cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateralization of Psychological Function

Each side of the brain controls the opposite side of the body. This holds true for sensory and motor function, with a few minor exceptions. The first portion of this chapter reviews thalamocortical input and corticoreticular output with the maximum brevity compatible with understanding. The second part of this chapter reviews the evidence for the separate psychological functions of each hemisphere.
Radiographic predictors of IMRT for treating regional lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Abstract Regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is an essential part of the treatment of high risk early stage (Stage IIb) and locally advanced (Stage III) breast cancer. Acceptable radiation plans can usually be achieved using 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy with deep-inspiration breath hold to limit dose to the heart, although in some cases intensity-modulated radiation therapy produces superior results. The goal of this study is to identify radiographic parameters that predict the need for IMRT when delivering RNI. We retrospectively examined breast cancer patients treated with comprehensive RNI including internal mammary lymph nodes, supraclavicular lymph nodes, and undissected axillary lymph nodes at our institution from January 2016 to February 2018. Radiographic parameters including lung volume, internal mammary lymph nodes depth, modified central lung distance (mCLD), tangent length, and target height were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed using IMRT as a binary endpoint (yes/no). A total of 46 patients were evaluated, of which 9 (20%) required IMRT. Five of the 9 (56%) IMRT patients were postmastectomy with a tissue expander in place. There was an increased likelihood of IMRT per 0.5 cm increase in mCLD (odds ratios [OR]: 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39 to 9.63; p = 0.01) and per 1 cm increase in target height (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.08 to 3.40; p = 0.04). A threshold value of 3.38 cm was identified for mCLD (OR 10.3; 95% CI: 2.14 to 61.4; p value = 0.005), and 25.2 cm for target height (OR 10.9; 95% CI: 2.19 to 82.7; p value = 0.007). When delivering RNI, larger values of mCLD and target height corresponded to the use of IMRT. Further investigations are warranted to confirm these findings, which may improve the efficiency of the treatment planning process and in turn patient care.
Error-prone replication of a 5-formylcytosine-mediated DNA-peptide cross-link in human cells

DNA–protein cross-links can interfere with chromatin architecture, block DNA replication and transcription, and interfere with DNA repair. Here we synthesized a DNA 23-mer containing a site-specific DNA–peptide cross-link (DpC) by cross-linking an 11-mer peptide to the DNA epigenetic mark 5-formylcytosine in synthetic DNA and used it to generate a DpC-containing plasmid construct. Upon replication of the DpC-containing plasmid in HEK 293T cells, approximately 9% of progeny plasmids contained targeted mutations and 5% semitargeted mutations. Targeted mutations included C→T transitions and C deletions, whereas semitargeted mutations included several base substitutions and deletions near the DpC lesion. To identify DNA polymerases involved in DpC bypass, we comparatively studied translesion synthesis (TLS) efficiency and mutagenesis of the DpC in a series of cell lines with TLS polymerase knockouts or knockdowns. Knockdown of either hPol ι or hPol ζ reduced the mutation frequency by nearly 50%. However, the most significant reduction in mutation frequency (50%–70%) was observed upon simultaneous knockout of hPol η and hPol κ with knockdown of hPol ζ, suggesting that these TLS polymerases play a critical role in error-prone DpC bypass. Because TLS efficiency of the DpC construct was not significantly affected in TLS polymerase–deficient cells, we examined a possible role of replicative DNA polymerases in their bypass and determined that hPol δ and hPol e can accurately bypass the DpC. We conclude that both replicative and TLS polymerases can bypass this DpC lesion in human cells but that mutations are induced mainly by TLS polymerases.
2-D Visualization of liquid and Vapor Fuel in an I.C. Engine

A sheet of laser light from a frequency tripled Nd-YAG laser approximately 200 μm thick is shone through the combustion chamber of a single cylinder, direct injection internal combustion engine. The injected decane contains exciplex-forming dopants which produce spectrally separated fluorescence from the liquid and vapor phases. The fluorescence signal is collected through a quartz window in the cylinder head and is imaged onto a diode array camera. The camera is interfaced to a microcomputer for data acquisition and processing. The laser and camera are synchronized with the crankshaft of the engine so that 2-D images of the liquid and vapor phase fuel distributions can be obtained at different times during the engine cycle
Metabolic syndrome and metabolically healthy status in adults with overweight or obesity, expressing no desire to lose weight

Abstract Aim To examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolically healthy status (MHS) in adults with excess weight, who express no desire to lose weight (DLW). Methods We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2016) to conduct a cross-sectional analysis of 4509 adults with excess weight. The prevalence of MetS and MHS was estimated by a DLW status. The prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated, adjusting for demographic characteristics, to compare the prevalence of MetS and MHS between those with and without a DLW. Results Among adults who were overweight, the crude prevalence of MetS was 28.9% (95% CI 23.7, 34.1) in the no-DLW group and 36.0% (95% CI 31.9, 40.0) in the DLW group (adjusted PR 0.88; 95% CI 0.70, 1.11). Among adults with obesity, the crude prevalence of MetS was 60.0% (95% CI 52.3, 67.6) in the no-DLW group and 63.2% (95% CI 60.0, 66.4) in the DLW group (adjusted PR 1.00; 95% CI 0.88, 1.14). Among adults who were overweight, the prevalence of MHS was 17.5% (95% CI 13.4, 22.2) in the no-DLW group, and 9.5% (95% CI 7.6, 11.6) in the DLW group (adjusted PR 1.27; 95% CI 0.96, 1.69). Nearly all adults with obesity had at least one component of MetS regardless of DSW status. Conclusions One in four overweight adults and three in five obese adults without a DLW had MetS in the U.S. A majority of adults who were overweight or obese without a DSW had at least one component of MetS.
Brief Report: Reduced Heart Rate Variability in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can be indexed by heart rate variability (HRV), has been posited to contribute to core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the relationship between ASD and HRV remains uncertain. We assessed tonic and phasic HRV of 21 children with ASD and 21 age- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) children and examined (1) group differences in HRV and (2) associations between HRV and ASD symptomatology. Children with ASD showed significantly lower tonic HRV, but similar phasic HRV compared to TD children. Additionally, reduced tonic HRV was associated with atypical attentional responsivity in ASD. Our findings suggest ANS dysregulation is present in ASD and may contribute to atypical attentional responses to sensory stimulation.
In-Hospital Outcomes and Trends of Tricuspid Valve Surgery in Heart Transplant Patients.

Introduction: Tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation is the most common valvular pathology after orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). The number of transplants being performed is increasing with patients living longer after heart transplant. Data on TV surgery in OHT recipients is limited. Methods: We sought to analyze the outcomes of patients undergoing TV surgery from a large diverse, multicentric, nationwide cohort using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. Results:A total of 42,766 TV repair or replacement (bioprosthetic and mechanical) involving adult patients (age ≥18 years) between 2007 and September 2015 were identified. Of these, 366 were performed in patients with OHT. TV repair was the most common surgery performed in both groups (OHT group and native heart group). Compared to the native group, patients with OHT had a significantly higher incidence of cardiogenic shock (20 vs. 11%, p = 0.024), acute kidney injury (AKI) (59 vs. 30%, p < 0.001), and AKI requiring hemodialysis (13 vs. 4%, p < 0.001). Also, the mean length of stay for the index admission was significantly longer in the OHT group (27 vs. 17 days, p = 0.008). The mortality rate was similar between the two groups (7 vs. 8%, p = 0.753). The number of TV surgeries performed in OHT patients from 2007 to 2014 have remained stable (p = 0.803) compared to those in native heart patients which showed a significantly increasing trend (p = 0.019) during the same time period. Conclusions: TV surgery remains an important treatment modality among the OHT population and carries a similar mortality during index hospitalization as that in native heart patients undergoing TV surgery.
Patellar Tendon Shortening

Factors contributing to patella instability with recurrent patella dislocations are multifactorial. Among those anatomic variances associated with recurrent patella dislocation is patella alta. The exact definition of what actually constitutes an abnormal patella height remains controversial. For most, a ratio of the length of the patella tendon to the length of the patella or the length of a distance from the tibial articular surface to the length of the patellar articular surface defines patella height. The further away from the femoral trochlea the patella is positioned while the knee is in extension, the more dependent it is upon the retinaculum and the medial patellofemoral ligament for stability until well engaged within the trochlea. Furthermore, patella alta is also associated with increased patellofemoral contact pressures. When planning surgery for recurrent patella dislocations in patients with patella alta, the standard approach is for a tibial tuberosity osteotomy with distalization. However, in the skeletally immature patient this is not an option because of the open tibial growth plate. Therefore the traditional management of patella alta in the skeletally immature patient has been to defer surgical treatment until the growth plate has closed. This chapter describes a method of surgical management that shortens the patella tendon by imbrication. Because there is no bony component to the procedure, it can be used safely in the child as well as in the adult.
Identifying the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic correlation between complex human traits using a gene-based approach

Phenotypic correlations between complex human traits have long been observed based on epidemiological studies. However, the genetic basis and underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The recent accumulation of GWAS data has made it possible to analyze the genetic similarity between human traits through comparative analysis. Here we developed a gene-based approach to measure genetic similarity between a pair of traits and to delineate the shared genes/pathways, through three steps: 1) translating SNP-phenotype association profile to gene-phenotype association profile by integrating GWAS with eQTL data; 2) measuring the similarity between a pair of traits by a normalized distance between the two gene-phenotype association profiles; 3) delineating genes/pathways supporting the similarity. Application of this approach to a set of GWAS data covering 59 human traits detected a significant similarity between many known and unexpected pairs of traits; a significant fraction of them are not detectable by SNP based similarity measures. Examples include Height and Schizophrenia, Cancer and Alzheimer9s Disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn9s disease. Functional analysis revealed specific genes/pathways shared by these pairs. For example, Height and Schizophrenia are co-associated with genes involved in neural development, skeletal muscle regeneration, protein synthesis, magnesium homeostasis, and immune response, suggesting growth and development as a common theme underlying both traits. Our approach can detect yet unknown relationships between complex traits and generate mechanistic hypotheses, and has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment by transferring knowledge from one disease to another.
Protein Adducts and Protein Oxidation as Molecular Mechanisms of Flavonoid Bioactivity

There are tens of thousands of scientific papers about flavonoids and their impacts on human health. However, despite the vast amount of energy that has been put toward studying these compounds, a unified molecular mechanism that explains their bioactivity remains elusive. One contributing factor to the absence of a general mechanistic explanation of their bioactivity is the complexity of flavonoid chemistry in aqueous solutions at neutral pH. Flavonoids have acidic protons, are redox active, and frequently auto-oxidize to produce an array of degradation products including electrophilic quinones. Flavonoids are also known to interact with specificity and high affinity with a variety of proteins, and there is evidence that some of these interactions may be covalent. This review summarizes the mechanisms of flavonoid oxidation in aqueous solutions at neutral pH and proposes the formation of protein-flavonoid adducts or flavonoid-induced protein oxidation as putative mechanisms of flavonoid bioactivity in cells. Nucleophilic residues in proteins may be able to form covalent bonds with flavonoid quinones; alternatively, specific amino acid residues such as cysteine, methionine, or tyrosine in proteins could be oxidized by flavonoids. In either case, these protein-flavonoid interactions would likely occur at specific binding sites and the formation of these types of products could effectively explain how flavonoids modify proteins in cells to induce downstream biochemical and cellular changes.
The Community at the Crossroads: Artiodactyl Exploitation and Socio-environmental Connectivity at Tijeras Pueblo (LA 581)

Situated at the junction of two canyons, one north–south and one east–west, Tijeras Pueblo (LA 581) is within easy reach of a number of different ecoregions as well as on a boundary between two dis...
Implementation of a Comprehensive Patient Blood Management Program for Hospitalized Patients at a Large United States Medical Center

Abstract Objective To assess changes in inpatient transfusion utilization and patient outcomes with implementation of a comprehensive patient blood management (PBM) program at a large US medical center. Patients and Methods This is an observational study of graduated PBM implementation for hospitalized adults (age ≥18 years) from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2017, at two integrated hospital campuses at a major academic US medical center. Allogeneic transfusion utilization and clinical outcomes were assessed over time through segmented regression with multivariable adjustment comparing observed outcomes against projected outcomes in the absence of PBM activities. Results In total, 400,998 admissions were included. Total allogeneic transfusions per 1000 admissions decreased from 607 to 405 over the study time frame, corresponding to an absolute risk reduction for transfusion of 6.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6%, 8.3%; P Conclusion Patient blood management implementation for hospitalized patients in a large academic center was associated with substantial reductions in transfusion utilization and improved clinical outcomes. Broad-scale implementation of PBM in US hospitals is feasible without signal for patient harm.
Interior convergence under payoff monotone selections and proper equilibrium: Application to equilibrium selection

An interior convergent path in an evolutionary dynamic can be seen as a sequence of perturbed quasi-equilibria to refine an equilibrium. In this note, we investigate a variety of conditions to establish the connection between interior convergence in regular payoff monotone selections and versions of proper equilibrium and use the connection for equilibrium selection.
Progressive atrioventricular conduction block in a mouse myotonic dystrophy model.

Introduction: Myotonic dystrophy is caused by expansion of a CTG trinucleotide repeat on human chromosome 19, and leads to progressive skeletal myopathy and atrioventricular conduction disturbances. A murine model of myotonic dystrophy has been designed by targeted disruption of the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase (DMPK) gene. The DMPK-deficient mice display abnormalities in A-V conduction characteristics, similar to the human cardiac phenotype. The purpose of this study was to determine whether age-related progression of A-V block occurs in a mouse model of DMPK-deficiency.
Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in Association with Fingolimod Use (P3.118)

OBJECTIVE: Case report of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) with fingolimod use, and compare this case with two other cases; one with hemorrhagic encephalitis, and the other with peripheral vasoconstriction, both associated with fingolimod use. BACKGROUND: Fingolimod is the first oral disease-modifying drug approved by the FDA for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod acts as an antagonist on the sphingosine-1phosphate (S1P) receptor family, specifically at 4 of the 5 G protein-coupled S1P receptors. S1P receptors regulate many physiologic processes in different tissues. Fingolimod’s pharmacological effects therefore have the capacity to be very broad and diverse. Its mechanism of action for MS is reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in the lymph nodes, thus inhibiting migration to sites of inflammation. DESIGN/METHODS: A single observational study compared to two other single observational studies in the literature. Our case is a 39-year-old female with relapsing remitting MS on fingolimod for five months when she was admitted to neurology service for treatment of a MS exacerbation, confirmed by MRI, with IV steroids. On Day 6 of admission she had a non-contrast CT head for thunderclap headache and decreased level of alertness which showed a large frontal hemorrhage. Four-vessel angiogram showed diffuse beading and stenotic appearance. Complete infectious and inflammatory workup was negative for vasculitis including leptomeningeal biopsy. Repeat angiogram at 10 weeks showed resolution of vascular abnormalities. Workup was consistent with RCVS. RESULTS: To date no case of RCVS has been reported with patients on fingolimod. There has been one case of peripheral vasoconstriction and one case of focal hemorrhagic encephalitis. We suspect the case of focal hemorrhagic encephalitis could have been RCVS because no infectious cause was found. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be aware of possible RCVS in patients taking fingolimod. Disclosure: Dr. Belliston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hammond has received research support from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Sundararajan has nothing to disclose.
Immunological Properties and Conformational Differences Detected by Tritium-Hydrogen Exchange of Clostridial Ferredoxins and Apoferredoxins

Abstract Antisera were prepared against the ferredoxins from Clostridium acidi-urici and Clostridium pasteurianum and characterized by quantitative precipitin and microcomplement fixation methods. The clostridial ferredoxins are thus the smallest naturally occurring polypeptides that have been shown to produce precipitating antibodies. The ferredoxin antibody of the immune rabbit serum is contained in the IgG fraction. The antiserum prepared against C. pasteurianum ferredoxin does not react with C. acidi-urici ferredoxin. Reconstituted ferredoxin is antigenically indistinguishable from the native ferredoxin as tested by microcomplement fixation. The antisera react much more strongly with ferredoxin than with apoferredoxin. Interpretation of this observation with respect to showing the difference in the conformation of ferredoxin and apoferredoxin is limited because the possible role of the iron-sulfur chromophore of ferredoxin as an antigenic determinant is not known. However, experiments with the tritium-hydrogen exchange technique showed conformational differences between the polypeptide portions of apoferredoxin and ferredoxin. Differences between the conformations of the polypeptide chain of the oxidized and the reduced states of C. acidi-urici ferredoxin were also shown by the tritium-hydrogen exchange technique. The reduced state was found to have fewer sites for equilibration with tritium, and thus to have a conformation more compact than the oxidized state of the iron-sulfur protein. Ferredoxin reconstituted from the fully tritiated apoferredoxin was found to retain more replaceable hydrogen atoms than the native oxidized ferredoxin.
Restrictions on credit: A public policy analysis of payday lending

Using state level data between 1990 and 2006, we find no empirical evidence that payday lending leads to more bankruptcy filings, which casts doubt on the debt trap argument against payday lending. We capture the intensity of the payday lending activity in a state by the number of payday lending stores. We control for restrictions on payday lenders by including into the analysis six variables that we construct that rank legislative provisions across states and across time. We use two different estimation procedures: difference-in-difference and Granger causality.
Intra-operative 3D ultrasound augmentation

We introduce an automated and accurate system for registering pre-operative 3D MR and CT images with intraoperative 3D ultrasound images based on the vessels visible in both. The clinical goal is to guide the radio-frequency ablation (RFA) of liver lesions using percutaneous ultrasound even when the lesions are not directly visible using ultrasound. The lesions locations and desired RFA sites are indicated on pre-operative images, and those markings are made to appear within the intra-operative 3D ultrasound images. We present our current implementation, provide analyses of its components, and demonstrate its performance.
Genetic evidence of inbreeding avoidance in pronghorn

There is ample evidence that inbreeding, or mating between relatives, can lead to increased homozygosity and decreased fitness. However, some animals have evolved mechanisms to avoid inbreeding. In a previous study of the National Bison Range, Montana, pronghorn Antilocapra americana, we detected moderate levels of inbreeding, as well as inbreeding depression, following a bottleneck. Here, we evaluated whether there was genetic evidence of inbreeding avoidance in pronghorn. We found that females were more related to all males in the population than they were to their mates, suggesting that pronghorn can avoid inbreeding. However, relatedness between females and the males they sampled prior to estrus did not differ from relatedness between females and all males, nor from relatedness between females and their mates. Inbreeding avoidance appears to occur during the female estrus period rather than during the female mate sampling period. Further work is needed to discover the sensory cues that female pronghorn use to avoid mating with relatives.
Nitrogen Fertilization Impacts on Phosphorus Cycling in Grazed Grass-Legume Pasture

The impact of different N regimes on P intake and excretion by grazing cattle and P return to soil from feces in a P-enriched pasture was investigated. Six 0.28-ha plots were over seeded with triticale (×Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) into tall fescue (Lolium arundinacea)/bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Treatments included: 100% of N in split application, 50% of N in single application, and 0% of N. In summer, plots were over seeded with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and fertilizer treatments were applied. Forage intake was estimated from fecal excretion and fecal degradation and nutrient return to soil at 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112 days after application were determined. Forage P was not affected by season or treatment (P > 0.10); forage P mass was greater in cool than warm season. Phosphorus intake and water-soluble P output were not affected (P > 0.10) by season or treatment. Phosphorus output increased (P = 0.087) with increasing N in cool season, but not warm season. Soil P was greater (P < 0.0001) in warm than cool season. Feces remaining, P, and water-soluble P in feces were not affected by N treatment or season, but decreased (P < 0.10) with time. Sufficient P was returned to soil from feces to support forage growth, even in the absence of N fertilization. In a high-P pasture, N did not affect intake and fecal returns of P by cattle, foliar P uptake, nor rate and extent of assimilation of P into soil from feces.
Glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and selenium status in HIV-positive and HIV-negative adolescents and young adults

Antioxidant nutrient deficiencies may hasten the progression of HIV disease by impairing antioxidant defenses. The objective of the study was to determine whether HIV infection is associated with poor selenium status and low antioxidant protection by glutathione and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). In a cross-sectional study of 365 HIV-positive and HIV-negative adolescents and young adults we examined the relation of plasma selenium whole-blood glutathione and whole-blood GPX to HIV status disease severity immune activation and oxidative damage. Selenium deficiency (plasma selenium < 0.070 µg/mL) was not seen in any subjects and plasma selenium in 244 HIV-positive subjects (0.120 ± 0.0013 µg/mL) did not differ significantly (P = 0.071) from that in 121 HIV-negative subjects (0.125 ± 0.0020µg/mL). However multiple regression analysis after adjustment for covariates showed a significant (P = 0.002) negative association between HIV-associated immune activation (plasma neopterin) and plasma selenium concentrations. GPX activity was highest in HIV-positive subjects taking antiretroviral therapy (median: 14.2; 25th 75th percentiles: 11.1 18.7 U/mL; n = 130) intermediate in HIV-positive subjects not taking antiretroviral therapy (11.8; 9.4 15.1 U/mL; n = 114) and lowest in HIV-negative subjects (10.6; 8.6 12.7 U/mL; n = 121; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). GPX was also positively associated with malondialdehyde a marker of oxidative damage. Subjects had adequate selenium status although HIV-related immune activation was associated with lower plasma selenium concentrations. GPX activity appears to have been induced by the oxidative stress associated with HIV infection and use of antiretroviral therapy. Thus young well-nourished subjects can mount a compensatory antioxidant response to HIV infection. (authors)
Brushless DC motor control using a general regression neural network

A general regression neural network (GRNN) is used to simulate the speed control of a brushless DC motor. The GRNN offers advantages over conventional controllers in terms of adaptability, robustness to parameter variation, and simplicity. Because of its capability to learn quickly, the GRNN is particularly suited to online learning of changing plant conditions.
Evaluation of plateau-potential-mediated 'warm up' in human motor units.

Spinal motor neurones can exhibit sustained depolarization in the absence of maintained synaptic or injected current. This phenomenon, referred to as a plateau potential, is due to the activation of monoamine-dependent persistent inward currents. Accordingly, activation of a plateau potential should result in a decrease in the excitatory synaptic drive required to activate a motor unit. This, in turn, has been suggested to cause a progressive decline in the muscle force at which motor units are recruited during repeated voluntary contractions. Such a progressive decrease in threshold force associated with preceding activation of a plateau potential is referred to as ‘warm up’. Furthermore, activation of a plateau potential is thought to manifest itself as a decrease in the derecruitment force compared to recruitment force. Multiple muscles, however, can contribute to the detected force and their relative contributions may vary over time, which could confound measures of recruitment and derecruitment force. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the recruitment and derecruitment forces of single motor units in the human extensor digitorum and tibialis anterior during repetitive triangular-force contractions in which the contributions of other muscles had been minimized. In both muscles, we found that the recruitment thresholds of single motor units were unchanged during repeated contractions, and that the derecruitment force was consistently greater than the recruitment force. These results suggest either that plateau potentials were not engaged (or were rapidly extinguished) under these experimental conditions or that changes in recruitment and derecruitment force are not suitable criteria for detecting them.
Rabbit and rodent ophthalmology

Ocular disorders of rabbits and rodents are caused by genetic defects, infections, nutritional eficiencies, congenital malformations, as well as environmental and management problems. Their investigation and diagnosis rely on implementation of diagnostic approaches and instrumentation used commonly for other companion animal species. Special considerations of importance include the small size of the eye in some species, necessitating use of magnification for accurate assessment, and the vulnerability of some species to complications of parenteral and even topical antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy.
Statistical Genre Analysis: Toward Big Data Methodologies in Technical Communication

This article pilots a study in statistical genre analysis, a mixed-method approach for (a) identifying conventional responses as a statistical distribution within a big data set and (b) assessing which deviations from the conventional might be more effective for changes in audience, purpose, or context. The study assesses pharmaceutical sponsor presentations at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug advisory committee meetings. Preliminary findings indicate the need for changes to FDA conflict-of-interest policies.
Identification and isolation of vitamin K-dependent proteins by HPLC

Six of the seven known vitamin K-dependent proteins found in plasma were chromatographed on a large-pore propylsilane column using aqueous trifluoroacetic acid/acetonitrile gradients. Prothrombin and Factor VII coeluted, the others were readily resolved. The technique has been used to monitor the purification of protein C and protein S using immobilized anti-protein S. Preliminary evidence is presented which is suggestive of the existence of additional vitamin K-dependent proteins in plasma.
EEG changes during fever produced by inductothermy (fever cabinet) in patients with neurosyphilis.

Abstract 1. 1. Twenty-two cases, of which 21 were neurosyphilitic and one gonorrheal, were studied electroencephalographically during fever treatment induced by inductothermy. 2. 2. The common EEG changes during fever were: (1) increase of amplitude; (2) disorganization of EEG pattern; (3) slowing of frequencies. 3. 3. These changes were most marked from the frontal cortex, less marked from the motor cortex, least marked from the occipital cortex. 4. 4. Above mentioned EEG changes fluctuated with the rise and fall of body temperature. Most but not all of EEGs returned to the pre-febrile pattern with the return of temperature. This indicated that fever had some residual effect on the brain activity. 5. 5. In 5 cases fast waves appeared in the period of declining temperature. The fast activity occurred as bursts of fast waves or scattered spikes mixed with slow waves. 6. 6. Correlation was noted between the pre-febrile EEG patterns and changes with fever. (a) Pre-febrile slow wave patterns showed the most rapid and marked slowing during temperature. (b) Poorly organized patterns were most stable during temperature change. (c) Alpha wave patterns and low voltage fast wave patterns showed moderate changes during fever. (d) Fast wave patterns were apt to show fast waves during decline of temperature. 7. 7. There was no relation noted between the EEG changes and age, sex, clinical diagnosis, and degree of clinical improvement with fever treatment. 8. 8. Seven cases were reported mentally confused during the height of fever; their EEGs showed greater disorganization in the early stages of treatment than those patients not reported as confused. 9. 9. Beside individual susceptibility to change, the rise of metabolic rate, chronic hyperventilation, clouding of consciousness and relative cerebral hypoglycemia should be considered as possible mechanisms contributing to the changes of the EEG during the fever.
The transposable element profile of the Anolis genome: How a lizard can provide insights into the evolution of vertebrate genome size and structure

The recent sequencing of the lizard genome provides a unique opportunity to examine the evolution of vertebrate genomes in a phylogenetic context. The lizard genome contains an extraordinary diversity of active transposable elements that far exceeds the diversity reported in extant mammals and birds. Retrotransposons and DNA transposons are represented by multiple active families, contributing to the very diverse repetitive landscape of the lizard. Surprisingly, ancient transposon copies are relatively rare suggesting that the transposon copy number is tightly controlled in lizard. This bias in favor of young copies results from the joint effect of purifying selection acting on novel insertions and a high rate of DNA loss. Recent analyses have revealed that the repetitive landscape of reptiles differ drastically from other extant amniotes by their diversity but also by the dynamics of amplification of their transposons. Thus, from the point of view of mobile elements, reptile genomes show more similarity to fish and amphibians than to other amniotes.
On Approximating the Individual Risk Model

Abstract Error bounds are developed for Kornya-Presman–type approximations to the individual risk model. In particular, error bounds are given for the compound Poisson approximation, with the Poisson parameter equal to the expected number of claims. The approximations considered are a modification by Hipp of an approximation originally developed by Kornya, as well as Kornya’s original approximation. The error bounds are similar in concept to Hipp’s original error bounds using concentration–functions, as refined by Cekanavicius, Roos, and others. Computation of the bounds, however, is considerably simplified. In particular, concentration function type bounds called width-norm bounds are calculated directly from the values of the approximation, avoiding completely the need for calculating a special auxiliary compound Poisson distribution. Two examples are given. Depending on the portfolio parameters, the width-norm error bounds may or may not be sharper than the Hipp-Roos error bounds. In any event, it is r...
Miniature circular polarization analyzer with spiral plasmonic lens

A simple spiral plasmonic lens is studied both analytically and numerically. Owing to the geometric phase effect, a spiral plasmonic lens focuses the left-hand and right-hand circular polarizations into spatially separated plasmonic fields. Such a spatial multiplexing of the field distribution is utilized in miniature circular polarization analyzer design. A circular polarization extinction ratio better than 100 is obtainable with a device size as small as 4lambda(spp). The spiral plasmonic lens provides efficient plasmonic focusing while it eliminates the requirement of centering the incident beam to the plasmonic lens, making it suitable for full Stokes parameter polarimetric imaging applications.
The DNA intermediate in yeast Ty1 element transposition copurifies with virus-like particles: Cell-free Ty1 transposition

Yeast Ty1 elements are retrotransposons that transpose via an RNA intermediate found in a virus-like particle (Ty-VLP). A Ty-encoded reverse transcriptase activity found inside the particles is capable of giving rise to full-length reverse transcripts. The predominant form of these reverse transcripts is a full-length linear duplex DNA. We have developed a cell-free system for transposition of Ty1 DNA molecules into a bacteriophage lambda target. Purified Ty-VLPs and target DNA are the only macromolecular components required for the transposition reaction. A TYB-encoded protein, p90-TYB, contains amino acid sequences that are similar to those of retroviral integrase proteins. Mutations in the integrase coding region abolish transposition both in vivo and in vitro.
Frequency and extent of media in the internal carotid artery in "endarterectomy" specimens.

Carotid endarterectomy has been performed now for approximately 50 years. No report, however, has described the presence of media in these "endarterectomy" specimens. From January 1997 through May 2003, 147 carotid endarterectomy specimens were examined histologically. Portions of arterial media were present in each of them. The maximal amount of circumferential media in any patient varied from>95% of the cross-sectional circumference in 55 patients (37%) to 75% of the arterial circumference of the internal carotid artery contained media. The proper term for this operative procedure might better be "endomediaectomy" rather than "endarterectomy."
Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Characteristics of Oscillating Loaded Cascades at Low Mach Number—Part I: Pressure Distribution, Forces, and Moments

A complete theory is developed in Part I of these two papers for the analysis of oscillating airfoils in cascade in uniform incompressible flows. The theory fully accounts for the geometry of the airfoils and cascade parameters. It is shown that the strong mean velocity gradient near the leading edges of the airfoils significantly affects the unsteady pressure, forces and moments acting upon the airfoils. In Part II the aeroelastic characteristics of a loaded cascade are investigated for one and two degrees of freedom oscillations.
Feeding behavior of the cat fed laboratory and commercial diets

Abstract Using a continuous recording computerized system, an experiment was conducted to examine the feeding and drinking patterns of the cat. Four diets; 1), dry commerical; 2), canned commercial; 3), casein based purified cats during 8 consecutive 7–10 day periods. Mean daily dry matter intake was greater (P
Important considerations in using statistical procedures to control for nuisance variables in non-experimental studies

Abstract In this paper, it is argued that the effects of statistically controlling for confounding variables in non-experimental studies have received insufficient attention. One of the reasons for this inattention is likely because many researchers do not fully appreciate what a statistical control strategy entails and how the use of such a strategy can affect the hypotheses actually tested in a study. In order to address these issues, this article (a) considers what the use of statistical control entails computationally, (b) reviews studies in which researchers have focused on the unique variance added by a predictor in testing a hypothesis, and (c) shows how this practice is not always sufficient for understanding research results.
A comprehensive method to characterize mixed conduction electrolytes

Abstract Determination of the electrical characteristics of an electrolyte is vitally important to the design of battery materials and sensors. A wide variety of parameters are available from both dc and ac measurements. Through the use of computer control and a custom multiplexor, we can perform dc polarization and ac impedance measurements on a sample, without replacing electrodes. This system is described within.
Glucose counterregulation during recovery from neuroglucopenia: Which mechanism is important?

Neuroglucopenia (NGP), which is a serious potential hazard for all insulin-treated diabetics, stimulates many neural and hormonal responses including increased glucagon secretion and activation of beta-adrenergic receptors of the autonomic nervous system. To determine which of these responses is important in recovery from NGP, we induced NGP in baboons by the intravenous (IV) injection of 2-deoxy-D-glucose with and without beta-adrenergic blockade (propranolol) and somatostatin. Thirty minutes after the induction of NGP the animals recovered, and the mean (+/- SEM) rise in arterial plasma glucose was 6.6 +/- 0.9 mmol/L, in glycerol 0.106 +/- 0.22 mmol/L, and in beta-hydroxybutyrate 0.091 +/- 0.22 mmol/L. Animal recovery and glucose rise were uninfluenced by the infusion of propranolol (mean 30 minute plasma glucose rise of 6.2 +/- 0.8 mmol/L) and somatostatin (6.8 +/- 0.8 mmol/L). However, the combined infusion of somatostatin and propranolol prevented animal recovery and glucose rise (1.0 +/- 0.1 mmol/L). The glycerol and beta-hydroxybutyrate rises were blocked by the propranolol infusion alone. Thus, recovery from NGP and the associated rise in plasma glucose, glycerol, and beta-hydroxybutyrate are prevented by the combination of the suppression of the glucagon and beta-adrenergic response to NGP. Furthermore, if the results of our study are extrapolated to insulin-dependent diabetic patients, most of whom have an impaired glucagon response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia/neuroglucopenia, they would be critically dependent on beta-adrenergic mechanisms for recovery from NGP.
On storage, retrieval, and Gauss-Seidel iteration involving nonzero elements of a sparse stiffness matrix compacted as a vector.

Abstract This paper presents a storing and retrieving algorithm developed for the Gauss-Seidel iterative solution of a large system of simultaneous linear algebraic equations when the non-zero elements of its sparse coefficient matrix is to be compacted into a one-dimensional array for the sake of saving computer space. Particular reference is made to the system of equations arising from the finite-element applications. Though at the expense of more computer time, the algorithm resolves the problem encountered by some computing facilities, at which such a large system of linear equations needs to be solved but under the handicap of limited available computer space. Examples are given to depict the problem involved as well as to illustrate the details of the developed algorithm.
A clinical comparison of image quality and patient exposure reduction in panoramic radiography with heavy metal filtration

Laboratory and clinical studies with the use of rare earth intensifying screens and four different forms of heavy metal elements serving as additional beam filtration were performed for panoramic radiography to identify the most efficacious system. Balanced density images were evaluated for contrast indices, resolution, relative dose reduction, and subjective image quality. Clinical studies were performed with a standard calcium tungstate imaging system and the four most promising experimental imaging systems that showed improvement over the standard system. Dosimetric studies were performed with the use of ionization chambers and thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) dosimeters. Exposure reductions of 34% to 79%, depending on the anatomic site and the imaging system used, were achieved. Subjective image quality was evaluated and analyzed statistically. This study concluded that the use of a Kodak Lanex regular screen/T-Mat G film with either Lanex screen or yttrium added beam filtration results in reduced patient exposure in panoramic radiography while image quality is maintained or improved.
DFT calculations on the effects of para substituents on the energy differences between singlet and triplet states of 2,2-difluoro-1,3-diphenylcyclopentane-1,3-diyls.

UB3LYP/6−31g* calculations have been performed on a series of para-substituted 2,2-difluoro-1,3-diphenylcyclopentane-1,3-diyls (4). The singlet is computed to be the ground state for each of the diradicals, regardless of the nature of the para substituents, which range from strongly π-electron-donating (amino) to strongly π-electron-withdrawing (nitro). In the symmetrically para-disubstituted diradicals, the size of the singlet−triplet energy gap (ΔEST)increases with the π-electron-donating ability of the substituents, but in the unsymmetrically substituted diradicals, large values of ΔEST are calculated even when one of the substituents is a π electron acceptor. The origins of the competitive and cooperative substituent effects, predicted for diradical 4, are discussed in light of the calculated effects of the same substituents on the singlet and triplet states of diradical 6, which lacks the geminal fluorines at C-2 that are present in 4.
Environmental education for democracy and social justice in Costa Rica

This study focused on how democratic values and citizenship education are promoted through environmental education in Costa Rica. Data were collected through the examination of textbook and curriculum guides and interviews with classroom teachers. The qualitative study utilized Bowers' (2001) and Gruenewald's (2003) theories of eco-justice and critical place-based pedagogy to analyze Costa Rican elementary environmental education curriculum and its relationship to social justice and democracy. Findings suggest that the curriculum did promote environmental sensitivity and, to a lesser extent, democratic values and social justice. More importantly, the study found that the curriculum allowed teachers to become environmental advocates who encouraged their students to actively interrogate and analyze contradictions between the reality in their communities and official economic and environmental policies.
A predictor-corrector approach for multi-rate sampled-data control of spatially distributed systems

This work presents a methodology for the design of model-based output feedback controllers for spatially distributed systems modeled by highly-dissipative partial differential equations (PDEs) with multiple measured outputs that are sampled at different sampling rates. Initially, an approximate finite-dimensional system that captures the dominant dynamics of the infinite-dimensional system is obtained and used to design an observer-based output feedback controller. Due to the lack of continuous measurements, an inter-sample model predictor is included in the controller and used to provide the observer with estimates of the unavailable outputs. The model predictions are then updated and corrected at each time that a measurement becomes available. Owing to the different sampling rates of the available measurement sensors, the model update is performed using different outputs, or combinations of outputs, at each update time. A hybrid system formulation that captures the model update pattern is used to analyze the stability properties of the sampled-data finite-dimensional closed-loop system and derive a necessary and sufficient condition for closed-loop stability. The condition is used to explicitly characterize the interdependence between the different sampling rates, the size of the model uncertainty, the controller and observer design parameters, and the spatial locations of the control actuators and measurement sensors. Finally, the theoretical results are illustrated using a diffusion-reaction process example.
Numbers, narratives, and nursing history

Abstract This work is intended to foster dialogue on moving beyond a nearly uniform reliance on purely qualitative accounts, in the form of narratives, to portray nursing’s past. To this end, this work demonstrates the manner in which one type of quantitative approach broadened understanding of the relative importance of educational background as a factor in completing training among women who entered an early hospital-based nursing program. Primary source data includes detailed records from a Midwestern hospital school of nursing, covering the period from 1897 to 1937. In regard to educational background, this research suggests that a high school diploma was not an asset in completing training. Concerning the larger methodological issue, it emphasizes that progress in nursing history, as in other areas of social science research, demands that we use all of our abilities for quantitative and qualitative understanding.