed conversion efficiency and survival. At 2.0 h per exchange, these parameters were depressed at 180 and 360 fish/m 3 . The following predictive equations ( P = 0.01) were formulated from the data, where x 1 represents the stocking density and x 2 the exchange rate. Net yield: Y 1 = −64.785 + 0.52x 1 + 121.977x 2 − 2.25 × 10 −5 x 1 2 − 43.989x 2 2 − 0.0104x 1 x 2 . Mean fish weight: Y 2 = 26.649 − 0.346x 1 × 246.384x 2 − 97.55x 2 2 . Feed conversion efficiency: Y 3 = 1.799 − 9.673 × 10 −4 x 1 + 0.464x 2 2 . The maximum predicted net yield of 93.1 kg occurs at a stocking density of 399 fish/m 3 and 0.91 h per exchange.
Study of a play-like operator

Abstract In this paper, we consider a play-like hysteresis operator defined by an n th order rate-independent differential system. We investigate the properties of the operator for n = 1 and 2. We show that the operator for n = 2 satisfies a one-step wiping out property. This result can be extended to show that the n th order operator satisfies an ( n - 1 ) -th step wiping out property. Thus the new family of operators fall between the first-order differential equation models that do not satisfy any wiping-out properties and the Preisach-type operator that can show, in general, a countably infinite-step wiping out property. We will show that the “backlash-like” operator defined by Su, Stepanenko, Svoboda and Leung (SSSL) is a special case of our operator for n = 1 .
The prevalence of autoantibodies in pregnant and nonpregnant women

The frequency of autoantibodies during pregnancy was studied. Sera from 136 women (84 pregnant and 52 nonpregnant) were tested for antibodies directed against nuclear antigens, smooth muscle antigens, gastric parietal cells, mitochondria, and striated muscle by indirect immunofluorescent microscopy. Rheumatoid factor was measured by a latex agglutination test, and thyroid microsomal and thyroglobulin antibodies were measured by a hemaggIutination assay. Immunofluorescence assays were considered positive if antibodies were detected at a serum dilution of 1:20. All positive samples were retested at increasing dilutions until immunofluorescence or agglutination could not be detected. The control population consisted of 52 normal, healthy, ovulatory, and nonpregnant women. The study population consisted of 84 pregnant women, none of whom had a known autoimmune disorder. The mean ages of the two groups were 32 and 26 years, respectively. The frequency of autoantibody detection was not significantly different in comparing the study (46.2) and control groups (40.5). The results did not support the hypothesis that pregnancy has an effect on the induction or suppression of autoantibody production. Previous studies that suggested differences may have been influenced by the lack of a control group.
Clinical decisions by vascular surgeons do not maximize patient expected utility

Abstract Applied prospectively to patients with peripheral arterial disease, individualized decision analysis promises to improve the surgeon’s ability to maximize the patient’s desired outcome from intervention. A prospective, randomized trial comparing surgical decision analysis to standard decision-making was performed in 206 patients with symptomatic lower extremity arterial disease using individualized probability and utility estimates to predict the optimal management strategy most likely to maximize patient quality of life. Utility assessment was obtained from patients prior to treatment. Estimates of the probability of treatment outcome, intended and actual treatment plans, and assessment of the surgeon’s comfort with the decision (Provider Decision-Process Instrument) were obtained from surgeons before and after decision analysis. Results of decision analysis were provided to surgeons in a randomized manner for half of the patients. Utility values for the patient’s current state of health correlated weakly with the SF36 PCS (r = 0.23) as well as individual health concept scores of BP (r = 0.31), VT (r = 0.25), and SF (r = 0.24), as well as with Walking Impairment Questionnaire (r = −0.20). Patients with severe ischemia more more likely to devalue their current state of health (0.57 vs 0.50, P
On estimation of truncation errors using the — 3 law for kinetic energy

The truncation errors associated with the estimation of horizontal vorticity advection on a numerical grid are evaluated using Wiin-Nielsen's (1967) kinetic energy spectrum. It is found that previous estimates made by Chouinard & Robert (1972) are too low. The possible effect of aliasing errors on the initial estimation of horizontal vorticity advection are investigated and found to be serious. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01623.x
Regge Behavior in π − p Charge-Exchange Process at the Region around N ( 2190 )

An analysis based upon a Regge prediction indicates that the measured differential cross sections for the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}p$ charge-exchange process in the region of 2 $\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c}$ is consistent with the assignment of the $J=l\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}$ state to $N(2190)$ resonance, and that there does not seem to exist a sign change in the pole residue associated with the spin-nonflip amplitude in the Regge term in the interval of $t$ from 0 to 0.8. The data and the Regge prediction were in close agreement.
Epigenetic regulation of oogenesis and germ stem cell maintenance by the Drosophila histone methyltransferase Eggless/dSetDB1.

The Drosophila melanogaster histone lysine methyltransferase (HKMT) Eggless (Egg/dSETDB1) catalyzes methylation of Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), a signature of repressive heterochromatin. Our previous studies showed that H3K9 methylation by Egg is required for oogenesis. Here we analyze a set of EMS-induced mutations in the egg gene, identify the molecular lesions of these mutations, and compare the effects on oogenesis of both strong loss-of-function and weak hypomorphic alleles. These studies show that H3K9 methylation by Egg is required for multiple stages of oogenesis. Mosaic expression experiments show that the egg gene is not required intrinsically in the germ cells for their early differentiation, but is required in the germ cells for their survival past stage 5 of oogenesis. egg is also required in germ stem cells for their maintenance, since egg− germ stem cells initially survive but are not maintained as females age. Mosaic analysis also reveals that the early egg chamber budding defects in egg− ovaries are due to an intrinsic requirement for egg in follicle stem cells and their descendents, and that egg plays a non-autonomous role in somatic cells in the germarium to influence the differentiation of early germ cells.
Brain concentrations of benzodiazepines are elevated in an animal model of hepatic encephalopathy.

Abstract Brain extracts from rats with hepatic encephalopathy due to thioacetamide-induced fulminant hepatic failure contained 4- to 6-fold higher concentrations of substances that inhibit radioligand binding to benzodiazepine receptors than corresponding control rat extracts. Both isocratic and gradient-elution HPLC indicated that this inhibitory activity was localized in 3-8 peaks with retention times corresponding to deschlorodiazepam, deschlorolorazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, diazepam, and N-desmethyldiazepam. The presence of diazepam and N-desmethyldiazepam was confirmed by mass spectroscopy. Both mass spectroscopic and radiometric techniques indicated that the concentrations of N-desmethyldiazepam and diazepam in brain extracts from encephalopathic rats were 2-9 and 5-7 times higher, respectively, than in control brain extracts. While benzodiazepines have been identified previously in mammalian and plant tissues, this report demonstrates that concentrations of these substances are increased in a pathophysiological condition. These findings provide a rational basis for the use of benzodiazepine receptor antagonists in the management of hepatic encephalopathy in humans.
Fatty Acid-Containing Lipid Puzzle: A Teaching Tool for Biochemistry

A combination puzzle was developed to assist with the teaching of fatty acid-containing lipids. The puzzle is a two-sided match-and-flip puzzle; the front side of a puzzle piece bears the names of building blocks, whereas the back of each puzzle piece reveals the corresponding chemical structure. The puzzle promotes intellectual exploration by alleviating the tedious task of memorizing. Finding solutions to the puzzle broadens the understanding of basic concepts such as the structure−function relationship of lipids while highlighting specific molecular details such as functional groups, saturated versus unsaturated fatty acids, and polarity. The strength of the puzzle is its flexibility; it allows the instructor to shift attention from the general building block level to a particular detail of choice without losing focus. The use of the puzzle is intended for nonscience major students and introductory level biochemistry students. Informal feedback from arts-and-media majors showed that students using the ...
Product market segmentation and output collusion within substitute products

Abstract We extend the differentiated product model, first developed by Bowley (1924), by relaxing the assumption that each firm produces only one differentiated product. By doing so, we are able to analyze the potential for collusive market segmentation in a two-stage decision framework, first in product space and second in output. We find that when firms cannot coordinate on output, the required discount factor that supports collusive market segmentation is strictly decreasing in product substitutability and is greater than partial output and full collusion. Overall we find that output collusion alone is easier to sustain than collusive product market segmentation.
Whole-cell patch-clamp recording of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in adult Brugia malayi muscle

Abstract Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease caused by clade III parasites like Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti. Current recommended treatment regimen for this disease relies on albendazole, ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine, none of which targets the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in these parasitic nematodes. Our aim therefore has been to develop adult B. malayi for electrophysiological recordings to aid in characterizing the ion channels in this parasite as anthelmintic target sites. In that regard, we recently demonstrated the amenability of adult B. malayi to patch-clamp recordings and presented results on the single-channel properties of nAChR in this nematode. We have built on this by recording whole-cell nAChR currents from adult B. malayi muscle. Acetylcholine, levamisole, pyrantel, bephenium and tribendimidine activated the receptors on B. malayi muscle, producing robust currents ranging from > 200 pA to ~ 1.5 nA. Levamisole completely inhibited motility of the adult B. malayi within 10 min and after 60 min, motility had recovered back to control values.
Ethical Fairy Tales: Using Fairy Tales as Illustrative Ethical Dilemmas With Counseling Students

This column is designed to underscore relationally based creative teaching practices used by counselor educators in the classroom. Our intention is to provide examples of novel, innovative ways for counselor educators and students to deepen their learning while collaborating toward a spirit of connection and cooperation. If you have implemented a creative teaching method or if you have adapted an existing method that you would like to share with readers, please follow submission guidelines in the author information packet available athttp://www.creativecounselor.org/Journal.html Learning to navigate ethical dilemmas is important in counseling students' training. According to the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (2009 standards, counseling students must receive ethics education. A common goal for counselor educators is to assist students in translating ethical theory into practice. One method traditionally used within counselor education is case examples. A creat...
Factorial invariance in multilevel confirmatory factor analysis.

This paper presents a procedure to test factorial invariance in multilevel confirmatory factor analysis. When the group membership is at level 2, multilevel factorial invariance can be tested by a simple extension of the standard procedure. However level-1 group membership raises problems which cannot be appropriately handled by the standard procedure, because the dependency between members of different level-1 groups is not appropriately taken into account. The procedure presented in this article provides a solution to this problem. This paper also shows Muthen's maximum likelihood (MUML) estimation for testing multilevel factorial invariance across level-1 groups as a viable alternative to maximum likelihood estimation. Testing multilevel factorial invariance across level-2 groups and testing multilevel factorial invariance across level-1 groups are illustrated using empirical examples. SAS macro and Mplus syntax are provided.
SPIN TRANSFER IN PP ELASTIC SCATTERING AT 198 MEV: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PINN COUPLING CONSTANT

A precision measurement of spin transfer in $\mathrm{pp}$ elastic scattering at 197.8 MeV has been completed recently at the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility. The new data span a kinematic regime chosen specifically to maximize sensitivity to the neutral $\ensuremath{\pi}\mathrm{NN}$ coupling constant. Our results provide strong support for modern potential models of the $\mathrm{NN}$ interaction in which a relatively weak pion coupling ( ${g}_{0}^{2}\ensuremath{\approx}13.6$, ${f}_{0}^{2}\ensuremath{\approx}0.075$) is employed, but disagree significantly with predictions of older models in which ${g}_{0}^{2}\ensuremath{\approx}14.4$. Calculations in a one-boson-exchange framework indicate that most of these latter differences can be removed by reducing ${g}_{0}^{2}$ from 14.4 to 13.6 in these models.
The workhorse CRT: New life: This old standby is still first in monochrome text displays, and color CRTs are widely chosen for graphics

It is pointed out that the monochrome CRT display still has potential for improvement at only modest extra cost. The trend is toward larger screens, greater character content, and positive images-black characters on a white background, like a printed page, as opposed to the white on black that has been standard for 20 years. Because of the nature of the monochrome CRT, many improvements can be made in the overall system by improving video amplifiers and by modifying electron-beam-focusing coils, scan rates, and deflection, without changing the structure of the tube itself. It is predicted that the biggest improvements in color monitors will come not from changes in tube design but from the digital integrated circuits that drive them. Some of the problems that will have to be solved to produce better CRT color displays are discussed.
The campus‐wide laptop loan service and the library's role

Purpose – This paper aims to present a successful partnership between the library and other campus units of California State University Sacramento in the program of campus‐wide laptop loan service. As an integral part of university resources, the library staff and systems play an exceptional role in collaborating with other university units in the campus‐wide program.Design/methodology/approach – Three campus units worked together to create a model of support in innovation, cooperation and sharing of the campus resources, technology and expertise. Introducing the establishment of the campus‐wide loan service program and sharing service feedback retrieved from multiple service units in the project contributed to the success of this new program in the campus resource‐sharing practice.Findings – Collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork are fundamental in sharing campus resources, and creating staffing synergies and delivering an ever‐increasing range of university services, especially in an environment of bu...
Dynamics of a Br(42P1/2?42P3/2) pulsed laser and a Br(2P1/2)-NO(v=2?v=1) transfer laser driven by photolysis of iodine monobromide

P1/2 – 42P3/2 transition at λ=2.71 μm and pumped by photolysis of IBr with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser has been demonstrated. The dynamics and performance of this device were characterized by observing the temporal dependence of the stimulated emission for various laser photolysis energies (20–125 mJ/pulse) and IBr pressures (0.7–6.7 torr). The gain is directly proportional to the number of absorbed photolysis photons, with a value of 0.9 %/cm over 41 cm at an IBr pressure of 5 torr. The inversion is quenched rather slowly, with a pulse duration of greater than 2 μs, after short-pulse (10 ns) excitation. The laser energy is maximized at 2.5 torr of iodine monobromide in a photolysis cell of 90 cm. A numerical solution to the rate equations for the laser pulse shapes provides a threshold inversion of Δth=2.9×1013 atoms/cm3. The energy efficiency of this device is limited principally by the low quantum efficiency, poorly matched pump and cavity mode volumes, and the photolysis yield of a single isotope hyperfine component of Br(2P1/2). A nitric oxide, NO(v=2→v=1), laser at λ=5.4 μm pumped by electronic-to-vibrational energy transfer from the photolytically produced Br(2P1/2) has also been demonstrated. The output energy and gain of this NO laser is adversely affected by rapid V-V relaxation.
Secular trends in the composition of sedimentary rock assemblages—Archean through Phanerozoic time

The bulk composition of the sedimentary rock-cover in several regions was estimated by using published chemical analyses of the component rock types. This composition changes as a function of age. Archean sedimentary assemblages are comparatively richer in Al 2 O 3 , Na 2 O, and MgO than most Proterozoic and Phanerozoic assemblages. The younger rock assemblages are progressively richer in SiO 2 , K 2 O, and (generally) CaO. These compositional differences define secular trends that probably reflect evolutionary changes in the composition of the Earth9s upper crust, atmosphere, and hydrosphere, although the trends may partly be the result of either secondary processes (such as diagenesis, metamorphism, and sediment recycling) or selective preservation of particular rock types because of structural and stratigraphic position.
The early care and feeding of anorexics

Comparing mothers' reports of early feeding practices in 18 mothers of anorexics and 25 mothers of normal children by means of a questionnaire, we found that the mothers of anorexics introduced solids earlier and used Schedule rather than Demand feedings more frequently. The mothers of anorexics did not treat patients and control siblings differentially. Our study suggests that differences in early feeding and in infant temperament may be operative in the pathogenesis of anorexia nervosa.
Regulation of ion channels by secreted Klotho: mechanisms and implications

Klotho is an anti-aging protein predominantly expressed in the kidney, parathyroid glands, and choroid plexus of the brain. It is a single-pass transmembrane protein with a large extracellular domain. The extracellular domain of Klotho is cleaved and released into extracellular fluid, including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. The membrane-bound full-length Klotho and secreted extracellular domain of Klotho have distinct functions. Membrane Klotho interacts with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors to form high-affinity receptors for FGF23. Secreted Klotho functions as a humoral factor that regulates several ion channels and transporters, and other processes, including insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling. This mini-review focuses on the mechanisms of regulation of cell-surface abundance of ion channels by secreted Klotho and the importance of these effects of Klotho in physiology and pathological conditions.