cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic testing of refactoring engines on real software projects

Testing refactoring engines is a challenging problem that has gained recent attention in research. Several techniques were proposed to automate generation of programs used as test inputs and to help developers in inspecting test failures. However, these techniques can require substantial effort for writing test generators or finding unique bugs, and do not provide an estimate of how reliable refactoring engines are for refactoring tasks on real software projects. This paper evaluates an end-to-end approach for testing refactoring engines and estimating their reliability by (1) systematically applying refactorings at a large number of places in well-known, open-source projects and collecting failures during refactoring or while trying to compile the refactored projects, (2) clustering failures into a small, manageable number of failure groups, and (3) inspecting failures to identify non-duplicate bugs. By using this approach on the Eclipse refactoring engines for Java and C, we already found and reported 77 new bugs for Java and 43 for C. Despite the seemingly large numbers of bugs, we found these refactoring engines to be relatively reliable, with only 1.4% of refactoring tasks failing for Java and 7.5% for C.
DEBT IPO WAVES, INVESTOR SENTIMENT, MARKET CONDITIONS, AND ISSUE QUALITY

We examine the aggregate volume of straight debt initial public offerings (DIPOs) from 1970 to 2010. We find that aggregate DIPO activities display wave patterns. Both the number and total proceeds of DIPOs vary substantially over time. DIPO volume is significantly associated with yield spread, aggregate book-to-market ratio, stock return volatility, lagged equity IPO volume, and term spread, suggesting that investor sentiment and capital market conditions play significant roles in explaining time variations in DIPO volume. We also find that speculative-grade DIPO issues synchronize with the business cycles, while investment-grade issues display a steady or countercyclical pattern.
Photoelectron microscopy of plastic zone around a fatigue crack

The photoelectron emission from a metal is enhanced by fatigue cycling. This increase, which is often referred to as exoelectron emission, has been observed directly in a photoelectron microscope. The increase of emission results primarily from the rupturing of the thin surface oxide, thereby revealing a fresh metal surface of lower work function. During the propagation of a fatigue crack there are two sources of exoelectrons. 1) The crack itself, which emits very strongly and is easily identified. 2) The deformation generated in the nearby material,i.e. the plastic zone. In addition, the active portion of the plastic zone at the crack tip may be distinguished from the relatively inactive wake of deformed material.
Expressions of Generativity and Posttraumatic Growth in Adult Cancer Survivors.

Much of the psycho-oncology research that has been conducted to date has focused on understanding the negative psychological and psychosocial sequelae of cancer. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that many cancer survivors report psychological growth following a diagnosis of cancer. Further, there are few studies that examine the relationship among age, cancer, and posttraumatic growth. This study examines relationships among posttraumatic growth, generativity, age, and gender. Questionnaires were mailed to 400 randomly-selected cancer survivors from a metropolitan hospital tumor registry, with a yield of 21%. Three age cohorts were examined (26-41 years, 42-54 years, and 55-plus years). As anticipated, MANOVA showed no significant age differences in expression of generative concern among the three cohorts, but there was evidence that younger adults engage in a greater number of generative behaviors than older adults. Further, females reported more positive growth on four out of the five domains of the measure of posttraumatic growth compared to males, and the oldest cohort experienced lower levels of positive growth compared with the other two groups. Generative concern was positively correlated with the total posttraumatic growth score. Implications for theoretical and applied research on generativity and posttraumatic growth in adult cancer survivors are discussed.
Clinical impact of hyperprolactinaemia

Summary Prolactinomas are benign, functioning pituitary tumours that cause reproductive dysfunction in men and women. PRL-secreting microadenomas have a benign clinical course and may even disappear without treatment. Absolute indications for treatment of hyperprolactinaemia include the need to restore fertility and the presence of a macroadenoma. A dopamine agonist is the treatment of choice regardless of tumour size and will normalize PRL and restore menses in the majority of cases. Hypogonadism induced by hyperprolactinaemia is associated with decreased spinal bone mineral content, but it is not clear whether the bone loss is progressive. Bone mass improves after treatment of the hyperprolactinaemia but does not normalize. The safety of chronic oestrogen therapy in women with hyperprolactinaemic amenorrhoea who are not desirous of fertility remains to be elucidated by ongoing clinical trials.
Bulk and interfacial properties of a dipolar-quadrupolar fluid in a uniform electric field: A density-functional approach

We have studied the bulk and interfacial properties of a dipolar-quadrupolar fluid based on an extended modified mean-field density-functional theory. Effects of a uniform electric field on the bulk and interfacial properties are also studied. Results of the coexisting vapor-liquid densities, interfacial profiles of the density and orientation order parameters, the surface tension, and their dependence on the temperature, magnitude of molecule dipole and quadrupole moment, and the applied field are obtained. In general, we find that the applied field increases the critical temperature, broadens the vapor-liquid coexistence curves, and reduces the surface tension. We also find that if the quadrupole moment is positive, the reduction in the surface tension is greater when the applied field is in the direction from the vapor to the liquid phase than the reduction when the field is in the opposite direction. This apparent symmetry breaking by reversing the field direction may offer a molecular mechanism to explain the phenomenon of the sign preference in liquid droplet formation on charged condensation centers.
Atmosphere-soil mercury distribution: the biotic factor

Relative to volcanic sites in Iceland and Hawaii the Hg distribution ratio soil: air around Mt. Erebus (Ross Island, U.S. Antarctica) is anomously low. Air values for all three areas are similar. Differences are a reflection of extremely low soil levels at Antarctic sample sites. This condition appears to arise from the paucity of vegetation and lower degree of bio-concentration among Antarctic biota.
Prediction of IQ in the Mayo Older Adult Normative sample using multiple methods.

Using the Mayo Older Adult Normative sample (Ivnik et al., 1992) as our database, we developed regression models for estimating premorbid Full Scale (FSIQs), Verbal (VIQs), and Performance (PIQs) IQs for elderly adults. Age, years of education, and sex were the only demographic variables that showed sufficient variability; therefore, they were used as predictor variables in three stepwise procedures. The Mayo Normative FSIQs, VIQs, and PIQs served as the dependent variables. Both education and sex added significantly to the accounting of variance of both FSIQ and VIQ ( p < .001), whereas education ( p < .001) and age ( p < .05) were significant predictors of PIQ. These models produced statistically significant multiple Rs of .54, .58, and .35 ( p < .0001), with standard errors of estimate of 9.02, 8.28, and 10.77 for FSIQ, VIQ, and PIQ, respectively. Estimated FSIQs generated with the present model and the model developed by Barona and colleagues (Barona, Reynolds, & Chastain, 1984) were compared. The correlation between estimated IQs was large, the mean difference between IQs was very small, the standard deviations were nearly equal, and the categorical distributions of the two were similar. Because the Barona model is likely to be familiar to most clinicians, these findings argue in favor of the continued use of the Barona model, even when assessing people older than the WAIS-R normative sample. Extensions of these models to the WAIS-III also are discussed.
Kinetic therapy in critically III patients: Combined results based on meta-analysis

Several investigators have independently studied kinetic therapy (KT) using continuous postural oscillation in medical, surgical, and neurologic intensive care units (ICUs). These studies were designed to determine if KT would reduce complications associated with immobilization of ICU patients and reduce costs by decreasing hospital stay. The results based on the six randomized studies varied with reports of significant and nonsignificant differences between KT tables (Roto Rest bed, KCI, San Antonio, TX) and conventional hospital beds. The inconsistencies could be due in part to insufficient sample sizes of each study, which ranged from 30 to 100 patients. The present report presents the results of meta-analysis, which tests the statistical significance of differences between treatment groups by combining six independent studies with a total sample size of 419 patients. The analysis indicates that the incidences of pneumonia and atelectasis were significantly reduced by KT tables (P < .002 and P < .03, respectively). The number of hours intubated and the length of ICU stay were also significant (P < .04 and P < .02, respectively). However, KT did not appear to have a statistically significant effect on adult respiratory distress syndrome, pressure ulcers, embolisms, mortality, or length of hospital stay.
Echocardiographic evidence of improved hemodynamics during inhaled nitric oxide therapy for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of inhaled nitric oxide (NO) on the systemic and pulmonary circulations, 25 consecutive infants with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) underwent serial echocardiographic evaluations before and during inhaled NO therapy. Estimation of the systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) was derived from measurement of a tricuspid regurgitant jet using Bernoulli's equation. We also derived a pulmonary/systemic pressure ratio to evaluate overall cardiopulmonary effects. Paired measurements of estimated SPAP decreased from 62.0 ± 3.8 mmHg to 44.7 ± 4.3 mmHg (p < 0.01) during inhaled NO therapy. The pulmonary/systemic pressure ratio decreased from 0.98 ± 0.06 to 0.59 ± 0.04 during NO therapy (p < 0.01), indicating a significant decline in the vascular resistance between the two circulations. These changes also correlated with changes in the extrapulmonary shunt patterns at the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale seen during inhaled NO therapy. The decreased right-to-left shunting was accompanied by a parallel (64%) improvement in systemic oxygenation, with the alveolar–arterial oxygen gradient (A-a DO2) falling from 591 ± 14 mmHg to 380 ± 33 mmHg (p < 0.01). We found echocardiography to be a useful clinical tool for evaluating and monitoring pulmonary artery pressure in infants with PPHN. Measurement of the SPAP and the pulmonary/systemic pressure ratio gave a quantitative estimation of the severity of PPHN, and the extrapulmonary shunt flow patterns at the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale gave qualitative estimates of its severity. Inhaled NO increased pulmonary blood flow and oxygenation and improved the systemic cardiopulmonary hemodynamics in this group of infants.
Plasma electrolyte concentrations in ambulatory cardiac patients.

The authors find that electrolyte concentrations of the plasma of the more severely ill cardiac patients attending two outpatient clinics are statistically indistinguishable from controls. They note, however, a slight tendency to metabolic alkalosis and occasionally a mild hyponatremia. No instance of "low salt syndrome" was found.
Paraphyseal changes on bone-age studies predict risk of delayed radiation-associated skeletal complications following total body irradiation

Children undergoing total body irradiation (TBI) often develop delayed skeletal complications. Bone-age studies in these children often reveal subtle paraphyseal changes including physeal widening, metaphyseal irregularity and paraphyseal exostoses. To investigate whether paraphyseal changes on a bone-age study following TBI indicate a predisposition toward developing other radiation-associated skeletal complications. We retrospectively reviewed medical records and bone-age studies of 77 children receiving TBI at our institution between 1995 and 2008 who had at least 2 years of clinical follow-up and one bone-age study after TBI. We graded bone-age studies according to the severity of paraphyseal changes. All documented skeletal complications following TBI were tabulated. Kendall’s tau-b was used to examine associations between degree of paraphyseal change and development of a skeletal complication. Kendall’s tau analyses showed that physeal widening and metaphyseal irregularity/sclerosis (tau = 0.87, P < 0.001) and paraphyseal exostoses (tau = 0.68, P < 0.001) seen on bone-age studies were significantly positively associated with the development of delayed skeletal complications following TBI. Thirty percent of children with no or mild paraphyseal changes developed a delayed skeletal complication, compared with 58% of children with moderate paraphyseal changes and 90% of children with severe paraphyseal changes. Paraphyseal changes identified on a bone-age study correlate positively with the development of delayed skeletal complications elsewhere in the skeleton following TBI.
What US judges know and believe about eyewitness testimony

In a survey, 160 US judges indicated their knowledge and beliefs about eyewitness testimony. Although correct on some issues, judges were often wrong on important issues such as whether at trial eyewitness confidence is a good indicator of eyewitness accuracy, and if jurors can distinguish accurate from inaccurate witnesses. Increased knowledge was associated with: a willingness to permit legal safeguards, including expert testimony at trial; a belief that jurors have limited knowledge of eyewitness factors; a reluctance to convict defendants solely from eyewitness testimony; a more accurate estimate of the extent to which wrongful convictions result from eyewitness error; and a belief that judges need more eyewitness training. Additional training about factors and procedures that affect eyewitness accuracy may help judges reduce the number of wrongful convictions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical Characterization of 300-GHz Propagation on a Desktop

This paper presents measurements and statistical characterization of 300- to 320-GHz desktop channels. The measurements are performed in line-of-sight (LoS) and non-LoS (NLoS) environments. From the large set of LoS measured data, the parameters for the single-slope path-loss model with shadowing are devised. The results show that the path-loss exponent is around 1.9 and that the variations due to shadowing are similar across different frequencies and different bandwidths. Furthermore, the impact of different materials on the path loss is studied in the NLoS environment. The results show that metal objects in the propagation path cause multiple strong reflections, leading to a higher path loss. Furthermore, the statistical analysis of multipath propagation is performed. The root-mean-square (RMS) delay spread, the mean excess delay, the maximum excess delay, and the coherence bandwidth for LoS and NLoS environments are calculated. The results show that the mean excess delay and RMS delay spread increase with distance and that the RMS delay spread in the desktop terahertz channel is much smaller than that in typical indoor ultrawideband channels. In addition, the power delay profiles for LoS and NLoS environments are analyzed. The results show that strong reflections from the transmitter and receiver electronics are present in both LoS and NLoS environments. Finally, the statistical analysis of the measured signal amplitude in LoS and NLoS environments is performed. For both LoS and NLoS propagation environments, it is found that the lognormal distribution provides the best fit.
Conductor redesign saves copper

Wartime contingencies determined the redesign of a major high-voltage transmission line to save 985 tons of newly mined copper for other war purposes. The result is a segmental line carrying five different types of expanded aluminum and copper conductors.
Improved histochemical techniques for the detection of Acremonium coenophialum in tall fescue and methods of in vitro culture of the fungus

Abstract The endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones and Grams [also referred to as Epichloe tryphina (Fries)Tul.] has been associated with a serious toxicosis problem in cattle grazing tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Up to now the fungus was detected in the grass by examining pith from the flowering stem. This limited observations to mature plants in the spring of the year. A faster technique involving examination of the lear sheath, which can be done any time of the year, is described here. The fungus can also be detected in the seed where it grows in association with the aleurone layer. Nitric acid treatment of the seed followed by staining with aniline blue permits rapid processing and examination under a microscope. Reliability of this technique was tested on seven batches of seed mixed in different proportions by weight from two seed lots, one with 100% infected seed and the other 1% infected seed. The standard error of the mean varied from 0.4 to 4.6. This procedure gives a reliable estimate of the percentage of tall fescue seed infected with A. coenophialum .
Thoracoscopic versus open repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula at a single institution

The potential benefits of thoracoscopic repair (TR) of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) in newborns are still unclear. Our aim was to define the criteria, perioperative outcome after undergoing TR versus open repair (OR) for EA/TEF. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 36 consecutive neonates who underwent EA/TEF repair between 2001 and 2012 in Shizuoka Children’s Hospital. Patients in this study were birth weight >2,000 g, and did not have severe cardiac malformations or chromosomal aberrations. Of the 26 newborns who met the selection criteria, 11 patients underwent attempts at TR compared to 15 patients who underwent OR. All cases were followed 1 year after operation at least. All 11 TR were successfully completed. There were no significant differences between intra- and perioperative complications in the two groups. Intraoperative EtCO2 and arterial blood gases were not significantly different between the two groups. We did not found eating disorder, respiratory disorder, and failure of growth in all cases. In our study, the thoracoscopic approach appeared to be favorable and safe for EA/TEF repair in carefully selected patients.
Properties of SZTS (4-Acetoamido-4′-Isothio-Cyanostilbene-2,2′-Disulfonic Acid): Fluorescence and Biological Staining

The emission spectra of the fluorochrome, SITS, are stable in the pH range of 4.5—12.0. The wavelength range giving maximum excitation was 340-360 mμ; range of maximum emission, 415-420 mμ In the animal cell types tested, HeLa, Chang liver, mouse L, and monkey kidney, all cellular membranes stained, but cell walk of plant tissue (Allium cepa) did not. The staining solution was 5 mg/ml of SITS in Earle's balanced salt solution. The preparations were mounted and viewed microscopically in this solution or, after staining and protracted storage in 9:1 methanol-formalin mixture they were mounted and viewed in this fixative. SITS may be useful as a vital dye since it distinguishes between living and dead cells.
On Connected Multiple Point Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider a wireless sensor network consisting of a set of sensors deployed randomly. A point in the monitored area is covered if it is within the sensing range of a sensor. In some applications, when the network is sufficiently dense, area coverage can be approximated by guaranteeing point coverage. In this case, all the points of wireless devices could be used to represent the whole area, and the working sensors are supposed to cover all the sensors. Many applications related to security and reliability require guaranteed k-coverage of the area at all times. In this paper, we formalize the k-(Connected) Coverage Set (k-CCS/k-CS) problems, develop a linear programming algorithm, and design two non-global solutions for them. Some theoretical analysis is also provided followed by simulation results.
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is an intermediate host for Sarcocystis neurona

Striped skunks, initially negative for antibodies to Sarcocystis neurona, formed sarcocysts in skeletal muscles after inoculation with S. neurona sporocysts collected from a naturally infected Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). Skunks developed antibodies to S. neurona by immunoblot and muscles containing sarcocysts were fed to laboratory-reared opossums which then shed sporulated Sarcocystis sporocysts in their faeces. Mean dimensions for sporocysts were 11.0 x 7.5 microm and each contained four sporozoites and a residuum. Sarcocysts from skunks and sporocysts from opossums fed infected skunk muscle were identified as S. neurona using PCR and DNA sequence analysis. A 2-month-old, S. neurona-naive pony foal was orally inoculated with 5 x 10(5) sporocysts. Commercial immunoblot for antibodies to S. neurona performed using CSF collected from the inoculated pony was low positive at 4 weeks p.i., positive at 6 weeks p.i., and strong positive at 8 weeks p.i. Gamma-interferon gene knockout mice inoculated with skunk/opossum derived sporocysts developed serum antibodies to S. neurona and clinical neurologic disease. Merozoites of S. neurona present in the lung, cerebrum, and cerebellum of mice were detected by immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies to S. neurona. Based on the results of this study, the striped skunk is an intermediate host of S. neurona.
VDR‐mediated inhibition of DKK1 and SFRP2 suppresses adipogenic differentiation of murine bone marrow stromal cells

Osteoblasts and adipocytes are thought to derive from a common bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) precursor. Activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of BMSCs along either of these two lineages, promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipogenesis. Liganded nuclear receptors, including the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), can also affect BMSCs differentiation. To address whether VDR ablation modulates the differentiation of BMSCs into the osteoblast or adipogenic lineages, BMSCs were isolated from VDR null mice and from their wild-type littermates. VDR ablation did not alter osteoblastic differentiation. However, when cultured under adipogenic conditions, BMSCs from the VDR null mice expressed higher mRNA levels of PPARgamma and of markers of adipogenic differentiation. An increase in the size and number of mature adipocyte foci was also observed in cultures isolated from VDR null mice relative to those isolated from wild-type mice. To address whether the increased adipogenesis observed in the VDR null cultures was associated with inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, mRNA levels for DKK1 and SFRP2 were examined. Cultures from the VDR null mice expressed higher levels of mRNA encoding DKK1 and SFRP2 than did the wild-type cultures. This difference is, at least in part, due to ligand-dependent actions of the VDR, since 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppressed DKK1 and SFRP2 expression in wild-type cultures. Thus, the VDR inhibits adipogenesis of BMSCs at least in part by suppressing the expression of inhibitors of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
Polyfluorinated aryl azides as photoaffinity labelling reagents; the room temperature CH insertion reactions of singlet pentafluorophenyl nitrene with alkanes

Abstract Photolysis of pentafluorophenyl azide in alkanes releases singlet pentafluorophenylnitrene which inserts into the CH bond of cyclopentane to produce an adduct in 28% yield.
Parathyroid hormone: a double-edged sword for bone metabolism

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the major hormone regulating calcium metabolism. It is also the only FDA-approved drug for osteoporosis treatment that stimulates bone formation when injected daily. However, continuous infusion of PTH causes severe bone loss in line with its known catabolic effects. Many studies to understand the dual effects of PTH have been carried out, and in recent years a growing number of molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects have emerged. Here, we outline the present knowledge and conclude that the kinetics of administration and subsequent signaling probably account for the divergent actions of the hormone.
Reticulospinal Neurons in the Pontomedullary Reticular Formation of the Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Recent neurophysiological studies indicate a role for reticulospinal neurons of the pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) in motor preparation and goal-directed reaching in the monkey. Although the macaque monkey is an important model for such investigations, little is known regarding the organization of the PMRF in the monkey. In the present study, we investigated the distribution of reticulospinal neurons in the macaque. Bilateral injections of wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) were made into the cervical spinal cord. A wide band of retrogradely labeled cells was found in the gigantocellular reticular nucleus (Gi) and labeled cells continued rostrally into the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC) and into the oral pontine reticular nucleus (PnO). Additional retrograde tracing studies following unilateral cervical spinal cord injections of cholera toxin subunit B revealed that there were more ipsilateral (60%) than contralateral (40%) projecting cells in Gi, while an approximately 50:50 ratio contralateral to ipsilateral split was found in PnC and more contralateral projections arose from PnO. Reticulospinal neurons in PMRF ranged widely in size from over 50 μm to under 25 μm across the major somatic axis. Labeled giant cells (soma diameters greater than 50 μm) comprised a small percentage of the neurons and were found in Gi, PnC and PnO. The present results define the origins of the reticulospinal system in the monkey and provide an important foundation for future investigations of the anatomy and physiology of this system in primates.
Turbo decoding for combined distortions in distributed source coding

Turbo codes is a promising technique for distributed source coding (DSC) in sensor networks because of its simple encoding implementation in sensors and the high decoding performance at the receiver. Different than the scenario in channel coding that only one distortion from physical channel exists, two types of distortion from both physical channel and BSC co-exist in a distributive source coding scenario. In this paper, first, the conventional Turbo decoding is modified to handle BSC distortion. Then, it is further modified to decode mixed data with both types of distortion simultaneously. By redefining channel reliabilities and calculating the extrinsic information considering both distortions, the new decoding algorithm well matches the realistic DSC scenario and indeed improves decoding performance.
Taylorism Versus Welfare Work in American Industry: H. L. Gantt and the Bancrofts

Two differing managerial philosophies competed for the support of American businessmen around the beginning of the twentieth century — the “scientific management” of Frederick W. Taylor and a general set of practices known as “welfare work.” This study examines the experience of a Brandywine River textile firm which tried to employ both approaches at the same time.
Substance P is an early mediator of peritoneal fibrinolytic pathway genes and promotes intra-abdominal adhesion formation.

Abstract Background The substance P (SP) or neurokinin-1 receptor pathway has been implicated in intra-abdominal adhesion formation, in large part through its effects on peritoneal fibrinolysis. This study investigates the role of SP as an early mediator of the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of key components of the peritoneal fibrinolytic system and other fundamental adhesiogenic pathways. Materials and methods Intra-abdominal adhesions were surgically induced in 28 rats using the ischemic button model. mRNA levels of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) 1α and 2α, and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were measured in adhesive button tissue taken at time 0 and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery in rats receiving an intraoperative peritoneal bolus (25 mg/kg) of a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist (NK-1RA) or saline. Peritoneal fluid fibrinolytic activity was measured in peritoneal lavages taken at the same time points. Results SP levels increased ( P ≤ 0.05) within 1 h postoperatively followed by an increase ( P ≤ 0.05) in tPA mRNA expression from 3 to 6 h after surgery along with a striking increase ( P ≤ 0.05) in PAI-1 mRNA expression from 3 to 12 h. NK-1RA administration further increased ( P ≤ 0.05) tPA mRNA expression and significantly blunted the increase in PAI-1 mRNA levels. The NK-1RA increased ( P ≤ 0.05) fitbrinolytic activity in peritoneal fluid at 3, 12, and 24 h after surgery. HIF-1α and VEGF-A mRNA expressions increased from 3 to 12 h ( P ≤ 0.05) and from 1 to 3 h ( P ≤ 0.05) after surgery, respectively, whereas HIF-2α mRNA expression steadily decreased. NK-1RA delayed the rise in HIF-1α mRNA and ablated the changes in HIF-2α and VEGF-A mRNAs. Conclusions SP is a pleiotropic early regulator of mRNA levels of key adhesiogenic mediators after surgery, suggesting that it may be a viable therapeutic target.
DEFINING THE SOVEREIGN BODY

Jack W. Chen, The Poetics of Sovereignty: On Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. Harvard-Yenching Monograph Series 71. Cambridge: Harvard University Asia Center, 2010. xvii + 445 pp.Jack W. Chen’s...
THE CELLULAR BASIS OF OXYGEN TOXICITY: 7

The exposure of Guniea pigs to 85 % oxygen decreased various host defense mechanism in Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNs) and Alveolar Macrophages (AMs). These leukocyte functions are dependent on an intact cytoskeleton, consistent of the microtubulus and microfilament system, which can be assayed from the mobility of fluorescence labelled Concanavallin A (Con A) receptor complexes on the cell surface. Con A shows an uniform surface distribution on cells with an intact microtubulus system, whereas its disruption causes a Con A cap formation. The alteration of the microtubulus and microfilament systems induces a patchy Con A distribution. To study the effect of hyperoxia on the cytoskeletal elements, the Con A distribution was observed in PMNs and AMs obtained from guinea pigs exposed to 85 % oxygen. By 90 hrs. 23 % PMNs exhibited a capped and a 69 % PMNs a patchy Con A distribution, compared to 11 % and 18 % controls, respectively. The number of spontaneous capped AMs increased two-fold during the oxygen exposure, too. Again, there was an increase from 14 % to 58 % AMs exhibiting a patchy Con A distribution by 90 hrs. This study demonstrates that hyperoxia alters the cytoskeleton of PMNs. Supported by DFG, Ri 275/2
MRI Diagnosis of NF-1 in Children Without Café-Au-Lait Skin Lesions

Three of ten children with optic gliomas satisfy the 1987 National Institutes of Health consensus criteria for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). The diagnosis in these cases is based on the presence of cafe-au-lait skin lesions in addition to the optic glioma. Two children without skin lesions have typical findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that also suggest a diagnosis of NF-1. A review of 281 NF-1 children with brain MRI results demonstrates the presence of these abnormalities in 57% of the cases. It is suggested that this MRI abnormality is sufficiently specific to add this feature to the list of diagnostic criteria. When MRI findings are present in a child with optic glioma and without skin lesions, counseling should be given for NF-1. It is noteworthy that these typical MRI findings in NF-1 are less common in adulthood, apparently because of spontaneous resolution.
Widening rural-urban disparities in life expectancy, U.S., 1969-2009

BACKGROUND: There is limited research on rural-urban disparities in U.S. life expectancy. PURPOSE: This study examined trends in rural-urban disparities in life expectancy at birth in the U.S. between 1969 and 2009. METHODS: The 1969-2009 U.S. county-level mortality data linked to a rural-urban continuum measure were analyzed. Life expectancies were calculated by age, gender, and race for 3-year time periods between 1969 and 2004 and for 2005-2009 using standard life-table methodology. Differences in life expectancy were decomposed by age and cause of death. RESULTS: Life expectancy was inversely related to levels of rurality. In 2005-2009, those in large metropolitan areas had a life expectancy of 79.1 years, compared with 76.9 years in small urban towns and 76.7 years in rural areas. When stratified by gender, race, and income, life expectancy ranged from 67.7 years among poor black men in nonmetropolitan areas to 89.6 among poor Asian/Pacific Islander women in metropolitan areas. Rural-urban disparities widened over time. In 1969-1971, life expectancy was 0.4 years longer in metropolitan than in nonmetropolitan areas (70.9 vs 70.5 years). By 2005-2009, the life expectancy difference had increased to 2.0 years (78.8 vs 76.8 years). The rural poor and rural blacks currently experience survival probabilities that urban rich and urban whites enjoyed 4 decades earlier. Causes of death contributing most to the increasing rural-urban disparity and lower life expectancy in rural areas include heart disease, unintentional injuries, COPD, lung cancer, stroke, suicide, and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Between 1969 and 2009, residents in metropolitan areas experienced larger gains in life expectancy than those in nonmetropolitan areas, contributing to the widening gap. Language: en
Ethological Studies of the Budgerigar: Reproductive Behavior

Behavior patterns associated with pairing, precopulatory, copulatory and postcopulatory activities in Melopsittacus undulatus (a colonial psittacine parrot) are described ; and their possible function, causation and evolution is discussed. Heterosexual pair formation involves 3 obvious activities; Head Shaking, male Loud Warble and female following of the male. Two of these are also seen in precopulatory context. Courtship feeding, reciprocal preening and possibly Loud Warbling or other vocalizations, sidling activities, Courtship feeding, Head-bobbing and attempts to mount. tions variously in precopulatory stimulation and providing nourishment to an incubating or brooding female. Its role as a possible "reward" or appeasement to the female during precopulatory behavior is discussed. Typical male precopulatory behavior consists of 6 "Nudging-Pumping actions", various vocalizations, sidling activities, courtship feeding, Head-bobbing and attempts to mount. Redirected precopulatory behavior and Head Shaking (possibly derived from displacement head shaking) are quite common and redirected aggression is less so. These are described and causally and functionally discussed. The manner of copulation is unique. The male generally plays the more active role in courtship with a typical conflict of FaM (sensu MORRIS, 1956a), while the female shows a typical conflict of fAm. The importance of crown and throat feather adjustments, typically sleeked or normal in the female and ruffled in the male, as possibly signalling the relative motivational states of both sexes is discussed. Also, the ruffled male crown and throat feathers may serve as appeasement towards the female.
Cultivating problem-solving skills through problem-based approaches to professional development

An extensive literature review was conducted of four problem-based approaches to professional development: (1) case study, (2) goal-based scenario, (3) problem-based learning, and (4) action learning. The review comparatively analyzed the training designs of these four approaches and found key differences in the nature of their case problems and training strategies. Specifically, the analysis found that case problems are ill structured in action learning and problem-based learning, are moderately structured in a goal-based scenario, and are fairly well structured in the case study approach. In addition, it was found that prototypical problems are used to a much greater extent in the problem-based learning and goal-based scenario approaches than they are in the other two approaches. Furthermore, the analysis found that the case study approach uses the most expert-oriented training strategy, the goal-based scenario approach uses a more learner-oriented strategy than the case study approach, and the problem-based learning and action learning approaches use strongly learner-oriented strategies. These design differences suggest that the case study and goal-based scenario approaches are more likely to result in single-loop learning and to foster the ability to solve well-structured problems, whereas the problem-based learning and action learning approaches are more likely to lead to double-loop learning and to promote the ability to solve ill-structured problems. Implications of these findings for the design and research of problem-based approaches to professional development are discussed.
Temporal arteritis and Chlamydia pneumoniae: failure to detect the organism by polymerase chain reaction in ninety cases and ninety controls.

Objective To examine the reported correlation between the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in temporal artery biopsy specimens and the diagnosis of temporal arteritis (TA). Methods Among 90 possible cases of TA identified at our institution between 1968 and 2000, 79 of the positive biopsy specimens (88%) demonstrated giant cells and the other 11 cases (12%) had other histopathologic features compatible with TA; by chart review, all 90 patients were confirmed to have met the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for TA. Controls had negative temporal artery biopsy specimens during the same 32-year time period and their postbiopsy disease courses were not compatible with TA. Controls were matched with each case by sex, year of biopsy, and age within 10 years. The biopsy specimens from all cases and controls were reevaluated and readings were confirmed in a masked manner by an experienced eye pathologist. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses for C pneumoniae were performed on the 180 samples using 2 different sets of PCR primers (which target 2 different genes). A primer set targeting the ompA gene (CP1-CP2/CPC-CPD) was used to perform a nested PCR, followed by confirmation of the findings with primers targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene (Cpn90/Cpn91) in a touchdown-enzyme time-release PCR. We used positive and negative controls, as well as controls made from infected and noninfected HEp-2 cells, suspended in a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded matrix. Results Seventy-six percent of the 180 cases and controls were women. The mean age of the cases was 72.0 years (range 53–90), and that of the controls was 70.4 years (range 51–86). Eighty percent of the control samples were obtained by temporal artery biopsy performed within 1 year of the biopsies performed on the matched cases. Using the CP1-CP2/CPC-CPD primer set, only 1 TA case sample (1% of all case samples) was positive for the ompA gene. One control sample was also positive using these primers. With the Cpn90/Cpn91 primers, none of the cases and none of the controls were positive for the 16S rRNA gene. Conclusion The results of this study using sensitive and specific PCR analyses do not support a role for C pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of TA.
Phase I and phase II reductive metabolism simulation of nitro aromatic xenobiotics with electrochemistry coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry.

Electrochemistry combined with (liquid chromatography) high resolution mass spectrometry was used to simulate the general reductive metabolism of three biologically important nitro aromatic molecules: 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM), niclosamide, and nilutamide. TFM is a pesticide used in the Laurential Great Lakes while niclosamide and nilutamide are used in cancer therapy. At first, a flow-through electrochemical cell was directly connected to a high resolution mass spectrometer to evaluate the ability of electrochemistry to produce the main reduction metabolites of nitro aromatic, nitroso, hydroxylamine, and amine functional groups. Electrochemical experiments were then carried out at a constant potential of −2.5 V before analysis of the reduction products by LC-HRMS, which confirmed the presence of the nitroso, hydroxylamine, and amine species as well as dimers. Dimer identification illustrates the reactivity of the nitroso species with amine and hydroxylamine species. To investigate xenobiotic metabolism, the reactivity of nitroso species to biomolecules was also examined. Binding of the nitroso metabolite to glutathione was demonstrated by the observation of adducts by LC-ESI+-HRMS and the characteristics of their MSMS fragmentation. In conclusion, electrochemistry produces the main reductive metabolites of nitro aromatics and supports the observation of nitroso reactivity through dimer or glutathione adduct formation.
Efficacy of an evidence-based clinical decision support in primary care practices: a randomized clinical trial.

Importance There is consensus that incorporating clinical decision support into electronic health records will improve quality of care, contain costs, and reduce overtreatment, but this potential has yet to be demonstrated in clinical trials. Objective To assess the influence of a customized evidence-based clinical decision support tool on the management of respiratory tract infections and on the effectiveness of integrating evidence at the point of care. Design, Setting, and Participants In a randomized clinical trial, we implemented 2 well-validated integrated clinical prediction rules, namely, the Walsh rule for streptococcal pharyngitis and the Heckerling rule for pneumonia. Interventions and Main Outcomes and Measures The intervention group had access to the integrated clinical prediction rule tool and chose whether to complete risk score calculators, order medications, and generate progress notes to assist with complex decision making at the point of care. Results The intervention group completed the integrated clinical prediction rule tool in 57.5% of visits. Providers in the intervention group were significantly less likely to order antibiotics than the control group (age-adjusted relative risk, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.92). The absolute risk of the intervention was 9.2%, and the number needed to treat was 10.8. The intervention group was significantly less likely to order rapid streptococcal tests compared with the control group (relative risk, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.97;P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance The integrated clinical prediction rule process for integrating complex evidence-based clinical decision report tools is of relevant importance for national initiatives, such as Meaningful Use. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01386047
In situ observation of electrolytic H2 evolution adjacent to gold cathodes

The early stages of gas evolution during electrolytic hydrogen production on Au electrodes are characterized by in situ transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that reaction product molecules initially dissolve into solution and then nucleate near, but not on, the electrodes. The gas subsequently wets the electrodes and its successive evolution is governed by triple phase boundary line motion.
Chymase mediates angiotensin-(1-12) metabolism in normal human hearts

Identification of angiotensin-(1-12) [Ang-(1-12)] in forming angiotensin II (Ang II) by a non-renin dependent mechanism has increased knowledge on the paracrine/autocrine mechanisms regulating cardiac expression of Ang peptides. This study now describes in humans the identity of the enzyme accounting for Ang-(1-12) metabolism in the left ventricular (LV) tissue of normal subjects. Reverse phase HPLC characterized the products of (125)I-Ang-(1-12) metabolism in plasma membranes (PMs) from human LV in the absence and presence of inhibitors for chymase (chymostatin), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 1 (lisinopril) and 2 (MLN-4760), and neprilysin (SHC39370). In the presence of the inhibitor cocktail, ≥ 98% ± 2% of cardiac (125)I-Ang-(1-12) remained intact, whereas exclusion of chymostatin from the inhibitor cocktail led to significant conversion of Ang-(1-12) into Ang II. In addition, chymase-mediated hydrolysis of (125)I-Ang I was higher compared with Ang-(1-12). Negligible Ang-(1-12) hydrolysis occurred by ACE, ACE2, and neprilysin. A high chymase activity was detected for both (125)I-Ang-(1-12) and (125)I-Ang I substrates. Chymase accounts for the conversion of Ang-(1-12) and Ang I to Ang II in normal human LV. These novel findings expand knowledge of the alternate mechanism by which Ang-(1-12) contributes to the production of cardiac angiotensin peptides.
Kinetic measurements of oxygen dissolution into niobium substrates : in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies

Abstract The stabilities of Nb2O5 films occurring on niobium or Nb-1%Zr substrates were examined during ultrahigh vacuum annealing. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the concentration of species present at the surface. The metal-oxide systems investigated showed similar behavior. They did not form stable layers and surface reduction from Nb2O5 to NbO due to dissolution of oxygen into the bulk metal was observed at temperatures above 598 K. The kinetics of this reaction were determined using anodically deposited Nb2O5 overlayers (33 nm thick). Kinetic data were obtained by continuously monitoring the O 1s peak during annealing in the temperature range 623–723 K at base pressures of around 10−8 Pa. The reaction was first order and proceeded with a measured activation energy of 174±6 kJ mol−1 and a frequency factor of 8.9×1010.0±0.3s−1. Similar kinetic data using oxide overlayers 11 and 66 nm thick demonstrated that the dissolution process was independent of initial oxide thickness and controlled by reaction at the oxide-metal interface. The shift of Nb 3 d 3 2 − 5 2 spectra to lower binding energies during vacuum annealing suggested the following reduction sequence. Continuous monitoring and deconvolution of the Nb 3 d 3 2 − 5 2 spectra allowed independent rate measurements of each step. The reaction for the Nb5+ to Nb4+ transition was first order and proceeded with a measured activation energy of 134 ±16 kJ mol−1 and a frequency factor of 8.0×107.0±0.4 s−1. The Nb4+ to Nb2+ transition was also first order and the activation energy and the frequency factor were calculated using two different methods. A single-point method, using the maximum concentration of Nb4+, yielded an activation energy of 180±18 kJ mol−1 and a frequency factor of 5.4×1010.0±0.5 s−1. A multi-point method, using all measured Nb4+ concentrations in a computer simulation, yielded an activation energy of 177±16 kJ mol−1 and a frequency factor of 1.0×1011.0±0.4 s−1. These two methods compare favorably with one another and based on the rate constants, the Nb4+ to Nb2+ transition was determined to be the rate-limiting step in the overall reduction. The presence or absence of 1% zirconium did not affect the kinetics of oxygen dissolution during our studies.
A stereoselective synthesis of (2S,3R)-β-methoxyphenylalanine: a component of cyclomarin A

Abstract A stereoselective synthesis of (2 S ,3 R )-β-methoxyphenylalanine, an amino acid contained within the cyclic peptide cyclomarin A, was successfully synthesized from Lajoie’s serine aldehyde.