cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adrenoleukodystrophy: biochemical procedures in diagnosis, prevention and treatment.

The childhood form of adrenoleukodystrophy is an X-linked recessive disorder which is characterized biochemically by elevated concentrations of saturated very long chain fatty acids in tissues and plasma and impaired very long chain fatty acid oxidation in fibroblasts and leukocytes from adrenoleukodystrophy patients. The most consistently observed increase is that in hexacosanoic acid (C26:0); thus, measurement of plasma C26:0 concentration by gas-liquid chromatography provides a rapid, sensitive method of diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis of adrenoleukodystrophy can be made by measurement of C26:0 concentrations in amniocytes and chorionic villus cells. Heterozygote (carrier) detection has also been accomplished by biochemical measurement of C26:0 in plasma and skin fibroblasts. In a study of over 200 obligate heterozygotes, >90% showed abnormal concentrations of C26:0. Hybridization studies using the cloned DNA fragment St14 detects polymorphisms in the distal end of the long arm of the X chromosome (Xq27–28) and six informative kindreds have shown co-segregation of adrenoleukodystrophy and the St14 marker through 65 meioses. Thus, such studies can supplement very long chain fatty acid concentrations in heterozygote detection. Therapeutic interventions for adrenoleukodystrophy, such as dietary restriction of very long chain fatty acids, administration of clofibrate or carnitine, immunosuppression and adrenal hormone replacement, have not been successful. Recently, a modification of the very long chain fatty acid-restricted diet has been employed in which this diet is supplemented with synthetic glycerol trioleate. The rationale for this diet is that decreased very long chain fatty acid synthesis by fibroblasts from patients with adrenoleukodystrophy was observed when oleic acid was added to the culture medium. In a study of 14 patients on this diet from 2 to 11 months, there was a mean reduction in plasma C26:0 levels of 46%, with one patient achieving a normal plasma level. The effect of lowering plasma very long chain fatty acid concentrations on the neurologic status of patients with adrenoleukodystrophy and on the development of symptoms in asymptomatic individuals with elevated very long chain fatty acid concentrations remains to be established.
Nmr and structural investigations of A nonplanar iron corrolate : Modified patterns of spin delocalization and coupling in a slightly saddled chloroiron(III) corrolate radical

An undecasubstituted chloroiron corrolate, octamethyltriphenylcorrolatoiron chloride, (OMTPCorr)FeCl, has been synthesized and studied by X-ray crystallography and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It is found that, although the structure is slightly saddled, the average methyl out-of-plane distance is only 0.63 A, while it is much greater for the dodecasubstituted porphyrinate analogue (OMTPP)FeCl (1.19 A) (Cheng, R.-J.; Chen, P.-Y.; Gau, P.-R.; Chen, C.-C.; Peng, S.-M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 2563−2569). In addition, the distance of iron from the mean plane of the four macrocycle nitrogens is also smaller for (OMTPCorr)FeCl (0.387 A) than for (OMTPP)FeCl (0.46 A). The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of (OMTPCorr)FeCl, as well as the chloroiron complexes of triphenylcorrolate, (TPCorr)FeCl; 7,13-dimethyl-2,3,8,12,17,18-hexaethylcorrolate, (DMHECorr)FeCl; 7,8,12,13-tetramethyl-2,3,17,18-tetraethylcorrolate, (TMTECorr)FeCl; and the phenyliron complex of 7,13-dimethyl-2,3,8,12,17,18-hexaethylcorrolate, (DMHECorr)FeP...
Understanding Enzyme Molecular Evolution toward Thermal Adaptation using Multistate Computational Protein Design

A careful balance between structural-stability and flexibility (allostery) are hallmarks of enzymatic function and temperature can affect both properties. Canonical (fixed-backbone) enzyme design strategies currently do not consider the role of these properties. Here we describe the rational design of 100 temperature-adapted adenylate kinase (AdK) enzymes via a novel multistate design strategy that takes into consideration the impact of conformational changes to the backbone structure and stability, based on boundaries set by molecular evolution. In turn, each AdK protein variant was expressed and experimentally characterized for thermostability and temperature-adapted function. Comparison of the experimental temperature of maximum activity to the melting-temperature across all 100 variants reveals a strong correlation between these two parameters. In turn, experimental stability data was used to produce accurate predictions of thermostability via multistage nodes, providing the requisite complement for de novo temperature-adapted enzyme design. To the best of our knowledge the rational design of temperature adaptive enzyme function has not been realized, prior to this work. In principle, this level of design-based analysis can be applied to any protein, paving the way toward identifying and understanding the hallmarks of enzymatic allostery as it relates to the thermodynamic and structural limits of function.
Sexual Stages in the Life History of the Hemogregarine Hepatozoon rarefaciens (Sambon and Seligmann, 1907)*

SYNOPSIS. Sexual stages of a reptilian hemogregarine Hepatozoon rarefaciens are described from the hemocoele of a mosquito vector Culex tarsalis. The gametocytes associate within 0.5 hr after biting. Most of the gametocytes then pair off and begin to differentiate. After about 26 hr at 22–23 C, the macrogametocyte usually becomes crescent-shaped with the microgametocyte lying in the concavity. The nucleus of the macrogametocyte enlarges considerably, while the microgametocyte divides into 2 and eventually into 4 spindle-shaped microgametes which are biflagellated. The macrogametocyte increases in size and rounds up to form a macrogamete. Gamete formation is usually completed by 60 hr and fertilization begins soon thereafter. The zygotes develop into the uninucleate oocysts described previously. In some other species of Hepatozoon, gametogenesis has been described as taking place in the stomach of the arthropod vector, with the microgametocytes transforming without cytoplasmic division into non-flagellated microgametes. The occurrence of 2 distinct types of gametogenesis may possibly be a basis for separating Hepatozoon into 2 genera.
Anodic oxidation studies of oxygenated biphenyls. Convenient synthetic routes to certain functionalized biphenyls

Abstract The anodic oxidation of oxygenated biphenyls produces phenyl-substituted p -quinol ether ketals in good-to-excellent yield. These compounds are useful substrates for preparation of more highly functionazized biphenyls.
INTUITIONISM'S BURDEN: THOMAS REID ON THE PROBLEM OF MORAL MOTIVATION

Hume bequeathed to rational intuitionists a problem concerning moral judgment and the will – a problem of sufficient severity that it is still cited as one of the major reasons why intuitionism is untenable.1 Stated in general terms, the problem concerns how an intuitionist moral theory can account for the intimate connection between moral judgment and moral motivation. One reason that this is still considered to be a problem for intuitionists is that it is widely assumed that the early intuitionists made little progress towards solving it. In this essay, I wish to challenge this assumption by examining one of the more subtle intuitionist responses to Hume, viz., that offered by Thomas Reid. For reasons that remain unclear to me, Reid's response to Hume on this issue has been almost entirely neglected. I shall argue that it is nonetheless one that merits our attention, for at least two reasons. In the first place, Reid's response to Hume's challenge to rational intuitionism bears a close affinity to the t...
Biliary venous fistula from umbilical catheter placement

A case of umbilical venous catheter placement in a premature neonate which resulted in iatrogenic formation of a venous-biliary fistula is presented. A review of pertinent anatomy and appropriate placement parameters for umbilical venous and arterial catheters is included.
Behaviour of intrinsic polymer optical fibre sensor for large-strain applications

This paper derives the phase response of a single-mode polymer optical fibre for large-strain applications. The role of the finite deformation of the optical fibre and nonlinear strain optic effects are derived using a second order strain assumption and shown to be important at strain magnitudes as small as 1%. In addition, the role of the core radius change on the propagation constant is derived, but it is shown to be negligible as compared to the previous effects. It is shown that four mechanical and six opto-mechanical parameters must be calibrated to apply the sensor under arbitrary axial and transverse loading. The mechanical nonlinearity of a typical single-mode polymer optical fibre is experimentally measured in axial tension and is shown to be more significant than that of their silica counterpart. The mechanical parameters of the single-mode polymer optical fibre are also measured for a variety of strain rates, from which it is demonstrated that the strain rate has a strong influence on yield stress and strain. The calibrated constants themselves are less affected by strain rate.
Biodegradation of toluene in a membrane biofilter

A membrane biofilter is used to biodegrade toluene in the gas phase. Active microorganisms are immobilized on the outside of a hollow fiber membrane cartridge and air containing toluene as the contaminant is passed through the membrane fibers. A porous polysulfone membrane containing water in the pore is used through which both toluene and oxygen are diffused to the biofilm attached to the outside surface. High conversion of toluene (84%) is achieved with a 16 second gas-phase residence time, based on total internal volume of the hollow fibers. A mathematical model is then developed to estimate toluene removal efficiencies at higher air flow rates.
Development of eight mitochondrial markers for Funariaceae (Musci) and their amplification success in other mosses

 Premise of the study: In comparison to the wide use of chloroplast markers, few mitochondrial markers are available for phylogenetic studies in bryophytes. We investigated the phylogenetic suitability of several mtDNA markers within the Funariaceae and across mosses.  Methods and Results: By comparing mitochondrial genomes of two mosses, eight regions with higher substitution rates were identifi ed and sequenced for three species in the Funariaceae and one outgroup taxon. Variations in the substitution rate of these new loci were compared to previously used markers. Thirty-four samples representing all major moss lineages were targeted to assess the universality of the newly designed primers.  Conclusions: The new markers provided similar or more sequence variations in Funariaceae compared to previously developed mtDNA markers. Five out of eight loci were amplifi ed in 70% of other taxa, indicating that these markers may be suitable for phylogenetic studies in other moss lineages.
Piezocomposite Materials for Acoustical Imaging Transducers

This overview describes the application of composite piezoelectric materials in acoustical imaging transducers. Attention is focused on one composite structure which has found particularly fruitful applications in acoustical imaging—the 1–3 piezocomposite structure consisting of long thin piezoceramic rods held parallel to each other by a polymer matrix. These piezocomposites may be viewed as ‘new’ materials with a set of ‘effective’ homogeneous materials properties whenever the spatial scale of the constituents in the composite structure is smaller than the wavelength of sound. From knowledge of the sub-wavelength ‘microstructure,’ we obtain an intuitive understanding of the origin of the piezocomposite’s properties, and see how the material properties can be tuned to specific transducer application needs. Commercial applications in medical ultrasonic diagnostics, non-destructive testing, and undersea imaging illustrate the practical exploitation of 1-3 piezocomposites.
Toward absolute quantification of iron oxide nanoparticles as well as cell internalized fraction using multiparametric MRI

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are widely used as MR contrast agents because of their strong magnetic properties and broad range of applications. The contrast induced by IONPs typically depends on concentration, water accessibility, particle size and heterogeneity of IONP distribution within the microenvironment. Although the latter could be a tool to assess local physiological effects at the molecular level, it renders IONP quantification from relaxation measurements challenging. This study aims to quantify IONP concentration using susceptibility measurements. In addition, further analysis of relaxation data is proposed to extract quantitative information about the IONP spatial distribution. Mesenchymal stem cells were labeled with IONPs and the IONP concentration measured by mass spectroscopy. MR relaxation parameters (T(1), T(2), T(2)*) as well as magnetic susceptibility of cylindrical samples containing serial dilutions of mixtures of free and cell-internalized IONPs were measured and correlated with IONP concentration. Unlike relaxation data, magnetic susceptibility was independent of whether IONPs were free or internalized, making it an excellent candidate for IONP quantification. Using IONP concentration derived from mass spectroscopy and measured relaxation times, free and internalized IONP fractions were accurately calculated. Magnetic susceptibility was shown to be a robust technique to measure IONP concentration in this preliminary study. Novel imaging-based susceptibility mapping techniques could prove to be valuable tools to quantify IONP concentration directly by MRI, for samples of arbitrary shape. Combined with relaxation time mapping techniques, especially T(2) and T(2)*, this could be an efficient way to measure both IONP concentration and the internalized IONP fraction in vivo using MRI, to gain insight into tissue function and molecular imaging paradigms.
Multiple-shrinkage estimators of means in exponential families

Shrinkage estimators are often obtained by adjusting the usual estimator towards a target subspace to which the true parameter might belong. However, meaningful reductions in risk below the usual estimator can typically be achieved in a very small part of the parameter space. In the multivariate-normal mean estimation problem, E. George, in a series of papers, showed how multiple-shrinkage estimators (data-weighted averages of several different shrinkage estimators) can attain substantial risk reductions in a large part of the parameter space. This paper extends the multiple-shrinkage results to the case of simultaneous estimation of the means of several one-parameter exponential families. Our results are developed by using an identity similar to that of Haff and Johnson (1986). A computer simulation is reported to indicate the magnitude of reductions in risk. Our results are also applied to the problem of how to choose appropriate component variables to combine before a suitable shrinkage estimator is considered. Les estimateurs avec retrecissement sont souvent obtenus en deplacant l'estimateur usuel vers un sous-espace cible qui pourrait contenir la vraie valeur du parametre. Toutefois, des reductions appreciables du risque, relativement a l'estimateur usuel, ne peuvent en general etre atteintes que sur une tres petite partie de l'espace des parametres. Dans le cas de l'estimation de la moyenne d'une loi normale multivariee, E. George a montre comment des estimateurs impliquant plusieurs retrecissements (moyenne ponderee de differents estimateurs avec retrecissement, les poids etant determines a partir des donnees) peuvent conduire a une reduction substantielle du risque dans une grande partie de l'espace des parametres. On presente ici une generalisation de ces resultats au cas de l'estimation simultanee des moyennes de plusieurs families exponentielles ne comprenant qu'un parametre. Les resultats sont obtenus a l'aide d'une identite similaire a celle utilisee par Haff et Johnson (1986). Une simulation permet d'apprecier l'ampleur de la reduction du risque. Les resultats sont aussi appliques au probleme du choix des composantes devant etre combinees avant qu'un estimateur avec retrecissement approprie soit considere.
Molecular subtyping of colorectal cancer: time to explore both intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity to evaluate patient outcome.

Over the past three decades since molecular analyses of somatic gene alterations in primary human cancer specimens first became tractable, many of the recurrent somatic genetic and epigenetic defects present in colorectal cancers (CRCs) have been identified. The accumulation of multiple loss-of-function defects in selected tumor suppressor genes and gain-of-function defects in selected oncogenes, together with epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation changes, is believed to be critical in initiating colorectal tumorigenesis and the progression of dysplastic precursors to invasive and ultimately metastatic lesions (1–4). Among the most common tumor suppressor gene mutations in CRCs are those in the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) and TP53 genes (2–4). The most common oncogene mutations in CRC include point mutations activating the functions of the KRAS, PI3KCA (phosphoinositide-3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide), BRAF, and NRAS proteins (2–4). The oncogene missense mutations found in the KRAS and NRAS genes in about 40–45% of CRCs most commonly affect codons 12 and 13, but a subset of CRCs have KRAS or NRAS colon 61 missense mutations (2, 3). Substitution of glutamic acid for the wild type valine at codon 600 (V600E) accounts for the vast majority of BRAF activating mutations in CRC (2, 3). Mutations activating KRAS or NRAS are mutually exclusive with BRAF activating mutations (2–4).
Candida and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: a case of lead and native aortic valve endocarditis and literature review

Use of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED), including permanent pacemakers (PPM) and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Most CIED infections are caused by staphylococci. Fungal causes are rare and their prognosis is poor. To our knowledge, there has not been a previously reported case of multifocal Candida endocarditis involving both a native left-sided heart valve and a CIED lead. Here, we report the case of a 70-year-old patient who presented with nausea, vomiting, and generalised fatigue, and was found to have Candida glabrata endocarditis involving both a native aortic valve and right atrial ICD lead. We review the literature and summarise four additional cases of CIED-associated Candida endocarditis published from 2009 to 2014, updating a previously published review of cases prior to 2009. We additionally review treatment guidelines and discuss management of CIED-associated Candida endocarditis.
Genetic knockout of KATP channels predisposes to catecholamine‐induced proarrhythmogenesis

Cardiac K-ATP channels have been recently been implicated to serve a homeostatic function under catecholamine stress. Since the use of drugs that modulate K-ATP channels is common in clinical practice, the implications of channel function on cardiac electrophysiology warrant further investigation. Here, using simultaneous monophasic action potential and ECG recordings, we examined the arrhythmogenic consequences of genetic deletion of the pore-forming K-ATP channel subunit Kir6.2. Infusion of the sympathomimetic isoproterenol (1muM) readily induced early afterdepolarizations in Kir6.2 knockout (KO) but not in the wildtype (WT) hearts (incidence: 96.8% versus 1%, p 0.05). We conclude that cardiac K-ATP channels are required to secure proper repolarization reserve and prevent afterdepolarization-associated arrhythmia under sympathetic stress. Therefore, clinical conditions that are associated with reduced K-ATP channel activity, such as use of sulfonylurea drugs, may predispose to arrhythmic events. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P48–P48; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.181
Some Notes on Syncretism in the Christian Theology of the Second and Third Centuries

Every student of Church History is familiar with the great difficulty that attends the investigation of the progress of doctrine in the period between the Apostolic Age and the Nicene Controversy. Confused visions of Ebionites, Gnostics, Monarchians, Medalists, Montanists, etc., rise before the mind, and the bewildered student heaves many a sigh as he longs for some principle of faith or organization or theology which might serve as a guiding thread through this labyrinth.
Development of the Role-Play Inventory of Situations and Coping Strategies for Parents of Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Critiqued previous conceptual and methodological approaches to the measurement of stress and coping. Applied Goldfried and D'Zurilla's behavior-analytic model to create a context-specific measure of problematic situations and coping strategies for parents of school-age children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The sample was stratified by child's gender and illness severity. Forty-seven families (46 mothers, 32 fathers) and 8 health care professionals completed structured interviews or daily diaries to obtain the widest range of problematic situations; 1,725 situations were elicited across all participants and then content-analyzed into 97 nonredundant categories in 11 domains (e.g., Discipline, Medical Care). Few differences were found in problem frequency or difficulty as a function of either gender or illness severity. Using empirical criteria, the most frequent and difficult problem situations were selected and developed into role-play vignettes that include relevant contextual, developmental, and interactional details. The Role-Play Inventory of Situations and Coping Strategies (RISCS) consists of 31 audiotaped vignettes designed to elicit and evaluate the coping strategies used by parents of children with CF.
Effects of cyantraniliprole, a novel anthranilic diamide insecticide, against Asian citrus psyllid under laboratory and field conditions

BACKGROUND: The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the most destructive pest of citrus in Florida. The development of insecticide resistance in several populations of D. citri has been documented. There is an urgent need to develop and integrate novel tools for the successful management of D.citri and also to prevent the development of insecticide resistance. RESULTS: The effects of a relatively newer chemistry, cyantraniliprole, againstD.citri were investigated. The contact toxicity of cyantraniliprole was 297-fold higher against D. citri than its primary parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). D. citri settled and fed less on cyantraniliprole-treated plants than controls at concentrations as low as 0.025 and 0.125 µ gA I mL −1 respectively. D. citri egg production, first-instar emergence and adult emergence were significantly reduced on plants treated with 0.25, 0.02 and 0.25 µ gA I mL −1 of cyantraniliprole, respectively, when compared with control plants. Under field conditions, foliar and drench treatments with cyantraniliprole (1436.08 g ha −1 ) reduced numbers of D. citri adults and nymphs,aswellasofasecondarypest,citrusleafminer,Phyllocnistiscitrella(Lepidoptera:Gracillariidae),morethanastandard insecticide. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cyantraniliprole should be a valuable new tool for rotation into D.citri management programs.Forinsecticideresistancemanagement,cyantraniliprolemaybeparticularlyusefulforrotationwithneonicotinoids. Inaddition,cyantraniliprolewasmuchlesstoxictoT.radiatathantoD.citri andthusmayhavelessimpactonbiologicalcontrol than other currently used broad-spectrum insecticides, such as organophosphates and pyrethroids. c � 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Four major disaster occurrences and the Spanish language media: a lack of risk communication

Purpose – The Hispanic community is the fastest growing ethnic group in the USA and is currently the largest minority group with tremendous buying power. This trend has seen a significant growth with respect to the Spanish-language media in recent years. Along with the media ' s ability to entertain, comes the responsibility to educate and warn its audiences of eminent threats and disasters. The aim of this paper is to look at the Spanish-language media ' s efforts to warn and prepare its listeners for local and national emergencies. Design/methodology/approach – Using descriptive and explanatory methods the author looks at the failures of the Spanish language media to communicate emergency warnings in both the Saragosa, Texas tornado and in the case of hurricane Katrina. Findings – Research indicated that pressure from constituents, however, forced a change on the Spanish language industry. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited by not having first hand contact with the Spanish lang...
Enhanced Antiviral Activity against Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus by a Combination of Type I and II Porcine Interferons

Previously, we showed that type I interferon (alpha/beta interferon [IFN-alpha/beta]) can inhibit foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) replication in cell culture, and swine inoculated with 10(9) PFU of human adenovirus type 5 expressing porcine IFN-alpha (Ad5-pIFN-alpha) were protected when challenged 1 day later. In this study, we found that type II pIFN (pIFN-gamma) also has antiviral activity against FMDV in cell culture and that, in combination with pIFN-alpha, it has a synergistic antiviral effect. We also observed that while each IFN alone induced a number of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), the combination resulted in a synergistic induction of some ISGs. To extend these studies to susceptible animals, we inoculated groups of swine with a control Ad5, 10(8) PFU of Ad5-pIFN-alpha, low- or high-dose Ad5-pIFN-gamma, or a combination of Ad5-pIFN-alpha and low- or high-dose Ad5-pIFN-gamma and challenged all groups with FMDV 1 day later. The control group and the groups inoculated with either Ad5-pIFN-alpha or a low dose of Ad5-pIFN-gamma developed clinical disease and viremia. However, the group that received the combination of both Ad5-IFNs with the low dose of Ad5-pIFN-gamma was completely protected from challenge and had no viremia. Similarly the groups inoculated with the combination of Ad5s with the higher dose of Ad5-pIFN-gamma or with only high-dose Ad5-pIFN-gamma were protected. The protected animals did not develop antibodies against viral nonstructural (NS) proteins, while all infected animals were NS protein seropositive. No antiviral activity or significant levels of IFNs were detected in the protected groups, but there was an induction of some ISGs. The results indicate that the combination of type I and II IFNs act synergistically to inhibit FMDV replication in vitro and in vivo.
On the process of creativity in puzzles, inventions, and designs

The most common means of identifying creativity has been through its products. In architecture, music, writing, art, even puzzle solving and scientific discovery, the prerequisite for considering creativity has been the presence of a creative product. Alternatively, anecdotal descriptions have been used to identify processes that are considered creative. Many scientific discoveries have been linked to a sudden realization or unexplainable revelation punctuated with the AHA! response. Outside of the creative product itself and the AHA! response, the kinds of concrete evidence that point to the process of creativity are precious few. Our purpose here is to further examine these phenomena and develop hypotheses about the nature of the creative process. Our ultimate aim is to develop a general theory of creativity. We intend to base this theory on a set of conditions that are necessary for the creative process to take place in a number of domains: puzzles, scientific discoveries, and design, with special emphasis on architectural design.
Can professionalism be taught? Encouraging evidence.

BACKGROUND: Teaching and assessing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) competencies of Professionalism and Communication have proven to be a challenge for surgical residency training programs. This study used innovative pedagogic approaches and tools in teaching these two competencies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the learners actually are assimilating and using the concepts and values communicated through this curriculum. METHODS: A six-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was designed using standardized patients to create varying Professionalism and Communication scenarios. The surgical resident learners were evaluated using these OSCEs as a baseline. The faculty then facilitated a specially designed curriculum consisting of six interactive sessions focusing on information gathering, rapport building, patient education, delivering bad news, responding to emotion, and interdisciplinary respect. At the conclusion of this curriculum, the surgical resident learners took the same six-station OSCE to determine if their professionalism and communication skills had improved. RESULTS: The surgical resident learners were rated by the standardized patients according to a strict task checklist of criteria at both the precurricular and postcurricular OSCEs. Improvement in the competencies of Professionalism and Communication did achieve statistical significance (P = .029 and P = .011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the Communication and Professionalism ACGME competencies can be taught to surgical resident learners through a carefully crafted curriculum. Furthermore, these newly learned competencies can affect surgical resident interactions with their patients positively.
Relationship between premature ventricular complexes and depressive symptoms in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Aims:Depression is a recognized risk marker for mortality among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. We hypothesized that ventricular arrhythmia detected by inpatient telemetry monitoring is more frequent among ACS patients with elevated depressive symptoms compared to those without depressive symptoms.Methods and results:We analysed data from patients enrolled in a prospective observational study of depression in ACS. Telemetry recordings during the index admission (average recording 21.3±3.0 hours) were analysed for frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), defined as ≥10 per hour. The self-report Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Among 200 ACS patients, frequent PVCs were observed in 29% of patients with moderate depressive symptoms (BDI ≥10), 27% of those with mild symptoms (BDI 5–9), and only 11% of those with no/minimal symptoms (p=0.02). Log-transformed PVCs per hour were associated with depressive symptom category (p=0.008). In a multivariable logist...
Effects of developmental and adult androgens on male abdominal adiposity.

We present results from 42 gay men who completed a survey including self-measurement of waist circumference, height, and weight, in addition to providing saliva samples for the assay of testosterone, and a photocopy of the right hand for the measure of second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D), proposed as a means of approximating androgenic effects during development. The analyses were conducted as a test of the recent hypothesis, proposed by Abbott et al. ([2002] J Endocrinol 174:1-5), that high prenatal androgen exposure causes greater deposition of fat on the abdomen relative to other depots. We found support for this hypothesis in men, albeit in a limited sample and with self-reported and self-collected data.
Ocean currents help explain population genetic structure

Management and conservation can be greatly informed by considering explicitly how environmental factors influence population genetic structure. Using simulated larval dispersal estimates based on ocean current observations, we demonstrate how explicit consideration of frequency of exchange of larvae among sites via ocean advection can fundamentally change the interpretation of empirical population genetic structuring as compared with conventional spatial genetic analyses. Both frequency of larval exchange and empirical genetic difference were uncorrelated with Euclidean distance between sites. When transformed into relative oceanographic distances and integrated into a genetic isolation-by-distance framework, however, the frequency of larval exchange explained nearly 50 per cent of the variance in empirical genetic differences among sites over scales of tens of kilometres. Explanatory power was strongest when we considered effects of multiple generations of larval dispersal via intermediary locations on the long-term probability of exchange between sites. Our results uncover meaningful spatial patterning to population genetic structuring that corresponds with ocean circulation. This study advances our ability to interpret population structure from complex genetic data characteristic of high gene flow species, validates recent advances in oceanographic approaches for assessing larval dispersal and represents a novel approach to characterize population connectivity at small spatial scales germane to conservation and fisheries management.
Empty Slogans, Real Problems

The so-called “war on drugs” has been an epic failure, based on ill-informed evidence and has had disastrous consequences, not least in perpetuating racial discrimination and maintaining economic and social deprivation. A recent trip to Brazil prompted the author to question the US’s role in perpetuating drug myths and the “war on drugs” and the impact this is having on the human rights of US citizens and those in other countries whose governments continue to follow the US example. In doing so, he addresses some of the main misconceptions surrounding drugs and sets out the damaging effects the misguided policy has on the most vulnerable in society.
Quality assurance for accuracy of anthropometric measurements in clinical and epidemiological studies [Errare humanum est = to err is human]

Anthropometry involves the external measurement of morphologic traits of human beings. High quality anthropometric measurements are fundamental to clinical and epidemiological research. The measurements for each method have inherent variations, either due to biologic variation or due to error in measurement. Errors in measurement cannot be avoided completely but they can be minimized to a large extent. We define methods to estimate measurement error in anthropometry, offer guidelines for acceptable error, and suggest ways to minimize measurement error; thereby improving anthropometry quality in health assessments. We propose that special attention be paid to the following six key parameters for quality assurance of anthropometric measurements: (i) Identification of certified lead anthropometrist and trainer, (ii) manual of standard operating procedures, (iii) choice of robust equipment, (iv) equipment calibration, (v) standardization training and certification, and (vi) measurements resampling.
The Importance of Treating Electron-Electron Interactions in the Calculation of Dynamic Third-Order Polarizabilities for Linear Conjugated Polyenes

The non-resonant electronic component of γ(-3ω ω, ω, ω) is calculated for ethylene, all-trans 1,3-butadiene, all-trans 1,3,5-hexatriene, and all-trans 1,3,5,7- octatetraene. The γ(-3ω; ω, ω, ω) is evaluated using the sum-over-states method and the all-valence-electron, semi-empirical INDO-SCF-MO procedure combined with single- and double-excitation configuration interaction (CI). The treatment of electron-electron interactions at the level of only single-excitation CI calculates negative values of γ(-3ω ω, ω, ω), which are in disagreement with measured positive values. The treatment of the interactions at the level of single- and double-excitation CI correctly calculates positive values for γ(-3ω ω, ω, ω). We conclude that the treatment of electron-electron interactions at least at the level of single- and double-excitation CI is needed to properly describe the dynamic thirdorder polarizabilities of linear conjugated polyenes, and related molecules with π-electron bonding networks.
457 WHITE MATTER STROKE MODEL IN THE MOUSE: A UNIQUE METHOD FOR STUDYING LACUNAR INFARCTS.

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability due to the brain9s limited functional recovery after injury. Stroke affects regions of the brain that contain neuronal cell bodies (gray matter) and those that contain their connections (white matter). To date, gray matter neuronal stroke has been well characterized. However, there are no animal models of subcortical white matter stroke. Purpose The aims of the fellowship are to (1) develop a model for subcortical white matter stroke in the mouse, (2) determine the type of cell death after white matter stroke and compare it with gray matter stroke, and (3) characterize neuronal stem cell migration surrounding the infarct. Methods Strokes were produced in the mouse white matter underlying the forelimb motor cortex using endothelin-1, a vasoconstrictor. After 5 days post-stroke, the brains were fixed, frozen-sectioned, and processed for markers of white matter and neuronal structure and injury: myelin basic protein (MBP), Ng2, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), amyloid precursor protein (APP), microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), neurofilaments (NF200), doublecortin, and fractin (a marker of apoptosis) using immunohistochemical staining. Results Based on different cohorts of animals, the methodology for this stroke model was systematically changed to optimize a small subcortical stroke. The concentration of endothelin-1 solution was adjusted from 0.4 μg/μL to 0.25 μg/μL. The stereotaxic dorsal/ventral and medial/lateral coordinates were altered to target the white matter without excessive bleeding and cortical damage. Additionally, the injection micropipette was left in place for 10 minutes after injection to prevent reflux. Conclusions The model demonstrates (1) a reliable method for targeting white matter using microinjection of a vasoconstrictor, (2) increased oligodendrocyte precursor cells and increased axonal injury in the infarcted white matter, and (3) initially increased migrating neuroblasts in the area of white matter damage.
Analysis of the effectiveness of different approaches of decompression of optic canal

Objective:To analyse the effectiveness of different approaches of decompression of optic canal.Method:From Oct.1989 to Oct.2000,178 patients with traumatic optic canal fracture were admitted for decompression of the optic canal,using different approaches.The results were analysed.Result:The overall efficacy rates of decompression of optic canal via extranasal ethmoidotomy,the anterior and posterior ethmoid approach at orbital margin and transcranial decompression of optic canal were 64.5%,63% and 78% respectively.Conclusion:Transcranial decompression of optic canal has clear operating field,distinct anatomy and adequate decompression of optic canal with high efficiency,which can be applied in conditional hospitals.
Iliac artery-ureteral fistula associated with Gibbons' catheter: a case report and review of the literature.

AbstractFistulas between the iliac artery and ureter are associated with underlying ureteral and/or arterial pathology. Factors implicated in the pathogenesis of these fistulas and a current case are presented.
A High Torque Density MEMS Magnetic Induction Machine

Most micro-scale electric and magnetic machines developed over the last decade lack the torque and power density to support many practical applications. The micro-scale magnetic induction machine reported here attempts to transcend this practicality barrier by offering a torque density exceeding 15% of that exhibited by macro-scale magnetic machines. The experimental magnetic induction motor described here is a two-phase planar motor fabricated from electroplated NiFe and Cu. It is approximately 8 mm in diameter, including end-turns, and 2 mm thick. Its rotor is suspended above its stator on tethers, or springs, so as to permit accurate torque measurements. The rotor-stator air gap is approximately 5 µm. With a balanced phase excitation of 2.5 A peak, the motor produces a torque of 1.2 µNm. Therefore, if the phase excitation is raised to 13 A peak, which has been achieved experimentally, a torque of 32.4 µNm is expected, corresponding to a torque density over 322 Nm/m3.
Microdistribution of Radium-223 Therapy in Models of Prostate Cancer Metastasis

279 Objectives Bone targeting 223RaCl2 provides a 3.5 month survival benefit for late stage prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Currently, the agent is administered based on patient weight and not on disease characteristics. We aim to determine how 223Ra interacts with bone and tumor microenvironments, and to validate methods guiding improved treatment. Methods Investigations of 223Ra distribution were performed with skeletally mature mice in two strains (C57Bl/6 and CD-1, >14 weeks old). Detailed micro distribution was evaluated utilizing undecalcified cryosectioning, autoradiography, immunohistochemistry (IHC), alpha-camera imaging. High resolution X-ray computed tomography was used to compare bone morphometry. PCa murine models bearing osteolytic (PC3) and mixed osteoblastic/lytic (LNCaP) lesions were treated with 50 kBq/kg of 223Ra. Intratibial inoculation were performed in 16 week old male mice. Results The whole-body distribution revealed bone uptake and significant accumulation was noted in intestines, stomach, kidneys and spleen. These findings correlate recently described human planar imaging of radium. 223Ra microdistribution crossed with IHC showed radioactive accumulation at the osteoid growth plates. When comparing across strains, C57Bl/6 presented smaller bones with greater 223Ra accumulation than that of CD-1. Despite having equal trabecular bone density,this could be due to increased vascularization in the C57Bl/6 mice. In bone metastasis, mice presented minimal radioactive uptake in tumor tissues. However, 223Ra accumulated in bone mass peripheral to tumors. Conclusions Identification of 223Ra organ and bone microdistribution in healthy and PCa diseased mice provide insights into the understanding of tumor microenvironmental interactions, for improved utilization of this alpha-particle emitting agent. Research Support Prostate Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award (Thorek, Ulmert); R01 CA157542-01 (Hobbs)
Changes to the Design of the National Health Interview Survey to Support Enhanced Monitoring of Health Reform Impacts at the State Level.

Pursuant to passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the National Center for Health Statistics has enhanced the content of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)—the primary source of information for monitoring health and health care use of the US population at the national level—in several key areas and has positioned the NHIS as a source of population health information at the national and state levels.We review recent changes to the NHIS that support enhanced health reform monitoring, including new questions and response categories, sampling design changes to improve state-level analysis, and enhanced dissemination activities.We discuss the importance of the NHIS, the continued need for state-level analysis, and suggestions for future consideration.
Challenges in Stacked CSP Packaging Technology

The electronics industry trend is to offer products that are smaller, with more functionality, better performance and lower cost. Stacked chip scale packaging (CSP) is an innovative packaging technique that involves thinning silicon to enable multiple chips to be stacked in a package for integrated solution. Stacking memory chips and stacking memory and logic chips together are two typical approaches in stacked CSP technology. Combining chips of different sizes is more difficult than adding similar-size chips to a package. Approach in stacked CSP of different die sizes and package configuration will be discussed in this paper.
High School Athletes’ Relationships With Head Coaches and Teammates as Predictors of Their Expressions of Upward and Lateral Dissent

Athletes’ expressions of dissent are largely unrecognized, which limits coaches’ abilities to manage their teams and athletes’ abilities to voice themselves effectively. This study considers athletes’ roles on their teams, sport type, and relationships with coaches and teammates as predictors of upward and lateral expressions of dissent. Results gathered from 273 former high school athletes revealed a complex pattern of social interaction, whereby starting status and relationships with teammates directly predicted upward dissent and athlete–coach relationships indirectly predicted upward dissent. In contrast, only athletes’ relationships with coaches predicted their expressions of lateral dissent. These findings suggest that in order to promote functional patterns of athlete dissent coaches must build quality relationships with athletes, as well as climates that facilitate cohesion among athletes.
Enhancing Secure Elements—Technology and Architecture

Current secure elements that are mainly flash based operate at high power, slow access time, and they are vulnerable to side channel attacks. We are suggesting to replace flash with ReRAMs that are faster and operate at much lower power. We are proposing the integration within the secure memory of cryptographic primitives such as Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs), and Random Number Generators (RNG). Ternary logic, and Machine Learning architectures brought to secure elements enable the design of strong PUFs and RNGs.
Opérer les réseaux de l'Internet des Objets à l'aide de contrats de qualité de service (Service Level Agreements)

Avec l'utilisation grandissante des technologies distribuees sans fil pour la modernisation des services, les deploiements d'infrastructures radio dediees ne permettent plus de garantir des communications fiables, a grande echelle et pour un bas cout. Cette these vise a permettre a un operateur de deployer une infrastructure de reseau radio pour plusieurs applications clientes de l'Internet des Objets (IoT). Nous etudions la mutualisation d'une architecture pour differents flux de trafic afin de rentabiliser le deploiement du reseau en partageant la capacite des nœuds et une large couverture. Nous devons alors garantir une Qualite de Service (QoS) differenciee pour les flux de chaque application. Nous proposons de specifier des contrats de QoS nommes Service Level Agreements (SLA) dans le domaine de l'IoT. Ceux-ci definissent les indicateurs cles de performance (KPI) de delai de transit et de taux de livraison pour le trafic provenant d'objets connectes distribues geographiquement. Dans un second temps, nous detaillons les fonctionnalites necessaires a la mise en œuvre des SLA sur le reseau opere, sous la forme d'une architecture de gestion de SLA. Nous envisageons l'admission de nouveaux flux, l'analyse des performances courantes et la configuration des relais de l'operateur. Sur la base d'une technologie robuste, multi-saut, IEEE Std 802.15.4-2015 mode TSCH, nous proposons un mecanisme d'observation de reseau permettant de verifier les differents KPI. Nous utilisons les trames de donnees existantes comme support de collecte afin de reduire le surcout en termes de ressources de communication. Nous comparons differentes strategies de piggybacking afin de trouver un compromis entre la performance et l'efficacite de l'observation. Puis nous detaillons KAUSA, un algorithme d'allocation de ressources sous contraintes de QoS multi-flux. Nous dedions des ressources temps-frequences ajustees saut-par-saut pour chaque message. KAUSA prend en compte les interferences, la fiabilite des liens radio et la charge attendue afin d'ameliorer la repartition des ressources allouees et ainsi prolonger la duree de vie du reseau. Nous montrons les gains et la validite de nos contributions par simulation, sur la base de scenarios realistes de trafic et d'exigences.