cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partial-volume effect on marker localization in medical density images

Registration of medical images to each other and to physical space for the purposes of surgical planning and surgical navigation can be accomplished using externally attached fiducial markers. The accuracy of fiducial localization, that is, the accuracy of estimating the position of the marker's centroid, is extremely important because marker-based registration accuracy is proportional to localization accuracy. The traditional method of calculating the marker centroid using intensity weighting contains a serious logic flaw. This paper introduces a novel and efficient method for correcting this flaw. Theoretical analysis, computer simulation, and analysis of clinical images demonstrate the importance of this correction.
Iterative Solution of Nonlinear Equations in Several Variables

Preface to the Classics Edition Preface Acknowledgments Glossary of Symbols Introduction Part I. Background Material. 1. Sample Problems 2. Linear Algebra 3. Analysis Part II. Nonconstructive Existence Theorems. 4. Gradient Mappings and Minimization 5. Contractions and the Continuation Property 6. The Degree of a Mapping Part III. Iterative Methods. 7. General Iterative Methods 8. Minimization Methods Part IV. Local Convergence. 9. Rates of Convergence-General 10. One-Step Stationary Methods 11. Multistep Methods and Additional One-Step Methods Part V. Semilocal and Global Convergence. 12. Contractions and Nonlinear Majorants 13. Convergence under Partial Ordering 14. Convergence of Minimization Methods An Annotated List of Basic Reference Books Bibliography Author Index Subject Index.
HORMONE STORAGE GRANULES IN THE BEEF ANTERIOR PITUITARY I. Isolation, Ultrastructure, and Some Biochemical Properties

A method is described for isolation of relatively large quantities of large and small hormone storage granules from the beef adenohypophysis. The hormone storage granules are highly purified, as indicated by ultrastructural and biochemical criteria. The average size of large granules is 400 mµ and of small granules is 220 mµ. The large granules contain growth hormone and prolactin; the small granules contain high concentrations of follicle-stimulating, luteinizing, and thyroid-stimulating hormones. An alkaline protease with a pH optimum of 8.3 is associated with the small granule fraction.
Buyer's Remorse: The Relationship between Local Economic Circumstances and Special District Policies

Burns argues that the creation of local governments is not a politically neutral act. From the 1950s through the 1980s, many governments in the United States were incorporated to provide publicly funded infrastructure for private developments and reduce the tax burdens of manufacturers. Although it is unclear whether or not the factors necessary for the formation of special districts had any impact upon subsequent district policies in either 1972, 1982, or 1992. Using U.S. Bureau of the Census data sets, I demonstrate that manufacturers maintained their influence over municipality-sized special districts, but not county-sized districts. The study also finds that private development had some impact upon the policies of county-sized districts as did the racial composition of those counties. Finally, state statutes restricting local governmental behavior had a strong effect upon the policies of both county-sized and municipal-sized districts for most periods under examination.
Role of the effective electrical conductivity of nanosuspensions in the generation of TiO2 agglomerates with electrospray

Abstract Suspensions with varying volume fraction of TiO 2 nanoparticles and ionic strength were electrosprayed to obtain agglomerates of different characteristics, which were then deposited to produce films with tailored morphology, thickness, and porosity. The role of the nanoparticle volume fraction in both the effective electrical conductivity of TiO 2 nanosuspensions and the control of the size of agglomerates produced by electrospray was investigated. A simple modified equation for the effective electrical conductivity of TiO 2 nanoparticle suspensions was derived. The equation, which accounted for nanoparticles' diffuse ionic layer and their agglomeration in a liquid, showed that the effective electrical conductivity is not only a function of the liquid and particle conductivities, and the particle volume fraction but also a function of both the thickness of the adsorbed ionic layer on the particles and the particle size. Gradual increase of particle volume fraction resulted in an increase in the suspension's effective electrical conductivity, when the initial liquid conductivity was in the range of 10 −4 –10 −3 S m −1 . When the liquid conductivity was in the range of 10 −3 –10 −2 S m −1 ; however, addition of particles did not have any significant effect on the effective electrical conductivity. Control over the size of the TiO 2 nanoparticle agglomerates was achieved by electrospraying suspensions with liquid electrical conductivity of the order of 10 −3 S m −1 and by varying the particle volume fraction. Electrospray deposition of suspensions with TiO 2 volume fraction=0.04% resulted in a more compact film with lower porosity and showed better water-splitting performance.
A Comparison of Two Published Reading Inventories

The study examines the extent to which two popular Published Reading Inventories (PRIs) identify the same instructional level when administered to 50 children in grades 1 through 7. The results demonstrate a significant lack of congruence between the instruments, particularly at the intermediate grade levels. The application of the Fry Readability Formula to paragraphs from both inventories also shows little agreement in grade level designations. Recommendations that pertain to the possible improvement of PRls are provided.
Visceral Afferent Pathways and Functional Brain Imaging

The application of functional imaging to study painful sensations has generated considerable interest regarding insight into brain dysfunction that may be responsible for functional pain such as that suffered in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This review provides a brief introduction to the development of brain science as it relates to pain processing and a snapshot of recent functional imaging results with somatic and visceral pain. Particular emphasis is placed on current hypotheses regarding dysfunction of the brain-gut axis in IBS patients. There are clear and interpretable differences in brain activation following somatic as compared with visceral noxious sensation. Noxious visceral distension, particularly of the lower gastrointestinal tract, activates regions associated with unpleasant affect and autonomic responses. Noxious somatic sensation, in contrast, activates regions associated with cognition and skeletomotor responses. Differences between IBS patients and control subjects, however, were far less clear and interpretable. While this is in part due to the newness of this field, it also reflects weaknesses inherent within the current understanding of IBS. Future use of functional imaging to examine IBS and other functional disorders will be more likely to succeed by describing clear theoretical and clinical endpoints.
Boundedness and Invertibility

Boundedness is a useful and natural condition, but it is a very strong condition on a linear transformation. The condition has a profound effect throughout operator theory, from its mildest algebraic aspects to its most complicated topological ones. To avoid certain obvious mistakes, it is important to know that boundedness is more than just the conjunction of an infinite number of conditions, one for each element of a basis. If A is an operator on a Hilbert space H with an orthonormal basis {e1, e2, e3, ⋯}, then the numbers ‖ Ae n ‖ are bounded; if, for instance, ‖ A ‖ ≦ 1, then ‖ Ae n ‖ ≦ 1 for all n; and, of course, if A = 0, then Ae n = 0 for all n. The obvious mistakes just mentioned are based on the assumption that the converses of these assertions are true.
Deficits in sentence expression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Quantitative examinations of speech production in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are rare. To identify language features minimally confounded by a motor disorder, we investigated linguistic and motor sources of impaired sentence expression in ALS, and we related deficits to gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) MRI abnormalities. We analyzed a semi-structured speech sample in 26 ALS patients and 19 healthy seniors for motor- and language-related deficits. Regression analyses related grammaticality to GM atrophy and reduced WM fractional anisotropy (FA). Results demonstrated that ALS patients were impaired relative to controls on quantity of speech, speech rate, speech articulation errors, and grammaticality. Speech rate and articulation errors were related to the patients’ motor impairment, while grammatical difficulty was independent of motor difficulty. This was confirmed in subgroups without dysarthria and without executive deficits. Regressions related grammatical expression to GM atrophy in left inferior frontal and anterior temporal regions and to reduced FA in superior longitudinal and inferior frontal-occipital fasciculi. In conclusion, patients with ALS exhibit multifactorial deficits in sentence expression. They demonstrate a deficit in grammatical expression that is independent of their motor disorder. Impaired grammatical expression is related to disease in a network of brain regions associated with syntactic processing.
Adaptive time horizon optimization in model predictive control

Whenever the control task involves the tracking of a reference signal the performance is typically improved if one knows the future behavior of this reference. However, in many applications, this is typically not the case, e.g., when the reference signal is generated by a human operator, and a remedy to this can be to try and model the reference signal over a short time horizon. In this paper, we address the problem of selecting this horizon in an adaptive fashion by minimizing a cost that takes into account the performance of the underlying control problem (that prefers longer time horizons) and the effectiveness of the reference signal model (that prefers shorter time horizons). The result is an adaptive time horizon controller that operates in a manner reminiscent of Model Predictive Control (MPC).
In vitro Inhibition of Methadone and Oxycodone Cytochrome P450-Dependent Metabolism: Reversible Inhibition by H2-Receptor Agonists and Proton-Pump Inhibitors

In vitro inhibition of oxycodone metabolism to noroxycodone and oxymorphone and R- and S-methadone metabolism to R- and S-2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) was measured for four H2-receptor antagonists and five proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) using human liver microsomes (HLM) and cDNA-expressed human cytochrome P450s (rCYPs). Inhibitors were first incubated with HLM at three concentrations with and without preincubation of inhibitor, enzyme source and reducing equivalents to also screen for time-dependent inhibition (TDI). Cimetidine and famotidine (10-1,000 µM) inhibited all the four pathways >50%. Nizatidine and ranitidine did not. All the five PPIs (1-200 µM) inhibited one or more pathways >50%. Half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) were then determined using rCYPs. Cimetidine and famotidine both inhibited CYP3A4-mediated formation of noroxycodone and CYP2D6-mediated formation of oxymorphone, and famotidine inhibited CYP3A4-mediated formation of R- and S-EDDP, but IC50s were so high that only >10× therapeutic concentrations may have potential for reversible in vivo inhibition. The PPIs were more potent inhibitors; many have the potential for reversible in vivo inhibition at therapeutic concentrations. Omeprazole, esomeprazole and pantoprazole had greater effects on CYP3A4-mediated reactions, whereas lansoprazole was selective for CYP2D6-mediated formation of oxymorphone. Preincubation enhanced cimetidine inhibition of noroxycodone formation and rabeprazole inhibition of all pathways. Future studies will explore irreversible TDI.
Substrate, enzyme and coenzyme levels in male and female rats from 3 to 24 months of age

Abstract 1. 1. Experiments were carried out to determine liver and brain enzyme, coenzyme and substrate levels in male and female rats at 3–24 months of age. 2. 2. Results confirmed that few consistent patterns of change with age appear in the coenzymes, enzymes and substrates measured. 3. 3. Liver glutamic and malic dehydrogenases as well as aspartic and malic acid levels in the female were higher at most ages compared with the male, suggesting hormonal influences. 4. 4. Since all rats were maintained under standardized conditions, and only one strain of rat was used, the changes observed were due to age and/or sex rather than to diet, strain, and/or environmental factors.
Nitric oxide delivery via a permeable balloon catheter inhibits neointimal growth after arterial injury.

Background Neointimal hyperplasia limits the longevity of vascular interventions. Nitric oxide (NO) is well known to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. However, delivery of NO to the vasculature is challenging. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy of delivering NO to the site of injury using a permeable balloon catheter. Our hypothesis is that ultra-short duration NO delivery using a permeable balloon catheter will inhibit neointimal hyperplasia. Materials and methods Ten-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent carotid artery balloon injury. Groups included: (1) control, (2) injury, (3) injury + periadventitial NO, and (4) injury + endoluminal NO via permeable balloon catheter. The catheter was inflated to 5 atm pressure for 5 min. Arteries were harvested 2 wk following injury. Morphometric assessment for neointimal hyperplasia and immunohistochemical staining for inflammatory markers were performed. Results Injury increased neointimal hyperplasia compared with control (intima/media area [I/M] ratio 1.07 versus 0.11, respectively, P < 0.001). Periadventitial delivery of NO reduced the I/M area ratio compared with injury alone (55% decrease, P < 0.001). Endoluminal delivery of NO also reduced the I/M area ratio compared with injury alone (65% decrease; P < 0.001). Both endoluminal and periadventitial NO affected the I/M ratio by reducing the intimal area (64% and 46%, respectively, P < 0.001) whereas neither affected the medial area. Periadventitial NO delivery increased lumen area (P < 0.05), whereas endoluminal NO delivery increased circumference (P < 0.05). Periadventitial NO delivery inhibited macrophage intimal infiltration compared with injury alone (P < 0.05). Conclusions These data demonstrate that short-duration endoluminal NO delivery via permeable balloon catheters inhibits neointimal hyperplasia following arterial interventions. Endoluminal delivery of NO could become a focus for future clinical interventions.
Anonymous credentials on a standard java card

Secure identity tokens such as Electronic Identity (eID) cards are emerging everywhere. At the same time user-centric identity management gains acceptance. Anonymous credential schemes are the optimal realization of user-centricity. However, on inexpensive hardware platforms, typically used for eID cards, these schemes could not be made to meet the necessary requirements such as future-proof key lengths and transaction times on the order of 10 seconds. The reasons for this is the need for the hardware platform to be standardized and certified. Therefore an implementation is only possible as a Java Card applet. This results in severe restrictions: little memory (transient and persistent), an 8-bit CPU, and access to hardware acceleration for cryptographic operations only by defined interfaces such as RSA encryption operations.Still, we present the first practical implementation of an anonymous credential system on a Java Card 2.2.1. We achieve transaction times that are orders of magnitudes faster than those of any prior attempt, while raising the bar in terms of key length and trust model. Our system is the first one to act completely autonomously on card and to maintain its properties in the face of an untrusted terminal. In addition, we provide a formal system specification and share our solution strategies and experiences gained and with the Java Card.
An optical potential approach to incoherent multiple thermal diffuse scattering in quantitative HRTEM

The theory for the absorption potential (or optical potential) in electron scattering was first proposed by Yoshioka in 1957 based on an approximation that the Green’s function is replaced by its form in free-space. This approximation has dramatically simplified the calculation, but the function of the optical potential has been partially lost. In this paper, a rigorous theoretical proof is given based on the quantum inelastic excitation theory to show that the inclusion of the optical potential in the dynamic calculation automatically recovers the contributions made by the high-order di⁄use scattering although the calculation is done using the equation derived for single di⁄use scattering. This conclusion generalizes the existing first-order di⁄use scattering theories to cases in which the incoherent multiple di⁄use scattering are important. It is suggested that multiple thermal di⁄use scattering (or phonon excitations) is likely to be the dominant source for a⁄ecting image contrast in quantitative electron microscopy because of the channeling e⁄ect and the localized scattering nature of phonon excitation. Surprisingly, phonon scattering is anticipated to contribute fine atomic-scale contrast in the image, which is believed to be more pronounced than the “white noise” e⁄ect of conventional understanding. The optical potential is no longer a simple potential function, rather it is a non-local function strongly dependent on the dynamic di⁄raction in the crystal because of the involvement of Green’s function. These characteristics can be properly taken into the computation using a proposed Bloch wave—multislice approach, in which the non-local e⁄ect is resolved in the Bloch wave matrix diagonalization and the dynamical e⁄ect is taken care of using Green’s function calculated by the multislice theory under the small angle (or high-energy) scattering approximation. In the ground-state approximation, by which we mean that the crystal is in its ground state before each and every inelastic excitation, an
Love in the Time of Tamagotchi

There is a popular conception among many Zeitgeist watchers, especially in places like the US, Western Europe and Australia, of the urbanized East as existing somehow further into the future. As William Gibson once stated: `The future is here; it just isn't equally distributed yet.' This kind of cultural fetishism extends to not only technolust, but the practices that new gadgets and electronics encourage. The specific phenomenon explored in this article is that of virtual girlfriends and boyfriends: whether in the form of avatars or automated SMS text messages. This particularly Japanese `craze', if we can call it that, fascinates and appals people who still hold P2P romance IRL in high-esteem. It seems like an insult to the intrinsically human and humanist discourse of courtship; and indeed it is. How does this perspective change, however, if we consider `love' as a technology? That is, as both a code with its own algorithmic parameters, and a discourse that also challenges the hyper-rational assumption...
Oil Discoveries, Shifting Power, and Civil Conflict

Can the discovery of petroleum resources increase the risk of civil conflict even before their exploitation? We argue that it can, but only in poorer states where oil revenues threaten to alter the balance of power between regimes and their opponents, rendering bargains in the present obsolete in the future. We develop our claims via a game-theoretic model of bargaining between a government and a rebel group, where decisions over war and peace occur in the shadow of increasing oil wealth that both increases national wealth and shifts relative power in the government's favor. To test the model's main hypothesis, we leverage data on newly discovered oil deposits as an indicator of the state's expected future power resources. Our argument has important implications for the literature on credible commitments, power shifts, and violent conflict.
How the Gl pathologist can interact best with the Gl trainee

Effective collaboration between endoscopists is essential if optimal results from gastrointestinal biopsy are to be achieved. Agreed upon ways to enhance communication should be established, such as special requisition forms and regular conferences to discuss biopsy findings. Endoscopists and pathologists should know about and feel free to discuss the other specialist's procedures and techniques. Furthermore, all procedures and techniques for obtaining, handling, and reaching diagnostic conclusions from biopsy specimens need to be carefully examined and optimized. Recommended approaches are presented.
Uncovering influence links in molecular knowledge networks to streamline personalized medicine

Display Omitted RIIG infers influence relations among biomarker proteins and biological pathways.RIIG uncovers patient-specific complex relationships among biological entities.RIIG facilitates finding effective drug targets in a personalized medicine setting.RIIG bridges curated biomedical knowledge and causal reasoning with clinical data. ObjectivesWe developed Resource Description Framework (RDF)-induced InfluGrams (RIIG) - an informatics formalism to uncover complex relationships among biomarker proteins and biological pathways using the biomedical knowledge bases. We demonstrate an application of RIIG in morphoproteomics, a theranostic technique aimed at comprehensive analysis of protein circuitries to design effective therapeutic strategies in personalized medicine setting. MethodsRIIG uses an RDF "mashup" knowledge base that integrates publicly available pathway and protein data with ontologies. To mine for RDF-induced Influence Links, RIIG introduces notions of RDF relevancy and RDF collider, which mimic conditional independence and "explaining away" mechanism in probabilistic systems. Using these notions and constraint-based structure learning algorithms, the formalism generates the morphoproteomic diagrams, which we call InfluGrams, for further analysis by experts. ResultsRIIG was able to recover up to 90% of predefined influence links in a simulated environment using synthetic data and outperformed a naive Monte Carlo sampling of random links. In clinical cases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma, a significant level of concordance between the RIIG-generated and expert-built morphoproteomic diagrams was observed. In a clinical case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma, RIIG allowed selection of alternative therapeutic targets, the validity of which was supported by a systematic literature review. We have also illustrated an ability of RIIG to discover novel influence links in the general case of the ALL. ConclusionsApplications of the RIIG formalism demonstrated its potential to uncover patient-specific complex relationships among biological entities to find effective drug targets in a personalized medicine setting. We conclude that RIIG provides an effective means not only to streamline morphoproteomic studies, but also to bridge curated biomedical knowledge and causal reasoning with the clinical data in general.
Relation between circulating leptin concentrations and appetite during a prolonged, moderate energy deficit in women.

Background: On the basis of observations in rodents, leptin is thought to play a key role in the regulation of energy expenditure and food intake. but less is known of its influence on ingestive behavior and energy balance in humans. Objective: We examined the effect in women of a chronic energy deficit on plasma leptin concentrations and self-reported appetite and explored possible relations between leptin and appetite sensations. Design: Twelve healthy women (body mass index, in kg/m 2 : 23-37) participated in a metabolic ward study in which 3 wk of neutral energy balance was followed by 12 wk of energy deficit (energy intake reduced by 2 MJ/d and energy expenditure increased by 0.8 MJ/d). Body weight and composition were monitored, fasting leptin concentrations were measured 4 times, and feelings of hunger. fullness, desire to eat. and prospective consumption were monitored hourly throughout the day on 7 selected days. Results: Adiposity-adjusted leptin decreased by 54% after I wk of a moderate energy deficit and remained low after 6 and 12 wk. Leptin was associated with self-reported hunger. desire to eat, and prospective consumption (range of r: -0.6 to -0.7, P < 0.01). The greatest hunger increase coincided with the largest percentage drop in circulating leptin and the lowest final leptin concentration. The relation between leptin and hunger was not influenced by amount of weight or body fat loss. Conclusions: These findings support the idea that leptin is a physiologic regulator of hunger during energy deficits in humans; the role of leptin in the long-term regulation of food intake warrants further study.
The Effect of Particle Size on the Regional Deposition of Inhaled Aerosols in the Human Respiratory Tract

Abstract The effect of particle size on the regional deposition of aerosols inhaled through the mouth was determined in 93 studies on 34 subjects. The test aerosols were spherical monodisperse insoluble iron oxide particles (specific gravity 2.5) containing radioactive tags, ranging in median unit density diameter from 2.1 to 12.5-microns (σ ≅ 1.08). Particles deposited on the bronchial tree were translocated to the stomach by mucociliary clearance which was essentially complete within the first day. The proportion of the initial lung burden of radioactive particles removed during the first 24 hours provided a functional measure of tracheo-bronchial deposition. A portion of the inhaled aerosol was deposited in the head by impaction. As an impactor, the tracheobronchial tree is more efficient. For each individual subject, head and tracheobronchial deposition increased with increasing particle size. Alveolar depositions decreased with size for particles larger than 4-microns.
Quaternary geochronology using the UThPb method

Abstract We describe a method of uranium-thorium-lead (UThPb) isotopic age dating for Quaternary rocks. The approach uses an instrumental mass discrimination correction for lead isotope ratios, which allows small enrichments of radiogenic 206Ph and 208Ph to be detected at the level of 0.001%. Igneous rocks hosting minerals with a range in 238 U 204 Pb values of 100 can be dated with uncertainties of approximately ±15–20 kyr. A Quaternary rhyolite dated at 1.19 Ma by KAr yields a 238U206Ph age of 1.03 ± 0.10 Ma. A Holocene dacite (9.5 ka) has uniform 206 Pb 207 Pb to within 0.0015% in groundmass phases, but 1 mm plagioclase phenocrysts have lower 206 Pb 207 Pb by 0.105 ± 0.002% indicating contamination of the magma after plagioclase crystallization. High precision 206 Pb 207 Ph ratios may be a useful new tool for petrogenetic studies.
Evaluation of Medical Simulations

ABSTRACTSimulations hold great promise for medical education, but not all simulations are effective, and reviews of simulation-based medical education research indicate that most evaluations of the effectiveness of medical simulations have not been of sufficient technical quality to produce trustworthy results. This article discusses issues associated with the technical quality of evaluations and methods for achieving it in evaluations of the effectiveness of medical simulations. It begins with a discussion of the criteria for technical quality, and then discusses measures available for evaluating medical simulation, approaches to scoring simulation performance, and methodological approaches. It concludes with a summary and discussion of future directions in methods and technology for evaluating medical simulations.
Cancer Treatment in Patients With HIV Infection and Non–AIDS-Defining Cancers: A Survey of US Oncologists

Provider-level factors are associated with delivery of nonstandard cancer treatment to HIV-infected patients. Policy change, provider education, and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed to improve access to cancer treatment.
Curb Cuts in the Terrain of Conflict: Hegemony and Opportunity in the Americans with Disabilities Act

Crisis creates obstacles, but also opportunities. In the economic restructuring that follows recent global events, we may see significant changes in the organization of workers, workplaces, and work itself -- which makes this a crucial time for advancing and evaluating visions of just work. This paper explores contrasting visions of justice through the lens of the Americans With Disabilities Act, which entitles workers with medically documented disabilities to reasonable accommodation in their workplaces, subject to workers' abilities to perform the essential functions of their positions. I argue that such provisions are exemplary of law's operation as aterrain of conflict between the powerful and powerless, here mingling, on the one hand, a vision of radical reform for both people with disabilities and workers more generally, and on the other, a reiteration of the marginality and subordination of both groups, compounding these at the groups' intersection. I conclude by putting forth an alternative vision of justice, one which draws on the most promising elements of the ADA framework as a model for worker empowerment and workplace diversity broadly understood, while seeking to avoid the shortcomings of that framework through a refiguring of the worker and a reconceptualization of diversity.
Importance of PKC and tyrosine kinase in single or multiple cycles of preconditioning in rat hearts.

Both tyrosine kinase (TK) and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors have been shown individually to completely abolish the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in rabbits; however...
Does leptin predict successful induction of labor

Obesity in pregnancy is becoming increasingly common and is associated with many pregnancy-related complications such as failed induction of labor (IOL). Leptin, an adipocytokine important in energy homeostasis, is found in higher levels in obese individuals. Leptin has also been demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect on myometrial contractility in vitro. We hypothesize that leptin may play a part in the mechanism of dysfunctional labor. Thus, we sought to compare the maternal plasma leptin levels in women that had a successful vaginal delivery post-IOL vs. those who had a C-section post-IOL.
Surgical Treatment of Advanced Heart Failure

Improved medical therapy is enabling a growing number of patients to survive previously fatal cardiovascular conditions, but many of these patients later succumb to advanced heart failure. Cardiac transplantation is an established surgical treatment option for advanced heart failure, but despite expansion of the criteria for donor selection, the number of hearts available for transplantation remains limited. Mechanical circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices is being used both as a bridge to transplantation and as destination therapy, and it may promote recovery of cardiac function in patients with advanced heart failure. Attempts to develop a transcutaneously powered total artificial heart are ongoing. Other treatments under investigation include surgical restoration of the left ventricular wall (Dor procedure) and passive left ventricular reshaping to reverse ventricular dilation, thereby preventing further myocardial cell death, and allowing hypertrophied cardiac cells to resume normal function. Mitral valve repair or replacement for severe secondary mitral regurgitation might also be useful in treating advanced heart failure. In contrast, partial left ventriculectomy is not recommended.
An Integrated Transport Solution to Big Data Movement in High-Performance Networks

We propose and develop an integrated transport solution to big data movement in high-performance networks in support of data-and network-intensive applications in various science domains. This solution integrates three major components, i.e. i) transport-support workflow optimization, ii) transport profile generation, and iii) transport protocol design, into a unified framework.
Actin isoform and α1B-adrenoceptor gene expression in aortic and coronary smooth muscle is influenced by cyclical stretch

The occurrence of vascular domains with specific biological and pharmacological characteristics suggests that smooth muscle cells in different arteries may respond differentially to a wide range of environmental stimuli. To determine if some of these vessel-specific differences may be attributable to mechano-sensitive gene regulation, the influence of cyclical stretch on the expression of actin isoform and α1B-adrenoceptor genes was examined in aortic and coronary smooth muscle cells. Cells were seeded on an elastin substrate and subjected to maximal stretching (24% elongation) and relaxation cycles at a frequency of 120 cycles/min in a Flexercell strain unit for 72 h. Total RNA was extracted and hybridized to radiolabeled cDNA probes to assess gene expression. Stretch caused a greater reduction of actin isoform mRNA levels in aortic smooth muscle cells as compared to cells from the coronary artery. Steady-state mRNA levels of α1B -adrenoceptor were also decreased by cyclical stretch in both cell types but the magnitude of the response was greater in coronary smooth muscle cells. No changes in α1B-adrenoceptor or β/γ-actin steady-state mRNA levels were observed in H4IIE cells, a nonvascular, immortalized cell line. The relative gene expression of heat shock protein 70 was not influenced by the cyclic stretch regimen in any of these cell types. These results suggest that stretch may participate in the regulation of gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and that this response exhibits some degree of cell-specificity.
Orientational Order of a Lyotropic Chromonic Liquid Crystal Measured by Polarized Raman Spectroscopy

Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals are distinct from thermotropic nematics from a fundamental standpoint as the structure of the aggregating columns is a function of both the temperature and concentration. We report on the thermal evolution of orientational order parameters, both the second (=scalar) (⟨P200⟩ (=S)) and fourth (⟨P400⟩) order, of sunset yellow FCF aqueous solutions, measured using polarized Raman spectroscopy for different concentrations. The order parameter increases with the concentration, and their values are high in comparison with those of thermotropic liquid crystals. On the basis of Raman spectroscopy, we provide the strongest evidence yet that the hydrozone tautomer of SSY is the predominant form in aqueous solutions in the isotropic, nematic, and columnar phases, as well as what we believe to be the first measurements of (⟨P400⟩) for this system.
Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Features of Choledocholithiasis: Focus on Abdominal Pain.

Objectives Although abdominal pain is a cardinal feature of choledocholithiasis, there has been little formal study of the features of pain in this condition. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of common bile duct stones, focusing on the characteristics of abdominal pain. Methods All of the patients evaluated for choledocholithiasis at the time of endoscopic cholangiopancreatography during a 3.5-year period were prospectively interviewed and evaluated. Specific features of abdominal pain were recorded, including pertinent radiographic and laboratory data and endoscopic cholangiopancreatography findings. Results During the 42-month study period, 61 patients (mean age 55.3 years; 42.6% men) were identified; 31 patients (50.8%) had undergone cholecystectomy. Of the 52 patients who reported pain, abdominal pain was most commonly described as constant (100%), located in the epigastrium alone (65%) or both the epigastrium and the right upper quadrant (25%), occurring at night (44.3%), and radiating to the back (59.6%) with the number of distinct pain episodes before diagnosis ranging from 1 to 20. The median duration of pain was 3 hours and ranged from 20 minutes to 2 days. Associated symptoms of nausea (69.2%) and vomiting (30.7%) were common. No differences in pain characteristics were detected between those with or without a prior cholecystectomy. Liver tests were abnormal in all patients, with serum transaminase values being most elevated. Conclusions In our study, choledocholithiasis had a characteristic pattern of constant epigastric pain radiating to the back that was associated with nausea. A prior episode was common. The most common laboratory abnormality was transaminase elevation, and the most common imaging finding was common bile duct dilatation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BLASTOCYST DEVELOPMENT IN VITRO

Four characteristics of culture medium that are important to embryo development and nutrition of the blastocyst have been discussed. An examination of several of the most commonly used media for embryo culture demonstrates many similarities among them. The milliosmolarities of the media range from the hypoosmotic optimums (256 milliosmols) demonstrated in several in vitro studies to the physiologic range (308 to 315 milliosmols). Media between these extremes generally allow good development. Low oxygen concentrations (5%) in the culture environment allow somewhat better development of early cleavage stages, but recent studies suggest the difference between development in 5 and 20% oxygen to be less than originally thought. The media most commonly employed for early embryo culture contain bicarbonate as the buffer, but maintenance of pH is probably not the most crucial role of the CO2-bicarbonate content of the media. Likewise, since 1965 almost all media used to culture embryos have used pyruvate as the primary energy source. This is particularly important when early stages, before blastocyst development, are cultured. The concentration used generally falls within the optimum range of 2.5 to 5.0 X 10(-4)M first reported. Although glucose is not oxidized well by the early cleavage stages, it is an important energy source for all blastocysts. Furthermore, glucose contributes more than any other carbon source, including amino acids, to protein formation. Much is yet to be learned concerning the nutrition of the blastocyst, but our knowledge has increased immensely during the last 15 years. Hopefully our progress will be at least as rapid in the coming decade.
How do you Sell when there is Nothing to Sell

Shortages are unprecedented in the experience of most sales managers and magnify a new set of issues. The general question is: “What sales strategy and tactics are appropriate under conditions of tight supply?” The subissues entail determining what adjustments must be made in selling-buying relationships to achieve objectives.
Nine Months of Fear and a Lifetime of Paranoia: The Hidden Effects of Pregnancy Manuals, Child Rearing Products, and More

Imagine you’re standing in a checkout line surrounded by racks of celebrity magazines and sensational tabloids. You would be hard-pressed not to encounter at least one headline devoted to pregnancy: a feature story on the latest expected Royal Baby a voyeuristic beachside photo prompting speculation about whether some celebrity or another is trying to hide her ‘baby bump’, or an intrusive article narrating some woman’s failure to reach the all-coveted state of pregnancy. For example, Jennifer Aniston, who has been the focus of countless articles speculating on the angst she must feel after every single one of Brad Pitt’s biological or adopted children is announced, recently drew media attention when a red carpet photo gave off the mistaken impression that she might be trying to conceal a pregnancy. The actress finally addressed the never-ending pregnancy rumors targeted at her, stating: T don’t have this sort of checklist of things that have to be done and … if they’re not checked, then I’ve failed some part of my feminism or my being a woman or [… decreased] my value as a woman because I haven’t birthed a child.’1 All of this attention (or scrutiny) directed at women could mistakenly be read as revealing the honored space that pregnant women have in our societies. In truth, as Aniston’s response reveals, when you search beneath the surface of such media moments, what you really find are pretty terrifying messages like these being sent to women: your ultimate goal should be to become mothers and, once you do, remember we’re watching you, so you’d best be carrying that child to term (and raising it in the way we deem fit).
Requests for care from family members.

Though physicians are generally prohibited by professional norms from treating family members in nonemergencies, they can express caring and even help a family member through the process of seeking care without crossing ethical boundaries.
Research in Medical School: A Survey Evaluating Why Medical Students Take Research Years.

Introduction: In recent years, an increasing number of medical students have taken time off during medical school in order to conduct research. Schools and students have invested millions of dollars and thousands of person-years on research projects, but little is known as to why students choose to take this time off. We aim to characterize why students take research years during medical school. Methods: The authors distributed an online survey about research in medical school to students at five medical schools that have highly regarded research programs. Results: 328 students responded to the survey. The most common reasons students take years off for research are: “increase competitiveness for residency application” (32%), “time to pursue other opportunities” (24%), and “academic interest” (23%). Students who would still take a research year even if they were already assured a position in a residency program of their choice were at 65%, while 35% would not take a research year. Responses varied based on whether students intended to go into a competitive specialty. Discussion: Medical students take research years for multiple reasons, although they frequently are not motivated by an interest in the research itself. Many student projects consume a substantial amount of time and money despite having little educational value. Medical schools, residency programs, and policymakers should rethink incentives to increase value and help students better pursue their academic interests.
Predicting the drying shrinkage behavior of high strength portland cement mortar under the combined influence of fine aggregate and steel micro fiber

The workability, 28-day compressive strength and free drying shrinkage of a very high strength (121-142 MPa) steel micro fiber reinforced portland cement mortar were studied under a combined influence of fine aggregate content and fiber content. The test results showed that an increase in the fine aggregate content resulted in decreases in the workability, 28-day compressive strength and drying shrinkage of mortar at a fixed fiber content. An increase in the fiber content resulted in decreases in the workability and drying shrinkage of mortar, but an increase in the 28-day compressive strength of mortar at a fixed fine aggregate content. The modified Gardner model most accurately predicted the drying shrinkage development of the high strength mortars, followed by the Ross model and the ACI 209R-92 model. The Gardner model gave the least accurate prediction for it was developed based on a database of normal strength concrete.
Adaptive response to land-use history and roost selection by Rafinesque’s big-eared bats

Although habitat loss and degradation are major contributors to species declines, some species are able to adapt to changes in land use by selecting different habitats or structures in disturbed areas than they do in more pristine habitats. Bats are particularly vulnerable to changes in land use due to their dependence on specific habitat types and structures. The objective of this study was to determine how selection and use of roost trees, and niche breadth of Rafinesque's big-eared bats (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) varied with land-use history. I examined use and selection of roosts at 3 bottomland hardwood sites that varied in amount and time since timber harvest. Fortynine transects were established as a means of searching for bats in trees with basal cavity openings and were surveyed 2–9 times. Bats at the most-disturbed sites exhibited the broadest niches, using a greater number of tree species and habitat types, although bats at the least-disturbed site used a broader range of cavity volumes. Cavity characteristics were the primary factors governing roost selection by Rafinesque's big-eared bats, but selection varied among sites. Probability of use increased with increasing cavity volume for bats at all sites, but bats at the most-disturbed site primarily used trees in the smallest cavity volume class, whereas bats at the least-disturbed site primarily used trees in the largest cavity volume class. Results of this study suggest that Rafinesque's bigeared bats can adapt to a range of habitat conditions if trees with large cavities are available. However, future studies need to determine the long-term viability of this species in disturbed habitats.
Comparison of Electrical-Environment Characteristics Between Two Different Types of EHV Transmission Lines

Abstract This paper represents the analysis results by comparison of characteristics on electrical environment between different EHV transmission lines, such as AN (Audible Noise), RI (Radio Interference), TVI (Television Interference), EMF (Electric and Magnetic Field). In Korea, the transmission lines with nominal voltage of 765-kV have been operating since 2002, and Hungary energized a 750-kV line in 1978. However both EHV transmission lines have different line configuration, Korea is a prime example of the first double circuit 765-kV line in the world, and Hungary has been operating one of the single circuit 750-kV.
MAYER LUX, LAURA: Die konkludente Täuschung beim Betrug. Verlag V & R unipress (Bonner Rechstwissenschaftliche Abhandlungen, Neue Folge, Band 11), Göttingen, 2013. 288 págs.

MAYER LUX, LAURA: Die konkludente Tauschung beim Betrug. Verlag V & R unipress (Bonner Rechstwissenschaftliche Abhandlungen, Neue Folge, Band 11), Gottingen, 2013. 288 pags.
When Is Teleconsultation Acceptable to School Psychologists

School psychologists report a desire to increase consultation with teachers but are limited by competing job demands. Consultation via videoconference (i.e., teleconsultation) offers one possible m...
Fragmented sovereignty and the geopolitics of illicit drugs in northern Burma

Abstract The study of the relationship between illicit drugs and state formation opens new directions for empirical inquiry into modalities of sovereignty. This article investigates the process of state formation in northern Burma, a highland notorious for illicit drugs for several decades, by examining how the drug trade both lubricates the Burmese state's territorial expansion and coercive control, and undercuts its sovereignty in the highland. Building upon Gramsci's theory of hegemony, I argue that illicit drugs foment domestic tensions and external intervention, and thus bolster a condition of fragmented sovereignty in which the Burmese state's crisis of hegemony is protracted. Regarding the role of illicit drugs in the process of state formation in source countries, we must transcend the debate on state failure or state consolidation and take fragmented sovereignty seriously as the dysfunction of state hegemony in relation to multiscalar political struggles among relatively autonomous, sometimes competing, cores of power.