cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring system for predicting outcomes and complications of percutaneous ablation of 751 renal tumors

Purpose: We applied the R.E.N.A.L. (radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior and location relative to polar lines) nephrometry scoring system to renal tumors treated with percutaneous ablation to determine whether this score is associated with oncological outcomes and complications.Materials and Methods: A total of 751 renal tumors were treated at 679 percutaneous ablation sessions in 627 patients at our institution between 2000 and 2012. Of these renal masses 430 (57%) were treated with cryoablation and the remaining 321 were treated with radio frequency ablation. R.E.N.A.L. tumor scores were analyzed to determine the association of the score with ablation treatment outcomes and complications according to Clavien criteria.Results: The mean ± SD R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of all ablated tumors was 6.7 ± 1.9. Those treated with cryoablation had higher scores than those treated with radio frequency ablation (mean 7.2 ± 1.9 vs 6.1 ± 1.8, p <0.001). We identif...
Realities, Myths, and Priorities: Teacher Competencies in Dance

(1993). Realities, Myths, and Priorities: Teacher Competencies in Dance. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 64, No. 9, pp. 45-48.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of a Lithium 21-Thiaporphyrin Complex

The synthesis and characterization of a lithium-21-thiaporphyrin complex, the first alkali metal complex of a heteroporphyrin to be prepared, is presented.
Cardioversion of Nonrheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: Reduced Thromboembolic Complications With 4 Weeks of Precardioversion Anticoagulation Are Related to Atrial Thrombus Resolution

Background The use of warfarin anticoagulation for several weeks before cardioversion results in a 90% reduction in the incidence of cardioversion-related thromboembolism. The mechanism of this benefit, however, is unknown; it has been widely attributed to organization and adherence of atrial thrombi, a finding observed among pathological studies of patients with rheumatic valvular disease. Methods and Results Serial transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 14 patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation after identification of atrial thrombi on initial transesophageal study. All patients received warfarin anticoagulation and were followed clinically for signs of thromboembolism. Eighteen atrial thrombi were identified on initial transesophageal study, including 14 thrombi confined to the left atrial appendage, 2 in the body of the left atrium, 1 in the right atrial appendage, and 1 in the body of the right atrium. Thrombus size varied from 5 to 20 mm, and 6 were considered mobile. After a medi...
Method for the Correlation of Chemical and Histologic Composition

Two micro-modifications are described for determination of hydroxyproline. These methods were used on ribbons of 5-μm histologic sections. Adjacent sections were projected and traced, and tracings were cut and weighed to determine the area of connective tissue. Quantitative chemical concentrations of collagen in histologic sections were determined.
Low Cost, Tailored Nanocomposites: Properties and Applications

Nanostructured materials have a great potential for applications in portable advanced electronic systems. One class of materials, nanocomposites, containing nanoparticles (metal, semiconductors, insulators and ceramics) in a polymer matrix is particularly attractive. Nanocomposites allow coexistence of competing material properties in one material. This results in new functional properties that are unachievable with traditional materials. Novel inorganic-organic and organic-organic nanocomposite materials with the morphology and composition textured and controlled at the nanoscale exhibit unique desirable properties that are useful in a number of advanced electronic applications such as embedded passives, energy conversion and storage, highly sensitive biomedical sensors, electromagnetic shielding, organic electronics and other novel device applications. We present a versatile, simple, and single-step high-vacuum electron-beam-assisted codeposition technique for the controlled fabrication of nanocomposites and other nanostructured materials in thin or thick film form. Our nanofabrication capability allows simultaneous or sequential evaporation of up to four different polymers, metals, semiconductors, insulators, and ceramics. Nanocomposite film properties can be tailored by controlling a number of deposition conditions. The process has a great potential to produce materials for many different practical applications for both R&D and scaled-up pilot production. This paper summarizes our nanocomposite research including equipment design, nanocomposite fabrication and characterization, and the resulting properties that indicate potential for practical applications.
Osteocyte-derived RANKL is a critical mediator of the increased bone resorption caused by dietary calcium deficiency

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) excess stimulates bone resorption. This effect is associated with increased expression of the osteoclastogenic cytokine receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in bone. However, several different cell types, including bone marrow stromal cells, osteocytes, and T lymphocytes, express both RANKL and the PTH receptor and it is unclear whether RANKL expression by any of these cell types is required for PTH-induced bone loss. Here we have used mice lacking the RANKL gene in osteocytes to determine whether RANKL produced by this cell type is required for the bone loss caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by dietary calcium deficiency in adult mice. Thirty days of dietary calcium deficiency caused bone loss in control mice, but this effect was blunted in mice lacking RANKL in osteocytes. The increase in RANKL expression in bone and the increase in osteoclast number caused by dietary calcium deficiency were also blunted in mice lacking RANKL in osteocytes. These results demonstrate that RANKL produced by osteocytes contributes to the increased bone resorption and the bone loss caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism, strengthening the evidence that osteocytes are an important target cell for hormonal control of bone remodeling.
Metadata for a micro-services-based digital curation system

The Libraries and Information Technology Services at the Pennsylvania State University are in the process of developing a service architecture for supporting digital curation and preservation activity at the university. This system, called Curation Architecture Prototype Services (CAPS), is built on the micro-services approach to digital curation pioneered by the California Digital Library. The paper details methods and philosophies related to metadata development for this system, and how those methods align with the general approach of the micro-services model. The current state of production of this architecture is detailed, along with future metadata services to be embedded in the system, and how those services will be deployed in collaboration with its stakeholders.
The structure of the polysaccharide O-chain of the LPS from Acinetobacter baumannii strain ATCC 17961.

Abstract The gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii strain ATCC17961 has been used by several laboratories in mouse models of respiratory A. baumannii infection, and a study of the role of its lipopolysaccharide in the pathogenicity is of interest. The structure of the O-deacylated polysaccharide O-chain component of its LPS has been determined by 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry methods, and by the structural identification of oligosaccharides obtained by sequential application of the Smith degradation of the O-antigen. The O-chain was determined to be a polymer of a branched pentasaccharide repeating unit composed of 2,3-diacetamido-2,3-dideoxy- d -glucuronic acid, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -galactose, d -glucose, and d -galactose, and has the following structure:
The Use of Computer Simulation in Teacher Education

Two computer simulation programs have been developed for use as instructional aids for preparation of special education teachers. The first set of simulations was designed to assist teachers of the mildly handicapped in selecting precise, data-based solutions to classroom learning and beha viorproblems. Particular emphasis was placed upon cueing teachers to select optimal strategies to enhance teacher consultation between special and regular educators. Optimal strategies were determined by conducting a validation study wherein experts rank-ordered four possible solutions for each of several simulation situations. In evaluations given to 36 subjects before and after the computer simulation program, there were significant differences (p < .05), with posttest selections to be more nearly like the strategy selection of trained, experienced consulting teachers. The second set of simulations was designed to prepare teachers to use direct, curricular-based assessments to determine pupil performance and to evalua...
Hic-5 promotes invadopodia formation and invasion during TGF-β–induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)–stimulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important developmental process that has also been implicated in increased cell invasion and metastatic potential of cancer cells. Expression of the focal adhesion protein Hic-5 has been shown to be up-regulated in epithelial cells in response to TGF-β. Herein, we demonstrate that TGF-β–induced Hic-5 up-regulation or ectopic expression of Hic-5 in normal MCF10A cells promoted increased extracellular matrix degradation and invasion through the formation of invadopodia. Hic-5 was tyrosine phosphorylated in an Src-dependent manner after TGF-β stimulation, and inhibition of Src activity or overexpression of a Y38/60F nonphosphorylatable mutant of Hic-5 inhibited matrix degradation and invasion. RhoC, but not RhoA, was also required for TGF-β– and Hic-5–induced matrix degradation. Hic-5 also induced matrix degradation, cell migration, and invasion in the absence of TGF-β via Rac1 regulation of p38 MAPK. These data identify Hic-5 as a critical mediator of TGF-β–stimulated invadopodia formation, cell migration, and invasion.
Breeding of tomorrow’s chickens to improve well-being

Chickens, as well as other animals, have the ability to change their behavior (behavioral plasticity) and physiology (physiological plasticity) based on the costs and benefits to fit their environment (adaptation). Through natural selection, the population preserves and accumulates traits that are beneficial and rejects those that are detrimental in their prevailing environments. The surviving populations are able to contribute more genes associated with beneficial traits for increased fitness to subsequent generations. Natural selection is slow but constant; working over multiple generations, the changes to the population often appear silent or undetectable at a given point in history. Chickens were domesticated from the wild red jungle fowl. The principle of domestication of chickens, as well as other farm animals, by humans is similar to that of natural selection: selecting the best animals with the highest survivability and reproducibility (artificial selection). Compared with natural selection, the process of artificial selection is motivated by human needs and acts more rapidly with more visible results over a short time period. This process has been further accelerated following the development of current breeding programs and the emergence of specialized breeding companies. A laying hen, for example, produces more than 300 hundred eggs a year, whereas a jungle fowl lays 4 to 6 eggs in a year. During the domestication process, chickens retained their capability to adapt to their housing environments, which is usually achieved by genetic changes occurring with each subsequent generation. Genes control the behavioral, physiological, immunological, and psychological responses of animals to stressors, including environmental stimulations. With advances in understanding of genetic mediation of animal physiology and behavior and the discovery of the genome sequences of many species, animal production breeding programs can be improved in both speed and efficiency. Modern chicken breeding programs have the potential to be operated successfully in the breeding of tomorrow's chickens with high production efficiency and optimal welfare, resulting from resistance to stress, disease, or both.
Excess offspring as a maternal strategy: constraints in the shared nursery of a giant damselfly

Maternal reproductive strategies should optimize the quality and quantity of surviving offspring. In Megaloprepus caerulatus, a damselfly that exhibits male-biased size dimorphism, larval siblicide, and a disproportionate fitness advantage from large sons, mothers lay many more eggs in water-filled tree holes than can survive to emergence. Using field experiments, I tested the siblicide advantage of excess offspring (i.e., faster development and/or larger survivors) in small and large holes and 2 alternative functions of excess offspring (predator satiation and insurance against nonpredator mortality). In small pots, the sole siblicidal survivors emerged larger than noncannibals but no sooner. However, doubling or even quadrupling a modest clutch of 25 failed to produce larger offspring. In large tubs, the size advantage that survivors gained from siblicide was constrained by a trade-off between offspring size and number. A clutch of 20 produced half as many but larger offspring than one of 100. When multiple females contributed eggs to a large nursery, size of survivors was independent of the mother’s clutch size. Finally, large clutches failed to satiate dragonfly predators, and although 25 neonates were better than 2 as insurance against nonpredator mortality, a clutch of 50 provided no additional benefit. In natural and experimental holes, survivorship was female biased, suggesting that sons suffered greater mortality than daughters. Because mothers seemed unable to adaptively bias offspring sex ratio, excess offspring may compensate for the lower survivorship of sons, particularly in large nurseries where males garner a disproportionate size advantage relative to females. Key words: cannibalism, clutch size, Megaloprepus, parent‐offspring conflict, sex allocation, sexual size dimorphism. [Behav Ecol]
Cervical spine metastases: techniques for anterior reconstruction and stabilization

The surgical management of cervical spine metastases continues to evolve and improve. The authors provide an overview of the various techniques for anterior reconstruction and stabilization of the subaxial cervical spine after corpectomy for spinal metastases. Vertebral body reconstruction can be accomplished using a variety of materials such as bone autograft/allograft, polymethylmethacrylate, interbody spacers, and/or cages with or without supplemental anterior cervical plating. In some instances, posterior instrumentation is needed for additional stabilization.
Impact of precipitation and runoff on ephemeral gully development in cultivated croplands

Abstract. The goal of this study was to estimate the impacts of precipitation and runoff on ephemeral gully development. A field experiment was conducted during the summer of 2013 on an agricultural field near the city of McPherson in central Kansas, USA. Precipitation data were collected, and the gully headcut was measured every three to four weeks. The rainfall excess was calculated with the WEPP model, whereas headcut soil losses were estimated based on measurements. Headcut measurements showed that there was no gully development during rainfall events of short duration of high or low intensity. However, headcut propagation was clearly detected under saturated soil conditions for a three-day storm. This field study provides data to model the mechanics of ephemeral gully development. Further measurements of precipi-tation and gully morphology are needed for statistical analysis of gully erosion and the associated soil losses.
Magnetic field-based multi-DOF orientation sensor for PM-based spherical actuators

Magnetic sensors have been utilized to locate the orientation and position of solitary permanent magnets (PM) through characterization of its unique nonlinear magnetic field. Similar characterization can be applied to the existing symmetric assembly of multiple PMs in the rotors of PM-based spherical actuators. This paper introduces a sensing method that exploits the symmetry of the rotor PM configuration to reduce the required characterization through discretization and classification of the global magnetic flux density mapping into smaller segments and sectors. Unlike existing methods that use fitted analytical models to extract orientation estimates, this method engages a trained neural network.
0429 Chronic Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Police Registrants in the World Trade Centre Health Registry Ten Years after 9/11/01

Objectives The World Trade Centre Health Registry (WTCHR) prospectively follows a cohort of over 71 000 individuals who reported being directly exposed to the 9/11/01 terrorist attack. Among police registrants at Survey Wave 2, 5–6 years after 9/11/01, four unique trajectories of probable PTSD symptoms were identified: resilient (83%), recovered (2.5%), delayed onset (11.2%) and chronic (5.3%). The current study documents the longitudinal trajectories of PTSD in police officers exposed to the WTC attacks at Wave 3 (2011–2012), over 10 years since the WTC attack. Method We examined the prevalence of probable PTSD at the Wave 3 survey using a cut-off score of 44 or greater on the event-specific Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) and at least one re-experiencing symptom (DSM-IV criterion B), three avoidance or numbing symptoms (DSM-IV criterion C), and two hyperarousal symptoms (DSM-IV criterion D). Results Probable PTSD was 14.4% (95% CI 13.0–15.9%) at Wave 2 and 12.9% (95% CI, 11.6–14.3%) at Wave 3. Significant predictors of chronic probable PTSD 10 years post-disaster (n = 59/2241, 2.6%) include age 45–69 (aOR 3.16, 95% CI, 1.7–6.0), number of stressful events witnessed on 9/11/01 (aOR 3.00, 1.6–5.8), five or more stressful life events since 9/11/01 (aOR 5.42, 1.9–15.2), and unmet mental health care needs (aOR 6.86, 3.3–14.1). Protective factors include social support (aOR 0.34, 0.1–0.97) and number of close friends or relatives (aOR 0.92, 0.87–0.98). Conclusions Chronic probable PTSD among police responders continues to be a significant problem, associated both with intervening stressful life events and unmet mental health care needs.
Mid‐Infrared HgTe/As2S3 Field Effect Transistors and Photodetectors

HgTe colloidal quantum dots (CQD) in an inorganic As(2)S(3) matrix allow 100-fold higher mobility with optimized transport properties compared to HgTe-organic CQD film while remaining intrinsic. The material's electronic properties are measured by field effect transistors as a function of temperature and the responsivity and detectivity of the mid-IR photoconductors are discussed.
Shoulder Range of Motion: Validation of an Innovative Measurement Method Using a Smartphone

Objectives:An accurate and consistent measurement of shoulder range of motion (ROM) is of vital importance in the examination and functional evaluation of the shoulder. Classically, shoulder ROM is...
Conjugated Donor-Acceptor Copolymer Semiconductors. Synthesis, Optical Properties, Electrochemistry, and Field-Effect Carrier Mobility of Pyridopyrazine-Based Copolymers

Five conjugated pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine-based donor−acceptor copolymers were synthesized by Suzuki and Stille coupling polymerizations, and their photophysical and electrochemical properties and field-effect carrier mobilities were characterized. The copolymer semiconductors include poly(pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine-alt-9,9-dioctyl-2,7-fluorene) (PPPzF), poly(thiophene-2,5-diyl-alt-2,3-diheptyl-pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,8-diyl) (PTHPPz), poly(thiophene-2,5-diyl-alt-2,3-didecyl-pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine-5,8-diyl) (PTDPPz), poly(5,8-bis(4-dodecyl-thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dioctyl-pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine-alt-2,5-thiophene) (P3TPPz), and poly(5,8-bis(4-dodecyl-thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dioctyl-pyrido[3,4-b]pyrazine-alt-9,9-dioctyl-2,7-fluorene) (P2TPPzF). Those soluble in tetrahydrofuran have moderate weight-average molecular weights (19 700−70 400 g/mol). The copolymers have tunable optical absorption bands in the visible region with absorption maxima at 323−588 nm and optical band gaps of 1.75−2.48 eV. Ambipolar redox properties with ion...
Enhanced energetic stability and optical activity of symmetry-reduced C60

Abstract Quantum chemical calculations establish that small distortions from the perfectly spherical I h symmetry of C 60 to lower symmetries are energetically feasible. A D 3d symmetry structure proved to be the lowest energy structure, almost 0.9 kcal/mol lower than the I h conformation. Activations of otherwise I h silent modes, the IR G u at 1465 cm −1 , and the Raman G g around 1530 cm −1 may require the assignments of previously identified combinations modes as fundamentals in the new structure. A recent observation attributing resonance Raman band at 281 cm −1 as due to distortions to either D 3d or D 5d structures of C 60 in solution is discounted.
Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100 and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and coronary artery calcification in the old order amish.

Background Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. Genetic factors are an important determinant of LDL-C levels. Methods To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with LDL-C and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, we performed a genome-wide association study of LDL-C in 841 asymptomatic Amish individuals aged 20 to 80 years, with replication in a second sample of 663 Amish individuals. We also performed scanning for coronary artery calcification (CAC) in 1018 of these individuals. Results From the initial genome-wide association study, a cluster of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the region of the apolipoprotein B-100 gene ( APOB ) was strongly associated with LDL-C levels ( P −68 ). Additional genotyping revealed the presence of R3500Q , the mutation responsible for familial defective apolipoprotein B-100, which was also strongly associated with LDL-C in the replication sample ( P −36 ). The R3500Q carrier frequency, previously reported to be 0.1% to 0.4% in white European individuals, was 12% in the combined sample of 1504 Amish participants, consistent with a founder effect. The mutation was also strongly associated with CAC in both samples ( P −6 in both) and accounted for 26% and 7% of the variation in LDL-C levels and CAC, respectively. Compared with noncarriers, R3500Q carriers on average had LDL-C levels 58 mg/dL higher, a 4.41-fold higher odds (95% confidence interval, 2.69-7.21) of having detectable CAC, and a 9.28-fold higher odds (2.93-29.35) of having extensive CAC (CAC score ≥400). Conclusion The R3500Q mutation in APOB is a major determinant of LDL-C levels and CAC in the Amish.
Restoring Public Legitimacy to the Nonprofit Sector: A Survey Experiment Using Descriptions of Nonprofit Ownership

The authors argue that declining legitimacy of the nonprofit sector in American society can be traced to a limited public understanding of nonprofit enterprise. In this article, they explore the nature and correlates of ownership-related expectations in medical care. Data from a new national survey document that most Americans believe that ownership affects medical care. However, about a third of the public does not understand ownership; those who do not have decidedly less favorable attitudes toward nonprofits. Expectations for nonprofits are more positive among those who feel vulnerable to bad outcomes in medical care, but are substantially more negative among minority groups. Using an experimental design incorporated into the survey, the authors demonstrate that having additional information about ownership improves expectations about nonprofit performance but to varying degrees, depending on the content of the explanation, the particular dimension of performance, and the level of prior understanding.
THE EFFECTS OF INSTRUCTIONS, INCENTIVE, AND FEEDBACK ON A COMMUNITY PROBLEM: DORMITORY NOISE1

A reinforcement system utilizing instructions, modelling, feedback, and group reinforcement was employed in an attempt to reduce disruptive noise on three university residence halls. A fourth hall received the same treatment program without the reinforcement component. Noise scores were determined by recording the number of discrete noise occurrences over a criterion decibel level. On all four residential floors, noise scores during treatment conditions were lower than initial and final baseline levels. Additionally, periods of noise reduction corresponded to the changing criterion multiple-baseline and reversal designs utilized. Pre- and posttreatment questionnaire responses from the three reinforcement floors paralleled changes in objective noise data. At posttreatment, residents reported less noise disturbance of study and sleep and more control over the noise situation and floor problems in general. These results indicated that a comprehensive behavior-modification treatment package was effective in reducing disruptive noise in university residence halls. Difficulties in data collection and anomalies in the data are discussed. Future directions for field-based behavior-modification research are outlined.
Optimization of wireless multi-hop networks with random access

Cross-layer design of medium access, routing and congestion control is considered for multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks with random access. A network utility maximization frame-work is adopted to jointly optimize link persistence probabilities, per-link flow rates, and end-to-end throughput. The optimization problem with flow conservation and probabilistic random access constraints is inherently non-convex. A series of convex surrogate problems is thus formulated using a successive convex approximation technique. A distributed algorithm is then developed based on the dual method, which is convergent to a (locally) optimal solution. To much practical appeal, solutions to the subproblems corresponding to different layers of the protocol stack, are obtained at each node with very low computational complexity. Numerical tests verify the proposed novel design.
A combined phase I/II trial of intravesical nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in the treatment of refractory non-muscle- invasive transitional cell bladder cancer

e16047 Background: Up to 50% of patients treated with intravesical agents for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer will recur. Response rates to current second line intravesical therapies average les...
Enhanced Propagation of Epileptiform Activity Through the Kindled Dentate Gyrus

Behr, J., K. J. Lyson, and I. Mody. Enhanced propagation of epileptiform activity through the kindled dentate gyrus. J. Neurophysiol. 79: 1726–1732, 1998. Extracellular recordings were performed in...
Cannabinoids Depress Inhibitory Synaptic Inputs Received by Layer 2/3 Pyramidal Neurons of the Neocortex

Using whole cell voltage-clamp recordings we investigated the effects of a synthetic cannabinoid (WIN55,212-2) on inhibitory inputs received by layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in slices of the mouse au...
Building Tobacco Cessation Capacity in Homeless Shelters: A Pilot Study

Tobacco use is common among homeless adults, yet few homeless shelters offer tobacco dependence treatment. Using a pre-intervention and post-intervention study design, we pilot tested the feasibility of a capacity building intervention that consisted of a 3.5-h training for shelter staff to provide cessation counseling. Staff (n = 12) and homeless clients (n = 46) completed questionnaires at pre-intervention, post-intervention (6 weeks), and at 12-weeks follow-up. Staff completed a questionnaire on tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes toward and practices around treating tobacco dependence, and self-efficacy in providing cessation counseling (score range 1-5). Clients completed a questionnaire on tobacco-related knowledge, attitudes toward tobacco dependence, and receipt of tobacco-related services from the program (score range 1-5). We used repeated measures linear regression analysis to examine change in scores over time. From pre-intervention to post-intervention, staff knowledge (β coefficient 0.4, 95 % CI 0.1-0.8) and efficacy (β coefficient 0.4, 95 % CI 0.2-0.7) in treating tobacco dependence increased. Client receipt of tobacco-related program services increased significantly from post-intervention to follow-up (β coefficient 0.3, 95 % CI 0.1-0.5). A brief capacity building intervention has the potential to increase tobacco-related interventions among clients in homeless shelters.
Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Health Disparities in a Mixed Rural-Urban US Community—Olmsted County, Minnesota

Abstract Objective To characterize health disparities in common chronic diseases among adults by socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity in a mixed rural-urban community of the United States. Patients and Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the association of the prevalence of the 5 most burdensome chronic diseases in adults with SES and ethnicity and their interaction. The Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system was used to identify the prevalence of coronary heart disease, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and mood disorder using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes recorded from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2009, among all adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, on April 1, 2009. For SES measurements, an individual HOUsing-based index of SocioEconomic Status (HOUSES) derived from real property data was used. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of the prevalence of chronic diseases with ethnicity and HOUSES score and their interaction. Results We identified 88,010 eligible adults with HOUSES scores available, of whom 48,086 (54.6%) were female and 80,699 (91.7%) were non-Hispanic white; the median (interquartile range) age was 45 years (30-58 years). Overall and in the subgroup of non-Hispanic whites, SES measured by HOUSES was inversely associated with the prevalence of all 5 chronic diseases independent of age, sex, and ethnicity ( P P Conclusion In a mixed rural-urban setting with a predominantly non-Hispanic white population, health disparities in chronic diseases still exist across SES. The extent to which SES modifies the effect of ethnicity on the risk of chronic diseases may depend on the nature of the disease.
Effect of Monoglycerides on Absorption of Cholesterol from the Intestine and Turnover Rate of Cholesterol Esters in Plasma and Liver of the Rat.

SummaryAbsorption and transport of cholesterol were studied in rats with gastric and venous cannula. These studies were made on individual experimental animals by periodically sampling the blood of the same animal. Absorption of cholesterol from the intestine depends upon the degree of saturation of the dietary fat available in the intestine. More cholesterol is absorbed when polyunsaturated fat is present than when saturated fat is present in the intestinal lumen. Analyses of individual cholesterol esters in the plasma of rats show a gradual increase in the specific activity (counts per minute per milligram) of the cholesteryl palmitate fraction and to some degree the cholesteryl oleate as a function of time, while, on the other hand, the cholesteryl linoleate and cholesteryl arachidonate showed a gradual decrease in specific activity within a few hours after administration of the radioactive cholesterol. This pattern was observed regardless of whether glyceryl-monostearate, glyceryl-monooleate or glycer...
Logistic regression analysis of 648 patients with hand foot and mouth disease

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of hand foot and mouth disease(HFMD).Methods:Data collected through a prospective clinical study of HFMD conducted between 2008 and 2009 were examined to identify risk factors associated with neurological involvement in children with HFMD.Results:There were significantly differencs in listlessness,start,history of lethargy,total duration of fever≥3 days,peak temperature ≥38.5℃,vomit,headache,and absence of mouth ulcers.Listlessness was identified as an independent risk factor for neurological involvement in the analysis of 648 children admitted to hospital.Total duration of fever ≥3 days,peak temperature≥38.5℃,start,vomit,and listlessness had the sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) respectively:61.8%,80.2%,58.9%,82.0%;39.8%,88.4%,91.6%,31.6%;72.7%,80.2%,96.6%,90.3%;82.6%,76.4%,40.2%,95.8%;67.4%,90.2%,82.2%,80.4%.Conclusion:Listlessness,start,history of lethargy,total duration of fever ≥3 days,peak temperature≥38.5℃,vomit,headache,and absence of mouth ulcers were identified as clinical risk factors to help detect children at risk of neurological involvement.These risk factors may serve as a guide to clinicians to decide the need for hospitalization, further investigation,close monitoring for disease progression,and decrease of mortality in children with HFMD.
Research on a High-Peak and Narrow-Width Pulsed Driving Power for LD

Based on the demand of the imaging performance of 3Dimaging laser radar,apulsed driving power for LD applied to the emission system of semiconductor laser supply is designed.On the basis of theoretical analysis on circuit model,a RF power MOSFET is selected.And the driving circuit is simulated by PSPICE software tools.Eventually the pulsed driving power is developed.The test result shows that its peak current can be up to 30A,rising edge is less than 2ns,pulse width is less than 6ns,and repetition frequency is 15kHz.This design can meet the requirement of the technical specifications of the lidar.
Investigation on Sanitary Condition of Teaching Environment of 13 Primary and Secondary Schools in Sichuan Province

Objective To understand the sanitary status of the teaching environment in Sichuan province. Methods The sanitary condition were monitored in teaching environment of the classrooms. Monitoring indexes were statistical analyzed. Results The qualified rates of the concentration of CO2 in air and the size of blackboard were respectively 84. 3% and 83. 3%,which were the highest two indexes of all. The qualified rates of the noise of classroom and the average area per- person of classroom were respectively 21. 7% and 20%,which were the lowest two indexes of all. The qualified rates of the reflectance of blackboard and the ratio of glazing to floor area in rural schools were higher than that in urban schools. Conclusion The qualified rates are not high. There are little differences between the schools in urban and rural area.
Eight-year hemodynamic follow-up after aortic valve replacement with the Toronto SPV stentless aortic valve.

The hemodynamic performance of stentless aortic bioprostheses has been well described during the first few months after surgery. The purpose of the present study was to describe the hemodynamic performance of the Toronto SPV valve (St. Jude Medical, Inc, St. Paul, MN) in a multicenter trial through 8 years. The long-term study of the Toronto SPV valve includes 447 consecutive patients from 6 investigative centers. Echocardiographic follow-up was performed at specified intervals, with quantitative analysis performed at a centralized core laboratory. Mean transvalvular gradient decreased significantly between discharge and 6 months, between 6 months and 1 year, and between 1 year and 2 years after surgery, without further significant change. The effective orifice area increased significantly early after surgery and continued to increase through 6-year follow-up. The left ventricular (LV) stroke volume increased progressively from discharge through 6-year follow-up. The LV mass index decreased significantly from discharge through 3 years after surgery and stabilized through 5 years. There was a gradual increase in LV outflow tract diameter between 1 year and 6 years after surgery. The prevalence of any aortic regurgitation (AR) (including trivial) and > or = mild AR increased significantly between discharge and 6-year to 8-year follow-up. However, the prevalence of > or = moderate AR remained very low at 6 years (2.6%) and 8 years (4.5%) after surgery. In conclusion, the Toronto SPV stentless tissue aortic valve is associated with excellent hemodynamics early after surgery and through 8 years after surgery. LV mass decreases early, and returns to within the range of normal by 1 year after surgery. There is evidence of continued LV mass regression involving the LV outflow tract, potentially contributing to a small but significant late improvement in hemodynamics. The prevalence of significant AR remains low through 8 years.
The World Health Organization Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent resolutions (The WHO Code).

This article describes the World Health Organization Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and its subsequent resolutions, how Australia is meeting its responsibilities under the Code and how this can contribute to the health of Australian infants. Commonly known as the WHO Code, the WHO Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes was adopted in May 1981 by 118 nations. It is auspiced by the WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Its focus is the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants. Resolution World Health Assembly 34.22 stresses that the adoption and adherence to the Code 'is a minimum requirement and only one of several important actions required in order to protect healthy practices in respect of infant and young child feeding'. In a country such as Australia, however, 'safe and adequate' infant nutrition is not a high enough standard; rather we should aim for 'optimum' infant nutrition.
Proton-Gated Photoisomerization of Amino-Substituted Dibenzofulvene Rotors

Derivatives of 9-(2,2,2-triphenylethylidene)-fluorene (TEF) undergo E/Z photoisomerization and are candidates for light-powered molecular actuators and switches. The 2-substituted derivatives bearing an amino group (ATEF) or a dimethylamino group (DTEF) are weakly photoactive in the absence of acids, but protonation increases photoisomerization quantum yields by factors of 30-60. Such compounds may be useful for incorporation into pH-switchable photoactive devices.
Comparison of earthquake prediction approaches in the Tokai area of Japan and in California

abstract The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has lead responsibility to predict the anticipated M 8+ Tokai earthquake which can seriously affect Shizuoka prefecture and environs. The Japan Meteorological Agency maintains a continuous staff observation of records from onshore and offshore seismic stations (events to M 1), strainmeters, tiltmeters, tide gauges, and ground water conditions. The Earthquake Assessment Committee, composed of six seismologists, has the responsibility to predict the Tokai event based upon this Japan Meteorological Agency data. They expect to provide a short-term prediction with a lead time of hours to several days. Criteria for convening the Earthquake Assessment Committee in emergency session with a significant likelihood of issuing the prediction include: strain unit change in excess of 0.5 × 10 −6 within a 3-hr period at one station accompanied by notable changes at three other monitored locations; or 10 earthquakes with at least three in excess of M 4 in a swarm-like pattern during a period of at least 2 hr and accompanied by observable changes at a minimum of two strain-monitoring stations. California relies upon the California Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council and the National Earthquake Prediction Evaluation Council to appraise predictions coming from either government laboratories or university sources. The size and imminence of a repeat of the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake on the southcentral San Andreas fault segment is comparable to the pending Tokai earthquake. Review of observational data and procedures for making prediction conclusions are more decentralized and informal in California. Attention should be given to the elements of the Japanese approach to earthquake predication that would be applicable and transferable for use in California.
Assessing solar lantern usage in Uganda through qualitative and sensor-based methods

Solar lanterns have been shown to be a promising technology for providing reliable lighting access in off-grid communities or areas with intermediate power, and these technologies have shown significant market uptake in communities in Uganda. In this study, we examine the usage patterns and behaviors of existing d.light S20 and Firefly Mobile solar lantern customers in peri-urban and rural Uganda using interviews and sensor-based data collection. At the start of the study, semi-structured interviews were administered to solar lantern users to establish baseline demographic information and understand the user preference model, and users were provided an instrumented solar lantern in exchange for their current solar lantern. After a 10-day usage period, a follow-up survey was administered to assess the usage of the lantern and the instrumented product was recollected. These user responses, when compared to the data collected from the instrumentation, were shown to over-report product usage with an average error of 141%.
Distinguishing eigenforms of level one

Assuming the irreducibility of characteristic polynomials of Hecke operators T2, we show that two normalized Hecke eigenforms of level one are distinguished by their second Fourier coefficients.
Fetal alcohol exposure increases susceptibility to carcinogenesis and promotes tumor progression in prostate gland.

The idea that exposure to adverse environmental conditions and lifestyle choices during pregnancy can result in fetal programming that underlies disease susceptibility in adulthood is now widely accepted. Fetal alcohol exposed offspring displays many behavioral and physiological abnormalities including neuroendocrine–immune functions, which often carry over into their adult life. Since the neuroendocrine–immune system plays an important role in controlling tumor surveillance, fetal alcohol exposed offspring can be vulnerable to develop cancer. Animal studies have recently showed increased cancer growth and progression in various tissues of fetal alcohol exposed offspring. I will detail in this chapter the recent evidence for increased prostate carcinogenesis in fetal alcohol exposed rats. I will also provide evidence for a role of excessive estrogenization during prostatic development in the increased incidence of prostatic carcinoma in these animals. Furthermore, I will discuss the additional possibility of the involvement of impaired stress regulation and resulting immune incompetence in the increased prostatic neoplasia in the fetal alcohol exposed offspring.
Dissolved Oxygen and Aeration in Ictalurid Catfish Aquaculture

Feed-based production of ictalurid catfish in ponds is the largest aquaculture sector in the USA. Feed has an oxygen demand, and increases carbon dioxide, ammonia nitrogen, and phosphate inputs to ponds. Major sources of oxygen in ponds are phytoplankton photosynthesis and mechanical aeration; the major sink for oxygen is respiration by fish and by microorganisms in the water column and sediment. Dissolved oxygen concentrations decline when respiration exceeds photosynthesis, and the most crucial time for low dissolved oxygen concentration is at night. Mechanical aeration is applied to avoid nighttime dissolved oxygen concentrations from falling below the critical level for catfish of 3 mg/L. Electrically powered paddlewheel aerators are used by most catfish producers. The oxygen-transfer efficiency of these aerators is known, but calculations of aeration requirement from stocking and feeding rates are not reliable because of variation in phytoplankton abundance and in weather conditions. Dissolved oxygen concentrations must be monitored, and when measurements suggest that nighttime dissolved oxygen concentration will be unacceptably low, tractor-powered emergency aerators must be operated to supplement dedicated aeration. Dissolved oxygen concentration also is important in hatcheries, and small aeration systems have been developed for hatchery application.
Design and validation of an open-source library of dynamic reference frames for research and education in optical tracking

Dynamic reference frames (DRFs) are a common component of modern surgical tracking systems; however, the limited number of commercially available DRFs poses a constraint in developing systems, especially for research and education. This work presents the design and validation of a large, open-source library of DRFs compatible with passive, single-face tracking systems, such as Polaris stereoscopic infrared trackers (NDI, Waterloo, Ontario). An algorithm was developed to create new DRF designs consistent with intra- and intertool design constraints and convert to computer-aided design (CAD) files suitable for three-dimensional printing. A library of 10 such groups, each with 6 to 10 DRFs, was produced and tracking performance was validated in comparison to a standard commercially available reference, including pivot calibration, fiducial registration error (FRE), and target registration error (TRE). Pivot tests showed calibration error [Formula: see text], indistinguishable from the reference. FRE was [Formula: see text], and TRE in a CT head phantom was [Formula: see text], both equivalent to the reference. The library of DRFs offers a useful resource for surgical navigation research and could be extended to other tracking systems and alternative design constraints.
The detection of iso-antigens on leukemic cells using the cytotoxicity test.

The cytotoxicity test has been shown to give reproducible information concerning specific iso-antigens of human leukemic lymphoxytes. The distribution frequency of these antigens is at least as great in chronic lymphocytic leukemia antigens or of decreased cellular reactivity. The majority of patients were tested repeatedly and in most instances the cytotoxicity test remained constant, regardless of drug therapy and disease status. Cells from five patients having acute granulocytic leukemia were typed in a similar fashion and contained antigens in common with normal lymphocytes.
Detection of range shifts: General methodological issues and case studies of butterflies

Range shifts are perhaps the least controversial as well as the most easily observed responses expected under global warming scenarios. While changes at single study sites and along single species’ range boundaries have been studied in a diversity of taxa, the wealth of historical records for butterflies has allowed changes across entire species’ ranges to be analysed. This becomes important in distinguishing local distribution changes from systematic poleward/upward range shifts.