cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled spin- and charge-density waves in chromium alloys

Both the spin- and charge-density waves in Cr alloys are produced by the Coulomb attraction between electrons and holes on two nested Fermi surfaces. The Coulomb interaction responsible for the charge-density wave increases the energy splitting between quasiparticles which are strongly and weakly bound to the spin-density wave. If the splitting is sufficiently large, the paramagnetic-to-commensurate transition becomes strongly first order, as observed in CrFe and CrSi alloys.
Pretreatment with intraventricular aurintricarboxylic acid decreases infarct size by inhibiting apoptosis following transient global ischemia in gerbils

The goal of this study was to determine whether aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA), an endonuclease inhibitor known to inhibit apoptosis, could ameliorate cell damage in a gerbil model of transient ischemia. Transient ischemia was induced in gerbils by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for a period of 5 minutes. Four micrograms of ATA was administered intraventricularly 1 hour before ischemia, and the brains were assessed histologically 1 week later to quantitate cell loss in the vulnerable CA-1 subsector of the hippocampus. In a separate set of experiments, 4 microg of ATA was administered intraventricularly 1 hour before ischemia and the brains were assessed for evidence of DNA fragmentation by the TUNEL method. There was only a 16% cell loss compared with nonischemic controls in animals pretreated with ATA that was significantly less (p < 0.05) than the 48% cell loss in animals pretreated with saline alone. TUNEL-positive cells were first evident at 3 days and were still present at 7 days subsequent to ischemia. Maximal staining occurred at 4 days. Pretreatment with ATA virtually eliminated TUNEL staining at 4 days. These results support the hypothesis that the delayed cell death secondary to transient ischemia is, in part, apoptotic. Furthermore, ATA afforded significant neuronal protection and prevented DNA fragmentation.
Induction of the Muc-5/5ac Mucin Gene in a Murine Model of Asthma ♦ 1963

Several studies have shown that respiratory challenge with ovalbumin of mice previously sensitized to this protein causes pulmonary pathology similar to that seen in human asthma, including airway goblet cell hyperplasia which is thought to be caused by upregulation of mucin genes. A recent study of transgenic mice that overexpress murine interleukin-4 in airway cells demonstrated goblet cell hyperplasia in association with pulmonary expression of the Muc-5/5ac but not of the Muc-2 mucin gene. The purpose of this study was to determine which airway mucin genes are involved in the goblet cell hyperplasia seen in mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Balb/C mice were sensitized (days 0, 4, 7, 11, 14) and challenged (days 25, 26, 27) with ovalbumin (100 micrograms, in saline) (Group A), and studied 24 hours after the last challenge (day 28). Control mice (Group B) were given saline alone. Histological analysis of the lungs revealed a striking lymphocyte and eosinophil inflammatory infiltrate in the interstitium of the bronchovascular bundle and prominent airway goblet cell hyperplasia in Group A but not in Group B mice. Northern analysis of lung RNA demonstrated expression of the Muc-5/5ac gene in Group A but not in group B mice, and expression of the Muc-1 gene in mice from both groups. Our findings demonstrate that pulmonary expression of the Muc-5/5ac mucin gene is associated with airway goblet cell hyperplasia in the ovalbumin murine model of asthma.
Compressive parameter estimation with earth mover's distance via K-median clustering

In recent years, sparsity and compressive sensing have attracted significant attention in parameter estimation tasks, including frequency estimation, delay estimation, and localization. Parametric dictionaries collect observations for a sampling of the parameter space and can yield sparse representations for the signals of interest when the sampling is sufficiently dense. While this dense sampling can lead to high coherence in the dictionary, it is possible to leverage structured sparsity models to prevent highly coherent dictionary elements from appearing simultaneously in a signal representation, alleviating these coherence issues. However, the resulting approaches depend heavily on a careful setting of the maximum allowable coherence; furthermore, their guarantees apply to the coefficient vector recovery and do not translate in general to the parameter estimation task. We propose a new algorithm based on optimal sparse approximation measured by earth mover's distance (EMD). We show that EMD provides a better-suited metric for the performance of parametric dictionary-based parameter estimation. We leverage K-median clustering algorithms to solve the EMD-optimal sparse approximation problem, and show that the resulting compressive parameter estimation algorithms provide satisfactory performance without requiring control of dictionary coherence.
Bordetella bronchiseptica Infections in Germ-Free Swine: An Experimental Pneumonia:

Five-day-old germ-free piglets were challenged intranasally with Bordetella bronchiseptica. Infection with this agent consistently resulted in an acute bronchopneu­ monia characterized by broncholitis, hemorrhage, edema, necrosis, and epithelialization. In the absence of predisposing factors such as the additive or synergistic activity of a virus or mycoplasma, it was concluded that strains of B. bronchiseptica can initiate respiratory tract infections and in susceptible young swine can be a primary cause of pneumonia. Bordetella bronchiseptica has been isolated from the respiratory tracts of a variety of animal species and may actually constitute part of their normal flora (I). Although frequently associated with pneumonia and other respira­ tory tract infections (1-6), it is usually considered to be an opportunist or secondary invader. There are reports, however, that B. bronchiseptica can be a pathogen (3, 7) and, under proper conditions, may cause pneumonia (8-10) and atrophic rhinitis (11,12) in swine. It has not been clearly established, however, whether B. bronchiseptica can itself induce pneumonia in young swine or if it is only secondary to in­ fections initiated by viruses or mycoplasma (6). This study investigated the disease-producing potential of a strain of B. bronchiseptica to determine if it could initiate a respiratory tract infection and cause pneumonia in young hysterectomy-derived germ-free piglets. Germ-free piglets were used to prevent and control the possibility of any additive or synergistic effect that might result from dual infections with a virus or other microbial agents.
Occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos and cancer risk: a review of the amphibole hypothesis.

OBJECTIVES. This article examines the credibility and policy implications of the "amphibole hypothesis," which postulates that (1) the mesotheliomas observed among workers exposed to chrysotile asbestos may be explained by confounding exposures to amphiboles, and (2) chrysotile may have lower carcinogenic potency than amphiboles. METHODS. A critical review was conducted of the lung burden, epidemiologic, toxicologic, and mechanistic studies that provide the basis for the amphibole hypothesis. RESULTS. Mechanistic and lung burden studies do not provide convincing evidence for the amphibole hypothesis. Toxicologic and epidemiologic studies provide strong evidence that chrysotile is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma. Chrysotile may be less potent than some amphiboles for inducing mesotheliomas, but there is little evidence to indicate lower lung cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS. Given the evidence of a significant lung cancer risk, the lack of conclusive evidence for the amphibole hyp...
TCO Thin Films with Permittivity Control

We have shown that variation in the real part of the dielectric permittivity of typical transparent conducting oxide (TCO) films can have a profound effect on the optical properties of the material. This has been demonstrated by adding small amounts of Zr to an ITO ceramic sputtering target and analyzing the resulting ITO and ITO:Zr (ITZO) films. Comparative electrical and optical analyses of the films show that, although the carrier concentration and mobility do not change appreciably by adding 1 wt.% ZrO 2 to the ITO sputtering target, the plasma wavelength increases significantly for the ITZO film. We believe that the underlying physics of these results can be exploited in designing future TCO films for photovoltaic (PV) applications—especially those that embody industrial advantages but remain limited by low mobility.
Case Study of Internet Links: What Degrades Video QoE?

Recently, there has been increasing demand for video streams with high perceptual quality. The capability of present day Internet links in delivering high perceptual quality streaming services, however, is not completely understood. This paper presents a trace driven study to understand QoE capabilities of present day Internet links using 51 diverse ISPs with a major presence in US, Europe and Asia-Pacific. We study a rich collection of their intra-domain links and inter-domain peering links from 38 vantage points in the Internet using both passive tracing and active probing. We provide the first measurements of link level degradations from a multimedia standpoint. While we observe that ISP are internally well connected and their present peering policies are highly conducive to streaming services, the overall perceptual quality delivered is below ``acceptable". Our results indicate that the fault lies with poor intra-domain traffic engineering, BGP, and the usage of AS-path lenghts as the routing metric. We also provide a comprehensive case study for every scenario we investigate. Streaming services apart, our Internet measurement results can be used as an input to a variety of research problems.
Nalidixic acid inhibition of post-ultraviolet recovery by nalidixic acid sensitive and resistant strains of Candida albicans

Nalidixic acid (Nal) can kill Candida albicans directly or suppress the organism's recovery from ultraviolet irradiation. Mutants selected for resistance to inactivation by Nal alone have generally enhanced DNA repair proficiencies evidenced by their coincident increased resistances to ultraviolet radiation, ethylmethane sulfonate, and nitrous acid. The effects of Nal, erythromycin, and inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation on survivals of mutant and wild type strains following ultraviolet exposure indicate that different mechanisms underly the direct lethality of Na1 and its ability to inhibit post-irradiation recovery.
Storm-Relative Winds and Helicity in the Tornadic Thunderstorm Environment

Environmental flow relative to tornado-producing thunderstorms is examined through the use of the large tornado proximity sounding dataset compiled at the University of Missouri. It is believed that the 184 soundings gleaned from this collection represent the largest, most restrictive database of its kind with observed storm velocities, as determined from microfilm of conventional National Weather Service radar. Using these storm velocities, mean storm-relative wind profiles were derived for the entire data sample and sample subsets based on tornadic intensity, strength of the mean environmental flow, magnitude of CAPE, and direction of storm motion with respect to the mean environmental wind vector. Although it is apparent that a number of tornadoes occur independent of the larger-scale flow, the mean storm-relative wind profiles suggest that there is a preferred storm-relative flow structure for tornadic thunderstorms. Tornadic intensity in association with this structure appears to strengthen as 1 ) the magnitude of storm-relative helicity grows through an increasingly deep layer of the lower through midtroposphere and 2 ) mid- and upper-level storm-relative winds strengthen while possessing decreasing directional variability at their respective heights above ground level (4‐1 2 km AGL ).
Utility of thyroid function screening in adolescent psychiatric inpatients.

ABSTRACT Objective Thyroid function abnormalities have been associated with psychiatric symptoms. This study examines the utility of thyroid screening among adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Method A retrospective chart review of 196 first-time admissions to an adolescent psychiatric unit was conducted. Charts were screened for demographics, presence/absence of thyroid function testing, history of thyroid disease, medication/illicit substance use, and other factors of influence on thyroid testing. Thyroid test results were reviewed for abnormalities. Results Thyroid function testing was conducted in 150 of the 196 admissions. Fifty-two patients had abnormalities, most of which were isolated abnormalities of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine uptake (T3U). Laboratory diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and mild hypothyroidism was met by two and eight patients, respectively; five had profiles that were normal upon subsequent testing 1 week later. None of the patients was symptomatic, and none required thyroid supplementation or antithyroid medications. Gender differences in T4 and T3U were noted, and age was positively correlated with T3U. Conclusions Thyroid function tests may be spuriously abnormal in routine screening of newly admitted psychiatric patients. Routine thyroid screening among adolescent psychiatric inpatients is unwarranted except in patients who display physical signs or symptoms suggestive of thyroid disease.
A Programming Circuit For Self‐Stimulation Of The Brain

Electrical stimulation of the brain as both positive and negative reinforcement is a growing adjunct to the analysis of animal behavior. Olds and Milner (1954) have described the techniques of electrode implantation in the rat, but little has been said about equipment for programming the stimuli. The basic requirements, as determined by experimenters in this area, may be described as follows. For positive reinforcement, the rat receives electrical stimulation for as long as it depresses a bar, but not longer than about 0.5-1 second. The rat must release the bar and depress it a second time to get additional current. When negative reinforcement is used, the stimulus is delivered to the brain unless the rat depresses the lever. Two possible alternatives arise at this point: Either the current is held off until the rat releases the lever, or it is held off for only a short interval, after which the rat must press the bar a second time. Since the pieces of apparatus usually found around the laboratory do not appear to be ideally suited to the outlined program, the device described here was designed and constructed chiefly for classroom demonstrations. By judicious shopping for parts, the total. cost was held to under twenty dollars. The circuit diagram indicates a double pathway through the relay and switch contacts, so that a signal lamp (or counters and timers) may readily be placed in Circuit B. Because partial-reinforcement schedules are not often used, this feature has not been included; conventional arrangements may easily be wired into the lever circuit. Stimulus currents of various waveforms are introduced through Input A. Operation is as follows. With Switch 2 in "initiate" (up) position, depression of the bar allows the stimulating current to flow until (a) the bar is released, or (b) the thyratron fires (after a delay determined by C and R4), whichever is first. Release of the lever recycles the programmer so it is immediately ready for another sequence. With Switch 2 in "discontinue" (down) posiL OUT-A
Identification of novel multi-transmembrane proteins from genomic databases using quasi-periodic structural properties

Motivation: Identification of novel G protein-coupled receptors and other multi-transmembrane proteins from genomic databases using structural features. Results: Here we describe a new algorithm for identifying multi-transmembrane proteins from genomic databases with a specific application to identifying G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that we call quasi-periodic feature classifier (QFC). The QFC algorithm uses concise statistical variables as the feature space' to characterize the quasi-periodic physico-chemical properties of multi-transmembrane proteins. For the case of identifying GPCRs, the variables are then used in a non-parametric linear discriminant function to separate GPCRs from non-GPCRs. The algorithm runs in time linearly proportional to the number of sequences, and performance on a test dataset shows 96% positive identification of known GPCRs. The QFC algorithm also works well with short random segments of proteins and it positively identified GPCRs at a level greater than 90% even with segments as short as 100 amino acids. The primary advantage of the algorithm is that it does not directly use primary sequence patterns which may be subject to sampling bias. The utility of the new algorithm has been demonstrated by the isolation from the Drosophila genome project database of a novel class of seven-transmembrane proteins which were shown to be the elusive olfactory receptor genes of Drosophila.
Role of Temperature and Moisture in the Survival and Seedling Physiology of a Great Basin Perennial

Munro’s globemallow ( Sphaeralcea munroana ) is an important constituent of Great Basin communities and is commonly used in restoration; however, little is known about the influence of environmental conditions on early plant establishment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of Munro’s globemallow to a suite of temperature and moisture conditions directly following germination. In addition, this work provides a rare insight into the physiology and development of this arid land species following germination. Our results indicate that temperature influences plant growth immediately after germination more than available moisture. In a growth chamber study, germinants subject to colder temperatures (17/3°C) had 53% fewer leaves, 78% lower leaf area, and less aboveground and belowground biomass (71 and 72 %, respectively) than their cohorts grown at 23/9°C. Decreasing irrigation frequency favored biomass allocation to the roots and a subsequent increase in root-to-shoot ratios. Neither temperature nor moisture had an influence on gas exchange. This evidence suggests that although this perennial forb shows considerable potential for restoration on arid sites, it may not be the best candidate for early competition with cool season grasses during its establishment phase. Because growth is hindered by cool temperatures, a later sowing date may improve establishment in nurseries, seed production areas, and restoration sites.
In Vivo Selection of Rous Sarcoma Virus Mutants with Randomized Sequences in the Packaging Signal

Retrovirus genomes contain a sequence at the 5′ end which directs their packaging into virions. In Rous sarcoma virus, previous studies have identified important segments of the packaging signal, Ψ, and support elements of a secondary-structure prediction. To further characterize this sequence, we used an in vivo selection strategy to test large collections of mutants. We generated pools of full-length viral DNA molecules with short stretches of random sequence in Ψ and transfected each pool into avian cells. Resulting infectious virus was allowed to spread by multiple passages, so that sequences could compete and the best could be selected. This method provides information on the kinds of sequences allowed, as well as those that are most fit. Several predicted stem-loop structures in Ψ were tested. A stem at the base of element O3 was highly favored; only sequences which maintained base pairing were selected. Two other stems, at the base and in the middle of element L3, were not conserved: neither base pairing nor sequence was maintained. A single mutation, G213U, was seen upstream of the randomized region in all selected L3 stem mutants; we interpret this to mean that it compensates for the defects in L3. Randomized mutations adjacent to G213 maintained the wild-type base composition but not its sequence. The kissing-loop sequence at end of L3, postulated to function in genome dimerization, was not required for infectivity but was selected for over time. Finally, a deletion of L3 was constructed and found to be poorly infectious.
Applications of controlled-potential coulometry to the determination of plutonium☆

Abstract The determination of plutonium by eontrolled-potential coulometric titration has been studied and used at Oak Ridge National Laboratory over a period of several years. Two methods-the primary (direct) and secondary (indirect) titrations-have been applied to the analysis of a wide variety of materials. They have been used for the determination of total plutonium, of ionic and polymeric plutonium contents, and of the oxidation state distribution of plutonium solutions. This report describes the techniques, procedures and separations that have been developed. The effects of some contaminants that are common to plutonium-containing samples are also presented.
PRODUCTIVITY, SOCIETAL WELL-BEING, AND PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

The assumption that bureaucratic rationality and efficiency promote democracy is examined briefly from several theoretical perspectives. The efforts of the new conservativesu1 and new corporatists to impose private sector and business forms on the public sector as a way of achieving greater public sector productivity is reviewed. The contribution of this symposium and its specific articles to understanding the ethical and practical consequences of these efforts is presented.
A meta-analysis of two genome-wide association studies identifies 3 new loci for alcohol dependence.

Family, twin and adoption studies have clearly demonstrated that genetic factors are important in modulating the vulnerability to alcohol dependence. Several genome-wide association (GWA) studies of alcohol dependence have been conducted; however, few loci have been replicated. A meta-analysis was performed on two GWA studies of 1283 cases of alcohol dependence and 1416 controls in Caucasian populations. Through meta-analysis we identified 131 SNPs associated with alcohol dependence with p < 10−4. The best novel signal was rs6701037 (p = 1.86 × 10−7) at 1q24-q25 within KIAA0040 gene while the second best novel hit was rs1869324 (p = 4.71 × 10−7) at 2q22.1 within THSD7B. The third novel locus was NRD1 at 1p32.2 (the top SNP was rs2842576 with p = 7.90 × 10−6). We confirmed the association of PKNOX2 at 11q24.4 with alcohol dependence. The top hit of PKNOX2 (rs750338 with p = 1.47 × 10−6) in the meta-analysis was replicated with the Australian Twin-Family Study of 778 families (p = 1.39 × 10−2) Furthermore, several flanking SNPs of the top hits in the meta-analysis demonstrated borderline associations with alcohol dependence in the family sample (top SNPs were rs2269655, rs856613, and rs10496768 with p = 4.58 × 10−3, 2.1 × 10−4, and 2.86 × 10−3 for KIAA0040, NRD1 and THSD7B, respectively). In addition, ALK, CASC4, and SEMA5A were strongly associated with alcohol dependence (p < 2 × 10−5) in the meta-analysis. In conclusion, we identified three new loci (KIAA0040, THSD7B and NRD1) and confirmed the previous association of PKNOX2 with alcohol dependence. These findings offer the potential for new insights into the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence.
Dynamic effects of changes to Japanese immigration policy

This paper constructs a multi-sector dynamic general equilibrium model for a trading economy. We incorporate three major factors of production: capital, skilled labor & unskilled labor. We solve and calibrate the model using data from Japan. We then consider changes to immigration policy. We are able to examine the effects on output, consumption, wages, and utility. We do this for both the new steady state and for the time-path leading to that steady state. In addition, we are able, if we so wish, to impose a series of unrelated macroeconomic shock to the model. This has the advantage of allowing us to calculate confidence bands around our policy impulse response functions. We find that allowing skilled labor to immigrate leads to greater welfare gains in the steady state. However, even with exclusively unskilled immigration, existing workers are made slightly better off on average when immigration restrictions are relaxed. We also show that there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the exact time path to a new steady state in the presence of the typical fluctuations associated with business cycles. We find a great deal of inertia in the transition to a new steady state.
Effects of scaling on the SNR and speed of biosensors

This work presents a stochastic model for the observed signal of biosensors, a model that predicts the signal fluctuation of the system and the SNR associated with it using a Markov chain process. In the process, transition probabilities are derived from the target and probe binding kinetics in view of statistical motion and random walk events. Based on this model, we are able to estimate the settling time, power-spectral density (PSD), and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of general affinity-based biosensors. The effects of scaling from macroscopic to microscopic regimes are also studied, which indicate a fundamental tradeoff between settling time (speed) and signal fluctuation (noise). The model is also applied to analyze the behavior of a DNA hybridization electronic detector.
Solving the medical malpractice problem: difficulties in defining what "works".

Although in its 1986 Report on medical malpractice, the General Accounting Office found “No Agreement on the Problem or Solution,” it is readily apparent to any participant in or informed observer of health care delivery in the United States today that problems do exist regarding both the occurrence of medically-induced patient injuries and the management and resolution of medical liability claims. Public policymakers, on both the federal and state levels, have devoted a great amount of attention and energy in the past several years to attempts to devise solutions to these troubling patient injury and provider liability difficulties, difficulties that arguably impact negatively on the quality of medical care, its accessibility, its costs, the physician/patient relationship, and the progress of medical innovation. Private organizations have also undertaken initiatives in this area.
Reproduction in the Great Basin Collared Lizard, Crotaphytus bicinctores (Squamata: Crotaphytidae)

Abstract The reproductive cycle of the Great Basin Collared lizard, Crotaphytus bicinctores was studied by a histological examination of museum specimens. Mean clutch size (n = 13) was 3.46 ± 1.1 SD, range: 2–6. Histological evidence indicates that two clutches may be produced in the same year. The reproductive season includes spring and early summer. There was a significant positive correlation between female body size (SVL) and clutch size (P = 0.03). The smallest reproductively active male and female C. bicinctores measured 81 mm and 78 mm SVL, respectively.
Caught between the Land and the Sky: Citizenship for Nubian Kenyans

Citizenship as a concept conveys belonging and invokes certain rights and privileges in our minds. It has also been an idea that distinguishes and separates one group from another, by definition creating the “other.” In post-colonial Africa, citizenship has been used to distinguish and separate those who belong and those who are beyond the protections of civil society. In the late 19th century, the British brought Nubians to Kenya to act as soldiers, and over 100 years later their descendants are still routinely denied citizenship rights granted to other Kenyan ethnic groups. As a result of legislation in 2011, Nubians are legally considered citizens of Kenya, but in practice many are unable to gain access to services and passports as a result of complicated structural factors that prevent the acquisition of state requested documentation to prove their identity. Within Kenya, the lack of proper identification prevents legal, well-paying employment, higher education and adequate housing in some areas. Outside of Kenya, the lack of a valid passport renders the Nubians, in essence, stateless. This research examines the crisis and intervention concerning the Nubians in Kenya, and what it means to have been stateless for the descendants of the earliest group of trans-national/colonial forced migrants in Kenya’s history.
The Involvement of Sugars and Mg++ in the Attachment of Phagocytic Cells to Ascaris suum Juveniles

In vitro adherence of washed peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) from mice to Ascaris suum juveniles was inhibited by D-glucosamine and D-galactosamine. Other carbohydrates tested had no apparent effect on adherence after incubation for 3 hr at any of the concentrations tested. Furthermore, attachment of PECs to A. suum juveniles was completely inhibited by the addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetate to the medium, but magnesium ethylene glycol bis(trichloroacetate) had no effect on adherence. The results suggest that receptors for glucosamine-like or galactosamine-like molecules in conjunction with Mg++ are involved in the attachment of pECs to A. suum juveniles in the absence of antibody and complement. Adherence mediated by carbohydrated and divalent cations may be involved in early nonspecific mechanisms of resistance against A. suum because the reaction did not depend on the presence of antibody and/or complement for attachment.
The Behavior and Biology of the Hawaiian Drosophila anomalipes Species Group

Two species, Drosophila anomalipes and D. quasianomalipes, comprise the anomalipes species group of Hawaiian Drosophila. The anomalipes group is restricted to Kauai and has not colonized the younger islands. Behaviorally and structurally the species of the group display archaic characteristics that indicate their relationship to continental species.
Puppy Love, Adolescence, and Chronic Illness: The Importance of Pets for Youth with Type 1 Diabetes:

The benefits of animal-companion ties to well-being are consistently documented, yet few studies use patient-centered methodologies to examine how youth living with chronic illnesses rely on domestic pets for support. Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) aged 12 to 19 years (N=40) completed surveys involving a prompt to take five photos of "what diabetes means to you," with an accompanying narrative. Content analysis was conducted for photos/narratives and numeric variables analyzed including socio-economic status (SES: measured by total household income and years of parental education) and HbA1C. More than half of the youth participants took pictures of coping mechanisms, including pictures of their pets. In fact, pictures of pets outnumbered pictures of people three to one. Pet depictions were captured by youth from all SES levels. Youth with T1D identify pets as an important source of support. More research is needed to understand how pets may offset disease burden for youth with T1D.
ECMO for Primary Graft Failure Following Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

s S169 Purpose: Patients developing early donor specific antibodies (eDSA) after lung transplantation are at higher risk for graft rejection and mortality compared to patients without eDSA. Therefore, empiric treatment of eDSA appears justified. Between 04/2013 and 03/2015, to patients with eDSA after lung transplantation we applied a therapy protocol based on IgM enriched human immunoglobulins (IVIG), repeated every 4 weeks, and a single dose of Rituximab. Methods: This study was designed to evaluate therapy efficacy in clearing eDSA as well as to compare mid-term patient and graft survival between lung-transplanted patients who underwent IVIG-based DSA treatment (Group A, n= 58) vs. contemporary patients transplanted between 04/2013 and 03/2015 without eDSA (Group B, n= 180). Patient records were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up ended on 1st November 2015 and amounted to 19 ± 7 months. Survival and freedom from endpoints were calculated by the product-limit method of Kaplan-Meier. Differences between groups were quantified using the log-rank test. Results: Group A patients underwent a mean of 4 ± 2 IVIG treatment sessions after initial hospital discharge. Among the 55 (95%) Group A patients, who had completed the DSA treatment, 50 (91%) patients had their DSA cleared at treatment end. Among these 50 patients, 48 (96%) patients showed no DSA at last DSA control, which was performed 11 ± 7 months after treatment end. In Group A vs. B patients at 6 months and 2 years followup, respectively, survival (%) was: 97 ± 2 vs. 94 ± 2 and 95 ± 3 vs 90 ± 3 (p= 0.64); freedom from pulsed steroid therapy (%) for assumed rejection was 75 ± 6 vs. 67 ± 4 and 50 ± 7 vs. 50 ± 5 (p= 0.86); freedom from biopsyconfirmed rejection (%) was 81 ± 6 vs. 69 ± 4 and 64 ± 8 vs. 61 ± 4 (p= 0.37); freedom from BOS (%) was 100 vs. 99 ± 1 and 93 ± 4 vs. 84 ± 4 (p= 0.26); and freedom from infection requiring hospitalization (%) was 86 ± 5 vs. 84 ± 3 and 68 ± 9 vs. 67 ± 4 (p= 0.65). At 1 year, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (% predicted) did not differ among group A and B patients (84 ± 24 vs. 90 ± 27, p = 0.27, respectively). Conclusion: Patients with new eDSA that are treated with IVIG and Rituximab have similarly good early survival as contemporary lung transplant recipients without eDSA. IVIG yielded optimal DSA clearance at treatment end, which persisted at end of follow-up.
Relation between CLOCK Gene Polymorphism with ischemic stroke in a Han Population

Objective To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the CLOCK gene(rs11133391) and susceptibility to ischemic stroke in a Chinese population.Methods Taqman probe of RT-PCR was applied to detect the genotype frequency of SNPs(rs11133391) of CLOCK gene in 357 initial ischemic stroke cases and 345 health controls.Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of the genotype of SNP and ischemic stroke.Results There were statistical differences in genotype frequencies rs11133391 polymorphism in CLOCK gene between the ischemic stroke group and the control group(χ2 = 6.50,P = 0.04);The frequencies of T allele of RS11133391 in CLOCK gene were 39.36% and 33.91% respectively.There was also significant difference in frequencies in both groups(χ2 = 4.48,P = 0.03).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the carriers of the CT genotype had an increasing risk of ischemic stroke(OR = 1.50,95% CI = 1.09-2.08).Compared with CC genotype,an individual carrying the T variant(CT / TT) had an increasing risk of ischemic stroke(OR = 1.51,P = 0.00).Conclusions CLOCK(rs11133391,C→T) polymorphisms were associated with an increasing risk of ischemic stroke.T allele may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke.Further studies on people of different ethnic groups and functional studies are expected to confirm these findings.
PULMONARY CLEARANCE OF 59FE2O3 AND 51CR2O3 IN RATS AND DOGS EXPOSED TO CIGARETTE SMOKE

The inhibitory effects of cigarette smoke on tracheal ciliary activity have been reported by several authors. Because of the possible consequence of this effect on the toxicity of inhaled particles, preliminary studies were undertaken to determine whether cigarette smoke altered the clearance of particles from the lung. Acute exposures of rats to cigarette smoke did not influence the clearance of 59 Fe 2 O 3 or 51 Cr 2 O 3 particles from the lung. The possible effects of chronic cigarette smoking were examined in beagle dogs smoking 20 cigarettes per day. Deposition of inhaled insoluble particles was tested periodically by exposing the dogs to aerosols of 59 Fe 2 O 3 or 5l Cr 2 O 3 . Subsequent pulmonary clearance was measured by whole-body counting and body-scanning techniques. No effects were seen in dogs after smoking cigarettes five days per week for over a year.
Behavioral Sabotage of Plant Defenses by Insect Folivores

Plant susceptibility to herbivore attack is determined not just by the suite of defenses present in different tissues of the plant, but also by the capabilities of the herbivore for tolerating, circumventing, or disarming the defenses. This article reviews the elaborate behaviors exhibited by leaf-chewing insects that appear to function specifically to deactivate hostplant defenses. Shortcomings in our understanding and promising areas for future research are highlighted. Behaviors covered include vein cutting, trenching, girdling, leaf clipping, and application of fluids from exocrine glands. Many of these behaviors have a widespread distribution, having evolved independently in multiple insect lineages. Insects utilizing the behaviors include significant agricultural, horticultural, and forestry pests, as well as numerous species important in natural ecosystems. Behavioral, ecological, and phylogenetic studies have documented the importance of the behaviors and their ancient history, but the molecular a...
Accuracy of weight status perception related to weight loss stage of change among medically underserved adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the individuals’ perception of their weight status andthe stage of change they are currently in among an overweight and obese, medically underserved population in south Mississippi. Methods: One hundred eighty-two adults were surveyed at healthcare facilities in south Mississippi using a tablet application. Inclusion criteria were: BMI of 25 or greater, over 21 years of age, and not pre or postpartum. About 62% (n = 114) metthe inclusion criteria. Participants completed a survey pertaining to: weight perception, stage of change for weight loss, andother variables. Statistical analysis were used to analyze participant responses. Weight perception accuracy was determined bycomparing participant responses about weight status to their BMI classification. Results: Weight perception accuracy was a significant predictor of stage of change for weight loss, after controlling forconfounding factors. A Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient analysis revealed that participants do not portray themselves astheir BMI classifies them (Pearson p = .46). Ordinal regression analysis displayed that those with a mismatched were likely to beat an advanced stage of change compared to those with matched weight perception accuracy and BMI. Conclusions and implication: This study exemplifies that overweight and obese individuals who view themselves as overweightare more apt to be in active stage of change for weight loss. Weight management interventions should address weight perceptionsin overweight and obese individuals who are at a lower stage of change for weight loss.
When does a left anterior descending stenosis alter flow across a left main segment?: Interpreting left main fractional flow reserve with downstream obstruction.

Attributed to Albert Einstein, the saying, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler,” embodies a concept that certainly applies to our understanding and interpretation of fractional flow reserve (FFR) across the most clinically important stenosis interventionalists encounter, the left main (LM) stenosis. Remarkable technical advances supported by multicenter, long-term outcome studies have validated FFR for daily use in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. FFR, the ratio of coronary pressure beyond a stenosis to the aortic pressure (representing the normal coronary pressure in the absence of a stenosis), measured during maximal hyperemia (ie, minimal myocardial bed resistance) identifies the ischemic potential of the lesion. In practice, FFR guidance for multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention compared with angiographic guidance alone produces better clinical and economic outcomes.1,2 Article see p 161 Such as occurs with all diagnostic testing in medicine, the correct interpretation of results depends not only on the quality of the testing method, but also on the clinical circumstances under which the test is conducted. The same principle applies to FFR. Measuring FFR across an LM stenosis without disease in its branches is relatively simple. The pressure wire is advanced beyond the narrowing into the unobstructed branches, either the left anterior descending (LAD) or the circumflex (CFX) artery, and hyperemic coronary and aortic pressure ratios are computed as FFR. A few caveats for obtaining an accurate FFR include correct zeroing and equilibration of pressures, ensuring the guide catheter is not obstructing LM flow, and administering an adequate dose of adenosine (Table). For the slightly more complicated scenario of a distal LM bifurcation lesion, one should measure FFR in both branches. In either case, LM lesions treated medically for FFR >0.80 are associated with excellent 5-year major adverse cardiac event rates.3 Now for the not-so simple …
Transitions and Transformations in Nursing Leadership

The dialogue with Dr. Melanie Dreher focuses on a time of transition and her reflections on her career as a dean. Dr. Dreher shares from a personal and professional perspective.
Optimal controller design for AGC with battery energy storage using bacteria foraging algorithm

The battery energy storage (BES) is very promising to be used for improving the performance of automatic generation control (AGC) in power system by offering fast active power compensation. However, the improper parameters of controller in AGC system may cause an unstable frequency problem. This paper presents an optimal controller design method based on bacteria foraging algorithm (BFA) for AGC system with BES. A two-area reheat thermal system is considered to be equipped with the proportional plus integral (PI) controllers. The BFA technique is employed to search for the optimum controller parameters by minimizing the integral of time multiply absolute error (ITAE) index. The performance of the proposed BFA tuning controller has been evaluated with that of the controllers tuned by particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithm (GA). Simulation results emphasize the performance of AGC system with BES and demonstrate the superiority of the proposed BFA tuning controller compared to the optimized controller based on PSO and GA.
Familial risk for psychiatric disorders in military veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder with psychosis: a retrospective electronic record review.

Aims/objectives/background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a leading cause of morbidity among military veterans, with up to one-in-five individuals with PTSD also having psychotic symptoms. The current study was designed to determine the association between a known family history of psychiatric illness and risk of developing psychosis in patients with PTSD. Methods Retrospective medical record review was performed on a cohort study of 414 consecutive individuals admitted to the Veteran Administration in 2014 with a diagnosis of military-related PTSD, but without a prior diagnosis of a psychotic disorder. PTSD with psychotic features was defined as the presence of hallucinations, paranoia, other delusions, thought insertion, withdrawal, broadcasting, and/or dissociative episodes. Results Overall, 22.9% of individuals with PTSD had psychotic symptoms. Having a first-degree relative with bipolar affective and with anxiety disorders was associated with an increased risk of PTSD with psychosis (odds ratio=2.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-4.45 and odds ratio=2.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-6.41, respectively). A family history of schizophrenia or depression was not associated with risk of developing psychotic features in patients with PTSD. In veterans with military-related PTSD, a familial vulnerability for bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders was associated with an increased risk of developing PTSD with psychotic features. These are preliminary data, given the limitations of a retrospective record review design. These results await replication in future prospective direct family interview studies.
Spatial Contiguity and Spatial Split-Attention Effects in Multimedia Learning Environments: a Meta-Analysis

Spatial split-attention effects have been noted in the research literature, where, under split-attention conditions, integrating text and diagrams has been shown to be effective. From this literature grew the spatial contiguity principle (or spatial contiguity effect), which states that people learn more when related words and pictures are displayed spatially near one another. Research has shown both effects to influence learning; however, little is known about the conditions in which integrated designs are most effective. This meta-analysis examines the influence of integrated designs across numerous moderator variables in order to improve our understanding of under which conditions integrated designs influence learning. A random effects meta-analysis of 58 independent comparisons (n = 2426) produced an overall effect size of g = 0.63 (p < 0.001). Moderator analyses indicated that integrated designs have benefited learning across many intervention-related and context-related moderator variables. Practical and theoretical implications of the findings are provided.
Operative Risk Stratification

The preoperative evaluation of the geriatric clearly presents unique challenges. Historically, risk stratification has focused on a single organ system. In the geriatric patient the combined effects of frailty, comorbidity, and disability contribute cumulatively to poor outcomes. Age, cognitive dysfunction, falls, malnutrition, and anemia are all markers for poor outcome in the geriatric patient. After completion of the geriatric workup, a complete picture of the patient’s overall health in all domains will be completed. The combined and cumulative effects of these markers provide a more powerful tool for the prediction of mortality, functional recovery, and institutionalization following surgery.
A randomized control study on the effect of biphasic electrical stimulation in a warm room on skin blood flow and healing rates in chronic wounds of patients with and without diabetes.

Background Decrease in skin blood flow (BF) due to diabetes may be one reason why only 31% of neuropathic diabetic ulcers heal in 20-weeks. Recent evidence shows that skin blood flow may be increased if therapy is done in a warm room. The purpose of this investigation was to compare healing rates and skin blood flow of chronic stage III and IV wounds in people with diabetes (D) and those without diabetes (WD) using a warm room and electrical stimulation. Material/methods Twenty subjects with chronic stage III and IV wounds were treated at an outpatient wound center. Ten were D, and ten were WD. Treatment consisted of biphasic electrical stimulation up to 20 ma for 30 minutes, 3 x week for 4 weeks in a 32 degrees C room. Skin blood flow was measured by a Laser Doppler Imager. Results BF increased not only during the stimulation (the increase in BF was greater for D at 87% than WD at 6%) at the outside of the wound but even at rest before stimulation started after the initial treatment creating a carryover effect. There was no increase in skin blood flow in the center of the wound. Healing rates over four weeks of up to 70% were seen in subjects with diabetes using biphasic current. Conclusions Using stimulation in a warm room significantly increased healing and skin blood flow in these wounds.
Asymptotic Analysis of PSWFs

In this chapter, we construct several asymptotic expansions for prolate spheroidal wave functions and related eigenvalues via straightforward implementation of the inverse power method in Mathematica. We present several examples of these formulas, and illustrate our results via numerical experiments.