cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Children: A Nested Case-Control Study.

Objective To identify risk factors for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (RCDI) in children. Study design A nested case-control study was performed to identify RCDI risk factors using a pediatric cohort of inpatients and outpatients diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection by tcdB polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at an academic children's hospital between December 9, 2012, and June 30, 2014. Strict inclusion criteria were adopted to limit selection bias related to inappropriate inclusion of patients with probable C difficile colonization. Results Thirty children with RCDI were compared with 94 children with non-RCDI. Statistically significant associations were identified between RCDI and malignancy (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.0-7.4, P = .044), tracheostomy tube dependence (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.1-24.7, P = .037), and tcdB PCR cycle threshold (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78-0.97, P = .01) using multivariable logistic regression modeling. The receiver operator characteristic curve for PCR cycle threshold as a predictor of RCDI demonstrated area under the curve = 0.67. The highest predictive rate (75%) for RCDI was demonstrated at cycle threshold cutpoint ≤ 20. The difference between sensitivity (64%) and specificity (68%) was minimized at cycle threshold cutpoint ≤ 23. Compared with controls with non-RCDI, children excluded because of probable C difficile colonization had a similar cycle threshold value (27.5 vs 27.2, P = .77). Conclusions Malignancy and tracheostomy tube dependence were identified as RCDI risk factors. Although RCDI was associated with positivity at a lower tcdB PCR cycle threshold, the clinical utility of cycle threshold as a tool to predict recurrence was limited. Better methods to predict RCDI are needed to prioritize pediatric populations to target for RCDI prevention efforts.
Text mining facilitates database curation - extraction of mutation-disease associations from Bio-medical literature

Advances in the next generation sequencing technology has accelerated the pace of individualized medicine (IM), which aims to incorporate genetic/genomic information into medicine. One immediate need in interpreting sequencing data is the assembly of information about genetic variants and their corresponding associations with other entities (e.g., diseases or medications). Even with dedicated effort to capture such information in biological databases, much of this information remains ‘locked’ in the unstructured text of biomedical publications. There is a substantial lag between the publication and the subsequent abstraction of such information into databases. Multiple text mining systems have been developed, but most of them focus on the sentence level association extraction with performance evaluation based on gold standard text annotations specifically prepared for text mining systems. We developed and evaluated a text mining system, MutD, which extracts protein mutation-disease associations from MEDLINE abstracts by incorporating discourse level analysis, using a benchmark data set extracted from curated database records. MutD achieves an F-measure of 64.3 % for reconstructing protein mutation disease associations in curated database records. Discourse level analysis component of MutD contributed to a gain of more than 10 % in F-measure when compared against the sentence level association extraction. Our error analysis indicates that 23 of the 64 precision errors are true associations that were not captured by database curators and 68 of the 113 recall errors are caused by the absence of associated disease entities in the abstract. After adjusting for the defects in the curated database, the revised F-measure of MutD in association detection reaches 81.5 %. Our quantitative analysis reveals that MutD can effectively extract protein mutation disease associations when benchmarking based on curated database records. The analysis also demonstrates that incorporating discourse level analysis significantly improved the performance of extracting the protein-mutation-disease association. Future work includes the extension of MutD for full text articles.
Metabolism of polycyclic hydrocarbons in mammalian cell cultures.

Two extraction procedures were used to measure the metabolism of tritiated polycyclic hydrocarbons in cell cultures derived from several mammalian species. Metabolism of the hydrocarbons to “ alkali-extractable derivatives” was measured by extraction of the labeled medium with acetone:hexane, followed by extraction of the resulting acetone-hexane phase with NaOH (Nebert and Bausserman, 1970); metabolism to “ water-soluble derivatives “ was measured by extraction of the medium with chloroform:methanol:water (Diamond et al., 1968b). The extent of metabolism was dependent on the concentration of hydrocarbon, the number of cells and the time of incubation. The kinetics of hydrocarbon metabolism suggest that there may be sequential conversion of the parent compound first to alkali-extractable derivatives and then to water-soluble derivatives. Each of the cell cultures which was sensitive to the growth-inhibitory effects of 3,4-benzpyrene or 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene was able to metabolize the respective hydrocarbon to water-soluble derivatives. In general, little or no ability to metabolize the hydrocarbons was detected in cells which were resistant to the cytotoxic effects. Two resistant cell lines were exceptional in that they did metabolize the hydrocarbons to water-soluble derivatives; however, no alkali-extractable derivatives could be recovered from the medium of these cultures. Deux procedes d'extraction ont ete utilises pour mesurer le metabolisme des hydrocarbures polycycliques trities dans des cultures cellulaires provenant de plusieurs especes de mammiferes. Le metabolisme des hydrocarbures en “ derives pouvant ětre extraits de l'alcali” a ete mesure par extraction du milieu marque a l'acetone: hexane, puis par extraction de la phase acetone-hexane consecutive par du NaOH (Nebert et Bausserman, 1970); le metabolisme en “derives hydrosolubles “ a ete mesure par extraction du milieu au chloroforme: methanol: eau (Diamond et al., 1968). L'impor-tance du metabolisme dependait de la concentration d'hydrocarbure, du nombre des cellules et de la duree de l'incubation. La cynetique du metabolisme des hydrocarbures donne a penser qu'il peut y avoir une conversion sequentielle du compose initial, d'abord en derives pouvant ětre extraits de l'alcali, puis en derives hydrosolubles. Chacune des cultures cellulaires sensibles aux effets d'inhibition de la croissance du 3,4-benzopyrene ou du 7,12-dimethylbenzo (a) anthracene a pu metaboliser l'un ou l'autre hydrocarbure, selon le cas, en derives hydrosolubles. En general, on n'a observe que peu ou pas du tout d'aptitude a metaboliser les hydrocarbures dans les cellules resistant aux effets cytotoxiques. Deux lignees cellulaires resistantes faisaient exception en ce qu'elles metabolisaient les hydrocarbures en derives hydrosolubles; toutefois, aucun derive pouvant ětre extrait de l'alcali n'a ete recueilli dans le milieu de culture.
Comments on ‘‘Propagation of intense ion beams in straight and tapered z‐discharge plasma channels’’

A comment is presented on the propagation of intense ion beams in straight and tapered z−discharge plasma channels.(AIP)
Simulation of Plectonemic Supercoil Diffusion Along Extended DNA by Brownian Dynamics

DNA supercoils arise from processes such as replication, transcription and the nearly 10000-fold compaction of long DNA molecules into the cell nucleus. Because of their potential to enhance or repress cellular processes (e.g. replication, transcription, and recombination), supercoils must be carefully regulated. In fact, chemotherapy drugs have been designed to impede topoisomerase enzymes that are responsible for the regulation of supercoils. Motivated by the biological significance of supercoils, several experimental and computational studies have focused on probing their structure and dynamics. For example, recent single molecule experiments have uncovered a dynamic buckling transition while interrogating the torsion-extension relationship for supercoils. As another example, Brownian Dynamics (BD) simulations of kilo base-pair lengths of circular DNA have explored the sensitivity of site juxtaposition times to supercoiling. Unfortunately, however, there remain many fundamental questions concerning the structure and dynamics of supercoils. In this study, our objective is to quantify the diffusion constant of plectonemic supercoils along stretched DNA. To this end, we employ BD simulations of kilo base-pair lengths of DNA with biologically relevant levels of supercoiling and extension. From these simulations, we quantify the diffusion constant for plectonemes and further compute site juxtaposition and plectoneme nucleation timescales.
Ghosts of research past: institutional memory and its implications for educational research

Not all research projects progress according to plan. When a project culminates in a published piece that the research participants do not support, what are the effects and for how long do they endure? Using a retrospective case study, this article explores what memory can teach us about the long-term ramifications of research conducted in schools. Results suggest that for as long as 25 years after the publication of a controversial article, memory traces of the piece may survive at the research site, even if they have largely faded from view at the researchers' institution. The article argues that such memory stores expose much about institutional identities and practices, and that they contain important lessons for how we should approach, carry out, and conclude research in schools.
Decomposition of stochastic flows and Lyapunov exponents

Let φ t be the stochastic flow of a stochastic differential equation on a compact Riemannian manifold M. Fix a point m∈M and an orthonormal frame u at m, we will show that there is a unique decomposition φ t = ξ t ψ t such that ξ t is isometric, ψ t fixes m and Dψ t (u) = us t , where s t is an upper triangular matrix. We will also establish some convergence properties in connection with the Lyapunov exponents and the decomposition Dφ t (u) = u t s t with u t being an orthonormal frame. As an application, we can show that ψt preserves the directions in which the tangent vectors at m are dilated at fixed exponential rates.
Ab initio calculation of the static structural properties of Al

The static structural properties of Al are calculated using the self-consistent pseudopotential approach with local-density functional expressions for the exchange and correlation energies. The only input parameter is the atomic number. Calculated values for the lattice constant, bulk modulus, and cohesive energy agree with experimental values within <1%, approx.1%, and approx.7%, respectively.
Wind influence on a rotary tidal current

At Amrum Bank in the German Bight the tide rotates counterclockwise, with the major current axis in the direction SE-NW. This rotary tidal current is strongly influenced by the direction of the prevailing wind. Not only is the center of the current ellipse displaced by the variation in velocity and direction of the residual current, but the ellipse itself is greatly deformed. The major and minor axes vary in size, the symmetry of the ellipse changes, and considerable phase differences occur. The actual tidal current under the influence of both the displacement of the center and the deformation of the tidal ellipse varies greatly with a change in the direction of the wind.
Remarks on Zeros and Ties in the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Procedures

Abstract A Wilcoxon one-sample signed rank test may be made when some of the observations are 0 by dropping the 0's before ranking. However, a sample can be not significantly positive while a more negative sample (obtained by decreasing each observation equally), is significantly positive by the ordinary Wilcoxon test. The reverse is also possible. Two-piece confidence regions result. A procedure for avoiding these difficulties is proposed, namely to rank the observations including the 0's, drop the ranks of the 0's, and reject the null hypothesis if the sum of the remaining negative (or positive) ranks falls in the tail of its null distribution (given the number of 0's). If observations are tied in absolute value, their ranks may be averaged before attaching signs. This changes the null distribution. A sample may be significantly positive which is not significant if the observations are increased (unequally), or if the ties are broken in any way. * This research was supported by the United States Navy th...
Comparison of the responses of Necturus retinal ganglion cells to stationary and moving stimuli.

Abstract A detailed examination was made of the responses of Necturus retinal ganglion cells to stationary and moving stimuli, with the aim of assessing the degree of response specificity of on-off cell “motion detectors”. Responses to stationary and moving stimuli were recorded while changing one stimulus parameter (intensity, size or duration) in the same manner for both stationary and moving stimuli, with all other stimulus parameters fixed. Sustained-on cells were used as controls, since they are not particularly movement sensitive. No pronounced or systematic differences were observed between the ways the responses of on-off cells to stationary and moving stimuli depended on the three stimulus parameters. In no case were the differences in response dependence more pronounced for individual on-off cells than for some sustained-on cell. Therefore, Necturus on-off ganglion cells should not be considered “motion detectors”.
Childhood renal osteodystrophy

Chronic renal insufficiency is characterized by profound alterations in the orderly metabolic sequences which normally guarantee cellular integrity and metabolic homeostasis. Hormonal imbalances which contribute to these acquired defects include abnormal growth hormone secretory patterns, elevations in plasma aldosterone and glucagon, decreases in testosterone and thyroid hormone, and defective biological degradation of Cortisol, insulin, and parathyroid hormone. These findings are often coupled with blunted end-organ responsivity to hormonal stimulation, e.g., insulin, and contribute to the disturbances in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and to defective synthesis and catabolism of structural and enzymatic proteins. The normal kidney functions as a biological filter by regulating the excretion of a variety of substances, normally generated by either biological synthetic or degradative reactions. These products can function as metabolic "toxins" when retained by the body in sufficient quantities. The kidney also occupies a pivotal role in the regulation of calcium, inorganic phosphate, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and vitamin D metabolism. Adults and children with progressive loss of renal parenchyma sustain derangements in mineral and bone metabolism with resultant osteodystrophy. Children experience abnormalities in growth and remodeling of bone as well. These changes may progress to a renal osteodystrophy characterized by growth retardation and bone pain. Hyperparathyroidism and deficiency in biological activation of vitamin D are the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms involved. The requirement of vitamin D or its biologically more active forms is increased. In this review, normal bone development is described as a basis for interpreting the pathophysiology of renal osteodystrophy in children. Because renal osteodystrophy is often termed "renal rickets" and the processes of osteodystrophy and rickets differ, the evolution of the histological changes of each are contrasted. Some of the ways renal osteodystrophy affects growth are explained by the evolution of these processes. The unique features of childhood renal osteodystrophy relate to distinctions between the effects uremia has on the fully grown skeleton and growing bone. Understanding the development of bone is important to the understanding of bone disease and growth retardation which occurs in children with uremia.
Integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect in cross-correlation: The observer's manual

The Integrated Sachs-Wolfe (ISW) effect is a direct signature of the presence of dark energy in the universe, in the absence of spatial curvature. A powerful method for observing the ISW effect is through cross-correlation of the cosmic microwave background with a tracer of the matter in the low redshift universe. In this paper, we describe the dependence of the obtained cross-correlation signal on the geometry and other properties of a survey of the low redshift universe. We show that an all-sky survey with about $10\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{6}$ galaxies, almost uniformly distributed within $0lzl1$ should yield a near optimal ISW detection, at $\ensuremath{\sim}5\ensuremath{\sigma}$ level. In order to achieve this level of signal-to-noise, the systematic anisotropies in the survey must be below $\ensuremath{\sim}0.1%$, on the scale of $\ensuremath{\sim}10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ on the sky, while the systematic error in redshift estimates must be less than 0.05. Then, we argue that, while an ISW detection will not be a good way of constraining the conventional properties of dark energy, it could be a valuable means of testing alternative theories of gravity on large physical scales.
Nicotinamide protects HCN2 cells from the free radical generating toxin, tertiary butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH).

In previous studies with mice the oxygen radical generating neurotoxin tertiary-butylhydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) was used to mimic the oxidative injury that has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, previous studies have shown that the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor nicotinamide is able to prevent DNA fragmentation and apoptosis that is induced by t-BuOOH in mouse brain. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which nicotinamide is able to protect human brain cells at the cellular level is not clear. Therefore, in this study, a cell culture model system with human cortical neuronal cells (HCN2 cells) has been employed where the molecular mechanism(s) of nicotinamide action, both in the presence and absence of t-BuOOH has been studied. Human cortical neurons (HCN2 cells) have been shown to differentiate to a neuron-like morphology. In this study, exposure of HCN2 cells to t-BuOOH resulted in altered morphology and disruption of neuronal differentiation leading to cell death. However, in neurons, which were treated with nicotinamide before being exposed to t-BuOOH, neuronal differentiation was preserved; morphological disruption was prevented and cell death was reduced significantly. Moreover, our studies indicate that nicotinamide is able to prevent the up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic proteins p53 and p21/WAF-1, and the down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 that is induced by t-BuOOH in HCN2 cells. Thus this study indicates that nicotinamide protects human brain cells from the toxic effects of free radical generating toxins by regulating the levels of various pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins.
Husserl’s struggle with mental images: imaging and imagining reconsidered

Husserl’s extensive analyses of image consciousness (Bildbewusstsein) and of the imagination (Phantasie) offer insightful and detailed structural explications. However, despite this careful work, Husserl’s discussions fail to overcome the need to rely on a most problematic concept: mental images. The epistemological conundrums triggered by the conceptual framework of mental images are well known—we have only to remember the questions regarding knowledge acquisition that plagued British empiricism. Beyond these problems, however, a plethora of important questions arise from claiming that mental images are structural moments of imaging and imagining. Any attempt to clarify the structure and conditions for the possibility of aesthetic experience must first provide an unambiguous account of pictorial depiction—a task unattainable through the mental images discourse. Similarly, exposing the import of the imagination for theoretical scientific inquiries (be they positive or eidetic) requires an initial explication of the structure of this consciousness; this explication, however, must address our ability to imagine non-spatially determined objects—something the conceptual framework of mental images utterly fails to accomplish. In this paper I argue against Husserl’s reliance on mental images in his phenomenological analyses of imaging and imagining and propose an alternative structural account for both. This account is free of this reliance and able to steer clear of its insidious implications for epistemology, aesthetics, and methodological reflections. By closely following the development of Husserl’s account I suggest alternative descriptions while building on Husserl’s important work.
Model validation via uncertainty propagation and data transformations

Model validation has become a primary means to evaluate accuracy and reliability of computational simulations in engineering design. Because of uncertainties involved in modeling, manufacturing processes, and measurement systems, the assessment of the validity of a modeling approach must be conducted based on stochastic measurements to provide designers with confidence in using a model. A generic model validation methodology via uncertainty propagation and data transformations is presented. The approach reduces the number of physical tests at each design setting to one by shifting the evaluation effort to uncertainty propagation of the computational model. Response surface methodology is used to create metamodels as less costly approximations of simulation models for the uncertainty propagation. Methods for validating models with both normal and nonnormal response distributions are proposed. The methodology is illustrated with the examination of the validity of two finite element analysis models for predicting springback angles in a sample flanging process.
Soybean pod wall P and K as related to extractable P and K and grain yield

Abstract It was proposed that the pod wall surrounding the developing soybean seed (growth stage R6) could serve as a diagnostic indicator of crop nutritional status. This was evaluated by summarizing soybean responses (R1 trifoliate and R6 pod wall P and K concentrations, and yield) to various levels of soil P and K availability in ten field experiments. Pod wall P and K concentrations were closely related to available soil P (Bray P1) and K (MNH4C2H3O2‐pH 7.0), respectively. The relationship of pod wall P concentration to grain yield was superior to those found when either trifoliate leaf P or available soil P was related to grain yield. Pod wall K was similarly superior to leaf K or available soil K. Though further work is needed to describe changes in pod wall composition during grain‐fill, it appears that pod wall sampling offers an alternative or additional sampling interval in the evaluation of soybean nutrition
Fully inkjet-printed multilayer microstrip and T-resonator structures for the RF characterization of printable materials and interconnects

rated, fully inkjet-printed mi­ crowave structure is demonstrated for the first time, where both the metallic elements and the platform substrate are completely fabricated with the additive inkjet printing process. The surface uniformity of SU-S polymer ink is outlined as a function of layer deposition to provide a desirable profile for a thick RF substrate application. Inkjet-printed vias are demonstrated and realized as microwave substrate interconnects within SU-S. Microstrip and T-resonator structures are developed to demonstrate the applica­ tion of these inkjet-printed platforms for the RF characterizat ion
Impaired Primary T Cell Responses in L-Selectin-deficient Mice

SullllTlary L-selectin is a homing receptor that mediates the selective attachment ofleukocytes to specialized high endothelial venules. To study the potential role of L-selectin in immune responses in intact mice, we generated L-selectin-deficient mice by gene targeting. L-selectin-deficient mice are defective in cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses when tested after conventional intervals of immunization (4 d). Primary T cell proliferative responses and cytokine production (interleukin [ILl 2, IL-4, and interferon ~) were also compromised when tested after 5 d of immunization, indicating that L-selectin is important for the immune response to antigens. In contrast, after more prolonged immunization protocols (9 d), normal responses were observed, suggesting that L-selectin-independent compensatory mechanisms exist. Interestingly, humoral responses of L-selectin-deficient mice to keyhole limpet hemocyanin are indistinguishable from wild-type control mice, implying that L-selectin plays no rate-limiting role in T cell help of B cell function. Thus, our results suggest that L-selectin plays an important role in the generation of primary T cell responses but may not be essential for humoral and memory T cell responses. L-selectin does not appear to be rate limiting for the events leading to antigen-driven neutrophil recruitment, since normal DTH responses are obtained at late time points after immunization.
Goosecoid-like (GSCL), a candidate gene for velocardiofacial syndrome, is not essential for normal mouse development

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) and DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) are characterized by a wide spectrum of abnormalities, including conotruncal heart defects, velopharyngeal insufficiency, craniofacial anomalies and learning disabilities. In addition, numerous other clinical features have been described, including frequent psychiatric illness. Hemizygosity for a 1.5-3 Mb region of chromosome 22q11 has been detected in >80% of VCFS/DGS patients. It is thought that a developmental field defect is responsible for many of the abnormalities seen in these patients and that the defect occurs due to reduced levels of a gene product active in early embryonic development. Goosecoid-like ( GSCL ) is a homeobox gene which is present in the VCFS/DGS commonly deleted region. The mouse homolog, Gscl, is expressed in mouse embryos as early as E8.5. Gscl is related to Goosecoid ( Gsc ), a gene required for proper craniofacial development in mice. GSCL has been considered an excellent candidate for contributing to the developmental defects in VCFS/DGS patients. To investigate the role of Goosecoid-like in VCFS/DGS etiology, we disrupted the Gscl gene in mouse embryonic stem cells and produced mice that transmit the disrupted allele. Mice that are homozygous for the disrupted allele appear to be normal and they do not exhibit any of the anatomical abnormalities seen in VCFS/DGS patients. RNA in situ hybridization to mouse embryo sections revealed that Gscl is expressed at E8.5 in the rostral region of the foregut and at E11.5 and E12.5 in the developing brain, in the pons region and in the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle. Although the gene inactivation experiments indicate that haploinsufficiency for GSCL is unlikely to be the sole cause of the developmental field defect thought to be responsible for many of the abnormalities in VCFS/DGS patients, its localized expression during development could suggest that hemizygosity for GSCL, in combination with hemizygosity for other genes in 22q11, contributes to some of the developmental defects as well as the behavioral anomalies seen in these patients. The mice generated in this study should help in evaluating these possibilities.
Parity and the expected consequences of childbearing.

In this study 163 young married women with 0, 1, or 2 children described the advantages and disadvantages of having a (another) child in the next three years and the expectations of significant others regarding their childbearing behavior. Childless women were more likely than women at first and second parity to mention self-fulfillment, pleasing parents, strengthening their marriage, less time and freedom, interference with career and education, being emotionally unprepared, and creating friction in their marriage. Women with one child were most likely to mention companionship and achieving family size goals. For women with two children gender preference and less time for present children were particularly salient consequences. Women with one child report experiencing the strongest pronatalist normative pressures but the perceived preferences of significant others were most closely related to own childbearing plans for childless women. The results are discussed in terms of a parity specific approach to the study of motivations for parenthood.
Structure-reactivity dependence in the rearrangements of a family of alkylacetoxycarbenes

Abstract Absolute rate constants and activation parameters are presented for the 1,2-H and 1,2-acetyl migrations of a family of alkylacetoxycarbenes.
Racial disparity with on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background On-treatment platelet reactivity to clopidogrel is variable and in part genetic dependent. In African American (AA) patients, the relation between on-treatment platelet reactivity to clopidogrel and the factors that influence this interaction is unknown. The present study aims to evaluate on-treatment platelet reactivity to clopidogrel in AA patients and its interaction to race and CYP2C19 *2 loss of function mutation. Methods The study cohort included 289 consecutive patients presenting for percutaneous coronary intervention who were entered into a prospective observational registry. High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) was defined as P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) ≥208 with VerifyNow P2Y12 assay and >50% by vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation assay platelet reactivity index (VASP PRI) measured 6 to 24 hours postprocedure. CYP2C19 *2 (rs4244285) genotype was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The prevalence of HTPR by both PRU (56% vs 35%, P = .003) and VASP PRI (67% vs 45%, P = .002) is more common in AAs compared with whites, respectively. African American patients had higher on-treatment mean PRU (207 ± 110 vs 160 ± 102, P = .002) and VASP PRI (49 ± 26 vs 38 ± 26, P = .004). African Americans also had a higher prevalence of CYP2C19*2 allele carrier status compared with whites (43% vs 29%, P = .04). African American race ( P = .008) and CYP2C19*2 allele status ( P = .02) independently had significant effects on PRU and VASP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis has shown that both CYP2C19*2 allele carrier status and AA race were independent correlates of HTPR for PRU ≥208. Conclusions African American patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention not only have a higher prevalence of HTPR to clopidogrel but also have higher CYP2C19*2 allele carrier status compared with whites. Careful selection of antiplatelet agents should be considered in an AA population at higher risk for ischemic complications.
Recognizing and Treating Uncommon Behavioral and Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents Who have been Severely Maltreated: Bipolar Disorders

Although it was assumed for many years that children do not experience bipolar disorder, it has been recently recognized that some children do. Those who have been severely maltreated may be at an increased risk for developing a bipolar disorder. This article explores the symptoms of the bipolar disorder as well as strategies for distinguishing these symptoms from those of children experiencing more common disorders. Treatment strategies, including the use of medication, for children experiencing bipolar disorder and their families are examined.
Single-center experience with balloon-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms: safety, efficacy and indications.

Abstract Objective Balloon-assisted coil embolization (BACE) has been widely used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The routine use of this technique remains, however, controversial. In this study, we review our experience with BACE with respect to the indications, complications and effectiveness of the technique. Materials and methods A retrospective review was conducted on 76 BACE procedures performed at a single institution between June 2009 and June 2011. Results Of 76 aneurysms (40 ruptured and 36 unruptured) treated with BACE, 64 were located in the anterior circulation and 12 in the posterior circulation. The mean aneurysm size was 6.8 mm. A balloon was used for parent vessel protection in 56, side-branch protection in 12 and balloon-in-stent coiling in 8 patients. 75 aneurysms (98.6%) were successfully coiled with a mean packing density of 28.3%. Thromboembolic complications developed after the treatment of 5 aneurysms (6.6%) causing transient morbidity in 4 patients (5.2%). One balloon-unrelated rupture occurred with no significant extravasation due to temporary balloon occlusion. There were no procedure-related permanent morbidity or deaths. 47 patients had imaging follow-up (angiogram in 28, MRA in 19) at a mean timepoint of 7.8 months. 45 patients (95.7%) had complete or near-complete occlusion while 2 patients (4.3%) had major recurrences, one underwent surgical clipping and the other had stent-assisted coiling. One patient had a rehemorrhage (1.3%). Conclusion In our experience, BACE has low complication and recurrence rates in the treatment of complex and wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. High packing densities were achieved with BACE technique.
Regulation of F-actin-dependent processes by the Abl family of tyrosine kinases

The F-actin cytoskeleton is a fundamental component of all eukaryotic cells. It provides force and stability and plays an integral role in a diverse array of cellular processes. The spatiotemporal regulation of F-actin dynamics is essential for proper biological output. The basic molecular machinery underlying the assembly and disassembly of filamentous actin is conserved in all eukaryotic cells. Additionally, protein tyrosine kinases, found only in multicellular eukaryotes, provide links between extracellular signals and F-actin-dependent cellular processes. Among the tyrosine kinases, c-Abl and its relative Arg are unique in binding directly to F-actin. Recent results have demonstrated a role for c-Abl in membrane ruffling, cell spreading, cell migration, and neurite extension in response to growth factor and extracellular matrix signals. c-Abl appears to regulate the assembly of F-actin polymers into different structures, depending on the extracellular signal. Interestingly, c-Abl contains nuclear import and export signals, and the nuclear c-Abl inhibits differentiation and promotes apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress. The modular structure and the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of c-Abl suggest that it integrates multiple signals to coordinate F-actin dynamics with the cellular decision to differentiate or to die.
Scanning tunneling microscopy observation of an electronic superlattice at the surface of clean gold

We have used scanning tunneling spectroscopy to spatially resolve the electronic structure of clean Au(111) at low temperature. We find that the long-range herringbone reconstruction on Au(111) acts as a superlattice for surface-state electrons, creating a new band structure and modulated electronic density. Low energy electrons respond to the superlattice by localizing in the hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) region of the reconstruction, while higher energy electrons reverse this trend, shifting density back to the adjacent face-centered-cubic (fcc) region. These observations are quantitatively explained by an extended Kronig-Penney model, from which we estimate the well-depth of the reconstruction-induced surface superlattice.
A kinase in the life of the β cell

Pancreatic β cells synthesize, store, and secrete insulin in response to appropriate environmental cues. The classic paradigm, as originally proposed by Matschinsky (1), holds that the products of glucose metabolism in β cells control insulin production and release. In recent years, this view has been broadened to include signaling by receptor tyrosine kinases as part of the β cell sensing mechanism, impinging on such diverse functions as insulin release and cellular proliferation (2).
Vaccination against SIV infection and disease.

This minireview summarizes recent results from three U.S. primate centers: New England, Delta, and California, where the SIV model has been used for HIV vaccine development. Remarkably, each of these centers has recently experienced success using inactivated whole virus vaccines to protect rhesus macaques against SIV challenge infection and development of simian AIDS (SAIDS). These results set a more optimistic tone than was present a year ago, and present a glimmer of hope than an AIDS vaccine can eventually be developed
Parents Still Matter: The Role of Parental Attachment in Risky Drinking among College Students

This study longitudinally assessed the effects of parental attachment on alcohol-related risks across the first year of college. Greater attachment to mother was associated with lower alcohol risk while weaker attachment to mother was related to more drinking and consequences near the end of the first year, even when controlling for baseline drinking. Furthermore, gender moderated the relationship between attachment and consequences such that first-year men with weaker attachment reported experiencing more consequences than females or males with stronger attachment. Findings highlight the role of parental attachment in reducing risk and identify first-year males with low maternal attachment as a potential high-risk group.
A host survey of Gymnosporangium

This paper is concerned with the species ofGymnosporangium and their host relationships. Interest centers, not on how many hosts a fungus species may occupy, but rather with how the hosts are distributed among the species of the fungus.
Ephrin-B2 Selectively Marks Arterial Vessels and Neovascularization Sites in the Adult, with Expression in Both Endothelial and Smooth-Muscle Cells

The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-tethered ephrin ligands provide critical guidance cues at points of cell-to-cell contact. It has recently been reported that the ephrin-B2 ligand is a molecular marker for the arterial endothelium at the earliest stages of embryonic angiogenesis, while its receptor EphB4 reciprocally marks the venous endothelium. These findings suggested that ephrin-B2 and EphB4 are involved in establishing arterial versus venous identity and perhaps in anastamosing arterial and venous vessels at their junctions. By using a genetically engineered mouse in which the lacZ coding region substitutes and reports for the ephrin-B2 coding region, we demonstrate that ephrin-B2 expression continues to selectively mark arteries during later embryonic development as well as in the adult. However, as development proceeds, we find that ephrin-B2 expression progressively extends from the arterial endothelium to surrounding smooth muscle cells and to pericytes, suggesting that ephrin-B2 may play an important role during formation of the arterial muscle wall. Furthermore, although ephrin-B2 expression patterns vary in different vascular beds, it can extend into capillaries about midway between terminal arterioles and postcapillary venules, challenging the classical conception that capillaries have neither arterial nor venous identity. In adult settings of angiogenesis, as in tumors or in the female reproductive system, the endothelium of a subset of new vessels strongly expresses ephrin-B2, once again contrary to earlier views that such new vessels lack arterial/venous characteristics and derive from postcapillary venules. While earlier studies had focused on a role for ephrin-B2 during the earliest embryonic stages of arterial/venous determination, our current findings using ephrin-B2 as an arterial marker in the adult challenge prevailing views of the arterial/venous identity of quiescent as well as remodeling adult microvessels and also highlight a possible role for ephrin-B2 in the formation of the arterial muscle wall.
Fabrication and Characterization of ZnO Films for Biological Sensor Application of FPW Device

Flexural plate wave (FPW) device has great potential for biological sensor application due to (1) isolation of its electric circuit from the medium being investigated, (2) low acoustic energy loss in liquid medium, and (3) simpler oscillator circuit design. Since FPW device can be fabricated onto silicon-based substrates by micromachining technology, it offers batch processing for economic sensor fabrication. In this study, ZnO was chosen as a piezoelectric material due to non-toxicity, and chemical and thermal stability for biological sensor application. RF magnetron sputtering and chemical solution deposition (CSD) were investigated for achieving strong c-axis orientation of ZnO films required to launch the acoustic wave in the device. Process parameters such as gas ratio, substrate types, and temperature, were varied for sputtering, and heat treatment and substrate types for CSD. Results showed that process parameters have a strong influence on the preferred orientation and microstructure of ZnO films. Uniform and dense microstructures of ZnO films were obtained by both fabrication methods. CSD method showed, however, stronger dependence of the preferred orientation on substrate types while less dependence on the substrates for sputtering due to energetic sputtered species. Mechanism for ZnO thin film growth will be discussed. FPW devices have been successfully integrated onto 4 inch Si-wafer with 22 different interdigitated electrodes. Optimized device demonstrates the capability to detect biological quantity of 446.13 cm2/gram of sensitivity.
Partial vesiculectomy in an infertile man with seminal vesicle cyst, ipsilateral renal agenesis, and cryptorchidism

Congenital seminal vesicle cysts associated with renal agenesis are uncommon, but are currently detected more frequently with the use of sectional imaging procedures. Approximately 200 cases have been reported. The unique feature of our case is the combination of this disorder with an ipsilateral undescended testis. Our patient underwent partial vesiculectomy, in which the cyst was removed and the seminal vesicle remnant with its vas deferens was preserved. A review of the infertile cases and the impact of surgical treatment on fertility are discussed. Features that render partial vesiculectomy applicable and the potential effect of this procedure on fertility are highlighted.
Numerical Study of Two-Dimensional Co-Flowing Turbulent Jets

The present study reports numerical analysis of turbulent jets. This study investigates the effect of initial jet velocity on the location of the merging and combining points of two dimensional co-flowing turbulent jets. Flow geometry under consideration is three co-flowing rectangular jets. Effects of inner jet and outer jets exit velocities are investigated. Numerical results are obtained with a finite volume CFD code. Turbulence is treated with a two equation k-e model. Different jet velocities have been examined corresponding to Reynolds numbers of 2,000 to 35,000. Structured grids are used in the present study. Results show that the initial velocity of the inner jet has significant effect on the merging and combining points.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Analysis of rewetting for surface tension induced flow

An analytical investigation was conducted to determine the rewetting characteristics of thin, surface tension driven liquid films over heated plates as a function of the fluid properties, the film thickness, and the applied heat flux. Analytical expressions for the maximum sustainable heat flux and the rewetting velocity were developed for both flat and grooved plates and were compared with data from previous investigations. The results indicated good agreement for low film velocities; however, at high velocities the experimental data deviated significantly from the theoretical predictions. It was hypothesized that this deviation was due to the presence of liquid sputtering near the liquid front. To compensate for this liquid sputtering, the expressions for maximum sustainable heat flux and rewetting velocity were modified using an empirical correction factor developed from the data of previous thin film thickness investigations. The resulting modified expressions were found to compare very favorably with available experimental data over a large range of flow conditions and velocities.
Age at implantation and communicative outcome in pediatric cochlear implant users: Is younger always better?

Abstract As with any surgery requiring anesthesia, cochlear implantation in the first few years of life carries potential risks, which makes it especially important to assess potential benefits. In this study, we compared speech perception outcomes in children who received cochlear implants in the first, second, third, or fourth year of life. Among the latter three groups of age at implantation, it was found that earlier implantation resulted in spoken word recognition advantages. Speech perception performance of children implanted during the first year of life was similar to that of the children implanted in the second year of life.
Alkalinity production in epilimnetic sediments: Acidic and non-acidic lakes

Interstitial water profiles in epilimnetic sediments of lakes with varying water column alkalinities were collected to assess the origin and importance of sedimentary alkalinity in freshwater lakes. Release of Ca2+ and NH4 +, and consumption of SO 4 2− are the most important contributors to alkalinity production m sediments of non-acidic lakes. In acidic lakes, Fe2+ and Mn2+ replace Ca2+ as the dominant cation contributors to alkalinity production. The sedimentary alkalinity flux is an important component of the acid neutralizing capacity of freshwater lakes. However, the presence of large alkalinity gradients in sediment porewaters does not necessarily indicate a large source of alkalinity for the lake, as a significant portion of the alkalinity is associated with the formation of Fe2+, Mn2+ and NH 4 + . Oxidation of Fe2+ and Mn2+ at the anoxic-oxic interface and biological removal of NH 4 + in the overlying water column results in consumption of the co-diffusing alkalinity.
STANDARD METHOD FOR DETERMINING LEACHABILITY OF LEAD FROM LEAD FRITS

A procedure is developed for determining leachable lead in lead frits. The procedure is sufficiently simple for use by control laboratories whereby duplicate results can be obtained. It is based on leaching the lead at 40°± 0.5°C. from frit (-180, +200-mesh particles) with 0.137 N HCl and precipitating the lead as PbCrO4.