cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative and postoperative predictors of satisfaction after surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess which preoperative and postoperative variables correlated with satisfaction after surgical treatment of urinary incontinence. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 371 women who underwent rectus fascial or midurethral sling procedure. Satisfaction was defined as a questionnaire response of "completely satisfied." Incontinence symptoms were based on responses to validated questionnaires. Associations between preoperative and postoperative variables and satisfaction were assessed with the use of logistic regression models. Results Increasing patient age (odds ratio [OR], 0.8; P = .002), body mass index (OR, 0.8; P = .003), and an autologous rectus fascial sling (compared with a midurethral sling; OR, 0.5; P = .003) were associated with decreased odds of satisfaction in a multivariate model. Furthermore, patients who required urethrolysis or had severe lower-urinary tract symptoms were significantly less likely to report satisfaction. Conclusion Increasing age, body mass index, and type of operation were associated with decreased odds of satisfaction.
ced-10 Rac and mig-2 Function Redundantly and Act with unc-73 Trio to Control the Orientation of Vulval Cell Divisions and Migrations in Caenorhabditis elegans

Vulval development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can be divided into a fate specification phase controlled in part by let-60 Ras, and a fate execution phase involving stereotypical patterns of cell division and migration controlled in part by lin-17 Frizzled. Since the small GTPase Rac has been implicated as a downstream target of both Ras and Frizzled and influences cytoskeletal dynamics, we investigated the role of Rac signaling during each phase of vulval development. We show that the Rac gene ced-10 and the Rac-related gene mig-2 are redundantly required for the proper orientation of certain vulval cell divisions, suggesting a role in spindle positioning. ced-10 Rac and mig-2 are also redundantly required for vulval cell migrations and play a minor role in vulval fate specification. Constitutively active and dominant-negative mutant forms of mig-2 cause vulval defects that are very similar to those seen in ced-10;mig-2 double loss-of-function mutants, indicating that they interfere with the functions of both ced-10 Rac and mig-2. Mutations in unc-73 (a Trio-like guanine nucleotide exchange factor) cause similar vulval defects, suggesting that UNC-73 is an exchange factor for both CED-10 and MIG-2. We discuss the similarities and differences between the cellular defects seen in Rac mutants and let-60 Ras or lin-17 Frizzled mutants.
OXIDATION OF 11-DESOXYCORTICOSTEROIDS WITH ADRENAL TISSUE HOMOGENATES12

IN THE course of the past year it has been demonstrated that the isolated perfused adrenal gland is capable of specific oxygenation of the steroid molecule in the carbon-11 position. Perfusion of the intact beef adrenal with serum or whole blood in the presence of adrenocorticotrophic hormone results in the appearance in the perfusate of pronounced adrenal cortical hormone activity (Hechter, 1949). Studies in which 11-desoxycorticosterone, 17-hydroxy-l11-desoxycorticosterone and androsterone were added to the perfusing fluid resulted in the specific oxidation of the steroids at the carbon-11 position, forming corticosterone, 17-hydroxycorticosterone and 11-(β)-hydroxyandrosterone respectively (Hechter, Jacobsen, Jeanloz, Levy, Marshall, Pincus and Schenker, 1949 and 1950). As a result of these studies by the Worcester group, the idea has arisen in a number of laboratories including our own, that oxidation of the steroid molecule at carbon-11 might be accomplished by the use of homogenates and perhaps cell...
Practical Compiler Techniques on Efficient Multithreaded Code Generation for OpenMP Programs

State-of-the-art multiprocessor systems pose several difficulties: (i) the user has to parallelize the existing serial code; (ii) explicitly threaded programs using a thread library are not portable; (iii) writing efficient multi-threaded programs requires intimate knowledge of machine's architecture and micro-architecture. Thus, well-tuned parallelizing compilers are in high demand to leverage state-of-the-art computer advances of NUMA-based multiprocessors, simultaneous multi-threading processors and chip-multiprocessor systems in response to the performance quest from the high-performance computing community. On the other hand, OpenMP* has emerged as the industry standard parallel programming model. Applications can be parallelized using OpenMP with less effort in a way that is portable across a wide range of multiprocessor systems. In this paper, we present several practical compiler optimization techniques and discuss their effect on the performance of OpenMP programs. We elaborate on the major design considerations in a high performance OpenMP compiler and present experimental data based on the implementation of the optimizations in the Intel® C++ and Fortran compilers. Interactions of the OpenMP transformation with other sequential optimizations in the compiler are discussed. The techniques in this paper have achieved significant performance improvements on the industry standard SPEC* OMPM2001 and SPEC* OMPL2001 benchmarks, and these performance results are presented for Intel® Pentium® and Itanium® processor based systems.
Tailored Preparation Methods of TiO2 Anatase, Rutile, Brookite: Mechanism of Formation and Electrochemical Properties†

Using a simple aqueous precipitation method based on a low-cost titanium oxysulfate precursor, we have prepared three TiO2 polymorphs: anatase, rutile, and brookite. Although the anatase form can be directly obtained from the thermolysis reaction of an oxysulfate solution, the rutile and the brookite have been prepared by the addition of oxalate species. Depending on the concentration, the oxalate anions have been shown to act either as a ligand with the stabilization of a titanium oxalate hydrate, Ti2O3(H2O)2(C2O4)·H2O, or as a chelating agent with the isolation of the rutile phase. The brookite form was obtained by thermal decomposition of the oxalate hydrate at a temperature as low as 300 °C. The resulting solid consisted of nanodomains of TiO2 brookite embedded in large micrometer-size particles and exhibited a high specific surface area of 255 m2/g because of the mesoporosity arising from the removal of water from the oxalate species. This type of morphology is of interest for lithium-ion batteries b...
SINGLE BOOK REVIEWS

Measuring Time with Artifacts:. History of Methods in American Archaeology. R. Lee Lyman and Michael J. O'Brien. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2006. 346 pp.
Reliability and Fail-Softness Analysis of Multistage Interconnection Networks

This paper presents a method for reliability analysis of multistage interconnection networks implemented with crossbar switching elements. Analytic estimates for the network reliability are derived, and the existence of a switching element with optimal fanout ensuring maximal network reliability is shown. A general quantitative measure for fail-softness evaluation of multistage interconnection networks is introduced. Under a single-fault assumption, the fail-softness improves with an Increase In network size.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Versus Individual Well Child Care for High-risk Children: Maternal-Child Interaction and Developmental Outcomes

Objective. To determine if group well child care (GWCC) for high-risk children affects maternal-child interaction and development as compared to these outcomes in children receiving traditional individual well child care (IWCC). Study Design. Randomized controlled trial. Participants. Infants less than 4 months old at the initiation of the study who came from high-risk families. Families were classified as high risk, and eligible for study participation, if the mother had one or more of the following characteristics: poverty, single marital status, less than a high school education, age less than 20 years at delivery, previous substance abuse, or a history of abuse as a child. Setting. Two urban, university pediatric clinics in Seattle, Washington. Interventions. Study children were randomized to receive GWCC or IWCC prior to the first study visit at the age of 4 months. Study health supervision visits were scheduled at 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 months of age. For children randomized to receive GWCC, study visits consisted of an age-matched group discussion of child rearing issues, either preceding or following a brief physical examination. After the 15-month visit, development of study patients was assessed by the use of Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Bayley). Maternal-child interaction and the home environment were evaluated by the use of the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS) and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME), respectively. Results. At least one outcome measure was obtained on 114 children; 86 patients completed all three outcome measures. Bayley psychomotor mean scores were 103.6 ± 11.5 for GWCC patients versus 100.0 ± 12.4 for those receiving IWCC ( P = .14); mean scores for the mental section were 99.3 ± 14.8 and 100.4 ± 14.3, respectively ( P = .71). The prevalence of high-risk maternal-child interactions was 10% in both the GWCC and IWCC groups. A high-risk home environment was found in 16% of IWCC patients versus 4% of those randomized to GWCC (odds ratio comparing IWCC to GWCC 4.6, 95% confidence interval 0.78, 26.0, after controlling for confounding variables). Provider time was similar among groups (mean number of minutes/patient/study visit: 19.8 ± 5.6 and 20.4 ± 6.7 for GWCC and IWCC, respectively, P = .66). Conclusion. GWCC is a viable alternative to IWCC for high-risk children. Developmental outcomes and maternal-child interaction are at least as good for children who received GWCC as compared to traditional IWCC, without any increase in provider time required. well child care, child development, maternal-child interaction, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment.
Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid treated with Mohs micrographic surgery.

Abstract Background: Sebaceous carcinoma is an aggressive neoplasm that commonly arises from the meibomian glands of the eyelids and other sebaceous glands of the ocular adnexa. Historic data indicate a nearly 30% local recurrence rate with standard surgical excision. Excision by means of Mohs micrographic surgery may be more efficacious. However, reports documenting the effectiveness of this technique for the treatment of eyelid sebaceous carcinoma have been limited to a few cases. Objective: We report our experience in the treatment of ocular sebaceous carcinoma with the Mohs fresh tissue technique. Methods: Eighteen patients with a diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid who underwent resection by means of the Mohs fresh tissue technique during the years 1988-1998 were reviewed. Results: Sixteen of the 18 patients were free of disease after an average follow-up of 37 months (11.1% recurrence rate). One patient who experienced local recurrence also had metastatic disease of the parotid lymph nodes (5.6% metastatic rate). The recurrence and metastasis were noted 9 months after excision. The other patient experienced a local recurrence 19 months postoperatively. Both patients exhibited pagetoid spread and involvement of both the upper and lower eyelid at the time of Mohs excision. Conclusion: Mohs surgery offers excellent results when used as the primary treatment modality for sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid. When compared with historic series of standard surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery has a significantly lower recurrence rate and metastatic rate. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;44:1004-9.)
Can We Treat Hydraulic Fracturing Flowback with a Conventional Biological Process? The Case of Guar Gum

Hydraulic fracturing of unconventional gas wells utilizes large volumes of water-based fluid to increase formation permeability and, as a result, generates large amounts of wastewater as flowback. This water requires suitable treatment before being reused or discharged into the environment. A principal ingredient of flowback water is guar gum (a gelling agent), which may adversely affect advanced flowback water treatment such as membrane separation. This study demonstrates the potential of an activated sludge mixed liquor to degrade guar under typical flowback conditions (i.e., high concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS)). Guar was efficiently degraded at a TDS concentration of 1500 mg/L, with more than 90% of the dissolved chemical oxygen demand (CODd) having been removed after 10 h. Increasing the TDS concentration to 45000 mg/L inhibited CODd degradation to 60% removal after 31 h. A high TDS concentration additionally resulted in an increased effluent level of total suspended solids and turbidity; however, these were efficiently reduced using ferric chloride coagulation followed by sedimentation and filtration. Biological reduction of the guar concentration increased the flux of a bench-scale ultrafiltration membrane, demonstrating the potential of the process to treat flowback water prior to membrane separation.
Mapping where ecologists work: biases in the global distribution of terrestrial ecological observations

Although the geographical context of ecological observations shapes ecological theory, the global distribution of ecological studies has never been analyzed. Here, we document the global distribution and context (protected status, biome, anthrome, and net primary productivity) of 2573 terrestrial study sites reported in recent publications (2004–2009) of 10 highly cited ecology journals. We find evidence of several geographical biases, including overrepresentation of protected areas, temperate deciduous woodlands, and wealthy countries. Even within densely settled or agricultural regions, ecologists tend to study “natural” fragments. Such biases in trendsetting journals may limit the scalability of ecological theory and hinder conservation efforts in the 75% of the terrestrial world where humans live and work.
The Thrombin Mutant W215A/ E217A Shows Safe and Potent Anticoagulant and Antithrombotic Effects in Vivo*

Administration of the thrombin mutant W215A/E217A (WE), rationally designed for selective activation of the anticoagulant protein C, elicits safe and potent anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects in a baboon model of platelet-dependent thrombosis. The lowest dose of WE tested (0.011 mg/kg bolus) reduced platelet thrombus accumulation by 80% and was at least as effective as the direct administration of 40-fold more (0.45 mg/kg bolus) activated protein C. WE-treated animals showed no detectable hemorrhage or organ failure. No procoagulant activity could be detected for up to 1 week in baboon plasma obtained following WE administration. These results show that engineered thrombin derivatives that selectively activate protein C may represent useful therapeutic agents for the treatment of thrombotic disorders.
Complex Dielectric Measurements of Materials at Q- Band, V- Band and W- Band Frequencies with High Power Sources

In this paper we present a systematic study of complex dielectric permittivity of various semiconductor and dielectric materials, including highly absorbing substances, in Q-, V- and W-band frequencies. The measurements have been done using broadband quasi-optical millimeter wave spectrometer with a backward-wave oscillator (BWO) as a non-destructive high power tunable source of coherent radiation. Values of real and imaginary parts of dielectric permittivity of materials are calculated from the transmittance spectra. Refractive index data, obtained using both unbalanced waveguide bridge technique and free space measurements have been compared with previously published results. Millimeter wave and terahertz imaging and spectroscopy with high power BWO tubes as sources of coherent radiation for security applications have been briefly discussed
A 5-10 GHz SiGe BiCMOS FPGA with new configurable logic block

Abstract This paper presents a new multiplexer based FPGA, which can operate at a clock frequency of 5–10 GHz. Redundant switches on the original signal paths are removed improving the performance. The configurable logic blocks (CLBs) power is greatly reduced by using a revised multiplexer structure and turning off unused cells dynamically. More routing capabilities are provided with more inputs/outputs in each direction than similar designs. A chip consisting of four FPGA ring oscillators was fabricated. The Spice simulation results and chip measurements are presented.
Phosphorylation of the F1Fo ATP Synthase β Subunit. Functional and Structural Consequences Assessed in a Model System

Rationale: We previously discovered several phosphorylations to the β subunit of the mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase complex in isolated rabbit myocytes on adenosine treatment, an agent that induces cardioprotection. The role of these phosphorylations is unknown. Objective: The present study focuses on the functional consequences of phosphorylation of the ATP synthase complex β subunit by generating nonphosphorylatable and phosphomimetic analogs in a model system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods and Results: The 4 amino acid residues with homology in yeast (T58, S213, T262, and T318) were studied with respect to growth, complex and supercomplex formation, and enzymatic activity (ATPase rate). The most striking mutant was the T262 site, for which the phosphomimetic (T262E) abolished activity, whereas the nonphosphorylatable strain (T262A) had an ATPase rate equivalent to wild type. Although T262E, like all of the β subunit mutants, was able to form the intact complex (F1Fo), this strain lacked a free F1 ...
Antiemetic activity of corticosteroids in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy: dosing, efficacy, and tolerability analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy remain the standards of treatment for many patients with cancer, but these modalities are often limited by distressing side-effects, most notably chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Methods: This paper considers the role of corticosteroids in CINV prophylaxis. Clinical trial results and treatment guidelines indicate that even with the emergence of new serotonin and neurokinin receptor antagonists, corticosteroids continue to play an important role in antiemesis for oncology patients. Numerous clinical trial results have demonstrated that both dexamethasone and methylprednisolone are effective as monotherapy and in combination with older and more recently developed antiemetic agents in patients receiving a wide range of chemotherapeutic regimens used for treatment of different cancers. Conclusions: With the increasing number of antineoplastic regimens and factors specific to individual patients, it is important to frequently review antiemetic treatment options and continually monitor therapeutic progress to establish the optimal therapy for each patient.
Sulfhydril nature of galactosyl transfer enzymes of spinach chloroplasts

Abstract The sulfhydril nature of galactosyl transfer enzymes in the biosynthesis of galactolipids has been established with the chloroplasts of Spinacia oleracea .
Enuresis: The beginning work—what really happened

The harmless, inexpensive, and effective method of treating enuresis (bed-wetting) described in this paper was developed more than forty years ago, yet dangerous, brutal, and ineffective methods of toilet training continue to be widely used. This article has therefore been prepared, not only because of historical considerations, but also in the hope of substantially increasing its usage, with benefit to enuretic children (adolescents, even some adults) and their families, far and wide. This article is not copyrighted, and the simple apparatus required for the type of training here described is not patented.
Prostate-specific antigen screening: a critical review of current research and guidelines.

AbstractPurposeScreening for prostate cancer (adenocarcinoma of the prostate), using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is controversial among health professionals and organizations who publish screening guideline recommendations for healthcare professionals. Controversy stems from conflicting
Utility of Adaptive Strategy and Adaptive Design for Biomarker-facilitated Patient Selection in Pharmacogenomic or Pharmacogenetic Clinical Development Program

In the early to late phases of conventional clinical trials, improvement of disease status at study baseline is the anchor of an effective treatment measured by therapeutic response. These population-based clinical trials do not formally account for disease-associated marker genotype or genome-associated therapeutic response. We discuss alternative study designs in pharmacogenomic or pharmacogenetic clinical trials for genomic or genetic biomarker development, and for formally assessing the clinical utility of genomic or genetic (composite) biomarkers. A two-stage adaptive strategy from completed, ongoing or prospectively planned pharmacogenomic or pharmacogenetic clinical trials is described for development of a genomic or genetic biomarker. We present two types of adaptive design: (1) the genomic biomarker is developed external to the clinical trial, which is designed for treatment effect inference; and (2) first-stage data are used to explore a genomic biomarker, but statistical inference of treatment effect in the genomically or genetically defined biomarker subset is only performed at the second stage of the same trial. When the null hypothesis of no treatment effect in all randomized patients and the genomic patient subset are prospectively specified, we compare the statistical power between fixed and adaptive designs. We also compare the two types of adaptive design. Results from simulation studies showed that adaptive design is more powerful than fixed design for those genomic or genetic biomarkers whose clinical utility is predictive of treatment effect. Pursuit of adaptive design gains at least 20% to more than 30% genomic patient subset power when the genomic biomarker status is readily usable at study initiation, in comparison to when it is explored using the first-stage data of the same clinical trial. In exploratory studies, adaptive strategy provides wide flexibility in the process of genomic or genetic biomarker development. In contrast, an adaptive design trial that employs limited flexibility, and is an adequate and well-controlled investigation, has a greater power gain than a fixed design trial, in which the genomic biomarker is capable of predicting treatment effects that pertain only to the prespecified genomic or genetic patient subset.
Methane in surface waters of Oregon estuaries and rivers1

Methane concentrations in surface waters of Oregon rivers and estuaries were measured over a four-year period. Geographic variations in riverine CH{sub 4} were observed. Results from undisturbed forest streams indicate that rivers can contain high natural levels of CH{sub 4} not attributable to pollution. Lateral diffusion and runoff from saturated forest and fertilized agricultural soils may be important in determining methane levels in rivers. Methane concentrations in well-flushed estuaries appear to be controlled mainly by mixing between high CH{sub 4}-containing river water and low CH{sub 4}-containing seawater endmembers. Rivers and estuaries were found to be sources of methane to the atmosphere. Calculated daily fluxes to the atmosphere ranged from 1.2 to 71 mg CH{sub 4} sq m for rivers and from 0.04 to 21 mg CH{sub 4} sq m for estuarine samples. 24 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs.
Analytical simplification of the 2-D method of moments impedance integral

The elements of the two-dimensional (2-D), method of moments (MoM) impedance matrix are analytically reduced by way of an integral transform. The resulting impedance expression is a single integral with an analytic integrand for nearly arbitary shape and weight function sets. The reduced expression requires fewer computations, thereby reducing the matrix fill time. This moments via integral transform method (MITM) is based on an integral representation of the Green's function (Hankel function) and utilizes a special integral transform. The method is developed for 2-D perfectly electrically conducting bodies subjected to a transverse magnetic field. A comparison between brute force and MITM is presented for polynomial shape and weight functions.
An Overview of the Special Regressor Method

This chapter provides background for understanding and applying special regressor methods. This chapter is intended for inclusion in the "Handbook of Applied Nonparametric and Semiparametric Econometrics and Statistics," Co-edited by Aman Ullah, Jeffrey Racine, and Liangjun Su, to be published by Oxford University Press.
Inhibition of Type 1 Diabetes Correlated to a Lactobacillus johnsonii N6.2-Mediated Th17 Bias

Although it is known that resident gut flora contribute to immune system function and homeostasis, their role in the progression of the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes (T1D) is poorly understood. Comparison of stool samples isolated from Bio-Breeding rats, a classic model of T1D, shows that distinct bacterial populations reside in spontaneous Bio-Breeding diabetes-prone (BBDP) and Bio-Breeding diabetes-resistant animals. We have previously shown that the oral transfer of Lactobacillus johnsonii strain N6.2 (LjN6.2) from Bio-Breeding diabetes-resistant to BBDP rodents conferred T1D resistance to BBDP rodents, whereas Lactobacillus reuteri strain TD1 did not. In this study, we show that diabetes resistance in LjN6.2-fed BBDP rodents was correlated to a Th17 cell bias within the mesenteric lymph nodes. The Th17 bias was not observed in the non-gut-draining axillary lymph nodes, suggesting that the Th17 bias was because of immune system interactions with LjN6.2 within the mesenteric lymph node. LjN6.2 interactions with the immune system were observed in the spleens of diabetes-resistant, LjN6.2-fed BBDP rats, as they also possessed a Th17 bias in comparison with control or Lactobacillus reuteri strain TD1-fed rats. Using C57BL/6 mouse in vitro assays, we show that LjN6.2 directly mediated enhanced Th17 differentiation of lymphocytes in the presence of TCR stimulation, which required APCs. Finally, we show that footpad vaccination of NOD mice with LjN6.2-pulsed dendritic cells was sufficient to mediate a Th17 bias in vivo. Together, these data suggest an interesting paradigm whereby T1D induction can be circumvented by gut flora-mediated Th17 differentiation.
Transcription Factor-Directed Differentiation of Stem Cells Along an Endocrine Lineage

Loss of endocrine gland function from a variety of causes (e.g., autoimmune destruction, infection, injury) is commonly encountered in clinical endocrinology. Although hormone replacement is generally adequate to replace the basic function of the gland and maintain viability, it typically cannot reproduce the intricate regulation of hormone secretion. Thus, despite the availability of hormone replacement, those who require it are often at risk for the development of long-term problems (e.g., microvascular complications or severe hypoglycemia in diabetes, complications of long-term overreplacement of hydrocortisone or inadequate hydrocortisone replacement during times of stress). Thus cell replacement therapy capable of restoring endocrine function similar to that of the native gland would represent a major therapeutic advance. To that end, the differentiation of stem cells to generate new endocrine cells offers great potential.
Upregulation of adipocyte metabolism by agouti protein: possible paracrine actions in yellow mouse obesity

Mutations leading to ectopic expression of the murine agouti gene (a) result in progressive obesity. To further characterize this model, we analyzed adipose and hepatic mRNA levels for fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), two key enzymes in de novo fatty acid synthesis and desaturation, respectively. FAS and SCD mRNA in both tissues of obese (Avy) mice were dramatically increased relative to lean (ala) controls. Excessive expression of these genes in this model could be due to direct effects of the agouti gene product; to test this possibility we treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro with recombinant agouti protein. Agouti treatment increased FAS and SCD mRNA levels by 1.5- and 4-fold, respectively. In addition, FAS activity and triglyceride content were 3-fold higher in agoutitreated 3T3-L1 cells relative to controls; these effects were attenuated by simultaneous treatment with a calcium channel blocker (nitrendipine). These data demonstrate that the agouti protein can directly increase lipogenesis in adipocytes and suggest that these effects are mediated through an intracellular calcium-dependent mechanism.
Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in Children and Adolescents

In this review, we discuss the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) in children and adolescents, highlighting inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment. AN is an illness that involves medical and psychological issues; hence, treatment often requires the seamless integration of several medical professionals. It is important that the treatment model be unified and consistent as patients transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment. We briefly describe the therapeutic principles involved in treatment of AN and then give examples of how we employ these principles across treatment settings and with multiple medical professionals.
Pollination biology of Theobroma and Herrania (Sterculiaceae)—III. Steam-distilled floral oils of Theobroma species as attractants to flying insects in a Costa Rican cocoa plantation*

Steam-distilled floral oils (essences) from several species of Theobroma(Sterculiaceae) (T. cacao Linneaus, T. simiarum Donn. Smith, T. mammosum Cuatr. & Leon, and T. speciosum Willd.) were tested using McPhail traps, in an abandoned Costa Rican cocoa plantation to determine their levels of attraction for flying insects. In each of the three bioassays (two successive dry seasons and one intervening rainy season), the traps were inoculated with floral scents at 1, 10, and 100 ppm, while controls were inoculated with a 10% solution of chloroform solvent in distilled water. Of a total of 223 Diptera captured in all three bioassays, only 5% were found in the controls, indicating attraction to the floral oil. About 72% of all Diptera captured were Cecidomyiidae, of which three species, Mycodiplosis ligulata Gagne, Aphodiplosis triangularas (Felt.) and Ledomyia sp., comprised 59% of the total. Eighty-eight per cent of all midges captured were females. Only 7% of the total were known cocoa-pollinating midges of Ceratopogonidae, and all of these were females. Sixteen per cent were Phoridae, known pollinators of the allied genus Herrania in Costa Rica. Although the chemical composition of floral oils varies greatly among the species of Theobroma, no discernible differences were found in the attraction of midges to floral oils tested. While floral fragrances in Theobroma species may represent a generalized adaptation for dipteran pollination, small numbers of several species of Trigona bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponinae) were also attracted to the floral oils.
The Effects of Tai Chi Practice on Intermuscular Beta Coherence and the Rubber Hand Illusion

Tai Chi (TC) is a slow-motion contemplative exercise that is associated with improvements in sensorimotor measures, including decreased force variability, enhanced tactile acuity, and improved proprioception, especially in elderly populations. Here, we carried out two studies evaluating the effect of TC practice on measures associated with sensorimotor processing. In study 1, we evaluated TC's effects on an oscillatory parameter associated with motor function, beta rhythm (15-30 Hz) coherence, focusing specifically on beta rhythm intermuscular coherence (IMC), which is tightly coupled to beta corticomuscular coherence (CMC). We utilized electromyography (EMG) to compare beta IMC in older TC practitioners with age-matched controls, as well as novices with advanced TC practitioners. Given previous findings of elevated, maladaptive beta coherence in older subjects, we hypothesized that increased TC practice would be associated with a monotonic decrease in beta IMC, but rather discovered that novice practitioners manifested higher beta IMC than both controls and advanced practitioners, forming an inverted U-shaped practice curve. This finding suggests that TC practice elicits complex changes in sensory and motor processes over the developmental lifespan of TC training. In study 2, we focused on somatosensory (e.g., tactile and proprioceptive) responses to the rubber hand illusion (RHI) in a middle-aged TC group, assessing whether responses to the illusion became dampened with greater cumulative practice. As hypothesized, TC practice was associated with decreased likelihood to misattribute tactile stimulation during the RHI to the rubber hand, although there was no effect of TC practice on measures of proprioception or on subjective reports of ownership. These studies provide preliminary evidence that TC practice both modulates beta network coherence in a non-linear fashion, perhaps as a result of the focus on not only efferent motor but also afferent sensory activity, and alters tactile sensations during the RHI. This work is the first to show the effects of TC on low level sensorimotor processing and integrated body awareness, and this multi-scale finding may help to provide a mechanistic explanation for the widespread sensorimotor benefits observed with TC practice in symptoms associated with aging and difficult illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.
Bankers Perceptions Of Accounting Principles: Some Implications For The Small Business

This study examines perceptions of bankers regarding the usefulness of generally accepted accounting principles for small businesses financial statements. Perceptions were obtained regarding four accounting standards that have been criticized as being unnecessarily costly for smaller businesses. Although results were somewhat mixed, support was given to prior research that has suggested bankers would accept financial information prepared from a less costly non-GAAP basis for some small businesses.
A Case Study in Earthquake Hazards Education: Preparing Nurses for a New Madrid Earthquake

INTRODUCTION In this time of federal budget cuts and program evaluations, a concern expressed by Congress is that socially important results of geologic and geophysical studies are not being disseminated to the public. With respect to earthquakes, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has responded to this concern in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) by soliciting research proposals that focus on public education of earthquake hazards. This call by the USGS has prompted some new attempts to get information to the public. Individuals and emergency services organizations are active in a variety of earthquake hazard education programs. Of the various types of programs, we believe that a particularly effective means of earthquake education is achieved by the collaboration of an earth scientist with a specialist within a target population. In the example we document here, a nurse and a geologist collaborated in earthquake hazards education for registered nurses working...
Nonlinear Controller Synthesis and Automatic Workspace Partitioning for Reactive High-Level Behaviors

Motivated by the provably-correct execution of complex reactive tasks for robots with nonlinear, under-actuated dynamics, our focus is on the synthesis of a library of low-level controllers that implements the behaviors of a high-level controller. The synthesized controllers should allow the robot to react to its environment whenever dynamically feasible given the geometry of the workspace. For any behaviors that cannot guarantee the task given the dynamics, such behaviors should be transformed into dynamically-informative revisions to the high-level task. We therefore propose a framework for synthesizing such low-level controllers and, moreover, offer an approach for re-partitioning and abstracting the system based on the synthesized controller library. We accomplish these goals by introducing a synthesis approach that we call conforming funnels, in which controllers are synthesized with respect to the given high-level behaviors, the geometrical constraints of the workspace, and a robot dynamics model. Our approach computes controllers using a verification approach that optimizes over a wide range of possible controllers to guarantee the geometrical constraints are satisfied. We also devise an algorithm that uses the controllers to re-partition the workspace and automatically adapt the high-level specification with a new discrete abstraction generated on these new partitions. We demonstrate the controllers generated by our synthesis framework in an experimental setting with a KUKA youBot executing a box transportation task.
Relating Nongeminate Recombination to Charge-Transfer States in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaic Devices

The importance of nongeminate recombination of free photogenerated carriers through charge-transfer (CT) states compared with at the electrode interfaces in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices was investigated using impedance spectroscopy (IS) and low-energy external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurement. Thin (∼60 nm) poly(di(2-ethylhexyloxy)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-co-octylthieno[3,4-c] pyrrole-4,6-dione):[6,6]-phenyl-C70-butyric acid methyl ester (PBDT-TPD:PC71BM) OPVs processed with varying concentrations of solvent additive 1-chloronaphthalene (CN) provide a well-controlled system in which only the donor–acceptor interfacial area, hence CT concentration, is changed. We found that additive inclusion resulted in increased CT state concentration, measured by low-energy EQE spectroscopy, and higher nongeminate recombination, determined from IS. In contrast, the energetic disorder in the BHJ, as determined from the dependence of carrier density on open-circuit voltage, did no...
Risk factors discussion and corresponding strategy on first H7N9 infected Avian flu patient exposure in Hebei province

Objective To discuss the exposure risk factors and prevention and control strategy of first H7N9 infected avian flu patient in Hebei province. Methods Descriptive epidemiological method was adopted. Results One confirmed diagnosed H7N9 Avian Flu patient was found in Langfang city,when tested nucleic acid of H7N9 virus,the Anci district found 1 positive sample of waste water in a grocery market,6 suspected exposure people were negative when tested their throat swab,175 poultry samples were all tested negative. Conclusions The infection in Langfang city confirmed the new type virus of H7N9 existed in poultry and had infected the human. In live poultry slaughtering market,wild bird and poultry had intimate contact,faeces from infected wild bird would lead to the infection of poultry,would result in new type of H7N9 spread. The risk increases when customer touching the live-poultry in the market,and it exists even without touching. The closing of the market with live-poultry slaughter,practicing institution of Slaughtering birds in fixed places,selling poultry after stripped off will greatly decrease the risk of H7N9 prevalence.
Health System Reform: Coming Together with the Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Strategy

While most policymakers initially viewed the Wenchuan earthquake as an impediment to health reform, in fact, the post-earthquake reconstruction may provide an opportunity for accelerating the move to health system reform, and more importantly build back a better health system in Sichuan and surrounding provinces, which may also provide good lessons to the rest of the Country. The reconstruction strategy so far has focused primarily on physical infrastructure. The paper argues that it might be better that the reconstruction addresses key issues currently faced by the health sector that dovetail with the outlines of health care reform. As has been observed in other natural disasters, the poorest and most vulnerable—will need government-led support to recover. This would entail authorities to mount an effective and coordinated response in the areas of health care as well as social protection and others. A coordinated response in the post-earthquake reconstruction process might include at least three areas related to health sector reform (HSR): Achieving universal coverage, strengthening of primary care andpublic health services, and reforming the basic health service delivery system. Anchoring the reconstruction strategy for health in HSR would encourage the reconstruction effort to tackle the important systemic dimensions, such as policy coordination and implementation, regulations and enforcement, financing and governance, as opposed to an excessive emphasis on the physical re-building of health facilities. Citizens also can effectively assist in strengthening accountability and in facilitating the implementation of the reconstruction strategy and HSR. To be able to do so, however, citizens need information and channels for involvement in the monitoring, performance evaluation, and policy processes. Government could usefully involve citizens in outlining the exact scope and mode of delivery of public health and essential care. This consultation process could later be scaled up nation wide to strengthen public support for HSR.
Characterization of Adsorption Enthalpy of Novel Water-Stable Zeolites and Metal-Organic Frameworks

Water adsorption is becoming increasingly important for many applications including thermal energy storage, desalination, and water harvesting. To develop such applications, it is essential to understand both adsorbent-adsorbate and adsorbate-adsorbate interactions, and also the energy required for adsorption/desorption processes of porous material-adsorbate systems, such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this study, we present a technique to characterize the enthalpy of adsorption/desorption of zeolites and MOF-801 with water as an adsorbate by conducting desorption experiments with conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). With this method, the enthalpies of adsorption of previously uncharacterized adsorbents were estimated as a function of both uptake and temperature. Our characterizations indicate that the adsorption enthalpies of type I zeolites can increase to greater than twice the latent heat whereas adsorption enthalpies of MOF-801 are nearly constant for a wide range of vapor uptakes.
Intrapartum Management of the Cardiac Patient

Labor, delivery, and the immediate puerperium are times of maximal risk in patients with heart disease. This article discusses (1) normal intrapartum maternal cardiovascular physiology and how it is modified by analgesia, anesthesia and mode of delivery; (2) current methods of hemodynamic monitoring and how it should be patterned for specific cardiovascular lesions; (3) the effects of cardiovascular and obstetric drugs on mother and fetus; and (4) those cardiovascular lesions that place the mother at highest risk of death and require special therapy.
Renal Tumors Involving the Inferior Vena Cava: Plan for Management

Our experience in the management of 12 malignant renal tumors involving the inferior vena cava is analyzed and a plan to manage the different degrees of caval involvement is discussed. The use of Pringle maneuver to control hepatic circulation during removal of suprahepatic caval extensions is recommended. Followup to date supports aggressive operative management in these patients.
Acoustic characteristics of flap productions by American English-speaking children and adults: implications concerning the development of speech motor control

Abstract Segments with inherently short durations (i.e. flaps) were compared with segments having inherently longer durations (e.g. stressed vowels) to determine whether children show less adult-like performance for segments which are intrinsically shorter in duration. In order to make such comparisons, we also considered whether absolute or relative increments would more appropriately represent the relationship between adults’ and children’s segment durations. As is quite commonly observed, children’s segments were found to be longer in duration than those of adults, and it appeared that these durational differences could be more adequately described in absolute rather than relative terms. Based on such an approach, children do not seem to produce intrinsically short segments in any less of an adult-like fashion than they do inherently longer segments. The implication of this is that children’s speech motor control capabilities appear to show uniform effects upon the timing of all segment types, regardless of whether they are intrinsically short or long.
Abstract 424: Urine cf-DNA SNPs as early biomarkers of prostate cancer

Background: The current strategies of prostate cancer (PC) detection, such as serum PSA, digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate biopsy have been hampered by many limitations, including the degree of aggressiveness, invasiveness, non-specificity to PCa, over diagnosis and over treatment. Recent studies have proposed the use of cell-free circulating DNA (cf-DNA) as non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prediction of tumor burden and prognosis. We hypothesize that a selective subset of PC associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in urine cf-DNA detects PCa with high specificity and sensitivity. Aim: To identify PC specific SNPs in urine cf-DNA from prostate cancer (PC) patients and further validate their clinical utilities as non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of PC in comparison to other genitourinary conditions, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. Method and Results: A protocol was optimized for collection, processing and storage of urine samples and isolation of urine cf-DNA. Our discovery dataset was constructed by comparative Illumina HiSeq next generation sequencing (NGS) of urine cf-DNA from three different cohorts of patients presenting with PC (Gleason score 6), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. The data was analyzed by SNAPE-pooled and annotated using ANNOVAR; revealing 24 PC-specific non-synonymous SNPs. The selective detection of urine cf-DNAs in PC patients was verified by conventional PCR using primers flanking their genomic sites. Our validation analysis was performed in patients (n = 50/group) diagnosed with PC (Gleason score ≤ 3+4), Gleason score ≥ than 4 + 3, or patients deemed as “no cancer seen”. This was performed by Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) targeting wild-type versus variant (SNP) DNA in each patient sample. The results have revealed detection of two PC specific SNPs in urine cf-DNA (>60% for SNP1 and >75% SNP2 in 91 patients; patent pending). Conclusion: Our study brings forth the potential clinical utility for two novel urine cf-DNA SNPs as early biomarkers for prostate cancer. Citation Format: Amrita Datta, Hogyoung Kim, Allison Feibus, Melody Badoo, Adedoyin Johnson, Ahmed Moustafa, Jonathan Silberstein, Krishnarao Moparty, Raju Thomas, Asim B. Abdel-Mageed. Urine cf-DNA SNPs as early biomarkers of prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 424.