cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Diabetes on 90-Day Episodes of Care After Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

BACKGROUND In an effort to improve quality and reduce costs, reimbursement for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the United States is being based on the value of care provided, with adjustments for some qualifying comorbidities, including diabetes in its most severe form and excluding many diabetes codes. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of diabetes on elective TKA or THA complications and readmission risks among Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS Complication (n = 521,230) and readmission (n = 515,691) data were extracted from Medicare files in 2013 and 2014. Diabetes status (no diabetes, controlled-uncomplicated diabetes, controlled-complicated diabetes, and uncontrolled diabetes) was identified with ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision) codes. TKA or THA complications and readmission odds based on diabetes status were estimated using logistic regression and adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including comorbidities. RESULTS Compared with no diabetes, the odds ratio (OR) of TKA complications was significantly higher for uncontrolled diabetes (1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06 to 1.57). The OR of THA complications was significantly higher for controlled-complicated diabetes (1.45, 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.80). The OR of readmission was significantly higher for all diabetes groups (1.21 to 1.48 for TKA, 1.20 to 1.70 for THA). CONCLUSIONS Readmission odds were higher in all diabetes categories. The uncontrolled-diabetes group had the greatest TKA readmission and complication odds. The controlled-complicated diabetes group had the greatest THA readmission and complication odds. The findings suggest that including diabetes and associated systemic complications in cost adjustments in alternative payment models for arthroplasty should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Pediatric Facial Trauma: Initial Assessment

A meticulous approach to the physical exam with careful attention to neurological status and injuries pathognomonic for non-accidental trauma is of paramount importance when caring for this vulnerable population. Developing a stepwise approach to pediatric patients with facial trauma minimizes potentially devastating oversight by practitioners. Common injuries seen in emergency room settings are discussed in this chapter.
Pathways to early departure from college: the interrelated and precarious role of finances among Black and Latinx students

This study examines the early departure pathways of first-time freshmen university students to better understand the intersection of financial and time-related constraints that affect first-generat...
Technological advances within digital medicine

Abstract Contemporary advances within digital medicine have gradually changed the landscape of healthcare and biomedical research. Over decades, significant innovations have been witnessed in various aspects of digital medicine, including mobile health (mHealth) applications, telehealth, wearable healthcare technologies, and robotics. mHealth technology utilized artificial intelligence to mitigate the two major barriers for cardiac health promotion: (i) global deficit of healthcare professionals and (ii) ever-growing cost of healthcare services. mHealth applications have been used in preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of medicine. Smartphone-based EKG and “pocket” echocardiography are two pioneering examples in diagnostic cardiology. Wearable technologies rely on implemented sensors to monitor for an array of physiologic parameters, such as vital signs, cardiac electrical activity, and physical activity metrics (e.g., steps count and energy expenditure). Fitness trackers and smartwatches, the most popular and commercially available wearable devices, solely play preventative role via self-quantifying of health metrics. To the contrary, other wearables are enabled to deploy therapeutic interventions—such as the wearable cardioverter defibrillator which can provide a life-saving shock in cases of dysrhythmias. Finally, advances in robotics and robotic-assisted interventions (e.g., percutaneous coronary interventions, peripheral vascular interventions, and catheter-based ablation of arrhythmias) have enhanced procedural accuracy, improved quality of clinical outcomes, and minimized occupational hazards associated with interventional cardiology.
Educational Distancing: A Mixed-Methods Study of Student Perceptions in the Time of Coronavirus

COVID-19 has necessitated the largest and quickest transformation of pedagogy ever seen in contemporary education. This research addresses the gaps surrounding teaching in the time of coronavirus by examining student perceptions before and after the coronavirus pandemic using mixed-methods. Study 1 qualitatively content analyzes student responses to the most and least effective aspects of teaching before and after the transition. Study 2 quantitatively analyzes differences in student pedagogical perceptions for the most effective and least effective courses before and after the transition. The results find that student performance and engagement have the most significant decrease for the most effective course, while the technical delivery was also a significant issue for the least effective course. Results also find that supportive and compassionate teaching is critical. The results build upon the gaps in crisis management, blended learning, and synchronous and asynchronous content by examining the student perspective.
Transplantation for Congenital Heart Disease: Focus on the Impact of Functionally Univentricular Versus Biventricular Circulation.

Background:Varying single center data exist regarding the posttransplant outcomes of patients with single ventricle circulation, particularly following the Fontan operation. We sought to better elu...
Financial and educational impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in an academic hospital-based tertiary cytopathology practice.

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic shift in volumes and practice patterns for hospitals around the globe. We analyzed its effect on the cytopathology subspecialty practice and resident education at our institution. Design Specimen volumes were analyzed for the cytology practice for 2019 and 2020. Patient registration and elective and scheduled surgery volumes were also included in the analysis for 2020. The impact of innovative concepts, such as virtual teaching, on resident teaching was evaluated using a survey consisting of 5 multiple choice questions with 4 possible responses each. Results The total number of specimens decreased by 28% in March 2020 (P Conclusion The recovery curve for our cytopathology service was V-shaped, essentially the most ideal response to an economic downturn. The majority of residents viewed virtual teaching conferences and self-study sets favorably and did not regard absence of one-on-one microscope learning as adversely affecting their education.
Predicting Damage Development in Composite Materials Based on Acousto-Ultrasonic Evaluation

The stress wave factor nondestructive evaluation method introduced by Vary et al.1 embodied a number of features, some of which were attractive regarding practical application, and others of major significance regarding material characterization.The technique as originally described for application to fiber reinforced composites allowed for local assessment of mechanical integrity in the direction of service loading, and required only access to one side of the component.
Abstract W P167: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Wake-Up Stroke

Introduction: Stroke that occurs during sleep or wake-up stroke (WUS) accounts for nearly 30% of all ischemic strokes. Little is known about the characteristics of WUS and whether this stroke presentation is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke were divided into WUS and non-WUS groups. Excluded were patients with iatrogenic, hemorrhagic, and dissection/aneurysmal strokes. Participants underwent polysomnography and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Collected data included: demographic, medical, anthropomorphic, ambulatory blood pressure, infarct location and mechanism, cholesterol, and polysomnographic (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen desaturation index). Results: Among 165 participants, 30.3% had WUS. There was no difference in age or race between WUS and non-WUS groups, but there was a trend for the WUS group to have more men (74.0% vs. 59.6%; p=0.08). Cardiovascular risk factor profiles did not differ between the two groups including: history of stroke, HTN, DM, dyslipidemia, or atrial fibrillation. WUS was less likely than non-WUS to occur by cryptogenic mechanism (14.3% vs. 27.7%; p=0.05). There was a trend for WUS to occur less in the posterior circulation (22.0% vs. 36.0%; p=0.08). LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the WUS group (114.5±36.3 vs. 101.4±37.6; p=0.04). SBP did not differ between the two groups, but DBP was significantly greater in the WUS group (82.4±7.8 vs. 78.3±9.7; p=0.03). Percentage of those with non-dipping blood pressure ( Conclusion: WUS compared to non-WUS is associated with significantly higher diastolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. WUS does not appear more strongly associated with OSA or non-dipping BP than is non-WUS; however, there was a trend toward more frequent oxygen desaturation in WUS.
Abnormal Gamma Oscillations in N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Hypofunction Models of Schizophrenia

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction in parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) inhibitory neurons (INs) may contribute to symptoms in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). This hypothesis was inspired by studies in humans involving NMDAR antagonists that trigger SZ symptoms. Animal models of SZ using neuropharmacology and genetic knockouts have successfully replicated some of the key observations in human subjects involving alteration of gamma band oscillations (GBO) observed in electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography signals. However, it remains to be seen if NMDAR hypofunction in PV+ neurons is fundamental to the phenotype observed in these models. In this review, we discuss some of the key computational models of GBO and their predictions in the context of NMDAR hypofunction in INs. While PV+ INs have been the main focus of SZ studies in animal models, we also discuss the implications of NMDAR hypofunction in other types of INs using computational models for GBO modulation in the visual cortex.
The Seafood Industry: Species, Products, Processing, and Safety

The editors illustrate and effectively detail all aspects of contemporary commercial fish and shellfish industries from harvest through consumption and most facets in between. The focus is U.S. ope...
Experiments in Active Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration

Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are a technology likely to be deployed to meet future stringent emission levels for heavy and light duty diesel powertrains in North America and Europe. This paper discusses experimental results in the active regeneration of DPFs. Attention is given to the system components, the information based on which regeneration is triggered, and the means to achieve a regeneration. The paper will report on successful regenerations under several extreme conditions.
Los sueños de expulsión o extinción de los españoles en conspiraciones, rebeliones, profecías y pasquines de la América Hispánica, siglos XVI al XVIII

Este articulo tiene el proposito de evidenciar el importante papel jugado por formas de comunicacion y critica politica que precedieron a los movimientos independentistas americanos. Desde el siglo XVI hasta el siglo XIX es constante la reiteracion de un sueno al parecer bastante arraigado en el imaginario politico popular, aquel relacionado con el cuestionamiento a la legitimidad de la posesion por parte de Espana de las tierras americanas. Asi mismo, con el desafecto consecuente expresado por profetas y pasquinistas de variados estamentos y procedencias. En el texto se registran diversos momentos y formas en los que el sueno de expulsion de los espanoles o de extincion del orden espanol se hizo presente y se reafirmo, utilizando para ello y como fuentes principales, profecias y pasquines que circularon por Hispanoamerica durante ese periodo. Normal 0 21 false false false ES X-NONE X-NONE
From Borderlands and New Mestizas to Nepantlas and Nepantleras: Anzaldúan Theories for Social Change

Perhaps not surprisingly—given the multifaceted nature of Borderlands and the diver- sity of Anzaldua's other writings—readers have overlooked additional, equally important dimensions of her work, leaving what Anzaldua might call "blank spots" that prevent us from grasping the radical nature of her vision for social change and the crucial ways her theories have developed since the 1987 publication of Borderlands. Even as scholars continue exploring Border- lands, it is my hope that we will also investigate and write about Anzaldua's pre- and post- Borderlands ideas, especially a variety of interlinked theories she was working on at the time of her death—including, but not limited to: "new tribalism;" "geography of selves;" "el mundo zurdo;" "spiritual activism;" "la naguala, or watcher;" "the Coyolxauhqui imperative;" "the imaginal;" "autohistoria/autohistoria-teoria;" "nos/otras;" "conocimiento;" "nepantla;" and "nepantleras." These Anzalduan theories (as well as others) have not yet received the attention they merit. These concepts are crucial for those scholars hoping to understand the development of her thinking and the complexity of her work. More importantly for my argument here, these theories offer very useful tools for social change. In this article, I briefly discuss five of these the- ories: nepantla and nepantleras, nos/otras, conocimiento, and spiritual activism.
RecA-Dependent Mechanisms for the Generation of Genetic Diversity

This chapter discusses the roles of RecA and other proteins in homologous recombination. It also focuses on RecA's other roles, as these also contribute to increases in genetic diversity. It discusses how homologous recombination occurs at the molecular level and how this can lead to an increase in genetic diversity. It summarizes the current understanding of recA's crucial and essential role in homologous recombination, its other roles in the regulation of damage-inducible DNA-repair pathways, and its participation in mutagenic events that can lead to increases in genetic diversity. It is most convenient to think of recombination as a three-stage process. The three stages are called presynapsis, synapsis, and postsynapsis. These stages are used to discuss the processing of the DNA substrates and the enzymes that act on them. Presynapsis describes the tailoring of the DNA substrates so that they can interact with the RecA protein. If the recombination enzymes and substrates are present, the enzymes will recombine any DNA that is available with great accuracy, precision, and efficiency. The prevailing thought in the chapter is that once recombination substrates are presented to a cell, given that the cell has the proper enzymes, recombination will occur. RecA aids in the repair of double-strand breaks in DNA.
Use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and supplements among pharmacy and nursing students: Why educators should consider factors influencing students' choices

Abstract Objectives To evaluate vitamin, mineral, herb, and supplement (VMHS) use in pharmacy and nursing students in the past year, as well as common conditions they are used to treat, adherence to the products, satisfaction with them, and information sources used to learn about VMHS. Methods A paper survey was administered to the university pharmacy and nursing students on three campuses in their last didactic year of study. Results A total of 342 pharmacy and 77 nursing students participated. A statistically significant difference between pharmacy and nursing students was observed in use of the following products: multivitamin/multimineral, fish oil, antioxidants, aloe, cranberry, ginseng, peppermint, and wheat/barley grass. Pharmacy students reported lower use of VMHS for respiratory conditions and urinary tract infections; were less satisfied with quality, safety, and efficacy; and were less likely to use VMHS on a regular basis compared to nursing students (p Conclusions Both pharmacy and nursing students use commonly available VMHS to improve their overall health and well-being. Pharmacy students are more skeptical, less adherent, and less open to VMHS use. Students’ decision-making process is not fully developed and lacks in consistent utilization of appropriate resources. Students are unable to transfer classroom knowledge to making clinical decisions. Providing curricular opportunities on VMHS should be a consideration for nursing and pharmacy programs.
WITHDRAWAL OF ARTIFICIAL NUTRITION AND HYDRATION FOR PATIENTS IN A PERMANENT VEGETATIVE STATE: CHANGING TACK

In the United States, the decision of whether to withdraw or continue to provide artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) for patients in a permanent vegetative state (PVS) is placed largely in the hands of surrogate decision-makers, such as spouses and immediate family members. This practice would seem to be consistent with a strong national emphasis on autonomy and patient-centered healthcare. When there is ambiguity as to the patient's advanced wishes, the presumption has been that decisions should weigh in favor of maintaining life, and therefore, that it is the withdrawal rather than the continuation of ANH that requires particular justification. I will argue that this default position should be reversed. Instead, I will argue that the burden of justification lies with those who would continue artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH), and in the absence of knowledge as to the patient's advanced wishes, it is better to discontinue ANH. In particular, I will argue that among patients in PVS, there is not a compelling interest in being kept alive; that in general, we commit a worse violation of autonomy by continuing ANH when the patient's wishes are unknown; and that more likely than not, the maintenance of ANH as a bridge to a theoretical future time of recovery goes against the best interests of the patient.
Information-processing demands in electrosensory and mechanosensory lateral line systems.

The electrosensory and mechanosensory lateral line systems of fish exhibit many common features in their structural and functional organization, both at the sensory periphery as well as in central processing pathways. These two sensory systems also appear to play similar roles in many behavioral tasks such as prey capture, orientation with respect to external environmental cues, navigation in low-light conditions, and mediation of interactions with nearby animals. In this paper, we briefly review key morphological, physiological, and behavioral aspects of these two closely related sensory systems. We present arguments that the information processing demands associated with spatial processing are likely to be quite similar, due largely to the spatial organization of both systems and the predominantly dipolar nature of many electrosensory and mechanosensory stimulus fields. Demands associated with temporal processing may be quite different, however, due primarily to differences in the physical bases of electrosensory and mechanosensory stimuli (e.g. speed of transmission). With a better sense of the information processing requirements, we turn our attention to an analysis of the functional organization of the associated first-order sensory nuclei in the hindbrain, including the medial octavolateral nucleus (MON), dorsal octavolateral nucleus (DON), and electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL). One common feature of these systems is a set of neural mechanisms for improving signal-to-noise ratios, including mechanisms for adaptive suppression of reafferent signals. This comparative analysis provides new insights into how the nervous system extracts biologically significant information from dipolar stimulus fields in order to solve a variety of behaviorally relevant problems faced by aquatic animals.
A new click beetle genus from Southern Chile: Llanquihue (Coleoptera, Elateridae, Elaterinae, Pomachiliini)

Llanquihue, a new genus of Elateridae from Southern Chile, is here described and illustrated with 2 species: Llanquihue vittipennis (Candeze) new comb., and L. carlota sp. nov. The genus Llanquihue belongs to the subfamily Elaterinae and to the tribe Pomachiliini.
Preliminary Survey of the Microseismicity of the Northeastern Caribbean

A survey of microearthquakes of the Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico showed that it is possible to find quiet recording sites for high-gain, high-frequency seismographs and to record as many as 10 to 15 micro-events per day. A site at Lameshur Bay, St. John, Virgin Islands, was as quiet as some of the best sites occupied in western North America. Microearthquake activity approximately coincided geographically with activity for larger earthquakes from 1900 to 1964. These events were located along the Anegada trough, the Puerto Rico trench, and the northern end of the Lesser Antillean arc.
The mechanism of tanning in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator--II. The cyclic appearance of tanning agents and attached carrier proteins in the blood during the molting cycle.

Abstract 1. 1. Fluctuations in the levels of tanning agents and carrier proteins in the blood, epidermis, midgut gland, and cuticle were determined by paper chromatography after injection of 2- 14 C-dopamine into fiddler crabs at all the major periods of the molting cycle. 2. 2. During the intermolt period, when cuticle incorporation is almost nonexistent, the tanning agents are abundant in the blood, but virtually no carrier proteins are labeled. 3. 3. During proecdysis, carrier proteins become labeled, but cuticle incorporation remains negligible. 4. 4. Label is rapidly incorporated into the cuticle only early in postecdysis. A tanning hormone in the fiddler crab is postulated.
Investigation of high temperature reactions on solid substrates with Rutherford backscattering spectrometry: interaction of palladium with selenium on heated graphite surfaces

Abstract Selenium and palladium interactions on heated pyrolytically coated graphite substrates were investigated using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The studies were performed using selenium alone, palladium alone, and a combination of selenium and palladium deposited on the graphite substrates. The results indicate that palladium instantaneously stabilizes selenium at ambient temperatures and prevents the diffusion of selenium into the graphite. As the substrate is heated, temperature dependent diffusion of all analytes into the graphite is observed. Furthermore, it appears that the stabilization of selenium is due to the formation of a stoichiometric compound with palladium and oxygen. This compound decomposes at a temperature between 1070 and 1770 K.
Fundamentals of Diffusion-Based Molecular Communication in Nanonetworks

Molecular communication (MC) is a promising bio-inspired paradigm for the interconnection of autonomous nanotechnology-enabled devices, or nanomachines, into nanonetworks. MC realizes the exchange of information through the transmission, propagation, and reception of molecules, and it is proposed as a feasible solution for nanonetworks. This idea is motivated by the observation of nature, where MC is successfully adopted by cells for intracellular and intercellular communication. MC-based nanonetworks have the potential to be the enabling technology for a wide range of applications, mostly in the biomedical, but also in the industrial and surveillance fields. The focus of this article is on the most fundamental type of MC, i.e., diffusion-based MC, where the propagation of information-bearing molecules between a transmitter and a receiver is realized through free diffusion in a fluid. The objectives of the research presented in this article are to analyze an MC link from the point of view of communication engineering and information theory, and to provide solutions to the modeling and design of MC-based nanonetworks. First, a deterministic model is realized to study each component, as well as the overall diffusion-based- MC link, in terms of gain and delay. Second, the noise sources affecting a diffusion-based-MC link are identified and statistically modeled. Third, upper/lower bounds to the capacity are derived to evaluate the information-theoretic performance of diffusion-based MC. Fourth, an analysis of the interference produced by multiple diffusion-based MC links in a nanonetwork is provided. This research provides fundamental results that establish a basis for the modeling, design, and realization of future MC-based nanonetworks, as novel technologies and tools are being developed.
Stability of alumina dispersions in presence of surface active agents

Abstract In order to understand the suspension properties of concentrated alumina slips in presence of surface active agents, with particular reference on their flocculation behaviour, electrophoresis, rheology and sedimentation, experiments were carried out on a commercial alumina powder in three cationic surface active agents in the pH range 3–11. The results suggest that the alumina powder is associated with some acidic surface impurity and all three cationic additives are adsorbed on to the surface of alumina particles at all pH values investigated. While the rheological and sedimentation behavior of all slips prepared in water and the additive with the smallest polymer chain length depend upon the electrophoretic mobility, the surface charge appears to have no effect on the stability of alumina slips prepared in additive solutions containing longer polymer chain lengths.
On the treatment of pressure effects on lonization constants in aqueous solution

Effects of pressure on ionization constants are described more simply by the use of solvent density rather than pressure. The recent ionization constants of metal sulfates in aqueous solution of Fisher and Fox are used to demonstrate greater predictability with density.
No-Tillage Crop Production: A Revolution in Agriculture!

For thousands of years, agriculture and tillage were considered synonymous. It was simply not thought possible to grow crops without first tilling the soil before planting and for weed control. The advent of modern herbicides permitted no-tillage (NT) to be developed and practiced on actual working family farms. No-tillage is generally defined as planting crops in unprepared soil with at least 30% mulch cover. Adoption of NT after its successful demonstration in the 1950s was slow. However, with better planters, herbicides, and accumulated experience, NT began to be widely adopted in the 1980s in the United States and then in Australia, South America, and Canada. Today, approximately 23% of the total cropland in the United States is planted using NT. No-tillage has revolutionized agricultural systems because it allows individual producers to manage greater amounts of land with reduced energy, labor, and machinery inputs. At the same time, NT is a very effective erosion control measure and improves water and fertilizer use efficiency so that many crops yield better under NT than under tilled systems. Tillage, like crops, can be rotated but the benefits of NT are most likely to be realized with continuous application. We review some of the early work that led to the development of NT and how NT impacts the crop, soil, hydrology, and farm economics. While highly sustainable, there are still many challenges that remain for researchers to solve so the benefits of NT can be realized on expanded land area and for more crops, worldwide.
Effect of physical training of school children with cerebral palsy.

Summary The results of training school children with cerebral palsy are reported. Twenty-two severely handicapped subjects, with a mean age of 14 years, were trained three times a week for 20 minutes each time and for varying periods, ranging between 1 1/2 and 16 months. The effect of training on the observed “maximal” oxygen uptake was pronounced: 8 subjects improved 10–15 per cent above the original value and 12 subjects 25 per cent and more. Several students subjectively noted improved performance and well-being. It was noted that inactivity during the 31/2-months of summer vacation significantly reduced the observed “maximal” oxygen uptake incurred after a previous training period of equally long time. A measurable training effect was sometimes not found immediately. Once an effect was noted, it seemed to continue at the same rate for several months. It can be concluded that simple training as described here probably can be fitted into any rehabilitation program, and that it is important in increasing the physical capacity of severely handicapped children with cerebral palsy
Bending Properties Of Large Core Optical Fibers Used For Medical Therapy

Transmission characteristics of silica based large core fibers ( SLF ) have been investigated. Concerning with the spectral loss in ultra violet region, a pure silica core and B,F doped silica cladding fiber showed the lowest value approximately 3 dB/m at 200 nm wavelength. It has been clarified that the bending loss of SLF strongly depends on the Numerical Aperture and core diameter. It has been found that excess loss due to bending has the methodical relations with core diameter and bending diameter. On the other hand, a fiber was fractured by about 20 times of its diameter. As a result, it has been clarified that large NA fiber has the advantage in laser surgery. This paper describes the details of the transmission characteristics and the mechanical reliability of SLF for medical usage.
Experimental evaluation and thermo-physical analysis of thermogenesis in male and female cycad cones

Thermogenically elevated cone temperatures were measured in two Macrozamia cycad species that differ in their daily heating time. Mathematical models of the cones‘ thermo-physics were tested for their accuracy in predicting these cone temperatures and for comparison of the energetics of both species and the sexes within species. These models accurately predicted temperatures over ~8-h periods with average errors of: 0.46°C for Macrozamia lucida, pollinated by the thrips, Cycadothrips chadwicki, that moves during mid-day concurrent with cone heating; and 0.38°C for Macrozamia machinii, pollinated by the weevil, Tranes sp., that moves after sunset during cone heating. The combination of models and experiments revealed a thermogenic sexual dimorphism in both species. For M. lucida, the estimated female mass specific metabolisms, and their theoretically possible and actual temperature increases due to thermogenic metabolism were only 57, 67, and 76% of males. In addition, female thermogenic metabolisms began and peaked much earlier and lasted significantly longer than males (all differences >1 h), and female metabolic peaks preceded their temperature peaks by 65 vs. 46 min for males. The timing of almost all male cone metabolic peaks was optimized with respect to the diurnal ambient heating cycle so that cone temperatures achieved a maximum temperature gain, whereas most female metabolic peaks occurred much earlier than optimal. In M. machinii, thermogenic sexual dimorphism is much larger since its male peak metabolisms are larger, and its females’ peaks are much smaller compared to those of M. lucida. This study provides new information regarding the energetics of cycad cones that is relevant to understanding the interactions of the plant traits with their obligate pollinators’ behavior.
Preparative separation of α‐ and β‐naphthols catalyzed by immobilized sulfatase

It has been found that sulfatase from Helix pomatia hydrolyzes beta-naphthyl sulfate much faster than alpha-naphthyl sulfate; e.g., at pH 7.8, while the former is readily hydrolyzed, the latter undergoes no appreciable hydrolysis. Kinetic investigations of both enzymatic and acid hydrolysis of naphthyl sulfates and their analogs indicate that in the enzymatic reaction the difference in reactivities is due to steric hindrances exerted in alpha-naphthyl sulfate by the benzene ring adjacent to the one bearing the sulfate group. (In the beta-ester this ring is remote from the site of hydrolysis.) The enzyme was immobilized and employed for the preparative resolution of alpha- and beta-naphthols: a mixture of the isomers was first sulfated with chlorosulfonic acid and then incubated with sulfatase covalently attached to alumina. The beta-naphthol produced was extracted with benzene, followed by acid hydrolysis of alpha-naphthyl sulfate in the remaining aqueous solution and extraction of the alpha-naphthol formed. Helix pomatia sulfatase also expresses a marked regiospecificity in the hydrolysis of ortho and para substituted phenyl sulfates. Therefore, the enzyme can be used for the preparative separation of naphthols as well as a variety of isomeric phenols.
Supraglottoplasty for laryngomalacia with obstructive sleep apnea.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine if supraglottoplasty (SGP) is effective in reversing abnormal respiratory parameters in children with laryngomalacia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Study Design: Retrospective case series at a tertiary referral children's hospital. Methods: Ten patients with laryngomalacia and OSA as documented by polysomnography underwent SGP between 2005 and 2007. Data collected included age, findings on flexible and rigid endoscopy, type of procedure performed, and postoperative course. The postoperative polysomnographies were reviewed to identify changes in obstructive apnea index, obstructive apnea/hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index, and low arterial oxygen saturation (O2 nadir) after SGP. Results: All 10 patients were successfully extubated after SGP. There were no peri- or postoperative complications, and no patient required a subsequent airway procedure. Each patient had a postoperative nocturnal polysomnography performed after SGP at 11 weeks (range 2–29 weeks). Caregivers reported mild improvement (10%), significant improvement (70%), and complete resolution (20%) of stridor and nocturnal snoring at a follow-up visit 4 weeks after discharge. Marked improvements were observed in obstructive apnea index, obstructive apnea/hypopnea index, respiratory disturbance index and O2 nadir, all of which were statistically significant (P < .05). Conclusions: Polysomnography should be considered in the initial evaluation of infants with moderate laryngomalacia to rule out OSA. SGP is an effective treatment for infants with laryngomalacia and OSA. The significant benefits of the procedure outweigh thelow morbidity. Improvement after surgery was reliably confirmed by polysomnography in this study.
Structural bases for central nervous system malfunction in the quaking mouse: dysmyelination in a potential model of schizophrenia.

The dysmyelinating mouse mutant quaking (qk) is thought to be a model of schizophrenia based on diminution of CNS myelin (Andreone et al., 2007) and downregulation of the Qk gene (Haroutunian et al., 2006) in the brains of schizophrenic patients. The purpose of this study was to identify specific structural defects in the qk mouse CNS that could compromise physiologic function and that in humans might account for some of the cognitive defects characteristic of schizophrenia. Ultrastructural analysis of qk mouse CNS myelinated fibers shows abnormalities in nodal, internodal, and paranodal regions, including marked variation in myelin thickness among neighboring fibers, spotty disruption of paranodal junctions, abnormal distribution of nodal and paranodal ion channel complexes, generalized thinning and incompactness of myelin, and on many axonal profiles complete absence of myelin. These structural defects are likely to cause abnormalities in conduction velocity, synchrony of activation, temporal ordering of signals, and other physiological parameters. We conclude that the structural abnormalities described are likely to be responsible for significant functional impairment both in the qk mouse CNS and in the human CNS with comparable myelin pathology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Propionaldehyde infrared cross-sections and band strengths

Abstract The use of oxygenated biofuels reduces the greenhouse gas emissions; however, they also result in increased toxic aldehyde by-products, mainly formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acrolein, and propionaldehyde. These aldehydes are carcinogenic and/or toxic and therefore it is important to understand their formation and destruction pathways in combustion and atmospheric systems. Accurate information about their infrared cross-sections and integrated strengths are crucially needed for development of quantitative detection schemes and modeling tools. Critical to the development of such diagnostics are accurate characterization of the absorption features of these species. In this study, the gas phase infrared spectra of propionaldehyde (also called propanal, CH 3 –CH 2 –CHO), a saturated three carbon aldehyde found in the exhaust emissions of biodiesel or diesel fuels, was studied using high resolution Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy over the wavenumber range of 750−3300 cm −1 and at room temperature 295 K. The absorption cross sections of propionaldehyde were recorded at resolutions of 0.08 and 0.096 cm −1 and at seven different pressures (4−33 Torr). The calculated band-strengths were reported and the integrated band intensity results were compared with values taken from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) database (showing less than 2% discrepancy). The peak positions of the 19 different vibrational bands of propionaldehyde were also compared with previous studies taken at a lower resolution of 1 cm −1 . To the best of our knowledge, the current FTIR measurements provide the first highest resolution infrared cross section data for propionaldehyde.
Policy guidelines for providing telecommunication access in developing economies

Economic literature and historical experience indicate a causal relationship between telecommunications and a country's development. This article, using structural microeconomic theory, outlines policies that will contribute to optimal accessibility and penetration of new telecommunication technology. Deregulation, privatization, licensing, and interconnection are discussed. Grass roots organizations and the urban/suburban “universal access” problem are included in a section on the digital divide.
Primary treatment of naso-ethmoid injuries with increased intercanthal distance.

Summary This paper presents results of primary treatment of eight patients with naso-ethmoid injury and an associated traumatic pseudohypertelorism. A strong plea is made for an open exploration to establish diagnosis and an appropriate line of treatment. The results in the eight cases reported show that normal intercanthal distance with satisfactory nasal centralisation and minimal incidence of epiphora can be achieved using this approach. In severe cases, some loss of nasal profile occurred, but this could easily be corrected either by autogenous dermis or bone implant. The problem of nasal septum remains. Almost all cases have residual mild to moderate degree of airway obstruction. Centralisation of cartilaginous nasal bridge-line is difficult and not always successful. It is felt that this approach to severe naso-ethmoid injuries as contrasted with blind percutaneous trans-nasal wires and lateral compression plates results in lower incidence of post-traumatic pseudohypertelorism, decreased incidence of epiphora and satisfactory contouring of the external nose.
Haloperidol response and plasma catecholamines and their metabolites

Abstract Eleven acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder underwent a 5–7 day drug-washout period (with lorazepam allowed) prior to participating in a 6-week controlled dose haloperidol trial. Patients were evaluated longitudinally with clinical ratings and with plasma measures of the catecholamines dopamine (pDA) and norepinephrine (pNE) and their metabolites, homovanillic acid (pHVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (pMHPG). All patients exhibited clinical improvement with haloperidol; the decrease in their Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores ranged from 32 to 89%. Measures of pHVA increased within the first week of treatment and returned to baseline by week 5. The pattern of change of pDA resembled that of pHVA. The pattern of change of pNE and pMHPG revealed a decrease over the course of treatment. The early increase and the subsequent decrease in PHVA were strongly correlated with improvement in positive symptoms on the BPRS. These data are consistent with previous reports on the change in pHVA and pMHPG during clinical response to haloperidol. The data on change of pDA and pNE further describe the nature of the biochemical response to this drug.
The Functions and Dysfunctions of Preparations for Fighting Nuclear War

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide a survey of the functions and dysfunctions of the nuclear arms race on American society. The analysis of the positive functions does not serve as a justification for the status quo, but is undertaken to point out the numerous constraints mitigating against change. The dysfunctions of U.S. nuclear war preparations are explicitly considered here to point out the direct, indirect and opportunity costs of adhering to a policy of extended deterrence. The juxtaposition of both functions and dysfunctions provides insights concerning potential sources of change and policy alternatives that may decrease the negative consequences without weakening U.S. national security.
Control of avoidance by a response-produced stimulus

Abstract Three pigeons were trained to press a foot pedal to postpone electric shock. The safety signal was a tone of 1000 Hz, which sounded for 5 sec following each press; silence therefore served as a warning signal. After the performance approached asymptote, test sessions were interspersed among the training sessions. Following a warm up, the shock was omitted (extinction), and no tone or a tone of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 Hz was presented following each press for the remainder of the session. Gradients of generalization plotted in terms of the number of times the tone was produced on each test peaked at 1000 Hz, indicating that the performance was controlled by the frequency. Since this dimension is orthogonal to absence of tone, the gradient cannot be attributed to differences in the magnitude of change in the warning signal. It was concluded that response-produced stimuli reinforce avoidance behavior.
Making a Theist out of Darwin: Asa Gray’s Post-Darwinian Natural Theology

In March of 1860 the eminent Harvard Botanist and orthodox Christian Asa Gray began promoting the Origin of Species in hopes of securing a fair examination of Darwin’s evolutionary theory among theistic naturalists. To this end, Gray sought to demonstrate that Darwin had not written atheistically and that his theory of evolution by natural selection had not presented any new scientific or theological difficulties for traditional Christian belief. From his personal correspondence with the author of the Origin, Gray well knew that Darwin did not affirm God’s “particular” design of nature but conceded to the possibility that evolution proceeded according to “designed laws.” From this concession, Gray attempted to develop a post-Darwinian natural theology which encouraged theistic naturalists to view God’s design of nature through the evolutionary process in a manner similar to the way in which they viewed God’s Providential interaction with human history. Indeed, securing a fair reading of the Origin was not Gray’s sole aim as a promoter of Darwinian ideas. In Darwin’s theory of natural selection, Gray believed he had discovered the means by which a more robust natural theological conception of the living and evolving natural world could be developed. In this paper I outline Gray’s efforts to produce and popularize a theistic interpretation of Darwinian theory in order to correct various misconceptions concerning Gray’s natural theological views and their role in the Darwinian Revolution.
Sisters in Later Life: Changes in Contact and Availability

SUMMARY The strongest of sibling bonds is the relationship between sisters. However, researchers know little about how these relationships change over lime. This study presents a longitudinal examination of structural and contact features of older, rural women's (N = 82) sibling networks. Also, sibling network variables were correlated with measures of subjective well-being. Significant loss of siblings occurred over 12 years. After controlling for proximity, frequency of contact between siblings did not change. Although sisters predominated in sibling networks, proximate brothers were slightly more prevalent and had more frequent contact with the respondents. Associations between sibling variables and subjective well-being were not found. Siblings remain active in the kin networks of women into late old age.
Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a complex disease in which progressive cellular changes occur for decades before the acute manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Definition of atherogenic mechanisms in humans is hindered by the complexity and chronicity of the disease process, combined with the inability to sequentially characterize lesions in an individual patient because of shortcomings in noninvasive detection modalities. Therefore, there has been a reliance on animal models of the disease to define mechanistic pathways. Over the last decade, the mouse has become the predominant species used to create models of atherosclerosis. The initial interest was based on the great diversity of inbred strains with defined genetic backgrounds that provides a means of linking genes to the development of atherosclerosis. More recently, the ability to genetically modify mice to over or under express specific genes has facilitated the definition of pathways in the atherogenic process. All of the current mouse models of atherosclerosis are based on perturbations of lipoprotein metabolism through dietary and/or genetic manipulations. Although hyperlipidemia is necessary for the development of atherosclerosis, mouse models have demonstrated that many nonlipid factors can influence the severity and characteristics of lesions. This review selectively highlights some of the most commonly used mouse models of atherosclerosis and compare their lesions to those formed in the human disease.