cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of Primary Mediastinal Seminoma (PMS) Associated with Anti-Hu Paraneoplastic Syndrome (PS) (P4.238)

OBJECTIVE:This case is only the second to report a PMS causing a PS BACKGROUND: PS’s are disorders associated with cancer but without a direct effect of the tumor on the nervous system. High titers of anti-Hu Ab’s are associated with NSCLC in 90[percnt] of cases. We report a patient positive for anti-Hu Abs who developed progressive cranial neuopathies and seizures. The only tumor that was detected was a PMS without any associated testicular cancer. DESIGN/METHODS: A 26 year-old male baseball player began having problems with depth perception along with other cranial nerve defecits. Serological workup revealed anti-Hu Abs and PET scan showed a FDG positive 1 cm soft tissue density in the anterior mediastinum. This was not biopsied. MRI brain was negative. Patient was started on immunotherapy including prednisone, IVIg, plasma exchange and azathioprine but he continued to progress. CSF showed 6 oligoclonal bands, protein of 60 mg/dL and WBC of 3. Several months later, the patient suffered a seizure and was admitted to our institution. MRI brain showed dural enhancement along with cerebellar volume loss. Whole body FDG PET scan showed a hypermetabolic nodule in the anterior mediastinum.RESULTS: Patient underwent resection of the mediastinal mass. Histological examination identified the mass as a mediastinal germinoma, and IHC staining was consistent with seminoma. Testicular US was negative. Patient received two doses of Rituximab, and although his neurological defecits have stablilized, they remain intrusive CONCLUSIONS:Primary MS is a rare germinal tumor which typically affects young men and its association with either a PS or anti-Hu Abs has only been described once before. This case also emphasizes the importance of searching for malignancy with special focus on the mediastinum in atypical cases of PS with anti-Hu Ab’s since the lack of aggressive treatment may leave the patient with irreversible disability. Disclosure: Dr. Amjad has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Tornatore has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, and Genzyme Corporation as an advisory board member and/or speakers bureau member.
Age associated endothelial dysfunction: Role of oxidative stress, inflammation and Western Diet

Aging is a major risk factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases attributed to the development of vascular endothelial dysfunction. Reduced bioavailability of endothelial- nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and its product NO is considered the key mechanism mediating reduced endothelial function with aging. Vascular oxidative stress and inflammation increase with age and Western diets rich in fat, specifically saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and limited plant foods increase oxidative stress and inflammation. In aged endothelium, Western diets can augment endothelial dysfunction because functional changes have already likely begun. This review discusses possible mechanisms responsible for endothelial dysfunction in aging and the links between endothelial aging and Western diets.
Alogtime Algorithms for Tree Isomorphism, Comparison, and Canonization

The tree isomorphism problem is the problem of determining whether two trees are isomorphic. The tree canonization problem is the problem of producing a canonical tree isomorphic to a given tree. The tree comparison problem is the problem of determining whether one tree is less than a second tree in a natural ordering on trees. We present alternating logarithmic time algorithms for the tree isomorphism problem, the tree canonization problem and the tree comparison problem. As a consequence, there is a recursive enumeration of the alternating log time tree problems.
Client/server processing architectures and task fit: a service organization perspective

The 1990s are witnessing the rapid growth of the service industry. Service organizations are attempting to empower their workers with use client/server (C/S) systems. For an organization to benefit from the C/S model, however, it should ensure that its C/S processing architecture matches its information needs. This study examines the information requirements of a service organization in terms of the customer-contact dimension. This dimension can range from high contact to low contact. These two environments differ in terms of task uncertainty. This study proposes that, for an organization's C/S system to be effective, the task uncertainty which it is designed for should fit the C/S processing architectures. The results indicate that an appropriate fit between task uncertainty and C/S processing architectures is indeed an important determinant of C/S effectiveness.
Correlations between substituent effects for surface reactions and catalytic reactions

Abstract Minor changes or substitutions in the structure or composition of reactants can have profound effects on reaction kinetics. The effects of substituents on surface and catalytic reaction kinetics can be understood through the use of semi-quantitative empirical correlations such as the Hammett relation. These correlations provide a basis for comparison of reaction kinetics in varying environments. For example, comparisons can be made between reaction kinetics measured on single crystals under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions and reaction kinetics measured on catalysts at high pressures. Doing so offers a means of translating insights obtained from studies of surface chemistry into the field of catalysis. One such insight is into the nature of the transition states for heterogeneously catalyzed reactions. An example discussed in this article compares β -hydride elimination of alkoxides on Cu(111) with alcohol dehydrogenation over ZnO–Cr 2 O 3 . In both systems inductive substituents (R) decrease the reaction rate suggesting that the transition state for the rate limiting step in both reactions has an electron deficient carbon atom (RC δ + ⋯H). A second example, phenyl coupling on the Ag(111) surface exhibits an increase in rate due to inductive substituents. This observation is consistent with observations of homogeneously catalyzed phenyl coupling described in the literature. These comparisons demonstrate the potential for using Hammett correlations measured in surface science studies to understand important issues in catalysis.
Comparative effectiveness of two popular weight loss programs in women III: health and fitness markers

Background A number of commercial diet and exercise programs are promoted to help people lose weight and improve fitness. However, few studies have compared the effects of following different types of exercise and diet interventions on weight loss and/or changes in health and fitness markers. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a more structured meal plan based diet intervention and supervised exercise program that included resistance-exercise to a traditional point based diet program with weekly counseling and encouragement to increase physical activity.
Impurity transport and retention in a gas target divertor: simulation experiments in PISCES-A and modeling results

Impurity retention in the gaseous divertor regime is investigated in the PISCES-A facility at UCLA. We report measurements and 1 1/2D fluid modeling results of impurity transport for typical tokamak divertor plasma parameters (10 18 ≤ n e ≤3×10 19 m −3 , kT e ≤20 eV). The neutral hydrogen density close to the (simulated) divertor target is 10 20 ≤ n 0 ≤3×10 21 m −3 . Gaseous trace impurities (argon, neon) as well as low- Z and high- Z materials sputtering carbon, tungsten) are studied. It is observed that the impurity retention in a gaseous divertor is substantially improved as compared to conventional divertor operating regimes. The modeling results suggest that the retention of neutral and ionized impurities is mainly due to collisions with hydrogen (deuterium) neutrals and ions streaming towards the divertor target a a velocity of 0.25–0.5 c s . A low level of residual impurity transport, observed at high neutral density, is attributed to a plasma flow reversal close to the radial boundary. Sputtering of a tungsten sample by intrinsic impurities has been shown to decrease substantially for target electron temperatures kT e
From Hippolyta to Hu: Colonization, appropriation, and the liberal self

(1997). From Hippolyta to Hu: Colonization, appropriation, and the liberal self. The European Legacy: Vol. 2, No. 7, pp. 1115-1136.
COMPARISON OF FLAVOR AND VOLATILES OF TOMATO PRODUCTS AND OF PEANUTS

SUMMARY The volatiles of canned tomatoes acidified with citric and with malic acid differed significantly from those of control, nonacidified tomatoes and from each other. Tomatoes treated with sugar and acid also differed significantly in volatiles. Blends of tomato juice prepared from various proportions of canned juice and juice reconstituted from tomato powder differed significantly in flavor. Through the application of discriminant analysis (DA) to gas-liquid chromatographic (GLC) data, blends could usually be predicted correctly from the discriminant equations. Peanuts roasted for 12, 16, 20 and 24 min were similarly evaluated organoleptically and gas chromatographically. For the 3 products above, one or a few peaks were generally not sufficient to characterize the sample. When 10–15 peak areas were used to make the discrimination, each of the 3 products could be catagorized readily according to treatment.
Dynamic Ionic Strength Effects in Fast Bimolecular Electron Transfer between a Redox Metalloprotein of High Electrostatic Charge and an Inorganic Reaction Partner

The ionic strength dependence of the bimolecular electron transfer (ET) reaction between Clostridium pasteurianum rubredoxin(III) and photochemically generated [Ru(bpy)_3]^+ has been investigated. The reaction is fast and close to the diffusion-controlled limit. Dynamic ionic strength effects on all kinetics parameters (work terms, driving force, and reorganization free energy) have been incorporated in the data analysis; the effects on the intermolecular work terms are large and dominate in the driving force region close to the activationless limit. The variation in ET rate constant over the 0.005−2.0 M ionic strength range is quantitatively consistent with the high negative charge (−9e where e is the unit electric charge) and size (crystallographic radius ≈ 12 A) of rubredoxin(III). If low ionic strength (0.005−0.01 M) data are omitted, the variation in rates suggests a somewhat smaller charge on the protein (−4e to −5e).
The evolution of vascular testing in erectile dysfunction

Over the past 20 years, many contributions have been made to our understanding of the mechanisms of erection as a result of penile vascular testing. The greatest medical advances in the management of male sexual dysfunction since the identification of androgens have been two discoveries: 1) that nitric oxide is the primary neuromodulator of penile smooth muscle relaxation, and 2) that oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors enhance erection quality through the nitric oxide mechanism. As a consequence of oral pharmacotherapies, the role of invasive diagnostics has diminished. Most guidelines recommend only history, physical examination, and limited laboratory testing before instituting oral therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). We still have unanswered questions about ED. Can lifestyle changes alone improve erectile function? Is ED a marker for the development of atherosclerotic heart disease? What are the specific effects of known cardiovascular morbidities on penile vascular integrity? These questions will frame the role of future penile vascular diagnostics.
Novel compound heterozygous laminina2-chain gene (LAMA2) mutations in congenital muscular dystrophy. Mutations in brief no. 159. Online.

The laminina2-chain gene (LAMA2) encodes a basal lamina protein, laminina2, known to be deficient in one form of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). In a laminina2 deficient-CMD patient, we screened the entire LAMA2 cDNA (9534bp) by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction combined with single strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Direct sequencing of aberrant conformers in this patient revealed two loss-of-function mutations, consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. The patient had two novel heterozygous mutations: (I) an exon 4 nonsense mutation caused by a GA substitution at cDNA position 547, changing the TGG codon for tryptophan into a TGA stop codon (W166X) in the N-terminus domain VI; (ii) an exon 54 frameshift mutation due to a deletion of a nucleotide ‘C’ at cDNA position 7707 (S2553Y), resulting in a premature stop codon (V2587X) in exon 55 in the globular G domain of laminina2 at the C-terminus. These mutations cause a disruption of the open reading frame of LAMA2. The absence of laminina2 observed in the patient's muscle biopsy could result from diminished levels of the LAMA2 transcript. Alternatively, the mutations might lead to translation of a truncated laminina2. By either mechanism the phenotype of congenital muscular dystrophy is believed to be the result of disruption of linkage between the extracellular matrix and the dystrophin glycoprotein complex. Hum Mutat 12:135, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neurological correlates of slot machine win size in pathological gamblers.

The present study examined the neurological correlates of slot machine gambling by pathological and nonpathological gamblers while undergoing an fMRI scanning procedure. Twenty-two total participants were exposed to a series of losses, small wins, and large wins on a computerized simulated slot machine. Results indicate that the two types of gamblers responded differently to the various game options, and that an apparent “dose effect” exists when small and big wins are compared for pathological gamblers. Specifically more neural activation occurred in the dopaminergic pathway under conditions of large wins. These data suggest that a non-drug substance such as gambling may mimic typical drug-dose effects shown in previous literature. Implications for the treatment of pathological gamblers are discussed.
Approaching a Climatic Research Ettiquette

This paper examines the way in which climate change's complexity calls forth dialogue on various cross-cultural dimensions which resonate with its multi-dimensional reality. While the IPCC science and the Kyoto Protocol approach this inclusiveness, they ultimately limit the range of voices heard due to the continuation of cultural assumptions that are intertwined with many environmental issues. Following the Earth Charter as an alternative model of cross-cultural dialogue that can inform a methodological approach of climate change, this analysis suggests that a more inclusive sharing can offer a way of attending to limiting assumptions as a means to creating viable regional and global responses. This climatic research etiquette is clarified through focusing upon the continued dominance of economic scarcity and its religious precursor, original sin, in contemporary environmental thought.
Parent-assisted transfer of children's social skills training: effects on children with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

ABSTRACT Objective Previous research has demonstrated that peer rejection is a significant part of the clinical presentation of many children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Outcome studies of treatment interventions have typically failed to show generalization of treatment gains to the home and classroom. This has been especially true for children who have comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). The present study was intended to demonstrate generalization of an outpatient social skills training program when parents were trained in skills training program when parents were trained in skills relevant to their child's social adjustment. Method Thirty-five children with ADHD and 14 children without ADHD were given 12 sessions of treatment (treatment group). Outcome was compared with 12 children with ADHD and 12 children without ADHD who were on a waitlist for treatment (waitlist group). Nineteen children with ODD were in the treatment group and five in the waitlist. Stimulant medication was prescribed for all children with ADHD. Results Subjects with ADHD showed improvement comparable with that of subjects without ADHD on all teacher-and parent-reported measures of peer adjustment and social skills, except teacher-reported withdrawal. Children with ODD had outcome comparable with that of children without ODD. Effect sizes ranged from 0.93 to 1.34, indicating that the average treatment group subject was better off than 83.4% of waitlist subjects on outcome measures. Conclusions The present results suggest that children with ADHD are best helped by a combination of social skills training for themselves, collateral training for their parents, and stimulant medication. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1997, 36(8):1056–1064.
Innovation in centralized organizations: examining evidence from Soviet Russia

Purpose – This study aims to examine the economic factors that determine innovation pattern in centralized and decentralized economies and organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Empirical evidence on innovation in the centralized economy of the Soviet Union is reviewed. Existing theoretical literature in this area relies on the incentives of decision-makers in centralized organizations and on the concept of soft budget constraint in centralized command economies and hard budget constraint in market economies. This study advocates applying the hierarchy/polyarchy model of innovation screening to explain the pattern of innovation in centralized economic systems. Findings – Screening and development of innovation projects can be organized in a centralized or decentralized fashion. The differences in innovation between centralized and decentralized economic systems may be explained by elements of the principal-agent theory, the soft budget constraint model, and the theory of decision-making in hierarchi...
Disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis: A critical review

Background: The term pseudomyxoma peritonei has been used in reference to any condition, benign or malignant, in which the peritoneal cavity becomes filled with a gelatinous substance. The term is nonspecific and does not denote therapeutic or prognostic significance. Controversy centers around which patients benefit from and should be treated by aggressive surgical debulking.
Medical Fellows Tell Stories of Application: A Grounded Theory on the Dynamics of Transfer

In this exploratory study, researchers collected and analyzed physician's stories of how they had applied what they had learned from a medical fellowship. We describe and explain the patterns shown in five cases of application. Based on these cases we form a theory of transfer for autonomous professionals learning an open skill. The findings support the claim that transfer is a dynamic process. We view transfer as part of a continuous learning and motivational process extending to a learner's past and projecting into a learner's future. The theory, in brief, is that professionally oriented learners follow an iterative constructive pattern of application when applying knowledge: learners perceive the usefulness of an idea, become ready to use the notion, make the application, and learn from its implementation. We also briefly describe practical and theoretical implications of the theory.
Fractionation and properties of alkylated-reduced corn glutelin proteins.

Abstract The disulfide bonds of glutelin protein from corn endosperm were cleaved to yield polypeptide chains which were subjected to physical and chemical investigations. After reduction with mercaptoethanol and alkylation with acrylonitrile of resulting sulfhydryls, about 87% of the protein was soluble in 6 M guanidine-HC1 and 47% in 0.3 M acetic acid, whereas native protein was much less soluble in both solvents. Gel filtration chromatography on different media with those solvents established that the polypeptide chains were heterogeneous in molecular weight and appeared to aggregate in the acetic acid. Fractionation of the alkylated-reduced glutelin by repeated chromatography on Sephadex G-200 in 6 M guanidine-HC1 yielded six peaks with components that differed in electrophoretic mobilities on starch gel. Direct extraction with 70% ethanol of the alkylated-reduced protein complex yielded a fraction that contained components mainly present in three of the Sephadex chromatography peaks and were similar in some properties to zeins. Molecular weight, gel electrophoretic mobilities and amino acid compositions of all of the isolated fractions indicate that glutelin consists of a series of unique proteins which form a structural matrix stabilized by disulfide bonds in mature corn endosperm.
Evaluation of the impact of health services research on quality of care.

SAFETY CONCERNS, and demands for greater transparency in healthcare, have led to a greater focus on quality of surgical care. Given the catapulting cost of healthcare, which now accounts for more than 16% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, increased scrutiny has been placed on the value-based purchasing of that healthcare. 1 Understandably, surgical care, representing roughly 40% of the $2.2 trillion spent on healthcare each year in the United States, has received significant attention, with a focus on improving the quality of surgical care. Seminal reports by the Institute of Medicine highlighted the quality chasm in healthcare delivery 2 and identified patient safety 3 as key issues for American healthcare. Many initiatives, led by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the National Quality Forum, have been conceived in an attempt to address these concerns. Although variation in outcomes has been the catalyst to address quality of care in surgery across surgeons, hospitals, and health systems, health services research has become the fuel sustaining the focus on improving the overall quality of surgical care. The field of health services research has broadened our understanding of how the entire system of care works (or does not work) to provide the highest quality of care to our surgical patients.
The changing health care needs of women: clinical specialists take heed!

The functions of patient education and patient advocacy for the clinical nurse specialist in women's health is discussed. It is noted that the sociocultural situation in which women seek health care has changed dramatically in recent years and that nurses should be able to relate to these changing attitudes.
In the Wake of the 2003 and 2011 Duty Hours Regulations, How Do Internal Medicine Interns Spend Their Time?

BACKGROUND The 2003 and 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) common program requirements compress busy inpatient schedules and increase intern supervision. At the same time, interns wrestle with the effects of electronic medical record systems, including documentation needs and availability of an ever-increasing amount of stored patient data.
Study of print-wire wear

Abstract This study demonstrates the dependence of wire printer wear on the abrasiveness of the impacted medium and the influence of ink in the ribbon. A predictive linear wear model is derived and its validity shown experimentally.
Duloxetine for major depressive disorder and daytime and nighttime hot flashes associated with the menopausal transition

Abstract Background We sought to obtain preliminary data regarding the efficacy of duloxetine for major depressive disorder (MDD) during the menopausal transition. The secondary outcomes were vasomotor symptoms (VMS, or hot flashes), specifically assessed as daytime or nighttime, and anxiety. Methods After a single-blind placebo lead-in, peri- and postmenopausal women with MDD ( n = 19) received eight weeks of open-label treatment with duloxetine (60 mg/day). The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (17-item) (HAM-D) was the primary outcome measure. Hot flashes were monitored prospectively using daily diaries, the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), and the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale (HFRDIS). Anxiety was measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). Results Of 19 participants treated with duloxetine, 16 (84.2%) were evaluable (returned for ≥1 follow up), and 13 (68.4%) completed the study. Three discontinued due to side effects. The pre-treatment and final median HAM-D scores were 15 (interquartile range [IQR] 14–18), and 6.5 (IQR 4–11.5), respectively, reflecting a significant decrease ( p = .0006). The response and remission rates were 56.3% (all responders were also remitters, having ≥50% decrease in HAM-D scores and final scores ≤7). Anxiety improved with treatment ( p = .012). GCS and HFRDIS scores decreased significantly. Among those who reported hot flashes at baseline, number and severity of hot flashes improved significantly overall ( p = .009 and p = .008, respectively). Daytime but not nighttime hot flashes improved significantly. Conclusions These data support further study of duloxetine for the treatment of a spectrum of symptoms associated with the menopausal transition.
Time course of neocortical graft innvervation by AChE‐positive fibers

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-containing axons are the only extrinsic fibers projecting to the adult cortex that readily innervate embryonic cortical grafts up to normal densities without prior manipulation of the host brain. In the present paper we compare the time course of AChE-positive fiber innervation in the normal mouse cortex with that seen in neocortical grafts by using AChE histochemistry as a marker for presumed cholinergic fibers. Donor tissue was taken at two different stages of gestation; before (embryonic days 12-14, or E12-14) and after (E17-19) the cortical plate is formed. Three features are analyzed: 1) the distribution and density of AChE-containing fibers, 2) the presence of AChE-positive cells, and 3) the distribution of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE)-positive elements. The modification of Koelle's method used for AChE localization showed AChE-positive fibers in developing parietal neocortex as early as E18-19. The distribution of AChE-labeled fibers in the normal cortex achieves the mature pattern by the end of the third postnatal week. The rate of innervation of transplants takes longer and depends on the age of the donor tissue. Tissue from both donor ages first showed AChE-positive fibers crossing the host-transplant interface by 7 days postsurgery. E17-19 tissue approaches the density of AChE-positive fibers in the normal adult cortex by 15 weeks after grafting, whereas the E12-14 donor tissue does not approach normal innervation densities until after 20 weeks. While the degree of innervation in the E12-14 donor tissue never equalled the surrounding adult cortex within our range of survival times, a few of the E17-19 transplants did develop densities equal to that of the host cortex. AChE-positive cells are first detectable in the normal parietal cortex on the day of birth, peak by the end of the first postnatal week, and then decline in number to the low levels of the mature cortex after the second postnatal week. Grafted cells in E12-14 tissue stain lightly for AChE by 7 days postsurgery, achieve maximal densities by 3 weeks, and become markedly reduced in number and density by 10 weeks. Cells in E17-19 tissue are lightly reactive by 7 days postsurgery, reach maximal numbers by 2 weeks postsurgery, and become similar in number and density to those seen in the mature cortex after 4 weeks. The appearance of BuChE-reactive blood vessels, neurons, and glia in both normal development and in the transplants is described and discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Structural integrity monitoring of composite patch repairs using wavelet analysis and neural networks

Bonded composite repairs for the reinforcement of damaged aircraft structures are effective in extending the life of aging airframes. The structural integrity of the composite patch repair in terms of disbond, fracture at the bond-lines, delamination, and structural crack growth is to be investigated before the composite repair technology can be adopted by the aerospace industry. We have developed structural health monitoring techniques for locating, identifying, and quantifying damages using the changes in the dynamical response of the repaired structure. A signal-based health monitoring algorithms wavelet transforms, have been developed for monitoring the structural integrity of composite patches, which detects variations induced by small changes in the vibration signature of the repaired structure. In this paper, threshold wavelet maps and neural networks have been integrated to detect and quantify the damage (s) in the composite patch repairs. Neural networks are utilized to find the extent of the damage. This method is also capable of detecting multiple damages. The mode shapes are obtained analytically using finite element analysis and experimentally with laser vibrometer. We have also developed a wireless data acquisition system for collection, feature extraction, and transmission of vibration data. The results of the damage location and extent estimation in the composite patch repairs are satisfactory.
TEXNH trees: a new course in data structures

The TEXNH method is an approach to undergraduate computer science education that is based on cognitive constructivisim, in the sense of Piaget, and which invokes several course design directives that include re-combining art and science, problem-based learning, problem selection from the visual problem domain, and cognitive apprenticeship. The paper describes a new TEXNH course in data structures. It includes a full comparative assessment of the realized improvement in student problem solving capability and, for the first time, cognitive authenticity in problem selection, in that the course problem is a variation on a very recent research result.
EXPERIMENTS ON LARVAL REARING OF THE CALIFORNIA MUSSEL (Mytilus californianus)

Spawning, larval rearing, and settlement of Mytilus californianus were performed over a one-year period at the University of California, Bodega Marine Laboratory in northern California. A combination of shell scraping followed by a 30 to 60 min immersion in 30 or 60 mM hydrogen peroxide was the most successful spawning stimulus tested. Larvae fed a diet of Isochrysis galbana grew significantly faster than did larvae fed Dunaliella sp. Larval growth rate was significantly more rapid at 20°C than at either 14 or 17°C and no significant differences in mortality rates between these three temperatures were detected. At 17 and 20°C, larvae fed a diet of 80 Isochrysis cells/μ1 daily grew significantly faster than those fed 20 Isochrysis cells/μ1 daily. Mortality of pedi-veligers was high, but survivors settled and metamorphosed on byssal threads cut from adult M. californianus. Plantigrades had a mean growth rate of 7.8 μm/day between days 15 and 33 following settlement. In this study, a temperature of 20°C, a diet of Isochrysis galbana of at least 80 cells/μ1 daily, and a settlement substrate of byssal threads were the most successful conditions for artificial spat production of this potentially valuable bivalve mollusc.
ACCESS: Keystones for School Health Promotion

: This article provides a perspective on the three elements that traditionally constitute school health programs in the U.S. and describes a new model called ACCESS. Consisting of five major keystones, ACCESS provides an organizational structure for planning, implementing, and evaluating school health promotion programs. In addition, the model provides a reference point for international comparisons of school health.
Electrochemical microfluidic biosensor for the detection of nucleic acid sequences

A microfluidic biosensor with electrochemical detection for the quantification of nucleic acid sequences was developed. In contrast to most microbiosensors that are based on fluorescence for signal generation, it takes advantage of the simplicity and high sensitivity provided by an amperometric and coulorimetric detection system. An interdigitated ultramicroelectrode array (IDUA) was fabricated in a glass chip and integrated directly with microchannels made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The assembly was packaged into a Plexiglas® housing providing fluid and electrical connections. IDUAs were characterized amperometrically and using cyclic voltammetry with respect to static and dynamic responses for the presence of a reversible redox couple—potassium hexacyanoferrate (II)/hexacyanoferrate (III) (ferri/ferrocyanide). A combined concentration of 0.5 µM of ferro/ferricyanide was determined as lower limit of detection with a dynamic range of 5 orders of magnitude. Background signals were negligible and the IDUA responded in a highly reversible manner to the injection of various volumes and various concentrations of the electrochemical marker. For the detection of nucleic acid sequences, liposomes entrapping the electrochemical marker were tagged with a DNA probe, and superparamagnetic beads were coated with a second DNA probe. A single stranded DNA target sequence hybridized with both probes. The sandwich was captured in the microfluidic channel just upstream of the IDUA via a magnet located in the outside housing. Liposomes were lysed using a detergent and the amount of released ferro/ferricyanide was quantified while passing by the IDUA. Optimal location of the magnet with respect to the IDUA was investigated, the effect of dextran sulfate on the hybridization reaction was studied and the amount of magnetic beads used in the assay was optimized. A dose response curve using varying concentrations of target DNA molecules was carried out demonstrating a limit of detection at 1 fmol assay−1 and a dynamic range between 1 and 50 fmol. The overall assay took 6 min to complete, plus 15–20 min of pre-incubation and required only a simple potentiostat for signal recording and interpretation.
Effects of furosemide and acute salt loading on vasopressin and renin secretion in the fetal lamb.

Effects of Furosemide and Acute Salt Loading on Vasopressin and Renin Secretion in the Fetal Lamb
IS THERE A CULTURE OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Increased acceptance of violent or abusive disciplinary measures has been argued to support the increased prevelance of reports of child abuse among ethnic minorities. To identify whether previous experience with physical punishment or discipline is related to the acceptance of such measures, high school students of Anglo and Hispanic backgrounds were studied. Preliminary indepth interviews identified disciplinary items. Sentence substitution was used to compare teenage misbehaviors with possible adult responses to those behaviors and independently replicated in two multi-ethnic high schools. 178 students (56% Anglo) participated: 11% felt severely punished, 26% had been punished physically, 14% had been struck in the past six months. No statistically significant differences in the prevelance of reports were noted between Anglo and Hispanic. Adolescents viewed physical punishment as unacceptable. There was a tendency for physically punished students to report physical punishment as more appropriate. Response patterns were analyzed for individual deviations from the majority using the Quadratic Assignment Program. Anglos and Hispanics did not have different beliefs about the appropriateness of discipline (p<.05). Responses of those not originally reporting physical punishment were different from those who had (p<.05). The physically punished youth did not agree with each other (p<.05). These findings contradict the notion that there is a coherent subculture of corporal punishment. The relationship to abuse is unclear.
Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in patients with acute traumatic brain injury.

Dysphagia and aspiration in intensive care unit patients with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening problem. Any diagnostic technique used with this population, therefore, must be able to be performed in a timely and efficient manner while providing objective information on the nature of the swallowing problem. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the utility of using the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) technique to diagnosis pharyngeal stage dysphagia and determine aspiration status in patients who presented with acute TBI. A total of 47 subjects were assessed with FEES. Thirty of 47 (64%) subjects swallowed successfully and were able to take an oral diet: 2 of 30 (7%) thickened liquids and puree consistencies, 8 of 30 (27%) a soft diet, and 20 of 30 (67%) a regular diet. Seventeen of 47 (36%) subjects exhibited pharyngeal stage dysphagia with aspiration and were not permitted an oral diet based on objective results provided by FEES. Of the 17 subjects who aspirated, 9 of 17 (53%) exhibited silent aspiration. Younger subjects (mean age 34 years, 3 months) aspirated significantly less often than older subjects (mean age 51 years, 8 months). No significant age difference was observed for gender or between overt and silent aspirators. It was concluded that FEES is an objective and sensitive tool that can be used successfully to diagnose pharyngeal stage dysphagia, determine aspiration status, and make recommendations for oral or nonoral feeding in patients with acute TBI.
Glucose repression of luminescence and luciferase in vibrio fischeri

The autoinduction and glucose repression of luciferase synthesis in batch cultures and continuous cultures of Vibrio fischeri were investigate. As previously reported, a lag in luciferase synthesis occurred in glycerol-grown batch cultures and addition of d-glucose to the medium extended the lag period. A phosphate-limited chemostat culture with d-glucose as energy source (specific growth rate, μ=0.45 h-1) contained uninduced levels of luciferase. Luciferase activity increased to an induced level upon addition of c-AMP or autoinducer to such a chemostat culture while cell mass remained constant. Furthermore, when μ of a phosphate-limited chemostat culture containing d-glucose as energy source was decreased from 0.45 to 0.30 h-1, luciferase activity increased from an uniduced to induced level. After exogenously added c-AMP or autoinducer was diluted out of a phosphate-limited continous culture or after μ was increased to 0.45 h-1, luciferase activity remained at an induced level. Apparently, luciferase in V. fischeri was subject to a catabolite repression by d-glucose that could be overridden by autoinduction or by an autogenous control element.
Substrate-dependent functional defects and altered mitochondrial respiratory capacity in hearts from guinea pigs with iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia was induced by dietary means in weanling guinea pigs. A 25% higher ventricular wall mass per 100 g body mass was seen after 6 weeks of feeding. Myocardial performance was determined in isolated perfused hearts using an isovolumic Langendorff preparation. All hearts exhibited a 25% decrease in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and decreased dPdt when substrate was switched from 10 mM pyruvate to 16.6 mM glucose. The glucose reduction in LVDP resulted from decreased systolic pressure, which completely reversed when hearts again metabolized pyruvate. With glucose as substrate, left ventricular developed pressure-end diastolic volume relationships were indistinguishable. However, with pyruvate, iron-deficient hearts appeared to be less responsive to the increased energy demands required by elevated diastolic volumes. Rates of state 3 respiration were 18% below control with glutamate + malate as substrate, and 38% lower with pyruvate + malate in mitochondria isolated from anemic animals. No differences in respiration were noted with succinate. Cytochrome a + a3 content, cytochrome oxidase activity and total mitochondrial protein content appeared to be unchanged. In contrast, cytochromes b, c + c1, and the flavoproteins were significantly decreased. The data suggest that iron deficiency anemia induces cardiac hypertrophy with a fixed but defective mitochondrial population, potentially placing the heart in an energetic imbalance. These differences in mitochondrial function were expressed by decreased myocardial performance when the heart metabolizes pyruvate, an exclusively aerobic substrate.
Myrionecta rubra (Mesodinium rubrum) bloom initiation in the Columbia River estuary

Abstract To better understand the development of the annually recurring late summer red water blooms of the phototrophic ciliate Myrionecta rubra in the Columbia River estuary we examined its standing stocks and measured its growth rates both in the estuary main channels and in Baker Bay, a peripheral embayment situated near the river mouth. Data collected during two summers show a biphasic development of M. rubra blooms, with an initial phase when the protist was only detected in Baker Bay, followed by an established phase when red waters were observed throughout the lower estuary. Ilwaco harbor (Baker Bay’s seaward-end) is at least one of the locations where the bloom starts since M. rubra was detected there at concentrations >100s cell L −1 before Chinook harbor (Baker Bay’s upriver-end) or the estuary main channels. In 2010, this initial phase lasted about 1.5 months, spanning the neap tide of early July to the beginning of the neap tide of mid-August. While high growth rates were measured in Ilwaco harbor during the initial phase (1.2–3.1 d −1 ) and in the estuary main channels in both surface red (0.7 d −1 ) and adjacent non-red (1.1 d −1 ) waters during the established period, growth of the ciliate was not detected in Ilwaco harbor during this second phase. Growth rate data obtained during the established bloom phase also suggest that M. rubra cells in the estuary mostly divide during the daytime and that red water patches might experience self-shading.
Prognostic biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma

A hallmark of renal cell carcinoma is its variable prognosis. Surgical resection of primary renal cell carcinoma can be curative when the disease is localized. However, approximately 20% of patients with early stages of localized renal cell carcinomas subsequently develop metastasis after the primary tumor is removed. The median survival for patients with metastatic disease is approximately 13 months. Therefore, there is a great need for biomarkers to predict metastasis and prognosis. Many prognostic biomarkers were studied in the past decade. In recent years, several promising biomarkers, including CAIX, B7-H1 and IMP3, have also been identified by large retrospective studies. Further validation of these biomarkers is essential to transfer the research data into clinical practice. Eventually, an outcome prediction model with biomarkers, staging system and other risk factors will identify high-risk patients with likelihood of progression and formulate different follow-up protocols or systematic treatments for these patients.
Hybrid single-phase multilevel inverters as renewable energy interfaces considering THD, modularity and capacitor recharging

For relatively low voltage dc sources such as photovoltaic arrays and fuel cell stacks to supply power to typical AC systems, using multilevel inverters is an approach with several advantages. In doing so, while it is possible to achieve optimal THD below 5% by staircase/block modulation of cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverters, this requires the use of several separate dc sources with different non-integer ratio values. This paper proposes having some of these source values be equal to each other to increase sub-system modularity, and replacing some H-bridge cells by a diode-clamped inverter to reduce the required number of separate dc sources, while still achieving near-optimal THD below 5%. In addition, a means of re-charging the diode-clamped inverter's inner capacitors is proposed Analytical, simulation and experimental results are presented for an example hybrid converter with four H-bridge cells in series with a 5-level diode-clamped inverter.
EXAFS Measurements Of Ion-Implanted Amorphous Surface Layers

EXAFS measurements of ion-damaged amorphous Ge (a-Ge) show that low temperature annealing causes a structural relaxation in the as-implanted a-Ge. It is found that there is a sharpening of the first shell in the radial distribution but no change occurs in the first-shell distance or coordination number. No higher shells in the radial distribution are observed, either before or after annealing, indicating that these shells remain highly disordered. The observed structural relaxation is an amorphous-amorphous transition; no nucleation of microcrystals takes place. EXAFS measurements are made using conversion electron detection (CEEXAFS), which is essentially total electron yield detection in ambient conditions, allowing the EXAFS measurements to be near-surface sensitive with a sampling depth of 600 to 800 A.
Associations between energy drink consumption and alcohol use behaviors among college students

BACKGROUND: To explore associations between energy drink consumption and alcohol use among college students. METHODS: Participants included 585 students (m age=18.7; 47.0% White, 21% Hispanic, 25% Asian, 7% other race/ethnicity; 56.0% female). Energy drink behaviors included past month and past week consumption. Alcohol use behaviors included past month and past two week consumption, as well as heavy drinking and quantity of alcohol consumed. Consumption of energy drinks mixed with alcohol was also measured. Linear and logistic regression analyses between energy drink consumption and alcohol use were run controlling for gender, age, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: For each one unit increase in past month (i.e., additional day used) energy drink use, the likelihood of past month alcohol use increased by 80%, heavy drinking by 80% and past month energy drinks mixed with alcohol use by 90%. Similar results were found for past week energy drink use. A positive relationship between energy drink use and quantity of alcohol consumed during a single episode of drinking was also found (p Language: en
Functional protein domains from the thermally driven motion of polypeptide chains: A proposal

It is proposed that the thermally driven motion of certain polypeptide chains, including those that are part of an otherwise stable folded protein, produces time-averaged three-dimensional domains that confer unique functions to a protein. These domains may be controlled by collapsing the polypeptide into an enthalpically favored structure, or extending it into an entropically dominated form. In the extended form, these domains occupy a relatively large space, which may be used to regulate protein–protein interactions and confer mechanical properties to proteins. This “entropic bristle” model makes several predictions about the structure and properties of these domains, and the predictions are used to reevaluate a range of biophysical studies on proteins. The outcome of the analysis suggests that the entropic bristle can be used to explain a wide range of disparate and apparently unrelated experimental observations. Proteins 32:223–228, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.