cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased Autoantibody Titers Against Epitopes of Oxidized LDL in LDL Receptor–Deficient Mice With Increased Atherosclerosis

Increasing evidence indicates that immune processes modulate atherogenesis. Oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) is immunogenic, and autoantibodies recognizing epitopes of Ox-LDL have been described in plasma and in atherosclerotic lesions of several species. To determine whether the titer of such autoantibodies correlates with the extent of atherosclerosis, we followed the development of antibodies against malondialdehyde-lysine, an epitope of Ox-LDL, in two groups of LDL receptor-deficient mice for 6 months. One group was fed an atherogenic diet (21% fat and 0.15% cholesterol) that resulted in marked hypercholesterolemia and extensive aortic atherosclerosis; the other group was fed regular rodent chow (4% fat) that did not alter plasma cholesterol levels and induced minimal atherosclerosis. Autoantibody titers significantly increased over time in the group on the atherogenic diet, whereas they remained constant in the chow-fed group. When data from both groups were pooled, a significant correlation was found between the autoantibody titers and the extent of atherosclerosis (r = .61, P < .01). Autoantibody titers also correlated with plasma cholesterol levels (r = .48, P < .05). These results suggest that the rise in autoantibody titers to an epitope of Ox-LDL in this murine model is partially determined by the extent of atherosclerosis but could also be influenced by the degree of hypercholesterolemia or other factors that may influence lipid peroxidation.
Chromatic structure of natural scenes

We applied independent component analysis (ICA) to hyperspectral images in order to learn an efficient representation of color in natural scenes. In the spectra of single pixels, the algorithm found basis functions that had broadband spectra and basis functions that were similar to natural reflectance spectra. When applied to small image patches, the algorithm found some basis functions that were achromatic and others with overall chromatic variation along lines in color space, indicating color opponency. The directions of opponency were not strictly orthogonal. Comparison with principal-component analysis on the basis of statistical measures such as average mutual information, kurtosis, and entropy, shows that the ICA transformation results in much sparser coefficients and gives higher coding efficiency. Our findings suggest that nonorthogonal opponent encoding of photoreceptor signals leads to higher coding efficiency and that ICA may be used to reveal the underlying statistical properties of color information in natural scenes.
In vivo photoacoustic tomography of mouse cerebral edema induced by cold injury

For the first time, we have implemented photoacoustic tomography (PAT) to image the water content of an edema in vivo. We produced and imaged a cold-induced cerebral edema transcranially, then obtained blood vessel and water accumulation images at 610 and 975 nm, respectively. We tracked the changes at 12, 24, and 36 h after the cold injury. The blood volume decreased after the cold injury, and the maximum area of edema was observed 24 h after the cold injury. We validated PAT of the water content of the edema through magnetic Resonance Imaging and the water spectrum from the spectrophotometric measurement.
Some Observations on the Effect of Sulfa Drugs on Blood Plasma Ascorbic Acid Levels in Calves

Summary The results of these experiments indicate that succinyl sulfathiazole, when fed at the low level of 2.0 grams per day to the newborn calf, was responsible for higher blood plasma ascorbic acid levels during the first week of life than those in untreated calves. No effect was noted when this drug was given at levels of 2, 10, or 15 grams daily for seven days to 8–9-month-old heifers. Sulfapyridine, at 10- or 15-gram daily dose, did not appear to effect an increase in blood plasma ascorbic acid above normal. However, administration of the drug at the rate of 10 grams daily for seven days apparently increased subnormal levels up to, but not above, normal levels. Sulfathiazole, when fed at the rate of 15 grams daily, definitely stimulated an increase in blood plasma ascorbic acid similar to that of chlorobutanol, but different in that it required a longer period to reach peak levels. Chlorobutanol, fed at the rate of 3 grams daily for seven days, increased blood plasma ascorbic acid levels. This chlorobutanol-ascorbic acid response was not interfered with by the previous use of succinyl sulfathiazole; but a marked reduction in ascorbic acid concentration occurred when the chlorobutanol feeding period was preceded by the feeding of sulfathiazole, even though there was an interval of six days between these two feeding periods.
Sleep disturbance, norepinephrine, and D-dimer are all related in elderly caregivers of people with Alzheimer disease.

Study Objective: Caregiving for a relative with Alzheimer disease has been associated with sympathoadrenal medullary arousal and morbidity and mortality. In this study, we examined if sleep disturbance of elderly caregivers was associated with physiologic markers of cardiovascular risk, including plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, and the hemostasis marker D-dimer. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Community-based sample of elderly caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer disease assessed within their homes. Participants: A sample of 40 elderly spousal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer disease. Measurements and Results: Participants underwent in-home full-night polysomnography and had plasma assayed for norepinephrine and epinephrine. Using multiple regression analyses and controlling for a number of cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., age, sex, blood pressure, body mass index), increased wake after sleep onset was positively associated with norepinephrine levels (β = .35; t = 2.45, df = 32, p = .020) and plasma Ddimer (β = .31; t = 2.18, df = 29, p = .038). Further, plasma norepinephrine was significantly associated with D-dimer (β = .34; t = 2.11, df = 29, p = .044). Additional analyses indicated that norepinephrine accounted for 28% of the relationship between wake after sleep onset and D-dimer. No association was observed between sleep variables and epinephrine. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that sleep disturbance may contribute to morbidity in caregivers through sympathoadrenal medullary arousal and downstream physiologic effects such as
Decline of the invasive submersed macrophyte Myriophyllum spicatum (Haloragaceae) associated with herbivory by larvae of Acentria ephemerella (Lepidoptera)

Myriophyllum spicatum, an exotic submersed macrophyte causing serious lake management problems throughout much of North America, decreased markedly in biomass in Cayuga Lake, NY, USA, since the beginning of the 1990s. Over the same period, however, the total biomass of all species of submersed macrophytes did not decline, and native macrophytes gained in abundance. The aquatic moth larva, Acentria ephemerella, was first observed on milfoil plants in Cayuga Lake in 1991. However, due to its cryptic habit the larva may have been present prior to that year. When the density of these grazers is high, herbivory by Acentria causes severe damage to the apical meristem of M. spicatum. This moth larva and another milfoil herbivore, Euhrychiopsis lecontei are widespread in 26 lakes surveyed in New York State; they are present in 25 and 24 lakes, respectively. Estimates of Acentria larval densities in summer in Cayuga Lake are 27 to 100 m-2, and a quantitative survey of larvae hibernating in milfoil stems revealed mean densities of 500 m-2 in late fall in Seneca Lake. In laboratory experiments, Acentria larvae feed on a wide variety of macrophytes commonly found in New York State. Although Acentria is not a specialist feeder, its life cycle is closely tied to M. spicatum through the moth's use of apical tips and stems for summer and winter refuges; thus deleterious damage to other macrophytes is low.
Seasonal variations in high-latitude ozone and metastable molecular oxygen emissions - A theoretical interpretation

Comparison of photochemical calculations of atmospheric ozone between 40 and 55 km with measurements from a satellite-borne remote sensor shows agreement in the high-latitude summer hemisphere. However, in the sunlit high-latitude winter, the available data imply either a smaller water vapor mixing ratio than generally accepted or a temperature 15 - 20 K colder than contained in published model atmospheres. As with the ozone data the infrared emission in winter implies an odd oxygen loss rate smaller than predicted on the basis of standard water vapor and temperature models. The magnitude of the 1.27 micron signals and their consistency with upper stratospheric ozone data cast doubt on the large mesospheric ozone abundances deduced in independent experiments.
Basal forebrain modulation of cortical cell activity during conditioning.

Several investigators have found that basal forebrain neurons in the area of the nucleus basalis and substantia innominata respond to cues that signal the availability of reinforcement (DeLong, 1971; Mitchell et al., 1987; Richardson and DeLong, 1986, 1988; Rolls et al., 1979; Travis and Sparks, 1968; Wilson and Rolls, 1990a, 1990b). The reinforcement-related or conditioning-related responses of such basal forebrain neurons do not depend upon the sensory modality of the signal cue (Wilson and Rolls, 1990a). It is also known that cortical neurons respond to conditioned stimuli applied during similar behavioral paradigms (Aou et al., 1983; Boyd et al., 1982; Fuster et al., 1982; Kojima and Goldman-Rakic, 1982; Mauritz and Wise, 1986; Peterson, 1986; Watanabe, 1990), suggesting a possible relationship between cortical neuron responses and activity of basal forebrain neurons.
Variation in Repeat Number within the Alpha C Protein of Group B Streptococci Alters Antigenicity and Protective Epitopes

Variable expression of repeating units of the protective alpha C proteins among clinical isolates of group B streptococci (GBS) may have implications for vaccine development. In this study, alpha C protein genes containing various numbers of repeats (1,2,9, and 16) were cloned in a T7 overexpression vector in Escherichia coli. Expression was induced by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside, and proteins were purified by anion-exchange, gel filtration, or affinity chromatography or by isoelectric focusing. Rabbits were immunized with purified 1-,2-,9-, or 16-repeat proteins. All proteins appeared to be highly immunogenic. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay inhibition with 9-repeat protein as the coating antigen and 9-repeat-antigen-elicited antiserum showed that a 200-fold-higher concentration of 1-repeat antigen than of 9- or 16-repeat antigen was required for 50% inhibition of antibody-antigen binding. The concentration of 2-repeat antigen required for 50% inhibition was intermediate relative to the concentrations of 1- and 9-repeat antigens. These results suggested that antibodies to 9-repeat antigen recognized predominantly a conformational epitope(s) contained in proteins with higher numbers of repeats (9 or 16) but lost considerable binding affinities for an epitope(s) contained in alpha C proteins with fewer repeats (1 or 2). Similar results were obtained with antiserum to 16-repeat antigen. However, antibodies to 1- and 2-repeat antigens recognized 1-,2-,9-,and 16-repeat antigens with equal binding affinities. This finding suggested that 1- and 2-repeat-elicited antibodies recognized an epitope(s) on individual repeats. Loss of repeating units from the alpha C proteins may result in decreased protection because the loss of epitopes (including conformational epitopes) gives the microorganisms the opportunity to escape host antibodies. If 1- and 2-repeat-elicited antibodies bind all alpha C proteins with equal affinity, regardless of their repeat number, they may prevent GBS strains with fewer repeats from escaping host immunity. Protection data obtained with antisera to the proteins with different repeat numbers support this hypothesis: mouse pups challenged with GBS strain A909 were better protected when immunized with 1- or 2-repeat-elicited antiserum (76 and 75%, respectively) than when immunized with 9- or 16-repeat-elicited antiserum (41 and 48%, respectively).
Analyzing complications of minimally invasive pediatric cochlear implantation: A review of 248 implantations.

Abstract Purpose This study aims to report the postoperative complications and management of cochlear implantation in pediatric patients at our institution. All procedures were carried out by a single surgeon utilizing minimally invasive techniques. The impact of past surgical history of tympanostomy tubes was also reviewed to access association with postoperative complications. Materials and methods All children receiving cochlear implants at our institution between April 2003 and October 2014 were reviewed. Complications were grouped into “major” and “minor” depending on degree of management and “immediate,” “early,” and “delayed” depending on time of presentation. Results In our series, 248 cochlear implants were placed into 141 children. The mean age at time of surgery was 4.8 years. The overall complication rate per ear was 16.5%, 5.2% being major and 11.3% being minor complications. Complications arose in the first 30 days following surgery in 8.4% of patients, with acute otitis media being the most common. A history of tympanostomy tubes did not impact complication rate. Excluding device failures, major complication rate was 2.4%. Hematoma was not encountered, and delayed seroma occurred in one patient. Conclusion Minimally invasive cochlear implantation carries a low complication rate. The most common major complication was intrinsic device failure, and the most common minor complication was acute otitis media. Past medical history of chronic otitis media with tympanostomy tube placement prior to cochlear implantation did not have a statistically significant impact on postoperative complication rates. Given the rarity of hematomas and seromas, pressure dressings appear to be unnecessary with this approach.
Distributed formation of broadcast transmission schedules for mobile ad hoc networks

In a mobile ad hoc packet radio network using transmission scheduling, when a terminal boots and is ready to join the network, it has no knowledge of the network's current state. In order to send and receive packets without interference, the new terminal must have some means of notifying other terminals of its presence and exchanging information with them so that it can form a collision free broadcast transmission schedule. We demonstrate the performance of a distributed protocol designed to allow a new terminal to acquire sufficient information about its local environment to achieve collision free transmissions. Furthermore, we show that changes to the network are limited to the new terminal's local neighborhood. As a result, the size of the overall network has very little effect on the performance of the protocol. The protocol is not only effective in adding a new terminal; it can also organize a group of terminals into a new network. This is demonstrated for the extreme case of all terminals powering up simultaneously. The overall performance of the algorithm depends primarily on the density of the network and rate at which changes occur in the network.
A new combination-erase technique for erasing nitride based (SONOS) nonvolatile memories

A new technique of erasing nonvolatile memory (NVM) devices based on nitride storage (SONOS) with bottom oxide thickness in the range of 30 /spl Aring/ has been developed. Oxide thickness in this range is necessary to minimize the undesirable effects of gate disturb while still enabling a low-voltage operation to maximize the cost benefit of SONOS memories. To erase such bitcells, Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (FNT) is preferred over hot-hole injection (HHI) due to the less damaging nature of FNT. However, FNT alone cannot be used to erase the device completely due to erase saturation limitations. Hence, the new "combination-erase" technique combines both FNT and HHI erase to achieve a fast and controlled erase. Furthermore, by using FNT erase at higher field conditions, and HHI erase at lower field conditions, the reliability of the bitcell is also improved.
Depth-sensing instrumented indentation with dual sharp indenters

A methodology for interpreting instrumented sharp indentation with dual sharp indenters with different tip apex angles is presented by recourse to computational modeling within the context of finite element analysis. The forward problem predicts an indentation response from a given set of elasto-plastic properties, whereas the reverse analysis seeks to extract elasto-plastic properties from depth-sensing indentation response by developing algorithms derived from computational simulations. The present study also focuses on the uniqueness of the reverse algorithm and its sensitivity to variations in the measured indentation data in comparison with the single indentation analysis on Vickers/Berkovich tip (Dao et al. Acta Mater 49 (2001) 3899). Finite element computations were carried out for 76 different combinations of elasto-plastic properties representing common engineering metals for each tip geometry. Young’s modulus, E, was varied from 10 to 210 GPa; yield strength, sy, from 30 to 3000 MPa; and strain hardening exponent, n, from 0 to 0.5; while the Poisson’s ratio, n, was fixed at 0.3. Using dimensional analysis, additional closedform dimensionless functions were constructed to relate indentation response to elasto-plastic properties for different indenter tip geometries (i.e., 50° ,6 0° and 80° cones). The representative plastic strain er, as defined in Dao et al. (Acta Mater 49 (2001) 3899), was constructed as a function of tip geometry in the range of 50° and 80°. Incorporating the results from 60° tip to the single indenter algorithms, the improved forward and reverse algorithms for dual indentation can be established. This dual indenter reverse algorithm provides a unique solution of the reduced Young’s modulus E ∗ , the hardness pave and two representative stresses (measured at two corresponding representative strains), which establish the basis for constructing power-law plastic material response. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses showed much improvement of the dual indenter algorithms over the single indenter results. Experimental verifications of these dual indenter algorithms were carried out using a 60° half-angle cone tip (or a 60° cone equivalent 3-sided pyramid tip) and a standard Berkovich indenter tip for two materials: 6061-T6511 and 7075-T651 aluminum alloys. Possible extensions of the present results to studies involving multiple indenters are also suggested.  2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Growth responses of bermudagrass and seashore paspalum to different levels of FerroGrow multi-nutrient fertilizer

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) cv. Tifway 419 and seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) cv. Sea Isle 2000 were studied in a greenhouse to evaluate their growth responses in terms of shoot and root lengths and shoot and root dry matter (DM) weights under different levels of FerroGrow applications. Plants were grown hydroponically using Hoagland solution No. 1 and under four levels of FerroGrow treatments consisting of control (no FerroGrow), 4 kg/100m 2 (½ the recommended rate, [since the recommended rate is 5-10 kg/100m 2 , 8 kg/100m 2 was considered the recommended rate], 8 kg/100m 2 (recommended rate) and 16 kg/100m 2 (double the recommended rate) of FerroGrow. Four replications of each treatment were used in a randomized complete block (RCB) design. Plant shoots (clippings) were harvested weekly, oven-dried at 60°C and DM weights recorded. At each harvest, both shoot and root lengths were measured and recorded. At the last harvest, plant roots were also harvested, oven-dried at 60 0 C and DM weights were determined and recorded. The results show that shoot lengths and DM weights significantly increased at any levels of FerroGrow application rates. However, root lengths and DM weights were substantially reduced at the higher levels (double the recommended rate) of the FerroGrow application rates in the culture solutions. The above results were observed for both the 6 th harvest as well as for the average of all harvests.
Bedeutung der Lebergröße für die Hämodynamik nach Lebersegmenttransplantation

Transplantationen von Lebersegmenten sind bisher uberwiegend in auxiliarer, heterotoper Form als temporarer Leberersatz durchgefuhrt worden (3, 6). Die hamodynamische Anpassung spielte dabei hinsichtlich der Uberlebensrate eine wesentliche Rolle. Fur die Regenerations- und Funktionserhaltung war die Zufuhr von Pfortaderblut entscheidend, jedoch fuhrte eine Uberflutung des transplantierten Segments zum Organversagen innerhalb weniger Tage (5). In der orthotopen Position scheint eine entsprechende Grosen- bzw. Volumenrelation eines Segments zum Empfangerorganismus von entscheidender Bedeutung zu sein, da eine Anpassung der Durchblutung, z.B. durch Ersatzabflus nicht akut erfolgen kann. Da uber die Durchblutungsverhaltnisse transplantierter - und somit denervierter — Lebern insgesamt wenig bekannt ist, erscheinen Untersuchungen zur Hamodynamik transplantierter Segmente vor einer weiteren klinischen Applikation besonders wichtig zu sein. Wir fuhrten deshalb unterschiedliche Grosenreduktionen an Lebertransplantaten beim Schwein durch und untersuchten die hamodynamische Auswirkung im normalen Empfangerorganismus insbesondere in der Pfortaderstrombahn und der arteriellen Blutzufuhr.
Student Portfolios: A Comprehensive Approach to Academic Advisement

Student portfolios provide academic advisors and students an excellent vehicle for assessment and decision making. Portfolios have been successful in other educational realms and are readily adaptable to advising relationships. By setting goals, developing strategies, monitoring progress, and sharing ownership, students and advisors develop a holistic approach to assessment that is mutually beneficial. Advisement portfolios contain a wide array of work and information, with each partfolio tailored to an individual student.
Cost effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a promising new approach for improving outcomes among patients who have heart failure, reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and a wide QRS complex. Cardiac resynchronization therapy devices are quite expensive, however, so their cost
Towards a theory of understanding within problem situations

The concept of understanding is ambiguously used across areas of study, such as philosophy and cognitive sciences. This ambiguity partly originates from understanding's generally accepted definition of 'grasping' of something. Further, the concept is confounded with concurrent processes such as learning and decision making. This dissertation provides a general theory of understanding (GTU) that explains the concept of understanding unambiguously and separated from concurrent processes. The GTU distinguishes between the process of understanding and its outcomes. Understanding, defined as a process, is the matching of knowledge, worldview, and problem. The outcome of this process is the assignment of a truth value to a problem, the generation of knowledge and the generation of worldview. Both accounts say what understanding is and what it does. Additionally, a construct of understanding is proposed to provide insight into the process of understanding. The construct does not only help explain existing theories about understanding, but also adds to the body of knowledge by identifying three types of understanding. Two exist in the literature while the third type is a contribution of this dissertation. Generalizing from the data it is shown how complexity of a problem depends on the effort an individual had to understand. It emerges that effort to understand converges to seven levels. The theory provides insights in areas of interest to Engineering Management such as complexity and complexity's dependence on the observer while differentiating understanding from concurrent processes such as learning and decision making.
SECs Electronic Filing System: An Evaluation

This paper discusses the development and functioning of the SEDCs EDGAR system. The considerations for using EDGAR and the future impact of such a revolutionary system on accounting issues and practices such as continuous reporting, continuous auditing and database auditing, etc. are examined.
Legal Culture and Community on the Great Plains: State of Nebraska v. John Burley

State of Nebraska v. John Burley was the first criminal trial in Lincoln County, Nebraska, and the first criminal appeal reviewed by the Nebraska Supreme Court. The legal proceedings surrounding this case indicate that the early citizens of nascent Great Plains communities shared an understanding of the law and its institutions that allowed for the immediate implementation of courts, law enforcement, and jails. A shared legal culture derived from New England and Midwestern states enabled new communities to uphold traditions of law and order, even in the “.wild and wooly” climes of the Great Plains frontier.
Experimental Investigation of Pebble Flow Dynamics using Radioactive Particle Tracking Technique in a Scaled-Down Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR)

Abstract The Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) is a type of very-high-temperature reactor (VHTR) that is conceptually very similar to moving bed reactors used in the chemical and petrochemical industries. In a PBMR core, nuclear fuel is in the form of pebbles and moves slowly under the influence of gravity. In this work, an integrated experimental and computational study of granular flow in a scaled-down cold flow PBMR was performed. A continuous pebble re-circulation experimental set-up, mimicking the flow of pebbles in a PBMR was designed and developed. An experimental investigation of pebble flow dynamics in a scaled down test reactor was carried out using a non-invasive radioactive particle tracking (RPT) technique that used a cobalt-60 based tracer to mimic pebbles in terms of shape, size and density. A cross-correlation based position reconstruction algorithm and RPT calibration data were used to obtain results about Lagrangian trajectories, the velocity field, and residence time distributions. The RPT technique results a serve as a benchmark data for assessing contact force models used in the discrete element method (DEM) simulations.
Mutual diffusion in polymer solutions: Spanning phase diagrams

Abstract This paper aims to discuss the trend of variation of mutual diffusion coefficient in polymer solutions exhibiting different phase behavior. An equation for mutual diffusion coefficient in polymer solutions was derived in the framework of classical irreversible thermodynamics using Onsager’s variational principle. The behavior of mutual diffusion coefficient in different phase diagrams was investigated by changing the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter to include concentration and temperature dependencies using Koningsveld interaction factor. The proposed diffusion coefficient satisfies the asymptotic behavior at infinite dilution, becomes zero on the spinodal line and changes sign at the onset of entering the unstable zone of phase diagrams. It was shown that the diffusion slows down near the critical point and in general by approaching the spinodal curve. Moreover, it was shown that the derived equation for mutual diffusion coefficient can be expressed in terms of osmotic bulk modulus which is consistent with the result of a variational approach using Landau-Ginsberg-Wilson Hamiltonian.
A Ca2(+)-activated K+ current in ras-transformed fibroblasts is absent from nontransformed cells

Biochemical similarities between ras proteins and the GTP-binding proteins and correlation of ras-induced cell transformation with altered transmembrane cation fluxes indicate that ras proteins may act to modulate ion channel activity. To test this idea, whole cell, tight-seal, patch-clamp recording was used to compare macroscopic currents of ras-transformed fibroblasts with currents of their nontransformed counterparts. A prominent calcium-activated, voltage-independent potassium current was observed in 83-100% of cells from three separate fibroblast lines transformed by two different oncogenic ras alleles, whereas the same current was present at much smaller amplitudes in only 0-15% of nontransformed cells. The calcium-activated potassium current is blocked by charybdotoxin and by concentrations of tetraethylammonium above 1 mM, but it is insensitive to apamin. Both normal and ras-transformed cells have another calcium-activated current that is not potassium selective, and, consistent with other studies, normal cells display a voltage-activated calcium conductance. These results suggest that the mechanisms by which ras triggers or maintains cell transformation may involve alterations in the number or activity of certain ion channels, in particular, a type of calcium-activated potassium channel.
Cardiac doppler flows during fetal arrhythmias: Physiologic consequences

Eighty-six fetuses of 21-41 weeks' gestation with arrhythmias were studied with ultrasound and heart rate monitoring. The type of arrhythmia was identified by M-mode studies and was confirmed by postnatal electrocardiogram in 70 infants. The most common arrhythmia was premature atrial contractions (76), followed by premature ventricular contractions (five), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (four), and atrial fibrillation/flutter (one). Doppler echocardiography was performed in 54 fetuses to measure flow velocities across the atrioventricular and semilunar valves. After isolated premature atrial and ventricular contractions, post-extrasystolic potentiation was demonstrated by an increase in fractional shortening (N = 32) of 49 +/- 6% in the right ventricle and 64 +/- 7% in the left ventricle. When post-extrasystolic beats were compared with normal beats, Doppler-determined time-velocity integrals increased 43% across the tricuspid valve, 41% across the mitral valve, 34% across the pulmonary valve, and 38% across the aortic valve. Mean velocity increased significantly after conversion to normal sinus rhythm in the five fetuses with supraventricular tachycardia (P less than .05). By studying the physiologic consequences of fetal arrhythmias using two-dimensional Doppler and M-mode ultrasound, we have documented the presence of post-extrasystolic potentiation after premature contractions, the existence of the Frank-Starling mechanism, and an increase in mean velocity (and therefore in cardiac output) after conversion of fetal tachyarrhythmias to normal sinus rhythm.
Apps, iPads, and Literacy: Examining the Feasibility of Speech Recognition in a First‐Grade Classroom

Informed by sociocultural and systems theory tenets, this study used ethnographic research methods to examine the feasibility of using speech recognition (SR) technology to support struggling readers in an early elementary classroom setting. Observations of eight first graders were conducted as they participated in a structured SR-supported writing center four days a week for five months. Participant observation, field notes, transcripts of audio and video recordings, and student artifacts (classroom worksheets, SR screenshots, and writing center compositions) were used to document students’ use of SR as they wrote assigned compositions. Data analysis was recursive and ongoing. Constant comparison of in actu theoretical notes was used to form provisional patterns and develop and refine hypotheses. Triangulation of data sets, triangulation of informants, and negative case analyses were used to (dis)confirm hypotheses. Findings indicate that using SR was supportive of these struggling readers. Previous concepts of SR as an isolated entity and of the Language Experience Approach as cumbersome and reifying teacher hegemony are examined. Graphosemantic awareness, new literacies, and the possibilities for supporting struggling readers of all ages across expansive geographies are discussed. Finally, child safety, tensions between student independence and lost opportunities for teacher metacognitive modeling, questions about encoding as a viable or antiquated skill, and the need for additional research conducted in classroom settings to grasp sociocultural insights are discussed.
Expression of Coagulation FVIII and FIX in Human Adipose Stromal Cells (hASC) and hASC-Derived Cells - Potential Autologous Cell Therapy for Hemophilia.

Pleuripotent Adipose Stromal Cells (ASCs) have the capacity to differentiate into mesodermal lineage cells such as adipocytes, myocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. In addition, the ASCs can trans-differentiate in vitro into hepatogenic, neurogenic, endothelial and endocrine cells. Since hASCs are relatively easy to isolate in large quantity and have high proliferative potential, they provide a potential source of stem/progenitor cells for autologous cell therapy for the regeneration of injured tissue. The goal of this study is to isolate and engraft adipose stromal cells (ASCs) to generate new tissue capable of secreting therapeutic plasma proteins. In particular, can one engraft genetically modified ASCs in a recipient that secrete coagulation factors for the treatment of hemophilia? Hemophilia A and B result from too low levels of plasma Factor VIII or FIX activity, respectively. The aim of the project is to generate hASC derived tissue capable of secreting FVIII or FIX to support hemostasis in hemophilic mice. Unlike murine ASCs, undifferentiated human ASCs express FVIII at low but significant levels (0.03 ug/ml per 10 5 cells in 48 hours; ∼30% of normal human plasma FVIII level). ASCs were transfected with a plasmid expressing a modified B-domainless FVIII cDNA. Following differentiation into preadipocytes, the level of FVIII secretion increased 3-fold. In preliminary studies, expression of FIX is detectable in hASCs and the level increases following differentiation into preadipocytes. These results indicate that ASCs and preadipocytes are capable of gamma carboxylation. FIX expression was further increased following infection with a lentivirus carrying a FIX expression cassette. Since HGF has been shown to elicit a potent proangiogenic response (Cai et al., in press), hASCs predifferentated into preadipocytes were mixed in hydrogel containing HGF and injected subcutaneously into SCID mice. Oil red O staining cells were recovered in a cellular nodule at the injection site 3 weeks post-transplantation. Preliminary studies indicate that co-injection of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) with ASCs promotes the development of more highly vascularized nodules. In summary, hASCs and hASC-derived preadipocytes cultured ex vivo express low levels of coagulation Factors VIII and IX. These levels can be increased following transfection with FVIII or FIX expression vectors. Furthermore, transplantation of hASCs cultured in adipogenic media results in the formation of preadipocyte/adipocyte containing nodules. These results suggest it may be possible to generate tissue derived from genetically modified hASCs capable of secreting coagulation factors for the treatment of hemophilia.
Practical correction of a phase-aberrated laser beam using a triphenyldiamine-based photorefractive composite

A photorefractive composite based on a triphenyldiamine (TPD) derivative was used to restore a severely phase-aberrated laser beam to a nearly aberration-free state. Here, a forward degenerate four-wave mixing geometry was employed for the elimination of phase distortions and its practical applicability in the transmission of optically encoded data is demonstrated. In addition, it is demonstrated that the experimental geometry is able to effectively restore dynamically updating images. Conventional two-beam coupling and degenerate four-wave mixing experiments were used to characterize the composite subject to the current experimental setup. The two-beam coupling net gain coefficient was 100 cm−1 with an applied external electric field of 70 V/µm. Internal and external diffraction efficiencies of 10 and 6%, respectively, were observed with a similar external electric field. Due to its superior charge-carrier mobility, the TPD-based composite exhibited a response time of 0.28 s, approximately five times faster than traditional PVK-based composites.
Sex-dependent Depot Differences in Adipose Tissue Development and Function; Role of Sex Steroids

Men and women are different in their fat mass and distribution pattern. The gynoid-type fat distribution, accumulation in lower-body, is considered to be protective while the android-type accumulation in upper-body, both in abdominal subcutaneous and visceral depots, is detrimental. Sex-dependent depot differences in adipose metabolic and endocrine functions are thought to contribute to the sexual disparity in fat distribution as well as its association with cardiometabolic risks. Although molecular details have not been completely elucidated, available evidence shows that sex steroid hormones are important factors governing sexual dimorphism in adipose tissue distribution and hence, risks for metabolic diseases. We will review sex-dependent heterogeneities in adipose tissue properties that can link their depot-specific biology to metabolic complications in men and women. In addition, we will also review how sex steroids regulate adipose tissue biology, both development and functional characteristics, with emphasis on their depot-dependent actions.
Isolators, Extraction of Roots, and P-Localization

When considering rings acting on groups, one may specialize to subrings of \(\mathbb {Q}.\) A group action by a subring of \(\mathbb {Q}\) may be interpreted as root extraction in the said group, which is the underlying subject of Chap. 5. In Sect. 5.1, we discuss the theory of isolators and isolated subgroups. This topic is related to the study of root extraction in nilpotent groups, which is the theme of Sect. 5.2. We discuss some of the theory of root extraction in groups, emphasizing the main results for nilpotent groups. Residual properties of nilpotent groups are also discussed in Sect. 5.2, as well as embeddings of nilpotent groups into nilpotent groups with roots. Section 5.3 contains an introduction to the theory of localization of nilpotent groups. A group is said to be P-local, for a set of primes P, if every group element has a unique nth root whenever n is relatively prime to the elements of P. The main result in this section is: Given a nilpotent group G, there exists a nilpotent group G P of class at most the class of G which is the best approximation to G among all P-local nilpotent groups.
Microwave spectra of 2-phenylethyl methyl ether and 2-phenylethyl methyl ether-argon: Conformation-dependent tunneling and complexation

Abstract High-resolution rotational spectra were recorded for 2-phenylethyl methyl ether and the 2-phenylethyl methyl ether – argon complex using a cavity-based Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The spectra were assigned to the aao and g−ao monomer conformations and the g−ao – argon complex. Small tunneling splittings arising from more than one internal motion were resolved for eight transitions of the aao conformer; no tunneling splittings were observed in the spectra of the g−ao conformer or the argon complex. The calculated barriers (ωB97XD/6-311++G(d,p)) for methyl and phenyl internal rotations were found to be very similar for both conformers. The observation of tunneling splittings is limited to the aao conformer by relatively large barriers for the internal motions and sensitivity to the rotor axis angles within the two conformers.
Working through the blues: A meta-analysis on Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed adolescents (IPT-A)

Abstract Previous research has indicated that Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is generally effective for ameliorating symptoms for adults suffering from depression. Indeed, this has been demonstrated through numerous clinical and open trials, and further confirmed on a larger degree through several meta-analyses. However, no such comprehensive reviews have been conducted exclusively with adolescents, a population for which interpersonal relationships holds immense developmental importance. Therefore, a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of IPT-A, the version of IPT modified to specifically address depression in adolescents, was conducted in the present review. A total of ten studies yielding 766 participants were included in the present meta-analysis and analyzed using a standardized mean gain (SMG) effect size. The results indicate that IPT-A was significantly effective at reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents and significantly more effective than control or treatment-as-usual groups in treating depression in adolescents. IPT-A yielded an overall effect size (Hedges g) of 1.19, while the aggregate effect size for control/placebo groups was 0.58. Overall, the results of this review suggest that IPT-A holds similar promise for improving adolescent depression as the original version does for adults.
Management of Estates in the Seventeenth Century: John De Witt, The States of Holland and the States General

A perusal of the volumes published over the decades by or for our Commission shows a preponderance of two kinds of study. The first is directed to the history of legal ideas and political theories concerning representative assemblies, the second to their practical reality. It is not my intention to call into question the desirability of either approach; I would prefer to reaffirm instead the necessity of both to understand the larger historical past in which we are interested. Clearly each assists the other and neither is sufficient unto itself. What I wish to do is to expand somewhat the dimensions of the second category, the studies of what was done rather than what was thought. The bulk of the studies of the reality dimension of assemblies of estates has been directed to their formal structure; my interest here lies rather in how they were operated. I wish to see the institution in process, but it is proper to add that it is possible to do so only because so much excellent work has been done in the study of the structure of the assemblies as such.
Folded Fashions: Symmetry in Clothing Design.

such as Hypatia, Kovalevsky , and Noether do little to encourage today ' s young women who may not wish to become mathematicians to choose vocations in which mathematics is important. One field perceived as both a female and a male domain is fashion design. Chanel and the Fendi sisters are equally as famous as their male counterparts Dior and Cardin. Perhaps the greatest creator of the art of fashion was the French designer Madeleine Vionnet. Madame Vionnet often was referred to as the "Euclid of Fashion" (Demornex 1991). Many of her most successful designs were clearly geometric. Madame Vionnet was a feminist before anyone knew the meaning of the word. At the age of twenty she embarked on a career in fashion design and dominated haute couture until her death in 1975. She designed dresses for the most stylish women of her day, including the Duchess of Windsor and Marlene Dietrich. During her lifetime her salon on the Av^^^^^^^^^^^^J
Interactive simulations: communicating mental models

This chapter discusses the interactive simulations of STEAMER and qualitative understanding of electrical system troubleshooting (QUEST). To create a learning environment based on an interactive simulation, STEAMER concentrates on the interface and on the graphic rendition of a model. QUEST pursues a similar goal but uses an internal representation of qualitative models to generate explanations. QUEST also addresses developmental issues. For learning about such a system as complex as a steam plant, students need some tutorial guidance that complements free manipulations. The original plan was to augment STEAMER'S simulation with pedagogical capabilities covering plant operating procedures, basic engineering principles, and explanations about plant functioning. Two modules were completed: (1) a tutorial module that provides feedback during the execution of known procedures, and (2) a minilab for exploring the structure of specific components. QUEST is a project conducted at BBN by Barbara White and John Frederiksen. Similar to STEAMER, it is pursuing the line of research on mental models with a pedagogical application. It also shares with STEAMER the practical goal of building a learning environment centered on interactive graphic simulation for instruction about physical devices.
The Application of Quality Tools in Achieving Quality Attributes and Strategies

Four major research questions are addressed in this study: (1) What is the overall pattern of usage of quality tools? (2) Does the pattern of quality tool deployment change depending on the type of objective (such as aesthetics, features, reliability, d..
Acute Appendicitis Masquerading Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome in Adult Cystic Fibrosis

Overshadowed by Sino-pulmonary infections, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) commonly affects gastrointestinal organs because of secretory and motility dysfunction. Infrequently, these changes result in Distal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome (DIOS), an increasingly diagnosed gastrointestinal entity in adult Cystic Fibrosis patients. We present a case 22-year-old male who presented to our hospital with right lower quadrant abdominal pain with suspicion of acute appendicitis and was subsequently diagnosed as DIOS. Our case highlights the importance of DIOS as one of the differential diagnosis of right lower quadrant abdominal pain in a patient with a CF, especially for physicians working at community hospitals which may not have a Cystic Fibrosis care program available.
Is phonological consonant epenthesis possible? A series of artificial grammar learning experiments

Consonant epenthesis is typically assumed to be part of the basic repertoire of phonological grammars. This implies that there exists some set of linguistic data for which epenthesis is the best analysis. However, a series of artificial grammar learning experiments found no evidence that learners ever selected an epenthesis analysis. Instead, phonetic and morphological biases were revealed, along with individual variation in how learners generalised and regularised their input. These results, in combination with previous work, suggest that synchronic consonant epenthesis may only emerge very rarely, as a result of a gradual accumulation of changes over time. It is argued that stored stem–allomorph pairs should be adopted as the null hypothesis in cases of potential epenthesis, and that a universal criterion is needed for rejecting this hypothesis. Such a criterion requires a formal theory of exceptions, a necessity for falsifiability in phonological theory.
Stainless-Steel Column for Robust, High-Temperature Microchip Gas Chromatography

This paper reports the first results of a robust, high-performance, stainless-steel microchip gas-chromatography (GC) column that is capable of analyzing complex real-world mixtures as well as operating at very high temperatures. Using a serpentine design, a 10 m column with an approximately semicircular cross-section with a 52 μm hydraulic diameter (Dh) was produced in a 17 × 6.3 × 0.1 cm rectangular steel chip. The channels were produced using a multilayer-chemical-etch and diffusion-bonding process, and metal nuts were brazed onto the inlet and outlet ports allowing for column interfacing with ferrules and fused silica capillary tubing. After deactivating the metal surface, channels were statically coated with a ≈0.1 μm layer of 5% phenyl–1% vinyl–methylpolysiloxane (SE-54) stationary phase and cross-linked with dicumyl peroxide. By using n-tridecane (n-C13) as a test analyte with a retention factor (k) of 5, a total of 44 500 plates (≈4500 plates per meter) was obtained isothermally at 120 °C. The col...